Children’s Day, also known as Bal Diwas, is observed in India every year on 14 November, the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister.

Nehru was born on 14 November 1889. He is popularly associated with his affection for children, who referred to him as Chacha Nehru. The day is used to highlight children’s rights, education, health, safety and overall development.

India began observing Children’s Day on 14 November after Nehru’s death in 1964. Earlier, Universal Children’s Day was observed in India on 20 November. The observance was shifted to Nehru’s birth anniversary as a tribute to his contribution to children and education.

Children’s Day is marked by educational and cultural activities in schools and institutions. It also provides an opportunity to discuss issues such as child labour, child marriage, malnutrition, school dropouts, child protection and equal access to education.

Important facts for TNPSC

• Observance: Children’s Day / Bal Diwas.

• Date: 14 November.

• Associated personality: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

• Nehru’s date of birth: 14 November 1889.

• Popular name: Chacha Nehru.

• India began observing the day on this date after: 1964.

• Main focus: Children’s rights, education, health, safety and development.

• Nehru: First Prime Minister of independent India.

Why is it important?

This topic is relevant to modern Indian history, national observances and social welfare. Aspirants should remember Nehru’s birth date, his role as India’s first Prime Minister and the reason for observing Children’s Day on 14 November.

Official source: Prime Minister’s Office – Prime Minister pays tribute to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary

World Diabetes Day is observed every year on 14 November to increase awareness about diabetes, its prevention, early diagnosis and long-term management.

The 2026 theme is “Early action on diabetes.” The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the need to identify diabetes at an early stage, ensure access to quality healthcare and reduce the stigma associated with the disease.

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which blood glucose levels remain abnormally high because the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose enter the body’s cells for energy. Poorly controlled diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels.

The WHO has highlighted a major detection gap: more than 40% of people living with diabetes globally are undiagnosed. Without diagnosis, people may not receive the treatment and support needed to prevent complications.

Major types of diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes: The pancreas produces little or no insulin because of an autoimmune process. People with Type 1 diabetes require insulin treatment.

• Type 2 diabetes: The body does not use insulin effectively, often combined with inadequate insulin production. Lifestyle factors and genetic susceptibility can contribute to its development.

• Gestational diabetes: High blood glucose develops during pregnancy and requires medical monitoring.

Early diagnosis, regular screening for people at risk, healthy food habits, physical activity and appropriate treatment can reduce complications.

Important facts for TNPSC

• Observance: World Diabetes Day.

• Date: 14 November.

• 2026 theme: “Early action on diabetes”.

• International campaign established: 1991.

• Established by: International Diabetes Federation, with support from WHO.

• Became an official United Nations Day: 2006.

• Main focus: Early diagnosis, comprehensive care and reducing stigma.

• Hormone that regulates blood glucose: Insulin.

• Organ that produces insulin: Pancreas.

• Common complications: Heart disease, kidney damage, eye damage and nerve damage.

Why is it important?

This topic is relevant to public health, non-communicable diseases and preventive healthcare. Aspirants should remember the annual observance date, 2026 theme and the role of insulin.

Official sources:

• WHO – World Diabetes Day 2026

• WHO South-East Asia – World Diabetes Day, 14 November 2026

The Consent Manager registration framework under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 came into effect on 13 November 2026. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the launch of the online registration portal on 14 November.

MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan launched the portal at dpbi.gov.in, enabling eligible Indian companies to apply for registration as Consent Managers.

A Consent Manager is an entity registered with the Data Protection Board of India. It provides a platform through which individuals can give, manage, review and withdraw consent for the processing of their personal data.

The framework is intended to strengthen individuals’ control over their personal information and improve transparency in digital services.

Eligibility for registration

Companies incorporated in India may apply if they meet the prescribed requirements, including:

• Adequate technical capacity.

• Operational capability.

• Financial capacity.

• A minimum net worth of ₹2 crore.

The Data Protection Board of India will assess applications and register entities that satisfy the applicable conditions. The list of registered Consent Managers will be made publicly available.

The framework is part of the phased implementation of the DPDP framework. Other provisions relating to individual rights, obligations of Data Fiduciaries, inquiries and penalties are scheduled to come into effect on 13 May 2027.

Important facts for TNPSC

• Legislation: Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

• Abbreviation: DPDP Act.

• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

• Abbreviation of ministry: MeitY.

• Registration framework effective from: 13 November 2026.

• Portal launched: 14 November 2026.

• Portal: dpbi.gov.in.

• Portal launched by: MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan.

• Registration authority: Data Protection Board of India.

• Minimum net worth for eligible companies: ₹2 crore.

