Current Affairs 13 November 2026: Medical Devices PLI, Bihar Ki Beti Startup

Current affairs 13 November 2026 brings you a mix of economy, Bihar schemes, defence and science news. Read each point slowly, note the numbers, and link them to your static GK.

Top stories of 13 November 2026

Cabinet extends Medical Devices PLI scheme to FY36

The Union Cabinet has extended the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for medical devices (PLI-MD) up to the financial year 2035-36, with an outlay of ₹2,700 crore. The new PLI-MD 2.0 removes the minimum sales threshold and gives higher incentives for high-end devices like MRI and PET-CT machines. Incentives go from about 5% for consumables to about 9% for critical components. Remember: the Department of Pharmaceuticals runs this scheme and will invite fresh online applications within ten days. Questions can ask the outlay amount, the final year (FY36) or the department involved.

Cabinet approves ₹62,370 crore fertiliser subsidy for Rabi 2026-27

The Cabinet approved Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers for Rabi 2026-27, covering 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. The amount is ₹62,370.02 crore, about 64% higher than last Rabi, because of costly gas and global prices. Subsidy is given on 28 grades of P&K fertilisers, including DAP. For exams, note: NBS scheme, 28 grades, and that the aim is to keep fertilisers affordable for farmers.

Moody's raises India's FY27 GDP forecast to 7%

Moody's Ratings has raised India's GDP growth forecast for 2026-27 from 6.5% to 7%, citing strong consumption and investment. It named private consumption and manufacturing as key drivers, while warning of inflation, monsoon uncertainty and tighter monetary policy as risks. Global growth was pegged at around 2.6% for 2026. Keep the number 7% and the agency name Moody's ready for your GK.

Indian Navy conducts coastal defence exercise 'Sea Vigil-26'

The Indian Navy is coordinating the fifth edition of the pan-India coastal defence exercise 'Sea Vigil-26' from 11 to 19 November 2026, across India's entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone. It has a coastal readiness phase (11-17 November) and a sea phase (18-19 November). The Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police and Customs take part. Remember: Sea Vigil checks preparedness against threats like the 26/11 attacks and leads up to the biennial TROPEX exercise.

New deep-sea shark species: Indian Bramble Shark

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute have identified Echinorhinus roinee, the 'Indian Bramble Shark', as a distinct Indian Ocean species. Specimens were found as deep-sea bycatch at Sakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kollam, Kerala. The shark lives at 350-450 metres depth and grows up to three metres. The findings were published in Records of the ZSI. For exams, link ZSI (headquartered in Kolkata) and the state Kerala.

Bihar Cabinet approves ₹88.20 crore 'Bihar Ki Beti Startup Challenge'

The Bihar Cabinet has approved the 'Bihar Ki Beti Startup Challenge' scheme to promote entrepreneurship among female students in higher educational institutions. It will benefit up to 2,100 students over four years (2026-27 to 2029-30), with an allocation of ₹88.20 crore, and support from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh per idea. The same cabinet meeting also raised dearness allowance for state employees ahead of Chhath. This is your most important Bihar point today - remember the amount, the 2,100 students and the four-year period.

Bahram Vakil named Chairman of Tata Investment Corporation

Bahram Vakil has been appointed Chairman of Tata Investment Corporation, taking over from Noel Tata, who retired after 22 years and is now Chairman Emeritus. The change was announced on 12 November 2026 and reflects a reshaping of top roles across Tata group. For GK, note the new chairman's name and that Noel Tata is now Chairman Emeritus.

Maharashtra gets its first-ever Blue Flag certified beaches

Three Maharashtra beaches received the international Blue Flag certification for the first time: Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district and Shrivardhan in Raigad district. The Blue Flag is an eco-label for beaches that meet strict standards of cleanliness, safety and environmental management. Remember the word 'first-ever' for Maharashtra and the three beach names - a likely one-mark question.

Sunil Chhetri becomes first male in FIFA Player Impact Programme 2026

Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has been selected as the first male participant in the FIFA Player Impact Programme 2026, a nine-month social-change initiative. Participants will reconvene in London in December. For exams, note: Sunil Chhetri, first male participant, FIFA Player Impact Programme.

