India News Today November 17, 2025: Tragedy in Saudi Arabia, Delhi Blast Probe Intensifies, and Nitish Kumar Resigns in Bihar

In the last 24 hours, India has been gripped by a series of major events, including the government’s official response to the death sentence handed down to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a tragic bus crash in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of 45 Indian pilgrims. Domestically, the National Investigation Agency has made significant strides in the Red Fort blast probe, arresting a key conspirator. The political landscape is buzzing with activity as the NDA finalizes government formation in Bihar.

The nation’s economy is also in focus with the approval of major investments in electronics manufacturing, while a severe cold wave is set to sweep across western and central India.

India News Today: Red Fort Blast Probe Intensifies, 45 Indian Pilgrims Die in Saudi Tragedy, and Bihar Government Formation Finalized - Last 24 Hours

New Delhi, India – November 17, 2025 – The past 24 hours in India have been marked by significant developments on both the national and international fronts. A devastating bus crash in Saudi Arabia has left 45 Indian pilgrims dead, sending shockwaves across the country. In a major diplomatic development, India has responded to the death sentence given to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On the domestic front, the investigation into the Red Fort blast has seen a crucial arrest, while in Bihar, the NDA is set to form the new government. The Indian economy has received a boost with the approval of 17 new projects in the electronics sector. Meanwhile, weather patterns are shifting, with a cold wave predicted for western and central India and heavy rainfall in the south.

National Politics & Governance

India Responds to Sheikh Hasina’s Death Sentence, Emphasizes Stability in Bangladesh

India has officially reacted to the death sentence handed down to the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, by the country’s International Crimes Tribunal. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said that as a close neighbor, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability. New Delhi has indicated it will engage constructively with all stakeholders to this end.

The Yunus administration in Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite Hasina. India and Bangladesh have an extradition treaty, signed in 2013, which includes a clause that a request can be rejected if the offense is of a political character.

Digital Personal Data Protection Rules Notified, Ushering in a New Era of Data Privacy

In a landmark move, the Indian government has operationalized its first comprehensive data protection regime with the notification of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025. These rules, which give effect to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023, lay down the framework for the collection, processing, storage, and deletion of personal data. For the first time, digital platforms will be mandated to follow verifiable consent norms, report data breaches, and restrict the sharing of data with third parties. A key feature of the new regime is the establishment of a Data Protection Board to oversee the implementation of the privacy law.

The rollout is planned in a phased manner, with the initial provisions focusing on definitions and the setup of the Board.

Bihar Government Formation: Nitish Kumar to Continue as CM, Swearing-in on November 20

Following a resounding victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Bihar Assembly elections, the process of government formation is in its final stages. Nitish Kumar is set to continue as the Chief Minister, with the swearing-in ceremony likely to take place on November 20 at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event.

The JD(U) leader is expected to tender his resignation to the Governor after a final cabinet meeting of the outgoing government, paving the way for the new government to take oath. The NDA secured a massive mandate, winning 202 out of the 243 assembly seats. In the opposition camp, RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav has been elected as the Leader of the Opposition.

Meanwhile, the RJD is facing internal turmoil, with reports of a public rift involving Lalu Prasad’s daughter, Rohini Acharya.

Economy & Business

Government Greenlights 17 Projects Worth ₹7,172 Crore in Electronics Manufacturing

In a significant push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the government has approved 17 projects with a total investment of ₹7,172 crore under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). These projects are expected to generate a cumulative production worth ₹65,111 crore and will be spread across six component categories, including camera modules, connectors, and multi-layer printed circuit boards. Announcing the approvals, Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized the need for building design teams, ensuring high-quality standards, and partnering with domestic suppliers to achieve long-term success.

He also highlighted the importance of a resilient supply chain in the current geopolitical scenario and mentioned that a new skilling framework for electronics manufacturing is on the anvil. The approved projects, which are part of the second tranche of the scheme, will be located in nine states and involve companies like Jabil Circuit India, Uno Minda, and TE Connectivity India.

Unemployment Rate Holds Steady, Merchandise Exports Witness a Dip

The unemployment rate in India for individuals aged 15 and above remained steady at 5.2% in October, according to a government survey. On the trade front, India’s merchandise exports saw a decline of 11.8% to $34.38 billion in October. This, coupled with a rise in imports, led to a widening of the trade deficit to a record high of $41.68 billion.

