India News Today: BJP's Decisive Win in Bihar, Major Defence Upgrades, and Extreme Weather Grip Nation - November 18, 2025

In the last 24 hours, India has witnessed a significant political shift with the BJP’s landslide victory in the Bihar assembly elections, reshaping the political landscape of the eastern region. Economically, positive forecasts from SBI Research and statements from key ministers signal strong growth, countered by record-low retail inflation figures creating a complex picture for the RBI. The nation’s defence capabilities received a major boost with the induction of indigenous laser-based anti-drone systems.

Meanwhile, extreme weather conditions grip the country, with a severe cold wave sweeping across the north while torrential rains batter the southern states, causing widespread disruption. Key administrative changes in Rajasthan and significant policy decisions in Maharashtra mark a day of dynamic developments across the nation.

India News Today: BJP’s Decisive Win in Bihar, Major Defence Upgrades, and Extreme Weather Grip Nation - November 18, 2025

New Delhi - In a day of dramatic developments, India’s political, economic, and security landscapes have been marked by significant events. A resounding electoral victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bihar has sent ripples across the political spectrum. The nation’s defence forces are set to incorporate advanced indigenous anti-drone technology, while economic indicators present a picture of robust growth potential amidst record-low inflation. Simultaneously, the country is grappling with weather extremes, as a severe cold wave descends upon the northern and central states while southern regions are inundated by heavy rainfall.

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National Politics & Governance

The nation’s political focus has been squarely on the eastern state of Bihar, where election results have handed a massive mandate to the ruling coalition. Concurrently, tensions between the opposition and the Election Commission of India have escalated over the voter roll revision process. In a significant move for the agricultural sector, the central government has also expanded its flagship crop insurance scheme.

BJP-Led Alliance Secures Landslide Victory in Bihar Assembly Elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has achieved a stunning landslide victory in the Bihar legislative assembly elections. The alliance captured a remarkable 202 of the 243 seats, marking a dominant performance in a state where the BJP has historically faced stiff competition. The opposition alliance, which includes the Congress party, saw its seat count plummet from 110 to just 35.

The verdict, delivered by nearly 50 million voters, is being widely interpreted as a reaffirmation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political influence and the durability of his party’s movement. Political analysts suggest the result significantly strengthens the BJP’s position at the national level. The campaign largely revolved around local welfare promises and long-standing political loyalties, with national pressures appearing to have minimal impact on the electorate.

The immensely popular Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United), who partnered with the BJP, was central to the coalition’s victory. Following the win, preparations are underway for the new government’s swearing-in ceremony, which is expected to take place on Thursday, November 20, with Nitish Kumar set to take the oath as Chief Minister for a record tenth time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event.

Opposition Mounts Pressure on Election Commission Over Voter Roll Revision

The Indian National Congress has intensified its opposition to the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories. The party has accused the ECI of working on a “sinister design to destroy democracy” and has announced plans to hold a public rally against the commission in Delhi in the first week of December. The decision was made following a high-level meeting attended by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi.

Congress leaders allege that the BJP is “weaponising the SIR for vote chori (vote theft)” and that the ECI is complicit in this effort. Rahul Gandhi, in a meeting with party office-bearers, raised questions about the SIR process and stated that the party must fight it politically, organizationally, and legally. He asserted that it is the Election Commission’s duty to provide clean electoral rolls, but instead, it appears to be putting the onus on political parties.

The controversy has also drawn criticism from other regional parties, including West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress, which has also challenged the pan-India roll revision in the Supreme Court.

Government Expands Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

In a major decision benefiting farmers, the central government on Tuesday approved new risk covers under its flagship farm insurance scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare announced that crop losses resulting from wild animal attacks will now be recognized as a localized risk under the scheme, starting from the Kharif season of 2026. Additionally, paddy inundation has been reintroduced under the localized calamity category. This move addresses long-standing demands from several states and is expected to provide significant relief to farmers facing crop damage from wildlife.

