November 6, 2025 - IndiaVerve

Record 64.66% turnout in first phase of Bihar polls

November 15, 2025November 6, 2025 by India Verve Desk

Bihar recorded its highest-ever voter turnout on Thursday as the first phase of the state assembly elections concluded peacefully, with 64.66% polling across 121 constituencies in 18 districts. This marks a significant rise from the 57.29% turnout in the 2020 elections, signalling a surge in voter enthusiasm.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar lauded voters and poll officials for their participation and dedication, describing the turnout as “historic since 1951.” He said the exercise demonstrated public faith in democracy and transparency in the electoral process.

Political reactions quickly followed, with both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan interpreting the high turnout in their favour. BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary claimed that the NDA was poised to win “around 100 of the 121 seats,” while Union Minister Nityanand Rai called the voter enthusiasm a “sign of people’s trust in the NDA’s resolve for a strong Bihar.”

Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) said the turnout reflected a “wave of change” against the ruling alliance. “After 20 years of unemployment, poverty, and injustice, people have voted for a new beginning,” he said. Congress leader Pawan Khera echoed the sentiment, asserting that voters across all sections were “voting in anger for change.”

Begusarai recorded the highest turnout at 67.32%, while Patna saw 55.02% and Sheikhpura the lowest at 52.36%. The Election Commission reported that voting remained peaceful throughout the day.

The remaining 122 constituencies will vote in the second phase on November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14.

India thrash Australia by 48 runs, take 2-1 series lead

November 6, 2025 by India Verve Desk

India’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance to seal a 48-run win over Australia in the third T20I on the Gold Coast, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Defending what appeared to be a modest total of 167 for 8, India’s spin trio of Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy, supported by all-rounder Shivam Dube, dismantled the Australian lineup to bowl them out for just 119.

Washington led the charge with sensational figures of 3 for 3, while Axar and Dube took two wickets each, tightening the screws as Australia’s middle order collapsed under pressure. Varun Chakravarthy finished the game in style, deceiving Glenn Maxwell — returning from injury — with a googly that summed up Australia’s night of struggle.

Earlier, India’s innings was anchored by Shubman Gill’s 46, but regular breakthroughs by Adam Zampa (3 for 45) and Nathan Ellis (3 for 21) prevented a bigger total. From 121 for 2 at one stage, India’s lower order faltered before the bowlers turned the game around with a commanding effort on a surface that skipper Suryakumar Yadav described as “subcontinental” in nature.

With this win, India moved within one victory of sealing the series, while Australia will look to regroup ahead of the final T20I at The Gabba.

Zohran Mamdani, son of filmmaker Mira Nair, elected New York’s first socialist mayor

November 6, 2025 by India Verve Desk

New York: Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old progressive leader of Indian and Ugandan descent, has been elected as the next mayor of New York City, marking a historic victory for the city’s working-class movement and for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.

Mamdani, the son of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani, defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in a closely watched general election, repeating his earlier win against the veteran politician in the Democratic primary. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa also contested but failed to make an impact.

At his victory rally in Brooklyn, Mamdani declared the win as a mandate for change. “For as long as we can remember, the working people of New York have been told that power does not belong in their hands. Today, we proved otherwise,” he said to a cheering crowd.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani spent part of his early childhood in Cape Town, South Africa, before his family moved to New York City when he was seven. He grew up in the Bronx, attended the Bronx High School of Science, and later graduated in Africana studies from Bowdoin College in Maine. His deep connection to immigrant and working-class communities has been a defining aspect of his political rise.

Mamdani’s campaign focused on affordable housing, rent freezes for those in rent-stabilized apartments, free public transportation, and universal childcare funded by taxing the wealthy. His election is seen as a victory for grassroots organizing and a pushback against corporate influence in city politics.

Taking aim at former president Donald Trump, Mamdani said, “If any city can show a nation betrayed by Trump how to defeat him, it’s the city that gave rise to him. We will dismantle the conditions that allowed such power to grow.”

Mamdani’s win is expected to resonate beyond New York, signaling growing momentum for progressive politics in America — and drawing attention in India, where his mother Mira Nair remains a celebrated figure in cinema.

Navy commissions survey vessel ‘Ikshak’ at Kochi

November 10, 2025November 6, 2025 by India Verve Desk

Kochi: The Indian Navy on Thursday commissioned Ikshak, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class, in a ceremony held at the Naval Base in Kochi. The event was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The vessel will be based at the Southern Naval Command, marking a major enhancement in the Navy’s hydrographic survey capabilities.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd, (GRSE) Kolkata, Ikshak represents a milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in shipbuilding. The ship boasts more than 80% indigenous content, underscoring the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the strong collaboration between GRSE and Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, according to a press release from the Press Information Bureau.

The name Ikshak, which means “Guide” in Sanskrit, aptly reflects the vessel’s role as a beacon of precision and purpose. Designed to conduct comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels, Ikshak will provide crucial data to enhance maritime safety and ensure secure navigation across Indian waters.

The vessel is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic systems, including a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, and four Survey Motor Boats. It also features a helicopter deck, enabling extended-range and multi-domain operations.

The commissioning of Ikshak marks a significant step in strengthening the Navy’s survey and charting infrastructure. Embodying indigenous strength, technical excellence, and maritime commitment, Ikshak is set to play a vital role in charting the unknown and safeguarding India’s vast maritime frontiers.