Bihar Political Landscape Sees Nitish Kumar's Tenth Swearing-in
In a significant political development, Nitish Kumar is slated to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record tenth time on November 20, 2025. This move signals a continuation of his leadership in the state's political arena. The decision follows his unanimous election as the legislative party leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Bihar Assembly. Dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, are expected to attend the mega swearing-in ceremony.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Parts of Tribunal Reforms Act
The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark judgment by striking down sections of the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021. The court cited the unconstitutional replication of an earlier ordinance and directed the creation of a National Tribunal Commission. This ruling has significant implications for the functioning and independence of various tribunals across the country, aiming to ensure judicial oversight and streamline their operations.
Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, Notified with Phased Implementation
The much-anticipated Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, have been officially notified on November 14, 2025. These rules are a crucial step in operationalizing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, over eight years after privacy was declared a fundamental right by the Supreme Court. The implementation will be phased, extending the deadline for full operational compliance to May 2027. Key features include provisions for consent and notice requirements, data principal rights, and mandatory data fiduciary obligations. Concerns have been raised regarding delayed protections, potential dilution of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, and the independence of the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI).
NIA Arrests Gangster Anmol Bishnoi; ED Custody for Al Falah University Chairman
In law enforcement news, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested gangster Anmol Bishnoi following his deportation from the United States. He has been remanded to 11-day NIA custody in connection with the Baba Siddique murder case. Separately, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken Jawed Siddiqui, the chairman of Al Falah University, into 13-day custody on charges of money laundering. The university is under scrutiny after allegedly generating significant proceeds of crime through false claims to induce students.
Other Key National Updates
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated two new Indian Consulates General in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, strengthening India-Russia bilateral relations.
- Prime Minister Modi released a ā¹100 commemorative coin and postal stamps to mark the centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
- The Supreme Court has granted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) the authority to take proactive measures to curb air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
- Karnataka has issued an advisory for Sabarimala pilgrims amid a rise in 'brain-eating amoeba' cases, urging increased hygiene and safe water practices.
- 125 Indian nationals were repatriated from Thailand after being released from scam centers in Myanmar.