Current affairs 14 November 2026 — a verified daily brief for UPSC, RBI Grade B, SEBI, NABARD and related exams, covering India’s record US$ 89.99 billion exports in October, forex reserves at US$ 719.55 billion and the September balance of payments data, the DPDP Consent Manager registration framework, the Swachh Shehar Jodi results, the India–Egypt Joint Trade Committee and the new Janakpur–Ayodhya train, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas projects, and the COSMOS-Mysuru planetarium and India’s Elettra 2.0 partnership.
Current Affairs 14 November 2026
36 stories from 13–14 November 2026 for UPSC, RBI, SEBI, NABARD and EPFO aspirants: record October exports, forex reserves and September BoP data, the RBI penalty on Mobikwik, the DPDP Consent Manager framework, Swachh Shehar Jodi results, the India–Egypt Joint Trade Committee, the Janakpur–Ayodhya train, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas projects, the Delhi-NCR air pollution review, COSMOS-Mysuru, Elettra 2.0, Children's Day and World Diabetes Day.
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Economy
4 storiesIndia's total exports touch a record US$ 89.99 billion in October; April–October exports up 16.66 per cent
India's total exports of goods and services in October 2026 are estimated at US$ 89.99 billion, 29.90 per cent higher than in October 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 13 November 2026. Merchandise exports rose to US$ 49.47 billion from US$ 34.11 billion a year earlier, while merchandise imports stood at US$ 89.35 billion and services exports are estimated at US$ 40.51 billion. Petroleum products (up 140.21 per cent), electronic goods (62.70 per cent), gems and jewellery (40.06 per cent), organic and inorganic chemicals (36.20 per cent) and engineering goods (36.01 per cent) were the main drivers of merchandise export growth in the month. For April–October 2026-27, total exports are estimated at US$ 568.84 billion, a growth of 16.66 per cent, against total imports of US$ 662.19 billion. The merchandise trade deficit for the seven months widened to US$ 218.15 billion from US$ 199.46 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurates the 45th IITF; says India is on track for a US$ 1 trillion export target
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 13 November 2026, and the fair began on 14 November on the theme 'Vikas aur Virasat'. Describing October's exports of nearly US$ 90 billion as an all-time high, he said India was well on track to achieve its US$ 1 trillion export target in the current year. The Minister expressed confidence that India's international trade would grow by 15 to 16 per cent this year, even though global trade growth is expected to remain around 3.5 per cent. He announced that the next phase of expansion of Bharat Mandapam would nearly double the exhibition space, and that the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) plans to take IITF abroad through sector-specific and multi-sector international fairs. This year's fair has over 3,500 exhibitors, participation from 11 countries and a 'Hall of Inspiration' showcasing 600 start-ups.
Domestic sugar quota fixed at 13 lakh tonnes for the second half of November
The Department of Food and Public Distribution has fixed the domestic sugar sale quota for the second fortnight of November 2026 at 13 lakh metric tonnes, All India Radio reported on 14 November. Over and above the allocated quota, sugar mills have been permitted to sell the sugar they produce up to 30 November. This facility applies to mills that began crushing operations in November as well as to those that had already started crushing in October. Mills that began crushing in October are already allowed to sell the sugar produced during that month in November. The fortnightly quota system allows the Centre to regulate the release of sugar into the domestic market.
31st CII Partnership Summit concludes; Hon'ble Vice-President highlights Andhra Pradesh's ₹22 lakh crore investment pipeline
The 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam concluded on 13 November 2026 with Hon'ble Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressing the valedictory session. He noted that Andhra Pradesh had attracted 714 investment projects worth over ₹22 lakh crore since June 2024 and said the State's vision of Swarna Andhra 2047 is aligned with the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. Referring to the summit theme 'Navigating the New World Order – Trade, Technology and Trust', he said India aspires not merely to participate in the emerging global economic order but to play a leading role in shaping it. At the summit, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari said better road infrastructure had helped bring logistics costs down from 16 per cent to nine per cent of GDP, All India Radio reported. He added that the 1,100-km Surat–Chennai Expressway, being built at a cost of ₹45,000 crore, would cut travel time between the two cities from 31 hours to 17 hours.
