To complete the digitisation of the enumeration form for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal by the month-end, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has set a target for the daily digitisation of the forms for the booth-level officers.

Under this target, each BLO will have to upload 150 enumeration forms collected by him or her from the voters in the special app provided by the ECI to them. The daily target for each BLO had been fixed keeping in mind the ECI's earlier target to complete the digitisation process by the end of November, an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said.

The total number of BLOs appointed for the revision process is 80,681.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that numerous ancient religious and historical sites in the union territory have been restored.

“We are building an edifice of Aatmanirbhar J&K on the foundation of dedication and sacrifices of our police personnel, soldiers, farmers, youth and women. We should take a pledge today not to let their hard work and sacrifices go to waste. We must resolve to convert their dreams into reality,” L-G Manoj Sinha said.

He was speaking at the foundation day of Purmandal-Utterbehni Teerth Seva Nyas, at Purmandal in Samba district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 21st instalment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana on November 19, celebrated as PM-Kisan Utsav Diwas.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma will participate in the state-level event to be held at the State Agricultural Management Institute, Durgapura. Similar programmes will be organised across all districts.

Since the launch of the scheme, 20 instalments have already been disbursed, benefitting farmers across Rajasthan.

A total of Rs 25,142 crore has been transferred directly to the bank accounts of the state's farmers under the scheme so far.

Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora on Tuesday announced that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will now release electricity connections without a no-objection certificate (NOC) after applicants furnish a mandatory undertaking.

The step, he said, reflected the government’s commitment to providing basic amenities to residents without delay, while ensuring adherence to legal processes.

Arora said earlier applicants were required to submit approvals such as NOC, regularisation certificate or sanctioned building plan issued by local authorities before obtaining a power connection.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday reported significant progress in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Phase II, with 98.54 per cent of Enumeration Forms (EFs) already distributed across 12 States and Union Territories.

The update was shared in the Commission’s 3:00 PM Daily Bulletin for November 18, marking a key milestone in the revision exercise scheduled from 4 November to 4 December 2025.

According to the bulletin, a total of 50.25 crore EFs have been distributed out of the total electors of 50.97 crore.

 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday visited the families of those killed and also those injured in the Nowgam police station blast and said the people deserve clear answers about the circumstances that led to the accidental explosion.

Office of the J&K CM said on X, “Today morning, the Chief Minister visited the families of those who lost their loved ones in the Nowgam Police Station accidental explosion. He offered heartfelt condolences, prayed for Jannah for the departed souls and assured every possible support from the Government in this hour of grief.

“Chief Minister also visited the injured at a local hospital in Nowgam today morning. He reviewed their treatment and interacted with Doctors and attendants. He directed for the best possible medical care, reaffirming that the wellbeing of the injured remains immediate priority," the post further mentioned.

A four-member central team of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is arriving in Kolkata on Tuesday for a four-day visit to review the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state, which started on November 4.

This is the second West Bengal visit of the central ECI team during the current month to review the revision exercise, which indicates that the poll panel's special focus was on the progress of SIR in the state.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav has been elected as the Leader of Opposition for the Bihar Legislative Assembly.

Tejashwi Yadav, who yet again emerged victorious from the Raghopur constituency, has been selected as the LoP for the second time following Mahagathbandhan's disastrous performance in the Bihar Assembly election, in which the alliance secured only 35 seats, with RJD winning 25 of them.

Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi clarified that his party has never exerted pressure for ministerial berths and always respects the decisions taken by the alliance leadership.

Manjhi said that, like before, HAM did not place any demand for ministerial posts this time.

“We only discussed MLA seats during the seat-sharing negotiation. There was some discomfort regarding this, but it was resolved. Now, the ministerial position is a subject that lies with the party in charge, so I will not comment on it publicly,” he told reporters in Patna.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday chaired the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council, steering solution-oriented dialogue on important issues related to the Centre and the states to strengthen cooperative federalism.

