Current Affairs: 3–4 November 2026 Revision Edition brings together selected developments in social security, telecommunications, defence, science and international climate cooperation. Each topic includes a source link and a short exam-revision note.
Selected Current Affairs Highlights
1. EPFO Introduces WhatsApp-Based Services
Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched EPFO services through WhatsApp during the organisation’s 74th Foundation Day celebrations on 1 November 2026.
- Subscribers can access their PF balance, passbook information and latest five transactions through EPFO’s verified service.
- The service also provides assistance with requirements related to PMVBRY.
- EPFO separately introduced automatic settlement for eligible Aadhaar-verified inoperative accounts holding up to ₹1,000, subject to prescribed verification.
Primary source: PIB — EPFO Foundation Day and service announcements
2. Gopal Vittal Re-elected as GSMA Chair
On 2 November 2026, GSMA announced that its Board had re-elected Gopal Vittal as Chair for the 2027–2028 term, ending in December 2028.
- GSMA identifies Vittal as Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel.
- He has served as GSMA Chair since 2025.
- GSMA represents mobile operators and businesses in the wider mobile ecosystem.
Primary source: GSMA — Board re-elects Gopal Vittal as Chair
3. Defence Ministry Signs Contracts for Eight Corvettes
The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹53,866.50 crore with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited and Goa Shipyard Limited for eight Next Generation Corvettes for the Indian Navy.
- The contracts were signed on 2 November 2026 in New Delhi.
- The signing took place in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
- The acquisition concerns the Indian Navy, not the Army or Air Force.
Primary source: PIB — Contracts for eight Next Generation Corvettes
4. IISc Research Explores Layered Tumour Models
The Indian Institute of Science describes research using the Cells-in-Gel-in-Paper (CiGiP) platform, in which cells are cultured on stacked paper layers.
This topic is included as a science-revision item. This summary does not assign the research a 3 or 4 November announcement date or describe it as a proven cancer treatment.
Primary source: IISc — Unravelling tumours, layer by layer
5. COP31 Scheduled in Antalya, Türkiye
The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, is scheduled for 9–20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.
- COP31 is the 31st meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
- Türkiye is the host country, and Murat Kurum has been nominated as President of COP31.
- Australia’s Chris Bowen will serve as President of Negotiations.
Primary source: UNFCCC — About COP31
Quick Revision: Questions and Answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who launched EPFO’s WhatsApp services? | Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya |
| What is the balance threshold for the eligible inoperative-account settlement initiative? | Up to ₹1,000 |
| Who was re-elected GSMA Chair for 2027–2028? | Gopal Vittal |
| How many Next Generation Corvettes are covered? | Eight |
| What is the corvette contract value? | ₹53,866.50 crore |
| What does CiGiP stand for? | Cells-in-Gel-in-Paper |
| Where and when is COP31 scheduled? | Antalya, Türkiye; 9–20 November 2026 |
| Who will be COP31 President of Negotiations? | Chris Bowen of Australia |
How to Revise This Edition
First recall the answers without looking at the table. Then check the linked announcements for context. Keep event dates separate from the revision-edition date, and learn exact financial figures alongside their units.