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UPSC current affairs quiz, 2 November 2026

30 Prelims-style questions on the day's news, in the formats UPSC uses (statement-based, How many, Statement-I and II), each with the answer and an explanation. Try each one before you open the answer.

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GST collections rise 22.9% to ₹2.31 lakh crore in October, second-highest ever

  1. With reference to Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India, consider the following statements:
    1. GST on imports is collected as Integrated GST (IGST).
    2. Net GST revenue is gross collection minus refunds.
    3. Decisions of the GST Council need a simple majority of members present and voting.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only. Statement 1 is correct: imports are treated as inter-State supplies and carry IGST. Statement 2 is correct: net revenue is what remains after refunds. Statement 3 is wrong: under Article 279A a decision needs three-fourths of the weighted votes of members present and voting.

  2. Consider the following statements about GST collections in October 2026:
    1. Gross GST was the highest ever recorded in a single month.
    2. GST on imports grew faster than GST on domestic transactions.
    3. Refunds were higher than in October 2025.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
    Show answer

    Answer: (b) Only two. Statement 1 is wrong: April 2026 (about ₹2.43 lakh crore) remains the record; October was second-highest. Statement 2 is correct: imports grew 42.2% against 15.8% for domestic transactions. Statement 3 is correct: refunds rose 6.5% to ₹27,934 crore. So two are correct.

  3. Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Gross GST collections can rise sharply even when domestic consumption grows only moderately.
    Statement-II: GST on imports is part of gross GST collections.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
    Show answer

    Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. Both are correct. Because import GST (collected as IGST) is part of gross GST, a surge in imports can lift the gross figure even if domestic collections grow more slowly, as in October 2026 (imports up 42.2%, domestic up 15.8%). Statement-II explains Statement-I.

  4. Consider the following statements about the GST Council:
    1. It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister.
    2. The Centre's vote carries one-third weight of the total votes cast.
    3. Its decisions require a three-fourths majority of weighted votes of members present and voting.
    4. The Supreme Court held in 2022 that its recommendations bind Parliament.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) Only three. Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct under Article 279A. Statement 4 is wrong: in Mohit Minerals (2022) the Court held the recommendations are persuasive, not binding. So three are correct.

  5. Under the GST rate structure in force from 22 September 2025, the two main slabs are:

    1. 5% and 12%
    2. 12% and 18%
    3. 5% and 18%
    4. 18% and 28%
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) 5% and 18%. The GST Council moved most items to 5% and 18%, with a special 40% rate for a few goods. The 12% and 28% slabs were folded in.

  6. With reference to net GST revenue, which one of the following is correct?

    1. It is gross GST plus compensation cess
    2. It is gross GST minus refunds
    3. It is only the Centre's share of GST
    4. It is GST collected on imports only
    Show answer

    Answer: (b) It is gross GST minus refunds. Net GST is gross collection minus refunds. In October 2026 gross was about ₹2.31 lakh crore, refunds ₹27,934 crore and net ₹2,03,356 crore.

CJI asks why litigants rush to the Supreme Court for early hearings in High Court cases

  1. With reference to the writ jurisdiction of courts in India, consider the following statements:
    1. A High Court can issue writs under Article 226 for the enforcement of rights other than fundamental rights.
    2. The right to move the Supreme Court under Article 32 is itself a fundamental right.
    3. The Chief Justice of a High Court alone decides the allocation of cases to benches of that court.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. Statement 1 is correct: Article 226 allows writs "for any other purpose". Statement 2 is correct: Article 32 is in Part III. Statement 3 is correct: State of Rajasthan v. Prakash Chand (1998) held the Chief Justice is master of the roster.

  2. Consider the following statements:
    1. The writ jurisdiction of High Courts under Article 226 is wider in scope than that of the Supreme Court under Article 32.
    2. The remedy under Article 226 is discretionary.
    3. A High Court cannot issue a writ of quo warranto.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
    Show answer

    Answer: (b) Only two. Statement 1 is correct: Article 226 covers other legal rights too. Statement 2 is correct: the High Court may decline relief, for example where an alternative remedy exists. Statement 3 is wrong: High Courts can issue all five writs, including quo warranto. So two are correct.

