India News Today November 16, 2025: Bihar Political Crisis Deepens, Red Fort Blast Probe Intensifies, and Major Economic Updates

In the last 24 hours, India has been gripped by the political turmoil in Bihar following the election results, leading to a major family feud within the Lalu Prasad Yadav clan and setting the stage for a new government formation. Meanwhile, national security agencies are making headway in the Red Fort blast investigation, uncovering new leads and making arrests. In a significant boost to internal security, the CISF has inducted over 11,000 new personnel.

Economically, India’s continued high-volume purchase of Russian oil remains a key talking point, while Maruti Suzuki has issued a major recall for its popular Grand Vitara model. Across the country, regional news has been marked by a tragic stone quarry collapse in Uttar Pradesh, the targeted killing of an RSS leader’s son in Punjab, and the resolution of intense sugarcane farmer protests in Karnataka.

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India News Today: Bihar Political Crisis Deepens, Red Fort Blast Probe Intensifies, and Major Economic Updates - Last 24 Hours

New Delhi, India – November 16, 2025 – A day of intense political developments, significant national security updates, and notable economic shifts has unfolded across India. The fallout from the Bihar election results has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape, triggering a public and bitter family feud within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Simultaneously, investigations into the recent Red Fort blast in Delhi have gained momentum with new forensic evidence and arrests. In defence, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) significantly bolstered its ranks, and the Indian Army has initiated a pilot project to induct women into the Territorial Army. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the most significant news stories from across India within the last 24 hours.

National Politics & Governance: Bihar in Turmoil, Red Fort Probe Developments

The national political stage has been dominated by the dramatic aftermath of the Bihar Assembly election results. The state is bracing for a new government, but the process is overshadowed by internal conflicts within the opposition.

The Bihar Breakdown: Nitish Kumar Set to Resign, Lalu’s Family Feud Erupts

Following the election results, the political climate in Bihar is highly charged. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to submit his resignation on November 17, paving the way for the formation of a new government. The new NDA cabinet is likely to be formed before November 22, with sources suggesting a ‘six MLAs per minister’ formula is being considered.

Chirag Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has stated that the blueprint for government formation will be ready soon.

The real political drama, however, is unfolding within the Lalu Prasad Yadav family. Following the RJD’s poorer-than-expected performance, Lalu’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, has publicly quit politics and severed ties with the family. In a bombshell social media post, she alleged “humiliation” and blamed aides of her brother and former Deputy Chief Minister, Tejashwi Yadav, for the turmoil.

She specifically named Rameez Khan, a key aide to Tejashwi, in her post. This public implosion has seen other family members, including Tej Pratap Yadav, voice support for Rohini, highlighting deep rifts within the RJD’s first family. The feud has intensified to the point where three of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughters have reportedly left the family’s Patna residence.

Red Fort Blast Investigation: Key Arrests and Forensic Breakthroughs

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made significant progress in the investigation into the November 10 car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, which claimed 13 lives. The NIA made its first major arrest in the case, nabbing Amir Rashid Ali, a close aide of the alleged suicide bomber, Dr. Umar Un Nabi. Investigators believe Ali played a key role in orchestrating the blast and was detained after the vehicle used in the attack was traced to him.

Forensic analysis has confirmed that the explosive used was a potent mixture of 30-40 kg of ammonium nitrate and triacetone triperoxide (TATP). In a new development, Delhi Police sources confirmed the recovery of three 9mm cartridges—two live and one spent—from the blast site. This type of ammunition is prohibited for civilian use, adding a new dimension to the probe as authorities investigate their source and a potential terror network link.

While seven individuals from the Mewat region had been detained, four, including three doctors, have been released after questioning as no concrete link to the main accused was found. However, they will remain under monitoring. The probe has uncovered a “white-coat” terror module of highly educated professionals, and it is believed Dr. Umar may have triggered the blast prematurely.

Economy & Business: Russian Oil Imports Continue, Maruti Suzuki Issues Major Recall

India’s economic landscape saw several key developments, from international trade in energy to domestic corporate decisions impacting thousands of consumers.

