General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - September 2017

Sep 2017

Nov 08, 2026

PM Modi Holds Telephonic Talk with Zelenskyy on Ukraine Peace Efforts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by telephone on 9 November 2026 with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders discussed recent developments in the Ukraine conflict and India’s readiness to contribute to a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. Modi reiterated India's human-centric approach and emphasized the need for a negotiated settlement. They also explored ways to strengthen India-Ukraine bilateral cooperation across sectors to benefit both peoples. The call occurred amid ongoing global conversations on food security and energy resilience, reflecting India’s emphasis on constructive diplomacy and multilateral engagement in regional security issues.

Date of call: 9 November 2026
Participants: PM Narendra Modi; President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Key message: India’s readiness to support peaceful resolution through dialogue
Focus: Strengthen India-Ukraine bilateral cooperation
Context: Part of broader international diplomacy efforts

Amit Shah Inaugurates 1857 Martyrs' Memorial in Haryana

On 5 November 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Martyrs' Memorial of the First War of Independence (1857) in Ambala, Haryana. The memorial, built at a cost of ₹594 crore across 22 acres, features 22 galleries highlighting historical documents, traditional art and modern technologies such as virtual reality, holography, and interactive projections. It honours freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the Revolt of 1857 and aims to preserve India's freedom struggle while inspiring future generations. The project complements the government's broader heritage infrastructure initiatives and serves as a public remembrance of a pivotal moment in India's history.

Inauguration date: 5 November 2026
Location: Ambala, Haryana
Cost: ₹594 crore; Area: 22 acres
Features: 22 galleries, VR, holography, interactive projections
Purpose: Honour 1857 freedom fighters; educate future generations

Nov 06, 2026

Tamil Nadu Wins 2nd National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026

The 2nd National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concluded at the National Disaster Response Force ground in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Nineteen State Disaster Response Force teams participated after zonal qualification. Tamil Nadu secured first position, followed by Uttarakhand and Bihar. The competition tested capabilities in handling Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear emergencies and reinforced disaster-response readiness across states. The event was initiated two years earlier under the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aiming to elevate overall preparedness and standardize response protocols for CBRN incidents.

2nd National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concluded in Ghaziabad
19 SDRF teams participated; Tamil Nadu won
Events test Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear response
Amit Shah directed the initiative two years earlier
Aims to improve state-level disaster preparedness

Nov 05, 2026

National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concludes in Ghaziabad

The National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concluded at the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) grounds in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. NDRF Director General Piyush Anand announced that the event, launched two years ago to strengthen SDRF capabilities, saw 19 teams participate. The competition tested response, decontamination, and hazard mitigation skills across chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenarios. The exercise aligns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directions to enhance training and preparedness of SDRF personnel. The event underscores India’s focus on disaster management, safety protocols and rapid mobilization in response to evolving hazards.

Event: National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 in Ghaziabad.
Participants: 19 teams; duration not specified.
Purpose: strengthen SDRF capabilities and readiness.
Leadership: DG Piyush Anand; directives from Amit Shah.
Focus areas: CBRN response, hazard mitigation, rapid deployment.

Tamil Nadu tops NITI Aayog’s India S&T Scoreboard in publications

Tamil Nadu has topped NITI Aayog’s India S&T Scoreboard for 2024-25 in research publications, with 44,611 papers. Uttar Pradesh follows with 29,298 and Maharashtra with 28,947. The scoreboard, released by NITI Aayog, aims to measure state-level science and technology performance and promote cooperative and competitive federalism. NITI Aayog vice chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri said the platform helps states identify strengths and gaps and design better programmes and policies in science and technology. NITI Aayog member (S&T) Abhay Karandikar emphasised that reliable, comparable evidence underpins sound policy, noting fragmentation of data across sources. The release underscores a push for stronger state-level S&T policy coordination and capacity building.

Tamil Nadu: 44,611 research publications (2024-25).
Uttar Pradesh: 29,298; Maharashtra: 28,947.
Scoreboard aims to map state strengths and gaps in S&T.
Emphasis on cooperative and competitive federalism.
Data reliability highlighted to improve policy design.

Nov 02, 2026

Dinesh V. Ganvir becomes 55th Director General of GSI

Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir assumed charge as the 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in November 2026. Previously the Additional Director General and Head of the Central Region in Nagpur, Ganvir brings more than 32 years of experience in geological investigations, mineral exploration, and administration. GSI operates as an attached office under the Ministry of Mines and plays a vital role in mineral exploration, geological research, and mapping. His appointment signals a focus on mineral security, scientific excellence, and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance India’s resource base and regulatory capabilities.

Appointment: 55th Director General of GSI, November 2026.
Previous role: Additional Director General, Central Region, Nagpur.
Experience: 32+ years in geology and mineral exploration.
GSI role: mineral exploration, mapping, and research under the Mines Ministry.
Strategic aim: strengthen mineral security and technology adoption.

Chandigarh Police awarded President's Police Colour

Chandigarh Police received the President's Police Colour on 1 November 2026 during its 60th Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Police Lines, Sector 26, Chandigarh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the honour in recognition of the force’s sustained service, dedication to maintaining law and order, and contribution to public safety. Shah also announced additional AI-enabled surveillance cameras to strengthen security in the city as part of a broader modernization of policing infrastructure. The award reflects Chandigarh’s evolving security framework and its focus on advanced surveillance and community policing.

Date: 1 November 2026 during 60th Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee.
President's Police Colour awarded to Chandigarh Police.
Presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Announcement of AI-enabled surveillance cameras for security enhancement.
Recognition of service, law and order maintenance, and public safety.

Oct 31, 2026

PM Modi to participate in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and inaugurate Bharat Parv 2026 in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Gujarat on 31 October 2026, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The schedule includes floral tributes at the Statue of Unity and participation in Ekta Diwas events in Kevadia. Government sources announced the inauguration of Bharat Parv 2026 as part of unity celebrations. Modi is expected to dedicate development projects in Gujarat, including initiatives worth around ₹400 crore. The events reflect a government focus on national unity, cultural exchange and local development during the national observance.

PM Modi to attend Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in Gujarat on 31 October 2026.
Involves floral tributes at the Statue of Unity and Ekta Diwas events in Kevadia.
Bharat Parv 2026 to be inaugurated as part of celebrations.
Projects worth approximately ₹400 crore to be dedicated.
Emphasis on national unity, culture and local development.

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