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Nitish Kumar Set for Historic 10th Term as Bihar Chief Minister After NDA Landslide Victory

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Nitish Kumar
Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is scheduled to resign Wednesday, initiating the formal process for his unprecedented 10th term following the National Democratic Alliance’s decisive victory in state assembly elections.

Legislature Party Elections Scheduled

Nitish Kumar will first be elected leader of the JD(U) legislature party, with members convening at the state office at 11 AM. At 3:30 PM, MLAs from all five NDA partners will gather in the Bihar Assembly’s Central Hall to formally elect Kumar as alliance leader.

BJP’s Bihar election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister KP Maurya are already in Patna overseeing the legislative party leader election.

Kumar will subsequently visit Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation and present support letters to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, staking claim to form the new government before the outgoing Assembly is dissolved.

Commanding Electoral Mandate

The NDA secured 202 seats in the 243-member House. BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 89 seats, followed by JD(U) with 85. Smaller allies—Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV) with 19 seats, HAM with five, and RLM with four—consolidated the alliance’s commanding majority.

Grand Oath Ceremony Planned

Nitish Kumar is scheduled for swearing-in Thursday morning at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, alongside several ministers. Massive security deployment is underway ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, several Union ministers, and chief ministers of NDA-ruled states are also expected.

The high-profile turnout signals the NDA’s intent to project Bihar’s mandate as major political endorsement.

Cabinet Portfolio Negotiations Hit Roadblocks

Back-channel negotiations over cabinet positions have intensified, encountering “last-minute roadblocks” according to sources.

The Home portfolio represents the biggest flashpoint. JD(U) insiders indicate the party is unwilling to relinquish this key position long held by Kumar, while BJP pushes for larger representation in key ministries after emerging as the single-largest party.

The Speaker’s post is similarly contested, with BJP insisting on retention. In the outgoing assembly, BJP’s Nand Kishore Yadav served as Speaker and JD(U)’s Narendra Narayan Yadav as Deputy Speaker.

JD(U) is expected to retain most current ministers, while BJP may introduce new faces. The expanded cabinet likely includes five to six new entrants from both parties. LJP (RV) may receive three cabinet positions, while HAM and RLM are likely allocated one each.

“Meetings are ongoing, and the remaining matters will be sorted out by the evening and briefed accordingly,” JD(U) leader Rajeev Ranjan Prasad told ANI Wednesday.

Bangladesh Seeks Interpol Red Notice for Sheikh Hasina Following Death Sentence

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Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh’s interim government is preparing to request Interpol assistance in extraditing ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal from India, following their death sentences by Dhaka’s International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity.

Interpol Red Notice Process Initiated

ICT prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim announced Tuesday that preparations are underway to request an Interpol Red Notice for the convicted individuals.

“Both the accused are absconding, and an application has already been submitted to Interpol, along with the Tribunal’s arrest warrant, seeking issuance of a Red Notice. Now we will ask the organisation, through the foreign ministry, to issue a new Red Notice based on the conviction warrant instead of the arrest warrant,” Tamim told The Financial Express.

Formal Extradition Request to India

Following Monday’s verdict, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul stated Dhaka would formally request New Delhi for the duo’s extradition. Both Sheikh Hasina and Kamal fled to India after July-August 2024 student protests, hijacked by Islamist groups, forced Hasina from power.

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry is finalizing a diplomatic note to India, potentially sending it within days. A senior official reported that Dhaka previously wrote to India in December 2024 requesting Hasina’s extradition but received no response, according to the Daily Star.

Legal Complexities and Treaty Provisions

India and Bangladesh maintain a 2013 extradition treaty obligating both countries to hand over convicted fugitives. However, the treaty permits refusal in cases deemed “political in character,” creating legal ambiguity in Hasina’s situation.

India offered a measured response after the sentencing, stating it remains committed to the “best interests of the people of Bangladesh” and will “always engage constructively with all stakeholders.”

Defendants Denounce Verdict

Both Sheikh Hasina and Kamal have characterized the verdict as politically motivated. Hasina’s Awami League condemned the judgment as “made by a rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate.”

Kamal told the media the verdict was “expected” and alleged the court was created solely to “finish Awami League leadership.”

