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Bihar Exit Polls Signal Nitish Kumar’s Return as NDA Expected to Win Again!

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Nitish Kumar
Nitish Kumar

Exit polls released Tuesday following Bihar’s second and final phase of voting suggest Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United may reclaim its position as the dominant partner in the state’s ruling coalition. The Matrize exit poll projected JDU winning 67-75 seats compared to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s 65-73 seats—reversing the outcome from 2020 when BJP secured 74 seats against JDU’s 43.

The last time a Nitish Kumar-led party outperformed BJP in Bihar was 2000, when his Samata Party won 34 seats to BJP’s 67 under Sushil Kumar Modi’s leadership, though this occurred in undivided Bihar before Jharkhand’s formation.

NDA Alliance Expected to Retain Power

Despite the internal shift, exit polls overwhelmingly favor the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance retaining government, with Matrize predicting 147-167 seats for the coalition.

The opposition Mahagathbandhan is projected to win only 70-90 seats, while Prashant Kishor’s debut Jan Suraaj party appears to have underperformed expectations.

‘Little Brother’ No More

The 2020 results sparked speculation about Nitish Kumar’s political future, with analysts suggesting the 74-year-old might finally relinquish the chief minister’s post. At the time, Kumar himself acknowledged the unusual dynamic: “I was ready for a Chief Minister from the BJP since they had more MLAs, but there was serious pressure on me.”

If current projections hold, Nitish Kumar stands to extend his nearly two-decade tenure as chief minister, potentially positioning himself to become Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister.

Alliance History of Strategic Shifts

Nitish Kumar’s relationship with BJP has been characterized by calculated political maneuvering. Since 2013, he has alternated between BJP and the Rashtriya Janata Dal five times. His most recent switch occurred in January 2024, when he abandoned the INDIA opposition bloc—which he helped establish—after growing frustrated with Congress’s leadership role and internal power dynamics.

The anticipated turnaround from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where both JDU and BJP lost seats to Tejashwi Yadav’s opposition alliance, would mark a significant political recovery for Kumar.

Bihar Records Historic Voter Turnout of 68.79% in Final Phase of Assembly Elections

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Bihar
Bihar

Bihar’s second and final phase of assembly elections concluded Tuesday with a record-breaking voter turnout of 68.79%, according to Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal. The polling covered 122 seats across strategically important regions including Magadh, Champaran, and Seemanchal.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlighted the historic nature of the participation during a press briefing: “Today, voters have also made history in independent India today. They cast the highest percentage of votes in all elections held since 1951, at approximately 66.9%. Women have expressed their complete faith in the Election Commission, resulting in the highest voter turnout ever, at 71%.”

Significant Increase from Previous Bihar Elections

The turnout marks a substantial increase from the 2020 assembly elections when the second phase recorded 58.8%. Earlier elections saw even lower participation—58.3% in 2015 and 53.8% in 2010 during their respective second phases. The first phase on November 6 had already set a strong precedent with 65.08% turnout.

Female voters significantly outpaced male participation, with 74.03% of women casting ballots compared to 64.1% of men, demonstrating growing political engagement among women voters.

Regional Variations and Key Contests

Four districts exceeded 70% turnout: Katihar led with 78.39%, followed by Kishanganj (77.91%), Purnea (75.87%), and Paschim Champaran (70.75%). Jamui, Araria, and Gaya also recorded strong participation above 68%.

The electoral battle features the ruling NDA against the Mahagathbandhan opposition alliance, with Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party emerging as a potential spoiler. Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM is targeting Muslim-majority Seemanchal constituencies, hoping to replicate its five-seat performance from 2020.

Notable candidates include Bijendra Prasad Yadav of JD-U seeking his eighth term from Supaul, BJP’s Prem Kumar from Gaya Town, and former deputy chief minister Tarkishore Prasad from Katihar.

Among 1.75 crore women voters in the electorate, most fall within the 30-60 age demographic. Voting occurred at 45,399 polling stations under heightened security following a blast near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed eight people and injured over twenty.

Election results will be announced on November 14.

Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar Equals World Record, Wins Silver at ISSF World Championships

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Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar

Indian shooter Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar equaled the world record and secured India’s first individual world championship medal in men’s 50m rifle 3 positions (3P), finishing with silver at the ISSF World Championships Rifle/Pistol 2025 at Cairo’s Olympic Shooting range.

Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar Record Performance

The two-time Olympian shot 466.9 in the 45-shot final, finishing 0.2 points behind China’s reigning Olympic champion Liu Yukun, who scored 467.1.

Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar shot perfectly in qualification, scoring 200/200 in both Kneeling and Prone positions, losing just three points in Standing to total 597—matching the men’s 3P qualification world record jointly held by Liu and Chinese shooter Linshu Du. The score topped the 66-strong field. India’s Niraj Kumar qualified fifth with 592.

Final Competition

In the eight-man final, Aishwary recovered from a poor Kneeling start (8.6 sixth shot) during his favored Prone position. Defining series of 53.3, 52.7, and 52.7 enabled him to surge to second, just 0.2 behind Liu.

Niraj, fourth after Kneeling, dropped to sixth entering final Standing position but finished creditable fifth in his first worlds final.

Entering the final shot, Tomar held slight advantage. Liu fired 10.1, requiring Tomar to shoot 10.2 or higher for gold, but managed only 9.8. French shooter Romain Aufrere won bronze.

Mixed Team Silver

Newly crowned air pistol world champion Samrat Rana and defending champion Esha Singh won silver in 10m air pistol mixed team competition, losing 10-16 to China’s Kai Hu and Qianxun Yao in the gold medal match.

Esha and Samrat topped qualifications with 586 (both shooting 293). The second Indian pair of Suruchi and Shravan Kumar scored 579, finishing eighth.

The race to 16 points lasted 13 rounds, with teams tied 9-9 after nine rounds. China won the next three rounds, and despite India tying the 13th, the match concluded.

Esha, who won the event with Shiva Narwal at the last worlds, forfeited her crown. Rana concluded his first worlds with unprecedented two golds and one silver.

Medal Standings

India ranks second behind China with three gold, five silver, and three bronze medals. China has eight golds totaling 14 medals.

Plea on Execution of Death Row Convicts by Hanging To Be Heard by SC in January

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Supreme Court

New Delhi, The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it will hear arguments on January 21 on a petition that seeks to replace the current method of executing death row convicts by hanging with more humane alternatives.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a plea that calls for abolishing hanging as a mode of execution and replacing it with less painful methods such as lethal injection, electrocution, shooting, or a gas chamber.

Attorney General R. Venkataramani requested the bench to list the case for hearing in January 2026.

“This has been hanging like hanging,” senior advocate Rishi Malhotra, who filed the petition in 2017, said in court.

Venkataramani responded, “Nobody is going to be hanged now. There is no worry at all.”

Malhotra reminded the court that the Attorney General had earlier informed it that the Centre was considering forming a committee to review the issues raised in the plea.

“I am told some proceedings have happened, but I am not sure whether they have yielded any result. Let me pursue that matter and come back to report to the court,” Venkataramani said.

The bench then scheduled the matter for hearing on January 21 next year.

Earlier, during the October 15 hearing, the court had observed that the government was reluctant to evolve on the issue. The observation came after the Centre said it may not be “very feasible” to offer convicts the choice of lethal injection as a mode of execution.

Malhotra had argued that condemned prisoners should at least be given the choice between hanging and lethal injection.

In March 2023, the Supreme Court said it may consider forming a panel of experts to determine whether hanging is a proportionate and less painful method of execution. The court also asked the Centre to provide better data on different modes of execution.

The bench clarified, however, that it could not direct the legislature to adopt a specific method of carrying out death sentences.

Back in 2018, the Centre had strongly defended the provision for execution by hanging, arguing that other methods such as firing or lethal injection were not necessarily less painful.

In its counter affidavit, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that hanging was “quick, simple” and did not add unnecessary suffering to the prisoner.

The affidavit was filed in response to a public interest litigation that referred to the 187th Law Commission Report, which had recommended removing hanging from the statute as a method of execution.