Banking & Markets
6 storiesForex reserves rise by US$ 2.49 billion to US$ 719.55 billion
India's foreign exchange reserves rose by US$ 2.49 billion to US$ 719.55 billion in the week ended 6 November 2026, according to the Reserve Bank of India's Weekly Statistical Supplement released on 13 November. Foreign currency assets, the largest component, increased by US$ 232 million to US$ 591.35 billion. Gold reserves rose by US$ 2.205 billion to US$ 104.80 billion, accounting for most of the week's increase. Special Drawing Rights went up by US$ 52 million to US$ 18.61 billion, and India's reserve position in the IMF rose by US$ 1 million to US$ 4.79 billion. In the previous week, the reserves had fallen by US$ 2.691 billion to US$ 717.056 billion, All India Radio reported.
RBI data: current account deficit at US$ 7.4 billion in September; overall BoP in surplus
Preliminary data released by the Reserve Bank of India on 13 November 2026 show that India's current account recorded a deficit of US$ 7.4 billion in September 2026, compared with US$ 5.2 billion in September 2025. The merchandise trade deficit narrowed to US$ 30.0 billion from US$ 33.4 billion, while net services receipts rose to US$ 19.2 billion. The capital account recorded net inflows of US$ 16.2 billion, helped by net banking capital of US$ 22.2 billion, even as net foreign portfolio investment showed an outflow of US$ 6.7 billion. The overall balance of payments was a surplus of US$ 8.8 billion in September, against a deficit of US$ 5.6 billion a year earlier. For April–September 2026, the current account deficit stood at US$ 25.8 billion and the overall balance showed a surplus of US$ 66.8 billion.
RBI imposes ₹9 lakh penalty on One Mobikwik Systems for PPI and fraud-reporting lapses
The Reserve Bank of India announced on 13 November 2026 that it has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹9 lakh on One Mobikwik Systems Limited for non-compliance with certain provisions of its directions on Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) and fraud reporting. The penalty was imposed by an order dated 6 November 2026 under Section 30(1) read with Section 26(6) of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. A statutory inspection covering the company's operations from June 2025 to March 2026 found that it had allowed certain PPI holders to transfer funds to non-pre-registered beneficiaries beyond the prescribed limit. The inspection also found that the company had failed to report certain frauds within the prescribed timeline. The RBI said the action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and does not pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement with customers.
Bank credit grows 19.5 per cent and deposits 16.9 per cent year-on-year as of 31 October
Data in the Reserve Bank of India's Weekly Statistical Supplement released on 13 November 2026 show that outstanding bank credit of scheduled commercial banks stood at about ₹231.82 lakh crore as on 31 October 2026, a year-on-year growth of 19.5 per cent. Aggregate deposits stood at about ₹282.51 lakh crore, growing 16.9 per cent over the year. Broad money (M3) grew 16.5 per cent year-on-year to about ₹337.68 lakh crore. Within M3, time deposits with banks grew 17.4 per cent, while currency with the public rose 14.7 per cent. The figures follow the revised definition of a fortnight under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, which now refers to the 15th and the last calendar day of a month.
Ten States to raise ₹23,300 crore via SDLs on 17 November; ₹23,000 crore T-bill auction on 18 November
The Reserve Bank of India announced on 13 November 2026 that ten State Governments will raise an aggregate of ₹23,300 crore through an auction of State Government Securities on 17 November. Maharashtra has the largest share at ₹8,000 crore across four securities, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal with ₹3,000 crore each. The RBI also notified an auction of Treasury Bills worth ₹23,000 crore on 18 November, comprising ₹8,000 crore each of 91-day and 182-day bills and ₹7,000 crore of 364-day bills. Retail investors can participate in both auctions on a non-competitive basis through the RBI Retail Direct portal. State Government securities qualify as eligible investments for banks' Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) requirement under Section 24 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Equity benchmarks post a third straight weekly gain; PSU bank stocks lead
Indian equity benchmarks gained for the third consecutive week in the week ended 13 November 2026, supported by foreign institutional investor inflows and better-than-expected corporate earnings, All India Radio reported. The Sensex rose 564 points, or 0.7 per cent, over the week, while the Nifty 50 gained 114 points. Broader markets outperformed, with the Nifty Midcap 100 rising 2.1 per cent and the Smallcap 100 surging 3.6 per cent. The Nifty PSU Bank index was the top sectoral performer with a gain of 7.5 per cent, whereas the Nifty IT index fell 3.2 per cent. The rupee depreciated by 34 paise during the week to settle at 94.25 against the US dollar.
