Island fisheries at the centre of India’s Blue Economy push
India’s government is anchoring its blue economy strategy on island territories. Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are being positioned to lead growth in tuna, seaweed and ornamental fisheries. The government’s plans include modernising infrastructure, value addition, and enhanced export linkages under PMMSY, with Lakshadweep allocated ₹175 crore and Andaman & Nicobar Islands ₹218 crore. India’s coastline spans about 11,099 km and the EEZ covers nearly 24 lakh square kilometres, supporting an estimated 58.6 lakh metric tonnes of annual marine fisheries potential and tens of millions of livelihoods. The initiative aims to diversify the fishery sector, boost income, and strengthen sustainable practices in these strategic regions.
Strategic focus on island communities and sustainability.
IMD forecast: heavy rainfall likely across multiple Indian regions in coming days
IMD forecast released on 9 November 2026 indicates isolated to scattered rainfall across the northwestern Himalayan region, with Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad likely on 10–11 November and 14–15 November; Himachal Pradesh 10–15 November; Uttarakhand 9 November and 12–13 November. A Western Disturbance may bring gusty winds and thunderstorms in these areas. In the east, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are likely to see fairly widespread rainfall from 9–15 November, with heavier spells 10–14 November. The northeast could experience showers 9–12 November, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, with a potential heavy spell on 11 November. In the south, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal may receive rain on 9–10 and 15 November, while Kerala and Lakshadweep may see rain on 9 November.
Northwest: Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh rainfall on 10–11 and 14–15 Nov.
Himachal Pradesh: 10–15 Nov; Uttarakhand: 9 Nov and 12–13 Nov.
Vishal Kanvaty named MD & CEO of NPCI Tech Solutions Limited
On 4 November 2026, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) appointed Vishal Kanvaty as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of its newly formed wholly owned subsidiary, NPCI Tech Solutions Limited (NTSL). Previously, Kanvaty served as NPCI's Chief Technology Officer from April 2023. NTSL will concentrate on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital financial infrastructure and Global Capability Centre (GCC) services. The initiative aims to strengthen India's digital payment ecosystem and technological innovation. The appointment aligns with NPCI's strategy to build in-house capabilities and partnerships to support scalable payment solutions for a rapidly digitising economy.
Appointment date: 4 November 2026.
Kanvaty previously CTO since April 2023.
NTSL focuses on AI, blockchain and GCC services.
Aims to strengthen India's digital payments ecosystem.
Reflects NPCI's in-house capability development strategy.
Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu wins India's first Wushu medal at Youth Olympics 2026
On 3 November 2026, Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu, a 15-year-old athlete from Manipur, made history by winning India's first wushu medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. She secured bronze in the women's Changquan combined event with 18.039 points (Gunshu 8.723; Changquan 9.316). Egypt's Sondos Sonbol took gold, while Venezuela's Valeria Frannerys Dudamel Alvarado earned silver. The medal marked India's third at the Games and highlighted the growing strength of Indian athletes in martial arts. Her family celebrated the result as a milestone for Manipur's sports ecosystem and regional talent development policies, boosting future prospects.
Bronze in Changquan combined at Youth Olympics 2026.
Indian Navy hosts Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026
The Indian Navy organised the eighth edition of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2026 from 3 to 5 November 2026 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, in collaboration with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF). The conference, held under the theme Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, brought together representatives from 18 countries to discuss maritime security, ocean governance, emerging technologies, climate resilience and regional cooperation. Delegates examined collaborative opportunities in research, data-sharing and academic exchanges to strengthen India’s maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The event highlighted India's ongoing naval diplomacy and commitment to a secure, stable Indo-Pacific for trade and development.
IPRD 2026 held 3–5 November 2026.
Theme focused on science, technology and academic cooperation.
Delegates from 18 countries attended.
Discussions on maritime security and climate resilience.
Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football
On 5 November 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese football star, announced his retirement from international play after a 23-year international career. Ronaldo debuted for Portugal in August 2003 and played 234 matches, scoring 146 goals, a national record. He led Portugal to victory in UEFA Euro 2016 and won the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. He also became the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. Ronaldo stated he will continue his club career with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The decision ends a long international journey that saw Portugal achieve major success and Ronaldo become a global football icon.
Made international debut in August 2003.
Accumulated 234 caps and 146 goals for Portugal.
Led Portugal to Euro 2016 triumph.
Won Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
First player to score in six FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Will continue club career with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Nirmala Lakshman wins Sharjah International Non-Fiction Book Award 2026
On 4 November 2026, Indian author and journalist Nirmala Lakshman received the Sharjah Award for Best International Non-Fiction Book 2026 for her book The Tamils: A Portrait of a Community, at the Sharjah International Book Fair in the United Arab Emirates. Published by Aleph Book Company in January 2025, the work surveys Tamil history, literature, culture, religion, politics and social identity. The award carries a cash prize of AED 50,000 and recognises excellence in international non-fiction writing. The honour highlights the role of Indian authors on the global literary stage and reflects growing interest in South Asian narratives. The award emphasises cross-cultural dialogue and the importance of documenting diaspora and regional communities.
Award date: 4 November 2026.
Book: The Tamils: A Portrait of a Community; publisher Aleph Book Company.
Explores Tamil history, culture and social identity.
AED 50,000 cash prize.
Signals growing Indian presence in international non-fiction.