Nikki Haley’s Son Says ‘My Loyalty Is to America’ as He Urges End to H-1B Visa Program

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Nikki Haley's son

Nalin Haley, the son of former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, has stirred controversy after saying that none of his friends who graduated from top universities with strong degrees have been able to find jobs. He also expressed strong views on immigration, calling for a complete end to H-1B visas.

In an interview with Fox News, the 24-year-old spoke critically about US immigration and employment policies. His remarks drew attention because H-1B visas are typically granted to highly skilled foreign professionals, many of whom are from India.

When asked about his opposition to H-1B visas despite being Indian-American, Nalin responded, “I mean, they shouldn’t be because I’ve seen how it’s affected my friends and those around me. At the end of the day, my loyalty is to America.”

He went on to say, “What we saw with Obama is that we had a lot of immigrants coming here, and the thought was, ‘Oh, you don’t need to change. You don’t need to have your loyalty to America. You could be who you are.’ No, you need to assimilate. And you need to act like an American and support American values and support American workers and American people.”

Nalin argued that the job market has left many young Americans struggling after college. “We are seeing kids graduate with six figures in debt and not having a job to show for it. My main friend group graduated with great degrees from great schools. It’s been a year and a half since graduation. Not one of them has a job,” he said.

He cited statistics to support his claim, adding, “When we look at all the other statistics, we see that 58% of recent college graduates are unemployed. Of those 42% that are employed, 50% of them have temporary jobs or jobs that don’t require a degree.”

Reinforcing his earlier stance from a previous interview with UnHerd, Nalin repeated his call to end H-1B visas. “We need to get rid of the foreign worker visas. We need to ban H-1B visas. And we need to punish companies that are not putting American workers first and are putting foreigners first. It is a massive problem,” he told Fox News.

Family Breaks Silence on Delhi Blast Accused Dr Umar Un Nabi, Says ‘He Was an Introvert’

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Delhi Blast
Delhi Blast

The sister-in-law of Dr. Umar Un Nabi, the man suspected to be behind the Red Fort blast, said she cannot believe he could be involved in any terror-related activities.

Dr. Umar Un Nabi, who worked as a doctor at Al-Falah Medical College in Faridabad, is believed to have been driving the Hyundai i20 that exploded near Red Fort on Monday evening, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than twenty others.

A resident of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi is suspected to have played a crucial role in planning the attack and transporting the explosives to Delhi, where he reportedly died in the explosion.

“They (security forces) have picked up my husband, brother-in-law, and mother-in-law. They asked us about the whereabouts of Umar. We said he is in Delhi. Then they took the three away for questioning. We last spoke to Umar last Friday… He (Umar) wasn’t that kind of man. We faced a lot of struggles to get him educated,” Muzamila, Nabi’s sister-in-law, told ANI.

She said Nabi had always been an introvert, someone who kept to himself and focused on his studies and career.

“He called on Friday saying he is busy with examinations and will return home after three days. He was a reserved kind of person right from childhood,” Muzamila said.

She added that Nabi had last visited home two months ago and was recently engaged.

“We worked hard so that he could stand on his own two feet and take care of us. I cannot believe all this. He was engaged, but he was not married yet. He had not been home for the last two months… He didn’t have many friends. He only used to study,” she added.

Investigators have said that Nabi was in the vehicle at the time of the explosion, which occurred near Sunehri Masjid around 6:52 pm. CCTV footage showed the car parked in the same spot for nearly three hours before the blast.

According to Delhi Police’s preliminary findings, Dr. Nabi may have transported the explosives to Delhi in the days leading up to the attack.

Police have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and are investigating possible terror links. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that those responsible for the attack will face justice.

Authorities said ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators were likely used in the blast, linking it to the Faridabad terror module where 2,900 kilograms of explosive materials were seized earlier. The case has now been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Police also suspect that Nabi worked closely with Adeel Ahmad Rather, a former senior resident at Government Medical College in Anantnag, who was arrested last week.

Delhi Traffic Advisory Issued After Red Fort Blast, Security Heightened Across Capital

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Red Fort Blast
Red Fort Blast

Red Fort Blast: Delhi Traffic Police issued a fresh advisory on Tuesday morning following the car explosion near Red Fort Metro Station, urging commuters to take alternative routes to avoid disruptions. The blast occurred Monday evening, prompting authorities to place the national capital on high alert with intensified security measures throughout the city.

