Global Snapshot: NDA Dominates Bihar Polls, Dr. Umar’s Home Demolished, Iran Seizes Tanker, and China’s Astronauts Return Amidst Space Debris Scare

Global News Roundup: NDA Bihar Win, IAF Crash, Pulwama Demolition, Iran Tanker Seizure, Ukraine UK Partnership, and China Astronauts Return

NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR/CHENNAI/TEHRAN/KYIV/BEIJING – November 14, 2025 – This Global News Roundup covers a day of significant developments. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) achieved a strong mandate in Bihar elections, while a controversial demolition in Pulwama and an Indian Air Force aircraft crash added to a turbulent day. Geopolitical tensions flared with an Iran tanker seizure in the Strait of Hormuz. In space news, China’s Shenzhou-20 astronauts safely returned to Earth after a spacecraft delay, and the UK reaffirmed its strategic partnership with Ukraine. This Global News Roundup provides a snapshot of key international events.

Bihar Elections: NDA Secures Strong Mandate in a Key Global News Roundup Highlight

The political map of India saw a decisive shift as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a sweeping victory in the Bihar assembly elections, with vote counting concluding today. Projections indicated the alliance would win approximately 203 out of the 243 seats, a substantial increase from its previous performance. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the largest single party within the coalition, underscoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued influence. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is poised to secure his fifth consecutive term, leading the JD(U) to a strong showing. The opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), faced a considerable defeat, securing only around 40 seats across the state. This outcome, a significant point in our Global News Roundup, is seen as a testament to the NDA’s strategic focus on women-centric welfare programs and giveaways, which resonated with voters, particularly women and first-time voters.

Pulwama Demolition Raises Concerns Amid Delhi Blast Investigation – A Point in the Global News Roundup

In Jammu and Kashmir, authorities demolished the residential house belonging to the father of Dr. Umar Nabi, who is described by investigators as the “prime suspect” in the recent Red Fort blast case in Delhi. The demolition, carried out using controlled explosives in Koil village, Pulwama, occurred despite a Supreme Court ruling against razing homes without due process. Family sources reported not receiving any prior notice before being asked to vacate the premises. Dr. Nabi, a physician, is alleged to have driven the explosive-laden car that detonated near the Red Fort on November 10, resulting in multiple fatalities. Preliminary DNA analysis reportedly matched samples from the blast site with those of his mother. The action has drawn criticism from rights groups and local leaders who have voiced concerns about collective punishment and the creation of an atmosphere of fear. This incident is a notable part of today’s Global News Roundup.

IAF Aircraft Crash Near Chennai; Pilot Ejects Safely – Part of the Global News Roundup

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Pilatus PC-7 trainer aircraft crashed on Friday afternoon near Thiruporur, on the outskirts of Chennai. The pilot ejected safely from the aircraft, which was on a routine training mission, and reportedly sustained no major injuries. Local residents reported hearing a loud noise at the time of the incident. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to ascertain the cause of the crash. This incident, marking another development in our Global News Roundup, is part of a concerning pattern of peacetime accidents involving IAF aircraft this year.

Iran Seizes Tanker in Strait of Hormuz Amid Heightened Regional Tensions – A Key Global News Roundup Story

In the Persian Gulf, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reportedly seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, the Talara, in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, en route from Ajman (UAE) to Singapore, changed course toward Iranian waters after small boats approached it. The incident occurred amid ongoing regional tensions and follows a history of maritime seizures by Iran. The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations center noted possible “state activity” involved, while a US Navy drone was reportedly monitoring the area. This Iran tanker seizure is a crucial development in this Global News Roundup.

Ukraine UK Partnership Strengthened; Shenzhou-20 Mission Concludes – Highlights of the Global News Roundup

Discussions between Ukraine and the United Kingdom are continuing to deepen their strategic partnership, building on existing agreements including a Political, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2020. The UK reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. This collaboration aims to bolster security, trade, and cultural ties for future generations. In related news, the European AI Office has developed a Digital Twin for Ukraine’s reconstruction, intended to aid in tracking urban planning projects. Also featured in this Global News Roundup, the three astronauts of China’s Shenzhou-20 mission have successfully returned to Earth, landing in the Gobi Desert on November 14, 2025. Their return was delayed by nine days due to minor cracks found in their Shenzhou-20 return capsule, suspected to be caused by impact from orbital debris. Commander Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie ultimately used the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft for their journey home, highlighting the growing threat posed by space junk. The mission marked China’s continuous presence aboard the Tiangong space station.

These diverse events, from the NDA Bihar win to the Shenzhou-20 mission, highlight a dynamic period in global affairs, with significant political, security, and technological developments trending now, making this a comprehensive Global News Roundup.