Saturday, April 11

State

Jyotiraditya Scindia Visits Close Associate of Digvijay Singh; Congress Leader Touches His Feet, Seeks Forgiveness
Madhya Pradesh, State

Jyotiraditya Scindia Visits Close Associate of Digvijay Singh; Congress Leader Touches His Feet, Seeks Forgiveness

Ashoknagar: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia made a notable visit to the residence of Congress leader and former MLA Gopal Singh Chauhan on Wednesday, drawing attention in the local political scene. Gopal Singh, known to be a close associate of senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh, welcomed Scindia warmly, touching his feet as a mark of respect. Scindia, currently touring his parliamentary constituency of Ashoknagar, paid homage to the late mother of the former MLA at his residence in Chanderi assembly area. During his visit, he interacted with the Chauhan family, inquiring about their well-being and reminiscing about past political experiences. The arrival of Scindia at the Congress leader’s home sparked curiosity and drew a crowd, as Gopal Singh personally received him, touchin...
MLA Accuses Government of Misrepresentation; Corn Purchases Allegedly Not Made Through PACS
Bihar, State

MLA Accuses Government of Misrepresentation; Corn Purchases Allegedly Not Made Through PACS

PATNA: The Bihar Assembly witnessed a heated exchange on Thursday as AIMIM MLA Murshid Alam accused the state government of misrepresentation regarding the purchase of maize (corn). Alam claimed that corn procurement was being carried out exclusively through trade associations, bypassing the PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies). Minister Leshi Singh Refutes Allegations In response, Food and Consumer Protection Minister Leshi Singh denied the claims, asserting that maize procurement also takes place at the panchayat level. Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar directed the minister to respond to the MLA’s question. Minister Singh highlighted that maize procurement occurs through both trade associations and PACS. She further explained that the minimum purchase price for maize was set ...
Patna Hostel Tragedy: NEET Student Searched ‘Cyanide and Sleeping Pills,’ Reveals SSP Kartikeya Sharma
Bihar, State

Patna Hostel Tragedy: NEET Student Searched ‘Cyanide and Sleeping Pills,’ Reveals SSP Kartikeya Sharma

PATNA: The investigation into the Patna hostel NEET student death case has taken a startling turn, as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya K. Sharma revealed crucial details during a press conference. According to the SSP, the deceased student had been searching online for cyanide and sleeping pills, shedding light on her mental state prior to her untimely death. Family Initially Hesitant to File FIR SSP Sharma stated that the student’s family initially avoided filing a police complaint. “The case was registered only after the hospital provided information, prompting the police to initiate an investigation,” he explained. The case has now been handed over to the CBI by the Bihar government for further investigation. Timeline of Events The NEET aspirant was found unco...
Prashant Kishor Moves Supreme Court, Challenges Bihar Assembly Election 2025
Bihar, State

Prashant Kishor Moves Supreme Court, Challenges Bihar Assembly Election 2025

PATNA/DELHI: In a dramatic post-election development, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj Party has approached the Supreme Court seeking a fresh mandate for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. The petition alleges irregularities and violations of the model code of conduct, raising questions about the validity of the current government led by Nitish Kumar. The case is likely to be heard on Friday by a bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. Background: BJP Retains Power, Jan Suraj Fails to Make an Impact The elections saw the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), securing a strong victory with 202 seats out of 243. The opposition alliance, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (India), managed only 35 seats, inc...
Bihar Floods 2024-25: Annual Tragedy Claims Over 2,000 Lives, State Struggles to Cope
Bihar, State

Bihar Floods 2024-25: Annual Tragedy Claims Over 2,000 Lives, State Struggles to Cope

PATNA: Every year, Bihar writes a new “song of sorrow” as floods wreak havoc across the state. In 2024-25, the devastating floods claimed the lives of 2,039 people, according to the recently released Economic Review presented in the Bihar Legislative Assembly during the budget session. The figures underscore the state’s chronic vulnerability to natural disasters. Bihar’s Deadly Disaster Profile Floods are not Bihar’s only peril. In 2024-25, 2,547 people died across various natural disasters, with floods alone accounting for the majority. By comparison, 2,140 deaths were reported in 2023-24, marking a rise of 407 fatalities in a single year. Lightning, Fire, and Heatwaves Beyond floods, lightning strikes claimed 305 lives in 2024-25, up from 242 in the previous year, with 29 add...
NEET Student Death Case: Rabri Devi Slams Government and CBI, Questions Handling of Investigation
Bihar, State

