Current affairs 12 November 2026 — a verified daily brief for UPSC, RBI Grade B, SEBI, NABARD and related exams, covering October’s retail inflation at 6.09 per cent, the simplification of India’s visa regime from 13 to 9 main categories, the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s forthcoming visit to Manila for the ASEAN-India Summit, 22 bids for grid-scale battery cell capacity under the PLI ACC scheme, the 45th India International Trade Fair, the Air Force Commanders’ Conference and the coastal defence exercise Sea Vigil-26.
Current Affairs 12 November 2026
39 stories from 11–12 November 2026 for UPSC, RBI, SEBI, NABARD and EPFO aspirants: October's CPI inflation at 6.09 per cent, direct tax collections, the simplified visa regime, the Hon'ble Prime Minister's visit to Manila for the ASEAN-India Summit, the PLI battery-cell tender, IITF 2026, RBI's liquidity operations and money transfer directions, the Air Force Commanders' Conference, exercise Sea Vigil-26, India's CCPI ranking and India's run to the Under-19 Asia Cup final.
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Economy
6 storiesRetail inflation rises to 6.09 per cent in October, above the RBI's upper tolerance limit
Retail inflation based on the All India Consumer Price Index (base 2024=100) rose to 6.09 per cent in October 2026 from 5.54 per cent in September, according to provisional data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on 12 November 2026. Inflation was 6.63 per cent in rural areas and 5.41 per cent in urban areas, while food inflation measured by the Consumer Food Price Index climbed to 8.94 per cent from 7.74 per cent. Onion recorded the highest year-on-year price rise at 116.22 per cent, followed by garlic at 60.74 per cent, silver jewellery at 52.39 per cent and ginger at 48.32 per cent, whereas potato prices fell by 14.24 per cent. The reading is above the upper limit of the 2–6 per cent tolerance band around the 4 per cent inflation target set for the Reserve Bank of India, and Business Standard noted that it is the highest print since the new series with base year 2024 was introduced. The CPI for November 2026 is scheduled for release on 14 December 2026.
Net direct tax collections rise 11.76 per cent to ₹14.42 lakh crore till 10 November
Net direct tax collections for 2026-27 rose 11.76 per cent year-on-year to about ₹14.42 lakh crore between 1 April and 10 November 2026, according to Income Tax Department data released on 11 November and reported by DD News. Collections in the corresponding period of the previous year stood at ₹12.90 lakh crore. Net corporate tax grew about 18 per cent to ₹6.32 lakh crore, while net non-corporate tax, paid by individuals, firms and Hindu Undivided Families, rose about 5.3 per cent to around ₹7.56 lakh crore, The Economic Times reported. Refunds increased by about 26 per cent to ₹3.08 lakh crore, and gross collections before refunds rose about 14 per cent to ₹17.50 lakh crore. Securities Transaction Tax receipts went up about 52 per cent to ₹54,078 crore, and the net amount collected so far is roughly 53 per cent of the budgeted ₹26.97 lakh crore for the year.
22 bids received for 10 GWh of grid-scale battery cell capacity under the PLI ACC scheme
The Ministry of Heavy Industries said on 12 November 2026 that it has received 22 bids for 10 GWh of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) manufacturing capacity offered through a global tender on the Central Public Procurement Portal. This capacity is earmarked for Grid-Scale Stationary Storage applications and forms part of the overall 50 GWh target under the PLI Scheme 'National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage', approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2021 with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore. The request for proposal was floated on 15 July 2026, bids closed on 10 November and the technical bids were opened on 11 November in the presence of bidders. Selection will follow a two-stage Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method, and the bidders include firms such as Reliance Industries, Amara Raja, Exide Energy Solutions, JSW Neo Energy and Waaree Energy Storage Solutions. The Ministry said grid-scale storage capacity is needed to support the rapid growth of renewable energy and to strengthen energy security.
45th India International Trade Fair to be held at Bharat Mandapam from 14 to 27 November
The 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF), organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 14 to 27 November 2026 on the theme 'Vikas aur Virasat'. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal will inaugurate the fair on 13 November. More than 3,500 exhibitors will occupy 17 halls covering over 1,00,000 square metres, with participation from 32 States and Union Territories, 51 Central Ministries, departments, PSUs and public sector banks, and 11 countries. Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are the Partner States, while Assam, Delhi, Jharkhand and West Bengal are the Focus States. Around 600 start-ups will be showcased in the 'Hall of Inspiration', and the first five days will be business days, with the fair opening to the general public from 19 November.
