The first phase of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections recorded a historic voter turnout of 64.66%, the highest ever in the state's electoral history. This remarkable increase surpasses the previous record of 62.57% set way back in 2000 and also exceeds the 56.2% turnout in the corresponding phase of the 2020 elections. Around 121 assembly constituencies spread across 18 districts witnessed enthusiastic voter participation, signaling a heightened political engagement among Bihar's electorate.
This surge in turnout is particularly notable given the backdrop of a comprehensive revision of the electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission to weed out duplicate and deceased voters. Despite the deletion of nearly 47 lakh names from the voter lists, the count of voters who cast their ballots remained robust, indicating a genuine and spirited turnout rather than mere statistical inflation. The Election Commission credited extensive voter awareness campaigns and smooth polling processes for encouraging this historic participation.
High voter turnout often serves as a double-edged sword, conventionally interpreted as a sign of anti-incumbency sentiment—a desire for change and political renewal. However, political analysts caution that it can also represent strong public endorsement of the current government, making the outcome hard to predict. This complexity adds to the suspense around the Bihar elections, which are being keenly watched as a litmus test for the incumbent leadership under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the opposition alliances that aspire to unseat them.
The peaceful and well-organized conduct of polling, coupled with notable participation from women voters and accessible polling arrangements for persons with disabilities, has further added to the positive democratic atmosphere. Voters from rural areas went to the polls using varied means—some even traveled by buffalo cart or boat—illustrating the deep-rooted commitment to exercising the franchise in Bihar's diverse socio-economic landscape.
As the election moves towards its subsequent phases, this unprecedented first-phase turnout sets the stage for an intense political contest. The November 14 counting will reveal whether this vibrant electoral engagement signals a mandate for continuity or a call for change. For observers and citizens alike, the turnout surge underscores the vitality of democracy in Bihar, highlighting the state’s crucial role in shaping India's political future.
Disclaimer: This Image is taken from Business Standard.
Zohran Mamdani’s economic vision for New York City paints a bold picture of social justice and equality, championing rent freezes, free public transit, a $30 minimum wage, and increased childcare pay. His agenda is driven by a deep commitment to making the city more affordable and equitable for all residents. However, while the moral intentions behind these policies resonate widely, experts warn there are significant economic trade-offs that must be considered to avoid unintended consequences.
Mamdani’s proposal to freeze rents, for example, aims to protect nearly a million rent-stabilized apartments, providing immediate relief for many tenants. Yet historical evidence from similar policies, such as in San Francisco, suggests that rent control can shrink the overall housing supply and push rents higher elsewhere in the city. This creates a tension between fairness to current renters and the economic realities of housing availability—a challenge that any city-wide plan must carefully navigate to avoid deepening scarcity.
Another pillar of Mamdani’s platform is a radical increase in the minimum wage to $30 an hour, alongside free bus transit and better pay for childcare workers. These policies, while appealing as steps toward economic justice, face questions of sustainability. Rapid wage hikes risk inflationary pressures and could strain small businesses unable to match these costs, potentially reducing employment. At the same time, funding free public transit requires substantial revenue, likely through higher taxes on high earners and corporations, which Mamdani proposes as part of his economic transformation.
Critics emphasize that Mamdani’s vision reflects a classic dilemma in economics: the balance between moral goals and practical arithmetic. Policies promising “something for nothing” tend to create fiscal burdens and economic distortions that affect growth, investments, and job creation. The concept is sometimes referred to as “fiscal illusion,” where the benefits appear free but eventually manifest as higher prices or reduced services. Yet supporters argue that Mamdani’s approach is a much-needed response to growing inequality and the failures of existing economic systems to serve the working class fairly.
Looking ahead, Mamdani’s model invites a larger conversation about the future of urban economics in an age challenged by wealth concentration, technological disruption, and social demand for equity. Integrating strategies like community wealth building, cooperative enterprises, and public ownership alongside traditional reforms could create more sustainable pathways. New York City’s experiment under Mamdani’s leadership will be a critical test case for reconciling ambitious justice-oriented economics with the hard math of feasibility.
This nuanced understanding of Mamdani’s economic framework highlights the essential dialogue between purpose and pragmatism in public policy. As cities worldwide grapple with affordability and inequality, the “Big Apple style” experiment offers lessons on balancing compassion with economic realities for a fairer future.
Disclaimer: This Image is taken from Reuters.
In recent political discourse, especially in Bengal, the term "ghuspaithiya," which translates to "intruder" or "illegal infiltrator," has gained significant traction. But who exactly qualifies as a 'ghuspaithiya'? The word has been used broadly to describe individuals who are seen as threats to demographic balance and social fabric. While government officials and political leaders often characterize “ghuspaithiyas” as illegal immigrants from neighboring countries like Bangladesh, the term's usage has layers of social, political, and cultural implications that go beyond simple definitions.
The politics around "ghuspaithiya" in Bengal often centers on anxieties about illegal immigration's impact on employment, resources, and community identity. Political leaders argue that these so-called intruders are seizing jobs and government welfare meant for local citizens, stirring fears tied to demographic shifts. For example, some parties have linked the issue to the marriage of tribal girls with illegal immigrants or land grabbing by newcomers. This has heightened tensions in border regions and urban pockets where migrant populations live, spurring strong electoral rhetoric around identification and expulsion of such individuals.