Traffic Restrictions and Diversions in Effect

Traffic limitations and diversions have been implemented on both lanes and the service road of Netaji Subhash Marg, according to police. The restrictions apply to the section between Chhatta Rail Cut and Subhash Marg Cut.

“On 11.11.25, due to exigencies, traffic restrictions & diversions will be in place in both the carriageways and service roads Netaji Subhash Marg from Chatta Rail Cut to Subhash Marg Cut. Commuters are advised to avoid these routes from 06:00 AM to till further order and use alternative roads for a hassle-free journey,” the advisory stated.

“No vehicles shall be allowed on Netaji Subhash Marg from Chatta Rail Cut to Subhash Marg Cut on that day and vice versa,” it added.

Commuters should anticipate delays, particularly around the Red Fort area, as authorities maintain strict access controls during the investigation.

Red Fort Blast Details and Response

The explosion occurred when a Haryana-registered car parked near Gate No. 1 of Red Fort Metro Station detonated, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens. Several nearby vehicles caught fire, streetlights sustained damage, and injured victims were transported to LNJP Hospital, where their conditions are being monitored.

Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and forensic teams arrived at the scene within minutes. The area has been cordoned off as investigators scan CCTV footage to determine the sequence of events and identify the perpetrator.

Widespread Security Alert

High alerts have been issued in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Mumbai, with enhanced security deployed around crowded public places and religious sites amid Red Fort Blast.

Authorities are taking comprehensive measures to prevent any potential threats while the investigation into the Red Fort explosion continues.

The blast site remains under heavy security presence as multiple agencies coordinate their investigation efforts.

Bihar Elections Phase 2: High-Profile Contests and Multi-Cornered Fights in 122 Constituencies

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Bihar Elections Phase 2
Bihar Elections Phase 2

Bihar Elections Phase 2: The second phase of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, scheduled for November 11, features several prominent candidates in closely watched constituencies across 20 districts. Political observers anticipate unpredictable outcomes in multiple seats marked by multi-cornered contests and unconventional candidacies.

Kahalgaon Emerges as Battleground Seat

Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district presents a multi-cornered fight among key contenders. Shubhanand Mukesh represents the JD(U) for the NDA, while Prawin Singh contests for Congress and Rajnish Bharti for RJD. Adding complexity, Pawan Yadav, a rebel BJP leader, is running as an Independent.

The constituency, historically influenced by Congress, has become a divided battlefield with votes likely dispersed across alliances, making predictions difficult.

Former IPS Officer Adds Unpredictability in Araria

Araria district constituencies, including Narpatganj and Forbesganj, have attracted attention due to unusual candidacies.

Former IPS officer Shivdeep Wamanrao Lande, once a popular police figure in Bihar, is contesting independently from Araria. His entry has disrupted traditional voting patterns and introduced fresh dynamics to the district’s political landscape.

Strategic Significance of Border Constituencies

The Valmiki Nagar seat in West Champaran presents another closely watched contest where the NDA candidate faces stiff opposition challenges. Located near the Nepal border, the area grapples with security and development issues that significantly influence voter behavior.

Political analysts suggest the Valmiki Nagar outcome could provide early indicators of voter sentiment in north Bihar.

Senior BJP Leader Faces Crucial Test

Renu Devi, BJP’s senior leader and former deputy chief minister, is contesting from Bettiah in West Champaran, representing a key NDA bet in the region. Her performance is viewed as a potential barometer for the alliance’s appeal among women and rural voters.

Bihar Elections Phase 2: Diverse Candidate Pool Reflects Changing Politics

This phase includes sitting legislators, ministers, and new entrants from varied backgrounds, including former bureaucrats and social activists. Political analysts believe their performance will indicate how voters evaluate competing narratives on governance, employment, and regional development.

With legacy politicians, first-time contestants, and independent candidates creating a complex electoral landscape, Phase 2 is shaping as one of Bihar’s most unpredictable election rounds, potentially setting the tone for future alliance strategies.

