Politics / The Times of India
Prashant Kishor, the leader of Jan Suraaj, has openly accepted accountability for his party's disappointing outcome in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, where they secured no seats. He emphasized that despite a genuine commitment to merit-based governance, his party could not connect with the electorate. Acknowledging flaws in both strategy and communication, Kishor stressed the importance of regaining public trust.
Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum caused a stir by waving the Indian flag during a concert in Nepal. He later defended his actions, stating his art has no borders and he does not care about propaganda. While some Pakistanis criticised the move, many Indians praised the gesture. The incident has generated significant social media discussion.
A central agency raided Al-Falah University in Faridabad as part of the Delhi blast case investigation. This action follows the arrest of the university chancellor's brother and scrutiny of the institution due to its former student being the prime accused. Delhi Police have summoned the chancellor to address inconsistencies and clarify roles of individuals linked to the university.
Former Congress MP Husain Dalwai ignited controversy by linking the Red Fort blast to injustice in Kashmir and questioning its timing during the Bihar elections. The BJP swiftly condemned his remarks, accusing the Congress of justifying terrorism and speaking the language of separatists. Dalwai later clarified he condemns violence but maintained his stance on alleged injustice in Kashmir.
Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to bring perpetrators of the Delhi car bomb blast to justice, emphasizing the government's commitment to eradicating terrorism. Addressing the Northern Zonal Council meeting, he highlighted the importance of inter-state cooperation for national strength and discussed speedy justice for crimes against women and children, including increasing fast-track courts.
An emotional Tejashwi Prasad Yadav offered to step down as RJD legislative party leader, but was urged by patriarch Lalu Prasad to continue. The party's poor election performance was discussed, with leaders blaming EVMs and demanding a return to ballot papers for future elections.
Overall unemployment held steady at 5.2% in October, though urban joblessness rose to a three-month high of 7%. The Labour Force Participation Rate reached a six-month high of 55.4%, driven by a significant increase in female participation, particularly in rural areas. This surge in the female workforce contributed to a rising overall worker population ratio.
The Election Commission has ordered a special revision of Assam's electoral roll for the upcoming assembly polls, with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date. This mandatory house-to-house verification aims to include all eligible citizens without requiring proof of eligibility. Details of 'doubtful' voters will be carried forward pending tribunal orders.
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and Rajasthan government regarding a plea challenging the state's anti-conversion law. Filed by 'The Jaipur Catholic Welfare Society', the petition argues the law unfairly targets minority communities and creates a chilling effect. The court will hear the case alongside similar petitions against other states' laws.
The Supreme Court has mandated that total reservations for SC, ST, and OBCs in Maharashtra civic body elections must not exceed 50%. The court warned it would halt the nomination process in constituencies breaching this limit. Elections will proceed based on pre-July 2010 OBC reservation norms, as the Banthia Commission's report is not yet finalized.
The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of High Courts disregarding its rulings and judicial precedent. Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan questioned how the Madhya Pradesh High Court could condone a nearly five-year delay by the state government in filing an appeal, emphasizing the need for judicial discipline and adherence to established legal principles.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over states permitting liquor sales in small tetra packs, likening them to juice containers and highlighting potential risks to children. This issue emerged during a trademark dispute between whisky producers Allied Blenders and John Distillers, where tetra packs constitute a significant portion of sales in some regions.
The Supreme Court strongly rebuked a petitioner for filing a contempt petition against a district judge, calling it an abuse of process. The bench directed the petitioner to deposit Rs 5,000 to the SC Legal Services Authority and advised them to approach the High Court with their grievances instead.
India and Russia are intensifying bilateral engagements ahead of their annual summit, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meeting his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Discussions focused on the upcoming summit agenda, regional and global issues including the Ukraine conflict, and the finalization of several bilateral agreements to strengthen their strategic partnership.
India's Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample-return mission, a complex joint effort with Japan, is slated for a 2028 launch. This initiative aims to explore lunar resources and develop crucial operational technologies. Concurrently, ISRO is progressing with its manned lunar mission target of 2040 and the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035.