• Consent Manager’s role: Enables individuals to manage, review and withdraw consent.

• Other major DPDP provisions scheduled for: 13 May 2027.

Why is it important?

This development is relevant to digital governance, data privacy, cyber security and the rights of individuals in the digital economy. Aspirants should understand the difference between a Consent Manager, a Data Fiduciary and the Data Protection Board.

Official source: PIB – Consent Manager Registration Framework Comes into Effect

The Government of India highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) on 14 November 2026, explaining its role in improving tribal livelihoods through the sustainable use and marketing of Minor Forest Produce.

Many tribal households depend on forest-based products for a significant part of their income. Minor Forest Produce (MFP) includes products such as honey, tamarind, mahua flowers, tendu leaves, bamboo, lac and medicinal plants.

In the absence of organised market access, forest gatherers may have to sell their produce to intermediaries at low prices. PMJVM aims to improve their bargaining power by organising them into community-owned enterprises and supporting processing, value addition, branding and marketing.

Van Dhan Vikas Kendras

A major component of PMJVM is the establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs).

These centres help tribal communities move beyond selling unprocessed forest produce. They provide support for:

• Skill development and training.

• Processing and value addition.

• Packaging and branding.

• Storage and transportation.

• Market access through exhibitions, fairs and digital platforms.

• Community-based entrepreneurship.

The Government also supports the procurement of notified Minor Forest Produce at a predetermined Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Progress under PMJVM

According to the government backgrounder:

• 4,172 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras had been sanctioned as of March 2026.

• These centres covered 12.48 lakh tribal beneficiaries.

• Around 10.4 crore people belong to Scheduled Tribe communities in India.

• Minor Forest Produce contributes approximately 20–40% of annual income for many tribal households.

The mission was launched in 2021–22 and is implemented through the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).

Important facts for TNPSC

• Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission.

• Abbreviation: PMJVM.

• Launch period: 2021–22.

• Implementing organisation: TRIFED.

• Main focus: Tribal livelihood and entrepreneurship through Minor Forest Produce.

• Institutional mechanism: Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.

• VDVKs sanctioned: 4,172.

• Beneficiaries covered: 12.48 lakh.

• Important support: Value addition, processing, branding and marketing.

• Related pricing mechanism: Minimum Support Price for notified MFP.

Why is it important?

This topic is relevant to tribal welfare, rural development, forest-based livelihoods and inclusive economic growth. Aspirants should distinguish PMJVM from PM-JANMAN, which focuses on the socio-economic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Official sources:

• PIB – Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission

• PIB – PMJVM backgrounder and Van Dhan Vikas Kendras

The two-day National Tribal Literary Festival, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, concluded on 13 November 2026 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The Ministry published the conclusion report on 14 November.

The festival was organised as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrations under the theme “From Oral Tradition to Contemporary Tribal Literature.”

It brought together tribal writers, poets, researchers, linguists and scholars from different parts of the country.

The discussions focused on preserving oral epics, traditional stories, songs and indigenous knowledge while connecting them with contemporary literature and education.

Languages represented

The festival included representation from 27 languages, of which 23 were tribal languages.

The sessions discussed oral literary traditions of communities such as the Bhil and Gond, including the Gond Ramayana and Bhil Mahabharata. The Manipur storytelling tradition of Wari Leeba and the Khamba-Thoibi epic were also discussed.

The event highlighted the importance of documenting oral traditions through research, audio-visual recordings, translation and educational programmes.

The Ministry also highlighted an initiative to create a dedicated section for tribal literature at the National Book Trust’s forthcoming book fair at Pragati Maidan.

Another initiative, Living Roots Originals, developed in collaboration with the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), aims to recognise and protect the creative rights of tribal musicians and performers.

Important facts for TNPSC

• Event: National Tribal Literary Festival.

• Organiser: Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

• Venue: India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

• Concluded: 13 November 2026.

• Conclusion report published: 14 November 2026.

• Theme: “From Oral Tradition to Contemporary Tribal Literature”.

• Languages represented: 27.

• Tribal languages represented: 23.

• Related observance: Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

• Oral traditions discussed: Gond Ramayana, Bhil Mahabharata, Wari Leeba and Khamba-Thoibi.

• Initiative for tribal creative rights: Living Roots Originals.

• Partner organisation for Living Roots Originals: Indian Performing Right Society.

Why is it important?

This topic is relevant to Indian culture, tribal heritage, language preservation and intangible cultural traditions. Aspirants should remember the theme, number of languages represented and the importance of oral literature in preserving community identity.

Official source: PIB – National Tribal Literary Festival Concludes

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 10.8 kg of amphetamine concealed in an international postal parcel at the Foreign Post Office, New Delhi, on 14 November 2026.