PM Modi in Bhutan Vows Justice After Red Fort Suicide Bombing Claims 9 Lives

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PM Modi
PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday issued a stern warning following a suicide car bombing near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed nine people, declaring that perpetrators would face justice. “The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice,” PM Modi stated during a public event in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Statement Made During Diplomatic Visit

The Prime Minister arrived in Thimphu earlier Tuesday for a two-day visit to participate in the 70th birthday celebrations of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Despite being abroad, Modi addressed the attack during his public appearance in the Bhutanese capital.

PM Modi Expresses Solidarity with Victims

Describing the blast as “horrific,” PM Modi conveyed his understanding of the grief experienced by affected families. “The entire nation stands with them today. I was in touch with all the agencies investigating this incident throughout last night. Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy,” he said.

The Prime Minister, who had been speaking in Hindi, switched to English to emphasize his closing statement: “All those responsible will be brought to justice.”

Investigation Underway of Red Fort Blast

PM Modi confirmed he maintained communication with investigative agencies throughout the previous night following the attack. His statement indicated that authorities are treating the incident as a conspiracy requiring comprehensive investigation.

The suicide car bombing near the historic Red Fort monument represents a significant security incident in the national capital. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of India’s independence, holds immense historical and cultural significance for the nation.

The Prime Minister’s swift response from abroad underscores the gravity with which the government views the attack. His assurance of bringing perpetrators to justice comes as investigative agencies work to determine the full scope of the conspiracy and identify those responsible.

The incident occurred while Modi was on an official diplomatic engagement, highlighting the challenge of managing domestic security crises while fulfilling international commitments. The death toll of nine people makes this one of the deadliest attacks in Delhi in recent times.

Red Fort Blast Probe Uncovers ‘White Collar Terror Ecosystem’ Involving Kashmiri Doctors

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RED FORT BLAST
RED FORT BLAST

Red Fort Blast: Three Kashmiri doctors are under investigation for a blast near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed nine people and injured over 20, with police describing the network as a “white collar terror ecosystem” using encrypted channels and professional networks for recruitment and funding.

Red Fort Blast Details

At 6:52 PM yesterday, a powerful explosion ripped through a white Hyundai i20 at a traffic signal on Netaji Subhash Marg near Red Fort. Eyewitnesses reported a “huge fireball,” with 15 fire engines requiring half an hour to control the blaze.

Suspects and Material Seizure

Adeel Ahmad Rather, Muzammil Shakeel, and Umar Mohammed are being investigated in connection with the blast. Rather and Shakeel’s arrests in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur and Haryana’s Faridabad led to recovery of approximately 2,900 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate—the same chemical believed used in the Red Fort blast—along with sophisticated weapons including assault rifles and pistols.

Vehicle Trail

Police traced the i20 car (HR26CE7674) through multiple owners: Salman sold it to Devender in March, who passed it to Aamir, then Tariq, before reaching Dr. Umar Mohammad. CCTV footage before the explosion shows part of Umar’s face. Police are planning DNA tests to confirm the driver’s identity.

Suicide Attack Theory

Investigators are examining whether Umar, potentially panicked by his associates’ arrests and the massive material seizure, conducted a suicide attack in desperation.

‘White Collar’ Recruitment Shift

The suspects’ professional backgrounds signal a fundamental shift in terrorist recruitment, according to security agencies. Adeel worked at Government Medical College, Anantnag, before moving to Saharanpur’s private hospital.

Muzammil served as senior resident at Al Falah School of Medical Sciences & Research Centre for three years. Dr. Shaheen Shahid from Lucknow was also arrested after weapons were recovered from her car.

Investigation Scope

Jammu and Kashmir police stated the group used encrypted channels for indoctrination, coordination, fund movement, and logistics: “Funds were raised through professional and academic networks, under the guise of social/charitable causes.

The accused were found involved in identifying persons, to radicalise, initiate and recruit them to terrorist ranks, besides raising funds, arranging logistics, procurement of arms/ammunition and material for preparing IEDs.”

A case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed security agencies are probing all angles, with reports suggesting the National Investigation Agency may assume control.