  3. Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: The Supreme Court generally avoids directing a High Court to list a pending case on a particular date.
    Statement-II: The Chief Justice of a High Court is the master of the roster of that court.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
    Show answer

    Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. Both are correct. The CJI said the Supreme Court has respected High Courts' authority over their rosters, and this deference follows from the Chief Justice's roster power (Prakash Chand, 1998). Statement-II explains Statement-I.

  4. Consider the following statements about the Kerala High Court:
    1. It was established in 1956 along with the State of Kerala.
    2. Its jurisdiction also extends to Lakshadweep.
    3. It traces its lineage to the Travancore High Court of 1887.
    4. It celebrated its centenary in 2026.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) Only three. Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 4 is wrong: 2026 marked its platinum jubilee (70 years), not a centenary. So three are correct.

  5. The right to constitutional remedies under Article 32 can be suspended:

    1. By an ordinary law of Parliament at any time
    2. By the Supreme Court in public interest
    3. During a proclamation of Emergency, as provided in the Constitution
    4. By a State legislature for its territory
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) During a proclamation of Emergency, as provided in the Constitution. Article 32(4) says the right shall not be suspended except as otherwise provided by the Constitution; Article 359 allows suspension of enforcement of rights during a national Emergency.

  6. Which of the following did CJI Surya Kant raise at the Kerala High Court's platinum jubilee?
    1. How urgent matters should be identified
    2. Transparency and predictability of listing
    3. Use of technology to prioritise cases where delay could cause irreversible harm
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. He raised all three questions while calling for reflection on the trend of litigants seeking early hearings in the Supreme Court.

Op-ed: Unemployment has fallen, but India's jobs remain far from 'decent work'

  1. With reference to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), consider the following statements:
    1. It is conducted by the National Statistics Office.
    2. Its annual reports use the usual status approach.
    3. According to PLFS, the female labour force participation rate (15 years and above) was higher in 2023-24 than in 2017-18.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three are correct. PLFS is run by the NSO under MoSPI; annual estimates use usual status; female LFPR rose from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24.

  2. Consider the following statements about the Decent Work Index discussed in The Hindu on 2 November 2026:
    1. It was built from Periodic Labour Force Survey data.
    2. Manufacturing recorded the largest improvement in the index among the sectors reported.
    3. Agriculture recorded the lowest index among the sectors reported.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) All three. All three are correct: the index uses PLFS data; manufacturing improved most, from 0.324 to 0.411, and agriculture to 0.267 (lowest).

  3. Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: India's unemployment rate can fall even when the share of informal employment stays very high.
    Statement-II: The unemployment rate measures only whether people have work, not whether that work has a contract or social security.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
    Show answer

    Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. Both are correct. Unemployment fell to 3.2% in 2023-24 while nearly 90% of workers remained informal. This is possible because the unemployment rate counts work, not its quality, so Statement-II explains Statement-I.

  4. Consider the following Codes:
    1. Code on Wages, 2019
    2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020
    3. Code on Social Security, 2020
    4. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
    How many of the above came into force on 21 November 2025?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
    Show answer

    Answer: (d) All four. All four Labour Codes were brought into force on 21 November 2025, together replacing 29 central labour laws.

  5. The ILO's Decent Work Agenda rests on which of the following pillars?
    1. Employment creation
    2. Social protection
    3. Rights at work
    4. Social dialogue
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 1, 2 and 3 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    Show answer

    Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4. The Decent Work Agenda has four pillars: employment creation, social protection, rights at work and social dialogue, with gender equality as a cross-cutting theme.

  6. According to the India Employment Report 2024, approximately what share of India's workers are informally employed?

    1. About 50%
    2. About 65%
    3. Nearly 90%
    4. Nearly 99%
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) Nearly 90%. The ILO-IHD report found nearly 90% of workers informally employed.

Andhra Pradesh braces for Cyclone Murasu, its second cyclone in a week

  1. With reference to the naming of tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean, consider the following statements:
    1. The current list of names was contributed by 13 countries.
    2. A name once used is retired and not repeated.
    3. A low-pressure system is named as soon as it becomes a depression.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only. Statement 1 is correct: the 2020 list has 169 names, 13 from each of 13 countries. Statement 2 is correct: names are not repeated. Statement 3 is wrong: a system is named only on reaching cyclonic storm strength (62 km/h or more), as Murasu was on 1 November 2026, not at the depression stage.