The parcel had arrived from a European country and was declared to contain clothes. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers examined the package and found eight concealed packets containing a pink-coloured powder.

The substance tested positive for amphetamine. The packets were seized under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The concealment method involved hiding plastic pouches along the sides of the cardboard carton. The operation exposed an attempt by a narcotics network to misuse legitimate postal channels for illegal trafficking.

Further investigation was initiated to identify the network behind the attempted smuggling.

What is amphetamine?

Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects brain activity and can increase alertness and energy. It also has a high potential for misuse and dependence and is regulated under applicable drug-control laws.

Important facts for TNPSC

• Enforcement agency: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

• Abbreviation: DRI.

• Seized substance: Amphetamine.

• Quantity: 10.8 kg.

• Seizure location: Foreign Post Office, New Delhi.

• Parcel origin: A European country.

• Number of concealed packets: Eight.

• Relevant legislation: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

• Main issue: Misuse of international postal channels for drug trafficking.

Why is it important?

This development is relevant to internal security, drug control, customs enforcement and organised crime. Aspirants should remember the role of DRI and the NDPS Act, 1985.

Official source: PIB – DRI seizes 10.8 kg amphetamine concealed in postal parcel

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav chaired a review meeting on 14 November 2026 to assess air-pollution mitigation measures undertaken by Delhi and neighbouring National Capital Region States.

Representatives from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan participated in the review. The meeting focused on the implementation of existing action plans and the need for time-bound enforcement on the ground.

The Minister called for coordinated action on road dust, construction activities, traffic congestion, waste burning, industrial emissions and pollution hotspots.

Key measures reviewed

Road dust and traffic management

The review noted that 3,221 km of roads had been redeveloped against a target of 5,480 km. Authorities were directed to accelerate road repairs, improve footpaths and central verges, and strengthen mechanical road sweeping.

Construction and demolition activities

In accordance with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) order dated 30 October 2026, dust-generating construction and demolition activities had been restricted across NCR from 5 to 20 November 2026.

Traffic congestion

The Minister directed authorities to take action at 233 identified congestion points across the NCR.

Technology-based monitoring

The review highlighted the use of the PAVAN (Platform for Air Quality Vigilance and Analytics for NCR) platform developed by CAQM. It integrates air-quality, emissions, meteorological, satellite and compliance data to support monitoring and enforcement.

The meeting also directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to complete the installation of Multi-Lane Free Flow systems at 154 Delhi border entry points by 31 December 2026.

Important facts for TNPSC

• Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

• Minister: Bhupender Yadav.

• Review date: 14 November 2026.

• Region: Delhi-NCR.

• Participating States: Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

• Roads redeveloped: 3,221 km out of 5,480 km targeted.

• Identified congestion points: 233.

• Construction and demolition restriction: 5–20 November 2026.

• Monitoring platform: PAVAN.

• Full form: Platform for Air Quality Vigilance and Analytics for NCR.

• Related statutory body: Commission for Air Quality Management.

• Deadline for MLFF systems at 154 Delhi border entry points: 31 December 2026.

Why is it important?

This topic is relevant to environmental governance, air pollution, urban planning and public health. Aspirants should understand the role of CAQM and the use of technology in monitoring air quality.

Official source: PIB – Environment Minister reviews measures to intensify action against air pollution in Delhi-NCR

Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh visited the manufacturing facilities of Welspun World at Anjar in Kutch district, Gujarat, on 14 November 2026.

During the visit, the Minister observed the integrated textile manufacturing process, including spinning and the production of towels and bedsheets.

The facility was highlighted as an example of combining industrial development with environmental responsibility. The manufacturing complex has adopted measures such as water recycling, green manufacturing practices and conservation of natural resources.

The Minister emphasised that industrial expansion should be supported by environmental safeguards, efficient use of resources and sustainable production methods.

The visit also highlighted the role of modern manufacturing facilities in strengthening India’s textile sector and improving its global competitiveness.

Important facts for TNPSC

• Ministry: Ministry of Textiles.

• Union Minister: Giriraj Singh.

• Company: Welspun World.

• Location: Anjar, Kutch district, Gujarat.

• Sector: Textile manufacturing.

• Products observed: Towels and bedsheets.

• Sustainability practices: Water recycling and resource conservation.

• Main concept: Sustainable manufacturing.

Why is it important?

This topic is relevant to the Indian economy, industrial development, textile manufacturing and environmental sustainability. Aspirants should understand the importance of resource-efficient manufacturing and the role of the textile sector in India’s economy.

Official source: PIB – Coordination between industrial development and environmental protection