BOB-NOR (Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries) was launched in November 2026 at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Kochi, Kerala. The initiative brings together India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives to strengthen regional cooperation in ocean research, fisheries management and climate change studies. Coordinated by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), the network aims to improve sustainable fisheries management through joint scientific research and regular ocean observations. Official communications identify 3 November 2026 as the launch date, though some documents mention 5 November. The network will support collaborative surveys, data sharing, and capacity building among member states to advance marine science and governance.
Members: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives.
Lead body: BOBP-IGO; co-ordination for regional ocean research.
Launch location: CMFRI, Kochi.
Official launch date: widely cited as 3 November 2026; some sources cite 5 November.
Activities: joint surveys, data sharing, capacity building.
France Re-elected as Co-President of International Solar Alliance
France was re-elected as Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in November 2026, while India retained its Presidency for a third consecutive term during the ninth ISA Assembly held in New Delhi. The ISA, launched by India and France in 2015 at COP21 in Paris, promotes global solar energy adoption. Its headquarters are in Gurugram, Haryana. The assembly emphasised expanding solar energy investment, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting sustainable energy development. This leadership arrangement positions France and India to drive regional and international solar initiatives, including projects across Africa and the Indo-Pacific. The event reflects India’s ongoing role in ISA policy and programme development.
ISA leadership: France Co-President; India Presidency continues.
Event: Ninth ISA Assembly, New Delhi, November 2026.
Origin: ISA founded in 2015 at COP21; headquarters in Gurugram.
Focus: expanding solar investment and cooperation.
Implication: joint influence on global solar projects.
New Flowering Plant Discovered in Assam and Meghalaya
Botanists described a new flowering plant species named Disporum kamakhasiense, found in Assam and Meghalaya during November 2026. The species belongs to the Colchicaceae family and grows up to 180 cm tall. It was discovered at Garbhanga Reserve Forest and Laisong in Assam, and Barapani in Meghalaya. The plant has yellowish-green leaves and white, star-shaped flowers. It typically grows on cliffs beneath bamboo forests at elevations between 200 and 1,100 metres. Researchers highlighted conservation concerns due to habitat destruction and its limited distribution. Experts call for monitoring and seed banking to safeguard the species.
Scientific name: Disporum kamakhasiense; family Colchicaceae.
Growth: up to 180 cm tall.
Locations: Garbhanga RF, Laisong (Assam) and Barapani (Meghalaya).
Habitat: cliffs under bamboo forests; 200–1,100 m elevation.
Conservation: habitat loss and restricted distribution require protection.
Ministry of Railways Wins PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026
On 5 November 2026, Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan presented the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026 to the Ministry of Railways during the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The ministry secured first place in the category 'Maximum Buildings Solarized by Central Ministries/Departments' under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Indian Railways has installed rooftop solar systems on 12,495 buildings, achieving a total capacity of 351 megawatts. The award recognises leadership in expanding solar power across central government offices, contributing to cleaner energy and energy security. The Railways plan to continue rolling out solar installations on its buildings nationwide.
Date and event: 5 November 2026, Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026, New Delhi.
Award: PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026, category for maximum solarized central buildings.
Railways solar footprint: 12,495 rooftops, 351 MW capacity.
Implication: recognition of government energy efficiency efforts.
Future: continued expansion of rooftop solar installations.
Bihar Becomes First State to Introduce Silt Management Policy
In 2026, Bihar became the first Indian state to introduce a comprehensive Silt Management Policy, announced by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The Bihar Water Sources Restoration and Silt Management Policy, 2026, aims to improve river water flow, reduce flood risks and promote scientific removal of accumulated silt. The excavated silt will be utilized in highway construction and other infrastructure projects. On 3 November 2026, the Bihar government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under the Nadi Sanjivani initiative. The initiative plans to use 243 lakh cubic metres of silt in 16 ongoing National Highway projects, promoting flood management and sustainable infrastructure development.
Policy name: Bihar Water Sources Restoration and Silt Management Policy, 2026.
MoU date: 3 November 2026 with MoRTH under Nadi Sanjivani.
Target: 243 lakh cubic metres of silt in 16 NH projects.
Purpose: improve river flow and flood mitigation; sustainable construction.
Status: first state-level policy on silt management in India.