National News

UNESCO Adds Three Indian Manuscripts to Asia-Pacific Register

• UNESCO added manuscripts of the Mahabharata, Kalhana’s Rajatarangini and Kautilya’s Arthashastra to its Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.

• The announcement was made during the 11th MOWCAP session held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 2–6 November 2026.

• The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), under the Ministry of Culture, prepared the nomination dossiers.

• The manuscripts are preserved at Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (Pune), Oriental Research Library (Srinagar) and Oriental Research Institute (Mysuru), respectively.

• With these additions, India’s entries in the regional register have increased from three to six.

• UNESCO established the Memory of the World Programme in 1992 to preserve and improve access to documentary heritage.

State News

Arunachal Pradesh Police Celebrates 54th Raising Day in Banderdewa

• Arunachal Pradesh Police celebrated its 54th Raising Day on 8 November 2026 at the Police Training Centre in Banderdewa.

• The police force was established in 1967 and currently has more than 14,000 personnel.

• It operates seven armed battalions, along with several specialised units.

• Its organisational structure includes Civil Police, Special Task Force, India Reserve Battalions, Fire and Emergency Services and State Disaster Response Force.

• The celebration highlighted its role in maintaining law and order, strengthening operational capabilities and promoting public-oriented policing.

• Police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty were also honoured.

International News

Pedro Alliana Becomes President of Paraguay After Impeachment

• Pedro Alliana became President of Paraguay on 6 November 2026, following the impeachment and removal of Santiago Peña by the Senate.

• Alliana, who previously served as Vice President, will complete the remaining 2023–2028 presidential term, ending on 15 August 2028.

• The political crisis followed the collapse of digital lender Ueno Bank, which disrupted customers’ access to accounts and deposits.

• Lawmakers raised concerns about regulatory supervision and Peña’s previous business connections with the bank’s parent group.

• Alliana belongs to the conservative Colorado Party.

• His previous positions include Governor of Ñeembucú, member of the Chamber of Deputies and president of the Colorado Party.

UN Begins Closure of MINURSO Mission in Western Sahara After Mandate Expiry

• The United Nations began winding down the Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) on 1 November 2026 after its mandate expired without renewal.

• Established in 1991 under UN Security Council Resolution 690, MINURSO monitored the ceasefire and supported efforts to organise a referendum on self-determination.

• The closure followed a Security Council deadlock over competing US and Russian proposals to extend the mission.

• The dispute involves Morocco, which supports autonomy under its sovereignty, and the Polisario Front, which demands independence.

• The mission’s closure has left the Western Sahara dispute unresolved.

• The UN will continue diplomatic efforts through the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy.

Anthrax Outbreak Kills 30 Hippopotamuses in Congo’s Virunga National Park

• An anthrax outbreak has killed at least 30 hippopotamuses in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, since September 2026.

• Laboratory tests confirmed the bacterial infection, raising concerns about wildlife conservation and public health.

• Established in 1925, Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

• Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which produces long-lasting spores in soil.

• Humans can contract the infection through contaminated animals, animal products or food.

• Authorities are monitoring affected areas, disposing of carcasses safely and warning nearby communities against contact with dead animals.

Economy News

India’s Oilmeal Exports Decline Amid Cheaper South American Competition

• India’s oilmeal exports declined 28.51% year-on-year to 12.82 lakh tonnes during April–August FY2027, compared with 17.93 lakh tonnes a year earlier.

• Soybean meal exports plunged 73% to 2.05 lakh tonnes due to cheaper supplies from Brazil and Argentina.

• Domestic demand from livestock and poultry feed manufacturers, Red Sea shipping disruptions and higher freight costs further affected exports.

• Rapeseed meal shipments declined marginally to 8.8 lakh tonnes.

• Major importing countries included China, Bangladesh, South Korea and Vietnam.

• China was the largest importer, purchasing 4.01 lakh tonnes, primarily consisting of rapeseed meal.

Banking News

SBI Expands US Banking Network With New Texas Branch Opening

• State Bank of India (SBI) inaugurated a new SBIC Bank branch in Frisco, North Dallas, Texas, expanding its US operations.

• The branch was inaugurated by SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty.

• It is SBIC Bank’s first branch outside California, increasing its US branch network from seven to eight.

• The branch will provide retail deposits, commercial lending, international remittances and NRI banking services.

• SBI operates in 29 countries, with 245 overseas points of presence.

