Current Affairs 13 November 2026

National & International Current Affairs

1. India and Myanmar Conduct First Tri-Services HADR Exercise ‘RAHAT MITRA’
India and Myanmar have conducted their first bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, named ‘RAHAT MITRA’, in Chennai. The two-day exercise was held on November 5 and 6, 2026, with participation from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, along with Myanmar’s defence forces. It aimed to improve coordination, strengthen cooperation and develop joint capabilities for responding to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.

Key Highlights:

• Exercise: RAHAT MITRA.
• Participating countries: India and Myanmar.
• Venue: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Duration: November 5–6, 2026.
• Type: Bilateral Tri-Services HADR Exercise.
• Theme: Together for Humanity, Stronger through Partnership.
• Objective: To improve interoperability and disaster response capabilities between the two countries.

2. Three Ancient Indian Manuscripts Added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
Three important Indian historical manuscripts, related to the Mahabharata, Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register for Asia and the Pacific. The recognition highlights India’s rich literary, historical and intellectual heritage. These manuscripts provide valuable insights into ancient Indian society, political administration, governance and historical traditions.

Key Highlights:

• Register: UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific.
• Newly included works: Mahabharata manuscript.
• Arthashastra by Kautilya.
• Rajatarangini by Kalhana.
• The inscriptions recognise the historical and cultural importance of these manuscripts.
• The initiative aims to preserve important documentary heritage for future generations.

3. COP31 Climate Conference Begins in Antalya, Türkiye
The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has commenced in Antalya, Türkiye. The conference brings together representatives from different countries to discuss global climate challenges, emission reduction targets, climate finance and strategies for strengthening climate resilience. It provides an international platform for reviewing progress and developing cooperation on climate-related issues.

Key Highlights:

• Event: 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31).
• Organising framework: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Host city: Antalya.
• Host country: Türkiye.
• Main focus: Climate change mitigation, adaptation and climate finance.
• Objective: Strengthen international cooperation to address climate change.

4. NPCI Establishes New Technology Subsidiary NTSL for AI and Blockchain
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has established a new wholly owned subsidiary named NPCI Tech Solutions Limited (NTSL). The company will serve as NPCI’s technology and innovation arm, focusing on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain and digital financial infrastructure. The move is expected to strengthen India’s digital payment ecosystem and support the development of advanced financial technology solutions.

Key Highlights:

• Organisation: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• New subsidiary: NPCI Tech Solutions Limited (NTSL).
• Ownership: Wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI.
• Key focus areas: Artificial Intelligence, blockchain and digital financial infrastructure.
• NTSL is the fourth wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI.
• Objective: Strengthen technological innovation and India’s digital financial ecosystem.

5. Nepal Celebrates Five-Day Festival of Tihar
The traditional five-day festival of Tihar has begun in Nepal. Also known as the festival of lights, Tihar is one of the country’s most important cultural and religious celebrations. The festival is associated with the worship of different animals, including crows, dogs and cows, along with Goddess Lakshmi. It celebrates the relationship between humans, animals and nature and promotes happiness, prosperity and family bonds.

Key Highlights:

• Festival: Tihar.
• Country: Nepal.
• Duration: Five days.
• Also known as: Festival of Lights.
• Major celebrations include the worship of crows, dogs, cows and Goddess Lakshmi.
• The festival reflects Nepal’s cultural traditions and religious beliefs.

6. Nithya Raman Wins Los Angeles Mayoral Election
Nithya Raman, an Indian-origin political leader whose family roots are in Kerala, has won the Los Angeles mayoral election in the United States. Her victory makes her the first South Asian to win the city’s mayoral election. Her campaign focused on major urban issues, including affordable housing, homelessness, public transportation and public safety. She is expected to take office in December 2026.

Key Highlights:

• Name: Nithya Raman.
• Country: United States.
• City: Los Angeles, California.
• Background: Indian origin, with roots in Kerala.
• Achievement: First South Asian to win the Los Angeles mayoral election.
• She defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.
• Key campaign issues: Housing affordability, homelessness and public safety.

7. Pedro Alliana Becomes President of Paraguay
Pedro Alliana has assumed office as the new President of Paraguay following the removal of former President Santiago Peña through an impeachment process. His appointment marks an important political development in the South American country. Alliana is expected to lead the government during a period of political and economic challenges.

Key Highlights:

• New President: Pedro Alliana.
• Country: Paraguay.
• Former President: Santiago Peña.
• Political development: Santiago Peña was removed following an impeachment process.
• Pedro Alliana assumed the presidency on November 6, 2026.
• Capital of Paraguay: Asunción.
• Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America.

8. Dr Devi Prasad Shetty Receives France’s National Order of Merit
Renowned Indian cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Prasad Shetty has been honoured with France’s prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit). The award recognises his contribution to supporting the French community in Bengaluru during the COVID-19 pandemic. His healthcare organisation provided assistance through vaccination initiatives and logistical support during the difficult period.

Key Highlights:

• Award: Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite.
• Awarding country: France.
• Recipient: Dr Devi Prasad Shetty.
• Profession: Cardiologist and cardiac surgeon.
• Founder and Chairman: Narayana Health.
• Reason for recognition: Support provided to the French community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The honour was presented in Bengaluru on November 5, 2026.

