India News Today: Terror Attack Probe Intensifies, Economy Resilient Amid Global Headwinds, and Major Defence Upgrades on November 13, 2025

In the last 24 hours, India has been rocked by the aftermath of a deadly terror attack in Delhi, with the investigation uncovering a sophisticated “white-collar” module and drawing strong condemnation from national leaders. Even as the nation grapples with this security challenge, the economy shows signs of robust health with Moody’s projecting a strong 6.5% growth trajectory, undeterred by international tariff pressures. In a significant boost to its defense posture, India has operationalized the high-altitude Nyoma airbase near the China border.

Meanwhile, regional news highlights major investment pacts in the south, a deepening cold wave in the north and central plains, and political developments across the states, painting a complex and dynamic picture of the nation.

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India News Today: Terror Attack Probe Intensifies, Economy Resilient Amid Global Headwinds, and Major Defence Upgrades in Last 24 Hours

New Delhi, India – November 13, 2025 – India is navigating a complex landscape of national security challenges and promising economic resilience. The investigation into the horrific car bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort has uncovered a wider “white-collar” terror module, leading to arrests and a multi-state manhunt. As the nation comes to terms with the attack, the economic outlook remains a beacon of strength, with Moody’s forecasting India to be the fastest-growing major economy. On the strategic front, the military has significantly enhanced its capabilities with the activation of a crucial high-altitude airbase in Ladakh. This, coupled with a flurry of political, social, and economic developments from every corner of the country, marks a day of profound challenges and significant strides for the nation.

National Politics & Governance: Delhi Blast Aftermath Dominates Agenda

The political atmosphere in the nation’s capital has been overwhelmingly dominated by the aftermath of the November 10 car bombing near the Red Fort. The incident, which has claimed 13 lives and injured over two dozen, is being treated as a major terror attack, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) leading the multi-pronged investigation.

Investigation Uncovers “White-Collar” Terror Module

In a chilling development, investigations have revealed the involvement of a “white-collar” terror module, comprising educated professionals. The man identified as the driver of the explosive-laden Hyundai i20, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, was a doctor from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, working at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. DNA tests confirmed his identity after samples from his mother were matched with remains found at the blast site.

The probe has expanded across several states, with investigators uncovering a larger conspiracy to conduct serial blasts. Sources within intelligence agencies suggest the terror module planned to use as many as 32 modified vehicles for coordinated attacks. This has led to a series of raids and detentions.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) detained a medical student from Kanpur with suspected links to the module. Another suspicious vehicle was found at Al-Falah University, prompting a thorough search of the campus. The investigation has also revealed international links, with one of the key figures, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, reportedly in contact with a Turkiye-based handler codenamed ‘Ukasa’.

In response, the Jammu and Kashmir police are seeking an Interpol Red Corner Notice for another doctor, Dr. Muzaffar, who is believed to have fled the country and is currently in Afghanistan.

Government Vows Strict Action, Opposition Demands Accountability

The government has responded with strong assurances of decisive action. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at an event in Gujarat, vowed that the perpetrators would face the “strictest possible punishment.” “The punishment for those behind the blast in Delhi will send a message to the world that no one should ever dare to even think of such an attack again,” he stated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had earlier visited the injured at a Delhi hospital, has been briefed on the situation and has spoken with the Home Minister.

The opposition, meanwhile, has called for greater accountability. The Indian National Congress has demanded an immediate all-party meeting chaired by the Prime Minister and has urged for the Winter Session of Parliament to be advanced from its scheduled December 1 start to debate the security lapse.

Preparations for Winter Session of Parliament Amidst Tense Climate

Even as the Delhi blast dominates headlines, preparations for the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament are proceeding. Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan held a meeting with Deputy Chairman Harivansh and other officials to discuss the arrangements for the session, which is scheduled to run from December 1 to December 19. The session is expected to be contentious, with the opposition likely to corner the government on the security breach in the capital.

In a related development, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee tasked with examining several key amendment bills, including the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025.