The meeting began with a tribute to the victims of the Delhi blast on November 10.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also attended the meeting and said on X, “Today, I participated in the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council under the chairmanship of the Honorable Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri @AmitShahJi.”

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday issued a detailed clarification after the Congress raised concerns about a discrepancy of nearly 300,000 voters in Bihar’s electoral roll figures released before and after polling.

In a Facebook post, the Congress questioned why Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar mentioned the total number of voters in Bihar as 74.2 million in an October 6 press note, while the Commission’s press release issued after voting pegged the number at 74.5 million.

The party alleged a lack of transparency and sought an explanation for the sudden increase.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced significant progress in Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with 95.44 per cent of elector-specific Enumeration Forms (EFs) already distributed across 12 States and Union Territories, the ECI said on Saturday.

The enumeration exercise, which began on November 4 and will continue till December 4, aims to strengthen the accuracy and inclusiveness of the electoral database ahead of upcoming elections.

According to the latest bulletin released by the Election Commission, a total of 50.09 crore electors are covered under this phase, and 48.67 crore enumeration forms have already been distributed.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday suspended senior leader and former Union Minister R.K. Singh with immediate effect, citing “anti-party activities.”

The action comes after months of public statements by Singh that allegedly deviated from the party’s official position.

In a letter issued by the state headquarters and signed by state president Arun Singh, the BJP stated: “Your activities are against the party and amount to indiscipline. The party has taken serious note of this, as it has caused harm to the organisation. Therefore, as per instructions, you are being suspended and asked to explain why you should not be expelled. Submit your clarification within one week of receiving this letter.”

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Saturday expressed anguish over the loss of precious lives in the tragic accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station in which 9 people were killed and ordered a probe into the incident while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and others expressed grief over the deaths and injuries.

In a post on X, the LG said: “Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to extremely tragic accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured.

Bhagwant Mann government has taken major action against gangsters. Strict action has been taken due to failure to take action against gangsters.

The Punjab Government has suspended Senior Superintendent of Police, Amritsar (Rural), Maninder Singh, who was accused of “failing to address escalating gangster activities effectively’’ and perceived lapses in tackling organised crime.

It is alleged that the SSP was not taking strict action against gangsters, on which taking action, Chief Minister Banwant has suspended the SSP. CM Bhagwant Mann said no negligence in action against gangsters will be tolerated

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, on Friday, inaugurated the 72nd state-level Cooperative Week in Sonipat town.

Addressing the gathering, he said that the soul of India resides in its villages and that the path to progress lies through cooperation.

He added that this year is being celebrated as the 'Year of Cooperatives', and the event will play a key role in achieving the vision of prosperity through cooperation and self-reliance.

The Chief Minister urged the youth to shed traditional mindsets, form cooperatives, and transform them into global brands through the power of Digital India.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) under Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, has distributed 46.50 crore Enumeration Forms (EFs) to electors across 12 States and Union Territories as of November 12, the poll panel said on Friday.

According to the ECI’s latest daily bulletin, a total of 50.97 crore EFs were printed, marking 99.95 per cent completion, out of which 91.20 per cent (46.50 crore) have already been distributed.

The ongoing Enumeration Phase runs from November 4 to December 4.

In Goa and Lakshadweep, 100 per cent forms have been distributed.

Ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls, Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu on Friday retained the Tarn Taran Assembly seat, defeating his nearest rival, Sukhwinder Kaur of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), who was leading in the initial rounds of counting, by more than 12,000 votes.

This bypoll was seen as a crucial test for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the AAP that had won five of the six bypolls held in the state since it came to power in March 2022.

Independent candidate Mandeep Singh Khalsa, backed by hardline Sikh groups and jailed MP Amritpal Singh's faction, was in the third spot, while Congress' Karanbir Singh Burj was at the fourth.

AAP's Sandhu leads got a total of 42,649 votes, holding a margin of 12,091 votes.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has locked in its database the details of the 43 lakh dead voters in West Bengal whose names continue to figure in the state's electoral roll as on October 27.

Sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that of this figure of 43 lakh, the ECI has obtained details of around 34 lakh dead voters from the Aadhaar database.

The details of around 11 lakh dead voters were obtained from the list of beneficiaries of different welfare scheme in West Bengal like the widow pension schemes and Samobathi Prakalpa, among others, with the latter being a financial assistance scheme from the state government that provides a one-time grant of Rs 2,000 to poor families to help cover the costs of performing rites and rituals for a deceased person.

The initial deadline set by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for completing the enumeration form distribution under the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) in West Bengal has ended, with around 15 per cent of the voters in the state yet to receive the forms.

According to figures available from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, a little over 6.56 crore voters in the state have received enumeration forms till 8 p.m. on Tuesday, roughly around 85.71 per cent of the total registered voters in the state.

The total number of electors in West Bengal as per the electoral roll as on October 27, is 7,66,37,529.

A total of 50,963 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) across Gujarat are actively engaged in the massive voter mapping drive under the state’s Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls.

Within just a few days of the campaign’s launch, over 2.17 crore citizens have already been mapped, while 3.90 crore enumeration forms have been distributed across the state, a testament to the BLOs’ tireless on-ground efforts.

Under the guidance of the Election Commission of India and the leadership of Chief Electoral Officer Harit Shukla, the state’s electoral machinery, including District Election Officers, Deputy DEOs, Electoral Registration Officers, and Assistant EROs, is working in close coordination to ensure smooth progress and accuracy throughout the process, which continues until December 4.

A day after the blast near Delhi's Red Fort, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday said it was "indeed an unfortunate incident" and that all the agencies concerned are actively performing their duties.

Addressing a press conference, the CM said: "It was indeed an unfortunate incident. All the agencies concerned are actively carrying out their duties. Yesterday, we visited the hospital and met the injured individuals."

"The government stands firmly with them and is ensuring that neither they nor their families face any difficulties," she added.

The Haryana government on Tuesday announced that it has decided to relax the upper age limit for ex-Agniveers who are domiciles of the state during direct recruitment after completing their military service.

A letter to this effect has been issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi.

As per the government’s decision, ex-Agniveers will be entitled to a relaxation of three years in the prescribed upper age limit for direct recruitment to Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ posts.

Additionally, members of the first batch of ex-Agniveers will receive an age relaxation of five years. All departments, boards, corporations, universities, and field offices have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these instructions, an official statement said.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann released the Punjabi edition of the popular book Sada Punjab, written by renowned author Munish Jindal, at the Chief Minister's Camp Office in Dhuri the yesterday.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated Dhuri-born author Munish Jindal and praised him for presenting the Punjabi edition of this comprehensive book, which provides complete knowledge about Punjab's history and culture.

It is noteworthy that the book includes Punjab's geography, ancient, medieval, and modern history, as well as its culture. It also provides detailed information about the social and religious reform movements in Punjab and the formation of the state. Sikh history has been presented in a very systematic manner. The book contains detailed information about the history of all districts of Punjab up to the present. The chapter detailing the sacrifices made by Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru for India's independence inspires the younger generation of Punjab.

Election authorities are all set to hold the bye-election to Mizoram’s Dampa Assembly constituency on Tuesday, with polling officials accompanied by security personnel having reached all 41 election stations in the poll-bound segments in Mamit district, officials said on Monday.

An election official said that the more than month-long hectic campaign by all political parties for the November 11 bypoll in the Dampa Assembly constituency ended on Sunday, without any untoward incident.

Besides state leaders of various parties, BJP leaders and Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju (Parliamentary and Minority Affairs) and Jitendra Singh (Science and Technology and Earth Sciences) also visited Mizoram to campaign for their respective party candidates.

Mohammed Azharuddin on Monday took charge as Telangana's Minister for Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises.

