UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 3 November 2026

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union: Prasar Bharati Wins Two Honours at ABU Prizes 2026

November 3, 2026

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Latest News

Prasar Bharati has received two major recognitions at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Prizes 2026, held in Colombo.

About Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union

It is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation established in 1964.
It is dedicated to advancing broadcasting and media cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.
It connects around 224 organisations across 66 countries, reaching audiences across half the globe.
It serves as a central platform where members share content, exchange ideas, and collectively navigate the challenges shaping the future of media.
Participants: It consists of 224 members in 66 countries.
Headquarter: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Governance of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union

General Assembly
- It is the supreme body of the ABU and, subject to the provisions of the Statutes, has all the powers necessary to achieve the objectives of the ABU.
- It comprises all the Full, Additional Full, and Associate members of the Union.
Administrative Council
- The ABU’s “board of directors” is called the Administrative Council.
- It consists of 18 of its Full and Additional Full members, who are elected by the members at the annual General Assembly for a three-year term.
- The council meets twice-yearly to decide on policy matters, review the Union’s finances and consider current issues facing the Union.

Source: DD News

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union FAQs

Q1: Where is Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union located ?

Ans: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Q2: What is Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union?

Ans: It is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation established in 1964.

Bupleurum oslaense: New Himalayan Plant Species Discovered in Uttarakhand, Critically Endangered

November 3, 2026

Bupleurum Oslaense Latest News

Recently, botanists from the Botanical Survey of India have discovered and described a brand-new plant species, named Bupleurum oslaense.

About Bupleurum Oslaense

It is a new plant species discovered in the temperate forests of the Western Himalayas.
It is a new member of the family Apiaceae.
It shares genetic and structural similarities with Bupleurum petiolulatum (a relative native to China).
It was found at an elevation of roughly 2,550 meters within the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary in Uttarakhand, India.
Features
- It is standing up to 80 centimetres tall with a sturdy, stout habit.
- It features narrower lower leaves, broader upper leaves with distinct red-tinged margins, larger bracts numbering between three and five, and flower clusters (umbellules) packing 10 to 20 flowers each.
- Consequently, following strict International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines, this species has been formally assessed and categorised as "Critically Endangered."

Source: RM

Bupleurum Oslaense FAQs

Q1: What is Bupleurum Oslaense?

Ans: New Plant species

Q2: Where was Bupleurum Oslaense discovered?

Ans: Western Himalayas

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana: J&K Records 13.07 Lakh Enrolments

November 3, 2026

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana Latest News

The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) has recorded 13.07 lakh cumulative enrolments across Jammu and Kashmir, strengthening access to affordable life insurance and financial security for families across the Union Territory.

About Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana

It is a flagship life insurance scheme launched by the Government of India to provide affordable life insurance coverage to the economically weaker sections of society.
It was launched in May 2015 under the Ministry of Finance.
It aims to increase access to life insurance across the country. It offers a one-year life insurance policy, renewable every year.

Read more about: PMJJBY

Features of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana

Life Cover: Under PMJJBY, a life insurance cover of ₹2 lakh is provided in case of death of the insured due to any reason, natural or accidental.
Premium Amount: ₹436 per annum (auto-debited from bank account).
Eligibility: Indian citizens aged between 18 and 50 years.
Renewal: Annual renewal up to the age of 55 years.
Risk Coverage: Covers death due to both natural and accidental causes.
Implementing Agencies: Public and private sector life insurance companies in tie-up with banks.

Source: News On Air

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana FAQs

Q1: What is the aim of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana?

Ans: It aims to increase access to life insurance across the country.

Q2: What is the premium amount of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana?

Ans: ₹436 per annum (auto-debited from bank account).

Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025: India and US Complete 4th Joint Disaster Relief Drill

November 3, 2026

Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 Latest News

The United States and Indian Armed Forces have commenced the fifth edition of the bilateral exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 in Visakhapatnam.

About Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026

It is an India-U.S. tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise.
It is aimed at strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing operational interoperability and improving their ability to respond jointly to regional crises and natural disasters.
The exercise reflects the deepening convergence of India–US strategic maritime interests and the growing defence partnership between the two nations.
Participating Units from India
- From the Indian side include specialists from all domains of maritime operations from the Indian Navy, ground forces from the Indian Army and representatives from various units of the Indian Air Force, as well as Special Forces personnel from all three Services.
- A team from the NDRF will also participate for the first time in the 5th edition of Tiger Triumph 2026.

Source: PIB

Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026?

Ans: It is an India-U.S. tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise.

Q2: What is the aim of Exercise Tiger Triumph?

Ans: It is aimed at strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing operational interoperability and improving their ability to respond jointly to regional crises and natural disasters.

Asiatic Black Bear: 2,357 Attacks Reported in Kashmir Over 20 Years

November 3, 2026

Asiatic Black Bear Latest News

Recently, researchers from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have documented what they describe as the first verified photographic evidence of an Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) preying on an endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens).

About Asiatic Black Bear

It is a medium-sized bear species native to Asia.
It is unique among bears in that it is largely adapted to an arboreal lifestyle.
Appearance: Its fur is black with a “V” shape of light beige to white on its chest, a small beige to white crescent on its throat, and a small white spot on its chin.
Habitat: The species prefers heavily forested broadleaved and coniferous forest as habitat. It uses orchards, agricultural fields and human habitation to move between forest patches.
Distribution: It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Iran, Japan and South Korea
- In India, they are found across Himalayan ranges from eastern to western side at an altitude between 2,600-ft and 11,400-ft above sea level.
Diet: They are omnivores that normally feed on berries, cherries, acorns, insects, squirrels and frogs, and typically hibernate from late Nov to March.
They are excellent climbers and swimmers, often seen foraging on fruit trees or near rivers.
Threats: It is threatened by deforestation and poaching for its body parts, which are used in traditional medicine.
Conservation status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wild Life Protection Act 1972: Schedule II

Source: TOI

Asiatic Black Bear FAQs

Q1: Where do we find Asiatic Black Bear ?

Ans: It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Iran, Japan and South Korea

Q2: What is the IUCN status of Asiatic Black Bear ?

Ans: Vulnerable (VU)