Polity & Governance
4 storiesConsent Manager registration framework under the DPDP Act comes into effect
The registration framework for Consent Managers under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 came into effect on 13 November 2026, and MeitY Secretary Shri S. Krishnan launched an online portal of the Data Protection Board of India for eligible companies to apply. A Consent Manager is an entity registered with the Data Protection Board of India that enables Data Principals to give, manage, review and withdraw their consent through an accessible, transparent and interoperable platform. Companies incorporated in India with adequate technical, operational and financial capacity, including a net worth of not less than ₹2 crore, can seek registration. The Board will assess applications and publish the list of registered Consent Managers on its website. Other key provisions, covering the rights of Data Principals, the obligations of Data Fiduciaries and the Board's inquiry and penalty processes, are scheduled to come into effect on 13 May 2027.
Portal launched for the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2026
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) launched the web portal for the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2026 on 13 November 2026 to begin the registration process. This year there will be 16 awards across three categories: Holistic Development of Districts (five awards), the Aspirational Blocks Programme (five awards) and Innovations for Central Ministries, States, Union Territories and Districts (six awards). Nine schemes have been newly added to the Holistic Development of Districts category, including SBM (Urban) and AMRUT, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, PM SHRI and the National Mission on Natural Farming. The Aspirational Blocks category will cover 513 Aspirational Blocks across 331 districts, and the period of consideration is 1 April 2024 to 30 November 2026. Each award comprises a trophy, a scroll and an incentive of ₹20 lakh for the awarded district or organisation to use for public welfare projects.
Swachh Shehar Jodi results: Ahmedabad–Sanand ranked first
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced on 13 November 2026 the results of the Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) initiative under Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, the tenth edition of the urban cleanliness survey. Under SSJ, better-performing mentor cities are paired with mentee cities to share best practices on the principle of 'Each One – Teach One', and the pairs are ranked on their combined scores. Ahmedabad and Sanand were ranked first, Indore and Depalpur second, and Tirupati and Kuppam third. The survey assessed 4,751 urban local bodies across 176 sub-indicators in 10 sections, with over 3,000 trained assessors carrying out on-ground surveys supported by GPS-enabled monitoring. In all, 60 national awards were announced under seven categories, including clean cities, river-front towns, coastal towns and Himalayan cities.
DRI seizes 10.8 kg of amphetamine hidden in a postal parcel from Europe
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 10.8 kg of amphetamine concealed in a postal parcel that arrived at the Foreign Post Office, New Delhi, from a European country, the Ministry of Finance said on 14 November 2026. The parcel had been declared to contain clothes, and an initial check showed ordinary garments packed in a shipping carton. A closer examination revealed eight plastic pouches hidden in the carton, two on each of its four sides, containing a pink powdery substance that tested positive for amphetamine. The contraband was seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and investigations are under way to trace the wider network. The DRI said the case reflects heightened scrutiny of cross-border logistics to prevent the misuse of legitimate trade channels.
International Relations
4 storiesShri Piyush Goyal to co-chair the 7th India–Egypt Joint Trade Committee in Cairo
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal will visit Egypt on 15 and 16 November 2026, during which he will co-chair the 7th session of the India–Egypt Joint Trade Committee (JTC) in Cairo with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade. The JTC has been elevated to the ministerial level and is expected to discuss market access, non-tariff barriers, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, fertilisers, renewable energy, green hydrogen and logistics, among other areas. Bilateral merchandise trade in April–September 2026 stood at US$ 5.04 billion, a growth of 64 per cent over the same period of the previous year. A business delegation of over 130 CEOs and senior industry representatives will take part in the India–Egypt Joint Business Council meeting and Business Forum. The programme also includes meetings with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Egypt–India Startups Forum, and cooperation in the Suez Canal Economic Zone is expected to be discussed.