NEET Student Death Case: Rabri Devi Slams Government and CBI, Questions Handling of Investigation

PATNA: Tensions flared outside the Bihar Legislative Council as the opposition staged a protest over the suspicious death of a NEET student. Leading the demonstration, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi sharply criticized the state government and the CBI, alleging attempts to cover up the case and protect influential individuals. Opposition members expressed fears of collusion involving ruling party leaders. Opposition Raises Voice for Justice Opposition lawmakers, holding banners and posters, surrounded the council premises, chanting slogans against the government. Female members of the protest emphasized that injustice against daughters of Bihar will not be tolerated. The case involves a meritorious student from Jehanabad, whose death has raised serious questions about the police’s i...
Bihar Education Budget 2026-27: Highest Spending, But Quality Education Remains Elusive
Bihar, State

Bihar Education Budget 2026-27: Highest Spending, But Quality Education Remains Elusive

PATNA: Since Nitish Kumar came to power, his government has focused heavily on improving Bihar’s education system. Every year, the state allocates a significant portion of the budget to education, yet quality education remains largely out of reach for students across the state. Record Budget Allocation for Education In the 2026-27 Bihar budget, the highest expenditure once again goes to education. The combined budget for primary, secondary, and higher education is ₹68,217 crore, accounting for 19.63% of the total state budget, up from 19.24% in 2025-26. Despite this record spending, questions remain whether the government has succeeded in ensuring quality learning outcomes. Every Panchayat to Have a High School In June 2019, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the then Deputy CM Su...
“I Represent All of Bihar!” Assembly Sees Clash Between Ram and Shyam Over Farmers’ Issues
Bihar, State

“I Represent All of Bihar!” Assembly Sees Clash Between Ram and Shyam Over Farmers’ Issues

PATNA: The third day of the Bihar Assembly Budget Session 2026 witnessed a rare confrontation within the ruling party itself. JDU legislator Shyam Rajak sharply questioned his own government’s Agriculture Minister Ramkripal Yadav over the problems faced by farmers in Patna, sparking a heated debate in the House. The argument centered on no-entry zones and the shortage of local mandis, with the minister and legislator clashing over the best way to address farmers’ grievances. Shyam Rajak’s Direct Accusation Representing Phulwari Sharif, Shyam Rajak raised concerns on behalf of nearly 20,000 registered farmers in Phulwari and Punpun. He highlighted that due to the lack of local mandis and restrictions on entering urban markets, farmers are forced to sell their produce at Musallapur Haa...
KDA to Expand to 386 Villages, Paving Way for New Airport in Kanpur; CM Yogi Approves Master Plan 2031
State, Uttar Pradesh

KDA to Expand to 386 Villages, Paving Way for New Airport in Kanpur; CM Yogi Approves Master Plan 2031

KANPUR: The Uttar Pradesh government has given the green light to Kanpur’s Master Plan 2031, marking a major step in the city’s urban expansion and development. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the proposed plan on Wednesday and expressed satisfaction, instructing the Housing Principal Secretary to proceed with formal approvals. The plan is expected to receive final clearance next week. Under the new master plan, the Kanpur Development Authority (KDA) area will expand to include 386 villages across Kanpur Nagar, Unnao, and Kanpur Dehat districts. This expansion not only facilitates broader urban development but also clears the path for a new airport in Kanpur, significantly boosting regional connectivity. Presentation and Planning Details The master plan presentation in Luc...
Ayodhya’s Guptar Ghat Transforms into Ramayana-Era Setting; Open-Air Theater to Open by Holi
State, Uttar Pradesh

Ayodhya’s Guptar Ghat Transforms into Ramayana-Era Setting; Open-Air Theater to Open by Holi

AYODHYA: Guptar Ghat in the holy city of Ayodhya is set to transport visitors back to the epic era of the Ramayana. As part of a major tourism development initiative, about 90% of the work has already been completed, with an open-air theater expected to be inaugurated by Holi 2026. The project features grand statues of Ravana, Hanuman, and Jatayu, bringing the spirit of the Ramayana to life for pilgrims and tourists alike. Guptar Ghat holds immense historical and religious significance, as it is believed that Lord Shri Ram took Jal Samadhi here before ascending to the divine abode. Recognizing its spiritual and cultural importance, the Uttar Pradesh government is developing the site into a world-class tourism destination, complete with beautification, water sports facilities, modern par...