In the Bihar assembly elections, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) secured the highest single-party vote share at 23 per cent—but won only 25 of the 143 seats it contested. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) increased its vote share to 20.07 per cent and, alongside allies such as the Janata Dal (United) (JDU), powered the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to a dominant 202-seat win. The results reflect a sharp disconnect between voter preference and seat-winning efficacy. (PC: HT)

Dr Nisar ul Hassan, a former assistant professor of medicine at Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital, was dismissed in November 2023 by the J&K lieutenant governor under Article 311(2)(c) for alleged “anti-national credentials.” He later taught at Al-Falah University, Faridabad, where he reportedly mentored Dr Umar Nabi — now suspected in the Red Fort car-blast terror module. Security agencies have long monitored Nisar for his separatist-leaning ideology; he even led the Doctors Association of Kashmir. After the November 10 explosion, he went missing and is being questioned as part of a “white-collar” Jaish-e-Mohammed terror network. (PC: India Today)

A massive explosion ripped through the Nowgam Police Station on the outskirts of Srinagar late Friday night, killing nine individuals—including forensic officials, police and revenue personnel—and injuring around 27 others. The blast occurred while teams were examining a cache of explosives seized from Faridabad earlier in connection with a terror-module probe. The lared the incident accidental and ruled out a terror attack, though investigators continue to probe all angles. (PC: The Hindu)

Mohammed Siraj admitted that after a shaky start—having conceded 43 runs in his first nine overs—he asked Shubman Gill, his captain, for “just one more over” and it paid off. In that extra over, Siraj trapped Kyle Verreynne lbw and cleaned up Marco Jansen four balls later—a pivotal double strike that reversed his fortunes and bolstered the home side’s attack. Behind the scenes, veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah supported Siraj with simple advice: bowl at the stumps and the wickets will follow. Bumrah then backed it up with a five-wicket haul. Ultimately, the home team wrapped up the visitors for just 159, setting the stage for a strong opening day for India national cricket team. (PC: NDTV)

A powerful accidental blast tore through the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, killing 7 people and injuring 27, according to officials. The explosion occurred while a forensic team and police were examining ammonium nitrate confiscated in a “white-collar” terror case from Faridabad. The station and nearby structures were heavily damaged, prompting a high-level investigation into possible safety lapses in handling such volatile materials. 

A major fire broke out in a warehouse on RN Mukherjee Road, just meters from Kolkata Police Headquarters at Lalbazar, early Thursday. Six fire tenders were deployed to fight the blaze, which released dense black smoke that reduced visibility and caused breathing difficulties in the area. The warehouse reportedly stored car parts, chemicals, and other flammable materials. Officials suspect a short circuit as the cause, but a full investigation is underway. 

In a frightening incident at Bannerghatta Biological Park near Bengaluru, a leopard suddenly jumped onto a non-AC safari bus at around 1 PM. The animal reached through a small gap in the metal-mesh window and clawed a 56-year-old woman from Chennai, identified as Vahitha Banu. She received first aid at the spot and was later taken to a private hospital, where she is reported to be stable. In response, the park has suspended all non-AC bus safaris until a full safety review of the vehicles is completed. 

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan inaugurated his first-ever real estate project named after him — Shahrukhz Danube, a 56-storey premium commercial tower developed by the Dubai-based Danube Group. At the Mumbai launch, SRK expressed that his late mother “would have been very proud.” The tower will include a helipad, swimming pool, and a statue of SRK at the entrance. Construction is expected to finish in three to four years. 

Rahul Gandhi expressed shock at the Bihar Assembly election outcome, calling the verdict “truly surprising” and claiming the poll was “not fair from the very beginning.” He thanked millions of voters who backed the Mahagathbandhan, but said the loss is part of a broader fight to “protect the Constitution and democracy.” Gandhi said Congress and the INDIA bloc will closely review the results and step up efforts to safeguard democratic institutions. (PC: NDTV)

At the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, an explosion rocked the premises late Friday night, injuring at least eight personnel, including police officers and a forensic team. The blast occurred during a routine inspection of ammonium nitrate—seized earlier in connection with a “white-collar” terror module from Faridabad. Vehicles in the compound were damaged, and emergency responders were forced to close roads leading to the station. Authorities are investigating whether the explosion was caused by mishandling or chemical instability.