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Current affairs of 9 November 2026 (Shanmugam IAS Academy) – explained for UPSC, TNPSC and other competitive exams
News
Kanishkar, a 6-year-old boy from Vellore district, recited 30 Thirukkural couplets in 60 seconds accurately and fluently and entered the 'Noble World Records', a private record book (reported 8–9 Nov 2026). His interest in the Thirukkural led him to memorise the couplets. He received a medal, a certificate and a shield, and the organisation praised his early love for the Kural.
Key facts for the exam
Point
Details
Achiever
Kanishkar, 6, Vellore district
Feat
30 couplets recited in 60 seconds
Record book
Noble World Records (private)
Kural structure
3 parts, 133 chapters, 1,330 couplets
Chapter split
Virtue 38, Wealth 70, Love 25
Metre
Kural venba (2 lines, 7 metrical feet)
First print
1812 – Thanjai Gnanaprakasar
Anthology
One of the Eighteen Minor Works (Pathinenkilkanakku)
Background
The Thirukkural has 133 chapters and 1,330 couplets in three parts: Virtue (38 chapters), Wealth (70) and Love (25). Each couplet is a two-line kural venba of seven metrical feet. The Wealth section deals with statecraft – the king, ministers, army, friendship and citizenship.
The Kural belongs to the post-Sangam Eighteen Minor Works (Pathinenkilkanakku). It is praised as 'Ulaga Pothumarai', 'Poyyamozhi' and 'Muppal'. Thanjai Gnanaprakasar first printed it in 1812; translators include Beschi (Latin) and G.U. Pope (English, 1886).
Bharathiyar sang that Tamil Nadu won fame by giving Valluvar to the world. The Tamil Nadu government observes the second day of the Tamil month Thai as Thiruvalluvar Day. Valluvar Kottam, Chennai (1976), and the 133-ft Thiruvalluvar statue at Kanyakumari (1 Jan 2000) honour the Kural.
Tamil Nadu link: The achiever is from Vellore district. The Tamil Nadu Tamil Development Department runs a prize scheme for students who recite all 1,330 couplets; Thiruvalluvar Day (Thai 2) is a state holiday.
Frequently asked questions
What is this news about?
Kanishkar, a 6-year-old boy from Vellore district, recited 30 Thirukkural couplets in 60 seconds accurately and fluently and entered the 'Noble World Records', a private record book (reported 8–9 Nov 2026).
What are the key facts to remember for the exam?
Achiever: Kanishkar, 6, Vellore district; Feat: 30 couplets recited in 60 seconds; Record book: Noble World Records (private); Kural structure: 3 parts, 133 chapters, 1,330 couplets.
What is the background to this news?
The Thirukkural has 133 chapters and 1,330 couplets in three parts: Virtue (38 chapters), Wealth (70) and Love (25). Each couplet is a two-line kural venba of seven metrical feet.