However, the term’s application is controversial and not strictly about legality. It increasingly serves as a political tool to create an 'us versus them' narrative, often targeting specific linguistic and religious groups, mainly Bengali-speaking Muslims or Rohingya refugees. This shifts the focus from legal documentation to cultural belonging and perceived loyalty, intertwining welfare politics, religious identity, and citizenship debates. Such labeling can contribute to social exclusion and stigmatization, creating divisions within the community over who truly belongs.
The national and state governments have launched mechanisms like special voter rolls and demographic missions aimed at addressing the issue, but these efforts sometimes risk marginalizing innocent citizens or long-settled residents misclassified as 'intruders.' This calls for sensitive, inclusive policies that balance security concerns with human rights protections. Moreover, understanding the historical movements of people in Bengal and the porous nature of its borders is crucial before branding anyone an illegal migrant.
In conclusion, being labeled a 'ghuspaithiya' in Bengal is less about clear legal status and more about political narratives and social perceptions in a complex regional context. It is a term loaded with emotional, financial, and identity-related consequences. As Bengal approaches elections, it is important for the public and policymakers alike to scrutinize the term's usage critically, ensuring discussions around it do not devolve into exclusionary politics but rather lead to informed, humane solutions addressing genuine concerns about migration and integration
Disclaimer: This Image is taken from NDTV.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday expressed strong confidence in the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) victory in Bihar and cautioned voters against the possible return of “jungle raj” if they stray from supporting the Lotus (BJP) or the Arrow (JDU) in the upcoming second phase of elections on November 11. Speaking at a public rally in Jamui, Shah warned, “If you make even a small mistake and move away from the lotus or the arrow, jungle raj will return. Does Jamui want jungle raj again?” He urged voters to ensure that all four assembly constituencies in Jamui go to the NDA.
Highlighting the NDA government’s achievements, Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for making previously Naxal-affected regions like Jamui safer and more peaceful. He recalled that the area once saw violent incidents, such as when Naxals hijacked the Dhanbad-Patna Express and killed three people, but now polling continues peacefully till 5 PM — a testament to the improved law and order.
Criticizing RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, Shah took a jibe saying that if the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) came to power, they would “open a new department for kidnapping.” In contrast, he said, “If we win, we will set up a department to make Bihar flood-free. PM Modi has built roads, bridges, ethanol, and sugar factories over the past decade. The next five years will focus on developing Bihar further. We won’t let jungle raj return.”
Commenting on the first phase of polling held on November 6, Shah claimed that the “Lalu-Rahul” alliance — referring to RJD and Congress — had already been wiped out and should meet the same fate in Jamui. Jamui district has four assembly segments — Jamui, Jhajha, Chakai, and Sikandra (SC-reserved). BJP is contesting from Jamui, fielding sitting MLA Shreyasi Singh against RJD’s Shamshad Alam. JDU is contesting Jhajha and Chakai with candidates Damodar Rawat and Sumit Kumar Singh, respectively, while the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) has Prafull Kumar Singh contesting from Sikandra.
In the first phase, voting took place across 121 constituencies in 18 districts, with around 3.75 crore voters eligible to cast their votes. The second phase on November 11 will cover 122 seats across 20 districts, including Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Bhagalpur, and Purnia. Vote counting will take place on November 14, marking the conclusion of the Bihar Assembly elections.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The magnificent Beaver Supermoon illuminated skies around the world, dazzling stargazers with its extraordinary brightness and size—appearing about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon as it came closest to Earth at roughly 357,000 kilometers. The “Beaver Moon” name, rooted in tradition, marks the November period when beavers build their winter lodges and trappers once set their beaver traps, symbolizing preparation for the colder months ahead. As the brightest and largest of the three supermoons of 2025, this celestial event captivated observers across regions, including India, from moonrise through the night. Beyond its visual splendor, it offered astronomers and photographers a unique chance to capture detailed lunar imagery, coinciding with the Southern Taurid meteor shower to create an unforgettable cosmic display. The Beaver Supermoon not only blended cultural heritage with astronomical wonder but also reminded humanity of nature’s grandeur and our shared connection with the universe.
Disclaimer: This Image is taken from Reuters.
Singapore is making waves on the global technology stage with a strategic leap forward in quantum computing. Marking a major milestone under its National Quantum Strategy, Singapore is set to become the first country outside the United States to host Quantinuum’s Helios quantum computer by 2026. This partnership not only positions Singapore as a pioneering hub for quantum innovation but also promises to accelerate developments across pharmaceuticals, finance, and advanced material sciences with cutting-edge computational power.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
This week, the US government shutdown became the longest ever, surpassing 36 days. Millions of Americans have had their food stamp benefits delayed, and major airports are seeing 10% fewer flights as government workers stay home due to halted pay. Rachel Leingang and David Smith examine why the president is prioritizing grand building projects instead.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
John Harris talks with Heather Stewart, the Guardian’s economics editor, about the difficult position Rachel Reeves faces. What consequences might she face if she increases the basic income tax rate for the first time in fifty years? At the same time, Sunder Katwala, director of the think tank British Future, joins John to explore whether language and policies once limited to the far-right have now moved into mainstream politics, and whether racist rhetoric can be pushed back to the fringes.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Singapore plans to update its “30 by 30” food sustainability goal with new, more specific targets as part of a refreshed food resilience strategy. Under the new plan, local farms are expected to produce 20 percent of the nation’s fibre and 30 percent of its protein needs by 2035. Hairianto Diman and Rani Samtani discuss the practicality of meeting these goals with Luke Tay, Founder of Cornucopia FutureScapes.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
