Bihar braces for assembly election vote counting today, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar seeking a fifth term. Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav has warned against any 'unconstitutional activity' during the process. The BJP expressed confidence in an NDA victory, while the Election Commission detailed extensive security and transparency measures for the counting.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly criticized Congress leader P Chidambaram for his comments on homegrown terrorists. Union minister Giriraj Singh accused Chidambaram of supporting terrorists and appeasement politics. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal stated that terrorists have no religion and questioned Chidambaram's past actions. National spokesperson Nalin Kohli alleged Chidambaram is building a political narrative.

A Turkey-based handler, 'Ukasa,' allegedly masterminded a terror plot involving a Delhi university professor, Umar Un Nabi, for a multi-city IED attack. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will hold a national referendum and general elections in February 2026. India showcased its military might with Exercise Trishul, involving 30,000 troops and 25 naval vessels.

Former Namami Gange DG G Asok Kumar has been appointed as an advisor to the Delhi government. He will provide guidance on the ambitious sanitation master plan, urban flooding, and the clean Yamuna drive. Kumar, a retired IAS officer, is known for his role in the «catch the rain initiative» and expanding the River Cities Alliance.

The Aam Aadmi Party's 'Rojgaar Do – Samajik Nyay Do' foot march entered its second day in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the state's high unemployment and caste-based discrimination. Led by Sanjay Singh, the 13-day march from Ayodhya to Prayagraj aims to demand jobs and social justice for the marginalized.

Botswana has gifted eight cheetahs to India, bolstering the nation's ambitious Project Cheetah. President Droupadi Murmu accepted the animals, a mix of adults and sub-adults, at Mokolodi Nature Reserve. These majestic cats will soon join others at Kuno National Park, aiding the restoration of the species in its historic Indian homeland. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to wildlife conservation.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asserted that not all residents of the region are terrorists, following the Red Fort car blast probe widening to Kashmir. The investigation revealed a Turkiye-based handler, codenamed Ukasa, directed the module, which included professionals like doctors and a cleric who allegedly radicalized students.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has criticized the government for its delayed response to the Delhi car blast near Red Fort, questioning national security and intelligence failures. He highlighted the 48-hour delay in classifying the incident as a terrorist act, which claimed 13 lives. Khera urged an All-Party Meeting to address security concerns, drawing parallels to the 2001 Parliament attack and emphasizing the need for accountability.

A flight ticket found in Saharanpur links Dr. Adil Ahmad, arrested last week, to a Srinagar-Delhi trip just before the Red Fort blast. The Jammu and Kashmir native, a qualified doctor, is under scrutiny for potential ties to terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed. Investigators are probing his movements and contacts in Delhi.

A major terror plot involving multiple vehicle-borne IEDs and rifle attacks has been uncovered in Delhi, with Umar Un Nabi identified as the bomber. The module, linked to a Turkiye-based handler, also targeted Ayodhya. Security agencies are actively searching for two other vehicles and pursuing all involved culprits, with the NIA taking over the investigation.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has rejected a plea to transfer the investigation into senior Haryana IPS officer Y Puran Kumar's suicide to the CBI. The court found no unnecessary delay or laxity in the ongoing probe, noting that 14 individuals have been named as accused and 22 witnesses have been examined.

India has boosted its military strength in eastern Ladakh with the operationalization of the new Nyoma airbase. This strategic move enhances troop and supply movement capabilities. Simultaneously, a large Army exercise, 'Poorvi Prachand Prahar', is underway in Arunachal Pradesh. These developments underscore India's high military readiness along the China frontier.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission and Rs 20,000 crore in additional collateral-free credit to support exporters facing global trade uncertainty. This six-year mission aims to improve access to credit, address logistics costs, and facilitate market access for labor-intensive sectors like textiles and leather.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concern over rampant illegal mining in the Aravali range, highlighting its immense damage to the sensitive ecosystem. While reserving verdict on a uniform definition, the court acknowledged the need for sustainable use, with a committee suggesting stringent guidelines for regulated mining alongside conservation efforts.

Jammu and Kashmir police have intensified operations against terror support networks and the Jamaat-e-Islami, conducting extensive searches and questioning over 500 individuals in Kulgam. This crackdown follows the unearthing of a «white-collar» terror network. Authorities also ordered the attachment of a lawyer's Srinagar home in connection with a 2009 case involving anti-India speeches.

India's cabinet has approved increased royalty rates for graphite, zirconium, caesium, and rubidium to boost domestic mining and production. This move aims to enhance energy and supply chain security amidst a global scramble for critical minerals. The new ad valorem royalty structure, particularly for graphite, is expected to unlock significant mineral resources, including associated critical minerals like lithium.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla formed a 31-member parliamentary committee to scrutinize three bills concerning the removal of PMs, CMs, and ministers under arrest for 30 days. Most opposition parties boycotted the panel, citing constitutional and federalism concerns, with only three opposition MPs joining. The bills propose disqualification upon 30 consecutive days of arrest for serious criminal charges.