31st CII Partnership Summit opens in Visakhapatnam; Andhra Pradesh announces 303 MoUs
The two-day 31st CII Partnership Summit opened in Visakhapatnam on 12 November 2026 on the theme 'Navigating the New World Order', and was inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu along with Union Ministers. Addressing the inaugural session, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal invited global investors to make India their preferred destination for manufacturing, research and development, global capability centres and emerging technologies, All India Radio reported. He said India has concluded nine free trade and preferential trade agreements in the last four to four-and-a-half years, covering 38 developed countries and markets representing about 60 trillion US dollars of global GDP. Chief Minister Shri Naidu announced that the State would sign 303 memoranda of understanding involving investments of ₹9.89 lakh crore, DD News reported. The Union Minister also highlighted Andhra Pradesh's opportunities in drones, space, green hydrogen, data centres and advanced technology.
Visakhapatnam Port gets a public promenade and new projects worth about ₹560 crore
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal dedicated a waterfront promenade at Visakhapatnam Port to the public on 11 November 2026 and laid foundation stones for four new projects, taking the port's package of new works to about ₹560 crore. The ₹19 crore promenade runs about 710 metres from the Venkateswara Temple to the International Cruise Terminal and gives residents a safe place to watch port operations for the first time. The new works include three contracts to operate and mechanise existing cargo berths, which are expected to employ about 500 local people, and the upgrade of the port's sewage treatment plant from 10 to 15 million litres a day under the Harit Sagar green port initiative. The port handled a record 91.17 million tonnes of cargo in 2025-26, about 10 per cent more than in the previous year. It is also shifting to a landlord-port model to reduce vessel turnaround time and logistics costs.
Banking & Markets
3 storiesSensex and Nifty gain for a third day; rupee closes at 94.04 per dollar
Benchmark equity indices ended marginally higher for the third consecutive session on 12 November 2026, with the BSE Sensex rising 31.61 points, or 0.04 per cent, to 81,911.01 and the NSE Nifty 50 gaining 44.30 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 25,299.35, DD News reported. Buying in financial and realty stocks offset profit-taking in IT, FMCG and automobile shares, while sustained foreign fund inflows and lower crude oil prices supported sentiment. The broader market outperformed, with the Nifty Smallcap 100 gaining more than 1 per cent and the Nifty Midcap 100 about 0.65 per cent. In the currency market, the rupee fell 33 paise to close at 94.04 against the US dollar, The Hindu reported. Investors were awaiting the October retail inflation data, which was released after market hours.
RBI absorbs ₹50,012 crore through an overnight VRRR; government announces a ₹25,000 crore bond switch
The Reserve Bank of India conducted an overnight Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility on 12 November 2026 for a notified amount of ₹50,000 crore. It received offers of ₹58,149 crore and accepted ₹50,012 crore at a cut-off rate of 5.49 per cent, with a weighted average rate of 5.47 per cent. A reverse repo auction absorbs surplus liquidity from the banking system, which helps keep short-term money market rates aligned with the policy corridor. The Government of India has also announced a conversion or switch of its securities worth ₹25,000 crore (face value) through an auction on 16 November 2026, replacing six securities maturing between 2027 and 2029 with longer-dated bonds maturing between 2034 and 2062. Separately, the RBI announced an underwriting auction for the sale of ₹34,000 crore of the 6.94% GS 2036 on 13 November.
RBI consolidates domestic money transfer rules into a single set of directions
The Reserve Bank of India has consolidated its instructions on domestic money transfers into a single set of directions, retaining the existing transaction limits and formalising safeguards for cash-based remittances, Business Standard reported on 11 November 2026. Walk-in customers at bank branches can transfer up to ₹50,000 in cash through the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system, while transfers through business correspondents, ATMs and other permitted channels are capped at ₹5,000 per transaction and ₹25,000 per month per remitter. Remitters must register using a verified mobile number and a self-certified officially valid document, and every transaction must be validated through an additional factor of authentication. Banks and non-banks must carry out velocity checks, alert customers about such credits and report suspicious transactions to the appropriate authorities. Complaints under these directions will fall under the RBI-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026, and the earlier circulars of 5 October 2011 and 24 July 2024 have been repealed.