New Legislation on the Anvil

In a significant policy move, the government has prepared the draft Seeds Bill, 2025. This proposed legislation is intended to replace the nearly six-decade-old Seeds Act of 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order of 1983. The new bill aims to regulate the quality of seeds, curb the sale of spurious seeds, and ensure farmers have access to high-quality agricultural inputs at affordable prices, thereby safeguarding their interests.

Economy & Business: Resilience and Growth Amid Global Challenges

Despite the grim security situation and challenging global economic currents, the Indian economy continues to display remarkable resilience and a strong growth outlook. Key indicators and government initiatives announced in the last 24 hours point towards a robust economic future.

Moody’s Bullish Forecast for Indian Economy

Leading ratings agency Moody’s has projected that India will remain the fastest-growing economy among the G-20 nations, forecasting a strong 6.5% growth rate through 2027. The report highlights that this impressive growth is supported by robust infrastructure investment, strong consumer demand, and successful export diversification. Crucially, Moody’s noted that Indian exporters have effectively weathered the impact of punishing US tariffs by successfully redirecting their shipments to other markets. While exports to the US saw a decline, overall exports have continued to climb, showcasing the adaptability of Indian businesses.

Government’s Multi-Billion Dollar Push to Boost Exports

In a direct response to the tariff challenges, the Union Cabinet has approved a comprehensive $5 billion plan to bolster export competitiveness. This includes the launch of a new “Export Promotion Mission” (EPM) with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore (approximately $2.83 billion) to be implemented over six years, from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31. The mission will consolidate various existing schemes into a unified, digitally-driven framework.

It comprises two key sub-schemes:

• NIRYAT PROTSAHAN: This will provide financial support, including interest subvention, collateral guarantees, and credit enhancement for market diversification, primarily aimed at MSMEs.
• NIRYAT DISHA: This component will focus on non-financial support, such as assistance for compliance with international standards, international branding, and logistics.

Sectors particularly impacted by global tariff escalations, such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods, will receive priority support under this mission.

Alongside the EPM, the government has also approved a ₹20,000 crore “Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters” (CGSE). This will provide collateral-free credit to exporters, further strengthening their liquidity and ability to compete on the global stage.

Positive Domestic Economic Indicators

Domestic economic activity remains vibrant, with several indicators pointing to sustained momentum. India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) has projected that India’s GDP grew by a strong 7.2% in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2026, primarily driven by robust private consumption. This positive sentiment is further buoyed by strong festive season demand, which has seen a spike in the sales of high-value discretionary items.

The financial markets also reflect growing investor confidence. The total number of unique trading accounts on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has crossed a milestone of 24 crore, indicating a deepening and widening of the retail investor base, particularly from smaller towns.

In the sphere of international trade, India has emerged as Indonesia’s third-largest export destination in the second quarter of 2025, overtaking Japan in a significant realignment of trade flows.

Defence: Bolstering Strategic Capabilities on All Fronts

India’s defence establishment has been a hive of activity, with major developments aimed at enhancing strategic autonomy and operational readiness, particularly along the northern borders.

High-Altitude Nyoma Airbase Activated in Ladakh

In a landmark strategic move, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has operationalized its upgraded Nyoma airbase in eastern Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of approximately 13,700 feet and just 35 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, Nyoma is now one of the highest operational airfields in the world. The Rs 230-crore upgrade includes a new 2.7-km runway, hangars, and an advanced air traffic control complex, enabling the base to handle heavy-lift transport aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules and fighter jets.

The activation of this airbase provides a crucial forward hub for the rapid deployment of troops and materiel to key friction points such as Pangong Tso and Demchok, significantly reducing response times in any contingency.

Major Contracts Signed to Boost ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence

Reinforcing the government’s push for self-reliance (‘Aatmanirbharta’), the Ministry of Defence has signed a significant contract worth ₹2,095.70 crore with the state-run Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of INVAR Anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs). These sophisticated laser-guided missiles are fired from the gun barrels of the T-90 main battle tanks, the mainstay of India’s armoured corps. The INVAR missile, with a range of 5 km, is equipped with a tandem warhead capable of penetrating the Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) of enemy tanks, thereby enhancing the lethality and firepower of the Indian Army’s mechanized forces.

