In today’s major developments, the political spotlight shines on Bihar as the opposition alliance ends weeks of suspense by naming its chief ministerial face for the 2025 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, tragedy struck in the US where a 21-year-old Indian-origin truck driver was arrested for causing a deadly crash in California. In sports, Australia clinched the ODI series against India after a nail-biting finish in the second match. India’s defence capabilities received a significant boost with the government approving weapon and equipment purchases worth Rs 79,000 crore.Globally, diplomatic tensions escalated as Russia condemned US President Donald Trump’s latest sanctions on its oil sector, branding the move an “act of war.”Here are the top five stories of the day:Tejashwi Yadav named opposition’s CM face in Bihar; Mukesh Sahani among two deputiesThe Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar has announced RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate for the 2025 Assembly polls. VIP chief Mukesh Sahani has been named one of two deputy CM faces.The announcement was made during a joint press conference of the alliance partners in Patna, ending weeks of speculation over the opposition bloc’s leadership choice. Read full story hereTruck chain-reaction crash in California: Indian-origin truck driver arrested in deadly US crashJashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old Indian national, was arrested in California for driving under the influence and causing a fiery multi-vehicle crash that killed three people. Dashcam footage showed the truck never braking before impact. Toxicology tests confirmed that Singh was under the influence of a substance at the time of the crash. Read full story hereAustralia beat India by two wickets, clinch three-match ODI seriesAustralia edged out India by two wickets in the second ODI to seal the three-match series. Adam Zampa, who was named Player of the Match, praised India as “the best team in the world,” after a tight contest that saw Connolly anchor Australia’s chase. Follow live updatesDefence ministry approves Rs 79,000 crore weapon purchasesIn a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved military procurements worth Rs 79,000 crore. The new acquisitions include the Nag Missile System Mk-II, ELINT systems, and high-mobility vehicles. Read full story hereRussia slams Trump’s sanctions as ‘act of war’Russia reacted furiously to US President Donald Trump’s fresh sanctions targeting Rosneft and Lukoil, calling the move “an act of war.” Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev accused Washington of “abandoning diplomacy” after Trump also canceled a planned summit with Vladimir Putin in Budapest. Read full story here
