Bay of Bengal nations launch ocean research network for fisheries management
India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives launched the Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR) to improve fisheries research and management. The network links ocean observations, climate data and fisheries information to understand changing fish populations across the region. It was announced during an international meeting hosted by ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), alongside a symposium on fisheries and remote sensing. The collaboration aims to integrate oceanography with fisheries science, enabling better advisory capacity for sustainable extraction and ecosystem health, while fostering regional scientific cooperation among Bay of Bengal nations.
BOB-NOR launched by four Bay of Bengal neighbours.
Aims: integrate oceanography, climate and fisheries data.
Platform for sustainable fisheries management in the region.
Jointly announced at ICAR-CMFRI event during a fisheries symposium.
Enhances regional scientific cooperation on marine resources.
India showcases energy sector capabilities at ADIPEC 2026
India presented its expanding oil and gas capabilities at ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi, highlighting deepwater exploration, clean energy, domestic manufacturing and international partnerships. Held from 2 to 5 November at the ADNEC Centre, the event gathered governments, national and international oil companies, technology providers and investors. The India Pavilion, organized by FIPI, CII and ICC, showcased upstream, midstream and downstream strengths, along with new energy technologies. Secretaries Neeraj Mittal and Deepak Mittal inaugurated sections. Two initiatives relevant to India’s participation include Samudra Manthan deepwater exploration and Waste-to-Wealth projects converting organic waste to compressed biogas. The aim is to attract FDI and position India as a manufacturing hub for energy sectors.
ADIPEC 2026 run dates: 2–5 November; location: Abu Dhabi.
India Pavilion highlights upstream, midstream, downstream capabilities.
Initiatives: Samudra Manthan and Waste-to-Wealth (CBG).
Delegations focus on investments, technology transfer and partnerships.
Event underscores Make in India in the energy sector.
NPCI forms NTSL; Vishal Kanvaty named CEO of new tech subsidiary
NPCI announced the formation of NPCI Tech Solutions Limited (NTSL), a wholly owned subsidiary focusing on technology and innovation. Vishal Kanvaty was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. NTSL will extend beyond core payments into artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital public infrastructure and Global Capability Centre services. It will support initiatives such as eKYC Setu and the Unified Ticketing Platform, in addition to other Digital Public Infrastructure programmes. Dilip Asbe, NPCI CEO, said the subsidiary would strengthen technology capabilities and leverage advances in AI. The creation of NTSL marks NPCI’s move to build dedicated tech capacity across digital financial services.
NTSL established as NPCI’s technology arm.
CEO: Vishal Kanvaty; focus areas include AI, blockchain, DPI.
Projects: eKYC Setu, Unified Ticketing Platform, other DPI programmes.
Strategic aim: expand technology capabilities and innovation.
NPCI leadership expects growth in digital infrastructure services.
India win pistol team gold and rifle silver at ISSF World Championships
At the ISSF World Championships, India won gold in the men’s 50m pistol team event and silver in the women’s 10m air rifle team event, raising their medal tally to three. The men’s team, Ravinder Singh, Saurabh Chaudhary and Amanpreet Singh, scored 1,659. In the women’s event, Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Uttam Maskar and Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar combined for 1,894.4. Ravinder also earned individual silver with 559, finishing two behind gold medallist Anton Aristarkhov (AIN). China led the table with five medals, including three golds. Ravinder’s 559 included 11 inner 10s; the women’s trio trailed China in the team event.
Tamil Nadu tops NITI Aayog’s India S&T Scoreboard in publications
Tamil Nadu has topped NITI Aayog’s India S&T Scoreboard for 2024-25 in research publications, with 44,611 papers. Uttar Pradesh follows with 29,298 and Maharashtra with 28,947. The scoreboard, released by NITI Aayog, aims to measure state-level science and technology performance and promote cooperative and competitive federalism. NITI Aayog vice chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri said the platform helps states identify strengths and gaps and design better programmes and policies in science and technology. NITI Aayog member (S&T) Abhay Karandikar emphasised that reliable, comparable evidence underpins sound policy, noting fragmentation of data across sources. The release underscores a push for stronger state-level S&T policy coordination and capacity building.
Tamil Nadu: 44,611 research publications (2024-25).
Uttar Pradesh: 29,298; Maharashtra: 28,947.
Scoreboard aims to map state strengths and gaps in S&T.
Emphasis on cooperative and competitive federalism.
Data reliability highlighted to improve policy design.
National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concludes in Ghaziabad
The National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concluded at the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) grounds in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. NDRF Director General Piyush Anand announced that the event, launched two years ago to strengthen SDRF capabilities, saw 19 teams participate. The competition tested response, decontamination, and hazard mitigation skills across chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenarios. The exercise aligns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directions to enhance training and preparedness of SDRF personnel. The event underscores India’s focus on disaster management, safety protocols and rapid mobilization in response to evolving hazards.
