India News Today: Red Fort Blast Probe Intensifies, Bihar on Edge Over Exit Polls, and Economic Buzz November 12, 2025

The nation is on high alert as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) delves deeper into the devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort, uncovering a complex trail of the prime suspect’s movements. In the political arena, all eyes are on Bihar, where the conclusion of assembly elections has given way to a tense war of words over exit polls that largely favor the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA). On the economic front, the Union Cabinet has rolled out a significant export support package aimed at shielding Indian businesses from global economic pressures.

Simultaneously, a severe cold wave is descending upon North India, while the national capital battles a critical air pollution crisis, prompting the enforcement of emergency measures.

National Politics & Governance

NIA Takes Lead in Red Fort Blast Investigation, Traces Suspect’s Final Hours

The investigation into the powerful car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, which claimed at least a dozen lives and left over 20 injured, has gained significant momentum with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) taking full control. The Union Cabinet has officially classified the explosion as a “terrorist act” carried out by “anti-national elements,” vowing to bring all perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.

Investigators have meticulously pieced together the movements of the prime suspect, identified as Dr. Umar Un-Nabi, in the hours leading up to the deadly explosion. CCTV footage has revealed that Dr. Un-Nabi drove the Hyundai i20, laden with what is believed to be ammonium nitrate, across various parts of Delhi for approximately 10 hours on the day of the blast. He was reportedly seen unmasked at two locations, Connaught Place and near Turkman Gate, providing crucial visual evidence for the authorities.

The trail of the vehicle began from Haryana’s Mewat region, entering Delhi via the Badarpur border around 8 a.m. before the explosion occurred at 6:52 p.m.

The probe has also uncovered potential links to a “white-collar” terror module associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which was recently busted by Jammu and Kashmir Police in Faridabad, Haryana. This module, which allegedly included several doctors from Al-Falah Medical College, was found to be in possession of a large quantity of ammonium nitrate. Investigators are exploring the theory that Dr. Un-Nabi was associated with this group and may have triggered the blast in a panic after the crackdown on the module.

The incident has triggered a sharp political debate on national security. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has termed the blast a “failure of the government,” questioning the effectiveness of intelligence agencies operating in the capital. He has demanded a thorough debate on the issue in the upcoming winter session of Parliament and called for exemplary punishment for the culprits.

In response, the government has assured the nation of its “zero-tolerance” policy towards terrorism and has promised a swift and decisive investigation.

Bihar on Tenterhooks as Exit Polls Predict NDA Victory, Mahagathbandhan Cries Foul

A palpable tension has enveloped Bihar as the state awaits the official election results on November 14. Following a high-octane two-phase assembly election that witnessed a record voter turnout, multiple exit polls have predicted a comfortable victory for the ruling NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP.

Most post-poll surveys, including those from Today’s Chanakya and Matrize, have projected the NDA to win between 133 and 167 seats in the 243-member assembly, well past the majority mark of 122. The Mahagathbandhan (MGB), led by Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, is forecast to secure between 70 and 118 seats. Interestingly, despite the projected loss for his alliance, some polls indicate that Tejashwi Yadav remains the most popular choice for Chief Minister. The debutant Jan Suraaj Party, founded by poll strategist Prashant Kishor, is expected to win between 0 and 5 seats.

The Mahagathbandhan has vehemently rejected the exit poll predictions. Tejashwi Yadav expressed confidence in a victory for his alliance, stating that the high voter turnout was a vote for change, not to save the incumbent government. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh also voiced his distrust in the exit polls, suggesting that any NDA victory beyond 140 seats would be attributable to manipulated EVMs and voter lists.

The BJP, meanwhile, is preparing for celebrations, with party leaders asserting that the people of Bihar have voted for good governance and rejected the “jungle raj” of the past. The record voter turnout, particularly among women, is being interpreted differently by both alliances, with each claiming it as a sign of support for their respective platforms.

PM Modi Concludes Bhutan Visit, Bolstering Strategic and Developmental Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded a significant two-day state visit to Bhutan, further solidifying the unique and time-tested partnership between the two nations. The visit was marked by several high-level engagements, key inaugurations, and the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation across energy, healthcare, technology, and cultural sectors.

A major highlight of the visit was the joint inauguration of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a testament to the exemplary Indo-Bhutanese collaboration in clean energy. Both nations also committed to expediting work on the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project.

