1 Botswana handed over 8 cheetah cheetahs to India under ‘Project Cheetah’
Botswana has formally handed over eight cheetahs to India under the next phase of ‘Project Cheetah ‘ . President Murmu is on her first state visit to Botswana. President Draupadi Murmu and President Duma Gideon Boko witnessed the release of cheetahs captured from the Ghanzi region by experts from India and Botswana at the quarantine centre in Mokolodi Nature Reserve , Botswana . The event marked the gift of eight cheetahs from Botswana to India under the next phase of ‘ Project Cheetah ‘. India and Botswana will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026.
India has seen a 21 percent reduction in total tuberculosis cases over the past decade, nearly double the global average of 12 percent . According to the World Health Organization ‘s Global TB Report 2025 , the number of TB patients in the country is projected to decline from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh population in 2024. This decline is nearly double the global average. India has achieved a greater reduction in TB mortality among the HIV-negative population than the global average. TB treatment coverage has increased to 92 percent, placing India ahead of other high-burden countries and the global average. This achievement is a result of innovative case-finding strategies and widespread access to treatment. 26.18 lakh TB patients were identified in 2024. Under the TB Free India campaign, the treatment success rate has reached 90 percent, exceeding the global success rate of 88 percent. The coverage of rifampicin susceptibility testing for early diagnosis of drug-resistant TB is 92% in India, compared to 83% globally. Under the TB Free India Campaign, launched in December 2024, 2.45 million patients have been diagnosed, including 86.1 million asymptomatic TB patients, through AI-based reporting in handheld X-ray devices, expanded NAAT infrastructure, community efforts focused on vulnerable groups, and public participation. The annual budget for the TB program has increased tenfold over the past nine years, enabling the introduction of innovative preventive measures, diagnostic tools, treatment methods, and social support schemes. Under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, more than ₹4,406 crore has been distributed to 13.7 million beneficiaries since April 2018.
The Government of India has granted GI tags to two traditional Lepcha musical instruments – the Tungbuk and the Pumtong Pulit – giving a cultural boost to the Lepcha community of Sikkim. They were officially registered under the Musical Instruments category of the Government of India’s GI tag on November 5. The GI registration certificates were formally presented during the first Tribal Business Conclave organized by the Ministries of Culture, Tribal Affairs, and Commerce and Industry in New Delhi. The Tungbuk is a three-stringed instrument , while the Pumtong Pulit is a bamboo flute . Both are integral to Lepcha folk music and have deep cultural and spiritual significance.
4 The Supreme Court directed the Jharkhand government to declare Saranda Forest as a protected area.
The Supreme Court directed the Jharkhand government to notify the ecologically rich Saranda Forest , covering approximately 31,468 hectares, as a wildlife sanctuary . The court stated that the state government cannot shirk its responsibility after repeatedly changing its stance before the Supreme Court. A bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, in its stern judgment, criticized the state government for its dilly-dallying attitude for more than a year. The court noted that the state government had previously acknowledged that the entire Saranda Game Sanctuary was first notified in 1968. It was not an active mining area and required protection.
5 International Trade Fair: To be held from November 14 to 27 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The 44th India International Trade Fair will be held from November 14th to 27th at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi . This year, the theme of the fair is Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat . Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are participating states . Jharkhand is the featured state . Twelve countries, including the United Arab Emirates, China, Iran, South Korea, and Egypt, are participating in the 14-day fair. This trade fair provides a major platform for domestic and international trade, promoting business-to-business and business-to-consumer engagement.
A four-day National Tribal Film Festival and Carnival began in Imphal , the capital of Manipur, as part of the Tribal Pride Year celebrations . The festival is screening 23 tribal films from nine states and celebrating India’s diverse tribal heritage through cinema and culture. The Tribal Pride Year is a year-long commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda.
7 Jyotiraditya Scindia interacts with the first batch of students of ‘Ashtlakshmi Darshan’ programme
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia , virtually interacted with the first cohort of students participating in the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Program . The Union Minister stated that while conceptualizing this program, it was the government’s commitment to ensure equal participation of boys and girls. This reaffirms the commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. He described Ashtalakshmi Darshan as a unique cultural and educational exchange initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat) initiative. It aims to strengthen the emotional and cultural bonds between the youth of the country and the eight northeastern states . The program provides students with an opportunity to experience the region’s languages, traditions, environment, and community life, helping them experience the country’s full diversity and unity. Thirty-nine students participated in the inaugural edition of the program on Wednesday, 19 from Goa and 20 from Uttarakhand. This is the first cohort to visit Arunachal Pradesh. The Central University of Arunachal Pradesh and Rajiv Gandhi University are hosting them.
A highly significant bilateral air exercise is underway between the Indian Air Force and the United States Air Force . The aim of this joint exercise is to enhance mutual understanding, strategic cooperation, and interoperability between the air forces. Thursday, November 13th is the final and concluding day of the exercise. Significantly, the US Air Force is participating in this exercise with its state-of-the-art B-1B Lancer supersonic bomber aircraft . The B-1B Lancer is renowned for its long-range strike capability and precision targeting technology. According to the Indian Air Force, this exercise between the Indian and US Air Forces began on November 10th and is scheduled to conclude on November 13th.
9 ‘Exercise Akhand Prahar’: A spectacular display of military might in the Jaisalmer desert
The Indian Army demonstrated its tremendous military capabilities in the desert terrain of Jaisalmer . Drones, unmanned aerial systems, anti-drone systems, and electronic warfare grids were showcased. These indigenous weapons and technologies, made in India, reinforce the spirit of “Atmanirbhar Bharat. ” Exercise Akhand Prahar successfully tested the Konark Corps’ full-spectrum warfare capabilities. The exercise included coordinated operations by various branches and services of the Army. This included mechanized and infantry maneuvers, the execution of ground operations by the Rudra Brigade , special heliborne operations, and coordinated attack helicopter missions by Army Aviation. The exercise also showcased the seamless coordination between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The Southern Command of the Indian Army successfully conducted Exercise Akhand Prahar in the desert terrain as part of the tri-service exercise ” Trishul .”
10 Association of Indian Universities cancels membership of Al-Falah University
Following the terrorist attack near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi , the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has taken significant action against Al-Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana . The AIU has decided to revoke Al-Falah University’s membership with immediate effect . This information was provided in a letter sent to the university’s Vice Chancellor on Thursday. The AIU has also clarified that Al-Falah University cannot use the AIU name or logo in any activities. The university has also been directed to immediately remove the AIU logo from its official website and all promotional materials. Following the Delhi bombings, investigating agencies have detained several doctors associated with Al-Falah University. The detained doctors include Dr. Umar Un Nabi, Dr. Shahid, Dr. Nisar-ul-Hassan, and Dr. Muzammil.