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Economy & Business

India’s economic outlook has been a subject of intense discussion, with multiple reports and statements from high-ranking officials painting a dynamic picture. Projections for strong GDP growth and a rapidly expanding investor base are coupled with the unusual phenomenon of record-low retail inflation, presenting both opportunities and challenges for policymakers.

India on Track to Become World’s Third-Largest Economy by 2027, Says Piyush Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Tuesday that India is very close to becoming the world’s third-largest economy and requires one “last push” to achieve this goal by 2027. Speaking at the annual FICCI convention in New Delhi, Goyal expressed confidence that the milestone will be reached within the next two years. India surpassed Japan earlier this year to become the fourth-largest economy and is projected to overtake Germany within the next two and a half to three years. The International Monetary Fund has also affirmed that India will continue to be the fastest-growing major economy.

Goyal emphasized the importance of the next two years and urged all stakeholders to participate in ensuring India does not miss its 2027 goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy.

SBI Research Forecasts Q2 GDP Growth to Exceed 7.5%

A research report from the State Bank of India (SBI) released on Tuesday projects that India’s GDP growth could reach or even exceed 7.5% in the second quarter of the current fiscal year. This optimistic forecast is attributed primarily to strong festive season sales, which were bolstered by GST rate rationalization in late September. The report highlights that growth is being supported by a pickup in investment activities, a recovery in rural consumption, and overall buoyancy in the services and manufacturing sectors.

The percentage of leading indicators showing acceleration in consumption and demand across agriculture, industry, and services increased from 70% in Q1 to 83% in Q2. The official GDP data for the July-September quarter is scheduled to be released by the government later this month. However, rating agency ICRA has projected a more moderate GDP growth of 7% for the same quarter, citing a likely moderation in government spending.

Record Low Retail Inflation Poses Dilemma for RBI

In a surprising economic development, India’s retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), plummeted to a record low of 0.25% in October 2025. This is the lowest reading since the current CPI series began in 2013 and marks the third time this fiscal year that inflation has remained below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4% target. The sharp decline is attributed to falling food prices and the effects of the GST rationalization in September. This unexpected disinflation has increased the possibility of an interest rate cut by the RBI during its December monetary policy meeting.

However, the decision is complicated by the need to balance this with growth management imperatives and external economic factors.

SEBI Chairman Foresees Doubling of India’s Investor Base

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), stated on Tuesday that India’s investor base is expected to double within the next three to five years. Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) National Financing Summit, he noted that despite rising awareness, equity participation remains relatively low. A recent SEBI survey revealed that while 63% of respondents are aware of the securities market, only 9.5% are currently invested, though another 22% are considering entering the market within the next year.

Pandey highlighted that sustained economic expansion will be key to channeling more domestic savings into capital markets. He also pointed out that Indian households and domestic institutions now hold a larger share of listed equities than Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), supported by a growing pool of nearly 135 million unique market participants.

Adani Defence to Invest ₹7,000 Crore in Ammunition Business

Adani Defence and Aerospace, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, is planning a significant expansion of its ammunition business with an investment of at least ₹7,000 crore. The investment will be directed towards a 500-acre facility located near Kanpur in the Uttar Pradesh defence corridor. The company aims to capture 25% of India’s ammunition demand, supplying the armed forces, central paramilitary forces, and state police.

The Kanpur plant currently has an annual capacity of 150 million rounds of small-caliber ammunition, which is scalable to 500 million rounds. The company is now moving into producing medium and large-caliber ammunition, with facilities for the latter expected to be operational in the coming months.

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Defence

India’s defence sector has seen a flurry of activity aimed at bolstering its indigenous capabilities and strengthening strategic partnerships. Key developments include the induction of advanced anti-drone systems, a major private sector investment in ammunition manufacturing, and enhanced cooperation with the UAE.