• In Q2 FY2026–27, foreign advances rose 22.86% to ₹8,31,332 crore, while overseas deposits increased 22.61% to ₹2,83,319 crore.

ADB Releases First Tranche for Mizoram Universal Healthcare Scheme

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) released the first tranche of its USD 108 million loan for Mizoram’s Universal Healthcare Scheme (MUHCS).

• Mizoram received ₹205.49 crore on 5 November 2026 after fulfilling two Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs).

• The Centre will provide 90% of the amount, or ₹184.93 crore, as a grant.

• Mizoram will repay the remaining 10%, amounting to ₹20.54 crore, as a soft loan.

• The entire amount will be deposited in the state’s Healthcare Corpus Fund to support the scheme’s long-term financial sustainability.

• ADB approved the loan on 5 December 2025, and the project is scheduled to close on 31 March 2030.

Awards News

Dr Devi Shetty Receives France’s National Order of Merit

• Indian cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, founder and chairman of Narayana Health, received France’s National Order of Merit on 5 November 2026.

• He was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit).

• The honour recognises his support to the French Consulate and French community in Bengaluru during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• His contributions included vaccination initiatives, logistical assistance and healthcare services.

• Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru, presented the award.

• Established on 3 December 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle, the National Order of Merit is France’s second-highest national order after the Legion of Honour.

President Murmu to Confer 10th Swachh Survekshan Awards

• President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025–26 on 11 November 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

• The 10th edition recognises cities and States for their performance under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U).

• The assessment covers more than 4,751 cities across India.

• It evaluates sanitation and waste management through 43 indicators across 10 key areas.

• Key assessment areas include citizen feedback, source segregation, water-body cleanliness, sanitation services and behaviour change.

• The awards will also recognise leading cities under the Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative, which promotes peer learning and improved urban waste management.

Defence News

Lt Gen Sushil Chander Mahant Assumes Charge as Army DGIT

• Lieutenant General Sushil Chander Mahant assumed charge as the Indian Army’s Director General of Integrated Training (DGIT) on 1 November 2026.

• He took charge at Army Headquarters, New Delhi, bringing more than 35 years of military experience.

• He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA).

• He was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1991.

• His previous appointments include Commanding Officer of the 11 Field Ordnance Depot and Major General Ordnance Services.

• He is the first alumnus of Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira, to attain the rank of Lieutenant General.

DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Pralay Quasi-Ballistic Missile System

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the indigenous Pralay quasi-ballistic missile on 5 November 2026.

• The test was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, as part of user evaluation trials.

• Developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, Pralay is a canisterised, surface-to-surface missile.

• It has an approximate strike range of 150–500 km.

• The missile uses solid-fuel propulsion, advanced guidance systems and a manoeuvrable trajectory.

• It is designed to carry conventional warheads and improve precision-strike capabilities against tactical and battlefield targets.

India and Myanmar Conclude Inaugural Tri-Services HADR Exercise RAHAT MITRA

• India and Myanmar concluded their first bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, RAHAT MITRA, in Chennai on 6 November 2026.

• The exercise was conducted on 5–6 November with participation from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, alongside Myanmar Defence Forces personnel.

• It aimed to improve operational interoperability, joint planning and coordination during disaster-response operations.

• Activities included cyclone-response simulations, bridge-laying demonstrations, maritime search and rescue and emergency communication arrangements.

• The exercise also covered casualty evacuation and the exchange of disaster-management experiences.

• It strengthened bilateral defence cooperation and preparedness for natural disasters across land, sea and air domains.

Ranks & Reports News

Global Innovation Index 2026: India Ranks 38th Globally

• The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026, ranking India 38th among 139 economies.

• India retained its 2025 position and ranked first among lower-middle-income economies and in the Central and Southern Asia region.

• Switzerland topped the index for the 16th consecutive year, followed by Sweden and the United States.

• The 19th edition evaluates innovation performance using 79 indicators grouped into seven pillars.

• The pillars cover institutions, human capital and research, infrastructure, markets, business, knowledge and technology, and creative outputs.

• India ranked 25th in the Innovation Output Sub-Index and 49th in the Innovation Input Sub-Index.

Sports News

Taniya Wins Historic Silver in Beach Wrestling at Dakar Youth Olympics

• Indian wrestler Taniya won silver in the women’s 75 kg beach wrestling event at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

• She lost 1–2 to China’s Zhao Min in the final on 7 November at Saly Beach West.

