QUICKREADS

MP Upendra Kushwaha seeks fairer representation in parliament for Bihar and UP

Former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha advocated for delimitation to enhance representation for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in Parliament, arguing current disparities violate democratic principles. He criticized the Congress for past amendments that stymied constituency changes and claimed population growth differences stem from historical famines, not governance. Kushwaha also supported Buddhists' control of the Maha Bodhi Temple, urging Hindu generosity.

India and Israel vow to deepen bilateral ties

India has expressed support for the Gaza peace plan during talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Israeli Minister Gideon Sa’ar. They discussed enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism, trade, and regional connectivity, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. The meeting set the stage for Prime Minister Netanyahu's planned visit, highlighting India's strategic partnership with Israel amidst ongoing regional tensions.

Poll roll revision ph-2 begins amid protests

The second phase of India's special intensive revision of electoral rolls has begun in 12 states and Union Territories, with officials distributing enumeration forms amid protests from opposition parties. The process aims to update voter lists ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Concerns over potential disenfranchisement have been raised, with political tensions escalating in key states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Barbs, bluster as rallies for Phase 1 of Bihar polls wind up

Campaigning for Bihar's assembly elections concluded as NDA and Grand Alliance leaders rallied for voter support ahead of the first phase on November 6. Key issues include jobs, development, and caste loyalty. PM Modi emphasized NDA's governance promises, while Rahul Gandhi criticized the ruling party's failures. The electorate of 37 million will vote for 1,314 candidates across 121 seats.

Op Sindoor’s lessons will find place in theatre plan: CDS General Anil Chauhan

Operation Sindoor's lessons are being integrated into India's theaterisation model, emphasizing service chiefs' roles in military operations, according to Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. With 90% of the theatre commands' framework completed, discussions continue on refining joint structures and ensuring military synergy for effective future operations, particularly emphasizing the importance of air power demonstrated during the operation.

Is election patchwork enough to fix the ‘sorrow’ of Bihar?

In Kundah village, families are evacuating as the Kosi river erodes land, with villagers blaming the government for inadequate measures against avulsion. As elections approach, the Water Resources Department is hastily implementing flood management plans. Historical embankments have failed to prevent flooding and agricultural decline, leading to political tensions and community dissatisfaction with local governance and infrastructure.

30% candidates in fray for phase 2 face criminal charges: ADR report

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms reveals that over 30% of candidates in Bihar's second phase assembly elections have criminal records, with 26% facing serious charges like murder and crimes against women. Among analyzed candidates, 43% are wealthy, declaring assets of ₹5 crore or more. The report flags 73 constituencies as "red alert" due to criminal charges.

HT interview: No matter how hard he tries, no room for Nitish in GA, says Kharge

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted key issues for the Grand Alliance in Bihar's assembly polls, including unemployment, migration, and price rise. He criticized the NDA government's failure to address these concerns and emphasized their promise to provide jobs. Kharge dismissed BJP's claims of improved law and order, pointing to rising crime rates, and reaffirmed support for Tejashwi Yadav as the CM face.

NDA focuses on fine tuning vote transfer after seat reshuffle

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is focusing on over two dozen swapped seats in Bihar for the upcoming elections. Key leaders, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and various alliance partners, aim to ensure smooth vote transfers amidst past alliance challenges. The BJP is optimistic about winning two-thirds of the 243 seats while presenting a united front to counter new entrants like the Jan Suraaj Party.

Shooter among two arrested for murder of Odisha BJP leader

Police have arrested two additional suspects, Kurupati Bhuyan and Uma Shankar Bisoi, in the murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabash Panda. A total of 17 individuals are now in custody. Bhuyan, identified as the shooter, allegedly fired at Panda on October 6. The investigation revealed details of the suspects' escape and clothing disposal.

NDCs can help limit global warming: United Nations’ EP report

The UN's Emissions Gap report warns that full implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) could limit global warming to 2.3-2.5 degrees Celsius. However, current policies may lead to a 2.8-degree increase. Despite potential improvements, achieving the Paris Agreement's goals remains distant, with significant emissions growth observed in major emitters like India and China.

Chaos in BJP meeting in Kanpur Dehat as sitting and former MPs engage in verbal spat

A district-level government review meeting in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, descended into chaos when BJP MP Devendra Singh Bhole and former MP Anil Shukla Warsi engaged in a heated argument, nearly coming to blows. The confrontation, which revolved around local political issues, forced officials to suspend the meeting, leaving the ruling party embarrassed and open to criticism from opposition leaders.

India set to become third-largest economy, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted India's rapid economic growth, predicting it will soon become the world's third-largest economy. Speaking at the Delhi School of Economics, she emphasized the importance of technology and inclusive growth, noting that 25 million people have risen out of poverty. She urged students to focus on India-centric research and engage with local economies.

RJD stands for 'Rangdari', 'Jungle Raj', 'Dadagiri': BJP chief JP Nadda

BJP President JP Nadda criticized the RJD in Madhuban, Bihar, labeling it as synonymous with extortion and lawlessness during the campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections. He praised the NDA government for its developmental progress over the past 20 years and urged voters to choose stability and growth, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming elections on November 6 and 11.

IIT Delhi retains top spot among Indian institutions in QS rankings, 7 Indian institutions in Asia's top 100

The Indian government is focused on enhancing quality education and research, as highlighted by the QS university rankings 2026. IIT Delhi retains its title as India's top institution for the fifth year, ranking 59th in Asia. A total of seven Indian institutions made the top 100, with PM Modi praising the progress in educational rankings.

VIP to support RJD rebel contesting against its own national president

The Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) has announced support for rebel RJD candidate Afzal Ali, who is contesting against VIP's national president Santosh Sahni in Bihar's Gaura Boram seat. This decision comes amid last-minute negotiations and expulsion of Ali for indiscipline. VIP founder Mukesh Sahni expressed confidence in Ali's victory and hinted at a possible Deputy CM position for his party if the INDIA bloc wins.