Polity & Governance
3 storiesIndian visa regime simplified: main categories cut from 13 to 9 and sub-categories from 49 to 23
The Ministry of Home Affairs said on 11 November 2026 that the Indian visa regime has been rationalised, with the number of main visa categories reduced from 13 to 9 and sub-categories from 49 to 23 through a decision taken on 27 August 2026. This follows an earlier exercise in October 2025, when main categories were reduced from 22 to 13. The Tourist Visa has been renamed the Visitor Visa, with a 30-day multiple-entry V-1 visa for short visits and a V-2 visa valid for 1, 5 or 10 years, while students enrolled through the Study in India portal may receive an e-S1 visa for up to five years or the course duration. The number of fields in the application forms for all 23 sub-categories has been cut by 65–70 per cent, and the nine main categories are Business, Diplomatic, Work, Journalist, Medical, Official, Student, Visitor and Miscellaneous. The e-Visa facility is currently available to nationals of 172 countries, and the Ministry said visas will be granted under the new framework by the end of the year.
Hon'ble President interacts with meritorious students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools
Hon'ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu interacted with a group of meritorious students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 12 November 2026. The interaction was organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The Hon'ble President said the schools are providing quality education to tribal students and noted with happiness that the ratio of boys and girls in these schools is equal. She urged the students to aim high, pursue their dreams with dedication, discipline and self-confidence, and become job creators rather than only job seekers. She also advised them to stay informed about current affairs and to share information on public welfare schemes with their families and neighbours when they visit their villages.
Education Minister launches three digital initiatives of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
Union Minister of Education Shri Pralhad Joshi launched three digital initiatives of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) in New Delhi on 12 November 2026. They are the AI-integrated Vidya Samiksha Kendra with the 'Samiksha' AI bot, the KVS-Samvaad Parent Connect app and web portal, and the KVS Alumni Connect portal. The Vidya Samiksha Kendra provides real-time dashboards on attendance, academic performance, school infrastructure and admissions, and its AI bot identifies gaps and suggests interventions. The Samvaad app gives parents real-time attendance, syllabus progress, results and digital student identity cards, and allows online applications for certificates and student leave. The Minister described the initiatives as a step towards the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 and suggested extending them beyond KVS in collaboration with the Department of School Education and Literacy.
International Relations
5 storiesHon'ble Prime Minister to attend the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit in Manila from 16 to 18 November
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Manila in the Philippines from 16 to 18 November 2026 to attend the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on 12 November 2026. Secretary (East) Shri Rudrendra Tandon told the media that India regards its engagement with the ASEAN platform as a key building block of its Act East Policy, alongside active bilateral relations with all eleven ASEAN member States. The Prime Minister's programme will begin with a dinner hosted by the President of the Philippines, followed the next day by the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit, All India Radio reported. India's trade with the ASEAN region currently stands at about 122 billion US dollars. India engages with the grouping at several levels, including at the highest level of Heads of Government.
India and South Africa hold the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Pretoria
India and South Africa held the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Pretoria on 11 November 2026 and reviewed the entire range of their Strategic Partnership, All India Radio reported on 12 November. The talks were co-chaired by Shri Janesh Kain, Joint Secretary (East and Southern Africa) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Ambassador David Malcomson, Acting Deputy Director General of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The two sides discussed trade and investment, defence and security, development partnership, science and technology, education, counter-terrorism, cheetah conservation, culture and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including cooperation in multilateral forums. The year 2027 will mark the 30th anniversary of the India–South Africa Strategic Partnership, and the next round of consultations will be held in India.
India presents its approach to digital connectivity and cybersecurity at ITU PP-26 in Doha
Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani presented India's approach to digital connectivity, emerging technologies and cybersecurity at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Doha, the Ministry of Communications said on 11 November 2026. Noting that about 2.2 billion people worldwide are still offline, he highlighted India's investment of approximately 15 billion US dollars in BharatNet to extend broadband to rural areas. He also referred to the Samriddh Gram Centres, a WSIS Prize winner, along with India's work on affordable AI computing, AI models in Indian languages, quantum research and 100 5G use-case labs. Dr. Pemmasani called for developing countries to have a greater say in setting global technology standards and spectrum policies. On the sidelines, he met delegations from Malaysia, Iran and Uzbekistan to discuss cross-border cyber fraud, digital infrastructure security and quantum technology.
