In short: The most exam-relevant PIB news of 8 November 2026, a thin day because of Diwali: the PM’s statement in Bastar that every district is free from Naxalism, the Buddha relics moving from Tawang to Bomdila, and the Green Diwali appeal.
Today’s PIB at a Glance
| # | News | Syllabus | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PM in Bastar | GS Paper 3, Internal security | Core topic ★★★ |
| 2 | Buddha’s Sacred Relics | GS Paper 1, Culture | Important ★★☆ |
| 3 | Green Diwali Campaign 2026 | GS Paper 3, Environment | Important ★★☆ |
| 4 | Shram Samvad at Dewas | GS Paper 3, GS Paper 2 | Important ★★☆ |
| 5 | Raksha Mantri Celebrates Deepawali with Troops at Sherathang, Sikkim | GS Paper 3, Defence | Important ★★☆ |
1. PM in Bastar: ‘First Diwali When Every District Is Free from Naxalism’
What the PM said
- The Karanpur base served as the training base and launch pad for counter-Naxal operations in Bastar and Abujhmad.
- At its peak, Left Wing Extremism affected more than 230 districts in nearly 20 States, with up to 2,000 attacks a year.
- Between 2004 and 2013, more security personnel died each year than Naxal cadres, according to the PM.
- For the first time in 47 years, no CRPF jawan lost his life on duty in the past year.
- He credited the CRPF, CoBRA, BSF, ITBP, SSB, State police, the Bastar Fighters and women fighters.
Security and development together
- Action against funding networks and fake currency cut the supply of weapons and curbed recruitment.
- Security forces were given operational freedom to take every necessary decision.
- In LWE areas, over 15,000 km of roads, over 9,500 mobile towers and nearly 175 Eklavya schools were built.
- About 50 ITIs and 50 skill development centres were set up, and PM JANMAN took water, power and roads to remote villages.
- The PM linked the end of Naxal violence with the World Bank estimate that 50 crore Indians escaped extreme poverty in 12 years.
Official status
- On 8 April 2026 the MHA told nine States that no district falls under the LWE-affected category any longer.
- It placed 37 districts in a new Legacy and Thrust category and West Singhbhum as a District of Concern.
Exam Connect
Syllabus: GS Paper 3: Linkages between development and spread of extremism; security forces and their mandate.
Key facts
| LWE-affected districts | None (MHA, April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Peak spread (PM) | 230+ districts, ~20 States |
| Roads in LWE areas | 15,000+ km |
Static Connect
- CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) is the CRPF’s jungle warfare unit.
- The National Policy and Action Plan on LWE dates from 2015, and the SAMADHAN strategy from 2017.
- Police and public order are State subjects under List II of the Seventh Schedule.
Prelims pointers
- CoBRA base at Karanpur, Bastar.
- Abujhmad lies mainly in Narayanpur district.
Mains takeaway: Security operations ended the violence; lasting peace now depends on tribal rights, services and trust in former conflict areas.
Read more on GSMitra: Left Wing Extremism and Naxal-free India explained
Source: PIB release 2334133 · PIB release 2334105
2. Buddha’s Sacred Relics: Tawang Exposition Ends, Journey Continues to Bomdila and Namsai
Key points
- The Ministry of Culture organised the exposition with the Arunachal Pradesh Government and the International Buddhist Confederation.
- The relics came from the National Museum, New Delhi, and reached Tawang on 31 October 2026.
- An IBC exhibition told the story of the discovery of the Piprahwa relics in 1898.
- The relics will be at TGL Monastery, Bomdila, from 8 to 13 November and at the Golden Pagoda, Namsai, from 14 to 20 November.
- They will return to the National Museum on 21 November 2026.
Why it matters
- Relic expositions are part of India’s cultural diplomacy with Buddhist communities in Asia.
- Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai represent different Buddhist traditions within Arunachal Pradesh.
Exam Connect
Syllabus: GS Paper 1: Indian culture, art forms and religion; GS Paper 2: Soft power in foreign policy.
Static Connect
- Tawang Monastery (Gaden Namgyal Lhatse) belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
- The Golden Pagoda at Namsai is a Theravada monastery associated with the Tai Khamti community.
Prelims pointers
- Piprahwa relics discovered in 1898.
- Next venues: Bomdila, then Namsai.
Mains takeaway: Buddhist heritage gives India a soft-power link with Asia and strengthens the cultural integration of the Himalayan frontier.
Read more on GSMitra: Prelims Current Affairs 6 November 2026 (Piprahwa relics)
Source: PIB release 2334086
3. Green Diwali Campaign 2026: Appeal for a Cracker-Free Festival in Delhi-NCR
Key points
- The nationwide Green Diwali Campaign ran from 20 October to 8 November 2026 under Mission LiFE.
