In Current Affairs for 05 November 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 05 November 2026
Nirmala Lakshman’s Book Wins Sharjah Award for Best International Non-Fiction
Indian author and journalist Nirmala Lakshman has won the Sharjah Award for Best International Non-Fiction Book for her work The Tamils: A Portrait of a Community. The award was presented on 4 November 2026 by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority.
Published by Aleph Book Company in January 2025, the book explores the history, traditions, social structure and cultural identity of the Tamil community. It traces the community’s development over several centuries and examines its influence beyond geographical boundaries. The book has sold several thousand copies since its release.
Lakshman is an established journalist and author who also serves as the Director of The Hindu Group.
The award falls under the broader Sharjah International Book Fair Awards, which recognise outstanding English-language non-fiction publications.
Tamil Nadu Leads NITI Aayog’s India Science and Technology Scoreboard
Tamil Nadu has secured the top position in research publications and patent applications in the India Science and Technology (S&T) Scoreboard prepared by NITI Aayog for 2024–25.
In research publications, Uttar Pradesh ranked second, followed by Maharashtra. The figures recorded by the three leading states are:
| Rank | State | Research publications |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tamil Nadu | 44,611 |
| 2 | Uttar Pradesh | 29,298 |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 28,947 |
In patent applications, Tamil Nadu again occupied the first position, while Maharashtra and Karnataka secured the second and third positions, respectively.
About the India S&T Scoreboard
The India Science and Technology Scoreboard is an interactive platform developed by NITI Aayog to present an overview of the country’s research, innovation and scientific development.
It brings together information on research publications, patents, innovation and science and technology infrastructure across India’s states and Union Territories. The platform is intended to support comparisons between regions and help policymakers formulate evidence-based strategies.
India Finishes on Top at Tammer Tournament 2026 with 14 Medals
India delivered an impressive performance at the Tammer Tournament 2026, held in Tampere, Finland, finishing at the top of the medal standings with a total of 14 medals.
The Indian boxing contingent secured:
- Gold: 4 medals
- Silver: 2 medals
- Bronze: 8 medals
Indian Gold Medal Winners
| Boxer | Category | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| Aarti Dhariyal | Women’s 54 kg | Gold |
| Ankushita Boro | Women’s 65 kg | Gold |
| Arundhati Chaudhary | Women’s 70 kg | Gold |
| Pawan Bartwal | Men’s 55 kg | Gold |
The achievement highlights India’s growing strength in international boxing and the performance of its athletes across different weight categories.
About the Tammer Tournament
The Tammer Tournament is an annual international boxing competition organised by the Tampere Boxing Association in Finland. It has been conducted since 1977, providing boxers with an opportunity to compete against international opponents and gain valuable experience.
Edmund Richardson Wins 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction
British academic Edmund Richardson has received the 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction for his book Alexander: God, King, Man. The award ceremony took place in London, where he was presented with a cash prize of £50,000 (approximately US$67,000).
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing, the book examines the life of Alexander the Great, covering his military campaigns, political journey and personal life.
About the Baillie Gifford Prize
The Baillie Gifford Prize is among Britain’s leading awards for non-fiction literature. It recognises outstanding English-language non-fiction works across subjects such as history, politics, science, current affairs, sports, travel, biography and the arts.
Important facts:
- Established in 1999.
- Initially known as the Samuel Johnson Prize for Nonfiction.
- Renamed in 2016.
- Currently sponsored by Baillie Gifford.
- Carries a prize of £50,000.
- Open to writers of all nationalities.
- Winners are selected by an independent judging panel.
Harmanpreet Singh Reaches 250 International Goals
Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh achieved a major career milestone by scoring his 250th international goal on 5 November 2026.
He reached the landmark during India’s semifinal match against South Korea at the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, held at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. Harmanpreet scored the historic goal through a penalty corner in the ninth minute.
He became the second Indian men’s hockey player to reach 250 international goals. The legendary Dhyan Chand remains the record-holder, with 570 international goals. Hockey India congratulated Harmanpreet on his achievement.
India defeated South Korea 8–1 to qualify for the final, where it was scheduled to face Japan in Mohali at 7:00 PM IST on 5 November.
