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Politics / The Times of India

Bihar: Prashant Kishor outlines plan after poll rout; urge people to donate Rs 1,000 to Jan Suraaj

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor pledged to donate 90% of his income for the next five years to fund his party's campaign after its debut Bihar assembly election failure. He also criticised the Nitish Kumar cabinet as corrupt and accused the ruling alliance of vote-buying through cash transfers, vowing to ensure women receive promised funds.

21 Nov 2025 2:20 pm
Lancet series warns ultra-processed foods driving Indias surge in obesity and diabetes

A new Lancet Series highlights that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are contributing to a global rise in obesity and diabetes, a trend rapidly unfolding in India. Experts urge immediate policy action, including clear definitions, warning labels, and taxes on UPFs, to address the growing health burden.

21 Nov 2025 10:08 am
We stole our smooch from apes from 21mn years ago

A groundbreaking study reveals kissing predates humans by millions of years, originating with ape ancestors in prehistoric Africa. Researchers define it as non-aggressive mouth-to-mouth contact, observing it across diverse species, particularly primates. This ancient behavior, possibly practiced by Neanderthals, may have evolved for mate assessment or social bonding, offering a glimpse into our deep evolutionary past.

21 Nov 2025 6:44 am
Will strengthen INDIA bloc, says Congress

Amidst opposition setbacks, Congress reaffirms its commitment to the INDIA bloc, vowing to strengthen the national alliance. Despite local electoral divergences, the party emphasizes its dedication to coordinating efforts against the BJP's politics at the national level.

21 Nov 2025 4:46 am
Bihar: Humble gamcha has its moment under the sun, courtesy PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's use of the 'gamcha' during his victory speech and at the swearing-in ceremony in Patna resonated with supporters, highlighting its significance as a cultural symbol.

21 Nov 2025 4:37 am
Bihar: Kurmis & Kushwahas power Nitish Kumar's rise, two decades on

Nitish Kumar's rise was fueled by Kurmi and Kushwaha support, and their assembly representation has now reached a new high. This surge, particularly within Nitish's JDU, highlights the gains of these intermediary backward castes within the NDA's social coalition, while Muslim and Yadav representation has declined.

21 Nov 2025 4:31 am
10 years of JJ Act: 55% pendency, 1 in 4 boards has no full bench

A decade after its implementation, India's juvenile justice system is failing children in conflict with the law. A new study reveals massive case backlogs, widespread vacancies in Juvenile Justice Boards, and a shocking lack of essential facilities, leaving thousands of children in limbo and facing prolonged institutionalization.

21 Nov 2025 3:42 am
Government appoints 7 new secretary-rank officers

Seven key secretary-rank appointments were made Thursday, including new leaders for oil, telecom, and agriculture ministries. Neeraj Mittal takes charge as Petroleum Secretary, while Amit Agrawal moves to the Department of Telecom. Manoj Joshi transitions to pharmaceuticals, and V Vidyarthi is replaced in tourism. Atish Chandra is set to become the next Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

21 Nov 2025 3:32 am
SC bans new mining leases in Aravalis, allows only existing ones to operate

The Supreme Court has prohibited new mining leases in the Aravali hills to protect them from desertification, while allowing existing operations to continue. The court mandated the preparation of a sustainable mining management plan for the entire range across four states, emphasizing ecological impact analysis and restoration measures.

21 Nov 2025 3:19 am
Robert Vadra beneficiary of London asset: ED chargesheet

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Robert Vadra in a money laundering case involving fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The ED alleges Vadra assisted Bhandari and benefited from a London property, claiming he possessed proceeds of crime. The court will decide on cognizance on December 6.

21 Nov 2025 1:26 am
'Terror module': Two ISI-linked operatives injured in Ludhiana; grenades, weapons seized

Two suspected ISI-backed module members were injured in a police encounter in Ludhiana after allegedly opening fire. Acting on intelligence, police intercepted the duo who were tasked by a Pakistan-based handler to exchange grenades. Recoveries included grenades, pistols, and ammunition.