• Taniya became India’s first-ever beach wrestling medallist at the Youth Olympics, where the sport made its debut.

• She remained unbeaten in her first four bouts, defeating wrestlers from Germany, Greece, Estonia and the USA.

• Her achievement added another medal to India’s Youth Olympics campaign.

• India’s medal tally rose to seven medals: three silver and four bronze.

Anuj Shrivatri Becomes India’s 100th Chess Grandmaster

• Anuj Shrivatri from Madhya Pradesh became India’s 100th chess Grandmaster on 8 November 2026.

• He achieved the milestone after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines.

• Shrivatri scored seven points in nine rounds, recovering from an opening-round defeat to secure the title.

• Vietnam’s Nguyen Duc Hoa finished second with 6.5 points, while the Philippines’ Nouri Alekhine placed third with six points.

• He also became the first Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh and had earned the International Master title in 2020.

• His achievement came nearly four decades after Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988.

Carlos Alcaraz Wins First Paris Masters, Ninth Masters 1000 Title

• Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated American Ben Shelton in the Paris Masters 2026 men’s singles final on 8 November.

• He won the final 7-6(5), 7-5 in 1 hour and 57 minutes.

• The victory secured his first Paris Masters title and ninth ATP Masters 1000 crown.

• Alcaraz became the first Spanish player to win the tournament since David Ferrer in 2012.

• It was his fifth tour-level title of 2026 and 29th career title.

• The win extended his winning streak to nine matches and avenged his earlier US Open defeat against Shelton.

Shourya Ambure Wins Youth Olympics Bronze in 100m Hurdles

• Indian athlete Shourya Ambure won bronze in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, on 8 November.

• The 17-year-old from Maharashtra clocked a personal best of 13.59 seconds in the final.

• She finished just 0.02 seconds behind silver medallist Anna Peeters of France.

• China’s Zhang Keyi won gold with a time of 13.17 seconds.

• Ambure had recorded 13.77 seconds in the semi-final before improving her personal best in the final.

• She became the first Indian woman to win a track medal at the Youth Olympic Games.

Lando Norris Wins São Paulo GP as Mercedes Clinches Constructors’ Title

• McLaren’s Lando Norris won the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos, Brazil, on 8 November.

• He completed the 71-lap race in 1:35:23.504, securing his third victory of the season.

• Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished second, 14.602 seconds behind Norris, after starting from 21st on the grid.

• Verstappen’s teammate Isack Hadjar secured third place.

• Mercedes won its ninth Formula One Constructors’ Championship, its first since 2021, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finishing fourth and fifth.

• Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton recorded his 400th Formula One start, becoming the second driver to reach the milestone after Fernando Alonso.

Important Days News

World Radiography Day 2026 Highlights Medical Imaging Professionals

• World Radiography Day is observed annually on 8 November to commemorate the discovery of X-rays.

• German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays on 8 November 1895.

• The day recognises radiographers’ contributions to diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy and patient care.

• It also promotes image quality and radiation safety in medical imaging.

• Röntgen received the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 for discovering X-rays.

• First observed in 2012, the 2026 theme focus announced by the Society of Radiographers (UK) was “Professionalism in Radiography.”

Uttarakhand Foundation Day 2026 Marks 26 Years of Statehood

• Uttarakhand Foundation Day, also known as Uttarakhand Sthapna Diwas, is observed annually on 9 November.

• In 2026, the state celebrated 26 years of statehood, having been formed on 9 November 2000.

• It was separated from Uttar Pradesh under the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000.

• The state was initially named Uttaranchal and officially renamed Uttarakhand on 1 January 2007.

• The renaming was carried out under the Uttaranchal (Alteration of Name) Act, 2006.

• The separate-state movement gained momentum in 1994, with the Rampur Tiraha incident becoming a significant event.

National Legal Services Day 2026 Promotes Equal Access to Justice

• National Legal Services Day is observed annually on 9 November to promote equal access to justice and awareness of free legal aid.

• The date marks the implementation of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which came into force on 9 November 1995.

• The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was established under this Act to coordinate legal aid programmes and Lok Adalats.

• Article 39A of the Indian Constitution directs the State to provide free legal aid and ensure equal justice.

• Eligible beneficiaries include women, children, SCs, STs, persons with disabilities, industrial workers and people in custody.

• The observance promotes legal awareness and affordable dispute resolution.

