The important current-affairs topics for 8 November 2026 cover public health, petroleum quality regulation, social security administration, defence preparedness, international organisations, energy and sports education.
This edition examines the revised prices of anti-cancer medicines scheduled to take effect on 9 November, the quality-monitoring results for E20 petrol, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s Special Campaign 6, India’s representation in a United Nations budget committee and NTPC’s contribution to the power sector.
It also covers the International Day of Radiology, the All India Sainik Schools National Games and a new initiative to connect film-technology startups with the International Film Festival of India.
Date clarification: Most government announcements covered here were published on 7 November 2026. The International Day of Radiology is observed on 8 November. The article identifies the original dates to avoid presenting earlier announcements as events that occurred today.
Select a topic to read the notes, exam points and quick facts.
The International Day of Radiology (IDoR) is observed every year on 8 November to highlight the contribution of medical imaging to healthcare and patient treatment.
The date commemorates the discovery of X-rays by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen on 8 November 1895. His discovery transformed medical diagnosis by making it possible to examine internal structures of the human body without surgery.
The International Day of Radiology was launched in 2012 through the initiative of leading radiological organisations. The 2026 observance is the 15th edition.
Radiology includes medical imaging methods such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and other diagnostic techniques. These methods help doctors detect diseases, identify injuries, plan treatment and monitor recovery.
The observance recognises the work of radiologists, radiographers, radiological technologists and other professionals involved in medical imaging.
Organisations: European Society of Radiology (ESR), Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and American College of Radiology (ACR), among other supporting organisations.
Day: International Day of Radiology.
Date: 8 November.
2026 edition: 15th observance.
Discovery commemorated: X-rays.
Discoverer: Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen.
Year of discovery: 1895.
First observed: 2012.
Important imaging techniques: X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound.
This topic is relevant to science and technology, health awareness and important international days. Aspirants should remember the date, the scientist associated with X-rays and the basic uses of medical imaging.
Official source: International Day of Radiology – Official website
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) announced that revised maximum retail prices for several anti-cancer medicine formulations would come into effect from 9 November 2026.
The NPPA, functioning under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has capped trade margins on 137 identified anti-cancer drugs. The intervention follows recommendations from an expert committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services.
By 7 November, 76 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised maximum retail prices for 1,225 formulations covering 121 drugs. Price reductions had been reported in 1,031 formulations. Around 600 brands recorded reductions exceeding 50%, while the highest reported reduction was 96.45%.
The Government estimated that the revised prices could result in annual savings of approximately ₹3,502.31 crore for consumers.
Trade Margin Rationalisation seeks to control excessive mark-ups within the distribution and retail chain. It is intended to make medicines more affordable while maintaining the availability of essential formulations.
The revised prices are to be displayed by manufacturers, retailers and hospitals. Consumers can check notified medicine prices through the NPPA website and the Pharma Sahi Daam application.
Organisation: National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Authority: National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).
Parent department: Department of Pharmaceuticals.
Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Drugs covered by trade-margin cap: 137 identified anti-cancer drugs.
Revised prices effective from: 9 November 2026.
Companies reporting revised prices: 76.
Formulations with revised MRP reported: 1,225.
Formulations reporting price reduction: 1,031.
Highest reported reduction: 96.45%.
Estimated annual consumer savings: ₹3,502.31 crore.
Consumer price information: NPPA website and Pharma Sahi Daam app.
This development is relevant to public health, pharmaceutical regulation, consumer protection and the role of statutory pricing authorities. Aspirants should understand the function of NPPA and the difference between price control and trade-margin regulation.
Official source: PIB – Revised prices of anti-cancer medicines to take effect from 9 November
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reported on 7 November 2026 that 893 samples of E20 petrol collected across 27 States and Union Territories had met the prescribed ethanol-content standards during quality-monitoring tests conducted by public sector oil marketing companies.
E20 petrol is a blend containing up to 20% ethanol and petrol as the remaining fuel component. Ethanol is an alcohol-based biofuel that can be produced from agricultural feedstocks and other eligible sources.
The samples were collected from the depots and retail outlets of three public sector oil marketing companies:
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) – 330 samples.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) – 280 samples.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) – 283 samples.
All 893 samples were reported within the prescribed ethanol-content range of 19–21% under Bureau of Indian Standards specification IS 17021. The Ministry also stated that all 56 samples tested in Karnataka were compliant, recording ethanol content between 19% and 20%.
The announcement came amid differing claims about ethanol levels in certain petrol samples in Karnataka. The Ministry and oil marketing companies questioned the sampling and testing procedures used in the separate State-level exercise and called for transparent, jointly verifiable testing.