Under tribunal law, Hasina and Kamal must surrender and file appeals within 30 days. India’s response to extradition requests will significantly impact the future of Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister.

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha Name Newborn Son ‘Neer,’ Share Meaning Behind Choice

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Parineeti Chopra
Parineeti Chopra

Actress Parineeti Chopra and Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha have revealed the name of their newborn son, announcing they’ve named him Neer. The couple welcomed their baby boy on October 19, 2025.

Name Announcement on Social Media

The couple shared the news through an Instagram carousel post featuring intimate photographs of the new parents with their son. The first image showed Parineeti and Raghav kissing their newborn’s tiny feet, while the second captured them holding Neer’s feet in their hands.

The caption explained the significance behind their choice: “Jalasya rūpam, premasya svarūpam – tatra eva Neer. Our hearts found peace in an eternal drop of life. We named him ‘Neer’ – pure, divine, limitless.”

Birth Announcement

The couple initially announced their son’s arrival through a joint social media post expressing their joy at becoming parents.

“He’s finally here. Our baby boy. And we literally can’t remember life before. Arms full, hearts are fuller,” they wrote.

“First we had each other, now we have everything,” they added, conveying the transformative impact of parenthood.

Relationship Timeline

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha announced their pregnancy in August 2025, approximately two years after their marriage. The couple wed in September 2023 during an intimate yet elaborate ceremony in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The wedding was attended by family members, close friends, and political dignitaries, reflecting both their personal and professional circles.

The pair dated for several months before publicly confirming their relationship earlier in 2023, maintaining relative privacy about their romance before their engagement announcement.

Name Significance

The name Neer carries profound meaning in Sanskrit, translating to “water” and embodying qualities of purity, divinity, and limitlessness. The couple’s caption suggests they chose the name for its spiritual and philosophical significance, reflecting eternal life and peace.

The announcement has generated considerable attention across social media, with fans and well-wishers congratulating the couple on their growing family. Both Chopra and Chadha have maintained their professional commitments while navigating this new chapter, with Chopra continuing her acting career and Chadha serving as a Rajya Sabha member representing Punjab.

Trump Grants Saudi Crown Prince Lavish Welcome, Defense Pact Despite Khashoggi Controversy

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Trump
Trump

President Donald Trump provided Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with an elaborate White House reception Tuesday, offering a defense agreement including advanced F-35 fighter jets while dismissing concerns about the murder of American journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, concrete returns for the United States remain unclear.

Ceremonial Reception and Defense Commitments

Trump greeted Mohammed bin Salman with a dozen flag-carrying soldiers on horseback, a Marine Corps band performing from the White House balcony, and an F-35 flyover. The countries signed a loosely worded defense cooperation pact, with Trump designating Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally” during a dinner honoring the 40-year-old leader.

Trump announced Saudi Arabia would purchase “nearly $142 billion worth of American military equipment and services,” though details and payment methods remain unspecified—representing nearly 15 percent of Saudi Arabia’s annual GDP.

Vague Investment Promises

In exchange, Trump received pledges for Saudi investment up to $1 trillion in the United States, increased from a previous $600 billion commitment. Experts question whether these investments will materialize, noting similar pledges from other partners have failed to fully develop.

“I do think it’s lopsided,” said Frederic Wehrey, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “The US is surrendering enormous leverage here by giving up so much, so quickly.”

Khashoggi Controversy Dismissed

Trump offered Prince Mohammed significant image rehabilitation regarding Khashoggi’s 2018 killing. A US intelligence report concluded MBS authorized the assassination of the Washington Post columnist, who was dismembered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

“He knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that,” Trump stated, criticizing a journalist questioning the matter as “insubordinate.”

Former President Joe Biden previously called MBS a “pariah,” though he later moderated his stance and initiated defense pact negotiations.

Strategic Gaps Remain

Trump failed to secure Saudi normalization with Israel through the Abraham Accords. Saudi Arabia did not obtain a mutual defense pact similar to Qatar’s arrangement with the United States.

“The fact he was able to come to Washington and to be received at the White House was a win for him,” said Abdullah Alaoudh, Saudi human rights advocate. “But the trip so far has failed on a strategic level.”

The F-35 sale will initiate lengthy negotiations, with deliveries potentially years away. National security officials remain concerned about technology sharing, particularly with China.