India Remains a Top Buyer of Russian Oil

Despite international pressure and US sanctions on major Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil, India continued to be the second-largest buyer of Russian crude oil in October, surpassed only by China. India purchased Russian crude oil worth approximately €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion) in October, a figure consistent with September’s spending. According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India’s total fossil fuel imports from Russia in October amounted to €3.1 billion, which included €351 million in coal and €222 million in oil products.

The continued high level of imports is attributed to the significant discounts offered by Russia following Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, with discounts at times reaching $18-20 per barrel.

Maruti Suzuki Recalls Nearly 40,000 Grand Vitara SUVs

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest car manufacturer, has announced a voluntary recall of 39,506 units of its popular Grand Vitara SUV. The recall affects vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2024, and April 29, 2025. The company identified a potential defect in the speedometer assembly, where the fuel level indicator and warning light might not accurately display the fuel status. This could mislead drivers about the amount of fuel remaining in the tank.

Maruti Suzuki has stated that affected vehicle owners will be contacted by authorized dealer workshops for inspection and replacement of the faulty component, free of cost.

Defence: Major Personnel Induction by CISF, Army Opens Doors for Women in Territorial Army

India’s defence and security forces have been bolstered by a significant increase in personnel and a progressive policy shift towards greater inclusion for women.

CISF Inducts Over 11,700 Personnel in a Single Day

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) inducted 11,729 new constables, including 1,896 women, on Saturday, November 15, 2025. This large-scale induction marks an 8% increase in the force’s operational strength, one of the most substantial expansions in its recent history. The new recruits have completed their training at six Regional Training Centres across the country and will be deployed to enhance security at critical national installations. This includes new high-priority locations such as Jewar Airport (Noida) and Navi Mumbai Airport, as well as existing vital infrastructure like the Delhi Metro (DMRC) and other airports where women personnel play a crucial role.

Indian Army Considers Women for Territorial Army in Pilot Project

In a move towards greater gender inclusion, the Indian Army is considering the induction of women cadres into Territorial Army (TA) battalions as a pilot project. Initially, recruitment will be limited to a few battalions, with plans for expansion based on the results of the pilot phase. This initiative aligns with the government’s emphasis on promoting ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s power) within the armed forces.

The Territorial Army, known as the ‘citizen soldier’s army’, currently has a strength of approximately 50,000 personnel and provides an opportunity for citizens to serve the nation in uniform.

CDS General Anil Chauhan Issues Stern Warning on Deadlines

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has delivered a strong message to India’s defence establishment, stating that delays in delivery and missed deadlines for modernization projects are “unacceptable.” Addressing representatives from defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs), private industry, and research organizations, he emphasized the need for accountability to ensure the nation’s military preparedness is not compromised.

Key Voices of India

Sunil Jakhar, Punjab BJP Chief, on the murder of an RSS leader’s son in Ferozepur: “The broad-daylight shooting murder… has once again exposed the law-and-order failures under the AAP government. Gangsters are running a parallel government in the state, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has failed to fulfil his responsibilities.”

Ravneet Singh Bittu, Minister of State for Railways, on the Ferozepur killing: “The brutal murder of Naveen Arora in daylight in Ferozepur has not only shaken the Arora family, but also the entire Punjab. Such a gruesome incident… is a stark reminder that the culprits have become fearless and courageous.”

A farmer leader in Mudhol, Karnataka, on the violent sugarcane protests: “We are also farmers and today we incurred heavy loss because of our own people. What is the point of torching our tractors? The farmers should have held protests outside the factories instead of torching sugarcane-laden tractors.”

Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP Spokesperson, on the Ferozepur murder: “Complete law and order collapse in Punjab… Even as VVIP security is provided to failed netas of AAP from Delhi, even as police is made to take revenge from political rivals of Kejriwal, people of Punjab suffer.”

What’s Buzzing on Indian Twitter?

The Indian social media landscape, particularly X (formerly Twitter), has been dominated by a mix of sports, politics, and cultural topics over the last 24 hours.

