Wife among 8 held as suicide turns murder in Aurangabad

Aurangabad police swiftly apprehended eight individuals, including the victim's wife, in a murder case initially disguised as suicide. Ranjit Kumar was allegedly murdered by his wife, Priyanka Kumari, and her family, along with four villagers, after a dispute. The accused then staged the scene to resemble a suicide by hanging the body. All have confessed and are in judicial custody.

From clay to city shelves: Gorakhpurs terracotta trade

From Aurangabad village to urban retailers, Gorakhpurs terracotta trade grows steadily under ODOP support and artisan-led production.

Let's See If We'll Live: 4 Bihar Girls Die After Consuming Poison Out Of Curiosity

Four teenage girls died after consuming poison in Moti Bigha, Aurangabad, Bihar. Conflicting accounts cite curiosity and social shame.

Scolded for 'mingling with boys', 4 minor girls die by suicide in Bihar; fifth survives to tell tale

Tragedy struck in Aurangabad, Bihar, as four girls, aged 10-14, allegedly died by suicide after being reprimanded for associating with boys. The surviving fifth girl revealed they consumed poison together in a field. The incident, which occurred on January 29, came to light after local media reported it, prompting a police investigation.

Bomb threat email triggers evacuation at several civil courts in Patna, Aurangabad and Bhagalpur

Bihar's civil courts, including Patna, Aurangabad, and Bhagalpur, faced chaos Monday after a bomb threat email warned of RDX-laden IEDs. Premises were evacuated, and judicial proceedings, including Pappu Yadav's bail hearing, were deferred. Police investigations are underway, with initial findings suggesting a hoax. This marks the third such incident this year.

Siemens board decides to defer capex for setting up metro car assembly in Aurangabad

Due to continued delays in issuance of metro tenders

Bihar 'almost' rid of Maoist menace, no major incidents reported in last three to four years

PATNA: The Bihar government on Monday claimed that the State has 'almost' got rid of the Maoist menace. The number of Maoist-infested districts has declined from 22 to zero, with no major incidents reported in the past few years, according to Bihar Home departments additional chief secretary (ACS) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary. Stating that Naxal-related violence has not been reported in the past 3-4 years in the State, Chaudhary said the number of left-wing Maoist-infested districts has reduced to nil. The number of Naxal-infested districts used to be 22 in 2013, but now the number of such districts is nil because of anti-Naxal operations in the State. Now, there are only four districts of Gaya Ji, Aurangabad, Jamui and Lakhisarai which have been identified as legacy and thrust districts. Out of 1727 extremists/criminals arrested by STF, 141 extremists/criminals carried rewards on their heads, ACS revealed. A total of 220 Naxalites have been arrested, while one Naxalite has been killed in an encounter, Chaudhary said, adding that 59 regular arms, three arms looted from police, 496 country-made arms, 2166 cartridges, 299 kg of explosives, 135 landmine/cane bomb, 168 detonators have been seized, besides 20 mini gun factories were busted. The State has also witnessed a decline in the number of major criminal cases of murders, dacoity and riots compared to last year due to better and effective policing. Murder cases fell by 7.72 per cent, dacoity cases by 24.87 per cent and riot cases by 17.97 per cent in comparison to last year due to swift action by the police, he said while asserting that the decline in major criminal cases is significant. Combating Naxal menace a joint responsibility of centre and states: Bihar CM The polices swift action and strict vigil led to the arrest of 3.35 lakh persons between January 2025 and November 2025 in major criminal cases, he said. He added that 5620 persons were arrested in connection with murder cases, 1054 in dacoity cases, 2082 in loot cases, 3630 in SC & ST Act and in rape and kidnapping cases. Besides, police seized 4528 firearms and 28414 cartridges during the same period. A better intelligence gathering mechanism has led to a gradual reduction in incidents of communal tensions in the state, he said. Chaudhary was addressing the media persons here at Suchna Bhawan. He was accompanied by DGP Vinay Kumar, ADG (Law & Order) Pankaj Kumar Darad, Secretary & IG (Jail) Pranav Kumar, and Special Secretary K S Anupam were present during the Press Conference. A seperate cyber crime control unit to be set up With a view to give special thrust on rising cyber-related incidents, a separate vertical structure for the cyber crime control unit has been set up in the State, and it will be headed by an ADG-rank police official, DGP Vinay Kumar said. A total of 24.38 lakh cyber-related complaint calls have been received on the NCRP helpline portal till December 15, 2025, he said, while adding that 1.10 lakh online complaints and 24,100 online complaints relating to other cyber crimes have been reported on the NCRP portal this year. Prosecution For effective implementation of three new criminal cases, the prosecution directorate has been strengthened, for which various categories of 760 posts have been created for the Bihar Prosecution Service, DGP said, adding that the Bihar Electronic Order (for issuance, receipt and disposal) Rules 2025 and E-Sakshya Management Rules 2025 have been notified. A district prosecution directorate has been constituted in every district, he said, adding that Bihar has become the first state to launch trial in absentia following the implementation of new criminal laws of BNS, BNSS. Home Ministry declares six Bihar districts Naxal-free A total of 2,99,927 pending cases have been disposed of in the year 2025, he said and added that 1,43,878 accused persons have been sentenced in 1,05,291 cases. Four convicts were awarded capital punishment, while 1097 got life imprisonment, 533 got more than 10 years of imprisonment, 1410 received less than 10 years and more than 2 years of jail, while 1,37,983 convicts were fined/released on bond. Bihar has become the first state to get convictions of accused persons within 15 days of trial in connection with the Sidhwalia PS case 232/2024 in Gopalganj district. The trial was completed within a record time, DGP said, adding that the earlier record of completing the fastest trial was 48 days.