6 International Snow Destinations Within Short Flight Distance from India

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International
International

As winter approaches, Indian travelers seeking snowy landscapes have numerous international options requiring minimal travel time. From Himalayan neighbors to Central Asian destinations, these countries offer winter experiences without long-haul flights.

Nepal: Accessible Himalayan Gateway

Nepal remains the most convenient international snow destination for Indians, with regions like Nagarkot, Pokhara, Manang, Langtang Valley, and Mustang transforming into winter wonderlands. The destination offers mesmerizing Himalayan views, cozy accommodations, and trekking trails covered in fresh snow, making it suitable for beginners seeking moderate temperatures.

Best time: December to February Travel time: 1-2 hours by air from Delhi to Kathmandu

Bhutan: Serene Mountain Retreat

Bhutan’s winter appeal centers on tranquility and natural beauty. Locations including Paro, Thimphu, Haa Valley, and Bumthang receive gentle snowfall during peak winter months. The iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery set against snowy backdrops offers distinctive cultural experiences alongside natural landscapes.

Best time: Late December to February Travel time: 2-3 hours flight from India

Kyrgyzstan: Hidden Winter Gem

The capital Bishkek and towns like Karakol provide heavy snowfall, frozen lakes, and affordable world-class skiing. The destination combines snow-packed mountains with nomadic culture, horse-sledging, and hot springs, offering European-style winter experiences without extended travel.

Best time: November to March Travel time: Approximately 3.5 hours from Delhi

Kazakhstan: Urban and Mountain Snow

Almaty offers urban snowfall while the Tian Shan mountains provide powder-covered slopes. Shymbulak Ski Resort, accessible by cable car from the city, ranks among Asia’s premier ski destinations. Indians benefit from visa-free entry and direct flights.

Best time: December to April Travel time: 3-4 hours from major Indian cities

Azerbaijan: Northern Snow Regions

Northern areas, particularly Gabala and Shahdag, receive substantial snowfall. Shahdag features maintained ski slopes and luxury accommodations, while Gabala offers frozen lakes and snow-covered forests for relaxed winter holidays.

Best time: December to March Travel time: 3-3.5 hours from India

Uzbekistan: Heritage Meets Winter Sports

While renowned for Silk Route heritage and turquoise-tiled architecture, regions including Tashkent, Amirsoy Ski Resort, and Chimgan transform during winter. The destination uniquely combines snow activities with historical exploration.

Best time: December to February Travel time: Around 3 hours by flight

These destinations accommodate various travel styles, from family vacations to solo adventures, offering diverse winter experiences within accessible distances from India.

Shubman Gill Cleared to Travel for Second Test Despite Neck Injury, Availability Uncertain

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Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill

The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed Wednesday that captain Shubman Gill will travel to Guwahati with the team for the second Test against South Africa starting November 22, despite suffering a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata. However, his participation remains uncertain.

Injury Details and Medical Status

Shubman Gill was hospitalized after sustaining a neck injury while batting on Day 2 at Eden Gardens. He was spotted wearing a neck brace at Kolkata airport Wednesday morning, restricting movement around the injured area.

“Team India captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day’s play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day,” the BCCI stated.

“Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly,” the board added.

Incident Occurred During Match

The injury occurred late on Day 2 when, moments after slog-sweeping Simon Harmer for four, Gill appeared to suffer a whiplash-like reaction. He clutched the back of his neck, struggling to turn his head, and retired hurt after facing just three balls. He was taken to a private hospital wearing a cervical collar as a precaution.

Former India captain and CAB president Sourav Ganguly visited him the following day, confirming the skipper was in good spirits.

Batting Order Complications

India desperately needs Gill fit after South Africa’s shocking 30-run victory in the series opener. If unavailable, India faces difficult batting order decisions, having already fielded six left-handers in the first Test. South African off-spinner Simon Harmer exploited these match-ups, capturing eight wickets as India collapsed to 93 chasing 124.

Potential replacements Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan are both left-handers, while Nitish Reddy, a right-handed all-rounder, has been recalled to the squad.

Former opener Aakash Chopra suggested Ruturaj Gaikwad as replacement, arguing India should avoid adding another left-hander.

