1 Dubai: India’s Avani Lekhada wins gold in the 10m air rifle event at the Parachuting World Cup.
India’s Avani Lekhada won the gold medal in the women’s 10m Air Rifle SH-1 event at the Parachuting World Cup in Al-Ain , Dubai . She won the title, beating Sweden’s Anna Beshnon. Thailand’s Wanipa Leong Wilai took the bronze. India performed brilliantly in the Mixed 50m Rifle SH-1 individual event, winning the gold and silver medals, and the silver medal in the team event. In the individual final, Akash won the gold medal with a score of 223.1, while Sandeep Kumar won the silver medal. Along with these two, Rudransh Khandelwal won the silver medal for India in the team event. Iran finished second.
2 Renowned scientist Ankathi Raju appointed as Director of Defence Research and Development Laboratory
Eminent scientist Ankathi Raju has been appointed as the Director of the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad . He has also assumed the charge of Director of the Indian Missile Development Laboratory. Mr. Ankathi Raju holds a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University College of Engineering, Hyderabad and an M.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering from IIT Bombay. According to an official release, over the last three decades, Mr. Raju has made significant contributions to the successful demonstration of solid fuel ducted ramjet propulsion systems, the design and development of liquid propulsion systems for missiles including Prithvi, Agni, PAD, PDV, Mission Shakti, reaction control systems, interceptors for air defence and the design and development of axial flow compressors.
3 Lucknow gets UNESCO Original Culinary City status
Lucknow has been awarded the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status. The status is given in recognition of Lucknow ‘s distinct culinary heritage and its invaluable contribution to India’s rich culinary traditions. The announcement was made on World Cities Day at UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand , Uzbekistan on Friday . The Creative City of Gastronomy title is given to cities known for their ancient art, food culture and heritage.
4 The Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest archaeological museum, was inaugurated.
Egypt has officially inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Great Pyramid of Giza . It is the world’s largest archaeological museum , displaying 100,000 artifacts spanning seven thousand years . For the first time, all 5,500 objects from Tutankhamun’s tomb are on display together. These include his gold mask, throne, and chariot. Built at a cost of $1.2 billion and spanning 500,000 square meters, this vast complex is expected to attract 8 million tourists annually, providing a new impetus to Egypt’s tourism sector. Its main attractions include a colossal statue of Ramesses II, a 3,200-year-old hanging obelisk, and Khufu’s 4,500-year-old funerary boat.
5 Kane Williamson retires from T20 International cricket
New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket . Williamson has played 93 T20 matches for New Zealand, scoring over 2,500 runs in them. However, Williamson will continue to play Test and ODI cricket. Williamson began playing T20 International cricket in 2011. He captained New Zealand in 75 matches. Under his leadership, the team reached the T20 World Cup semi-finals twice and the final once.
6 Indian Oil Mumbai won the 42nd Indian Oil Servo Surjit Hockey Tournament
Indian Oil Mumbai has won the 42nd Indian Oil Servo Surjit Hockey Trophy for the third consecutive time. Indian Oil Mumbai defeated Indian Railways Delhi 2-1 in the final in Jalandhar . Both the winning team’s goals came from penalty corners, while Indian Railways scored the only field goal. For winning the tournament, Indian Oil Mumbai was awarded a cash prize of Rs 5,51,000 and a trophy. Indian Railways was awarded the runners-up trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh.
7 World Vegetarian Day 2025
World Vegan Day is celebrated every year on 1 November to promote the importance of a vegan lifestyle —a life free from all forms of animal exploitation, whether in food, clothing, cosmetics, or everyday items. The potential theme for World Vegan Day 2025 is “ Veganism and its positive impact on the planet, animal and human health .”
8 Foundation Day of Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh
Every year on November 1st, five Indian states— Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh —celebrate their Statehood Day. Karnataka celebrates Kannada Rajyotsava every year on November 1st , commemorating the state’s formation in 1956. After India became a republic in 1950, states were reorganized on linguistic lines. Kannada-speaking regions were first combined to form the state of Mysore. Later, at the wishes of the state’s people, it was renamed “Karnataka” in 1973 to reflect the identity of all Kannadigas. In Kerala, November 1st is celebrated as Kerala Piravi Dinam, meaning “Kerala’s Birthday.” Before independence, the region was divided into three parts— Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore . These states were merged to form the state of Kerala in 1956. Chhattisgarh is one of India’s most prosperous and culturally diverse states. It became an independent state on November 1 , 2000 , by separating from Madhya Pradesh . The state of Haryana was formed on November 1, 1966 , by separating from Punjab , largely on linguistic grounds. Madhya Pradesh (MP) was formed on November 1, 1956. It is called the “Heart of India” because it is located in the geographical center of the country.
9 Ministry of Tribal Affairs to celebrate ‘Tribal Pride Year Fortnight’ from 1st to 15th November 2025
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has announced the launch of the ” Tribal Pride Year Fortnight ” from November 1 to 15, 2025. This will mark the grand conclusion of the “Tribal Pride Year” and the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda on November 15, 2025. This two-week-long celebration will be organized across the country through a joint effort by Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), TRIFED, and NSTFDC. It will highlight the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of the country’s tribal communities and tribal freedom fighters.
10 World Cities Day 2025
World Cities Day is celebrated every year on 31 October to raise awareness of the challenges associated with rapid urbanization around the world and to promote sustainable urban development. This day also marks the culmination of the month-long global campaign called ‘ Urban October ‘, run by UN-Habitat . It aims to actively engage the global community in addressing urban issues and implementing the New Urban Agenda. The theme of World Cities Day 2025 is “ People-Centred Smart Cities ”.
11 Padma Shri Ramdarsh Mishra, a great Hindi litterateur, passes away.
Padmashree Ramdarsh Mishra, a renowned Hindi literary figure , passed away in Delhi. He was 102 years old. Mishra was awarded the Padmashree this year. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015 and the Vyas Samman in 2021. Mishra authored over one hundred poems, short stories, novels, memoirs, and critical works. His works include “Swapna Bhang,” “Acacia and Cactus,” “Water Walls,” “Drying Pond,” “Baby Showers in the Rain,” and “Sapno Bhare Din.” Mishra also taught at several universities, including Delhi University.
12 Former Indian hockey team goalkeeper Manuel Fredericks passes away at 78
Manuel Friedrich, former goalkeeper of the Indian hockey team that won the bronze medal at the Munich Olympics, has passed away at the age of 78. Hailing from Kannur, Kerala, Friedrich was the first player from the state to win an Olympic medal . His record was broken by PR Sreejesh in 2021. Known for his fearless goalkeeping, Friedrich represented India from 1971 to 1978 and played in two World Cups. His team won the silver medal in Amstelveen in 1973. Manuel Friedrich, who was awarded the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the country.