India News Today: NDA's Resounding Victory in Bihar, Key Economic Developments, and Major Regional Updates - November 14, 2025

In a decisive political shift, the NDA, led by Nitish Kumar and the BJP, has secured a landslide victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, reshaping the state’s political landscape. This triumph, attributed to a massive turnout of women and EBC voters, comes as India celebrates Children’s Day, honouring Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy. Meanwhile, the nation’s defence forces are engaged in international air exercises in France and Dubai, and significant economic and regional developments continue to unfold across the country, from terror-related arrests in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to a tragic hospital fire in Rajasthan and a major pharma factory explosion in Gujarat.

India News Today: NDA’s Resounding Victory in Bihar, Key Economic Developments, and Major Regional Updates - Last 24 Hours

New Delhi, November 14, 2025 – In a major political development, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has stormed back to power in Bihar with a historic and decisive mandate, securing 188 out of 243 seats. The victory, which far exceeds predictions, is being seen as a powerful endorsement of the “double-engine government” led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This political earthquake has dominated the national conversation, even as India celebrates Children’s Day and navigates significant developments in its economy, defence sector, and various regions.

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## National Politics & Governance: Bihar Delivers a Landslide Verdict for NDA

The results of the Bihar Assembly elections, declared today, have delivered a resounding victory for the ruling National Democratic Alliance. The coalition, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (S), and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), comfortably crossed the majority mark of 122, leaving the opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) far behind.

### Final Seat Tally and Party Performance

According to the final figures from the Election Commission of India, the NDA secured a formidable 188 seats. The party-wise breakdown within the alliance stands as follows:

• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 84 seats
• Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)]: 77 seats
• Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(RV)]: 22 seats
• Hindustani Awam Morcha (S) [HAM(S)]: 5 seats

The Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), faced a significant setback. The RJD’s seat count plummeted from being the single largest party in 2020 to leading in only 26 constituencies. The Indian National Congress, a key ally, recorded one of its worst performances, winning only a handful of the 61 seats it contested.

### Analysis: The ‘ME’ Factor and Women Voters Power NDA’s Win

Political analysts are attributing the NDA’s historic win to several key factors, with the emergence of a new “ME” voter base—Mahila (women) and Economically Backward Classes (EBC)—being the most prominent. This coalition appears to have supplanted the RJD’s traditional Muslim-Yadav (MY) vote bank.

A record-breaking voter turnout of 67.13%, the highest in the state’s history, was largely driven by women, who outvoted men for the first time, with a turnout of 72% versus 63%. This demographic decisively swung the election in favour of the NDA, responding positively to welfare schemes like the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, which promised financial assistance to women. The narrative of ‘Sushasan’ (good governance) under Nitish Kumar and the powerful appeal of ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ resonated strongly, particularly among female voters who prioritized safety and development over caste-based politics.

The NDA’s flawless seat-sharing agreement and a cohesive campaign that consistently reminded voters of the alleged ‘Jungle Raj’ era under previous RJD governments also played a crucial role in consolidating its support base.

### Key Winners and Losers

Winners:

• Nitish Kumar: The 74-year-old JD(U) chief has once again proven his political acumen, successfully battling anti-incumbency to lead the NDA to a spectacular victory, solidifying his position as “Sushasan Babu.”
• Narendra Modi: The Prime Minister’s immense popularity and his welfare schemes were a major force multiplier for the NDA, reaffirming his unmatched ability to transfer votes.
• Chirag Paswan: The LJP(RV) leader has emerged as a key player, with his party winning an impressive 22 of the 29 seats it contested. This performance marks his evolution from a disruptor to a significant power broker in Bihar politics.

Losers:

• Tejashwi Yadav: Despite a spirited campaign, the RJD leader failed to expand his party’s appeal beyond its core base and saw a dramatic reduction in seats. Though he retained his family bastion of Raghopur, the overall result is a major blow to his chief ministerial ambitions.
• Rahul Gandhi: The Congress party’s dismal performance has once again raised questions about its electoral strategy and relevance in key state elections.
• Prashant Kishor: The much-hyped debut of his Jan Suraaj Party ended in a disappointing performance, failing to make any significant impact on the electoral outcome.