7th India–Indonesia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism meets in New Delhi
The 7th meeting of the India–Indonesia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was held in New Delhi on 12 November 2026, All India Radio reported. It was co-chaired by Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary (Counter Terrorism) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Mr. Dionnisius Elvan Swasono, Deputy for International Cooperation at Indonesia's National Counter Terrorism Agency. Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for decisive and concerted international efforts to combat it in a comprehensive and sustained manner. They discussed threat assessments, countering radicalisation and violent extremism, combating the financing of terrorism and the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. The two countries reaffirmed their cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN, ASEAN, BRICS and FATF, and agreed to hold the next meeting in Jakarta.
India is Country Guest of Honour at the UAE's National Festival of Tolerance and Coexistence
India is participating as the Country Guest of Honour at the 8th edition of the UAE's National Festival of Tolerance and Coexistence, which opened at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi on 13 November 2026, All India Radio reported. The three-day festival, held from 13 to 15 November on the theme 'Growing in Unity', brings together more than 22 countries and marks the International Day for Tolerance. It was inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, the UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who spoke of India–UAE ties rooted in centuries of trade and cultural exchange and of the Indian community's contribution to the UAE. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Deepak Mittal, said the designation reflected the special place India holds among the people of the UAE. An India Pavilion displays traditional crafts, jewellery and paintings, and the Indian cultural programme opened with a dance performance on the Koli fishing community of Mumbai.
Weekly train approved between Janakpur Dham in Nepal and Ayodhya
Indian Railways has approved a new weekly train service between Janakpur Dham in Nepal and Ayodhya Cantonment in Uttar Pradesh, the Ministry of Railways announced on 14 November 2026. The route of about 604 km links two places closely associated with the Ramayana tradition: Janakpur Dham, revered as the birthplace of Mata Sita, and Ayodhya, the birthplace of Prabhu Shri Ram. The train will have commercial stoppages at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham. It will originate on Saturdays from Janakpur Dham and on Mondays from Ayodhya Cantonment. The service is expected to ease cross-border travel for pilgrims, tourists and traders, support tourism circuits linked to the Ramayana and strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Nepal.
Schemes & Missions
4 storiesHon'ble Prime Minister to launch ₹3,000 crore tribal projects on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate via video conferencing in the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme at Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, on 15 November 2026, which marks the 151st birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of 246 projects worth around ₹3,000 crore aimed at education, healthcare, livelihoods and community infrastructure for tribal communities. The 173 projects to be inaugurated include 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), 100 Multi-Purpose Centres under PM-JANMAN, the Tribal Research Institute building at Itanagar and the Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Aizawl. The museum is named after Ropuiliani, a nineteenth-century Mizo chieftainess who resisted British colonial rule. He will also lay the foundation stones of 19 new EMRS and 12 Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres, and the event will mark the end of the Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada observed from 1 to 15 November.
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission: 4,172 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras sanctioned
A PIB backgrounder released on 14 November 2026 explained the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM), launched in 2021-22 to help tribal forest gatherers earn more from Minor Forest Produce (MFP), which provides 20 to 40 per cent of the annual income of many tribal families. Under the mission, tribal gatherers are organised into self-help groups, and 15 such groups of about 300 members form one Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK), with at least 60 per cent of members drawn from Scheduled Tribe communities. As on 31 July 2026, 4,172 VDVKs had been sanctioned and 2,911 were functional, with reported sales of around ₹168 crore and 12.48 lakh tribal members linked to them. Minimum Support Price has been notified for 87 MFP items, and TRIFED procures produce at these prices through State implementing agencies. Since 2013-14, States have procured 2,67,954 metric tonnes of MFP worth ₹693.98 crore under the scheme.
NRIDA wins the IRC's award for innovative use of steel slag in PMGSY roads
The National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) under the Ministry of Rural Development has been selected for the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) medal for Innovative Technology in Roads for 2025, the Ministry announced on 13 November 2026. The award recognises the use of steel slag, an industrial waste, as a construction material for rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The nominated project covers 381.57 km of PMGSY-III road works in Jharkhand sanctioned in 2022-23, where the use of steel slag cut overall construction costs by 26 per cent. The award will be presented at the IRC's 85th Annual Session in Hyderabad on 19 November 2026. The Ministry and NRIDA have so far sanctioned 1,81,923 km of road works using sustainable technologies, of which 1,39,901 km have been completed.
