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.

Supreme Court lawyer and petitioner Nanita Sharma, visibly emotional on Friday, commented on the apex court’s order regarding stray dogs near educational institutions, hospitals, bus stops, and railway stations. The order mandates that stray dogs, after sterilisation, will not be returned to their original locations. Sharma noted that the ruling mirrors the court’s August 11 directive, emphasizing the removal of stray dogs from public spaces and their relocation to shelters, with a nodal officer appointed to prevent their return.

She said, “Today’s order is similar to the previous one. Dogs will be removed from government institutions, educational facilities, railway stations, and bus stops, and relocated. A nodal officer will ensure they do not come back. I still have hope and believe in divine justice. Such voiceless animals should not face this injustice. Relocation is normally prohibited under the ABC (Animal Birth Control) rules, but it has been allowed due to incidents of dog bites. What has happened today is unfortunate. Shelter homes also need to be properly maintained. We are following the Supreme Court’s order because it must be respected.”

The Supreme Court, citing the “alarming rise of dog bite incidents,” directed all states and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from all public institutions and places, including schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, and railway stations. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria emphasized that these areas should be properly fenced to prevent dogs’ entry.

The court clarified that stray dogs must not be returned to their original locations, as doing so would undermine the purpose of the directive and compromise public safety. Local government authorities are responsible for collecting stray dogs from these areas and transferring them to designated shelters after vaccination and sterilisation, in line with Animal Birth Control Rules.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI

Indian women’s cricket team head coach Amol Mazumdar expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for meeting the players and support staff after their World Cup win, calling it a “cherished and surreal moment” for everyone involved. Speaking to ANI, Mazumdar said, “It was a surreal experience. We are extremely thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spending so much time with all the players and staff. It’s a memory all 37 of us will treasure for life."

On Wednesday, PM Modi hosted the World Cup–winning team at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg. He congratulated the players for their comeback after early defeats and commended their resilience against online criticism. The team presented him with a signed jersey that read “Namo 1.” BCCI President Mithun Manhas also attended the meeting.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled meeting the Prime Minister in 2017 after losing the World Cup final and said it was special to return with the trophy this time. Vice-Captain Smriti Mandhana, the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, said the PM’s encouragement has been a great source of inspiration and praised his support for women excelling in all fields. All-rounder Deepti Sharma, named Player of the Tournament, said she had long waited to meet the PM again. Modi fondly mentioned her devotion to Lord Hanuman and her “Jai Shri Ram” post, which Deepti said gives her strength.

Harmanpreet asked the PM how he stays grounded and present, to which he replied that it has become part of his nature. Modi also recalled memorable cricket moments, including Harleen Deol’s 2021 catch, Harmanpreet’s ball from the final, and Amanjot Kaur’s dramatic catch in the title match. Pacer Kranti Gaud mentioned her brother’s admiration for Modi, and the PM warmly invited them to meet him. He urged the players to promote the “Fit India” movement, especially among young girls, and stressed the importance of fitness and healthy living.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

In a world facing increasingly complex threats, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi stressed on Tuesday that no nation can remain secure on its own, describing shared defence innovation as the strongest shield. Speaking at the India Defence Conclave 2025, he highlighted that India’s two-and-a-half front challenge and the post-Operation Sindoor empowerment have given the armed forces greater flexibility for spiral development and induction of new capabilities.

Gen Dwivedi underscored the evolving nature of warfare, emphasizing the need to build capabilities, invest in defence R&D, and harness emerging technologies. He said the future of warfighting will not be defined by any single domain or doctrine but by how effectively ideas are transformed into enduring capabilities, noting that the journey from concept to capability is essentially a journey from dependence to dominance.

The Army chief highlighted the importance of leadership, strategic partnerships, and collaboration. While research and development builds what a nation can create, partnerships expand what it can access, citing successful examples such as BrahMos and K9 Vajra. He stressed that initial innovations—from “zero to one”—are critical, as scaling them later becomes easier, and if such innovation is not feasible domestically, collaboration with external partners is necessary under mutually beneficial terms.

Gen Dwivedi also spoke about the Army’s adoption of dual-use technology, drone warfare, and convergence of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). India’s participation in national technology missions like quantum, space, and 6G reflects a collaborative, whole-of-nation approach. Domestically, he emphasized military-civil fusion, describing the synergy between academia, industry, and the military as essential to anchor innovation at home.

Calling on industry to invest in emerging technologies—including AI, cyber, quantum, unmanned systems, space, and advanced materials—he noted that these investments will not only support future operational needs but also strengthen India’s manufacturing and defence exports, citing indigenous systems like Akash AD, ATAGS guns, and Light Tank Zorawar. Gen Dwivedi also discussed plans for full automation and man-unmanned teams, aiming to enhance manpower efficiency by 1.5 to 2 times.

He concluded by stressing the fluidity of modern warfare, which is no longer confined to traditional battlefields, while reiterating that land remains the currency of victory. Turning evolving ideas into real warfighting capabilities, he said, requires a continuum of conceptualization, experimentation, development, and acquisition, driven by thought, technology, and tenacity.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.

Last weekend, millions across the U.S. took part in No Kings protests opposing Donald Trump. Although the president denied any desire to be a king, he shared an AI-generated video showing himself as one, piloting a fighter jet and dropping excrement on demonstrators. Jonathan Freedland discusses with political scientist Barbara Walter the strategies the Trump administration is employing against protesters.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian

Recent reports indicate an increase in online threats and scams, alongside a local company under police investigation for suspected involvement in a Cambodian scam operation. What do these incidents reveal about our digital vulnerabilities? Hairianto Diman discusses this with Helena Huang, Associate Research Fellow at the Digital Impact Research team, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

From banking apps and WhatsApp to Netflix and AI chatbots, Singaporeans rely on data centres daily. These centres currently consume about 7% of the nation’s electricity, a figure expected to grow as digital service usage increases. Hairianto Diman and Syahida Othman explore the crucial role of data centres in Singapore’s everyday digital life, and discuss strategies to reduce their impact on the energy grid with Arun Bhatia, Executive Managing Director of APAC Strategy at Carrier.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

As world leaders conclude several days of speeches at the UN, the spotlight is on the White House meeting between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, featuring an ambitious Gaza peace plan that could potentially end the conflict if Hamas agrees. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the situation with Dr. Alica Kizekova, Lecturer at the School of Media, Creative Arts, and Social Inquiry, Faculty of Humanities, Curtin University.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.