INSA endorses the G20 science academies' joint statement on technology for disaster resilience
The Indian National Science Academy (INSA), an institution of the Department of Science and Technology, has endorsed the Joint S20 Statement released by the science academies of G20 countries on 10 November 2026 under the leadership of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on 12 November. The statement highlights how governments can use advanced technologies such as Earth observation, remote sensing, early warning systems, digital twins, drones and artificial intelligence to improve preparedness for natural hazards and disasters. It identifies five areas for action, including better data collection and risk understanding, equitable access to data and technology, local capacity building, stronger human decision-making and governance, and international collaboration. The statement stresses that technology should enhance, rather than replace, human expertise. It will be presented to the G20 ahead of the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in Miami, Florida, in December 2026.
Indian Army War College delegation visits Indonesia's armed forces cooperation centre
A delegation from the 55th Army Higher Command Course of the Army War College visited the Indonesian National Armed Forces International Cooperation Centre in Jakarta, All India Radio reported on 12 November 2026. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on Indonesia's national defence and security strategy and discussed existing mechanisms and future areas of bilateral military cooperation. The Indian Embassy in Jakarta said the delegation was received by senior officers of the Indonesian Armed Forces. The visit follows the 12th edition of the India–Indonesia joint military exercise Garuda Shakti 2026, held at Banyuwangi in Indonesia from 27 October to 5 November. Such professional exchanges help the two maritime neighbours deepen defence ties under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Schemes & Missions
4 storiesOne Nation One Ration Card records over 233 crore portability transactions
A PIB backgrounder released on 12 November 2026 reviewed the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, launched in 2019 by the Department of Food and Public Distribution to make ration card entitlements under the National Food Security Act portable across the country. ONORC is now implemented in all 36 States and Union Territories, covers all beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and facilitates about 3.27 crore portability transactions every month. Since its launch, it has recorded over 233 crore inter-State and intra-State portability transactions and distributed more than 614 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains. Ration card databases covering about 78.65 crore beneficiaries are fully digitised, 98.8 per cent of the 20.51 crore ration cards are Aadhaar-seeded, and 99.8 per cent of the 5.51 lakh fair price shops use e-PoS devices. The Mera Ration mobile app, available in 13 languages, helps beneficiaries check entitlements and locate nearby fair price shops.
Villages without 4G connectivity fall by nearly 75 per cent in four years
The Department of Telecommunications said on 11 November 2026 that the number of villages without 4G connectivity has fallen by nearly 75 per cent, from 45,180 in 2022 to 11,372 in 2026. Its 4G Saturation Project was designed to provide 4G services to 24,680 previously unconnected villages, and private telecom operators have also extended rural coverage. BSNL has commissioned 18,291 sites under the project, which served up to 10,21,048 active users in a day in October 2026 and carried over 1.86 crore GB of data during the month. The Government has sanctioned an additional 26,000 mobile network sites for the next phase to close the remaining gaps. Difficult terrain, high infrastructure costs and scattered settlements remain the main challenges in connecting remote and tribal habitations.
Citizen feedback window on Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 extended to 30 November
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has extended the deadline for citizen feedback on the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0 portal to 30 November 2026, it said on 12 November. The feedback portal has been open since 26 January 2026 and lets citizens comment on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, water conservation and storage works reported under the initiative. As of 31 May 2026, more than 1.5 crore such structures had been reported across the country under JSJB 2.0. The campaign builds on the call given by the Prime Minister on 6 September 2024 at Surat to make water conservation a people's movement. Citizen inputs will help identify maintenance needs and support the verification of assets, since districts and States are recognised on the basis of reported works.
Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada observed from 1 to 15 November to speed up tribal welfare delivery
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is observing Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada across the country from 1 to 15 November 2026, culminating in Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on 15 November, the birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The Ministry described the fortnight as a time-bound drive to accelerate its flagship programmes, take benefits to tribal families at the last mile and raise awareness of entitlements. The Government designated 15 November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021, and earlier national celebrations were held at Ranchi (2021), Khunti (2022 and 2023), Jamui (2024) and Dediapada (2025). The 150th birth anniversary year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda was observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh in 2024-25 with more than 2 lakh activities and over 3.8 crore participants. Programmes such as PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan have gained momentum through these observances.
Health & Nutrition
1 story9th National Naturopathy Day to be observed on 18 November at Nagamangala
The Ministry of Ayush said on 12 November 2026 that the 9th National Naturopathy Day will be observed on 18 November 2026 at the Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN), Nagamangala, Karnataka, on the theme 'Prakrutik Chikitsa, Swasth Bharat'. This year's theme emphasises preventive and promotive healthcare through diet, physical activity, yoga and stress management, with a special focus on preventing obesity and lifestyle disorders. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav said the emphasis is on strengthening the scientific foundation of naturopathy through credible research and quality education. The Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) has 22 units across India, and 200-bed Yoga and Naturopathy hospitals are located at Jhajjar in Haryana and Nagamangala in Karnataka. The National Institute of Naturopathy in Pune runs the first Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences college set up under the Central Government.