For examination purposes, it is important to distinguish the official quality-monitoring results from the separate claims that were under discussion. The PIB release represents the position reported by the Ministry and the oil marketing companies.
The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is intended to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, support agricultural value chains and improve energy security. Ethanol blending can also reduce certain emissions, depending on the fuel and vehicle conditions.
Fuel: E20 petrol.
E20: Petrol blended with up to 20% ethanol.
Standard: IS 17021.
Samples tested: 893.
Geographical coverage: 27 States and Union Territories.
IOCL samples: 330.
BPCL samples: 280.
HPCL samples: 283.
Reported ethanol-content range: 19–21%.
Samples tested in Karnataka: 56; reported range 19–20%.
Parent ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Relevant public sector oil marketing companies: IOCL, BPCL and HPCL.
The topic connects energy security, biofuels, agriculture, fuel standards and environmental policy. Aspirants should understand the purpose of ethanol blending and the role of BIS standards in ensuring fuel quality.
Official source: PIB – E20 petrol quality standards and 893 compliant samples
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) successfully completed Special Campaign 6, which was conducted during October 2026. The Ministry of Labour and Employment announced the results on 7 November.
The campaign focused on improving public grievance disposal, cleanliness in offices, efficient use of workspace and systematic record management. EPFO’s Head Office, training academies, 21 zonal offices and regional and district offices participated.
The organisation disposed of 2,36,021 public grievances, exceeding its target of 2,05,000 by 15.1%. Of these, 2,02,984 grievances were handled through the Employees’ Provident Fund Integrated Grievance Management System (EPFiGMS).
The campaign also exceeded its cleanliness and record-management targets. A total of 598 cleanliness target units were transformed, compared with a target of 570. The organisation freed 68,178 square feet of office space, more than double its target of 28,300 square feet.
In record management, EPFO reviewed 41,875 physical files and 8,355 e-files. It also closed 3,106 e-files during the campaign.
Organisation: Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation.
Ministry: Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Campaign: Special Campaign 6.
Campaign period: October 2026.
Public grievances disposed: 2,36,021.
Target for public grievances: 2,05,000.
Grievances disposed through EPFiGMS: 2,02,984.
Cleanliness target units transformed: 598.
Office space freed: 68,178 sq. ft.
Physical files reviewed: 41,875.
E-files reviewed: 8,355.
E-files closed: 3,106.
The campaign is relevant to social security administration, labour welfare, e-governance and public grievance redressal. EPFO is an important institution for employees covered under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
Official source: PIB – EPFO successfully concludes Special Campaign 6
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the operational preparedness of the Trishakti Corps at Sukna in West Bengal on 7 November 2026.
The review covered infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the deployment of advanced military equipment and the use of emerging technologies to strengthen operational capabilities.
The Defence Minister emphasised that contemporary security challenges extend beyond conventional military engagements. Cyber-attacks, drone incursions, information operations, proxy conflicts and hybrid warfare have become important dimensions of national security.
He also highlighted the importance of logistics and supply-chain arrangements for ensuring that troops deployed in forward areas receive essential supplies, equipment, food and medical provisions.
Sukna is an important military location in the eastern sector and serves as a key link in the security framework of the region. The Trishakti Corps is associated with the Indian Army’s Eastern Command.
Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh.
Formation reviewed: Trishakti Corps.
Location: Sukna, West Bengal.
Review date: 7 November 2026.
Border reference: Line of Actual Control.
Key security themes: Cyber resilience, drone threats, information warfare and hybrid warfare.
Main operational priorities: Border infrastructure, advanced equipment, logistics and troop readiness.
This development is relevant to internal and external security, India’s border management, defence modernisation and the changing nature of warfare. Aspirants should understand the terms LAC, hybrid warfare, cyber resilience and information operations.
Official source: PIB – Raksha Mantri reviews infrastructure and operational preparedness at Trishakti Corps
The All India Sainik Schools National Games (AISSNG) 2026 concluded on 7 November at Sainik School Bijapur. Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth attended the closing ceremony and presented medals and trophies to the winning teams.
The games were conducted from 3 to 7 November 2026. They provided students from Sainik Schools across different regions an opportunity to compete in sports and other activities while encouraging teamwork, discipline and national integration.
The results included the following achievements:
Sainik School Ghorakhal won the Junior Boys’ Basketball title.
Vikasa Sainik School won the Junior Girls’ Basketball title.
Sainik School Amaravatinagar, Tamil Nadu, won the Junior Boys’ Volleyball championship.