- It focused on the 130 cities covered by the National Clean Air Programme in 24 States and Union Territories.
- Steps suggested include earthen diyas, no firecrackers, natural rangolis, less plastic and greener travel.
- Citizens were asked to check daily AQI on the CPCB’s SAMEER app and limit outdoor exposure on poor air days.
- CAQM measures under GRAP were already in force across the region.
Why it matters
- Firecracker smoke adds to the pollution load when calm winter winds trap emissions near the ground.
- Behaviour change complements, but cannot replace, action on vehicles, dust, industry and crop residue burning.
Exam Connect
Syllabus: GS Paper 3: Environmental pollution and degradation; conservation.
Static Connect
- NCAP was launched in January 2019 by the Environment Ministry.
- Mission LiFE was launched in October 2022 to promote sustainable lifestyles.
Prelims pointers
- NCAP covers 130 cities.
- SAMEER is the CPCB’s AQI app.
Mains takeaway: Clean air needs both regulation of major sources and public participation in everyday choices.
Read more on GSMitra: Prelims Current Affairs 8 November 2026
Source: PIB release 2334104
4. Shram Samvad at Dewas: Awareness Drive on the Four Labour Codes
Key points
- The programme was held on 5 November 2026 with industry bodies and more than 100 participants from HR, legal and finance roles.
- Sessions explained employer compliance under each of the four Labour Codes and the Central Rules notified under them.
- The EPFO explained the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, and DGLW explained the PM Shram Yogi Maandhan scheme.
- A Handbook of Compliance for Employers and a compilation of FAQs prepared by the Ministry were shared.
Why it matters
- Labour is in the Concurrent List, so Centre-State coordination decides how smoothly the Codes are applied.
- Clear compliance rules can reduce the burden on firms while extending social security to more workers.
Exam Connect
Syllabus: GS Paper 3: Employment; GS Paper 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections.
Static Connect
- The four Codes cover wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety, health and working conditions.
- PM-SYM is a contributory pension scheme for unorganised workers, giving ₹3,000 a month after 60.
Prelims pointers
- Four Labour Codes replaced 29 central laws.
- Labour is in the Concurrent List.
Mains takeaway: The Labour Codes will succeed only if States, employers and workers understand and apply them uniformly.
Source: PIB release 2334064
5. Raksha Mantri Celebrates Deepawali with Troops at Sherathang, Sikkim
Key points
- He was accompanied by the Army Chief and the commanders of the Eastern Command and 33 Corps.
- He said discipline and courage matter more than technology, and that soldiers’ conduct shapes the Army’s image among local people.
- Soldiers honoured at Sherathang came from States such as Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Assam.
- About 26,000 names of fallen soldiers are inscribed at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, he said.
Why it matters
- The Sikkim sector faces China across high passes such as Nathu La, so readiness in harsh terrain is vital.
- Good relations between troops and border communities support both security and local development.
Exam Connect
Syllabus: GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas.
Static Connect
- Nathu La in East Sikkim links India with Tibet’s Chumbi Valley and is a border trade point.
- The National War Memorial near India Gate was inaugurated in February 2019.
Prelims pointers
- 33 Corps HQ: Sukna.
- Sherathang lies on the route to Nathu La.
Mains takeaway: Morale, discipline and civil-military trust remain the base of border defence even as technology changes warfare.
Source: PIB release 2334114
Quick Bites for Prelims
- L.K. Advani enters his 100th year: The PM greeted Bharat Ratna and former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani on 8 November and wrote an article on his contribution to public life. (PIB)
- Diwali with farmers in Nagpur: The PM appreciated the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s gesture of celebrating Diwali with farmers in Nagpur. (PIB)
- Diwali greetings: The PM conveyed Diwali greetings to citizens and called on the President and former President Ram Nath Kovind. (PIB)
Practice Questions
Prelims MCQs
Q1. With reference to Left Wing Extremism in India, consider the following statements:
1. In April 2026 the Ministry of Home Affairs informed States that no district falls under the LWE-affected category.
2. Police and public order are subjects in the Union List.
3. CoBRA is a specialised unit of the Central Reserve Police Force.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer and explanation
Answer: (c)
- Statement 1 is correct. The MHA communication of 8 April 2026 said no district remains in the LWE-affected category.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. Police and public order are in the State List (List II).
- Statement 3 is correct. CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) belongs to the CRPF.