Environment
3 storiesIndia ranked 28th in the Climate Change Performance Index
India has been ranked 28th in the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), which tracks the climate mitigation performance of 64 countries and the European Union, All India Radio reported on 12 November 2026. India retained an overall 'medium' rating, with medium scores for greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and climate policy and a 'high' rating for its renewable energy trend. The report noted India's progress in solar and wind energy, rooftop solar installations and electric vehicles. It also recorded that non-fossil sources accounted for 50 per cent of India's cumulative installed electricity capacity in June 2025, five years ahead of the 2030 target. At the same time, it pointed to gaps in transmission, distribution and energy storage and called for stronger targets and better implementation of climate policies.
Three Maharashtra beaches receive the Blue Flag certification for 2026-27
Ladghar and Guhagar beaches in Ratnagiri district and Shrivardhan beach in Raigad district have received the international Blue Flag certification for the 2026-27 season, the first time Maharashtra has secured recognition under the programme, All India Radio reported on 11 November 2026. The beaches met international standards on environmental education and management, cleanliness, water quality, biodiversity protection, safety and sustainable tourism. The Blue Flag season for the three beaches will begin on 15 November 2026, and the official flags are being brought from the Netherlands for a hoisting ceremony. Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Minister Smt. Pankaja Munde said the recognition would place the State on the global tourism map and support local employment. The Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
PPVFRA marks its 22nd Foundation Day and 25 years of the PPV&FR Act
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. P.K. Mishra addressed the 22nd Foundation Day of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPVFRA) and the Plant Genome Saviour Award ceremony in New Delhi on 12 November 2026. The occasion also marked 25 years of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001, which balances plant breeders' rights with the recognition of farmers as conservers, cultivators and developers of plant varieties. Dr. Mishra said nearly half of the varieties registered with PPVFRA are farmers' varieties and highlighted the benefit-sharing provisions and the National Gene Fund. He noted that India has 22 agro-biodiversity hotspots, that Koraput in Odisha was recognised by FAO in 2012 as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, and that the National Genebank at ICAR-NBPGR is the second largest in the world. He also said around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties have been developed under the National Agricultural Research System.
Science & Tech
1 storyTDB to support Astrome with ₹64.05 crore for an indigenous AI-enabled ELINT satellite constellation
The Technology Development Board (TDB) of the Department of Science and Technology has signed an agreement with Astrome Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, to provide ₹64.05 crore under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on 12 November 2026. The project, with a total cost of ₹128.11 crore, aims to develop a sovereign space-based Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) constellation for national security applications. It brings together an ELINT payload, AI-based ground processing software and inter-satellite communication links, using microsatellites in the 50 kg class. The programme seeks to take the technologies from Technology Readiness Level 4 to TRL-9, with support provided through Optionally Convertible Debt. The project falls under the deep technology sector, with space technology as its sub-sector.
Defence
6 storiesRaksha Mantri addresses the Air Force Commanders' Conference and launches IAF AI applications
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the Air Force Commanders' Conference in New Delhi on 12 November 2026 and called on the forces to strengthen both the offensive and defensive dimensions of the 'element of surprise'. He said contemporary conflicts are extending into non-contact domains with missiles, drones and advanced weapons, and urged the Indian Air Force to develop dedicated doctrines for electronic, cyber and space warfare. He launched a suite of Artificial Intelligence applications developed in-house by the IAF's AI Centre of Excellence under UDAAN (Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking) for operations, administration and aerospace safety. The Raksha Mantri also said the decision on a 'Second Tour of Duty' for Agniveers was taken on the basis of feedback from the Services. The two-day conference, attended by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit and all Commanders-in-Chief, has the theme 'The Year of Empowerment: Maximising Efficiency Through Decentralisation'.
Revamped Gallantry Awards portal launched
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth launched the revamped Gallantry Awards portal (gallantryawards.gov.in) in New Delhi on 12 November 2026. The portal honours the courage and sacrifices of gallantry awardees and aims to build an authentic digital repository on awards, awardees, wars and military operations since Independence. Its new features include sections on events, memorials and museums, Warpedia, Gallantrypedia articles and an interactive tribute section. The portal also hosts a dedicated space for the Veer Gatha project, which has grown from about 8 lakh students and 4,788 schools in its first edition to over 1.92 crore students and 1.9 lakh schools in its fifth edition. The fifth edition included 28,005 students from 91 CBSE-affiliated schools in 18 countries.