About Harmanpreet Singh’s Playing Role
Harmanpreet plays as a defender and is particularly known for his penalty-corner expertise. His role combines defensive responsibilities with an important attacking contribution during set-piece situations.
Important Penalty-Corner Rules
- A maximum of five defenders, including the goalkeeper, may position themselves behind the back line during a penalty corner.
- An attacking team cannot take a direct shot until the ball has travelled outside the circle.
- The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy features six leading Asian teams competing in a round-robin format.
- The tournament has been organised annually by the Asian Hockey Federation since 2011.
India Plans to Build the World’s Highest Railway Station at Tanglang La
India is planning to construct a railway station at an elevation of approximately 5,256 metres beneath the Tanglang La pass as part of the proposed 489-km Bilaspur–Manali–Leh broad-gauge railway line.
Once completed, the station could become the world’s highest railway station, surpassing China’s Tanggula railway station, which stands at approximately 5,068 metres.
Strategic Importance of the Railway Project
The proposed railway line will connect Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh with Leh in Ladakh. The Ministry of Defence considers the project strategically important because it is expected to strengthen connectivity to the sensitive Ladakh region.
The estimated project cost is approximately ₹1.31 lakh crore, with nearly 270 km of the proposed route expected to pass through tunnels.
Proposed Railway Route
The alignment is planned to pass through the following locations:
Sundernagar – Mandi – Manali – Sissu – Darcha – Keylong – Sarchu – Pang – Rumtse – Upshi – Kharu – Leh.
According to the Railway Ministry, the survey has been completed and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared.
Important Developments and Clarification
Recent reports have mentioned an elevation of approximately 5,256 metres for the proposed station. However, some earlier reports have cited around 5,359–5,360 metres as the highest point or station elevation. These figures should be treated as reported estimates rather than a single confirmed final elevation.
Separately, in October 2026, the Himachal Pradesh High Court quashed a preliminary land-acquisition notification relating to a 63-km section of a connected railway line, citing failure to comply with statutory requirements.
Review Questions
Q1. Who won the Sharjah Award for Best International Non-Fiction Book on 4 November 2026?
A) Arundhati Roy
B) Nirmala Lakshman
C) Shashi Tharoor
D) Sudha Murty
Answer: B) Nirmala Lakshman
Q2. Which book by Nirmala Lakshman received the Sharjah Award?
A) The Tamils: A Portrait of a Community
B) India: A Cultural Journey
C) The People of South India
D) A History of Tamil Literature
Answer: A) The Tamils: A Portrait of a Community
Q3. Which state topped NITI Aayog’s India Science and Technology Scoreboard in research publications for 2024–25?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Maharashtra
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Karnataka
Answer: C) Tamil Nadu
Q4. How many research publications were recorded by Uttar Pradesh in the India S&T Scoreboard for 2024–25?
A) 28,947
B) 29,298
C) 44,611
D) 31,250
Answer: B) 29,298
Q5. How many medals did India win at the Tammer Tournament 2026 in Finland?
A) 10
B) 12
C) 14
D) 16
Answer: C) 14
Q6. Who among the following won a gold medal at the Tammer Tournament 2026 in the women’s 70 kg category?
A) Aarti Dhariyal
B) Ankushita Boro
C) Arundhati Chaudhary
D) Lovlina Borgohain
Answer: C) Arundhati Chaudhary
Q7. Who won the 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction?
A) Edmund Richardson
B) Salman Rushdie
C) William Dalrymple
D) Peter Frankopan
Answer: A) Edmund Richardson
Q8. Which book earned Edmund Richardson the 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize?
A) The Rise of Empires
B) Alexander: God, King, Man
C) The Art of War
D) The Great Conquerors
Answer: B) Alexander: God, King, Man
Q9. Harmanpreet Singh scored his 250th international goal during which tournament?
A) Hockey World Cup
B) Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
C) Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026
D) FIH Pro League
Answer: C) Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026
Q10. What is the approximate proposed elevation of India’s planned railway station beneath Tanglang La pass?
A) 4,850 metres
B) 5,068 metres
C) 5,256 metres
D) 5,500 metres
Answer: C) 5,256 metres
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