Rajasthan announces a ₹9,321 crore drought relief package
The Government of Rajasthan has announced a special relief package of ₹9,321 crore for drought-affected areas of the State, All India Radio reported on 14 November 2026. Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma reviewed relief measures at a meeting in Jaipur and directed officials to ensure adequate drinking water, irrigation and fodder for farmers and livestock. He also asked the authorities to open fodder depots where needed, provide rural employment through government schemes and assess damage to Kharif crops through surveys. In all, 87 tehsils across 15 districts of the State have been declared drought-affected. Of these, 73 tehsils fall in the severe category and 14 are moderately affected.
Health & Nutrition
2 storiesHealth Ministry's 'Yuva Bharat, Swasth Bharat' pavilion opens at IITF 2026
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is showcasing its flagship programmes through a Health Pavilion at the 45th India International Trade Fair, which was inaugurated on 14 November 2026 by Dr. M. Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog. The pavilion's theme is 'Yuva Bharat, Swasth Bharat', with a focus on preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles and youth participation. It brings together 24 national health programmes and organisations through 39 stalls spread over 989 square metres in Hall No. 4 of Bharat Mandapam. Initiatives on display include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY, eSanjeevani, the Universal Immunisation Programme, TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Tele-MANAS. Visitors can also take part in live CPR demonstrations, health talks, street plays and quizzes, while Dr. Srinivas stressed early detection and lifestyle changes to tackle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
Army Hospital (R&R) performs Deep Brain Stimulation surgery on a soldier with young-onset Parkinson's
Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi, has successfully performed Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery on a 33-year-old serving soldier suffering from young-onset Parkinson's disease, All India Radio reported on 13 November 2026, citing the Ministry of Defence. The disease had severely affected the soldier's functional capability. DBS is an advanced neurosurgical procedure in which electrodes implanted in specific areas of the brain deliver controlled electrical impulses to reduce movement-related symptoms. The Ministry said the procedure offers renewed hope of better motor control, independence and quality of life for the patient. It added that the surgery reflects the expertise and multidisciplinary teamwork of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Environment
1 storyEnvironment Minister orders sealing of 191 polluting units in a Delhi-NCR air pollution review
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav chaired a review on 14 November 2026 of measures taken by Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR, and directed agencies to move beyond planning to strict, time-bound enforcement. He directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to immediately seal 191 identified non-conforming polluting industries that had not even ordered air pollution control devices. States were told to install ANPR cameras, failing which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) would initiate prosecution against delinquent transport officials after 30 November 2026. The review noted that only 3,221 km of the targeted 5,480 km of roads had been redeveloped, that action was needed at 233 congestion points, and that dust-generating construction and demolition activities are restricted across NCR from 5 to 20 November 2026. The Minister also called for faster implementation of the PARIVARTAN scheme to replace pre-BS-VI trucks and buses with BS-VI, CNG and electric vehicles by 2028.
Science & Tech
2 storiesHon'ble Prime Minister inaugurates COSMOS-Mysuru, India's first LED dome planetarium
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium, India's first LED dome planetarium, in Mysuru, Karnataka, on 13 November 2026. He congratulated the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the University of Mysore and others associated with its construction, and recalled the contributions of ancient Indian astronomers such as Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Bhaskaracharya and Nilakantha Somayaji. Referring to the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics held in Vietnam this year, he said four of the five Indian participants won gold medals and one won silver. He highlighted milestones such as Chandrayaan-3's landing near the Moon's south pole, the Aditya-L1 solar observatory and India becoming the fourth country to demonstrate docking and undocking in space. He also said that over one crore students have benefited from more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, and referred to One Nation One Subscription and the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme.
India commits over 7 million euros as co-partner in Italy's Elettra 2.0 synchrotron programme
India will participate as a co-partner in the redevelopment of research beamlines at Italy's Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste under the Elettra 2.0 programme, with an investment commitment of more than 7 million euros over five years from 2026-27. The announcement was made by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh during his visit to the facility on 13 November 2026. Indian scientists have used Elettra since 1998, and India is now its second-largest user after Italy, with more than 1,100 experimental proposals submitted by Indian groups. Under Elettra 2.0, the India-centric XRD2 and Xpress beamlines will be replaced by a microfocus beamline for macromolecular crystallography (micro-XRD) and a high-pressure diffraction beamline (Xpress Superbend). The Department of Science and Technology had earlier contributed about ₹22 crore to the two existing beamlines, which were inaugurated in October 2016.