9. IAF’s IL-76MD Aircraft Creates High-Altitude Landing Record at Nyoma
The Indian Air Force’s IL-76MD heavy transport aircraft has successfully landed at the Nyoma airfield in Ladakh, marking a significant achievement in high-altitude aviation operations. Located at an elevation of approximately 13,629 feet, Nyoma is strategically important for India’s air operations in the region. The successful landing demonstrates the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force in challenging high-altitude conditions.

Key Highlights:

• Aircraft: IL-76MD.
• Force: Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Landing location: Nyoma Airfield.
• Location: Ladakh.
• Altitude: Approximately 13,629 feet.
• Achievement: Reported as the world’s highest-altitude landing by this category of heavy transport aircraft.
• Significance: Strengthens high-altitude air operations and logistical capabilities.

10. Lieutenant General Sushil Chander Mahant Appointed DG of Integrated Training
Lieutenant General Sushil Chander Mahant has taken charge as the Indian Army’s new Director General of Integrated Training (DGIT). He assumed the position on November 1, 2026, at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), New Delhi. His appointment is expected to contribute to the development of integrated military training and improve the professional preparedness of Army personnel.

Key Highlights:

• Officer: Lieutenant General Sushil Chander Mahant.
• New appointment: Director General of Integrated Training (DGIT).
• Organisation: Indian Army.
• Assumed charge: November 1, 2026.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• He brings more than 35 years of military service experience.

11. Four Countries Launch Bay of Bengal Fisheries Research Network (BOB-NOR)
India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives have jointly launched the Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR). The initiative aims to strengthen regional cooperation in marine research and improve fisheries management through scientific information and ocean observations. It will connect researchers, fisheries experts and scientific institutions to understand the impact of changing ocean conditions on marine resources.

Key Highlights:

• Initiative: Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR).
• Participating countries: India.
  Sri Lanka.
  Bangladesh.
  Maldives.
• Launch location: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala.
• Launch date: November 3, 2026.
• Objective: Promote marine research and sustainable fisheries management.
• Focus: Oceanographic observations, climate information and fisheries research.

12. Antarctic Ozone Hole Ranks Seventh Largest in 2026

According to NASA and NOAA observations, the ozone hole over Antarctica in 2026 was the seventh largest recorded during 48 years of monitoring. The unusually strong polar vortex contributed to the expansion of the ozone hole during the year. However, scientists have indicated that the long-term recovery of the ozone layer remains on track due to international efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances.

Key Highlights:

• Year: 2026.
• Region: Antarctica.
• Ranking: Seventh largest ozone hole in 48 years of monitoring.
• Average area during peak depletion season: Approximately 9.6 million square miles.
• Maximum recorded area: 10.5 million square miles on September 18, 2026.
• Organisations monitoring the ozone hole: NASA and NOAA.
• Main contributing factor: Strong Antarctic polar vortex.
• Important international agreement: Montreal Protocol (1987).

13. Blackbucks to Be Reintroduced into Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary
Chhattisgarh has initiated a wildlife conservation programme to restore the blackbuck population in Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary. Around 50 blackbucks are being relocated from Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary to Gomarda after nearly five decades. The initiative aims to restore the species’ presence in the sanctuary and strengthen biodiversity conservation in the region.

Key Highlights:

• State: Chhattisgarh.
• Species: Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra).
• Number of animals: Approximately 50.
• Source location: Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Destination: Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Significance: Reintroduction after nearly 50 years.
• Objective: Restore wildlife populations and improve biodiversity conservation.

14. Karnataka Declares Malabar Tree Toad as Its State Amphibian
The Karnataka government has officially declared the Malabar Tree Toad (Pedostibes tuberculosus) as the state’s official amphibian. The species is associated with the Western Ghats and is important for maintaining the ecological balance of forest ecosystems. Its declaration is expected to increase awareness about amphibian conservation and the protection of biodiversity in the region.

Key Highlights:

• State: Karnataka.
• Species: Malabar Tree Toad.
• Scientific name: Pedostibes tuberculosus.
• Status: Official State Amphibian of Karnataka.
• Habitat: Western Ghats.
• Conservation significance: Helps indicate the ecological health of evergreen forests.
• Karnataka became the first Indian state to officially declare a state amphibian.

15. Indian Navy Receives Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft ‘Amini’
The Indian Navy has received an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft named ‘Amini’ at Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu. The vessel has been designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Equipped with advanced sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes and indigenous rocket launchers, the vessel will strengthen the Navy’s ability to detect and respond to underwater threats in coastal waters.

Key Highlights:

• Vessel: Amini.
• Category: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).
• Delivered to: Indian Navy.
• Delivery date: November 5, 2026.
• Delivery location: Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.
• Shipbuilder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• Key equipment: Sonars, lightweight torpedoes and indigenous rocket launchers.
• Indigenous content: More than 80%.
• Named after: Amini Island in Lakshadweep.
• Objective: Strengthen India’s coastal defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.