Kerala's electoral roll revision faces a boycott by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) on Monday following the death of one in Kannur, allegedly due to intense work pressure. Trade unions claim unrealistic targets for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and upcoming local body polls are pushing BLOs to the brink. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the BLO's death.
Panic ensued on the Shridham Express after a bomb threat was received for a general coach. The train was halted for extensive searches by security forces and a dog squad. No explosives were found, and the alert was confirmed as a hoax, allowing the train to continue its journey.
Three major opposition yatras, including Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra, Tejashwi Yadav’s Bihar Adhikar Yatra and Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Padyatra, drew large crowds but produced no electoral gains. The BJP-led NDA won more than 202 of 243 seats, leaving the INDIA bloc weakened. Rahul’s “vote chori” message failed to resonate, Tejashwi’s tour did not expand his support, and Kishor’s long padyatra ended without a single victory, showing that spectacle cannot replace organisation in Bihar’s caste-driven politics.
India's Army and Air Force are set to acquire advanced drone detection and interdiction systems. These indigenous systems will use lasers to disable enemy drones from a distance. The Defence Ministry is expected to approve DRDO's latest version, which can engage targets up to 2 kilometers. This development enhances India's defence capabilities against aerial threats.
Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma reviewed counter-terrorism efforts in Udhampur, urging vigilance against new hinterland threats. He visited Basantgarh and Rampur, acknowledging troops' dedication to a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, he assessed operational readiness in Rajouri's Nowshera and Bimber Gali sectors, commending soldiers' high morale and advanced defensive measures.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Qatar's Amir in Doha, reinforcing commitment to stronger bilateral ties and exploring new collaboration avenues. This follows Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's visit, which saw the launch of India's UPI in Qatar, enhancing digital payment connectivity. Prime Minister Modi also previously reaffirmed strategic partnership commitments with the Amir, discussing regional peace efforts.
CPI(ML)L general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya described the Bihar election results as «abnormal,» attributing them to three «experiments.» These included a Rs 10,000 transfer to women, a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and land transfers to a «corporate house.» Bhattacharya stated these actions created an uneven political playing field.
NDA leaders are demanding answers from Tejashwi Yadav following accusations of «filthy abuses» from his sister, Rohini Acharya. BJP leaders question his leadership capabilities given family discord. Tej Pratap Yadav supported Rohini, urging their father Lalu Prasad Yadav to act against those he deems «traitors» who influenced Tejashwi's judgment, escalating family and political tensions.
Trinamool Congress has strongly condemned a BJP minister's remark calling Raja Ram Mohan Roy a «British agent.» West Bengal minister Shashi Panja stated the comment insults Bengal's intellectual heritage and its people. The minister later apologised, calling his statement a «slip of the tongue» and acknowledging Roy as a respected social reformer.
Bihar's NDA prepares for a new cabinet by November 22, while family rifts deepen within the Lalu Yadav camp. Globally, Mexico City youth protest drug violence, and the US eases import duties benefiting Indian exporters. In sports, South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in a Test match, with Simon Harmer starring.
Bihar's 2025 election saw the RJD secure the highest vote share but a drastically low seat tally, while the NDA achieved a landslide victory. The RJD's votes were spread thinly, resulting in many second-place finishes, a consequence of India's 'First Past the Post' system. The NDA's strategic alliances and efficient vote conversion led to their dominant win.
In a key gathering aimed at regional collaboration, Union home minister Amit Shah is set to chair the 32nd Northern Zonal Council meeting in Faridabad, Haryana. The agenda highlights pivotal topics such as advancements in education, public health services, electricity provision, and urgent measures for probing sexual offenses committed against women and children.
Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter, Rohini Acharya, has accused her brother Tejashwi Yadav of humiliation and abuse, claiming a slipper was raised to hit her. She stated she left her parents in tears to protect her dignity. This public spat follows the RJD's significant electoral defeat and a prior family rift involving Tej Pratap Yadav.
US President Donald Trump has lowered import duties on nearly 200 food and agricultural items, including spices and tea, to ease rising domestic prices. This move provides a significant boost to India's key agri exports, though seafood and basmati rice remain under tariff sanctions. The exemptions aim to create a level playing field for Indian products in the US market.
Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter, Rohini Acharya, has accused her brother Tejashwi Yadav and aides Sanjay Yadav and Rameez Nemat of forcing her out of the family and silencing her after the RJD's election defeat. Acharya claimed she was abused and physically harmed for questioning the party's performance. This internal turmoil highlights significant cracks within the prominent political family.
Investigators suspect triacetone triperoxide (TATP) was a key component in the Delhi car blast, possibly mixed with ammonium nitrate and fuel oil. The unstable TATP, nicknamed 'mother of satan', can create powerful IEDs and may have detonated due to heat, not a detonator. This theory aligns with the accidental blast possibility, as TATP precursors are easily obtainable.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea to lift a seven-year-old stay on a CBI probe into tiger poaching in Corbett Tiger Reserve. The probe had suggested forest officials' connivance with poachers. The CBI itself has sought vacation of the stay, citing preliminary findings of irregularities and cover-ups. An environmentalist argues the prolonged stay hinders dismantling poaching networks.
Tragedy struck Nowgam, Jammu and Kashmir, as an accidental explosion at a police station claimed nine lives and injured 32. The blast occurred during forensic sampling of explosives linked to a terror module. The government announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for deceased families and Rs 1 lakh for the severely injured, urging against speculation.
The NDA secured a decisive victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, winning 202 seats. The alliance's development-focused manifesto, promising employment and infrastructure upgrades, resonated with voters. Despite age concerns surrounding Nitish Kumar, his experience and consolidated support proved advantageous, setting the stage for future electoral strategies.
Railways facilitated a record voter turnout in Bihar's assembly polls by running approximately 2,000 special trains and over three dozen unscheduled services during the Chhath festival. This initiative allowed citizens to celebrate and cast their votes, contributing to the state's highest voter participation since 1951. An experimental round-trip package also saw significant bookings.
Indian Railways is returning to its old recruitment system for top officials. This comes after the Indian Railway Management Services reform faced issues. New rules specify eligibility for key posts based on specific services. This move signals a significant shift in how railway leadership is appointed. The change aims to address departmentalism concerns and streamline appointments.