National News - India

Supreme Court Rules on Timelines for Governors to Clear Bills

In a significant decision, the Supreme Court of India is scheduled to pronounce its advisory opinion today on a Presidential Reference concerning the authority to set timelines for Governors and the President to assent to bills. The reference questioned whether the apex court could “impose” such timelines on constitutional heads. This verdict is expected to have far-reaching implications on the relationship between state governments and Raj Bhavans, particularly in states governed by opposition parties.

The issue has been a point of contention in several states, where elected governments have accused Governors of indefinitely delaying key legislation. The court's opinion will provide crucial clarity on the constitutional obligations and timeframes for processing bills passed by state legislatures.

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Nitish Kumar Takes Oath as Bihar Chief Minister for Record 10th Time

Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record tenth time on November 20, 2025. The ceremony took place after he was unanimously elected as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Legislature Party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony in Patna.

This development solidifies the NDA's position in the state and continues Mr. Kumar's long-standing tenure at the helm of Bihar's government. His return marks a continuation of the political landscape in the state following recent elections.

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Key National Developments

  • Anmol Bishnoi Arrested: Deported gangster Anmol Bishnoi, brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi. He has been remanded to 11-day custody.
  • Afghan-India Trade Talks: Afghanistan's Commerce Minister is visiting India to hold talks with his counterpart, Piyush Goyal, aimed at enhancing trade relations between the two countries.
  • Telangana Launches 'MeeSeva' on WhatsApp: The Telangana government has launched its 'MeeSeva' services on WhatsApp, allowing citizens easier access to various government facilities through the popular messaging application.

Regional Spotlight

West Bengal: Electoral Roll Revision Sparks Controversy and Fear

The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has led to tragic consequences and political turmoil. A 60-year-old Booth Level Officer (BLO) in North 24 Parganas district suffered a cerebral attack while on duty. This followed another incident where a BLO in Jalpaiguri district died by suicide, with her family attributing it to the immense work pressure associated with the SIR.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to immediately halt the process, stating that 28 people have lost their lives due to stress and fear since the revision began. Meanwhile, the ECI has begun preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections, including checking Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). There has also been a reported surge in people, believed to be illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, crossing the border back to Bangladesh from North 24 Parganas, seemingly out of fear of the electoral roll revision.

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Uttar Pradesh: Exam Postponement and Cultural Showcase

In Uttar Pradesh, the state government is facing criticism after the Uttar Pradesh Education Services Selection Commission (UPESSC) postponed the Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) examination for the fifth time. This has caused an uproar among lakhs of aspirants who have been preparing for years, with many accusing the system of playing with their future.

On a more positive note, Lucknow is set to host the 19th National Jamboree of Bharat Scouts and Guides from November 23 to 29. The event will feature a dedicated pavilion for the state's 'One District One Product' (ODOP) crafts, providing a global platform for local artisans to showcase traditional products like Banarasi sarees, Lucknow's Chikankari, and more.

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Assam: Anti-Polygamy Bill to be Tabled

The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is set to introduce a significant piece of legislation, the “Anti-Polygamy Bill,” in the state assembly on November 25. The proposed law aims to ban multiple marriages and includes a provision for a seven-year jail term for violators. The bill also seeks to provide compensation to women who are victims of polygamous marriages.

In other news from the state, Bodo groups, including the All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU), are staging a protest in New Delhi on November 20-21. They are demanding the implementation of the clauses of the Bodo Territorial Region (BTR) Accord of 2020 and the fast-tracking of the Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019, which aims to enhance the autonomy of Sixth Schedule Councils.

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International Desk

Pakistan's Defence Minister Warns of 'All-Out War' with India

Amid escalating tensions, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the possibility of an "all-out war" with India cannot be ruled out and that Islamabad must remain on "full alert". Citing rising tensions following India's 'Operation Sindoor', Asif stated that Pakistan cannot trust India and faces a "two-front" threat, alleging that India is using Afghanistan as a proxy. His comments follow a statement from India's Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, who referred to the recent cross-border strikes as an "88-hour trailer".

A recent report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) presented to the US Congress claimed that Pakistan's military showcased success over India in their four-day clash in May, largely due to Chinese weaponry. The report suggested that China opportunistically used the conflict to test and advertise its weapons systems.

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Bangladesh: Key Diplomatic and Economic Updates

Bangladesh's National Security Adviser, Khalilur Rahman, met with his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, in New Delhi. The discussions covered bilateral issues and the functioning of the Colombo Security Conclave. During the meeting, Rahman invited Doval to visit Bangladesh. This high-level engagement occurs amidst strained ties and a day after a Dhaka court sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia.

In economic news, Bangladesh Bank has announced that its Motijheel Office will cease several direct public counter services after November 20, 2025, including the sale of savings certificates and the exchange of mutilated notes, citing security concerns. The public has been advised to use commercial banks for these services. Additionally, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, will begin her first official visit to Bangladesh today to engage with stakeholders ahead of the general election expected in February 2026.

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Sports Update

Cricket: New Zealand Clinches ODI Series; Key Match Results

New Zealand has secured the three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a game to spare, after winning the rain-curtailed second ODI by five wickets in Napier. Chasing a revised target of 248 in 34 overs, half-centuries from Devon Conway (90) and Rachin Ravindra (56) paved the way for the Black Caps' victory. West Indies captain Shai Hope's brilliant unbeaten 109 off 69 balls went in vain.

"Shai Hope's stunning unbeaten 109 goes in vain as New Zealand chase 248 in just 33.3 overs at McLean Park, Napier."
  • India A vs South Africa A: In the third and final Unofficial ODI, South Africa A defeated India A by 73 runs in Rajkot. Despite the loss, India A won the series 2-1. Centuries from Lhuan-dre Pretorius (123) and Rivaldo Moonsamy (107) powered the visitors to a total of 325/6.
  • Asia Cup Rising Stars: Sri Lanka A secured a thrilling 6-run victory over Bangladesh A in a high-pressure match in Doha. Sahan Arachchige's knock of 69 was crucial in Sri Lanka defending their total of 159.

Upcoming Cricket Action

  • The Ashes 2025-26: The iconic Test series between Australia and England is set to begin on November 21, 2025. Australia are the current holders of the Ashes.
  • India vs South Africa: The second Test between India and South Africa is approaching, with batsman Shubman Gill set to travel to Guwahati to join the Indian squad.
  • Pakistan T20I Tri-Series: A T20 International tri-series is currently underway in Pakistan.

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References

The information in this article was compiled from the following sources: