Why in News?

• The government has prohibited the export of lithium-ion battery 'Black Mass' to promote domestic recycling and strengthen the availability of critical minerals in the country.

• The decision aims to recover valuable minerals from domestically available battery waste and make them available for use by domestic industries.

What is Black Mass?

• Black Mass is an important material obtained during the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. When used, lithium-ion batteries are dismantled and processed through a specialized procedure, and a black powder-like substance is obtained, which is known as "Black Mass."

It contains several important minerals and metals, including: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Manganese, Copper

• These metals are valuable components used in battery manufacturing and other electrical applications.

• Thus, Black Mass serves as a secondary source of critical minerals, enabling the recovery and reuse of valuable metals from discarded batteries.

Why Has India Banned the Export of Black Mass?

• The primary objective behind this decision is to ensure better utilization of critical minerals available within the country and strengthen domestic recycling capabilities.

• It will enable the recovery of minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from used batteries within India, reducing dependence on external sources for these valuable resources.

Strategic Significance of Black Mass for India

• The use of lithium-ion batteries is increasing rapidly in electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptops, and energy storage systems.

• The manufacturing of these batteries requires critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Therefore, recovering these minerals from used batteries is strategically important for India.

• Domestic recycling of Black Mass can benefit the following sectors:

1. Electric Vehicle (EV) Industry

2. Battery Manufacturing Industry

3. Energy Storage Systems

4. Domestic Supply of Critical Minerals

5. Circular Economy

Why in News?

• IIT Madras has developed SEANAV (Sea Navigation), a real-time digital twin platform for testing and training autonomous maritime navigation systems.

Key Features

• Developed by the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras.

• Simulates ships, sensors, ocean waves, vessel movements and maritime traffic in a virtual environment.

• Uses Digital Twin technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensor fusion and Virtual Reality (VR).

Applications

• Safe testing and validation of autonomous ships.

• AI-assisted navigation and collision prevention.

• Coastal surveillance and search-and-rescue operations.

• Maritime defence and port safety.

• Reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions and risks of oil spills.

Significance

• Supports safer and more efficient maritime transportation.

• Can improve navigation safety at major ports such as Chennai, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Kochi.

• Addresses the challenge of expensive and hazardous real-world testing.

• Relevant to an industry that carries over 80% of global trade.

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a two-day visit to the Philippines from 16 November 2026 to participate in the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, scheduled to be held in Manila.

Key Highlights of the Visit

• The visit reflects India's commitment to strengthening its engagement with ASEAN, both collectively and through bilateral relations with its 11 member countries.

What is ASEAN?

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization formed to promote political and social stability among Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states amid rising tensions in the region.

• Motto: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”

• ASEAN Day: 8th August is observed as ASEAN Day.

• ASEAN Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia

• India-ASEAN Trade: Approximately US$ 122 billion

Why is ASEAN important for India?

• Over nearly six decades, ASEAN has emerged as an important regional organization promoting economic cooperation, peace, and stability in Southeast Asia.

• For India, ASEAN is a key pillar of its Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen economic, political, and strategic ties with Southeast Asian countries.

India-ASEAN Trade Relations

• India's trade with the ASEAN region currently stands at approximately US$ 122 billion. India considers strong strategic relations with ASEAN members beneficial for both sides.

• The summit will provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in trade, regional security, economic development, and strategic partnerships.

Why in News?

• The five-day Earthshot Prize Summit is being held in Mumbai and Jaipur from 13–17 November 2026.

• This is the first time the Earthshot Prize awards are being held in India.

• Prince William(Britain) is expected to attend the events.
  

Key Highlights

• Earthshot Prize CEO: Jason Knauf.

• India is recognised for climate solutions, particularly in renewable energy, heat-stress management and sustainable development.

• India is undergoing a major transformation in renewable energy, creating opportunities for sustainable climate solutions.

• The summit aims to showcase India's climate innovations and environmental conservation efforts globally.

• Mumbai was selected as the host city because of its importance as India's financial and entertainment capital.
  

About Earthshot Prize

• Dubbed as the “Eco Oscars”, the award was set up by Prince William and the Royal Foundationby around six years ago.

• Inspired by former US President John F Kennedy’s Moonshot — when the president had set a goal of reaching the Moon in less than a decade — the Earthshot Prize hopes to encourage and support the development of solutions for Earth’s environmental problems.

• One of the world's prestigious environmental awards.
  Recognises innovative solutions to major environmental challenges.

• Aims to promote practical climate action and environmental conservation.
  

Indian Finalists

• Two Indian organisations shortlisted for the upcoming awards:

1. Mahindra Last Mile Mobility

2. Mahila Housing Trust
   

Significance

• Provides global recognition to India's climate innovations.

• Promotes international investment and collaboration in sustainable solutions.

• Highlights the role of Indian businesses in combining economic growth with environmental protection.
  
  

Why in News?

• According to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, India recorded a 38% decline in TB mortality since 2015, compared with a global decline of 35%.

• India achieved a 94% treatment success rate among patients with drug-susceptible TB.

Key Findings of WHO Report 2026

• TB Mortality Decline: 38% since 2015.

• Mortality Rate: Reduced from 28 deaths per lakh population (2015) to 18 per lakh (2025).

TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

• First intensified 100-day campaign launched on 7 December 2024 across 347 high-priority districts in 33 States/UTs; later expanded nationwide.

• Another 100-day campaign launched on 24 March 2026, focusing on 1.58 lakh high-risk villages and wards.

Major Initiatives and Technological Interventions

• National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP): India's principal programme for TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: Nutritional assistance to TB patients.

• Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative: Nutritional and psychosocial support through community participation.

• Ni-kshay Portal: Digital patient tracking, treatment monitoring and programme management.

• AI-enabled Chest X-rays: Support early detection and identification of high-risk cases.

• TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Promotes community participation and large-scale screening.

• JOSH Teams: Promote youth participation through NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers.

5. Significance

Early detection and treatment help reduce TB transmission and mortality.

AI-based screening and rapid molecular diagnostics strengthen healthcare delivery.

Nutritional and community support improve treatment continuity.

Integration of TB screening with diabetes and undernutrition management promotes comprehensive patient care.

Why in News?

• Meghalaya's 100 Drums Wangala Festival commenced at Wangala A-Dam, Chibragre, West Garo Hills.

• The festival marks the Golden Jubilee celebration and features a grand performance involving 1,000 traditional drums.

Key Highlights

• The festival showcases the music, dance and cultural heritage of the Garo community.

• Major attraction: Rhythm of 1,000 Drums performance.

• A Handloom and Handicrafts Exhibition featuring 300 stalls was inaugurated.

• Other events include folk performances and a grand finale with a Guinness World Record attempt.

• Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma joined the traditional drummers.

About Wangala Festival

• A major harvest festival of the Garo tribe of Meghalaya.

• Celebrated to honour Misi Saljong (Sun God) for a bountiful harvest.

• Also known as the Festival of 100 Drums.

• It marks the end of the agricultural season and celebrates thanksgiving through traditional music and dance.

Significance

Preserves the cultural identity and traditions of the Garo community.

Promotes Meghalaya's indigenous heritage and cultural tourism.

Why in News?

• Three Maharashtra beaches received international Blue Flag certification for the first time for the 2026–27 season.

• Newly certified beaches:

Ladghar and Guhagar – Ratnagiri district.

Shrivardhan – Raigad district.

Key Highlights

• India has 22 Blue Flag-certified beaches for 2026–27:

13 renewed certifications.

9 newly certified beaches.

• Maharashtra accounts for 3 of the 9 new additions.

• Certification season at these beaches begins on 15 November 2026.

• The certification is awarded by the International Blue Flag Jury.

About Blue Flag Certification

• An internationally recognised eco-label for beaches.