Defence
2 storiesINS Sahyadri leaves Yokosuka after Exercise MALABAR 2026
The indigenous guided missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri departed Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on 12 November 2026 after the conclusion of Exercise MALABAR 2026, the Ministry of Defence said on 13 November. The exercise brought together the navies of India, Japan, the United States and Australia in a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase. The Sea Phase included anti-submarine warfare, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills, maritime interdiction operations, gunnery exercises, replenishment approaches and cross-deck landings. The Harbour Phase featured operational synchronisation, cross-deck visits, and sporting and cultural engagements. The Ministry said the exercise reaffirmed the shared commitment to maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, in line with India's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
3,358 trainees, including 2,756 Agniveers, pass out from INS Chilka
The Passing Out Parade of Batch 02/26 was held at INS Chilka in Odisha on 13 November 2026, marking the completion of ab initio training of 3,358 trainees. The batch comprised 2,756 Agniveers, including 142 women Agniveers, along with 286 Medical Assistants of the Indian Navy and 316 Naviks of the Indian Coast Guard. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan was the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. Deeksha received the Rolling Trophy for the Best Woman Trainee in the overall order of merit, while Marakkar Division won the Overall Championship Trophy. The trainees will now join the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
Sports
2 storiesNew Zealand beat India by 244 runs in the fourth ODI at Mount Maunganui
New Zealand beat India by 244 runs in the fourth One Day International at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on 13 November 2026, The Hindu reported. Opener Will Young scored 125 as New Zealand made 333 after India chose to field. Fast bowler Matt Henry then took six wickets for 27 runs, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and captain Shreyas Iyer for ducks in the first over of the chase. India were bowled out for 89 in 26.4 overs, with Ishan Kishan the top scorer on 27. India still lead the five-match series 2-1, as the third match was abandoned due to rain, with one match left to play.
Lakshya Sen enters the men's singles final of the Kumamoto Masters Japan
India's Lakshya Sen reached the men's singles final of the Kumamoto Masters Japan badminton tournament on 14 November 2026, All India Radio reported. The 25-year-old defeated sixth-seeded Alwi Farhan of Indonesia 21-12, 15-21, 21-11 in the semi-final. Sen won the opening game comfortably before Farhan levelled the match by taking the second. The Indian shuttler then dominated the deciding game to seal his place in the title clash. He will face Japan's Koki Watanabe in the final on 15 November.
Important Days
2 storiesChildren's Day observed on the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Children's Day was observed across India on 14 November 2026, the birth anniversary of the country's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was born on this day in 1889 at Anand Bhawan in Prayagraj. Hon'ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu interacted with students, teachers and parents from various schools and organisations at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion. She said children are the future of the nation and stressed the importance of nurturing them into confident and responsible citizens. Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh paid tributes to Pandit Nehru on his birth anniversary, All India Radio reported. Pandit Nehru's affection for children is the reason his birthday is celebrated as Children's Day in India.
World Diabetes Day 2026 observed on the theme 'Early Action on Diabetes'
World Diabetes Day was observed on 14 November 2026 to raise awareness about early diagnosis, timely intervention and equitable access to quality care, with the theme 'Early Action on Diabetes', All India Radio reported. Common warning signs of the disease include increased thirst, frequent urination, persistent tiredness and blurred vision. Type 1 diabetes often develops rapidly, whereas Type 2 diabetes usually progresses gradually and may remain undiagnosed for years because its symptoms can be mild or absent. The risk of Type 2 diabetes can be reduced through regular physical activity, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. The World Health Organization has set a target, supported by its Member States, that at least 80 per cent of people living with diabetes should be diagnosed by 2030.