In a significant financial commitment, India announced a concessional Line of Credit of ₹40 billion (₹4,000 crore) to support Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan and its Economic Stimulus Programme. To enhance connectivity, an agreement was reached to establish a new Immigration Check Post at Hatisar, Assam, to facilitate easier movement for investors and tourists visiting the Gelephu Mindfulness City project. MoUs were also signed to foster collaboration in renewable energy, including solar and green hydrogen, as well as in healthcare and mental health services.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was the Guest of Honour at the celebrations for the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, conveyed his condolences for the victims of the Delhi blast, a gesture appreciated by the Indian side.

Government Launches National One Health Mission to Combat Zoonotic Diseases

In a proactive move to strengthen India’s pandemic preparedness, the Union Government has launched the National One Health Mission. This cross-ministerial initiative aims to create an integrated system for disease control by unifying human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

The mission, approved by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), recognizes that a significant percentage of new infectious diseases in humans originate from animals. Its vision is to build a robust system for surveillance, research, and response to prevent and control outbreaks of zoonotic diseases like COVID-19, Nipah, and avian influenza.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will serve as the implementing agency, with the National Institute of One Health in Nagpur acting as the anchor institution. The mission will focus on several key pillars, including targeted Research and Development for new vaccines and diagnostics, enhancing clinical readiness, streamlining data sharing across sectors, and fostering community engagement. The initiative will also address the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) by coordinating policies across health, agriculture, and environmental bodies.

Economy & Business

Cabinet Approves ₹45,060 Crore Package to Boost Exports Amid Global Headwinds

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a comprehensive ₹45,060 crore package to support Indian exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises, who are facing challenges from global economic volatility and high tariff barriers in key markets.

The centerpiece of this package is the new Export Promotion Mission (EPM), with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore, which will be implemented over six years from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31. Announced in the Union Budget, the EPM consolidates several fragmented schemes into a single, digitally-driven framework. The mission is designed to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labor-intensive sectors.

The EPM will operate through two sub-schemes:

1. Niryat Protsahan: This will focus on improving access to affordable trade finance through measures like interest subvention, collateral guarantees, and credit enhancement for diversifying into new markets.
2. Niryat Disha: This component will provide non-financial support, including assistance for maintaining export quality, international branding, packaging, participation in trade fairs, and logistics.

Priority support will be given to sectors significantly impacted by recent tariff escalations, such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and marine products. In addition to the EPM, the Cabinet also approved a ₹20,000 crore expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE), which will provide 100% credit guarantee coverage for additional collateral-free credit to eligible exporters. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) will be the implementing agency for the EPM, managing the process through a dedicated digital platform.

Finance Minister Holds Pre-Budget Consultations with MSME Sector

As part of the preparations for the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the third Pre-Budget Consultation meeting with stakeholders from the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The discussions centered on the challenges faced by MSMEs and the policy measures required to enhance their growth and competitiveness.

Representatives from various MSME associations highlighted several key issues, including the need for easier access to finance, challenges with delayed payments, and the necessity for better technology adoption. A significant point of discussion was the disproportionate impact of regulatory compliance on smaller enterprises. Stakeholders called for simplified return filings, graded penalty structures, exemptions from mandatory audits for smaller firms, and the integration of multiple statutory filings into a single digital interface to reduce compliance costs.

They also emphasized that digitized, time-bound single-window clearance systems could be a “game-changer” for improving the investment climate for MSMEs across the country.

Andhra Pradesh Sets Sights on $1 Trillion Investment, Announces Relief for Farmers

The government of Andhra Pradesh has announced an ambitious target of attracting $1 trillion in global and domestic investments over the next five years. Speaking in New Delhi, State Minister for IT and Education, Nara Lokesh, stated that the government has already secured investment commitments worth $120 billion over the past 16 months.

Lokesh emphasized that job creation is the central focus of the Chandrababu Naidu-led government’s economic policy, with a goal to create two million jobs in the next five years. The upcoming CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam is expected to formalize 410 investment agreements, projected to generate around 750,000 jobs. Major investments highlighted include ArcelorMittal’s steel plant, Google’s Data City project, a ₹1 lakh crore refinery by BPCL, and a ₹1.65 lakh crore green hydrogen hub by NTPC.

In a separate move to support the state’s aquaculture sector, which has been impacted by high US tariffs, the Andhra Pradesh government has drastically reduced power tariffs for shrimp farmers. The tariff has been cut from nearly ₹4 per unit to ₹1.5 per unit, providing significant relief and enhancing the competitiveness of local farmers against international rivals like Ecuador.

