The recently concluded Bihar state assembly elections, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, resulted in a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which secured 202 of the 243 seats. The opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) alliance, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), managed to win only 35 seats. Notably, only 10 Muslim candidates were elected to the assembly, marking the lowest Muslim representation since 1990. Despite Muslims constituting about 17.7% of Bihar’s population, both major alliances fielded fewer Muslim candidates compared to the 2020 election. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, contested 25 seats with 23 Muslim candidates and won five, performing strongly in Muslim-majority districts such as Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, and Araria. In contrast, the ruling Janata Dal (United) fielded only four Muslim candidates, and the opposition RJD and Congress saw limited success among their Muslim nominees.

Delhi University has come under fire for allegedly violating academic freedom after canceling a long-running seminar on democracy and directing faculty and students to attend a 'National Cow Conference' on the same day. Critics, including sociology professor Nandini Sundar, accused the administration of promoting a Hindutva agenda and suppressing secular and democratic discourse. The university claimed the seminar was canceled due to lack of prior approval, but organizers argued that such permission had never been required in the event’s 60-year history. The Democratic Teachers’ Front condemned the move as ideological suppression and bias against social sciences. Analysts say the incident reflects a broader trend under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, where universities face growing political pressure, restrictions on academic content, and intolerance toward critical research. The controversy underscores concerns about the erosion of academic autonomy and the increasing politicization of higher education in India.

The Indian national football team has arrived in Dhaka to face Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying return leg on November 18. However, controversy has emerged over the inclusion of Ryan Williams, an Australian-born striker who recently obtained Indian citizenship. Despite his new nationality, India reportedly brought him to Dhaka without securing necessary approvals from FIFA and Football Australia. According to regulations, India must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Football Australia before seeking formal clearance from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Without these permissions, Williams will be ineligible to play against Bangladesh. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed that while Williams will travel and train with the team, his participation in the match depends on receiving the required NOC and international clearances.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has temporarily suspended senior leader and former Union Minister R.K. Singh, along with party member Ashok Agarwal, following the party’s strong performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, where it won 89 seats as the single largest party. According to official letters, both leaders were suspended for engaging in anti-party activities. The Bihar BJP unit has given them one week to provide a written explanation regarding their conduct. Party insiders told the Hindustan Times that Singh’s suspension was primarily due to his alleged criticism of fellow BJP leaders and his actions during the recent state elections. The move signals the party’s effort to maintain internal discipline and unity after a significant electoral victory.

Following a crushing defeat for the Congress-led Mahagathbandhan alliance in the Bihar state assembly elections, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed surprise at the results and questioned the fairness of the electoral process. Without directly alleging vote rigging, Gandhi stated on social media that the election was not fair from the beginning and reiterated his gratitude to millions of voters who supported the alliance. He emphasized that the Congress and the INDIA bloc would review the outcome thoroughly to strengthen their fight for democracy and the Constitution. The two-phase election saw over 67 percent voter turnout, with the ruling NDA alliance led by the BJP and JD(U) winning 202 out of 242 declared seats. The BJP secured 89 seats, JD(U) 85, while the opposition RJD and Congress managed only 25 and 10 seats respectively, marking a significant setback for the opposition in Bihar.

At least seven people were killed and 27 others injured when a large cache of seized explosives detonated at a police station in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday night. Most of the victims were police officers and forensic experts who were examining the explosives at the Nowgam police station. Among the dead were two Srinagar administrative officials and a deputy tehsildar. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as five of the injured remain in critical condition. Senior police officials have cordoned off the area, and the injured have been admitted to the Indian Army’s 92 Base Hospital and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences. The explosives were reportedly linked to an investigation into posters by the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Several doctors had earlier been arrested in connection with the case, including Adil Ahmed Rather and Muzammil Shakil, from whose residence police recovered about 3,000 kilograms of ammonium nitrate.

The Adani Group has announced major investments totaling more than ₹1.63 lakh crore in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Assam. According to The Hindu, the conglomerate plans to invest ₹1 lakh crore in Andhra Pradesh across multiple sectors, including port infrastructure, creating over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. Adani Ports and SEZ Managing Director Karan Adani described Andhra Pradesh as the gateway to eastern India. In Assam, Adani Power and Adani Green Energy have received government approval for a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant and two pumped storage projects, together worth ₹63,000 crore. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani said the investments represent the largest private sector commitment in the region, aimed at boosting energy security, industrial growth, and employment. The projects are expected to accelerate economic transformation across India’s northeastern corridor.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), is set to return to power in Bihar with a commanding majority. According to the latest official trends, the NDA is leading in 202 out of 243 assembly seats, while the opposition Mahagathbandhan is ahead in only 35. The BJP leads in 90 seats, JD-U in 84, and allies LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and RLM in several others. Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) trails far behind, managing leads in just 26 constituencies. Political strategist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party failed to make an impact, polling fewer votes than NOTA. Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM surprised observers by leading in six seats in the Seemanchal region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi credited women and youth voters for the victory and suggested that Bihar’s political momentum could influence West Bengal next. Analysts attribute the NDA’s landslide to strong female voter turnout, effective caste alliances, and the enduring popularity of Nitish Kumar and Modi.