• Awarded to beaches meeting standards relating to:

• Environmental conservation and cleanliness.

• Water quality and biodiversity protection.

• Tourist safety and infrastructure.

• Sustainable tourism management.

Significance

• Promotes sustainable coastal tourism and environmental protection.

• Enhances Maharashtra's international tourism profile.

• Expected to generate local employment and support the coastal economy.

• Maharashtra plans to extend the programme to other eligible beaches.

Why in News?

The historic American ocean liner SS United States has been sunk in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida to become the world's largest artificial reef on November 11, 2026.

Key Highlights

• Location: Approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA.

• Length: Approximately 990 feet (302 metres).

• Depth: It rests in around 180 feet of water.

• Previous Record: USS Oriskany, a former aircraft carrier sunk in 2006.

• Purpose: Marine habitat creation, fisheries development, scuba diving and tourism.

What is an Artificial Reef?

An artificial reef is a man-made structure deliberately placed underwater to provide habitat for marine organisms.

Environmental Significance

• Provides shelter and breeding grounds for marine organisms.

• Encourages biodiversity and fish populations.

• Supports fisheries and recreational diving.

• Creates opportunities for scientific research on marine ecosystems.

Kurumba Language and Community

• Kurumba Community: An Adivasi (tribal) community residing mainly in the hilly forest regions of Attappady, Palakkad district, Kerala.

• Population: Approximately 2,719 (2024).

• Language: Kurumba is an oral language without its own script.

• Vulnerable Tribal Group: The community is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

• Language Status: Kurumba is an endangered language with a declining number of speakers.

Major Challenges

1. Language Shift: Younger generations increasingly use Malayalam instead of Kurumba.

2. Migration: Migration for education and employment weakens traditional linguistic connections.

3. Lack of Education in Mother Tongue: Schools generally use Malayalam, creating difficulties for Kurumba-speaking children.

4. Social Isolation: Community members face difficulties communicating with people outside their community.

5. Loss of Vocabulary: Traditional words and cultural expressions are gradually disappearing.

Linguistic Diversity and Language Extinction

• Language Shift: When people gradually stop using their traditional language and adopt another language.

• Language Extinction: When a language loses all its speakers.

• Linguistic Diversity: The existence of different languages within a society.

• Language extinction leads to the loss of traditional knowledge, cultural identity and indigenous wisdom.

Government Initiatives

- Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL):

• Started in 2013 by the Ministry of Education.

• Implemented through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru.

• Documents, archives and preserves endangered languages.

• Focuses particularly on languages with fewer than 10,000 speakers.

Why in News?

The Central Government has declared Bihar’s Ranivas Mound an archaeological site of national importance through a notification .

Key Highlights

• Location: Kesariya, East Champaran district, Bihar.

• Area: 1.63 acres.

• Ownership: Government of Bihar.

• Authority: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Ministry of

• Ranivas Mound is believed to have been part of an important Buddhist monastic establishment near Kesariya Stupa.

• Excavations by the ASI revealed remains of ancient walls, rooms, cells and corridors, indicating the existence of a Buddhist monastery.

• Kesariya Stupa is traditionally associated with Lord Buddha's journey from Vaishali towards Kushinagar before his Mahaparinirvana

• The declaration was made under Section 4(3) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.

Why is it called Raniwas Mound?

• Raniwas literally means “Queen's Residence” or “Queen's Palace”.

• According to local folklore, King Vena's queen, Kamalavati, drowned in a nearby pond.

• The king was deeply distressed by her death and, according to the legend, immolated himself along with his family inside the nearby mound.

• Another local tradition associates the mound with the place where Queen Kamalavati lived.

• Therefore, the mound came to be known locally as Raniwas (Queen's Residence).

Significance

• In 1861, Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of ASI, explored the mound and reported the existence of an ancient Buddhist establishment with a temple containing a huge Buddha image.

• Helps protect Bihar's archaeological and historical heritage.

• Promotes archaeological research and conservation.