Defence

Ukraine War a ‘Living Lab’ for Indian Army, Says Chief General Dwivedi

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict serves as a “living lab” offering crucial insights for modern warfare, which the Indian Army is closely observing and adapting for its own operational conditions. This was stated by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, while addressing the Delhi Defence Dialogue.

“Drones are stalking armoured columns, electronic warfare is jamming radios, precision fires are reaching much beyond 100 km, and information campaigns win wars even before a single shell lands,” General Dwivedi remarked, highlighting the lessons being drawn from the European conflict.

The Army Chief outlined the “3Ds” shaping the future of warfare: Democratisation of technology, geographical Diffusion of systems, and the role of Demography with new actors like citizen soldiers. He emphasized that while land will remain the “currency of victory” for India, the battlespace has become wider and more complex, integrating non-kinetic contests in cyber and information domains.

General Dwivedi also spoke about the Indian Army’s move towards Industry 5.0, a human-centric approach where technology supports and enhances a soldier’s judgment and survivability rather than replacing them. He introduced the Army’s “5Ps Action Plan” — Procedures, Processes, Patents, People, and Partnerships — aimed at accelerating innovation through collaboration between academia, industry, and the government. He also highlighted the success of the indigenous Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version (SAMBHAV) and the testing of an “AI in the box” system that integrates artificial intelligence with operational command tools.

Key Voices of India

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President, on the Delhi Blast: “It is unfortunate that such incidents are happening in the national capital. You have intelligence agencies, the IB, the CBI and many other agencies right there. Even with all these agencies, the government has failed…No leniency should be shown to anyone involved.Whoever is guilty must be punished.”

Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT and Education, on Investment Goals: “Our goal is to create two million jobs over the next five years — not as a statistic, but as a promise to our youth. Every policy we design has job creation at its heart… Healthy competition among Indian states fuels national progress. Our CM’s vision is clear: to attract one trillion dollars in investments and position Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for sustainable industrial development.”

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, on Modern Warfare: “We are closely watching the Ukraine battlefields because it’s the living lab in terms of the conditions we are having along our borders… Technology is not here to replace humans but to support them. Our comparative advantage is our people, and Industry 5.0 does scale that advantage into faster decisions and tighter signatures.”

Tejashwi Yadav, RJD Leader, on Bihar Exit Polls: “Around 29,500 votes have been cast in each constituency, not to save Nitish Kumar, but to change the government.”

What’s Buzzing on Indian Twitter?

The Indian social media landscape over the last 24 hours has been dominated by two major national events: the ongoing investigation into the Red Fort terror attack and the release of exit polls for the Bihar Assembly elections.

1. #DelhiBlast & #RedFortBlast: These hashtags have been trending nationwide as citizens express a mixture of shock, grief, and anger over the deadly explosion. Social media users are actively sharing updates from news sources, CCTV footage of the suspect’s car, and details emerging from the NIA’s investigation. There is a strong demand for justice for the victims, with many calling for swift and severe punishment for those responsible. The conversation also includes heated political debates, with supporters of the opposition using the incident to question the government’s record on national security, while government supporters are emphasizing the “zero tolerance for terror” policy and praising the rapid progress of the investigation.

2. #BiharExitPolls & #BiharElections: Following the conclusion of voting, these hashtags surged as various news channels and survey agencies released their post-poll predictions. The timeline is filled with infographics, seat projections, and vote-share analysis. Supporters of the NDA are celebrating the predicted victory, sharing memes and posts that laud the leadership of PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar. Conversely, supporters of the Mahagathbandhan are actively contesting the veracity of the exit polls, sharing messages of hope and urging people to wait for the final results on November 14. The term “EVM” is also trending, as some opposition supporters raise concerns about potential manipulation, a claim strongly refuted by NDA backers.

3. #DelhiAirPollution: A persistent and concerning trend, this hashtag reflects the daily struggle of residents in the national capital. Today, the conversation is centered around the ‘severe’ air quality reading and the implementation of GRAP Stage III measures. People are sharing photos of the thick smog, personal accounts of health issues, and opinions on the government’s response. There’s widespread discussion about the ban on construction activities and the shift to hybrid classes for young children, with some welcoming the steps and others questioning their long-term effectiveness.

Weather and Climate

Severe Cold Wave in North India, Heavy Rains to Lash South

India is currently witnessing a stark contrast in weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe cold wave warning for large parts of North and Central India, while predicting heavy rainfall for several southern states.