Fresh PIL in SC seeks law on menstrual pain leave for women

NEW DELHI: A fresh Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Union of India, States and Union Territories to frame laws or policies recognising the problems faced by women during menstrual pain and to provide necessary relief, including the grant of leave, in consonance with Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The PIL has been filed by lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who has urged the apex court to intervene and address what he described as a legislative and policy vacuum affecting working women and female students. Issue directions to fill in the lacunae that exists regarding grant of relief in the nature of leave etc, to the working women & female students under exercise of power under Article 32 read with Articles 14, 21 and Articles 141 and 142 of the Indian Constitution, the PIL said. Tripathi highlighted in his plea that several private Indian companies have already introduced paid menstrual leave for their female employees. These include Ivipanan, Zomato, Byjus, Swiggy, Mathrubhumi, Magzter, Industry ARC, FlyMyBiz and Gozoop. He also pointed out that the Kerala government has granted menstrual leave to students in State universities, allowing them up to 60 days in a year. The prestigious institutions like NLIU Bhopal and MNLU Aurangabad have implemented menstrual leave policies. Punjab University has also approved and granted menstrual leave to the students, Tripathi said in the PIL. The petitioner further submitted that the menstrual status of a woman is a personal matter intrinsic to her privacy and must be treated with dignity and without discrimination. He argued that this requires the State to introduce measures that provide appropriate relief to women during menstrual pain so that they are able to cope with the suffering and protect their personal rights with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, sought directions to all States to frame a policy for menstrual pain leave for female students and working women under the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Earlier, Tripathi had filed a similar plea before the Supreme Court seeking directions on the issue. However, the court had asked him to approach the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), which could take an appropriate decision in the matter. After complying with the courts order, Tripathi submitted a representation to the WCD but did not receive any relief, following which he approached the Supreme Court again seeking redressal of his prayers. The petitioner has sought directions that during the menstrual period, if a woman suffers pain or other physical discomfort that makes it difficult for her to continue with her normal activities at the workplace, her request for leave or other suitable relief should be considered without discrimination, subject to reasonable and dignified conditions, keeping in mind that the issue concerns womens privacy. He also stressed that India has signed and ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which recognises the need for non-discriminatory practices and for treating women with dignity. Spain has recently enacted a law to introduce menstrual leave, thereby addressing the problem of menstrual pain. Vietnam has also enacted and implemented menstrual leave policies. Countries like the United Kingdom, Wales, China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea and Zambia have different policies or laws on the grant of menstrual leave, he added in his PIL.

bmc-election-2025-dates-to-remember-as-election-commission-of-maharashtra-confirms-navi-mumbai-pune-heading-to-polling-booths

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is among the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra to which elections will be held on January 15, Wednesday. The counting of votes is scheduled for January 16, Friday, the State Election Commission (SEC) announced on Monday. Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are among the other prominent civic bodies going to polls. He reportedly confirmed that the election code of conduct has now come into force in all 29 local bodies. As many as 2,869 seats in these municipal corporations will be up for grabs in these local bodies, where elections are due since early 2022. Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the nomination process will begin on December 23, Tuesday with candidates allowed to make their submissions for a week until December 30. Scrutiny of papers will be done on December 31, and January 2, Friday, will be the last date of withdrawal of nominations, he said. Symbol allocation and the final list of candidates will be published on January 3. Polling in the 29 municipal corporations spread across Maharashtra will take place on January 15 and votes will be counted the next day, news agency PTI quoted Waghmare as saying. He said these 29 civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), have 2,869 seats on offer and 3.48 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in these major urban centres of the state. After long and tiring political blame games and court battles, the Supreme Court had finally given the deadline of January 31 to conduct the polls, reported Marathi media. Full list of local bodies heading to polls: BMC Pune Municipal Corporation Nagpur Municipal Corporation Solapur Municipal Corporation Kolhapur Municipal Corporation Thane Municipal Corporation Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Nashik Municipal Corporation Aurangabad Municipal Corporation Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation Amravati Municipal Corporation New Mumbai Municipal Corporation NandedWaghala Municipal Corporation Ulhas Nagar Municipal Corporation Sangli-Miraj-Kupwara Municipal Corporation Malegaon Municipal Corporation Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation Akola Municipal Corporation Bhayander Municipal Corporation Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation Dhule Municipal Corporation Jalgaon Municipal Corporation Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation Parbhani Municipal Corporation Chandrapur Municipal Corporation Latur Municipal Corporation Panvel Municipal Corporation Ichalkaranji Municipal Corporation Jalna Municipal Corporation Dates to remember: Application submission window: December 2330, 2025 Application scrutiny: December 31, 2025 Last date for withdrawal of candidature: January 2, 2026 Election symbol allocation and release of final candidate list: January 3, 2026 Polling date: January 15, 2026 Counting of votes: January 16, 2026