World Freedom Day 2026 Commemorates Fall of Berlin Wall

• World Freedom Day is observed annually on 9 November in the United States.

• It commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, an important event marking the end of Cold War divisions in Europe.

• The observance was proclaimed by US President George W. Bush in 2001.

• Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall separated East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War.

• Its opening on 9 November 1989 paved the way for German reunification on 3 October 1990.

• World Freedom Day is a US observance and not an official United Nations international day.

Bandi Chhor Divas 2026 Celebrates Guru Hargobind Sahib’s Release

• Bandi Chhor Divas 2026 was celebrated on 8 November, coinciding with Diwali and Kartik Amavasya.

• The Sikh festival commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from Gwalior Fort in 1619.

• The Guru was released along with 52 imprisoned princes during Emperor Jahangir’s reign.

• According to Sikh tradition, he ensured that all 52 princes could leave the fort with him.

• The term Bandi Chhor Divas means “Day of Liberation of Prisoners.”

• Celebrations include prayers, hymns, illumination of gurdwaras and community service, particularly at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar.

Obituaries News

Modernist Painter Arpita Singh Dies at 89 in Delhi

• Eminent Indian modernist painter Arpita Singh died in Delhi on 9 November 2026, aged 89.

• Born in 1937 in Baranagar, West Bengal, she studied fine arts at Delhi Polytechnic from 1954 to 1959.

• She later worked as a textile designer at the Government of India’s Weavers’ Service Centre.

• Her paintings blended modernist expression with Indian miniature art, folk traditions and Kantha embroidery influences.

• Her works frequently portrayed women and explored domestic life, social inequality, conflict and humanitarian issues.

• She received the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship in 2014.

National News

Supreme Court Declares National Book Trust a State Under Article 12

• The Supreme Court of India declared the National Book Trust (NBT) a ‘State’ under Article 12 of the Constitution on 6 November 2026.

• The Court upheld the 2012 Delhi High Court judgment recognising NBT as an instrumentality of the State.

• The bench comprised Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Augustine George Masih.

• The ruling was based on the Central Government’s deep and pervasive control over NBT’s administration, finances and governance.

• It enables the enforcement of Fundamental Rights against NBT, but does not make it a government department.

Semicon 2.0 Portal Launched, 12 New ECMS Projects Approved

• Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Semicon 2.0 portal, opening applications under three pillars: semiconductor machines and materials, fabrication facilities, and ATMP/OSAT.

• The Cabinet-approved Semicon 2.0 programme has a total outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore and six strategic pillars.

• The government approved 12 additional projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).

• These projects involve an investment of ₹7,503 crore, expected production of ₹39,045 crore and creation of 7,127 direct jobs across seven states.

• Key Fact: Total ECMS approvals have reached 118 applications, covering 34 products across 16 states, with projected investment of ₹77,051 crore.

VAJRA-SAT Exercise Strengthens India’s Preparedness for FMD SAT-1

• The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), in collaboration with ICAR-NIVEDI, Bengaluru, conducted the two-day national tabletop exercise VAJRA-SAT on 4–5 November 2026.

• The exercise focused on preparedness for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) serotype SAT-1.

• It was conducted under the theme “Detect Early, Confirm Fast, Contain Together.”

• A total of 83 participants from 25 States, three Union Territories and national institutions took part.

• Key Fact: Although SAT-1 has not been reported in India, its spread beyond Africa to parts of West Asia has prompted preventive preparedness.

Central Bureau of Narcotics Celebrates Its 77th Foundation Day

• The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) celebrated its 77th Foundation Day on 6 November 2026 at its headquarters in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

• Established on 6 November 1950, it functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

• Its responsibilities include regulating legal opium poppy cultivation and overseeing the import and export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

• It also combats illegal drug trafficking under the NDPS Act, 1985.

• Key Fact: Major initiatives include Operation Parivartan for eradicating illicit crops and Mission Yuva Raksha for drug-prevention awareness.

State News

Karnataka Names Malabar Tree Toad as State Amphibian

• Karnataka became the first Indian state to designate an official state amphibian, selecting the Malabar Tree Toad (Pedostibes tuberculosus).

• It is locally known as Malenadina Mara Gantikappe.

• The Forest, Ecology and Environment Department issued the declaration order on 27 October 2026.

• The species is endemic to the Western Ghats and inhabits moist evergreen forests.