20 Nov 2025 10:20 pm
Watch: Nitish tries to touch Modi's feet at Patna airport; This is how PM reacts

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen attempting to touch Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet at Patna airport before the PM's departure. This marks a recurring gesture from Kumar, who has previously shown similar deference to Modi on multiple occasions. The incident occurred shortly after Kumar's swearing-in for his tenth term as chief minister.

20 Nov 2025 9:14 pm
COP30: India pitches for expanding joint crediting mechanism for global climate action

India is advocating for the expansion of a bilateral Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) as a vital tool for global climate action. Spearheaded by Japan, this model allows countries to jointly develop mitigation projects and transparently allocate emission reduction credits, reinforcing multilateral climate objectives.

20 Nov 2025 8:29 pm
Russia signals support for Indias air combat needs: Offers Su-57 fighter tech transfer; calls New Delhis demands acceptable

Russia has offered India unrestricted technology transfer for its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, including production and licensing for critical components. This significant defence partnership aims to bolster India's future fighter aircraft needs, ensuring domestic manufacturing capabilities and long-term upgrades, reinforcing over six decades of cooperation ahead of President Putin's visit.

20 Nov 2025 7:42 pm
AAPs Provide Employment Ensure Social Justice march reaches Pratapgarh on its 9th day

Aam Aadmi Party's 'Provide Employment Ensure Social Justice' march, led by Sanjay Singh, reached Pratapgarh. The procession highlighted unemployment and escalating injustice against Dalits and backward communities in Uttar Pradesh, citing various incidents as evidence of government failure. The march saw participation from diverse groups and will continue towards Prayagraj.

20 Nov 2025 7:31 pm
Talaak-e-Hasan explained: Why its under scrutiny, and how it differs from triple talaq

The Supreme Court questioned the validity of Muslim men authorizing lawyers to issue Talaq-e-Hasan notices, deeming it a practice that leaves women vulnerable. The bench stressed that divorce requires the husband's direct pronouncement and signature, not delegation to third parties. This judicial scrutiny brings renewed attention to the constitutional validity of this divorce method.

20 Nov 2025 7:21 pm
Evening news wrap: Cops tell SC 'intellectual terrorists more dangerous,' in Delhi riot case; fresh clashes erupt in Nepal, curfew imposed and much more

Delhi Police alerted the Supreme Court about the danger of intellectuals becoming terrorists. The NIA is investigating the Red Fort blast, with four individuals in custody. Nepal's Bara district is under curfew due to protests. India's cricket captain Shubman Gill is out for the second Test.

20 Nov 2025 5:46 pm
Technical snag hits IndiGo: GuwahatiDelhi flight delayed by three hours; passengers offered refund or rebooking

Passengers on IndiGo flight 6E 930 from Guwahati to Delhi faced a significant three-hour delay on Thursday due to a technical snag. Engineers identified the issue, grounding the aircraft at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The airline is offering refreshments and options for refunds or rebooking.

20 Nov 2025 5:44 pm
'Unplanned, chaotic, and dangerous': Mamata pens letter to CEC Gyanesh Kumar over SIR; day after BLOs death

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has described the ongoing Special Intensive Revision as unplanned, chaotic, and dangerous, citing the deaths of multiple booth-level officers. She expressed grave concerns to the CEC about the alarming situation, alleging a lack of preparedness and pushing BLOs beyond human limits, risking voter roll credibility.

20 Nov 2025 4:26 pm
Robert Vadra case: ED files chargesheet in money-laundering probe; flags links to defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet naming Robert Vadra in a money-laundering case linked to UK-based defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The complaint, submitted before Delhis Rouse Avenue Court, follows Vadras PMLA statement recorded in July. Earlier, the ED charged him in a Rs 58-crore Gurgaon land deal case, naming 11 additional accused.

