Trump Says Pakistan Carrying Out Nuclear Tests; Last Day Of Phase-I Campaign In Bihar

Trump Says Pakistan Testing Nuclear Weapons, Announces Plans to Resume US Nuclear Testing

US President Donald Trump has declared the United States will resume nuclear testing, citing ongoing tests by Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan. Speaking to CBS News, Trump stated, "We're going to test because they test and others test," adding that rival nations conduct underground tests that produce only slight vibrations.

He claimed these countries test secretly while America operates as an "open society" that must publicly disclose such activities. "We have to test," Trump insisted, noting the US hasn't detonated nuclear weapons in over three decades. He justified the decision by saying, "You have to see how they work."

However, Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified the tests won't involve nuclear explosions. "These are what we call non-critical explosions," Wright explained, describing them as system tests evaluating components of new nuclear systems for reliability and performance.

Trump also revealed discussions on denuclearization with Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, while claiming US nuclear capabilities could "blow up the world 150 times."

PM Modi Launches Rs 1 Lakh Crore Research and Innovation Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 3 November, unveiled a Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme to strengthen India's science and technology sector, announced in the FY26 Budget.

The initiative establishes the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and funds high-risk, high-impact projects, marking the first capital allocation to private-sector innovation. Modi emphasized building a "modern innovation ecosystem" with reforms in financial rules and procurement policies to accelerate lab-to-market transitions.

Highlighting India's progress, Modi noted R&D spending has doubled in a decade, patents increased 17-fold, and India now boasts the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. The bio-economy has surged from $10 billion (2014) to $140 billion, while over 6,000 deep-tech startups drive clean energy and advanced materials innovation.

To nurture talent, 25,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs will be established, and 10,000 Prime Minister's Research Fellowships awarded over five years.

Other developments

Report Claims Government Considering Targeted Relief for Vodafone Idea

According to a report in a national news channel, the government is exploring targeted relief measures for Vodafone Idea (Vi) to ensure operational continuity. The support aims to keep the telecom operator afloat rather than clearing its entire debt.

The Department of Telecommunications will submit a detailed proposal to the Prime Minister's Office outlining relief scope and quantum. The Centre acknowledged Vi's unique circumstances require a tailored approach, emphasizing it doesn't seek to create a sector duopoly but maintain healthy competition.

Any relief package will be carefully calibrated to sustain Vi's survival while preserving sector competition.

PMO Meets Exporters Hit by US Tariffs, Trade Deal Expected Soon

The Prime Minister's Office met with exporters from sectors facing additional 50 per cent US duties on Monday, 3 November. The sectors included apparel, leather, engineering, marine products, handicrafts, and gems and jewellery.

The meeting follows a 12 per cent decline in September merchandise exports to the US, totaling $5.5 billion. Gems and jewellery exports contracted over 70 per cent year-on-year, cotton fabrics and garments fell 36 per cent, marine products 26 per cent, and readymade garments 25 per cent.

Government sources indicate a trade deal with the Trump administration may be imminent, potentially reducing "reciprocal" tariff levels to 15-20 per cent. India seeks removal of the 25 per cent reciprocal tariff and 25 per cent duty on Russian oil purchases.

Relief measures under consideration include the Export Promotion Mission awaiting cabinet approval, interest subvention for small exporters, and a credit guarantee scheme for loans up to Rs 100 crore, mirroring the manufacturing sector's MCGS scheme.

Tharoor's Anti-Dynasty Remarks Spark Congress Backlash

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari defended the Nehru-Gandhi family, citing their sacrifices. "Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed their lives. Which other family in India had such dedication and ability?" he asked, adding that leadership stems from merit, highlighting Jawaharlal Nehru's capabilities.

Rashid Alvi countered that democracy allows anyone to contest elections, while Udit Raj noted dynastic trends span all sectors—doctors' children become doctors, businessmen's children inherit businesses.

BJP seized on Tharoor's comments, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla calling it an attack on "nepo kids." Tharoor's Congress relations have been strained since challenging Mallikarjun Kharge for party president.

Three Arrested After Gang Rape Near Coimbatore Airport

Police arrested three men accused of gang-raping a 20-year-old college student near Coimbatore International Airport on the intervening night of November 2-3.

City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar said officers shot the suspects in their legs when they "attempted to escape." The accused—Guna alias Thavasi, Karupasamy alias Satheesh, and Kaleeswaran alias Karthik—were hospitalized at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital.

Initial investigations reveal the three were construction workers at Irugur, approximately 4 km from the crime scene near the airport. They allegedly assaulted the victim's 25-year-old boyfriend before committing the rape on deserted vacant lands. Further investigation continues.

Bihar election corner

Tejashwi Yadav Promises Rs 30,000 Aid to Women in Bihar

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday pledged a one-time payment of Rs 30,000 to women if his alliance wins the Bihar elections. "Immediately after forming the government, we will deposit Rs 30,000 for the entire year on January 14, Makar Sankranti, addressing the demands of mothers and sisters," he announced.

Among other promises, Yadav said Chamber of Commerce presidents would receive public representative status. He committed to providing free electricity for agricultural irrigation, eliminating the current 55 paise per unit charge imposed by the state government.

Additionally, he promised Rs 300 above the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy and Rs 400 per quintal extra for wheat to benefit farmers.

Tej Pratap Hits Back at Tejashwi Over "Party is Parent" Remark

RJD chief Lalu Prasad's estranged son Tej Pratap Yadav on Monday countered younger brother Tejashwi Yadav's statement that "party is his parent," asserting "the public is bigger than any party."

Tej Pratap expressed displeasure over Tejashwi campaigning against him in Mahua constituency, threatening to reciprocate in Raghopur where Tejashwi seeks reelection. On Sunday, Tejashwi, the INDIA bloc's chief ministerial face, campaigned for RJD candidate Mukesh Raushan in Mahua.

Tej Pratap, who formed Janshakti Janata Dal, called Mahua his "political field," more important than party and family. First elected from Mahua in 2015, he was shifted to Hasanpur in 2020.

Claiming 20-30 MLAs from his outfit will win, Tej Pratap said, "The key to power will be with me. We'll support whoever promises an engineering college for Mahua."

PM Modi to Interact with NDA Women Workers As Campaign First Phase Concludes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with women workers of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in Bihar today, November 4, 2025, as campaigning for the first phase of Assembly elections enters its final day.

The first phase of Bihar Assembly elections will be held on November 6, with Tuesday marking the campaign's final day.