A cold wave is expected to prevail over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh over the next few days. The IMD has noted that temperatures in these regions are likely to be significantly below normal, signaling an early and intense onset of winter. The lowest minimum temperature in the plains was recently recorded at Adampur in Punjab.

Dense fog was also observed in parts of Odisha, with moderate fog reported in Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Uttar Pradesh.

In stark contrast, the northeast monsoon remains active over the southern peninsula. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy showers for Tamil Nadu and Kerala and Mahe on November 12 and 13. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely over these regions and parts of Karnataka.

Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets to ‘Severe’, GRAP-III Measures Implemented

The national capital is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis as the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season. On Wednesday morning, the average AQI in Delhi stood at an alarming 413.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has immediately enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). These emergency measures include:

• A strict ban on all non-essential construction and demolition activities.
• Restrictions on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and adjoining cities of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
• A directive for all schools to conduct classes for students up to Grade 5 in a hybrid mode, allowing parents the option of online classes.

The sharp spike in pollution has been attributed to a combination of factors, including calm winds and dipping temperatures, which allow pollutants to accumulate near the ground.

Regional News

North India

Delhi: Beyond the blast and pollution, the Delhi Jal Board has signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) for better management of the city’s water infrastructure. In another development, Delhi Metro International Limited is gearing up to execute projects in the UK and Australia, showcasing its growing global footprint. Police in Noida are still working to identify a headless body of a woman found in a drain last week.

Chandigarh: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, speaking at an event, stated that ‘Vande Mataram’ remains highly relevant even 78 years after India’s independence, emphasizing its importance in the national consciousness.

South India

Andhra Pradesh: The state is looking to attract $1 trillion in investments, with a major focus on job creation, according to Minister Nara Lokesh. To counter the impact of US tariffs, the state government has significantly reduced power tariffs for shrimp farmers. Meanwhile, a historical look at organized kidney rackets in the state reveals a long and troubling history of exploitation of the poor, dating back to the late 1990s.

Kerala: The State Election Commission has announced that the much-anticipated local body elections will be held in two phases on December 9 and 11, with votes to be counted on December 13. The announcement has set the model code of conduct in motion. Both the ruling LDF and the opposition NDA have begun announcing their candidates for key corporations like Kochi and Kannur, setting the stage for a fierce political contest seen as a semi-final before the 2026 Assembly polls.

Tamil Nadu: In a significant legal development, a special NIA court has sentenced ‘Karukka’ Vinoth to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in the T.N. Raj Bhavan petrol bomb attack case. Politically, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has questioned the DMK’s protests against the electoral roll revision process. In crime news, two temple guards were tragically hacked to death, prompting opposition parties to criticize the state’s law and order situation.

Karnataka: The state government is taking action on prison reform after viral videos showed inmates at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison allegedly receiving VIP treatment. The prison chief has been transferred, and two other officials have been suspended. In a separate incident, a JD(S) MLA, Sharanagouda Kandakur, declined his session allowance, protesting the lack of development in the North Karnataka region.

East India

Bihar: The state remains the epicenter of political news, with analysis and reactions pouring in following the release of exit polls. The high voter turnout of 66.91% is being closely analyzed, with both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan claiming it signals a mandate in their favor. The results, due on November 14, will determine the state’s political future.

Tripura: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has been actively involved in developmental activities, inaugurating several key infrastructure projects in the Dhalai district. The projects include new school buildings, a fire station, and other facilities aimed at improving education, safety, and rural infrastructure. The Chief Minister emphasized his government’s focus on youth and Janajati empowerment.

West India

Maharashtra: In a tragic incident in Mumbai’s Powai area, one worker died and another was left in critical condition after they fell into a septic tank while cleaning a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at a residential building. The workers reportedly suffocated due to toxic gases. In state politics, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has dismissed calls for his resignation over recent controversies.

Gujarat: At least two workers were killed and 20 others were injured in a powerful boiler explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in the Bharuch district. The blast was severe enough to cause the collapse of the factory structure. In other news, the Gujarat ATS continues its probe into a terror plot involving the production of the lethal poison ricin, with searches conducted at the residence of an arrested doctor in Hyderabad.

Goa: Local news is focused on an ongoing investigation into a ‘cash-for-jobs’ scam, with police expanding their probe after a key accused claimed the involvement of a minister and an IAS officer. In other news, villagers in Kaley are threatening to boycott ZP elections over delays in bridge and road construction projects.