  2. Consider the following countries:
    1. Bangladesh
    2. Maldives
    3. Thailand
    How many of the above contribute names to the list of tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) All three. All three are among the 13 members: Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE and Yemen.

  3. Consider the following categories of the IMD:
    1. Deep depression: 50 to 61 km/h
    2. Cyclonic storm: 62 to 88 km/h
    3. Severe cyclonic storm: 89 to 117 km/h
    4. Super cyclonic storm: 180 km/h and above
    How many of the above are correctly matched?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) Only three. Pairs 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Pair 4 is wrong: a super cyclonic storm has winds of 222 km/h and above. So three are correct.

  4. Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Tropical cyclones rarely form within about 5 degrees of the equator.
    Statement-II: The Coriolis force is too weak near the equator to set up the rotation a cyclone needs.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
    Show answer

    Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. Both are correct, and Statement-II explains Statement-I: the Coriolis force is near zero at the equator, so systems there cannot develop the spin required.

  5. The name "Murasu" given to a cyclone in November 2026 refers to:

    1. A river in Tamil Nadu
    2. A traditional drum
    3. A coastal bird
    4. A type of sea breeze
    Show answer

    Answer: (b) A traditional drum. Murasu, contributed by India, is the Tamil word for a traditional drum.

  6. Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the State Disaster Management Authority is chaired by:

    1. The Governor
    2. The Chief Secretary
    3. The Chief Minister
    4. The Relief Commissioner
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) The Chief Minister. The SDMA is chaired by the Chief Minister; the NDMA by the Prime Minister; district authorities by the Collector or District Magistrate.

Explained: Why even a strong El Niño does not guarantee a poor Indian monsoon

  1. With reference to the Indian monsoon, consider the following statements:
    1. A positive Indian Ocean Dipole is associated with a warmer western Indian Ocean relative to the eastern Indian Ocean.
    2. Every moderate or strong El Niño year since 1950 has produced a deficient Indian monsoon.
    3. The Madden-Julian Oscillation is an eastward-moving disturbance that circles the tropics in about 30 to 60 days.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: of seven such years, 1997 was normal and 2023 below normal but not deficient. Statement 3 is correct.

  2. Consider the following statements about the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD):
    1. It is the difference in sea surface temperature between the western and eastern Indian Ocean.
    2. A positive IOD generally favours Indian monsoon rainfall.
    3. The IOD usually peaks between September and November.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) All three. All three are correct. The IOD compares the western Indian Ocean near Africa with the eastern Indian Ocean near Indonesia; a positive IOD tends to help the monsoon; it usually develops around June and peaks in September to November.

  3. Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: India's monsoon was close to normal in 1997 despite one of the strongest El Niño events on record.
    Statement-II: A strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole developed in 1997.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
    Show answer

    Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. Both are correct, and the positive IOD of 1997, which drew moisture towards India, is the main reason the monsoon held up, so Statement-II explains Statement-I.

  4. Consider the following pairs:
    1. El Niño : Warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific
    2. La Niña : Warming of the western Indian Ocean
    3. Madden-Julian Oscillation : Eastward-moving band of tropical cloud and rain
    4. Deficient monsoon : Rainfall at least 10% below the long-period average
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) Only three. Pairs 1, 3 and 4 are correct. Pair 2 is wrong: La Niña is the cooling of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. So three are correct.

  5. Which one of the following monsoon years was described as deficient during a moderate or strong El Niño, according to the explainer?

    1. 1997
    2. 2023
    3. 2026
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) 2026. 2026 ended 12.6% below normal and was deficient. 1997 was normal and 2023 below normal but not deficient.

  6. Consider the following statements:
    1. The southwest monsoon brings about three-quarters of India's annual rainfall.
    2. IMD issues its first long-range monsoon forecast in April.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2. Both are correct: the monsoon supplies about three-quarters of annual rainfall, and IMD's April forecast is updated at the end of May.