Event: National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 in Ghaziabad.
Participants: 19 teams; duration not specified.
Purpose: strengthen SDRF capabilities and readiness.
Leadership: DG Piyush Anand; directives from Amit Shah.
USS Warrior arrives in Chattogram for CARAT Bangladesh 2026
The US Navy mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM-10) arrived in Chattogram on 1 November 2026 to take part in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Bangladesh 2026 with the Bangladesh Navy. The exercise runs from 2 to 6 November. Acting US Mission Spokesperson Mara Bird confirmed the arrival and welcomed the ship and crew at Chattogram Port. The program demonstrates US commitment to regional maritime security and strengthens US-Bangladesh relations. Simultaneously, the US Air Force and Bangladesh Air Force commenced Exercise Cope South at Dhaka’s BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandker. The events highlight bilateral defence collaboration in South Asia.
USS Warrior (MCM-10) arrived in Chattogram on 1 November 2026.
CARAT Bangladesh 2026 runs 2–6 November.
Cooperation with Bangladesh Navy enhances regional maritime security.
Cope South exercises underway with USAF and BAF.
Events reflect broader US-India and regional security partnerships.
Nirmala Sitharaman releases ₹250 coin for Dikshitar anniversary
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a ₹250 commemorative coin on 3 November 2026 to mark the 250th birth anniversary of Carnatic composer Muthuswami Dikshitar. The event, held at Swatantrata Bhavan, IIT-BHU, Varanasi, saw the limited edition coin minted by the India Government Mint in Mumbai and offered for ₹6,985. The 35-gram coin comprises 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel and 5% zinc. Alongside the coin, Sitharaman unveiled Amara Guruguham Potruvam, a book detailing Dikshitar’s life, philosophy and musical contributions. Dikshitar is renowned as a member of the Carnatic Music Trinity, blending devotion, philosophy and classical music in Sanskrit compositions.
Coin denomination: ₹250; limited edition, not for general circulation.
Book launch: Amara Guruguham Potruvam on Dikshitar’s life and work.
Alexander: God, King, Man wins Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction
Edmund Richardson’s Alexander: God, King, Man won the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction on 4 November 2026, receiving £50,000 (about US$67,000). The London ceremony recognised Richardson, a Durham University classics professor, for decades of research into Alexander the Great’s life and translations from twelve languages. Chair Kirsty Lang praised the work as immersive and groundbreaking in archaeology and source analysis. The prize, first awarded in 1999, selected Richardson’s biography from over 350 entries, defeating five shortlisted books. Other contenders included London Falling, Baldwin: A Love Story, The Great Dictator, Days of Love and Rage, and The Traveler.
Baillie Gifford Prize 2026 winner: Alexander: God, King, Man by Edmund Richardson.
Prize: £50,000; ceremony in London; date 4 November 2026.
Richardson’s research spans 12 ancient languages and decades of study.
Judges described the work as immersive and novel in insight.
Competition included prominent nonfiction titles from diverse fields.
Tamil Nadu unveils Battery Energy Storage Systems policy 2026
Tamil Nadu announced the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Policy, 2026, on 3 November 2026 in Chennai. The policy, coordinated by Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited as the State Nodal Agency, targets 2.5 GW/10 GWh of storage across three years. It mandates storage for new solar or solar-hybrid projects of 1 MW or more at 10% of capacity, with four-hour discharge, and requires standalone storage of at least 10% of sanctioned capacity for new substations. Existing substations must add 5% by FY2028 and a further 5% by FY2029. Projects eligible for a 100% waiver of transmission and wheeling charges for 10 years if discharged energy is used within Tamil Nadu. Procurement plans include 2,500 MW/10,000 MWh in phase one.
Policy target: 2.5 GW/10 GWh storage in 3 years.
New solar/hybrid projects: 10% storage, 4-hour discharge.
Substation storage: 10% for new; 5% each by FY2028 and FY2029 for existing.
100% charges waiver for 10 years for eligible projects within TN.
TN Green Energy Corporation Limited to coordinate implementation.
India-Kazakhstan sign extradition treaty in renewed agreement
India and Kazakhstan signed an extradition treaty in early November 2026 to strengthen cooperation against international crime and terrorism. Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General Berik Assylov and India’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Y.K. Sailas Thangal signed the document. The treaty provides a framework for extraditing individuals sought for criminal prosecution or to serve court sentences, complementing existing mutual legal assistance and transfer of sentenced persons agreements. India’s Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved signing and ratification of extradition treaties with Kazakhstan on 26 August 2026. The 2009 treaty remains in force; the November 2026 development is described as renewed, with no further details.
Extradition treaty signed in early November 2026.
Framework for extradition for criminal prosecution or sentence service.
Coincides with renewed commitment; previous 2009 treaty exists.
Over 600 Indian companies operate in Kazakhstan; about 10,000 Indian students in 2025-26.