Evening news wrap: NDA releases manifesto for Bihar polls; over 700 protesters dead in Tanzania crisis, claims opposition; and more

On Friday, the NDA unveiled its election manifesto, outlining key welfare and economic priorities ahead of the upcoming Bihar polls. In Tanzania, opposition party Chadema claimed that around 700 people were killed in post-election violence, sparking global concern. Meanwhile, ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina defended her August 2024 exit, calling it a “necessary move” amid widespread protests.Here are the top 5 news stories of the day:

NDA releases manifesto for Bihar polls; promises 1 crore jobs, major infrastructure push

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Friday unveiled its Bihar election manifesto, pledging one crore jobs, industrial expansion, and infrastructure upgrades. Released in Patna by CM Nitish Kumar and BJP president JP Nadda, the document also announced schemes for women’s empowerment and youth skill development.

The NDA said its agenda reflects PM Modi and CM Nitish’s “guarantee and trust,” while contrasting it with the RJD-Congress alliance’s promises of job laws and subsidies. Read full story

Cops share details of how Mumbai hostage crisis turned fatal

A tense two-hour standoff in Mumbai’s Powai ended fatally after police shot dead Rohit Aarrya, who had held several children hostage inside a film studio. Officers said Aarrya fired first with an air gun, prompting retaliatory firing. Police claimed they followed protocol, prioritising the children’s safety.

Aarrya, linked to a 2024 protest over unpaid dues from a government project, had been conducting auditions when the incident occurred.

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Tanzania opposition claims 700 killed in post-election unrest; UN urges restraint

Tanzania’s opposition party Chadema has claimed that around 700 people were killed in three days of violent protests following disputed general elections. Protests erupted after polls allegedly tilted in favour of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ruling CCM party. The government imposed an internet blackout and curfew as clashes spread across major cities.

The UN has urged authorities to avoid excessive force and restore calm amid the ongoing unrest.

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Sheikh Hasina says she fled Bangladesh ‘out of necessity’, calls tribunal trial a ‘sham’

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she left the country in August last year to protect her life and those around her amid violent anti-government protests. In an interview with The Independent, Hasina denied ordering security forces to fire on demonstrators and blamed “breakdowns in discipline” for the deaths.

She labelled the International Crimes Tribunal proceedings against her a “sham trial” driven by political revenge.

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Harshit Rana shines with the bat amid India’s collapse in 1st T20I against Australia

India’s 23-year-old pacer Harshit Rana produced a gritty 35 off 33 balls in the 1st T20I against Australia, offering rare resistance after a top-order collapse in Melbourne. Despite India being dismissed for 125, Rana’s composed knock—coming at 49/5—stood out as the second-highest score of the innings. Read full story