• Key Fact: It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Chhattisgarh Plans Return of Blackbucks to Gomarda Sanctuary

• Chhattisgarh plans to reintroduce 50 blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) into Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary after more than five decades of local extinction.

• The animals will be translocated from Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary.

• A conservation programme launched in 2017–18 brought 77 blackbucks from Delhi’s National Zoological Park and Bilaspur’s Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden.

• The Barnawapara population subsequently increased to more than 150.

• Key Fact: The reintroduction aims to restore the locally extinct species, improve grassland biodiversity and strengthen habitat conservation.

Tamil Nadu Sanctions ₹1.3 Crore for Golden Jackal Conservation

• The Tamil Nadu government sanctioned ₹1.3 crore in November 2026 for conserving golden jackals (Canis aureus) and Indian Bengal foxes (Vulpes bengalensis).

• The initiative includes habitat assessment, threat monitoring, anti-poaching measures and community awareness.

• It also proposes establishing a captive-breeding centre at Salem Zoo.

• Golden jackals are medium-sized omnivorous canids found in grasslands, scrublands, river valleys and coastal areas.

• Key Fact: Golden jackals are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in India.

Amit Shah Inaugurates 1857 First War Martyrs Memorial in Ambala

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Martyrs’ Memorial of the First War of Independence of 1857 in Ambala, Haryana, on 5 November 2026.

• The memorial has been constructed across 22 acres at a cost of ₹594 crore.

• It features 22 galleries displaying historical records, traditional crafts and modern technologies such as virtual reality and holography.

• It honours freedom fighters including Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Saheb, Tatya Tope and Rao Tula Ram.

• Key Fact: The memorial’s open-air theatre has a seating capacity of 2,500 people.

International News

Stephen Miller Named White House Chief of Staff

• US President Donald Trump appointed Stephen Miller as the 33rd White House Chief of Staff, effective 9 November 2026.

• Miller, aged 41, previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Adviser.

• He is known for shaping Trump’s immigration agenda, including stricter border enforcement and mass deportation policies.

• He graduated from Duke University.

• Key Fact: Miller’s appointment followed the 2026 midterm elections, after which Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress.

India and EU Conclude Horizon Europe Association Negotiations

• India and the European Union (EU) concluded negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme.

• The announcement was made by the Department of Science and Technology on 7 November 2026.

• Horizon Europe is a €93.5 billion funding programme covering the period 2021–2027.

• India’s proposed association covers Pillar II, focusing on Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness.

• Key Fact: The association will enable Indian researchers, universities and industries to access research funding and undertake joint projects with European partners.

Business News

Noel Tata to Retire as Titan Company Vice-Chairman

• Noel N. Tata will retire as Director and Vice-Chairman of Titan Company Limited on 12 November 2026, after attaining 70 years of age.

• The company announced the decision through a stock exchange filing dated 5 November 2026.

• The retirement follows Tata Group Governance Guidelines, which prescribe 70 years as the retirement age for Non-Independent Non-Executive Directors.

• Noel Tata joined Titan’s board in 2003 and has been associated with the Tata Group for over four decades.

• Key Fact: Noel Tata also serves as the Chairman of Tata Trusts.

Bharti Airtel Regains Second Position Among India’s Valuable Companies

• Bharti Airtel regained its position as India’s second-most valuable company by market capitalisation on 6 November 2026, overtaking Jio Platforms.

• Airtel’s market capitalisation reached ₹13.15 lakh crore, compared with ₹12.95 lakh crore for Jio Platforms.

• Reliance Industries retained the top position with a market capitalisation of ₹17.86 lakh crore.

• Airtel shares gained 2.45% to close at ₹2,107.20.

• Key Fact: Airtel reported Q2 FY27 revenue of ₹60,878 crore, while its India mobile Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) increased to ₹271.

Awards News

Uttarakhand Police Receives President’s Colour as 16th State Force

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President’s Colour to Uttarakhand Police in Dehradun on 6 November 2026.

• Uttarakhand became the 16th state police force in India to receive this honour.

• The recognition acknowledges the force’s 25 years of service, discipline, professionalism and contribution to public safety.

• Its achievements include disaster-response operations, pilgrim safety, digital policing and border-area support.

• Key Fact: Uttarakhand Police recorded a score of 93.46 on the CCTNS/ICJS 2.0 Dashboard. Its motto is Karm Satyam Shauryam.