Army and Air Force to Induct 16 Indigenous Laser-Based Anti-Drone Systems

In a significant enhancement of India’s aerial defence capabilities, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force are set to induct 16 homegrown Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDS). Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these advanced systems utilize a 10-kilowatt laser to neutralize enemy drones at a range of up to 2 kilometers. This marks a substantial upgrade from the previous version, which had a 1-kilometer range.

The laser is capable of disabling drone surveillance sensors and inflicting structural damage, providing a precise, non-kinetic defence solution. This induction comes amid growing threats from hostile drone activities, including border incursions and swarm tactics. The development is part of DRDO’s broader Direct Energy Weapons (DEWs) program, which has seen successful trials of more powerful systems, including a 30-kilowatt laser capable of engaging targets up to 5 km away.

India and UAE Deepen Defence-Industrial Cooperation at Dubai Air Show

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expanding their defence collaboration, with discussions at the Dubai Air Show 2025 focusing on technology, training, and industrial partnerships. India’s Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, held talks with his UAE counterpart, Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, where both sides agreed to institutionalize regular bilateral interactions and joint participation in defence exhibitions. A key focus of the discussions was the potential for joint research, co-development, and co-production of military equipment, including unmanned platforms, precision-guided munitions, and electronic warfare systems.

This aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative and the UAE’s industrial strategy. The BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile stall was also inaugurated at the event, attracting significant international interest and showcasing India’s advanced weapons systems.

Chanakya Defence Dialogue Curtain Raiser Held in New Delhi

The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), held a curtain-raiser event for the upcoming Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025. The theme for this year’s dialogue is ‘Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat.’ Speaking at the event, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the intrinsic link between national security and national development, stating that the goals of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ require long-term stability. A panel discussion on ‘Atmanirbharta in Defence’ highlighted the importance of indigenous design, dual-use technologies, and greater collaboration between the private sector, DRDO, and academic institutions to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Tejas Fighter Jet Suffers Oil Leak at Dubai Airshow

A report from a Pakistani news source highlighted an incident at the Dubai Airshow where an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet reportedly suffered an oil leak. According to the report, the incident exposed issues with the quality of the aircraft, with technicians allegedly using unconventional methods to address the leak. This incident has been cited by the source as a reflection of challenges within the IAF’s fleet.

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Key Voices of India

Piyush Goyal, Commerce and Industry Minister: “We will become the third-largest economy in the next two years. Everyone should participate in giving the country the last push.”

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff: On the link between national security and development, stating that the aspirations of Viksit Bharat @2047 require long-term stability and that development and security must progress together.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, SEBI Chairman: “India’s investor base is expected to double over the next three to five years as equity participation remains low despite rising awareness.”

Prashant Kishor, Jan Suraaj Party Leader: On the Bihar election results, claiming that the JD(U) would have won far fewer seats without cash distributions and promises of financial aid to women just before the polls.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress Leader: On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it is the “Election Commission’s duty to provide clean electoral rolls but instead, it was trying to put the onus on political parties.”

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What’s Buzzing on Indian Twitter?

The Indian social media landscape was dominated by a mix of political commentary, entertainment news, and technical glitches over the last 24 hours.

1. #BiharElectionResults: Following the landslide victory for the NDA, hashtags related to the Bihar elections trended prominently. Supporters of the BJP and its allies celebrated the win, while opposition supporters and critics analyzed the defeat, with many tweets referencing Prashant Kishor’s claims of vote-buying. The conversation was a mix of congratulations for Nitish Kumar and PM Modi, and sharp criticism of the opposition’s performance.

2. #TwitterDown: A widespread outage or technical issue on X (formerly Twitter) led to #TwitterDown becoming a top trend in India. Users shared memes and jokes about their inability to refresh their feeds or post updates, with many migrating to other platforms to discuss the outage. The trend highlighted the platform’s central role in real-time news and public discourse.

