Digest for 15 November, 2025
Accidental Blast at Srinagar Police Station Kills Nine, Injures 32
An accidental explosion at the Nowgam police station on the outskirts of Srinagar has killed nine people and injured 32. The blast occurred late Friday night as a Forensic Science Laboratory team was handling a 360 kg cache of seized explosives. The material, which included unstable chemicals like ammonium nitrate, had been recovered from Faridabad as part of a terror module investigation. The deceased include forensic, revenue, and police personnel. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident's cause.
NDA Secures Landslide Victory in Bihar Assembly Elections
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has retained power in Bihar with a historic landslide victory, securing over 200 of the 243 assembly seats. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party for the first time in the state's history, winning 89 seats. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) also saw a strong resurgence, securing 85 seats. The opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD and Congress, faced a collapse, winning only 35 seats combined. The results are seen as a strong endorsement for the ruling coalition.
Centre Notifies Digital Personal Data Protection Rules
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, operationalizing the landmark 2023 Act. The rules establish a framework for how companies and government bodies must collect, process, and protect citizens' data. Key provisions include requirements for clear user consent and data breach notifications. The rules will be implemented in phases over 18 months and establish a Data Protection Board of India to handle complaints and impose penalties for violations.
US Scraps Tariffs on Beef, Coffee, and Other Foods to Curb Prices
The Trump administration has scrapped US tariffs on over 200 food products, including beef, coffee, bananas, and orange juice, in a significant policy reversal aimed at lowering high grocery prices. The move comes amid rising public concern over inflation and follows poor election results for Republicans where affordability was a key issue. President Donald Trump, who built his second term on imposing steep import levies, acknowledged the tariffs may have contributed to higher consumer prices in some cases.
China Warns Citizens Against Japan Travel Amid Deepening Taiwan Row
China has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, escalating a diplomatic feud over Taiwan. The warning follows comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who stated that an armed attack on Taiwan could justify a military response from Tokyo under its "collective self-defense" policy. Both nations have summoned each other's ambassadors over the remarks and a subsequent inflammatory social media post by a Chinese diplomat. The row signals rising tensions between the two Asian powers.