Why in News?

• Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft ‘Amini’ was delivered to the Indian Navy .

• Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

• Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and sonars.

• Uses waterjet propulsion.

• More than 80% Indigenous Content.

Significance

• Strengthens anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance and mine-laying capabilities.

• Reduces dependence on defence imports.

• Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Important Fact

• Named after Amini Island, Lakshadweep.

• Continues the legacy of erstwhile INS Amini, decommissioned in 2002.

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court allowed their use in New Delhi for two days during Deepavali, bringing them into focus.

What Are Green Firecrackers?

• Green firecrackers are specially designed fireworks that release fewer pollutants than conventional firecrackers.

• Developed by CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), these crackers are designed to emit around 30% less particulate matter, or 20% less particulate matter, along with 10% fewer gases, compared to conventional firecrackers of the same category.

Three Types of Green Firecrackers

CSIR-NEERI has developed three major varieties:

• SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): Releases water vapor during combustion to suppress some particulate emissions.

• STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Uses a thermite-based composition to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions.

• SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): Contains less aluminium, helping lower pollution.

These technologies use modified fuel and oxidizer combinations, dust-suppressing additives, and reduced quantities of certain metals.

How to Identify Genuine Green Firecrackers?

Genuine products carry the CSIR-NEERI logo and a QR code on their packaging, allowing buyers to verify their certification.

Are Green Firecrackers Completely Safe?

• No. Green firecrackers are a relatively less polluting alternative, not a pollution-free option. They still release fine particulate matter and harmful gases that can affect respiratory and cardiovascular health. They also produce noise.

• Moreover, a city using only green firecrackers may still experience high pollution. The overall impact depends on the number of crackers burst, weather conditions, and existing air quality.

• The takeaway: Green firecrackers may reduce the environmental impact of celebrations, but cleaner air ultimately requires fewer emissions, not merely a different type of firecracker.

Why in News?

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), Department of Telecommunications, Tamil Nadu Government and TANFINET(Tamil Nadu Fibrenet Corporation Limited) have signed an agreement under the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP).

Key Highlights

• 5 lakh+ rural household fibre connections to receive subsidy support.

• Agreement aims to strengthen rural broadband and last-mile connectivity.

• Enables access to e-Governance, online education, telemedicine and digital payments.

About Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP)

Approved by Union Cabinet on 4 August 2023.

Objectives:Upgrade and expand the existing BharatNet network.

Provide future-ready broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats and villages on demand.

Strengthen rural digital infrastructure.

About Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)

• Formerly known as Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

• Renamed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

• Established under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003, effective from 1 April 2002.

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Communications.

Why in News?

• The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) adopted the Seoul Declaration on November 6, 2026.

• It called for respect for international law, national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

• The declaration was adopted at ICAPP's 13th General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea.

Key Highlights

• Unilateral Actions: Opposed unilateral actions and the use or threat of force in international relations.

• State Sovereignty: Supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

• Non-Interference: Called for non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

• Peaceful Settlement: Emphasised resolving international disputes through peaceful means.

• UN Charter: Called for strict adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.

• Diplomacy: Encouraged dialogue and keeping diplomatic channels open, even between rival countries.

Important Facts

• Organisation: ICAPP (International Conference of Asian Political Parties).

• Venue: Seoul, South Korea.

• Next General Assembly: Vietnam in 2028.

Why in News?

• Indian NGO REACH (Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health) has received the Kochon Prize 2026.

• The award recognizes its contribution to the fight against tuberculosis (TB).

• REACH has become first civil society in India to receive this Award.

About REACH

• REACH is an Indian non-governmental organization (NGO).

• It works to improve TB awareness, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

• It promotes community participation and supports people affected by TB.

About Kochon Prize

• It is an international award associated with the fight against tuberculosis.

• It is presented by the Kochon Foundation, an independent Korean non-profit foundation, in partnership with the Stop TB Partnership.

• It recognizes outstanding contributions towards ending TB.

Key Facts

• Established in 2006.

• Awarded annually.

• Prize amount: US$ 65,000.

• 2026 award was jointly given to:

  1. REACH – India

  2. Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya

  3. Marshall Islands TB Control Program.

Why in News?

• National Tabletop Exercise VAJRA-SAT concluded in Bengaluru recently.

• Focus: Preparedness against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) serotype SAT-1(Southern African Territories 1).

• Theme: Detect Early, Confirm Fast, Contain Together.

• FMD SAT-1 has not been reported in India.

Major Focus Areas

• Early detection and laboratory diagnosis.

• Disease surveillance and epidemiological investigation.

• Animal movement control and emergency vaccination preparedness.

• Inter-State coordination and border vigilance.

Significance

• Strengthens preparedness against transboundary animal diseases.

• Protects livestock health, farmers' livelihoods and the livestock economy.

Why in News?

• CBN celebrated its 77th Foundation Day on 6 November 2026 at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

About CBN

• Established: 6 November 1950.

• Headquarters: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

• Ministry: Finance (Department of Revenue).

• Functions: Regulates legal opium cultivation, monitors narcotic drug imports/exports and prevents drug trafficking.

• Competent National Authority (CNA) under UN Conventions.

Mission Yuva Raksha

• Reached 20,000+ participants during 2026.