Gems and jewellery exports, in particular, slipped by 30% to $2.17 million in the same month.

Commerce Minister Urges 100% Reuse and Recycling of Plastics

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, has called upon the plastics industry to strive for 100% reuse or recycling of plastics. This directive is in line with India’s push towards a circular economy and its commitment to meeting sustainability targets.

Defence

Army Chief Warns Pakistan, Says “Operation Sindoor Was Just a Trailer”

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating that India is prepared for any future provocations. Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, he referred to the recent ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a “trailer that ended in 88 hours” and asserted that India would teach Pakistan how to behave responsibly if given a chance. General Dwivedi emphasized that modern warfare is multi-domain and that the Indian armed forces are prepared for prolonged engagements.

He also stated that there has been a significant decline in terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir since the political changes in 2019.

INS Mahe, an Indigenous Anti-Submarine Craft, to be Commissioned on November 24

In a boost to the Indian Navy’s capabilities, the first of the eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), INS Mahe, is set to be commissioned on November 24, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), this vessel represents a significant step forward in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Indian Army and Air Force to Induct Indigenous Laser-Based Anti-Drone Systems

The Indian Army and Air Force are set to enhance their drone-fighting capabilities with the induction of 16 advanced, indigenous laser-based anti-drone systems. These systems are capable of engaging unmanned aerial vehicles at a range of up to 2 kilometers.

Key Voices of India

• General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff: “Operation Sindoor was just a trailer which ended in 88 hours. We are prepared for any circumstances in future. If Pakistan gives a chance, we will teach it how to behave responsibly with a neighbouring nation.”

• Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Electronics and IT: “To achieve long-term success, India will have to focus on building design teams, ensuring Six Sigma Quality standards in all products, and partnering with ‘Swadeshi’ suppliers in projects.”

• Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry: Called on the plastics sector to achieve 100% reuse or recycling of plastics, aligning with India’s push for a circular economy.

• Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President (on the Saudi bus tragedy): “Deeply saddened by the heart-wrenching tragedy near Medinah, Saudi Arabia involving several Indian nationals.”

What’s Buzzing on Indian Twitter?

1. #RedFortBlast & #DelhiCarBlast: The arrest of Amir Rashid Ali by the NIA in connection with the Red Fort blast has been a major topic of discussion. Twitter users are following the developments closely, with hashtags like #DelhiCarBlast and #NIA trending. Many are lauding the NIA for the breakthrough in the case, while others are expressing concerns about national security. The alleged involvement of a “white collar” terror module is also being widely debated.

2. #BiharGovtFormation: The finalization of the new government in Bihar under the leadership of Nitish Kumar is a hot topic on Indian Twitter. Discussions are centered around the composition of the new cabinet and the political future of the state. The internal issues within the RJD, particularly concerning Rohini Acharya, are also being talked about, with the hashtag ‘रोहिणी आचार्य’ trending.

3. #INDvsSA: Cricket remains a passionate subject of conversation, with the hashtag #INDvsSA trending prominently. Discussions revolve around the performance of the Indian cricket team in their recent matches against South Africa.

4. #Varanasi: The city of Varanasi is trending, with a high volume of tweets under the hashtag #Varanasi. The conversations appear to be a mix of cultural and religious posts, as well as discussions on development projects in the city.

Weather and Climate

Cold Wave to Grip Central and Western India, Heavy Rains Continue in the South

A sharp contrast in weather is being witnessed across the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a cold wave to severe cold wave conditions over parts of central and western India, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, from November 17 to 19. Minimum temperatures in these regions are expected to be significantly below normal.

In contrast, southern states are bracing for continued heavy rainfall. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy showers over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. An advisory has been issued for Tamil Nadu, warning of potential localized flooding and waterlogging.

In response to the heavy rains, schools in Chennai and some other districts of Tamil Nadu were closed on November 17.

Regional News

North India

Red Fort Blast Investigation: NIA Arrests Key Aide of Suicide Bomber

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a significant breakthrough in the Red Fort blast case with the arrest of Amir Rashid Ali, a resident of Kashmir. Ali is believed to be a key conspirator who provided logistical support and a safe house to Umar Nabi, the alleged suicide bomber who drove the explosive-laden car. The car used in the blast was registered in Ali’s name.

