COP31 Climate Change Conference begins in Antalya, Türkiye
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference COP31 began on 9 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, and is scheduled to continue until 20 November 2026. The conference is held at the Antalya EXPO Center under the UNFCCC. Türkiye holds the COP31 presidency, while Australia chairs the negotiations. The summit focuses on greenhouse gas emission reductions, climate finance, adaptation and international climate cooperation. The World Leaders' Summit is scheduled for 11–12 November 2026. Delegates will discuss finance for developing countries, technology transfer, and resilience-building in vulnerable regions. Observers note strategic alliances and pledges for stronger climate action.
COP31 began on 9 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.
Runs until 20 November 2026; Türkiye presides.
Australia chairs negotiations.
Focus areas include emissions cuts and climate finance.
State Bank of India expands presence in the United States
State Bank of India (California), a wholly owned subsidiary of SBI, inaugurated a new Frisco, North Dallas, Texas branch in November 2026. The branch was inaugurated by SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty and marked the subsidiary's first expansion outside California. With this addition, its branch network increased from seven to eight branches. The new facility offers retail banking, business banking, commercial loans and international remittance services, strengthening financial ties between India and the United States. Bank officials emphasized customer service and cross-border digital options to support Indian diaspora and U.S.-based businesses.
New Frisco, North Dallas branch opened in November 2026.
Inaugurated by SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty.
Network grows from seven to eight branches.
Offers retail, business banking, loans and remittance services.
Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on 6 November 2026, bringing down the curtain on a 13-year Test career. The 36-year-old fast bowler made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2013. He played 64 Test matches and took 229 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls. Known for his swing and seam, Shami played a key role in India's pace attack across home and overseas series. He finishes as India's sixth-highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in Tests. Shami's career included memorable moments against Australia and England, contributing to India's campaigns in many marquee series. He ends with respect for discipline and consistency, and he thanked teammates and fans.
Retirement announced on 6 November 2026.
Test debut against West Indies in 2013; 64 Tests, 229 wickets.
Six five-wicket hauls in Tests.
Noted for swing and seam bowling in India’s pace attack.
Ranks as India's sixth-highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers.
India wins 9th Hero Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Title
India defeated Japan 4–1 in the final of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026 held in Mohali on 5 November 2026. This is India's sixth overall title and third consecutive. Scorers were Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh and Sukhjeet Singh. The win also marked the international farewell of midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, making the triumph particularly memorable. Coaches and officials praised consistent defence and strong counter-attacks, noting contributions from younger forwards. The victory strengthens India's position in Asian hockey and provides inspiration for upcoming players across the country. Fans celebrated across Mohali with pride and relief.
Anuj Shrivatri became India's 100th Chess Grandmaster on 8 November 2026, after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in Ozamiz City, Philippines. He also became the first Chess Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh. His achievement marks a historic milestone in Indian chess, which began its Grandmaster journey with Viswanathan Anand in 1987. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shrivatri on this accomplishment. Shrivatri's rapid rise through state and national circuits, along with his study of openings and endgames, is celebrated as a milestone for Madhya Pradesh and Indian chess, which continues to grow in youth participation.
Became India's 100th Chess Grandmaster on 8 November 2026.
Won the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship.
Padma Bhushan Awardee Arpita Singh passes away at 89
Padma Bhushan Awardee Arpita Singh passed away on 9 November 2026 in New Delhi at the age of 89. A renowned Indian modernist painter, Singh was celebrated for figurative works that probe women's lives, social conflicts, violence and humanitarian concerns. Her art merged traditional Indian motifs with contemporary forms, creating a distinctive voice in post-independence Indian art. Over a career spanning several decades, she represented Indian modernism on national and international platforms, inspiring younger artists with her fearless imagery and quiet social critique. Singh received the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship in 2014 for her significant contributions.
Arpita Singh died on 9 November 2026 in New Delhi at age 89.
Renowned for figurative works exploring women's lives and social issues.
Art blended traditional Indian motifs with contemporary forms.
Padma Bhushan awarded in 2011; Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship in 2014.
Major figure in Indian modernism with national and international influence.
Swachh Survekshan 2025–26 Awards to be presented on 11 November 2026
President Droupadi Murmu will present the 10th Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025–26 on 11 November 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the awards recognise cities for achievements under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. The theme is Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath. The survey emphasises cleanliness, citizen participation, sanitation services and sustainable waste management. Municipal authorities across Indian cities have prepared updated plans to improve sanitation, solid waste collection and public engagement ahead of the awards. Officials stressed transparent reporting and citizen feedback as critical measures of progress for stakeholders.
Awards ceremony scheduled for 11 November 2026 in New Delhi.
Organised by MoHUA for Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.
Theme focuses on renewed civic participation and cleanliness.
Assessments cover cleanliness, sanitation and waste management.
Cities preparing plans with emphasis on transparency and feedback.
Manipur inaugurates Northeast India's first AI-enabled Career Intelligence Hub
Manipur became the first state in Northeast India to establish an AI-enabled Career Intelligence Hub, inaugurated on 7 November 2026 by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at Tamphasana Girls' Higher Secondary School, Imphal. Developed under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), the facility aims to provide students with AI-based career guidance, personalised counselling and information about emerging job opportunities. The hub will help learners map courses to careers, track industry demands and connect with mentors. Officials hope the project will boost local talent and reduce skill gaps in the region.
First AI-enabled Career Intelligence Hub in Northeast India.
Inaugurated on 7 November 2026 in Imphal, Manipur.
Developed under MPLADS funding.
Provides AI-based career guidance and counselling.
Aims to reduce regional skill gaps and boost local talent.
British author M. John Harrison won the 2026 Booker Prize on 9 November 2026 for his dystopian novel The End of Everything. At 81 years old, he became the oldest recipient in the prize's history. He received £50,000 for the work, which critics describe as blending science fiction and fantasy to explore social collapse and human survival in a post-catastrophe world. Harrison's win adds to a long career spanning decades of speculative fiction. The ceremony highlighted diverse voices in global fiction, reflecting the Booker Prize's ongoing influence in contemporary literature.
Winner announced on 9 November 2026.
Oldest Booker Prize winner at 81.
The End of Everything awarded £50,000.
Noted for blending science fiction and fantasy.
Ceremony highlighted diverse voices in global fiction.
Namo Yamuna River Safari was launched on 10 November 2026 at Sonia Vihar, Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The eco-friendly recreational cruise service operates along the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch, offering a six-kilometre round trip. The initiative aims to promote river tourism, sustainable water transport and recreational activities along the Yamuna. Officials highlighted environmental safeguards and community engagement to ensure the project benefits local residents. The launch aligns with Delhi's broader efforts to diversify tourism and improve urban mobility, with plans for future routes and night-time cruises.
Launch date: 10 November 2026 at Sonia Vihar, Delhi.
Six-kilometre round trip on Yamuna River safari.
Eco-friendly cruise with high tourism potential.
Officials emphasize environmental safeguards and local engagement.
Part of Delhi's broader tourism and mobility strategy.
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