“You already have six left-handers in the XI. Do you want to go with seven? You might want to change that,” Chopra said on his YouTube show.

Concerns have emerged about Gill’s workload across formats following his recent schedule spanning T20Is, ODIs, and Tests.

Bala Jayanti 2025: Hindu Festival Honors Goddess of Divine Wisdom on November 19

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Bala Jayanti
Bala Jayanti

Bala Jayanti 2025: Bala Jayanti, a significant observance in the Shri Vidya tantric tradition, will be celebrated on November 19, 2025, honoring Goddess Bala, one of the twelve Siddhividya deities. According to Drik Panchang, the festival falls during Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Margashirsha month.

Divine Significance and Symbolism

Goddess Bala represents the youthful, child-form of divine wisdom, embodying the early, tender stage of true knowledge within Hindu spiritual philosophy. In the Shri Vidya tradition, her worship is considered foundational, serving as the initial stage before practitioners advance to more complex spiritual practices.

The deity embodies three powerful energies: Iccha Shakti (will), Jnana Shakti (knowledge), and Kriya Shakti (action). Despite her gentle, innocent, and child-like appearance, Bala holds immense spiritual significance, offering devotees clarity, simplicity, and consciousness purity.

Spiritual Benefits

Practitioners believe sincere worship on Bala Jayanti brings multiple benefits:

  • Enhanced memory, intelligence, and eloquence
  • Spiritual clarity and mental stability
  • Inner purity and deeper self-realization
  • Support in both material prosperity and spiritual advancement

Observance Practices

Traditional Bala Jayanti observance follows specific rituals:

  1. Cleanse and Dress – Devotees take ritual baths and wear red or yellow clothing
  2. Set Up Shrine – Establish an altar with Goddess Bala’s image, offering red flowers, rice, roli, sweets (jaggery, honey), incense, and lamps
  3. Meditate – Focus contemplation on her form while seeking blessings for clarity, purity, and strength

Theological Context

In the Shri Vidyarnava Tantra, Bala is described as the youthful manifestation of Tripura Sundari. By acknowledging her first, devotees establish a foundation of inner innocence and pure awareness, creating the groundwork for deeper tantric practices.

Spiritual Milestone

Beyond ceremonial observance, Bala Jayanti represents a spiritual milestone within the Shri Vidya path. The festival emphasizes that achieving higher spiritual states requires beginning with simplicity, innocence, and genuine devotion.

For practitioners, this day serves as a reminder that spiritual advancement builds upon foundational qualities of purity and sincere dedication, embodied in the youthful wisdom of Goddess Bala. The celebration reinforces the importance of establishing proper spiritual foundations before pursuing advanced tantric practices.

During Flight With Ajinkya Rahane, Anupam Kher Faces Scary Moment and Jokes ‘Some Nice Shuddh Hindi Words Came Out’

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anupam kher
anupam kher

Veteran actor Anupam Kher took to social media on Monday to share a video featuring cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, revealing that they travelled on the same flight from Delhi to Mumbai. In the video, he spoke about a tense moment during the journey when the aircraft touched the runway but suddenly lifted into the air again, leaving passengers shaken.

The following day, Anupam uploaded a short clip recorded on the plane alongside Rahane. In his caption, he wrote, “My dear @ajinkyarahane88, it was a pleasure travelling with you from Delhi to Mumbai. I have always admired your game, but what impressed me even more was your grace and humility as a human being. My behaviour remained polite until the plane landed once and then suddenly took off again.”

He jokingly added that the frightening situation forced him to utter intense traditional Hindi phrases, and that both of them would now remember this journey for more than one reason. He ended the message with warm wishes and “Jai Hind.”

In the video, Anupam tells Rahane that travelling with him was a wonderful experience. Rahane replies that it was a pleasure meeting him. Anupam then compliments him and says the incident will remain unforgettable because of the sudden go–around. He also calls Rahane courageous and praises both his character and his sporting achievements.

Rahane, who attended the seventy eighth Police Invitation Shield Cricket Tournament in Mumbai, also shared an update on X. He posted photographs from the felicitation ceremony and wrote that he was honoured to participate alongside Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and the Mumbai Cricket Association President Ajinkya Naik.