Art & Culture
3 storiesMinistry of Culture convenes 'Creative India: Collective Possibilities' on the creative economy
The Ministry of Culture organised 'Creative India: Collective Possibilities', a conference on collaborative models for India's creative economy, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 13 November 2026. It was inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who said India's creative power is its real strength and called for connecting talent with opportunity. Officials described the Ministry's 43 organisations, including more than 3,600 protected monuments, museums, archives, Akademis and Zonal Cultural Centres, as the public infrastructure of the creative economy, and said a Creative Economy Division has been set up to build partnerships. The National Culture Fund has completed 66 projects with 39 partners since 1996, while the Adopt a Heritage programme engages partners at 66 monuments. Sessions covered investing in culture, culture-led spaces, culturepreneurs, and technology and communication, and a new MoU with Google Arts & Culture was also highlighted.
National Tribal Cultural Festival 'Bhagwan Birsa Kala Sangam 2.0' begins in Gadchiroli
The second National Tribal Cultural Festival, 'Bhagwan Birsa Kala Sangam 2.0', began in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, on 14 November 2026 to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, All India Radio reported. It is being organised by the Tribal Development Department of the Government of Maharashtra. Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram attended the inaugural function as Chief Guest, and State Tribal Development Minister Dr. Ashok Uike inaugurated the programme. The festival showcases traditional dances, folk songs, music, handicrafts, paintings and digital art, along with exhibitions and plays depicting the valour of tribal heroes. It provides a national platform for tribal artists, students and young performers ahead of the main Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebration in Gadchiroli on 15 November.
India Post and Travancore Devaswom Board tie up for doorstep delivery of Sabarimala prasadam
India Post has entered into an agreement with the Travancore Devaswom Board to set up a round-the-clock 'Swami Prasadam' booking counter at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, All India Radio reported on 14 November 2026. Devotees can book the prasadam, including Aravana Payasam, at Sannidhanam and have it delivered to their homes through the Speed Post parcel service. The counter will function alongside the Devaswom's Aravana and Appam counters. Devotees can also book and send Swami Prasadam to destinations across the country through any post office. The temple opens on 16 November for the annual pilgrimage season, and the facility is expected to ease the difficulties caused by the heavy rush.
Quick-revision MCQs
Ten questions drawn from today’s stories. Tap an option to check yourself.
Q1.India's total exports (merchandise and services) in October 2026 are estimated at about
Answer: C. Exports grew 29.90% over October 2025; merchandise exports were US$ 49.47 billion.
Q2.As of 6 November 2026, India's foreign exchange reserves stood at about
Answer: B. Reserves rose US$ 2.49 billion in the week, led by a US$ 2.205 billion rise in gold reserves.
Q3.Under the DPDP framework, the minimum net worth required to register as a Consent Manager is
Answer: D. Registration opened on 13 November 2026 on the Data Protection Board of India's portal.
Q4.Which pair was ranked first in the Swachh Shehar Jodi results of Swachh Survekshan 2025-26?
Answer: A. Indore–Depalpur were second and Tirupati–Kuppam third.
Q5.India has committed over 7 million euros as a co-partner in Elettra 2.0, a synchrotron facility located in
Answer: C. India is the second-largest user of Elettra after Italy.
Q6.RBI's ₹9 lakh penalty on One Mobikwik Systems was imposed under which law?
Answer: B. Lapses related to PPI fund transfers and delayed fraud reporting.
Q7.The Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum, to be inaugurated on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, is located in
Answer: D. Ropuiliani was a nineteenth-century Mizo chieftainess who resisted British rule.
Q8.NRIDA's award-winning PMGSY-III project used which industrial waste in rural road construction?
Answer: A. The 381.57 km project in Jharkhand cut construction costs by 26%.
Q9.The new weekly cross-border train will connect Ayodhya with which place in Nepal?
Answer: C. The ~604 km route has stoppages including Sitamarhi, Raxaul and Gorakhpur.