He has been remanded to 10-day NIA custody by a Delhi court. The NIA is probing multiple leads to unearth the larger conspiracy behind the attack, which claimed 13 lives. The investigation has also expanded to West Bengal, where a suspect is being questioned in a Kolkata jail.

Concerns Over Profiling of Kashmiri Students Following Delhi Blast

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has raised concerns over the alleged profiling and intimidation of Kashmiri students in various parts of northern India following the Red Fort blast. The association has urged the Prime Minister to address the nation to reassure the community and curb any potential hostility. This comes after a man in Kashmir’s Kulgam attempted self-immolation, allegedly after being denied a meeting with his detained son.

South India

Tragedy at Karnataka Zoo: 31 Blackbucks Found Dead, Negligence Alleged

A distressing incident has come to light from the Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi, Karnataka, where 31 blackbucks have been found dead. While veterinarians suspect Haemorrhagic Septicemia as the cause of death, activists are alleging negligence on the part of the zoo authorities and have questioned the delay in taking action. An investigation into the matter is underway.

Bengaluru Woman Loses ₹31.83 Crore in Six-Month “Digital Arrest” Scam

In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 57-year-old woman in Bengaluru was duped of ₹31.83 crore by criminals who posed as courier service staff and CBI officers. The fraudsters “digitally arrested” her for six months, forcing her to stay on Skype and make 187 bank transfers under the threat of prosecution and constant surveillance. The elaborate scam highlights the growing menace of sophisticated online financial frauds.

Political Stir in Tamil Nadu and Kerala Over Electoral Roll Revision

The Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls is causing a political stir in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, actor and politician Thalapathy Vijay has raised concerns that the opaque verification process could lead to 6.38 crore people losing their voting rights. The opposition parties, including BJP and AIADMK, have accused the ruling DMK of influencing Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to manipulate the process, a charge the DMK has denied.

In Kerala, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has approached the Supreme Court seeking a halt to the SSR process, citing the suicide of a Booth Level Officer and alleging that the exercise is being conducted in undue haste and overlaps with local body polls.

East India

Bihar’s New Government Takes Shape Under Nitish Kumar

The political focus in East India has been on Bihar, where the NDA is finalizing the formation of its new government after a landslide victory. Nitish Kumar will continue as the Chief Minister for a record tenth time. The power-sharing formula within the alliance is being worked out, with the BJP and JD(U) expected to have a significant number of ministerial berths.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for November 20 and is expected to be a grand affair with the presence of national NDA leaders.

West Bengal CM Objects to Centre’s “Unilateral” Move on Gorkha Hills Interlocutor

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reiterating her objection to the appointment of a retired IPS officer as an interlocutor for issues related to the Gorkhas in the Darjeeling Hills. She termed the Centre’s move as “unilateral, arbitrary, unconstitutional,” and an encroachment on the state’s autonomy, stating that her government was not consulted. The Chief Minister has urged the Prime Minister to reconsider the decision.

Union Minister Highlights West Bengal’s “Chronic Economic Decline”

Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, has claimed that West Bengal is witnessing a “chronic, structural decline” in its economic standing. In an interview, the Bengal BJP veteran pointed to the state’s declining share in the national GDP, weakening per capita income, and slow manufacturing growth as key challenges. He also stated that despite significant expenditure on social sectors, the state’s human development outcomes lag behind national leaders.

West India

PM Modi Reviews Progress of Bullet Train Project in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed the progress of India’s first bullet train project in Surat, Gujarat. He interacted with the project team and urged them to meet the speed and schedule targets as the project enters an advanced phase of construction. The high-speed rail corridor is a flagship project of the Indian government and is being developed in collaboration with Japan.

Intense Cold Wave Forecast for Western and Central India

The IMD has issued a warning for an intense cold wave across several parts of western and central India. States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra (Vidarbha and Madhya Maharashtra), and Madhya Pradesh are expected to experience cold wave to severe cold wave conditions over the next few days. This sudden drop in temperature is likely to impact daily life in these regions.

Minimum temperatures have already fallen below normal in several areas.