Poonch police are offering a Rs 5 lakh reward for vital information on terrorist presence or activities, encouraging public vigilance. Informants' identities will be protected. This initiative follows a previous announcement of Rs 12.5 lakh for intelligence on trans-border activities. Security has also been heightened at Jammu railway station after a terror module linked to a Delhi blast was uncovered.
Iran has suspended its visa-waiver facility for Indian passport holders starting November 22, 2025, following incidents where Indians were lured with false job promises and subsequently kidnapped for ransom. The Ministry of External Affairs advises vigilance against agents offering such arrangements. This action aims to curb the misuse of the visa-free entry for criminal activities.
The Election Commission has ordered a Special Revision of Assam's electoral rolls, with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date and the final list due February 10, 2026. This focused update aims for accuracy, falling between routine and intensive revisions. The process involves door-to-door verification by BLOs using pre-filled registers.
A Bengaluru woman lost nearly Rs 32 crore in a sophisticated digital arrest scam. Posing as CBI officers, fraudsters subjected her to constant Skype surveillance, threatening immediate arrest. Over six months, she made 187 bank transfers, believing she was proving her innocence, before receiving a fake clearance letter.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Nikolay Patrushev, a key aide to Russian President Putin, to discuss maritime security. This meeting coincides with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Moscow for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, ahead of Putin's December visit to India.
A significant directive from the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities mandates NCERT to convert textbooks for all grades into Indian Sign Language within three months. Education boards are also urged to introduce ISL as a standalone subject from Class 1 to university level, addressing a critical gap for hearing-impaired students and promoting inclusive education.
A devastating bus fire near Medina in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 Umrah pilgrims from Telangana, with only one survivor. The blaze spread rapidly, preventing most passengers from escaping the tragedy. This incident marks one of the most severe overseas accidents involving pilgrims from the state in recent years.
India is launching new guidelines to fight diabetic retinopathy. By 2045, over 21 million Indians may develop this eye condition. The government aims to increase screening to 80 percent. Early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss. The plan involves various healthcare levels and community outreach. This initiative seeks to safeguard the eyesight of millions.
Over 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims, many from Hyderabad, are feared dead after their bus collided with a diesel tanker near Medina, Saudi Arabia. The bus caught fire, trapping passengers. Indian officials are coordinating with Saudi authorities to provide assistance to affected families.
Army chief has issued a stern warning to Pakistan and terror groups, stating that the recent Operation Sindoor was merely a preview of India's capabilities. He emphasized that India will retaliate against both terrorists and their state sponsors, asserting that the nation is prepared for future challenges and will not be intimidated.
A devastating bus crash in Medina, Saudi Arabia, has claimed the lives of over 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims. The bus, en route from Mecca, collided with a tanker, with many victims reportedly from Hyderabad. Indian authorities, including the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister, have expressed deep sorrow and are providing assistance to affected families.
A devastating bus accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims traveling from Mecca to Medina. The passenger bus collided with a diesel tanker, with preliminary reports indicating the victims were from Hyderabad. Officials are coordinating relief efforts and providing support to affected families.
More than 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims, many from Hyderabad, are feared dead after a bus collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia early Monday. The bus was travelling from Mecca to Medina when the crash occurred. 24x7 helpline.Helpline (toll free): 8002440003 (Toll free), 0122614093, 0126614276, 0556122301 (WhatsApp)
RJD leader Rohini Acharya announced her exit from politics, citing family humiliation and abuse, including an alleged threat of physical violence from her brother Tejashwi Yadav. Lok Janshakti Party's Chirag Paswan expressed sympathy, relating to her personal crisis. This public fallout follows the RJD's significant electoral defeat.
Delhi experienced its coldest November night in three years, with temperatures dropping to 9C, 4.5 degrees below the seasonal average. Despite the chill, pollution levels remained severe, with the Air Quality Index reaching 377 and several areas in the 'severe' category. Authorities have implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan to combat the worsening air quality.
The BJD has rejected the Nuapada by-poll results, finishing third and accusing the Election Commission of failing to prevent BJP rigging. The party claims administrative and police machinery was used to manipulate the election, citing suspicious high voter turnout and altered figures. The BJP dismissed the allegations, urging the BJD to accept the voters' decision.
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.
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.

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