Fifth edition of the pan-India coastal defence exercise Sea Vigil-26 begins
The fifth edition of the pan-India coastal defence exercise 'Sea Vigil-26' is being held from 11 to 19 November 2026, with the Indian Navy as the coordinating agency, the Ministry of Defence said. The exercise has two phases: a Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation from 11 to 17 November, followed by a sea phase on 18 and 19 November. Sea Vigil was conceived in 2018 to validate the maritime security measures put in place after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It covers India's entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone and involves all coastal States and Union Territories, the Coast Guard, coastal security police, Customs and fishing communities. The exercise is also a build-up to the Navy's biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX).
Eighth India–Myanmar naval exercise IMNEX-26 under way at Visakhapatnam
The 8th edition of the India–Myanmar Naval Exercise (IMNEX-26) is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 10 to 14 November 2026, the Ministry of Defence said on 11 November. Myanmar Navy ship UMS King Sin Phyu Shin is taking part alongside INS Rana and INS Sumedha, and the opening ceremony was held on board INS Rana on 10 November. The harbour phase includes professional interactions, subject matter expert exchanges, cross-deck visits and sports, while the sea phase will feature coordinated operations and tactical manoeuvres. The exercise aims to improve interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies. It is aligned with India's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
India and Oman conclude the 15th edition of exercise Naseem Al Bahr
The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman concluded the 15th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr (Sea Breeze), the Ministry of Defence said on 11 November 2026. In the harbour phase, specialist teams exchanged experience on explosive ordnance disposal, mine countermeasure operations and hydrography. The sea phase saw INS Surat and the Omani vessel Al-Mu'azzar carry out joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills and cross-deck operations. The exercise is aimed at improving interoperability and professional cooperation between the two navies. It also reflects India's engagement with regional maritime partners under the MAHASAGAR vision.
INS Trishul concludes a port call at Safaga in Egypt
Indian Naval Ship Trishul concluded a port call at Safaga Naval Base in Egypt on 9 November 2026 as part of its operational deployment, the Ministry of Defence said on 11 November. The visit followed the 11th India–Egypt Joint Defence Committee meeting held in Cairo in April 2026, which reviewed cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed in September 2022. India and Egypt elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2023. During the visit, the ship's Commanding Officer called on the Commander of Egypt's Red Sea Naval Base, and the discussions covered maritime security in the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea. The crews also held reciprocal interactions and joint diving training.
Sports
3 storiesIndia beat Afghanistan to enter the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup
India defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets in the second semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup in Oman on 12 November 2026 to reach the final, All India Radio reported. Afghanistan chose to bat first and scored 227 for 8 in their 50 overs. Captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani scored 93 runs as India reached 230 for 2 in 36.5 overs. In the first semi-final on the same day, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets. India will face Pakistan in the final on Saturday, 14 November.
Boxers Gunjan and Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei reach finals at the Youth Olympic Games, Dakar
Indian boxers Gunjan and Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei have reached the finals of their events at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, All India Radio reported on 12 November 2026. Gunjan beat Great Britain's Lily Bassett 4-1 in the women's 48 kg semi-final and will face Algeria's Bouthaina Bensalah in the final. Meetei, the first Indian boxer to reach a final at these Games, won his men's 50 kg semi-final 5-0 against Izzon Jeffrey Galea Arevalo of Colombia and will meet Kristian Jubani of Ireland. Before these bouts, India had won nine medals at the Games, comprising three silver and six bronze, in wrestling, boxing and swimming. The Dakar Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event held in Africa, conclude on 13 November.
India to meet Bhutan in the SAFF Championship semi-final on 14 November
India finished at the top of Group B of the SAFF Championship 2026 with six points from two matches after beating Maldives 1-0 in Dhaka on 11 November, with Suhail Bhat scoring the winning goal, The Hindu's Sportstar reported. Pakistan also qualified from the group with three points. In Group A, hosts Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka 4-0, which settled the semi-final line-up. India will play Group A runners-up Bhutan in the semi-final on 14 November, while the second semi-final will be played between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The tournament is organised by the South Asian Football Federation.