As for Anupam’s professional journey, he is currently working on multiple big projects, including a film with Prabhas directed by Hanu Raghavapudi and a new collaboration with filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, which will officially be his five hundred and forty ninth movie.

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ May Release in Two Parts Due to Extended Runtime – See Trailer

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Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar

Ranveer Singh’s upcoming espionage thriller ‘Dhurandhar’ could adopt a two-part release strategy following extensive filming that resulted in a substantially lengthy final cut, according to industry reports. The decision mirrors the approach taken by other major Indian film franchises dealing with complex narratives.

Production Considerations Drive Format Decision

Bollywood Hungama reports that director Aditya Dhar and the production team are considering splitting the film to present the storyline comprehensively without sacrificing narrative elements. The strategy resembles Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ starring Ranbir Kapoor, which will also release in two installments.

A source close to the production revealed: “There have been reports that ‘Dhurandhar’ is a two-part saga. Hence, the film, which will be released on December 5, will be the first instalment. It’ll end at a decisive point, and the story will then continue in the second part.”

Dhurandhar Timeline and Production Details

“It is said that director Aditya Dhar has shot extensively, and the film has shaped up really well. But since it’s very lengthy, they have toyed with the idea of breaking it into two parts. If this is the plan, then part 2 of ‘Dhurandhar’ will arrive next year, preferably in the first half,” the source added.

The film is written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, with Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar serving as co-producers under B62 Studios in association with Jio Studios. The narrative centers on covert operations and untold stories of operatives working in secrecy.

Promotional Campaign and Cast

Marketing efforts have intensified recently, with the makers releasing first-look images of ensemble cast members including R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Akshay Khanna. The recently unveiled trailer showcases Ranveer in the lead role, emphasizing the film’s suspenseful and action-oriented approach.

Singh’s Upcoming Projects

Beyond ‘Dhurandhar’, Singh is preparing for Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don 3’, where he will assume a role previously portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan. This casting represents a significant career milestone for the actor as he takes on an iconic franchise character.

The December 5 release date remains confirmed for what would be the first part, with subsequent installment timing dependent on final production decisions.

Delhi CRPF Schools Receive Bomb Threats; Police Declare Hoax After Thorough Inspection

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Delhi
Delhi

Two CRPF-operated schools in New Delhi received bomb threats Tuesday morning after an unidentified caller contacted the Police Control Room claiming explosives had been planted on the premises, prompting immediate evacuation and security response.

Emergency Response Mobilized

The call, made around 9 AM, warned that bombs were placed in CRPF schools located in Prashant Vihar and Dwarka. The threat triggered rapid deployment of local police, bomb disposal squads, and Delhi Fire Services personnel to both locations.

“After receiving the call, teams were rushed to both locations and the school buildings were evacuated as a precaution,” a senior police officer stated.

Caller Disappears, Investigation Launched

The caller’s phone switched off immediately after issuing the threat, complicating identification efforts. Authorities are actively attempting to trace the individual responsible for the disruption.

“We thoroughly inspected the schools, and nothing suspicious was found. The threat was declared a hoax,” a Delhi Fire Services official confirmed.

Technical Analysis Underway

Police are examining call records and technical details to identify the caller and determine the motivation behind the false threat. The investigation involves analyzing phone data and potentially tracking digital footprints associated with the call.

No injuries or property damage were reported during the incident. Students and staff were safely evacuated during the security sweep, and normal operations are expected to resume following the all-clear declaration.

Pattern of Hoax Threats

The incident adds to a concerning pattern of bomb threats targeting educational institutions across India in recent months. Similar hoax calls have disrupted schools and universities nationwide, raising questions about security protocols and the psychological impact on students and staff.

Authorities emphasize that making false bomb threats constitutes a serious criminal offense, potentially resulting in imprisonment and substantial fines under Indian Penal Code provisions related to public mischief and causing alarm.

The CRPF-run schools serve children of paramilitary personnel stationed in Delhi, making them particularly sensitive targets for security concerns. Both institutions implemented their emergency protocols effectively during Tuesday’s incident, ensuring student safety while authorities conducted comprehensive security sweeps.

Police have urged anyone with information about the caller to come forward as the investigation continues. The incident highlights ongoing challenges security agencies face in distinguishing genuine threats from hoaxes while maintaining public safety.