Defense News

India and Myanmar Conduct First Tri-Services HADR Exercise RAHAT MITRA

• India and Myanmar conducted their first bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, RAHAT MITRA, in Chennai on 5–6 November 2026.

• More than 300 personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force of both countries participated.

• The Indian Navy coordinated the exercise.

• It was conducted under the theme “Together for Humanity, Stronger through Partnership.”

• Key Fact: The exercise aims to strengthen disaster-response coordination and reflects India’s Neighbourhood First policy and MAHASAGAR vision.

Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 Concludes in Visakhapatnam

• The fifth edition of the India–US bilateral Tri-Service HADR Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 concluded in Visakhapatnam on 5 November 2026.

• The exercise was conducted from 31 October to 5 November 2026.

• It focused on improving interoperability and joint disaster-response capabilities, particularly combined amphibious operations.

• It comprised a Staff Exercise (STAFFEX) and a Tabletop Exercise (TTX).

• Key Fact: India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) participated in the exercise for the first time.

INS Amini Delivered to Indian Navy to Strengthen Coastal Defence

• The Indian Navy received INS Amini, an indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), from GRSE on 5 November 2026.

• The vessel was delivered at Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.

• It has over 80% indigenous content and is equipped with sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and waterjet propulsion.

• The vessel is named after Amini Island in Lakshadweep.

• Key Fact: INS Amini is the fifth of eight ASW shallow-water craft being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

Science & Tech News

New Flowering Plant Species Discovered in Assam and Meghalaya

• A new flowering plant species, Disporum kamakhasiense, was discovered in the forests of Assam and Meghalaya.

• The discovery was reported in the international botanical journal Novon.

• It belongs to the family Colchicaceae and genus Disporum.

• The perennial herb was recorded at Garbhanga Reserve Forest and Laisong in Assam, and Barapani in Meghalaya.

• Key Fact: The plant can grow up to 180 cm and is found in semi-evergreen forests at elevations of 200–1,100 metres.

Sports News

Mohammed Shami Retires from Test Cricket After 229 Wickets

• Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on 6 November 2026, ending a 13-year career.

• He made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 6 November 2013.

• He finished with 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71.

• His career included six five-wicket hauls, with best innings figures of 6/56.

• Key Fact: Shami will continue playing white-ball cricket, domestic competitions and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

73rd Senior National Kabaddi Championship Scheduled in Karnataka

• The 73rd Senior National Kabaddi Championship 2027 is scheduled to be held in Karnataka.

• The tournament is organised under the aegis of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI).

• It is expected to feature around 30 teams and more than 400 players.

• The reported venue is Sir M Vishveshvaraiah Stadium, Mandya.

• Key Fact: Indian Railways will enter as defending champions after defeating Maharashtra 49–31 in the 72nd edition held in Vadodara, Gujarat, in February 2026. The dates differ between the report (7–10 January) and AKFI calendar (15–18 January 2027).

India Wins Record Sixth Asian Champions Trophy Title, Beats Japan

• India defeated Japan 4–1 in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 final at Mohali, Punjab, on 5 November 2026.

• Japan took an early lead through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the third minute.

• India’s goals came from Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh and Sukhjeet Singh.

• India completed a hat-trick of consecutive titles after winning in 2023 and 2024 and remained unbeaten with seven victories.

• Key Fact: India secured its sixth Asian Champions Trophy title, while Harmanpreet Singh was named Player of the Tournament and top scorer with 10 goals.

Important Days News

National Cancer Awareness Day Observed Across India on 7 November

• National Cancer Awareness Day is observed in India every year on 7 November to promote cancer prevention, early detection and timely treatment.

• It was initiated in 2014 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under then Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

• The date coincides with the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, born on 7 November 1867.

• According to IARC’s GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, India recorded approximately 14.13 lakh new cancer cases and 9.17 lakh deaths.

• Key Fact: Population-based screening under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases targets oral, breast and cervical cancers among people aged 30 years and above.

Obituaries News

South African Media Pioneer Ramprakash Gopidayal Passes Away

• South African media personality Ramprakash Gopidayal, popularly known as Ramu, passed away on 5 November 2026, aged 70.

• He joined the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in 1980 as its first Indian-origin technician.

• In 1986, he launched Impressions, SABC’s first television programme dedicated to the Indian community, and served as its executive producer.

• He contributed to Radio Lotus by establishing the resident music band Kamal Sungeeth.

• Key Fact: He organised South Africa’s first Indian songwriting competition in five languages: Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati and Telugu.