20 Nov 2025 4:23 pm
Presidential reference: Governors cant stall Bills, but courts cant fix timelines; key SC verdict explained

Governors cannot indefinitely delay Bills passed by state legislatures, the Supreme Court ruled, emphasizing cooperative federalism. However, courts cannot set hard deadlines for governors or the President on Bills, nor can they grant 'deemed assent' or compel the President to seek judicial opinions. The ruling clarifies the limits of judicial intervention while upholding constitutional accountability.

20 Nov 2025 2:55 pm
'Failed to explain to people of Bihar': Jan Suraaj's Prashant Kishor holds 'maun vrat'; vows to work 'twice as hard'

Jan Suraaj supremo Prashant Kishor observed a day-long maun vrat at Bihar's Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram following his party's electoral defeat. Kishor took full responsibility for the Jan Suraaj's poor performance, vowing to work harder to fulfill his resolve to improve Bihar. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister for a record tenth time.

20 Nov 2025 1:52 pm
Indian Pickleball League announces five franchises ahead of debut season

The Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) has unveiled five city franchises for its inaugural season, set to take place in New Delhi from December 1-7, 2025. Launched by The Times Group and sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association, the league aims to boost the sport's popularity with top Indian and international players competing in a city-versus-city format.

20 Nov 2025 1:32 pm
Return of the kingmaker: Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for 10th time - list of ministers who took oath today

At a vibrant ceremony, Nitish Kumar was officially sworn in as Chief Minister of Bihar for the 10th occasion, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance to witness the momentous occasion. This inauguration heralds the establishment of a new NDA government following their sweeping success in the 2025 Assembly elections.

20 Nov 2025 12:10 pm
'Nirantar' Nitish Kumar: Why 'Sushasan Babu' remains Bihar's most indispensable leader

Nitish Kumar secures an unprecedented tenth term as Bihar's Chief Minister, demonstrating remarkable political resilience. Despite numerous alliance shifts and criticisms, he has once again swept the state, shattering notions of age-related fatigue. His consistent victory, attributed to strategic governance and welfare initiatives, solidifies his position as a dominant force in Bihar's politics.

20 Nov 2025 11:51 am
'Must adopt dialogue': SC says courts can't impose timelines on President, governor to act on Bills; key details

The Supreme Court will soon deliver its verdict on a presidential reference concerning timelines for President and governors' assent to state bills. The reference, invoking Article 143(1), seeks clarity on judicial powers to mandate deadlines for constitutional functionaries, impacting Centre-state relations amid ongoing legislative disputes.

20 Nov 2025 10:59 am
Tactical projectiles, Javelin missile system: USIndia seal major arms deal; move to help 'deter regional threats'

India is set to receive a significant defense upgrade from the United States with an approved $93 million arms deal. This package includes advanced Javelin Missile Systems and Excalibur tactical projectiles, bolstering India's homeland defense and its ability to counter regional threats. The sale reinforces the strategic partnership between the two nations, enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific.

20 Nov 2025 9:05 am
'If you feel BJP ... ': Sandeep Dikshit slams Shashi Tharoor over PM Modi praise; asks why are you in Congress?

Shashi Tharoor's recent praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked internal dissent within the Congress. Colleagues like Sandeep Dikshit and Supriya Shrinate have questioned Tharoor's remarks, with Dikshit even calling him a hypocrite and questioning his loyalty to the party. Tharoor, however, highlighted Modi's speech on economic outlook and national pride.

20 Nov 2025 7:25 am
SC: 3 talaqs sent through lawyer not valid

The Supreme Court questioned the validity of Muslim men authorizing lawyers to issue triple talaq notices, stating it's not a valid divorce without the husband's signature. The bench emphasized that such practices cannot harm Muslim women's dignity and will not permit unauthorized divorce notifications.

20 Nov 2025 4:30 am
To create jobs, we need smart urbanisation: Kant

India must accelerate its growth to achieve a $30 trillion economy, focusing on health, nutrition, and smart urbanization for job creation. Skilling the educated workforce is crucial as skilled manpower is identified as a major constraint for business growth and new job opportunities.

20 Nov 2025 1:33 am