• Currently, 70 sites in Bihar are under the stewardship of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Why in News?

• The 8th edition of the India–Myanmar Naval Exercise (IMNEX-26) commenced in Visakhapatnam on 10 November 2026 and will continue until 14 November 2026.

Participating Naval Ships- India: INS Rana and INS Sumedha.

Myanmar: UMS King Sin Phyu Shin.

• The opening ceremony was held onboard INS Rana on 10 November 2026.

Key Activities

• The exercise consists of two phases:

Harbour Phase:

• Professional interactions and expert exchanges.

• Cross-deck visits and sporting engagements.

• Discussions on operational matters.

Sea Phase:

• Coordinated maritime operations.

• Tactical manoeuvres.

• Exercises to improve operational interoperability.

Significance

• Strengthens maritime cooperation and operational coordination between India and Myanmar.

• Promotes mutual understanding and professional exchanges between the two navies.

• Supports maritime security and regional stability.

• Link with India's MAHASAGAR Vision; IMNEX-26 aligns with India's MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

• It reflects India's commitment to maritime cooperation and security across the region.

Why in News?

The Indian Navy is coordinating the 5th edition of the pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-26’ from 11–19 November 2026 to assess and strengthen India's maritime security and coastal defence preparedness.

Key Highlights

• Coverage: Entire Indian coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

• Participants: All coastal States and Union Territories.

• Two Phases of the Exercise

• Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE): 11–17 November 2026.

• Sea Phase: 18–19 November 2026.

Background and Significance

• Conceptualised in 2018, Sea Vigil was launched to validate measures introduced after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to strengthen India's maritime security.

• It provides a national-level assessment of coastal defence and maritime security preparedness.

• It helps identify gaps and strengthen coordination among maritime security agencies.

Link with TROPEX

• Sea Vigil serves as a precursor to the Indian Navy's biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX).

• Together, the exercises cover the full spectrum of maritime security challenges, from coastal defence to operations in the high seas.

Why in News?

• Afghanistan cricket captain Rahmat Shah has become the first Afghanistani player to enter the top 10 of any category of ICC Test rankings.

• He reached 7th position in ICC Test Batting Rankings after scoring 173 runs in the opening Test against Zimbabwe in Sharjah(UAE).

Important Points

• World No. 1: Harry Brook (England).

• Highest-ranked Indian batter: Rishabh Pant (8th).

• On the other hand, Shubhman Gill secured 10th position.

ICC publishes rankings in the following categories:

1. Team Rankings: Ranking of countries based on their Test match performance.

2. Batting Rankings: Ranking of individual batsmen.

3. Bowling Rankings: Ranking of individual bowlers.

4. All-rounder Rankings: Ranking of players who contribute with both batting and bowling.

Why in News?

• Swiss researchers from the University of Zurich have discovered a new method to detect Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), commonly known as a date-rape drug, in urine.

• The new method can detect evidence of GHB consumption for up to 72 hours (3 days) after ingestion.

• This may help improve investigations into sexual assault cases.

Key Highlights

1. What is GHB?

• GHB stands for Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate.

• It is a substance that affects the central nervous system.

• It can cause unconsciousness, drowsiness and memory loss.

• It is sometimes secretly mixed into drinks to facilitate sexual assault.

2. Problem with Traditional Detection:

• GHB disappears quickly from the body.

• It is generally detectable for around 6 hours in blood and 12 hours in urine.

• This makes timely testing difficult.

3. New Discovery:

• Researchers identified a biomarker called GHB-pentose.

• It is formed when GHB interacts with a sugar-like compound in the body.

• Unlike GHB itself, this biomarker remains detectable in urine for a longer period.

1. Detection Window:

• The new biomarker may remain detectable for up to 3 days after GHB intake.

• It provides a longer period for collecting forensic evidence.

5. Significance:

• Helps improve forensic investigations.

• May support evidence collection in sexual assault cases.

• Can help investigators identify suspected drug exposure even after GHB itself disappears.