Deadly Blast Near Delhi's Red Fort Kills 13; 'White-Collar' Terror Module Uncovered
A powerful car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort has killed at least 13 people and injured over 20. The probe has been handed to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The incident is linked to the busting of an interstate "white-collar" terror module involving educated professionals, including doctors from Al-Falah University in Faridabad. Raids led to the arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of nearly 3,000 kg of explosives. The car's driver is suspected to be a doctor who may have accidentally detonated the device in panic.
Supreme Court Acquits Surendra Koli in Final Nithari Killings Case, Paving Way for Release
The Supreme Court has acquitted Surendra Koli in the last pending case related to the 2006 Nithari serial killings, ordering his immediate release. A three-judge bench allowed his curative petition, overturning a 2011 conviction for the rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl. The court cited investigative lapses and noted that allowing the conviction to stand on an evidentiary basis it had rejected in other Nithari cases would violate constitutional principles. Koli had previously been acquitted in 12 other related cases.
Exit Polls Predict Decisive Victory for NDA in Bihar Assembly Elections
Multiple exit polls have projected a comfortable victory for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Bihar Assembly elections, which concluded on Tuesday. The average of nine polls suggests the NDA, comprising the BJP and JD(U), will win around 148 seats in the 243-member assembly, well past the majority mark of 122. The opposition Mahagathbandhan is projected to secure about 88 seats, while Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party is expected to make a negligible impact. Official results will be declared on November 14.
Ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Calls for 'Participatory Democracy' for Her Return
From an undisclosed location in India, ousted former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stated her return is conditional on the restoration of "participatory democracy" and the lifting of a ban on her Awami League party. In an interview, she accused the interim Yunus administration of jeopardizing ties with New Delhi and empowering extremist forces. Hasina, who fled to India after violent protests in August 2024, asserted that India remains Bangladesh's most important friend and the relationship can withstand the "foolishness" of the current government.
Turkish Military Cargo Plane Crashes in Georgia, Killing All 20 Onboard
A Turkish C-130 military cargo plane crashed in Georgia on Tuesday, killing all 20 military personnel on board. The aircraft had departed from Ganja, Azerbaijan, and was returning to Turkey when it went down near the Georgian-Azerbaijani border. Turkey's Defence Minister confirmed the fatalities. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The plane disappeared from radar shortly after entering Georgian airspace without issuing a distress signal. Search and rescue operations were conducted by Georgian and Turkish authorities.
Supreme Court Seeks Election Commission's Response on Voter Roll Revision Challenge
The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission (EC) to respond to petitions from political parties including the DMK and Trinamool Congress challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The parties argue the process is being conducted hastily and could disenfranchise legitimate voters. The court has requested the respective High Courts to pause proceedings on the matter and will hear arguments for an interim stay on November 26 and 27.
India and US 'Pretty Close' to Finalising Trade Deal, Says President Trump
US President Donald Trump stated that Washington and New Delhi are "pretty close" to finalizing a bilateral trade deal. Speaking at the White House, Trump also indicated that tariffs on Indian goods, imposed partly due to India's oil purchases from Russia, would be lowered "at some point" as he claimed imports have been reduced. In response, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal affirmed that while India seeks a fair deal, it will not compromise the interests of its farmers, dairy producers, and workers.
Tata Motors' Commercial Vehicle Arm Debuts on Stock Market at Over 26% Premium
The commercial vehicle (CV) division of Tata Motors, now trading as Tata Motors Ltd (TMCVL), made a strong debut on the stock exchanges. Shares listed at a premium of over 26% to their implied value, opening at ₹335 on the NSE against an estimated value of around ₹261. The listing follows the demerger of the CV business from the passenger vehicle unit, which now trades as Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. Analysts view the move as unlocking value by allowing investors to assess each business independently.
Delhi's Air Quality Remains 'Severe' for Second Day; Stricter Curbs Imposed
Air quality in Delhi remained in the 'severe' category for the second consecutive day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 414 on Wednesday morning. The sustained hazardous pollution levels prompted the central government to invoke Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities across the NCR. This marks the city's worst air quality spell of the season, posing significant health risks to millions of residents.
Director Ram Gopal Varma Apologizes to Child Actor for Risky Stunt in 'Shiva' 36 Years Later
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has publicly apologized to Sushma, who was a child actor in his 1989 debut film "Shiva." The apology, issued 36 years after the film's release, addresses a risky cycle chase scene in which she participated. Varma expressed regret for subjecting her to a "traumatic experience" due to his "directorial greed." Sushma, who is now a researcher in AI and Cognitive Science in the USA, responded graciously, calling the experience unforgettable and expressing her honor at being part of the film's legacy.
Death Toll in Delhi's Red Fort Blast Rises to 12; Terror Links Probed
A powerful car bomb near Delhi's Red Fort metro station has killed at least 12 people and injured over 20. The explosion occurred Monday evening in a slow-moving Hyundai i20 at a traffic signal. The Delhi Police have registered a case under the UAPA and Explosives Act, with multiple agencies including the NIA and NSG investigating. The probe is focused on a potential link to a recently busted "white-collar terror module" in Faridabad, with the suspected driver identified as a doctor from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
Voting Underway in Second and Final Phase of Bihar Assembly Elections
Voting has commenced for 122 constituencies in the second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly elections. Approximately 3.7 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of 1,302 candidates in this crucial phase, which includes the politically significant Seemanchal region. This round is a high-stakes battle for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, with the results expected to be a referendum on the Nitish Kumar government. Vote counting for both phases is scheduled for November 14.
US 'Pretty Close' to Trade Deal With India, Trump Signals Potential Tariff Reduction
US President Donald Trump has stated his administration is "pretty close" to securing a "fair trade deal" with India. Speaking at the White House, Trump hinted that tariffs imposed on New Delhi could be lowered "at some point," claiming that India has substantially reduced its purchases of Russian oil. The remarks suggest a potential de-escalation in trade tensions that have strained economic relations between the two countries, potentially paving the way for a new bilateral trade agreement.
'Severe' Air Quality Prompts Stricter GRAP-3 Curbs in Delhi-NCR
With Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorating to the 'severe' category, authorities have invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region. The emergency measures include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition work, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, and the closure of stone crushers. In response, the Delhi government directed all schools to conduct classes for students up to Grade 5 in hybrid mode until further notice.
Prime Minister Modi Arrives in Bhutan for Two-Day Diplomatic Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a two-day state visit to Bhutan aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. The agenda includes talks with King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and jointly inaugurating the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, a key milestone in the India-Bhutan energy partnership. Modi will also attend celebrations for the 70th birthday of Bhutan's fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, reaffirming India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and deep-rooted ties with the Himalayan nation.