Bihar Assembly Elections: NDA Finalizes Seat-Sharing, Grand Alliance to Follow
The political landscape in Bihar is heating up as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) officially announced its seat-sharing arrangement for the forthcoming Assembly elections. Under the finalized deal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) will each contest 101 out of the 243 Assembly seats. Additionally, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP(R)) has been allotted 29 seats, while the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) will contest six seats each. This marks the first instance since their alliance in 1996 that the BJP and JD(U) will contest an equal number of seats in the state polls. The announcement followed extensive negotiations, particularly regarding the demands of smaller allies like the LJP(R). Meanwhile, the rival Grand Alliance is expected to finalize its seat-sharing formula today, October 13.
India and Australia Kick Off Joint Military Exercise 'AUSTRAHIND 2025'
The fourth edition of the joint military exercise 'AUSTRAHIND 2025' between India and Australia commenced today, October 13, in Perth, Australia. An Indian Army contingent, comprising 120 personnel led by a battalion of Gorkha Rifles, departed for the exercise, which will run until October 26. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, improve interoperability, and provide a platform for both armies to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures in sub-conventional warfare scenarios, particularly in urban and semi-urban terrains, under a United Nations mandate. This initiative underscores the shared commitment of both nations to global peace and security.
India Sends Minister to Gaza Peace Summit
India is participating in the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 13, with Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh representing the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had received an invitation to the summit, which is co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, but due to short notice, MoS Singh was sent as his special envoy. The summit aims to discuss the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas and strengthen efforts to establish peace and stability in the Middle East.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand Visits India for Strategic Talks
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, October 12, for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and strategic cooperation with India. Minister Anand is scheduled to meet with her Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal today, October 13. Discussions are expected to focus on establishing a framework for strategic cooperation in areas such as trade diversification, energy transformation, and security, as part of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. She will also engage with Canadian and Indian business leaders in Mumbai to boost investment and economic opportunities.
Incident at Bardhaman Railway Station, West Bengal
On the evening of October 12, an incident at Bardhaman railway station in West Bengal resulted in injuries to several passengers. Reports indicate that approximately 10 to 15 passengers sustained injuries due to overcrowding and a sudden rush caused by the simultaneous arrival of multiple trains on platforms 4, 5, and 6 during the festive season. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene with commuters jostling on narrow staircases and footbridges. However, Eastern Railways later clarified that there was no stampede, stating that three passengers were injured after losing balance on a foot overbridge, and confirming no casualties.
Mamata Banerjee's Remarks on Durgapur Gang-Rape Case Spark Controversy
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee drew significant criticism for her comments regarding the alleged gang-rape of a medical student in Durgapur. While confirming the arrest of three suspects and vowing strict action, Banerjee remarked that girls "should not be allowed" to go out late at night, suggesting they "have to protect themselves also" and questioning how the student came out at 12:30 AM. Her statements, made on October 12, sparked outrage, with opposition parties demanding her resignation. Banerjee later claimed her comments were "deliberately distorted" and taken out of context.
India to Host UN Troop Contributing Countries' Chiefs Conclave
India is set to host a significant conclave for the Chiefs of the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) from October 14 to 16 in Delhi. Delegates from various nations that contribute troops to UN peacekeeping missions globally will participate. The conclave will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean Pierre Lacroix. This event serves as a crucial forum to address operational challenges, evolving threats, interoperability, and the role of technology and training in strengthening UN peacekeeping efforts.