### Other Political Developments

Across the country, by-elections were held for several assembly seats. In Punjab’s Tarn Taran constituency, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate, Harmeet Singh Sandhu, registered a comfortable victory. In Rajasthan’s Anta by-election, Congress candidate Pramod Jain Bhaya was leading.

Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won the Budgam bypoll.

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## Economy & Business: Inflation Eases, Trade Talks Progress

On the economic front, there was positive news as wholesale price index (WPI) inflation eased. The government continues to pursue Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to boost economic activity.

• WPI Inflation Eases: India’s wholesale prices fell by 1.21% year-on-year in October, providing some relief on the inflation front. This decline is attributed to GST cuts and a favourable base effect.
• India-Canada Trade Ties: India and Canada are working to strengthen economic ties, with a focus on critical minerals, aerospace partnerships, and reviving trade negotiations. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India is negotiating FTAs with multiple countries to ensure the free flow of capital, goods, and services.
• Starlink Enters India: In a significant development for rural connectivity, Maharashtra has become the first state to sign a deal with Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture.
• Corporate Scrutiny: The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from employees of the Sahara Group seeking payment of pending salaries in the long-running SEBI-Sahara case. In a separate matter, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has rejected a request from industrialist Anil Ambani to appear virtually in a FEMA case and has issued fresh summons.

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## Defence: Strengthening Air Power and Indigenous Capabilities

India’s defence sector has been buzzing with activity, focusing on enhancing air power synergy with friendly nations and bolstering its indigenous missile capabilities.

• Indo-French Air Exercise ‘Garuda-25’: An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent, including fighter jets and transport aircraft, has arrived at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France to participate in the bilateral air combat exercise ‘Garuda-25’. The exercise, scheduled from November 16 to 27, aims to enhance tactical interoperability and defence cooperation between the IAF and the French Air and Space Force (FASF).
• Suryakiran Team at Dubai Air Show: The IAF’s renowned Suryakiran Aerobatic Team has landed at Al Maktoum International Airport to participate in the prestigious Dubai Air Show 2025. Their presence underscores India’s growing aerospace prowess and its commitment to strengthening defence ties with the UAE and other international partners.
• Major Missile Deal Signed: The Ministry of Defence has signed a significant contract worth ₹2,095.70 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of INVAR anti-tank guided missiles. These missiles will equip the Indian Army’s T-90 main battle tanks, significantly boosting their firepower. The acquisition falls under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, providing a major fillip to indigenous defence manufacturing.

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## Key Voices of India

“This is a victory of good governance and the trust people have in the NDA. I thank the people of Bihar for their blessings and assure them that we will continue to work tirelessly for the state’s development.” - Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, on the Bihar election results.

“The people of Bihar have rejected ‘jungle raj’ and voted for development and security. This mandate is for women’s safety, good governance, and welfare.” - Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, hailing the NDA’s victory.

“The emotional connect women of Bihar have with Nitish Kumar is altogether very different.” - Yashwant Deshmukh, Political Analyst, on the role of women voters in the election.

“Whoever is responsible should be punished.” - Children of a Delhi blast victim, expressing their grief and call for justice.

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## What’s Buzzing on Indian Twitter?

The Indian Twitter landscape over the last 24 hours has been overwhelmingly dominated by two major events: the Bihar election results and Children’s Day celebrations.

1. #BiharElection2025: This hashtag has been the top trend across India, with hundreds of thousands of tweets. The conversation is multifaceted. Supporters of the NDA are celebrating the landslide victory, sharing images of celebrations and using phrases like “Sushasan Returns.” Key tweets from leaders like PM Modi and Amit Shah congratulating the people of Bihar have been widely circulated. Conversely, supporters of the Mahagathbandhan have been expressing their disappointment, with some raising concerns about the electoral process, leading to “Vote Chori” (Vote Theft) also trending intermittently. Political commentators and journalists are providing in-depth analysis, breaking down the caste and gender arithmetic of the win.

2. #ChildrensDay: In a stark contrast to the political discourse, #ChildrensDay has been a heartwarming trend. Users are sharing pictures of their children, throwback photos from their own childhoods, and quotes from India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly known as Chacha Nehru. Schools, brands, and public figures are posting messages celebrating the spirit of childhood. Many tweets highlight Nehru’s vision for India’s youth and the importance of nurturing the next generation.

3. Tejashwi Yadav & Nitish Kumar: The names of the two main protagonists of the Bihar election have also been trending individually. Discussions around Tejashwi Yadav have focused on his narrow win in his Raghopur constituency amidst his party’s statewide rout. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar is being hailed as the “Chanakya” of Bihar politics for scripting a spectacular comeback.

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## Weather and Climate: Cold Wave Grips North, Rains in South

A sharp contrast in weather is being observed across the country. A cold wave has intensified its grip over parts of North and Central India, while southern states are bracing for heavy rainfall.

• North and Central India: A cold wave continues to prevail in several parts of central and northern India. Rajasthan is experiencing a particularly chilly spell, with the minimum temperature in Fatehpur dropping to 7°C. Delhi awoke to shallow fog, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Severe’ category in many areas.
• South India: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall for the southern peninsula from November 16-19. Widespread rain is expected in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Chennai is already experiencing light rain.
• Major City Forecasts for Nov 14:
  • Delhi: Shallow fog, with temperatures around 20°C. AQI remains a major concern.
  • Mumbai: Clear skies with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 33°C.
  • Kolkata: Clear skies and pleasant weather.
  • Chennai: Generally cloudy with a possibility of light rain.

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## Regional News: A Look at Key Stories from Across India

### North India

• Rajasthan: A horrific fire broke out in the ICU of the state-run Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur, resulting in the tragic death of at least seven patients. Families have alleged that the hospital staff fled after the blaze, which is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit. In another devastating incident in Jaisalmer, at least 20 people were burnt to death after a sleeper bus caught fire. Reports suggest the bus lacked an emergency exit.
• Uttar Pradesh: In Barabanki, two people were killed and three others injured in a blast at a firecracker factory. The state government has issued a new order allowing women to work night shifts with their consent, a move aimed at boosting female participation in the workforce. Police have also been cracking down on noise pollution, with loudspeakers being removed from several religious sites in Lucknow.
• Punjab: The state continues to grapple with the aftermath of recent floods, with farmers protesting for better compensation. Police in the state claimed to have busted a Pakistan-based ISI-backed grenade attack module.

### South India

• Karnataka: The state government has introduced a significant Menstrual Leave Policy, granting one day of paid leave per month for working women.
• Kerala: A 19-year-old student from Kerala tragically died in Dubai after falling from a building’s terrace while taking photos.
• Andhra Pradesh: ReNew Energy, a NASDAQ-listed company, has announced a massive investment of Rs 60,000 crore in the state.
• Tamil Nadu: A single-engine aircraft made an emergency landing on a national highway, though no casualties were reported. Former AIADMK leaders O. Panneerselvam and T.T.V. Dhinakaran have urged the DMK government to challenge the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding the Mekedatu project.

### East India

• West Bengal: The Calcutta High Court has disqualified Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Roy, who won his assembly seat on a BJP ticket in 2021, under the anti-defection law. The Trinamool Congress has stated that the Bihar election results will have no bearing on West Bengal politics.
• Mizoram: The Mizo National Front (MNF) has retained the Dampa assembly seat in a by-election, with R Lalthangliana winning by a margin of 562 votes.

### West India

• Gujarat: A powerful boiler explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in Bharuch killed at least two workers and injured 20 others. In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested three individuals, including a doctor, for allegedly planning terror attacks and having links to a terror conspiracy. The state government has also announced a ₹10,000 crore relief package for farmers affected by unseasonal rains.
• Maharashtra: A tragic road accident in Pune involving a car and multiple trucks resulted in a blaze that killed eight people. In state politics, the BJP is now focusing its attention on the upcoming local body elections following the victory in Bihar. The Bombay High Court has criticised the state government over deaths due to malnutrition in tribal regions.