Progress on ‘Project Kusha’ - India’s Indigenous S-400

There is significant momentum in ‘Project Kusha’, India’s ambitious program to develop an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system, envisioned as a domestic alternative to the Russian S-400. Led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the project aims to create a mobile air defence system capable of intercepting stealth fighters, drones, and cruise missiles at ranges of up to 350-400 km. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a key partner in this ₹40,000 crore project, developing critical subsystems.

The phased induction of the missile system is expected between 2028 and 2030.

Strengthening Defence Partnerships and Joint Exercises

India continues to strengthen its military cooperation with friendly nations. In Belagavi, Karnataka, the 11th edition of the joint military exercise “Mitra Shakti XI-2025” between the Indian and Sri Lankan armies has commenced. The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability and coordination for United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Simultaneously, the mega tri-service exercise ‘Trishul’ concluded, having set “new benchmarks in jointness and interoperability,” according to top military commanders. The exercise involved a large number of troops, fighter aircraft, and naval assets, validating new weapons and integrated operational procedures.

In another significant development, reports indicate that India is moving forward with plans to jointly manufacture Israel’s Long Range Artillery (LORA) ballistic missile system, further deepening the strategic defence partnership between the two countries.

Key Voices of India

“The punishment for those behind the blast in Delhi will send a message to the world that no one should ever dare to even think of such an attack again.” - Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, vowing strict action against the perpetrators of the Delhi terror attack.

“Not every resident of Jammu and Kashmir is a terrorist… It is only a handful of people who have always tried to disturb the peace and brotherhood in Kashmir.” - Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning against the vilification of all Kashmiris as the terror probe intensifies.

“We have noticed happy and laughter emojis posted by several individuals from Assam about the Delhi blasts. It appears they are sympathising with the terrorists… those who did it intentionally will have to face the consequences.” - Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, on the disturbing social media reactions to the terror attack.

“The Indians need to be commended. They’ve been very measured, cautious and very professional in how they’re carrying out this investigation… It clearly was a terrorist attack.” - Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, praising India’s handling of the Delhi blast investigation.

“Despite fiscal challenges, the state recognises the need to support its workforce as a key driver of governance and service delivery.” - M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, on the decision to increase the dearness allowance for state government employees.

What’s Buzzing on Indian Social Media?

The Indian social media landscape, particularly Twitter, has been dominated by conversations surrounding the #DelhiBlastAttack. In the immediate aftermath and over the last 24 hours, the platform has been a torrent of condemnation, grief, and calls for justice.

1. #DelhiBlastAttack: This has been the primary hashtag used by citizens, political leaders, and media houses to share updates, express condolences, and demand stringent action. Visuals from the blast site, updates on the rising death toll, and details of the investigation have been widely circulated. A significant part of the conversation has revolved around national security, with many users questioning potential intelligence failures. The hashtag has been a space for collective mourning and a demand for national unity against terrorism.

2. Condemnation and Calls for Unity: Across the platform, a unified voice of condemnation has emerged. Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, strongly condemned the attack, stating that terrorism has no place in civil society. International figures, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Argentinian Ambassador, have used social media to express solidarity with India.

3. Disturbing Reactions and Police Action: A darker side of the social media reaction has also been prominent. In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that some individuals were posting “happy and laughter emojis” in response to the news of the blast. This led to a swift police crackdown, with the Assam Police monitoring social media platforms closely. As of November 13, at least 17 people have been arrested in the state for posting offensive or celebratory comments about the terror attack. This has sparked a debate online about free speech versus glorification of terrorism, with the majority of users supporting the police action against those celebrating the tragedy.

Weather and Climate: A Tale of Two Extremes

India’s weather in the last 24 hours presents a stark contrast, with heavy rainfall lashing the southern peninsula while a severe cold wave grips central and northern parts of the country.