Important Days
1 storyPublic Service Broadcasting Day observed on 12 November
Public Service Broadcasting Day was observed on 12 November 2026 to mark Mahatma Gandhi's first and only visit to the Broadcasting House of All India Radio in New Delhi on this day in 1947. On that occasion, Gandhiji addressed, through a special broadcast, people displaced during Partition who were staying at Kurukshetra. In 2000, the then Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Smt. Sushma Swaraj announced that 12 November would be observed every year as Public Service Broadcasting Day. Akashvani marks the day with special programmes, including bhajans dear to Gandhiji, All India Radio said. The day encourages broadcasters to carry Gandhian ideals of public service to every corner of the country.
Art & Culture
3 storiesNational Tribal Literary Festival held in New Delhi on 12 and 13 November
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is organising a two-day National Tribal Literary Festival on 12 and 13 November 2026 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi as part of the celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. The festival brings together tribal writers, poets, storytellers, linguists and scholars to celebrate indigenous languages, oral narratives and literary traditions. Sessions cover tribal folklore such as ritual songs, myths, folktales, riddles and proverbs, as well as oral epics and the role of oral traditions in multilingual education. The inaugural session was scheduled to be attended by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram and Minister of State Shri Durgadas Uikey, among others. The Ministry said several tribal languages face challenges of documentation and intergenerational transmission, which the festival seeks to address.
Bharat Parv 2026 at Ekta Nagar showcases the country's cultural diversity
Bharat Parv 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tourism with Gujarat Tourism and the support of States and Union Territories, is under way at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on the theme 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', the Ministry said on 11 November 2026. The festival was inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 30 October 2026 as part of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations and will continue till 15 November. Its Theme Pavilion features 29 States and Union Territories, Incredible India and the Central Cottage Industries. More than 100 One District One Product (ODOP) items are on display along with handicrafts, textiles, paintings and regional produce. Folk music, dance performances and regional cuisines from across the country are also part of the festival.
Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat records sales of ₹73.49 lakh
The Shilp Samagam Mela 2026, organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at Dilli Haat, INA, in New Delhi, recorded cumulative sales of about ₹73.49 lakh between 1 and 10 November 2026, the Ministry said on 11 November. The 15-day mela features more than 130 stalls showcasing traditional handicrafts, handloom products and indigenous creations across seven thematic zones. The participating bodies are the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) and the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC). Daily cultural performances, folk music and dances are also being held at the venue. The mela gives artisans from beneficiary communities direct access to buyers in the national capital.
Quick-revision MCQs
Ten questions drawn from today’s stories. Tap an option to check yourself.
Q1.What was the all-India CPI (base 2024=100) retail inflation rate for October 2026?
Answer: B. Rural inflation was 6.63% and urban 5.41%; food inflation (CFPI) rose to 8.94%.
Q2.After the latest rationalisation by MHA, how many main visa categories does India have?
Answer: C. Main categories were cut from 13 to 9 and sub-categories from 49 to 23; the Tourist Visa is now the Visitor Visa.
Q3.The 23rd ASEAN-India Summit, to be attended by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, will be held in
Answer: A. The visit from 16 to 18 November also includes the 21st East Asia Summit; India–ASEAN trade is about US$122 billion.
Q4.The 10 GWh capacity tendered under the PLI ACC scheme, which drew 22 bids, is earmarked for
Answer: D. The scheme approved in May 2021 has an outlay of ₹18,100 crore for 50 GWh of ACC capacity.
Q5.Exercise Sea Vigil was conceptualised in 2018 in the aftermath of
Answer: B. Sea Vigil-26, the fifth edition, runs from 11 to 19 November and is a build-up to TROPEX.
Q6.Public Service Broadcasting Day is observed on 12 November to mark
Answer: C. On 12 November 1947, Gandhiji addressed displaced people at Kurukshetra through a special broadcast.
Q7.Where will the 9th National Naturopathy Day be observed on 18 November 2026?
Answer: A. The theme is 'Prakrutik Chikitsa, Swasth Bharat'.
Q8.What is India's rank in the latest Climate Change Performance Index?
Answer: D. India retained an overall medium rating and a high rating for its renewable energy trend.
Q9.IMNEX-26, which is under way at Visakhapatnam, is a naval exercise between India and
Answer: B. It is the 8th edition; INS Rana and INS Sumedha are taking part with UMS King Sin Phyu Shin.
Q10.Under RBI's consolidated domestic money transfer directions, a walk-in customer at a bank branch can send up to how much cash through NEFT?
