Topics: International Affairs · UPSC Prelims · TNPSC · SSC · Current Affairs
Current affairs of 9 November 2026 (Shanmugam IAS Academy) – explained for UPSC, TNPSC and other competitive exams
News
Paraguay's Senate removed President Santiago Peña by impeachment on 6 November 2026 over charges linked to the collapse of Ueno Bank. 44 senators voted to remove him for misconduct in office, with no votes against. Vice President Pedro Alliana was sworn in as President the same day and will serve until August 2028. Regulators had seized Ueno Bank on 3 November, locking nearly half of the country's 6 million people out of their savings. Peña, who denies the charges of breach of trust and influence peddling, was placed under house arrest. He is the second Paraguayan president ousted by impeachment since 1989 (the first was Fernando Lugo in 2012). AP reports that Alliana, too, is under investigation in connection with the bank.
Key facts for the exam
Point
Details
Sworn in
6 November 2026
New President
Pedro Alliana (b. 1974, Pilar) – Colorado Party; Vice President since 2023
Removed
Santiago Peña – President since 15 August 2023
Senate vote
44 in favour, none against – 'misconduct in office'
Cause
Ueno Bank collapse; charges incl. a $355-million state pension fund deposit
Term
Until August 2028
Capital / currency
Asunción / guaraní
Official languages
Spanish and Guaraní
Background
Geography: Paraguay is landlocked – in South America only Bolivia and Paraguay have no coastline. It borders Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. The Paraguay river divides it into an eastern region and the western 'Gran Chaco'.
Economy: the Itaipu hydropower dam, built with Brazil on the Paraná river, is among the world's largest hydro plants; Yacyretá dam is shared with Argentina. Paraguay therefore exports clean electricity. Soya and beef are key exports. It is a founder member of MERCOSUR, created by the Treaty of Asunción in 1991.
Polity: a presidential republic; the President is directly elected for a single five-year term with no re-election. The lower house impeaches and the Senate tries and removes. Alfredo Stroessner ruled as dictator from 1954 to 1989. President Fernando Lugo was removed the same way in June 2012. Paraguay is the only South American country that recognises Taiwan.
India–Paraguay: diplomatic ties since 1961; India's embassy in Asunción has functioned since 27 January 2022. President Peña made a state visit to India on 2–4 June 2025. Bilateral trade was US$213.88 million in 2024–25; India exports vehicles, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals and imports soya oil.
Tamil Nadu link: There is no direct Tamil Nadu link. Closest verified fact: according to India's Ministry of External Affairs, Paraguay has an honorary consulate in Chennai, besides Mumbai and Kolkata.
Frequently asked questions
What is this news about?
Paraguay's Senate removed President Santiago Peña by impeachment on 6 November 2026 over charges linked to the collapse of Ueno Bank. 44 senators voted to remove him for misconduct in office, with no votes against.
What are the key facts to remember for the exam?
Sworn in: 6 November 2026; New President: Pedro Alliana (b. 1974, Pilar) – Colorado Party; Vice President since 2023; Removed: Santiago Peña – President since 15 August 2023; Senate vote: 44 in favour, none against – 'misconduct in office'.
What is the background to this news?
Geography: Paraguay is landlocked – in South America only Bolivia and Paraguay have no coastline. It borders Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia.
