As Bihar's second phase of elections nears, the INDIA bloc faces internal conflicts with allies contesting against each other on at least 11 seats. Meanwhile, opposition leaders and social media campaigns appear largely inactive, leaving candidates to campaign independently amidst uncertainty about the official launch.
Wife of jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk submitted a representation calling charges against him «flimsy and baseless.» She stated that videos cited by authorities were taken out of context and misinterpreted, arguing his arrest aims to silence peaceful advocacy for Ladakh's statehood and democratic rights.
Congress has withdrawn from the Nagrota assembly bypoll in J&K, supporting ally National Conference to unite against the BJP. This strategic move, despite NC offering the seat, aims to counter the BJP's influence. The byelection follows the death of the sitting BJP MLA, with his daughter now nominated by the party.
India is set to acquire approximately Rs 10,000 crore worth of missiles for its S-400 air defence system, bolstering its capabilities after its reported success in Operation Sindoor. Discussions are underway with Russia to enhance long-range strike and interception, with the Defence Acquisition Council expected to review the proposal soon.
The Delhi High Court has ordered Google to use its technology to stop fake advertisements on YouTube featuring AI-generated images and deep-fake videos of Sadhguru. The court directed Google to immediately halt ads depicting Sadhguru's arrest and to collaborate with the Isha Foundation on a permanent solution. This follows previous court orders protecting Sadhguru's personality rights, yet deceptive ads and scams persist.
India has officially reopened its embassy in Kabul, upgrading its technical mission to a full diplomatic presence. This move aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand India's developmental and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. The decision follows a meeting between India's External Affairs Minister and Afghanistan's Foreign Minister.
Bihar's Mahagathbandhan alliance is experiencing internal friction. Seat-sharing issues are causing confusion and overlapping nominations for the upcoming 2025 assembly elections. Smaller allies feel sidelined, with JMM withdrawing from the state-level arrangement. These coordination challenges could impact vote splits in key constituencies. Leaders are working to resolve disputes before polling begins.
AIMIM has released its first list of 25 candidates for the Bihar assembly elections, notably including two non-Muslim nominees. This move signifies Asaduddin Owaisi's strategy to broaden the party's appeal beyond its traditional Muslim base and position it as a social justice platform for all communities, aiming to contest beyond the Seemanchal region.
Tejashwi Yadav has questioned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's fitness to lead, sharing a video of the CM struggling at a rally. Yadav also alleged Nitish's party might have deliberately incapacitated him. This renewed criticism comes as Assembly elections loom, with Yadav suggesting Nitish's behavior raises governance concerns.
Bihar's 2025 assembly elections are set for a high-stakes contest on November 6 and 11. Key constituencies like Raghopur and Mahua will witness intense battles, including family strongholds and 'friendly fights' between INDIA bloc partners, highlighting the RJD-Congress vs. BJP-JD(U) rivalry.
Congress MP Pappu Yadav claims the BJP-led NDA is sidelining Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He stated that only the Congress party will offer Kumar the respect he deserves. Yadav believes Kumar will not remain with the NDA after the upcoming Bihar elections. Bihar is scheduled to vote in November.
India’s top anti-corruption body, the Lokpal, has come under fire after issuing a tender to purchase seven luxury BMWs, sparking allegations of hypocrisy and misuse of taxpayers’ money. Opposition leaders, activists, and social media users criticised the move, highlighting the irony of an institution created to fight corruption indulging in lavish spending.
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor accused Union ministers Amit Shah and Dharmendra Pradhan of pressuring three of his party's candidates to withdraw nominations for the Bihar Assembly elections. Kishor alleged the BJP is using its machinery out of fear of defeat and plans to file a complaint with the Election Commission.
A heartwarming video of Das uncle, a peon at Bishop Cotton Girls’ School, ringing the school bell for the final time after 38 years has captivated millions online. Students cheered as he performed his routine, a testament to his quiet dedication. The viral clip celebrates an unsung hero, prompting many to recall similar figures from their own school days.
Prime Minister Modi celebrated Deepavali, linking it to national progress and Lord Ram's ideals of justice. He highlighted the eradication of Naxalism in several districts and praised economic reforms like the GST Savings Festival. PM Modi emphasized India's rising global influence and urged citizens towards self-reliance and unity, inspired by the festival's spirit of shared light.
INDIA bloc partners in Bihar are in damage control mode before the first phase of polling, with some withdrawing candidates against each other. Despite internal conflicts and the JMM's exit, leaders hope for clarity by October 23, the last date for withdrawal of candidatures for the second phase.
Satellite phone services have been restored for over 30 fishermen from Tamil Nadu. The Department of Telecommunications and BSNL intervened to bring back Inmarsat connectivity. A private operator also provided temporary service. This enabled stranded fishermen to receive weather alerts and return safely. Efforts are ongoing to ensure full service restoration for all.