3. #Nayanthara & #Dhurandhar: The entertainment world also captured significant attention. Actress Nayanthara was trending, likely in relation to an upcoming project or personal news. Simultaneously, #Dhurandhar, possibly linked to a new movie or web series announcement, was a major point of discussion among fans, generating thousands of tweets.

4. Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim: The name of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief was also trending significantly. This trend was driven by his followers, often coinciding with court dates, parole updates, or the release of new music or sermons, leading to a high volume of devotional and supportive posts.

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Weather and Climate

A stark contrast in weather patterns is currently being witnessed across India. While the southern peninsula is grappling with heavy to very heavy rainfall, a severe cold wave has enveloped the northern and central parts of the country.

Heavy Rains Lash Southern States, Schools Closed

A low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal is bringing torrential rain to several southern states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. In Tamil Nadu, heavy rainfall is expected to continue until November 23, with a yellow alert issued for 12 districts, including Chennai.

Heavy rain has disrupted normal life in southern Kerala, with the state disaster management authority issuing an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha districts, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rain. Kayamkulam in Alappuzha recorded an extremely heavy 118.5 mm of rainfall. In response to the incessant downpour, several district administrations have declared holidays for schools and colleges.

The Union Territory of Puducherry declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Puducherry and Karaikal for November 18. In Tamil Nadu, Cuddalore district also closed its schools due to the continuous rain.

Severe Cold Wave Grips North and Central India

Simultaneously, a sharp dip in temperatures has led to cold wave conditions across North and Central India. In Delhi, the minimum temperature dropped to 9.6°C, three degrees below normal, with the IMD forecasting a cold wave over the national capital. The weather office has predicted shallow fog at night.

Rajasthan is experiencing a record-breaking cold November, with the temperature in the hill station of Mount Abu dropping to zero degrees Celsius for the first time in 15 years for this month. The cold has resulted in frost covering open fields, vehicles, and solar panels. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for a cold wave in several districts, including Ajmer, Jhunjhunu, and Sikar.

Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are also predicted for parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Furthermore, snowfall is expected to continue over the Himalayan regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, with temperatures predicted to fall by another 4-5 degrees Celsius.

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Regional News

North India

Rajasthan Appoints New Chief Secretary, Wins National Water Conservation Award

The Rajasthan state administration saw a significant change at the top with senior IAS officer V. Srinivas taking charge as the new Chief Secretary. A 1989-batch officer, Srinivas was previously on central deputation and succeeds Sudhansh Pant. His appointment is expected to trigger a broader administrative reshuffle within the state bureaucracy.

After assuming office, Srinivas stated his primary objective would be to establish better coordination among departments and effectively implement the state government’s “Viksit Rajasthan-2047” vision.

In another development, Rajasthan was honored at the national level for its efforts in water management. The state received the “Water Conservation Public Participation Award” for the third time, securing third place among the best-performing states. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in New Delhi.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma congratulated the state, highlighting the progress made through public participation campaigns that have led to significant achievements in water storage and groundwater recharge.

Hoax Bomb Threats Cause Scare in Delhi

Security was heightened across New Delhi after two CRPF schools and three court complexes received bomb threats via e-mail on Tuesday morning. The threats, sent to schools in Prashant Vihar and Dwarka, and to courts including Saket District Court and Patiala House Court, prompted immediate evacuation and search operations. The incidents caused significant panic, especially coming just a week after a deadly car explosion near the Red Fort.

Later in the day, authorities declared the threats a hoax after thorough searches found nothing suspicious.

South India

Heavy Rains Disrupt Life in Kerala; CM Kicks Off Election Campaign

Torrential downpours have severely disrupted normal life across southern Kerala, causing waterlogging and traffic congestion. The IMD upgraded its rain alert to orange for three districts, prompting the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority to sound warning sirens and issue alerts through its “KaWaCHaM” system to people in vulnerable areas.

Amidst the weather challenges, political activity is ramping up. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to inaugurate the LDF’s Corporation election convention at Putharikandam Maidan in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a key moment in the local body election campaign. The day in Kerala is also marked by various cultural and academic events, including the final of the Calicut University Interzone Women’s Badminton Championship.