Q2. The Golden Pagoda at Namsai, a venue for the exposition of the Buddha’s relics, is located in:
- Sikkim
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Mizoram
Show answer and explanation
Answer: (b)
- Option (a) is incorrect. Sikkim is not the location of the Namsai Golden Pagoda.
- Option (b) is correct. Namsai is a district of Arunachal Pradesh, and its Golden Pagoda is a Theravada monastery.
- Option (c) is incorrect. Namsai is not in Assam, though it lies close to the Assam border.
- Option (d) is incorrect. The pagoda is not in Mizoram.
Q3. With reference to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), consider the following statements:
1. It was launched in January 2019.
2. It covers only cities in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer and explanation
Answer: (a)
- Statement 1 is correct. NCAP was launched by the Environment Ministry in January 2019.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. NCAP covers 130 cities across 24 States and UTs, well beyond the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Q4. Under the Constitution of India, ‘Labour welfare’ and ‘trade unions’ fall in which list of the Seventh Schedule?
- Union List
- State List
- Concurrent List
- Residuary powers
Show answer and explanation
Answer: (c)
- Option (a) is incorrect. Labour matters are not exclusively Union subjects.
- Option (b) is incorrect. They are not exclusively State subjects either.
- Option (c) is correct. Trade unions and labour welfare are Entries 22 and 24 of the Concurrent List, so both Parliament and States can legislate.
- Option (d) is incorrect. Residuary powers cover subjects not in any list.
Q5. Nathu La, near which the Sherathang War Memorial lies, connects India with which of the following?
- Chumbi Valley of Tibet
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Kabaw Valley of Myanmar
- Ilam district of Nepal
Show answer and explanation
Answer: (a)
- Option (a) is correct. Nathu La in East Sikkim links India with the Chumbi Valley of Tibet.
- Option (b) is incorrect. Gilgit-Baltistan borders Ladakh, far to the west.
- Option (c) is incorrect. The Kabaw Valley lies along the Manipur-Myanmar border.
- Option (d) is incorrect. Ilam borders Darjeeling district of West Bengal, not Nathu La.
Mains Practice Questions
Q. The Government has declared that no district is now affected by Left Wing Extremism. Discuss the role of security and development measures in this outcome, and the steps needed to prevent a revival. (GS Paper 3, 250 words)
Approach: Give the MHA’s April 2026 decision and the decline in affected districts; explain security operations, choking finances and SAMADHAN; describe roads, telecom and schools; discuss tribal rights, PESA and FRA, rehabilitation and mining-linked grievances; conclude on trust.
Q. Explain how the exposition of the Buddha’s relics in different parts of India and abroad serves India’s cultural diplomacy. (GS Paper 2, 150 words)
Approach: Describe the relic expositions and Buddhist heritage sites; explain soft power with Asian countries; mention integration of the Himalayan frontier and tourism; note the need for conservation; conclude.
FAQs
What did the PM say in Bastar on 8 November 2026?
At the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, the PM said this is the first Diwali when every district of India is free from Naxalism, and that no CRPF jawan died on duty in the past year.
Where are the Buddha’s sacred relics going after Tawang?
After 31,000 people visited them at Tawang, the relics were taken to Bomdila for 8 to 13 November and will be at the Golden Pagoda, Namsai, from 14 to 20 November.
What was the Green Diwali Campaign 2026?
It was a campaign under Mission LiFE from 20 October to 8 November 2026 that asked people, especially in the 130 NCAP cities, to celebrate without firecrackers and cut waste.
हिंदी सारांश
8 नवंबर 2026 की प्रमुख PIB खबरें: प्रधानमंत्री ने बस्तर के करणपुर स्थित CoBRA ऑपरेशंस बेस पर सुरक्षा बलों के साथ दिवाली मनाई और कहा कि यह पहली दिवाली है जब देश का हर जिला नक्सलवाद से मुक्त है। तवांग मठ में भगवान बुद्ध के पवित्र अवशेषों के दर्शन 31,000 लोगों ने किए; अब अवशेष बोमडिला और नामसाई जाएँगे। मिशन LiFE के तहत ग्रीन दिवाली की अपील, देवास में श्रम संहिताओं पर श्रम संवाद और सिक्किम के शेराथांग में रक्षा मंत्री की सैनिकों के साथ दीपावली भी चर्चा में रहे।
Sources: PIB release 2334133; PIB release 2334105; PIB release 2334086; PIB release 2334104; PIB release 2334064; PIB release 2334114; PIB release 2334063; PIB release 2334072; PIB release 2334060.
Related reading on GSMitra: PIB News Today: 8 November 2026, UPSC Prelims Current Affairs 8 November 2026, Left Wing Extremism and Naxal-Free India Explained.
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