Following a deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed 13 people, Indian authorities have launched extensive raids across Jammu and Kashmir, detaining several suspects including doctors and religious figures allegedly linked to banned militant groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. The investigation has uncovered large quantities of explosives and weapons, prompting claims of an international terror network’s involvement. However, the crackdown has also triggered a surge in Islamophobic and anti-Kashmiri sentiment across India, with reports of police compiling lists of Kashmiri residents and social media users calling for their eviction. Rights activists warn that such actions are heightening fear among Kashmiri students and professionals living outside the region. Analysts say the incident raises new questions about India’s counterinsurgency approach and the government’s earlier claims that militant recruitment in Kashmir had ceased.

The Karnataka government has introduced paid menstrual leave for working women, becoming the first Indian state to implement such a policy across both public and private sectors. Under the new rule, women aged 18 to 52 employed in formal workplaces can take one day of paid leave each month during their menstrual period, without requiring a medical certificate. The policy is expected to benefit around 350,000 to 400,000 women in the formal sector. However, approximately six million women working in informal sectors, such as domestic workers and daily laborers, are excluded. Experts have urged the government to extend the benefit to informal workers as well. Despite its limitations, the initiative is being hailed as a progressive step toward gender-sensitive labor policies in India, aligning Karnataka with countries like Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia that already offer menstrual leave.

Vote counting is underway in Bihar’s assembly elections, with early results indicating a decisive lead for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The alliance is ahead in over 200 of the 243 assembly seats, surpassing the 122-seat majority mark required to form the government. The elections were held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with an overall voter turnout of around 67 percent. BJP and its ally Janata Dal (United) have already begun celebrations across the state. Meanwhile, the Congress party faces another major setback, with its leaders acknowledging disappointing results. Pre-election surveys had also predicted a strong NDA victory, which the early trends now confirm.

Bihar, India’s youngest and poorest state, is witnessing a surge of Gen Z anger that could significantly influence its two-phase state election. Many young voters, burdened by unemployment, corruption, and failing education systems, feel let down by successive governments. Their frustration intensified after a leaked government job exam dashed the hopes of aspirants like Ajay Kumar, triggering months-long student protests.

Government data reveal that 40% of Bihar’s population is under 18, and nearly a quarter is between 18 and 29, yet the state ranks lowest on key human development indicators. Urban youth unemployment stands at 22%, far above the national average. Many young Biharis migrate for education and work, often facing discrimination in other states.

This election pits the National Democratic Alliance—led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—against a younger opposition leadership headed by 36-year-old Tejashwi Yadav. While the NDA promises 10 million jobs, the opposition pledges one government job per family within 20 days of taking power.

Political observers believe the results will indicate whether Bihar’s youth still trust Modi’s leadership or whether a generational shift will propel younger opposition leaders into power. Results are set to be announced on November 14.

At least eight people were killed and fifteen others injured in a tragic road accident in Pune, Maharashtra, on Thursday morning. The incident occurred near Navale Bridge when a private car was trapped between two colliding trucks, leaving the vehicle completely destroyed. One of the trucks caught fire, intensifying the disaster and causing heavy traffic congestion on the national highway for several hours. Fire service units rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze and carry out rescue operations. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed condolences to the victims’ families, announcing financial aid of five lakh rupees for each bereaved family and assuring full medical support for the injured.

The Assam Cabinet has approved the draft of the Polygamy Prohibition Bill, proposing up to seven years of imprisonment for individuals entering into multiple marriages. The bill, set to be tabled in the state assembly on June 25, aims to make polygamy a criminal offense. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that offenders would face arrest without immediate bail. The legislation also includes the creation of a special fund to support women affected by polygamy, ensuring they do not suffer financially or socially. However, the law will not apply to tribal communities in Sixth Schedule areas such as BTC, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao, where customary laws prevail. Political analysts view the move as a significant milestone for the Sarma government ahead of the 2026 state elections.

A devastating explosion near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in New Delhi killed at least eight people on Monday evening and left many others injured, according to fire service and police officials. The blast occurred in a car parked beside the station, and its intensity triggered fires in three to four nearby vehicles, shattered windowpanes, and caused widespread panic in the area. The Delhi Fire Service reported receiving an emergency call at 7:05 p.m., after which seven fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze. Videos and photos from the scene showed plumes of smoke rising from burning vehicles and extensive damage across the vicinity.

Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes, including body parts being thrown into the air by the force of the explosion. One witness told local media that he saw a severed hand lying on the road and felt his ears ringing for minutes after the blast. Others reported feeling the shockwave shake nearby buildings, windows, and doors. Police have cordoned off the area, halted traffic across central Delhi, and launched an investigation into the cause, which remains unclear. Emergency teams transported the injured to LNJP Hospital, where doctors confirmed eight deaths.