Kerala Achieves Milestone in Reducing Infant Mortality Rate

As India observes National Newborn Week, Kerala is being recognized for achieving a major public health milestone by lowering its Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to 5 deaths per 1,000 live births. This rate is not only significantly better than the national average of 25 but also surpasses that of some developed nations like the United States. This success is attributed to decades of investment in public health, a strong public distribution system, and targeted interventions such as the early detection of high-risk pregnancies and strengthening facility-based newborn care.

Tragic Accidents and Maoist Encounters Reported in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh reported a tragic road accident on a National Highway where a speeding car with a burst tyre rammed into other vehicles and a bus stop, killing three people and injuring seven. In a separate incident, a college bus driver was hailed as a hero after he safely pulled the bus, carrying 50 students, to the side of the road before collapsing and dying from a cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, following a recent encounter that killed top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma, police have arrested Maoist suspects in Vijayawada, indicating intensified anti-insurgency operations.

East India

Post-Election Analysis and Government Formation in Bihar

Following the NDA’s dominant victory in the Bihar elections, political analysis and preparations for the new government are in full swing. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi asserted that the opposition should accept the people’s mandate and stop blaming Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for their defeat. However, political strategist Prashant Kishor, whose Jan Suraaj Party failed to make a mark, claimed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) benefited significantly from government schemes that distributed cash to women just before the elections.

Kishor alleged that without these financial inducements, the JD(U)‘s seat tally would have been much lower. He also alleged “vote theft” on a pan-India level and urged national opposition parties to address the issue.

Election Commission Team Visits West Bengal Amidst Voter Roll Controversy

A team from the Election Commission of India, led by DEC Gyanesh Bharti, is visiting West Bengal from November 18 to 21. The team’s visit is to monitor the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a process that has become highly contentious in the state. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has fiercely opposed the SIR, terming it “votebandi” and has filed a plea in the Supreme Court against it. The opposition BJP, meanwhile, has alleged that the current voter lists contain numerous fake and deceased voters.

The EC’s visit is aimed at overseeing the process and addressing the concerns raised by political parties.

Notable Events in Odisha

In Odisha, a top ganja supplier, accused of running a sophisticated network, was nabbed by Gujarat Police, highlighting interstate law enforcement cooperation. On a somber note, the state mourned the death of popular Ollywood singer Humane Sagar. In Bhubaneswar, an eviction drive in the Salia Sahi area led to clashes between residents and police, resulting in the detention of 30 people.

Police also detained 17 suspected Bangladeshi nationals in Bhadrak district.

West India

Maharashtra Cabinet Announces Key Decisions on Housing and Employment

The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved six significant proposals on Tuesday. A major decision includes the redevelopment of large MHADA housing projects in the Greater Mumbai suburban region, which is expected to increase the availability of affordable housing. The cabinet also approved a policy for developing “concept-based iconic cities” and sanctioned the creation of 339 teaching and non-teaching posts at the Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University.

In a socially progressive move, the cabinet approved the removal of derogatory terms related to leprosy from the Maharashtra Prevention of Begging Act, 1959.

In a separate move, the Maharashtra government extended the e-KYC deadline for the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ to December 31, 2025. The decision was taken to accommodate beneficiaries who faced disruptions due to recent natural calamities and were unable to complete the mandatory verification process by the earlier November 18 deadline.

Gujarat ATS Foils Terror Plot; Major Fire at Chemical Plant

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) successfully foiled a major terror plot, arresting three suspects during an arms exchange. This development came as the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) issued instructions to create a detailed dossier on individuals booked for “anti-national” activities over the past 30 years. In another major incident, a massive fire broke out at a chemical plant in Bharuch district, killing two workers and injuring several others.

The fire, which started in a toluene chemical storage tank, engulfed the entire facility and prompted a large-scale response from fire services.