South India: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall for Tamil Nadu and Kerala between November 13 and 18. This is an active phase of the northeast monsoon, which is expected to bring widespread rain and thunderstorms to the region. Squally weather with high wind speeds is also predicted over the Bay of Bengal.

Central and North India: A cold wave has intensified across several states. In Madhya Pradesh, temperatures have plummeted, with a cold wave alert issued for 13 districts, including Bhopal and Indore. The chill is attributed to cold winds blowing from the northern Himalayan region, which has received early snowfall. Similarly, Odisha is experiencing a cold wave, with the capital Bhubaneswar recording its lowest temperature of the season. Uttar Pradesh is also under the grip of a cold wave, with morning fog affecting visibility in many areas. Shallow to moderate fog is also expected to persist over several northeastern states, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi in the coming days.

Climate Change Concerns: A new report by Germanwatch, the “Global Climate Risk Index,” has ranked India 9th among the countries most affected by extreme weather events over the past three decades. The report highlights that between 1995 and 2024, India has suffered immense human and economic losses due to climate-related disasters. Another report on carbon emissions projects a 1.4% rise in India’s CO2 emissions in 2025, a slower increase than in previous years but still a point of concern.

Regional News: A Snapshot from Across the Nation

North India

• Jammu and Kashmir: In a firm move against narco-terrorism, police in Poonch district attached property worth ₹1.11 crore belonging to a notorious drug peddler. The investigation into the Delhi blast has significant links to the region, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urging against the stereotyping of all Kashmiris while condemning the attack. Meanwhile, Indian forces continued crackdown operations across the territory.
• Madhya Pradesh: The state is on the verge of overtaking Punjab in the number of stubble-burning incidents, with a significant surge in farm fires reported. On the economic front, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the MP Tech Growth Conclave 2.0 in Indore, aiming to position the state as a major technology and innovation hub. The state is also experiencing a severe cold wave.

South India

• Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s government announced a 3% hike in the dearness allowance (DA) for government employees and teachers, raising it to 58%, a move that will benefit 16 lakh people. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation for 12 new ‘Thozhi’ hostels for working women across the state. In a bid to boost tourism, the state is also promoting new trekking routes under the ‘Trek Tamil Nadu’ initiative.
• Andhra Pradesh: The state has secured massive investments in its green energy and digital infrastructure sectors. Decarbonisation solutions company ReNew is set to invest ₹82,000 crore in the state’s renewable energy value chain. In another major deal, the government signed an MoU with Tillman Global Holdings for the development of a 300 MW hyperscale data centre campus in Visakhapatnam with a proposed investment of ₹15,000 crore. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is also participating in an India-Europe roundtable to attract further investment.

East India

• Odisha: A cold wave is sweeping the state, with Bhubaneswar recording the season’s lowest temperature. In Cuttack, a mishap at the Bali Yatra festival saw eight people, including children, stranded mid-air on a swing ride before being rescued after a two-hour operation. A search is also underway for three people feared drowned in the Devi river in Cuttack district.
• West Bengal: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has informed the Election Commission that about 34 lakh Aadhaar cardholders in the state have been identified as ‘deceased’ since 2009. The information comes amidst an ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has become a political flashpoint between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP. The Calcutta High Court is also hearing a case related to the recruitment of school teachers.

West India

• Maharashtra: Political activity is intensifying ahead of local body elections, with alliances being formed and seat-sharing talks underway. In a tragic incident in Pune, a severe accident on the Navale bridge resulted in multiple fatalities and a major fire. In Navi Mumbai, a shocking case has come to light where a mentally challenged woman was sexually assaulted and gave birth to a child.
• Gujarat: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced a comprehensive relief package of ₹9,815 crore for farmers affected by recent unseasonal rains. In Ahmedabad, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Ahmedabad International Book Festival and the ‘Food for Thought Fest 2025’ at the Sabarmati Riverfront. In a major security development, the state’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested three terrorists from an IS-Khorasan Province module who were allegedly planning attacks on temples. The NIA also conducted searches in the state in connection with an Al-Qaeda terror conspiracy case.