• MoU signed with Brahma Kumaris (18 September 2026) for drug-prevention awareness and counselling.

• Strengthens anti-drug enforcement, digital governance and youth awareness.

• Vision: “Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India.”

Why in News?

• 4th AISSNG-2026 held at Sainik School Bijapur, Vijayapura, Karnataka, from 3–7 November 2026.

• Participants: 544 cadets (296 boys and 248 girls).

• Representing 30 old and 13 new Sainik Schools.

• Organised by Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence.

Closing Ceremony

• Date: 7 November 2026.

• Chief Guest: Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth.

• Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.

Important Fact

• Sainik School Bijapur completed 63 years of service.

• Motto: “Ajeet Hai Abheet Hai.”

Why in News?

• India and Myanmar launched their first-ever Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, RAHAT MITRA, in Chennai on 5 November 2026.

Key Highlights

• Theme: Together for Humanity, Stronger through Partnership.

• Participation: 300+ personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force of both countries.

• Coordinated by the Indian Navy.

• Strengthen HADR cooperation and interoperability.

• Enhance disaster response coordination and mutual trust.

Significance

• Strengthens India–Myanmar defence cooperation.

• Supports India's Neighbourhood First Policy and MAHASAGAR vision.

Why in News?

• India and the European Union (EU) have successfully concluded negotiations on India's association with the Horizon Europe Programme.

• It is the EU's flagship research and innovation programme, with a total budget of approximately €93.5 billion.

• It will provide new opportunities for Indian scientists, research institutions, universities and companies to collaborate with European institutions.

• They will also be able to lead collaborative research projects under its second pillar (Pillar II) – ‘Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness’.

• India's participation in the programme is expected to begin in January 2027.

What is the Horizon Europe Programme?

• It is the European Union's flagship Research and Innovation Funding Programme.

• It was launched in 2021.

• Its duration is 2021–2027.

• It has a total budget of approximately €93.5 billion.

• Its objective is to promote scientific research, new technologies and innovation.

Significance for India

• Strengthen India's global scientific presence.

• Increase investment and collaboration in Research and Development (R&D).

• Promote indigenous technology and innovation.

• Strengthen the India-EU strategic partnership.

• Help address global challenges such as climate change, healthcare and energy.

Why in News?

• The Assam government has prohibited unauthorized drone operations, photography and videography around the roosting sites of the migratory bird Amur Falcon.

• More than 1 lakh Amur Falcons have arrived in Assam during this season.

About Amur Falcon

• Scientific Name: Falco amurensis

• It is a small-sized migratory bird of prey. Its name is derived from the Amur River region, which lies along the border between China and Russia.

• Its breeding grounds are located in East Asia.

• It migrates to the southern parts of Africa during winter.

• It undertakes a long migratory journey of approximately 20,000 kilometres.

• During migration, it stops for some time in the northeastern region of India, including Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.

• It is locally known as Eninum, which means “mysterious creature” in the Lotha language.

• IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC).

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IV.

Threats to Amur Falcon from Drones

• Rotating drone propellers can injure birds.

• Drone noise and sudden movements can frighten birds.

• Their resting and feeding activities may be disturbed.

• Repeated take-offs and movements can lead to energy expenditure.

• This may affect their long migratory journey.

Note: India is a signatory to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

Why in News?

• Embassy of India in Kuwait organised a two-day ‘Diwali Diwaniya’ celebration at India House.

• Marked 65 years of India-Kuwait diplomatic relations.

Key Highlights

• Combined India's Diwali celebrations with Kuwait's traditional Diwaniya culture.

• Featured Kathak fusion, instrumental music, Indian textiles, mehndi, handicrafts and regional cuisine.

• Showcased One District One Product (ODOP) crafts, including blue pottery, filigree work and paintings.

Important Facts

• Both Diwali and Diwaniya were inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025.

• Promotes cultural diplomacy and strengthens India-Kuwait friendship.

Why in News?

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh virtually inaugurated Base 1, a space robotics facility of Cosmoserve Space in Hyderabad.

• India aims for debris-free space by 2030.

Key Highlights

• Focus: Active space debris removal and in-orbit servicing.

• Facilities include space robotics labs, orbital capture labs, microgravity simulation platforms and mission control.

• Mission EMBRACE: Tested soft robotic petals in space in July 2026. This showed the world’s first demonstration of soft robotic capture in orbit. Hence Mission Embrace validates the capture technology in space for the first time.

India's Space Sector

• Space economy: Nearly $9 billion; projected to reach $40–45 billion in the coming decade.

• Space startups increased from single digits to nearly 450.

• Key enablers: IN-SPACe and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
  

Significance

• Promotes private-sector participation and indigenous space technologies.

• Strengthens space sustainability, debris removal and in-orbit servicing.
  
  

Why in News?

• Ministry of Railways won the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award for maximum rooftop solar installations among Central ministries/departments.

• Award presented by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan at Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026, New Delhi.

• Target: Solarise all remaining feasible railway buildings by March 2027.

Key Highlights

Railway buildings identified: 15,868.

Buildings solarised: 12,495 (79%).

Rooftop solar capacity commissioned: 351 MW (Target: 424 MW).

Target: Solarise all remaining feasible railway buildings by March 2027.

National Progress

25,984 of 39,135 identified buildings solarised across 77 Central ministries/departments (66% coverage).