Sainik School Jhansi won the Debate Championship.
Sainik School Kapurthala won the Quiz Competition.
The event also featured participation and interaction with senior defence personnel. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan addressed the young cadets and highlighted the role of Sainik School Bijapur in his own formative years.
Event: All India Sainik Schools National Games 2026.
Venue: Sainik School Bijapur.
Dates: 3–7 November 2026.
Closing ceremony: 7 November 2026.
Raksha Rajya Mantri: Sanjay Seth.
Junior Boys’ Basketball: Sainik School Ghorakhal.
Junior Girls’ Basketball: Vikasa Sainik School.
Junior Boys’ Volleyball: Sainik School Amaravatinagar, Tamil Nadu.
Debate: Sainik School Jhansi.
Quiz: Sainik School Kapurthala.
This topic is relevant to sports, education, national integration and defence-related institutions. The victory of Sainik School Amaravatinagar provides a useful Tamil Nadu-specific fact for TNPSC examinations.
Official source: PIB – All India Sainik Schools National Games 2026 conclude at Bijapur
NTPC celebrated its 52nd Raising Day at its Western Region-I Headquarters in Mumbai on 7 November 2026.
NTPC was established in 1975 and has developed into one of India’s major power-generation companies. The NTPC Group’s installed capacity was reported at more than 91 gigawatts (GW).
During the first half of financial year 2026–27, NTPC’s coal-based power stations recorded a Plant Load Factor (PLF) of 75.11%, compared with 68.35% for the rest of the country.
Plant Load Factor measures the actual electricity generated by a power plant against the maximum electricity it could have produced if it operated at full capacity throughout the period. A higher PLF generally indicates greater utilisation of the plant’s installed capacity.
The Western Region-I unit also reported 59 corporate social responsibility projects during FY 2025–26, involving investment of approximately ₹139 crore. Its Girl Empowerment Mission 2026 benefited 243 young girls.
Organisation: NTPC Limited.
Established: 1975.
Raising Day: 52nd, observed in 2026.
Installed capacity of NTPC Group: More than 91 GW.
Coal-based power station PLF in H1 FY 2026–27: 75.11%.
National comparison cited in the release: 68.35%.
Western Region-I CSR projects in FY 2025–26: 59.
CSR investment: Approximately ₹139 crore.
Girl Empowerment Mission beneficiaries: 243 young girls.
NTPC is important to India’s electricity generation and energy infrastructure. The topic is relevant to the Indian economy, energy resources, public sector enterprises and power-sector performance.
Official source: PIB – NTPC celebrates 52nd Raising Day at Mumbai
Indian diplomat Shivani Gupta was elected to the United Nations Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) for the 2027–2029 term.
Her three-year term is scheduled to begin in January 2027. The committee is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly and consists of 21 members.
ACABQ examines administrative and budgetary matters and reviews resource proposals submitted within the United Nations system. Its recommendations help the General Assembly assess the financial and administrative implications of UN activities.
The committee plays an important role in promoting accountability and the efficient use of contributions made by member countries to support the organisation’s work.
Members serve in their individual capacities rather than as direct representatives of their governments.
Elected Indian diplomat: Shivani Gupta.
Committee: Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions.
Abbreviation: ACABQ.
Parent body: United Nations General Assembly.
Membership: 21 members.
Term: 2027–2029.
Term begins: January 2027.
Main role: Examine UN administrative and budgetary matters and resource proposals.
This development is relevant to international relations and the institutional structure of the United Nations. Aspirants should distinguish ACABQ from the UN Security Council and the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee.
Official source: Akashvani – Indian diplomat Shivani Gupta elected to UN budgetary committee
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting invited eligible startups working in film and related technologies to participate in the WaveX Startup Pavilion at WAVES Bazaar, during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa 2026.
WaveX is a startup accelerator and incubation initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It aims to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the media and entertainment sector.
The initiative focuses on areas such as:
Animation.
Visual Effects (VFX).
Gaming.
Comics.
Extended Reality (XR).
Media and related technologies.
The opportunity is open to eligible startups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Applications are subject to screening and evaluation by a committee constituted by WaveX.
WAVES Bazaar is intended to connect technology startups with filmmakers, production houses, investors and other participants in the global media and entertainment ecosystem.
IFFI was established in 1952 and is held annually in Goa.
Initiative: WaveX.
Full name: WAVES Startup Accelerator.
Ministry: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Event: WAVES Bazaar at IFFI Goa 2026.
Eligible applicants: DPIIT-registered startups in film and allied technologies.
