National Security: Delhi Car Blast Declared Terror Incident
The Indian government on November 12, 2025, confirmed that the car blast that occurred near Delhi's Red Fort on November 10, killing 12 people and injuring 20, is being treated as a "terror incident". Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet adopted a resolution late Wednesday, stating the country had "witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces". Sources indicate a possible link between the Delhi blast and arrests made in connection with a terror module in Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Hours before the Delhi blast, police in Jammu and Kashmir arrested seven men, including two doctors, in a separate anti-terror probe, seizing weapons and bomb-making material. The investigation has uncovered a "white-collar terror ecosystem" involving radicalized professionals and students with alleged links to Pakistan-based militant groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. PM Modi also met with survivors of the blast. Security agencies have found traces of explosives, and a terrorism investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is underway.
Foreign Policy: PM Modi's Productive Bhutan Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a significant two-day visit to Bhutan, aiming to strengthen India-Bhutan ties. During his visit, PM Modi inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a flagship symbol of Indo-Bhutan hydropower cooperation. Discussions also covered the resumption of work on the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Project, enhancing regional energy integration. This visit reinforces India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, with Bhutan being a crucial ally for India's strategic interests, especially concerning the Siliguri Corridor. The Prime Minister also attended the 70th birthday celebrations of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the revered Fourth King of Bhutan.
Domestic Politics: Bihar Assembly Elections Witness High Turnout
Bihar recorded a notable 67% voter turnout after the second phase of its Assembly elections, marking the highest participation since 1951. The second and final phase of voting on November 12 saw a 68.79% turnout, with reports from approximately 2,000 booths yet to be tallied. Polling was held across 122 Assembly seats in 20 districts, contested by 1,302 candidates.
Science & Technology: ISRO's Gaganyaan Mission Milestone
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone for its ambitious Gaganyaan Mission by successfully conducting a parachute airdrop test in Jhansi. This test is a crucial step towards ensuring the safe return of astronauts for India's first human spaceflight mission.
Governance & Administration: CAG Reforms and Other Developments
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India approved the creation of two specialized cadres: the Central Revenue Audit and Central Expenditure Audit cadres. These reforms aim to ensure domain expertise, uniform auditing standards, and efficient manpower utilization across government ministries and departments. In other news, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry approved an Export Promotion Mission with an outlay of Rs. 25,060 crore to strengthen India's export ecosystem. The Ministry of Defence also announced the establishment of a new recruitment centre for the Indian Navy at Karwar.
Defense Cooperation: India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise
The 11th edition of the India–Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise, "Mitra Shakti-XI – 2025," commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Karnataka, India. This exercise aims to enhance interoperability and cooperation between the armed forces of both nations.
Awards & Recognitions: Infosys Prize 2025 Announced
The Infosys Prize 2025 recognized leading research from scholars under 40 years of age across various disciplines. The awards honored significant contributions in fields such as Prakrit languages, DNA repair, and renewable electricity, promoting excellence in Indian research.
Other Important News:
- A boiler explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in Bharuch district, Gujarat, resulted in the death of two workers and injuries to 20 others.
- India and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral Hajj agreement for 2026, fixing India's quota at 175,025 pilgrims. This agreement also includes commitments to upgrade transport, accommodation, and health services for Indian pilgrims.
- National Education Day was observed across India on November 11, commemorating the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India's first education minister.
- India's unemployment rate dropped to 5.2% in the July–September 2025 quarter, indicating a steady recovery and job creation.