Q10.The theme of World Diabetes Day 2026, as reported by All India Radio, is
Answer: B. WHO aims for at least 80% of people living with diabetes to be diagnosed by 2030.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade, October 2026 | Total exports US$ 89.99 bn (+29.90%); merchandise US$ 49.47 bn; services US$ 40.51 bn (est.) | MoC&I, 13 Nov |
| Trade, April–October 2026-27 | Total exports US$ 568.84 bn (+16.66%); imports US$ 662.19 bn; merchandise deficit US$ 218.15 bn | MoC&I, 13 Nov |
| 45th IITF | Bharat Mandapam, 14–27 Nov; theme Vikas aur Virasat; 3,500+ exhibitors; 11 countries; 600 start-ups | PIB, AIR |
| Sugar quota | 13 lakh MT for second fortnight of November 2026 | DFPD via AIR, 14 Nov |
| CII Partnership Summit | 31st edition, Visakhapatnam; AP: 714 projects, ₹22 lakh crore since June 2024 | VP Secretariat, 13 Nov |
| Forex reserves (6 Nov) | US$ 719.55 bn (+US$ 2.49 bn); FCA US$ 591.35 bn; gold US$ 104.80 bn; SDR US$ 18.61 bn | RBI, 13 Nov |
| BoP, September 2026 | CAD US$ 7.4 bn; overall surplus US$ 8.8 bn; Apr–Sep CAD US$ 25.8 bn | RBI, 13 Nov |
| RBI penalty | One Mobikwik Systems: ₹9 lakh; PPI and fraud-reporting lapses; PSS Act, 2007 | RBI, 13 Nov |
| Banking data (31 Oct) | Credit ₹231.82 lakh crore (+19.5% YoY); deposits ₹282.51 lakh crore (+16.9%); M3 +16.5% | RBI WSS, 13 Nov |
| Auctions | SDLs ₹23,300 crore (10 States) on 17 Nov; T-bills ₹23,000 crore on 18 Nov | RBI, 13 Nov |
| DPDP Consent Managers | Framework effective 13 Nov 2026; min net worth ₹2 crore; other provisions from 13 May 2027 | MeitY, 14 Nov |
| PM Awards 2026 | 16 awards in 3 categories; 513 Aspirational Blocks in 331 districts; ₹20 lakh incentive | DARPG, 13 Nov |
| Swachh Shehar Jodi | 1 Ahmedabad–Sanand; 2 Indore–Depalpur; 3 Tirupati–Kuppam; 4,751 ULBs assessed | MoHUA, 13 Nov |
| India–Egypt JTC | 7th session, Cairo, 15 Nov; Apr–Sep 2026 trade US$ 5.04 bn (+64%) | MoC&I, 14 Nov |
| Janakpur–Ayodhya train | Weekly; ~604 km; from Janakpur Dham on Saturdays, Ayodhya Cantonment on Mondays | Railways, 14 Nov |
| Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas | 15 Nov, Gadchiroli; 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda; 246 projects, ~₹3,000 crore | PMO, 14 Nov |
| PMJVM | Launched 2021-22; 4,172 VDVKs sanctioned, 2,911 functional; MSP for 87 MFP items | PIB Backgrounder, 14 Nov |
| NRIDA award | IRC medal for steel slag in PMGSY-III roads, Jharkhand; 381.57 km; 26% cost saving | MoRD, 13 Nov |
| Rajasthan drought relief | ₹9,321 crore; 87 tehsils in 15 districts (73 severe, 14 moderate) | AIR, 14 Nov |
| Delhi-NCR air review | 191 polluting units to be sealed; C&D curbs 5–20 Nov; ANPR deadline 30 Nov | MoEFCC, 14 Nov |
| COSMOS-Mysuru | India's first LED dome planetarium; inaugurated 13 Nov 2026 | PMO, 13 Nov |
| Elettra 2.0 | India co-partner; 7 million euros+ over 5 years from 2026-27; Trieste, Italy | MoST, 14 Nov |
| MALABAR 2026 | India, Japan, US, Australia; INS Sahyadri left Yokosuka on 12 Nov | MoD, 13 Nov |
| INS Chilka POP | Batch 02/26: 3,358 trainees incl. 2,756 Agniveers (142 women) | MoD, 13 Nov |
| 4th ODI, Mount Maunganui | NZ 333 beat India 89 by 244 runs; Matt Henry 6/27; India lead series 2-1 | The Hindu, 13 Nov |
| Kumamoto Masters Japan | Lakshya Sen in men's singles final; beat Alwi Farhan 21-12, 15-21, 21-11 | AIR, 14 Nov |
| Days, 14 November | Children's Day (Pandit Nehru, born 1889); World Diabetes Day — theme 'Early Action on Diabetes' | AIR, 14 Nov |
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Reserve Bank of India, All India Radio (Akashvani News) and The Hindu.
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