State Foundation Day 2026 – November 1: November 1 marks the formation or reorganisation of several Indian states and Union Territories, largely linked to the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, and subsequent boundary changes + States (8) – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (1956); Punjab and Haryana (1966); Chhattisgarh (2000) +Union Territories (5) – Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry also mark historical milestones or changes in UT status on this date.

Alliance for the Future – EU and Canada: Strategic partnership launched on October 30, 2026, by Canadian PM Mark Carney, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the 21st EU–Canada Summit in Montréal, Québec + Objective – Establish a common prosperity and economic security space between Canada and the 27-member EU, with an open framework for like-minded countries to join + Strategic Sovereignty – Secure independent access to critical resources and technologies amid global uncertainty + Critical Minerals and Supply Chains – Strengthen trade, investment and financing for lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite, including cooperation with the European Investment Bank

Dicharax tilariensis (Tilari Micro-Snail): New microscopic land snail species discovered in the semi-evergreen forests of the Tilari region, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra + Scientific Name – Dicharax tilariensis + Location – Near Swapnavel Point, Tilari Nagar, at an elevation of around 700–800 metres + Habitat – Forest litter, decaying organic matter and moist soil microhabitats in semi-evergreen forests + Significance – Second endemic species of the genus Dicharax described from the northern Western Ghats + Researchers – Amrut Bhosale, Tejas Thackeray and Akshay Khandekar of the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation + Publication – Documented in the Journal of Conchology.