Canada’s trade minister Maninder Sidhu, in an interview with TOI’s Sachin Parashar & Sidhartha, says his govt is focusing on quality skilled workers and both the countries are taking one step at a time before they move ahead with talks on a trade deal. Excerpts:

Bihar's Kalyanpur constituency is witnessing a close contest between BJP, RJD, and Jan Suraaj Party candidates. Polling has concluded, with results due November 14. The seat, historically a battleground, is crucial for East Champaran's political landscape. Exit polls suggest an NDA lead in Bihar, with Jan Suraaj Party unlikely to secure significant seats.

The Kesaria assembly constituency in Bihar is experiencing a close triangular contest between JD(U), VIP, and JSP candidates. Polling concluded on November 11, with results to be declared on Friday. The constituency, located in Purvi Champaran, has a politically aware electorate and played a key role in past elections.

Patna Sahib anticipates a close triangular fight as results for BJP's Ratnesh Kushwaha, Congress's Shashant Shekhar, and JanSuraaj's Vinita Mishra are due Wednesday. Polls suggest NDA's strong performance statewide, with Patna Sahib, a BJP stronghold, being a key constituency to watch. Past results show a consistent BJP lead.

Kumhrar braces for a tight three-way electoral battle as vote counting commences Wednesday. While polls suggest an NDA victory statewide, this key Patna constituency, a BJP stronghold, awaits its fate. Past results show a clear BJP dominance, making this contest a significant indicator of regional political currents.

Bankipur braces for a tight three-way electoral battle as vote counting commences. Nitin Nabin of BJP, Rekha Kumari from RJD, and Vandana Kumari of JanSuraaj are in contention. The constituency, a BJP stronghold, witnessed significant voter turnout. Exit polls suggest a potential NDA victory in the broader election.

Danapur awaits vote counting for a direct contest between BJP's Ram Kripal Yadav and RJD's Rit Lal Roy. The constituency, with a mixed urban-rural base, has seen shifting political preferences over decades. Recent polls suggest an NDA lead in the broader election.

New legislation, the Seeds Bill 2025, is set to replace outdated laws, aiming to provide farmers with quality seeds affordably and combat spurious products. The bill proposes stricter penalties for major offenses like selling fake seeds, while decriminalizing minor violations to ease business. It also seeks to boost innovation through liberalized imports and protect farmer rights.

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.