The former Indian cricket captain, who was sworn in as the minister on October 31, took charge at Dr B. R. Ambedkar Secretariat.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, state Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud, ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Vakati Srihari, Ponnam Prabhakar, government advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir and other leaders congratulated Azharuddin.

The second phase of polling for the Bihar Assembly elections will begin at 7 a.m. on Tuesday (November 11), with 1,302 candidates fighting for 122 constituencies.

Of these, 1,165 are male candidates, 136 are female, and one candidate is from the third gender category.

The main contest remains between the NDA and the Grand Alliance, although in some seats, AIMIM and Jan Suraj Party are also in the fight.

In a major show of strength ahead of the Tarn Taran by-election, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today received massive support from women and youth as over 100 families from the constituency joined the party. The women leaders of these families were formally welcomed into AAP by Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, Chairman Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman Dr. S. S. Ahluwalia, MLA Dev Mann, and AAP leaders Gurdev Singh Lakhna and Gurwinder Singh Baidwal. Jeevan Bhatti played a key role in facilitating the joining of these leaders.

Prominent women leaders who joined AAP include Surinder Kaur, Raj Kaur, Joginder Kaur, Manpreet Kaur, Harjeet Kaur, Sonia, Palak, Narinder Kaur, Sonu, Barkha, Seema, Darshna, Mandeep Kaur, Sukhbir Kaur, Kuljit Kaur, Ajit, Parveen, Sumit, Ripika Robin, Rajni, Rohit, Padam, and Shivjot. Among the men who joined were Vansh, William, Rohit, and Pardeep.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday directed the suspension of Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ravjot Kaur Grewal for allegedly interfering in the by-election process.

The action comes just ahead of the Tarn Taran assembly bypoll on November 11 after Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal met the EC-appointed observer and submitted a written complaint of misuse of power by the SSP to help the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.

 The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab hailed the Centre’s decision to retract its anti-Punjab move regarding Panjab University as a historic victory for the people of Punjab and the united student community. AAP Punjab Working President Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi said that this triumph belongs to every student, every organization, and every citizen who stood up to protect the university’s distinct identity and democratic character.

Kalsi said, “This is not just a victory for Panjab University, it is a victory of Punjab’s pride, our constitutional rights, and the spirit of federalism. The BJP-led Centre tried to impose its will on Punjab, but our collective resistance forced them to bow before the people’s voice.”

He credited Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Aam Aadmi Party Punjab, and the AAP student wing (ASAP) for leading the charge and maintaining a firm stand against the Centre’s attempts to interfere in the university’s affairs. “CM Bhagwant Mann ji, AAP Punjab, and our student leaders showed that when Punjab unites, no one can silence its voice. The Centre’s retreat proves that truth and determination always win,” Kalsi added.

Before the Tarn Taran by-election, the Aam Aadmi Party received a major boost as a large number of youth leaders from the constituency joined AAP.

During a press meet, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, in the presence of Chairman Harchand Singh Barsat, Dr. S. S. Ahluwalia, Gurdev Singh Lakhana, and Parminder Goldy, inducted all the leaders into the party and welcomed them warmly.

Among those who joined under the guidance of AAP youth leader Shahbaaz were Ekam Sandhu, Navtej Sandhu, Vicky Sandhu, Anmol Randhawa, Surjan Singh, Sukhdeep Singh, Raj Bhullar, Prince, Aadesh, Joban, Aman, Hardeep, Jagrup Singh, Montu, Mola Bath, Akashdeep, Yodha Jamsatpur, Jota, Pawan, Daljeet, Pawan, Arsh, Sukhbir, Vansh Kaler, and Joban Jamsatpur, among others.

Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the youth of Tarn Taran are now leading the movement. “Our youth are the strength of Punjab’s future. The Aam Aadmi Party is providing a clean and transparent platform in politics where service and development are the top priorities. The enthusiasm and energy of these youngsters are the guarantee of AAP candidate Harmeet Sandhu’s victory,” he added.