31st CII Partnership Summit held in Visakhapatnam

The 31st CII Partnership Summit 2026 is being held in Visakhapatnam, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah attending the inaugural session on 12 November. Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu held talks with ministers and envoys from Singapore, UAE, Japan, Russia and the WIPO Director General to attract investment. Remember the host city Visakhapatnam and that the event is organised by CII.

INS Betwa to get ₹498.58 crore modernisation at Cochin Shipyard

A contract worth ₹498.58 crore was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited on 11 November 2026 to upgrade the Navy's guided-missile frigate INS Betwa. The refit includes a new propulsion system and combat upgrades. Note: INS Betwa is a Brahmaputra-class frigate, and Cochin Shipyard is doing the work.

Your task for today: revise the key facts below, then attempt today's quiz to lock them in your memory.

Key facts for exams

• PLI-MD scheme extended to FY36 with ₹2,700 crore outlay; run by Department of Pharmaceuticals.
• Fertiliser NBS subsidy for Rabi 2026-27: ₹62,370.02 crore, about 64% higher; covers 28 grades of P&K fertilisers.
• Moody's raised India's FY27 GDP forecast from 6.5% to 7%.
• Sea Vigil-26: fifth edition, 11-19 November 2026, pan-India coastal defence exercise; precursor to TROPEX.
• Indian Bramble Shark (Echinorhinus roinee) identified by ZSI and ICAR-CMFRI; found at Kollam, Kerala.
• Bihar Ki Beti Startup Challenge: ₹88.20 crore, up to 2,100 students, 2026-27 to 2029-30, aid ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh.
• Bahram Vakil appointed Chairman of Tata Investment Corporation; Noel Tata is Chairman Emeritus.
• Maharashtra's first Blue Flag beaches: Ladghar, Guhagar (Ratnagiri) and Shrivardhan (Raigad).
• Sunil Chhetri: first male participant in FIFA Player Impact Programme 2026.
• 31st CII Partnership Summit held in Visakhapatnam; inaugurated by Amit Shah.
• INS Betwa modernisation: ₹498.58 crore contract with Cochin Shipyard; Brahmaputra-class frigate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the outlay of the extended Medical Devices PLI scheme?

The Union Cabinet extended the PLI-MD scheme up to FY2035-36 with an outlay of ₹2,700 crore, offering incentives from about 5% to 9%.

What is the Bihar Ki Beti Startup Challenge scheme?

It is a Bihar Cabinet scheme worth ₹88.20 crore to promote entrepreneurship among female students, benefiting up to 2,100 students from 2026-27 to 2029-30 with support of ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh.

What GDP growth has Moody's forecast for India in FY27?

Moody's Ratings raised India's FY27 GDP growth forecast from 6.5% to 7%, citing strong consumption and investment momentum.

Which new shark species was identified in the Indian Ocean?

Scientists from ZSI and ICAR-CMFRI identified the Indian Bramble Shark (Echinorhinus roinee), found as deep-sea bycatch at Kollam, Kerala.

Which beaches got Maharashtra's first Blue Flag certification?

Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district and Shrivardhan in Raigad district became Maharashtra's first Blue Flag certified beaches.

Sources

• Business Standard: Cabinet extends PLI scheme for medical devices to FY36 with ₹2,700 crore outlay
• PIB: Cabinet approves ₹62,370 crore fertiliser subsidy for Rabi 2026-27
• PIB: Indian Navy coordinates fifth coastal defence exercise 'Sea Vigil-26'

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Previous days' current affairs

• Current Affairs 12 November 2026: Inflation 6.21%, Stand-Up India
• Current Affairs 11 November 2026: Digital Arrest Scams, Bihar AI Mission
• Current Affairs 10 November 2026: 100th Chess GM, Arpita Singh

Featured images: Photo: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (source); Photo: Walter Davies, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (source); Photo: Monito - Money Transfer Comparison, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (source)