1. #INDvsSA: Cricket dominated the conversation as India lost a home test match to South Africa at Eden Gardens. Hashtags like #INDvsSA, #IndianCricket, and names of players like Gill and Gambhir were trending heavily as fans and experts dissected the team’s performance, the pitch conditions, and the surprising result. The loss at home, a rare occurrence, sparked intense debate about the team’s strategy and player form.

2. Bihar Politics (रोहिणी आचार्य, लालू परिवार): The explosive family drama in the RJD was a major talking point. “रोहिणी आचार्य” (Rohini Acharya) and “लालू परिवार” (Lalu family) trended as users reacted to her decision to quit politics and her public accusations against Tejashwi Yadav’s aides. The conversation was filled with speculation about the future of the RJD and the impact of the internal feud on Bihar’s opposition.

3. #NationalPressDay: Commemorating National Press Day, this hashtag saw journalists, politicians, and citizens discussing the state of media freedom in India. The day was marked by calls to uphold the credibility and integrity of the press.

4. #DharmRaksha & Hindu Sanskriti: These hashtags trended with users sharing content related to Hindu culture, traditions, and the concept of protecting dharma. The trends were driven by coordinated social media campaigns focusing on cultural and religious themes.

Weather and Climate

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for several districts in Tamil Nadu, advising local authorities to take precautionary measures.

Elsewhere, the weather across North India is expected to see a gradual dip in temperatures with clear skies prevailing in Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Central India remains largely dry. No major cyclonic disturbances or extreme weather events have been forecast for the rest of the country in the immediate 24-48 hours.

Regional News in Detail

North India: Tragic Incidents in UP and Punjab

• Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh: A major rescue operation is underway after a stone quarry collapsed in the Billi Markundi mining area. So far, three labourers have been confirmed dead, with one body recovered on Sunday morning. Several others, possibly up to a dozen, are feared trapped under the massive debris. The deceased has been identified as Raju Singh, 30. NDRF and SDRF teams are at the site, but the rescue is proving difficult due to the large size of the fallen rocks. An FIR has been registered against the owner of Krishna Mining Works and his business partners for alleged failure to follow safety guidelines.
• Ferozepur, Punjab: The son of a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants on Saturday evening. The victim, Naveen Arora, 32, was walking home from his shop when he was shot at point-blank range. The murder has triggered a political firestorm, with the BJP accusing the AAP government of a complete breakdown of law and order. Police are scanning CCTV footage to identify the attackers, with initial investigations suggesting it was a case of targeted killing.

South India: Farmers’ Protests End in Karnataka, Rainfall in Tamil Nadu

• Bagalkot, Karnataka: The indefinite protest by sugarcane farmers in Mudhol has been called off after a breakthrough in negotiations. Sugar factory owners have agreed to pay ₹3,300 per tonne of cane and clear all pending dues within 14 days. The agreement was reached in a meeting chaired by District in-charge Minister R.B. Thimmapur. The protests had turned violent earlier in the week, with reports of over 70 sugarcane-laden tractors being set on fire by miscreants.
• Tamil Nadu: The state is on alert following a heavy rainfall warning issued by the meteorological department, with district administrations instructed to be prepared. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Raaja addressed the exit of a Korean shoe manufacturer, which reportedly shifted its project to Andhra Pradesh, stating that the government will not offer “unrealistic packages” to companies.
• Kerala: A Booth Level Officer (BLO) involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls died by suicide, allegedly due to immense work-related stress. This has brought attention to the pressure on government employees tasked with election-related duties.

East India: Post-Election Focus and Political Clashes

• Bihar: Beyond the RJD family feud, attention is shifting to the priorities of the new NDA government. Key areas of focus are likely to include employment, infrastructure development, and law and order. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has alleged that the Bihar polls were not conducted fairly and that her party could have won more seats.
• West Bengal: Clashes erupted in Kolkata between West Bengal Police and BJP workers who were marching to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s office. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators.

West India: Tragic Crimes in Gujarat

• Bhavnagar, Gujarat: A bride-to-be was tragically killed by her fiancé on their wedding day following an argument reportedly over a saree and money. The accused is currently absconding.
• Rajkot, Gujarat: In another disturbing incident, a man shot his wife over a suspected affair with her nephew before dying by suicide. The woman is reported to be in critical condition.