Four Countries Launch Bay of Bengal Network for Fisheries Research
Four Bay of Bengal littoral nations — India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives — jointly launched the Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR) in Kochi during November 2026. The network aims to strengthen regional cooperation in fisheries management by integrating ocean observations, climate research and shared scientific data. It will support joint research projects, harmonize data collection methods and build capacity among member institutions. By coordinating efforts on monitoring, forecasting and stock assessments, BOB-NOR seeks to promote sustainable fisheries and protect marine ecosystems amid climate-related shifts in fish stocks. Thailand was not among the founding countries.
BOB-NOR launched in Kochi in November 2026 by India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives
Aims to integrate ocean observations, climate research and data sharing
Supports joint research, standardized data practices and capacity building
Targets sustainable fisheries and resilient marine ecosystems
Tamil Nadu emerged as India's leading state in research publications, according to NITI Aayog's India Science and Technology Scoreboard for FY 2024–25. The state recorded 44,611 publications, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 29,298 and Maharashtra with 28,947. The data reflect Tamil Nadu's strong university sector, engineering institutes and government laboratories contributing to national science output. Analysts note the figures align with state investments in higher education and science infrastructure. The scoreboard underscores ongoing national emphasis on research, innovation and knowledge economics as drivers of development. Must-know: in the last 48 hours, Delhi experienced severe post-Diwali air pollution with GRAP measures discussed by authorities.
Tamil Nadu: 44,611 publications (FY 2024–25)
Second and third: Uttar Pradesh 29,298; Maharashtra 28,947
Indicators strong state-level research ecosystems
National focus on science output and innovation
Delhi post-Diwali air pollution highlighted as a must-know event
India won the gold medal in the men's 50m pistol team event at the 2026 ISSF World Championships in Doha, Qatar. The Indian trio — Ravinder Singh, Saurabh Chaudhary and Amanpreet Singh — posted a combined 1,659 points. China took silver with 1,648 points and South Korea bronze with 1,643 points. The victory underscores India's rising strength in international shooting and follows a strong season for Indian shooters. Coaches attributed the win to disciplined training, precision and teamwork, reflecting continued progress in the sport on the world stage.
India won gold in men’s 50m pistol team at 2026 ISSF Worlds
Tamil Nadu Wins 2nd National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026
The 2nd National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concluded at the National Disaster Response Force ground in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Nineteen State Disaster Response Force teams participated after zonal qualification. Tamil Nadu secured first position, followed by Uttarakhand and Bihar. The competition tested capabilities in handling Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear emergencies and reinforced disaster-response readiness across states. The event was initiated two years earlier under the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aiming to elevate overall preparedness and standardize response protocols for CBRN incidents.
2nd National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concluded in Ghaziabad
19 SDRF teams participated; Tamil Nadu won
Events test Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear response
Amit Shah directed the initiative two years earlier
Bangladesh and the United States conducted the bilateral naval exercise CARAT Bangladesh 2026 in Chattogram, Bangladesh, during November 2026. The United States Navy participated with the mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM-10) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security, interoperability in mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and other joint operations, and on strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations. Training scenarios emphasized information sharing, professional exchanges and disaster response coordination.
CARAT Bangladesh 2026 held in Chattogram
US Navy contributed USS Warrior (MCM-10) and P-8A Poseidon
Focus on maritime security, interoperability and mine countermeasures
British historian and Durham University Professor Edmund Richardson won the 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction for his book Alexander: God, King, Man. The award ceremony took place at BMA House in London in November 2026. Richardson spent more than a decade researching the life and legacy of Alexander the Great. The Baillie Gifford Prize recognises outstanding nonfiction writing and is among the world's most prestigious literary awards. The win highlights sustained scholarly work in ancient history and biographical studies.
Edmund Richardson winner of Baillie Gifford Prize 2026
Book: Alexander: God, King, Man
Ceremony held at BMA House, London
Prize honors long-form nonfiction scholarship
Celebrates achievements in ancient history studies
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a ₹250 commemorative coin in November 2026 to mark the 250th birth anniversary of Carnatic music composer Muthuswami Dikshitar. The ceremony took place at Swatantrata Bhawan, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, under the Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems at IIT-BHU. The coin honours Dikshitar's contributions to Indian classical music and cultural heritage. The release aligns with government efforts to promote traditional arts and revive classical music education through modern commemoratives.
₹250 commemorative coin issued in November 2026
Marking 250th birth anniversary of Dikshitar
Ceremony held at Swatantrata Bhawan, BHU, Varanasi
Under Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems (IIT-BHU)
India and Kazakhstan signed an extradition treaty in November 2026 to strengthen bilateral cooperation against international crime. The agreement establishes a legal framework for extraditing individuals wanted for criminal prosecution or serving court sentences. It complements existing arrangements on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the transfer of sentenced persons. The treaty reinforces legal cooperation between the two countries and aligns with broader regional and global efforts to combat cross-border crime. The pact will facilitate cooperation in policing, judiciary and related security matters.
Extradition treaty signed between India and Kazakhstan
Legal framework for extradition of criminals
Complements mutual legal assistance and transfer of sentenced persons
Strengthens bilateral law and security cooperation
Part of broader cross-border crime prevention efforts
+91-85588-96644