Answer: C. Transfers via business correspondents, ATMs and other channels are capped at ₹5,000 per transaction and ₹25,000 per month.
Key facts at a glance
The numbers and names most likely to turn up in Prelims, Phase 1 or a GA section.
| Topic | What to remember | Source, date |
|---|---|---|
| CPI inflation, Oct 2026 | 6.09% (rural 6.63%, urban 5.41%); food (CFPI) 8.94%; base 2024=100 | MoSPI, 12 Nov |
| Net direct tax (1 Apr–10 Nov) | ₹14.42 lakh crore (+11.76%); refunds ₹3.08 lakh crore; ~53% of ₹26.97 lakh crore target | Income Tax Dept, 11 Nov |
| PLI ACC (GSSS tranche) | 22 bids for 10 GWh; scheme outlay ₹18,100 crore for 50 GWh (May 2021); QCBS | MHI, 12 Nov |
| IITF 2026 | 45th edition; Bharat Mandapam; 14–27 Nov; theme Vikas aur Virasat; 3,500+ exhibitors | ITPO, 12 Nov |
| CII Partnership Summit | 31st edition, Visakhapatnam; 303 MoUs worth ₹9.89 lakh crore announced by AP | AIR, DD News, 12 Nov |
| Markets, 12 Nov | Sensex 81,911.01 (+31.61); Nifty 25,299.35 (+44.30); rupee 94.04/$ | DD News, The Hindu, 12 Nov |
| Overnight VRRR, 12 Nov | ₹50,012 crore accepted; cut-off 5.49%; WAR 5.47% | RBI, 12 Nov |
| Cash remittance via NEFT | Walk-in limit ₹50,000; BC/ATM ₹5,000 per txn, ₹25,000 per month | RBI, 11 Nov |
| Visa rationalisation | Main categories 13 → 9; sub-categories 49 → 23; form fields cut 65–70%; e-Visa for 172 countries | MHA, 11 Nov |
| ASEAN-India Summit | 23rd; Manila, 16–18 Nov; also 21st East Asia Summit; trade ~US$122 bn | MEA/AIR, 12 Nov |
| India–South Africa FOC | 12th round, Pretoria; 30 years of Strategic Partnership in 2027 | AIR, 12 Nov |
| ONORC | Launched 2019; all 36 States/UTs; 233 crore+ portability transactions; Mera Ration app in 13 languages | PIB, 12 Nov |
| 4G Saturation Project | Villages without 4G: 45,180 (2022) → 11,372 (2026); BSNL 18,291 sites; 26,000 more sanctioned | DoT, 11 Nov |
| National Naturopathy Day | 9th edition, 18 Nov, CRIYN Nagamangala; theme Prakrutik Chikitsa, Swasth Bharat | Ayush, 12 Nov |
| CCPI | India 28th of 64 countries + EU; overall medium; high on renewable energy trend | AIR, 12 Nov |
| Blue Flag (Maharashtra) | Ladghar, Guhagar (Ratnagiri), Shrivardhan (Raigad); first for the State | AIR, 11 Nov |
| PPVFRA | 22nd Foundation Day; 25 years of PPV&FR Act, 2001; National Genebank 2nd largest | PIB, 12 Nov |
| AI-ELINT constellation | TDB RDI Fund ₹64.05 crore to Astrome; project ₹128.11 crore; TRL-4 → TRL-9 | DST, 12 Nov |
| Air Force Commanders' Conference | Theme: Year of Empowerment; UDAAN AI apps launched | MoD, 12 Nov |
| Sea Vigil-26 | 5th edition, 11–19 Nov; conceived 2018 after 26/11; build-up to TROPEX | MoD, 11 Nov |
| IMNEX-26 | 8th India–Myanmar naval exercise; Visakhapatnam, 10–14 Nov; INS Rana, INS Sumedha | MoD, 11 Nov |
| Naseem Al Bahr | 15th edition, India–Oman; INS Surat and RNOV Al-Mu'azzar | MoD, 11 Nov |
| U-19 Asia Cup | India beat Afghanistan by 8 wickets; final vs Pakistan on 14 Nov | AIR, 12 Nov |
| Public Service Broadcasting Day | 12 Nov; Gandhiji's only visit to AIR Broadcasting House, 1947; declared in 2000 | AIR, 12 Nov |
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Reserve Bank of India, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, All India Radio, DD News, Business Standard, The Hindu, Sportstar and The Economic Times.
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