Focus areas: Animation, VFX, gaming, comics, XR and media technologies.
IFFI established: 1952.
Venue of IFFI: Goa.
The initiative connects entrepreneurship with the creative economy and emerging technologies. It is relevant to government startup initiatives, digital media, innovation and the role of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Official source: PIB – WaveX invites startups to WAVES Bazaar at IFFI Goa 2026
The National Academy of Direct Taxes – Regional Campus (NADT-RC), Mumbai, conducted a joint training programme for officers of the Income Tax Department and the Indian Audit and Accounts Department on 6 November 2026.
The programme was organised under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in September 2025.
The training session focused on the topic “Profits and Gains of Business or Profession”. It included a comparative study of relevant provisions under the Income-tax Act, 1961 and the Income-tax Act, 2025.
Ten Assistant Audit Officers and Senior Audit Officers from the Mumbai audit establishment participated along with Income Tax Inspectors from the Mumbai and Pune regions.
The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in academic activities, training, capacity building and research in areas of mutual interest. Further training modules are planned on subjects such as capital gains taxation, international taxation and transfer pricing.
Training institution: National Academy of Direct Taxes – Regional Campus, Mumbai.
Agreement: CBDT–CAG MoU.
MoU signed: September 2025.
Training date: 6 November 2026.
Topic: Profits and Gains of Business or Profession.
Participating departments: Income Tax Department and Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
Parent ministry of CBDT: Ministry of Finance.
CAG: Constitutional authority under Article 148 of the Constitution of India.
This development is relevant to public finance, taxation, auditing and institutional capacity building. Aspirants should understand the roles of CBDT and CAG: CBDT administers direct-tax policy and administration, while the CAG audits government receipts and expenditure.
Official source: PIB – NADT-RC Mumbai operationalises CBDT–CAG MoU
| Topic | Key fact to remember |
|---|---|
| International Day of Radiology | 8 November; marks Röntgen’s discovery of X-rays in 1895 |
| Anti-cancer medicine prices | Revised prices of identified formulations take effect from 9 November 2026 |
| E20 petrol | 893 samples across 27 States/UTs were reported compliant with IS 17021 |
| EPFO Special Campaign 6 | 2,36,021 public grievances disposed during October 2026 |
| Trishakti Corps | Defence Minister reviewed LAC infrastructure and operational readiness at Sukna |
| Sainik Schools National Games | Sainik School Amaravatinagar won Junior Boys’ Volleyball |
| NTPC | Established in 1975; Group installed capacity exceeded 91 GW |
| UN ACABQ | Indian diplomat Shivani Gupta elected for the 2027–2029 term |
| WaveX | Supports startups in media, entertainment and allied technologies |
| CBDT–CAG MoU | Operationalised through a joint tax and audit training programme in Mumbai |
International Day of Radiology is observed on 8 November, marking the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895.
Revised prices for identified anti-cancer medicine formulations take effect on 9 November 2026.
The Government reported 893 compliant E20 petrol samples from 27 States and Union Territories.
EPFO disposed of 2,36,021 public grievances during Special Campaign 6.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed Trishakti Corps preparedness at Sukna.
Sainik School Amaravatinagar of Tamil Nadu won the Junior Boys’ Volleyball title at the All India Sainik Schools National Games.
NTPC was established in 1975 and reported a group installed capacity of more than 91 GW.
Indian diplomat Shivani Gupta was elected to the UN’s 21-member ACABQ for 2027–2029.
WaveX supports startups in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, XR and media technology.
The CBDT–CAG MoU was operationalised through a joint training programme in Mumbai.
Revise today’s topics under Science and Technology, Indian Economy, Social Justice, Defence and International Relations. Give special attention to the Tamil Nadu-specific Sainik School achievement, the functions of NPPA and EPFO, and the composition of the UN’s ACABQ. Attempt all 10 MCQs without looking at the answer key and revise the explanations for incorrect answers.
Editorial note:
This edition uses official releases published on 7 November 2026 and the International Day of Radiology observance scheduled for 8 November. The revised anti-cancer medicine prices are scheduled to take effect on 9 November; they should not be described as already implemented on 8 November. The E20 petrol results represent the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and public sector oil marketing companies’ reported quality-monitoring exercise; separate claims about samples in Karnataka were disputed and the parties called for joint verification. EPFO’s figures relate to its October 2026 Special Campaign 6. The Sainik School Amaravatinagar result is included as a verified Tamil Nadu-specific achievement.
Strengthen your preparation with topic-wise notes, quick revision and practice questions.
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