Licences of 176 retailers, 39 wholesalers cancelled over substandard medicines: Maharashtra Minister

Maharashtras Food and Drug Administration Minister said 36 samples were tested at 10 locations across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur divisions, of which 34 were found to be substandard

Bihar government to set up 100 fast-track courts to dispose of pending cases

PATNA: Bihar deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who is also holding the portfolio of home department, on Sunday announced that 100 fast track courts (FTCs) would be established in Bihar for speedy disposal of pending cases in the courts. The fast track courts aim to reduce the burden on the judiciary and provide due attention and time to cases of a sensitive nature. Chaudhary said that these fast-track courts would lessen the burden on courts considerably, considering that more than 18 lakh cases were pending in various courts of the state. He informed eight fast-track courts have been proposed in Patna, while four courts each will be established in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur. Home Minister said that three fast-track courts each would be set up in Nalanda (Biharsharif), Rohtas (Sasaram), Saran (Chapra), Begusarai, Vaishali (Hajipur), East Champaran (Motihari), Samastipur, and Madhubani. Similarly, two fast-track courts each will operate in West Champaran (Bettiah), Saharsa, Purnea, Munger, Nawada, Jehanabad, Arwal, Aurangabad, Kaimur (Bhabua), Buxar, Bhojpur (Ara), Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Siwan, Gopalganj, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, Banka, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, and Khagaria. In addition, it is proposed to establish one fast-track court each in the Naugachhiaand Bagaha sub-divisional courts. Chaudhary said, cases jointly identified by the district magistrates and superintendents of Police will be disposed of on a priority basis. A large-scale recruitment of personnel will also be undertaken for the establishment of a total of 100 fast-track courts across 38 districts and sub-divisions of the state. A total of 900 positions are proposed for each court, comprising eight types of posts -- bench clerk, office clerk, stenographer, deposition writer, data entry operator, driver, process server, and peon or orderly. As many as 79 courts will be specially set up for the speedy disposal of cases pending under the Arms Act. Bihar government was of the opinion that quick resolution of serious cases like those under the Arms Act would improve law and order in the state, Chaudhary added.

Six J&K fencers selected for National Coaching camp at NCE Aurangabad

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 3: The Jammu & Kashmir Fencing Association (JKFA) announced a historic milestone as six talented fencers from J&K have qualified for the National Coaching Camp organized by the Sports Authority of India and the Fencing Association of India at the National Centre of Excellence, Aurangabad. The camp, sanctioned from December 1 to 31, will prepare athletes for the upcoming Asian Games and other international competitions. As per handout issued the fencers were selected based on [] The post Six J&K fencers selected for National Coaching camp at NCE Aurangabad appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks Announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to Strengthen the Coffee Value Chain from Bean to Cup

Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.

Snake venom worth Rs 80 crore seized in Jharkhand; three smugglers arrested

RANCHI: A joint team of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has seized snake venom worth approximately 80 crore in the international market. According to PTR officials, they recovered a total of 1.2 kg of snake venom, collected locally and prepared for smuggling abroad. The team also recovered 2.5 kg of pangolin scales during the operation. PTR officials stated that the operation was conducted on the basis of a tip-off received about the illegal trade of snake venom in the Palamu region. Three alleged smugglers, including a father and son, have been arrested in the case. Operation against the entire network is still on and the poison, which was collected locally, has also been recovered. We will send the recovered material to the laboratory for testing, said PTR Deputy Director Prajeshkant Jena. He, however, refused to divulge further details, citing that raids are still ongoing. The seized venom is valued at approximately 80 crore in the international market, while the pangolin scales are valued at around 20 lakh. Those arrested have been identified as Mohammad Siraj (60), a resident of Dev in Bihars Aurangabad district; his son Mohammad Miraj (36); and Raju Kumar Shaundik (50), a resident of Kauwakhoh under Hariharganj police station in Palamu. Raju runs a shop in the Hariharganj market and also sells herbs for a living. According to information provided by forest officials, they had received a tip-off that snake venom was being collected locally and sold in the international market. Based on this information, the accused were kept under surveillance for several days. First, the father-son duo was arrested from Bihar, followed by the arrest of Raju Kumar Shaundik from Hariharganj. Investigations revealed that Raju was involved in the jaggery trade as well as the smuggling of snake venom, said a local forest official requesting anonymity. The arrested persons have also admitted during interrogation that the venom was collected locally and supplied to the international market, he added. Notably, snake venom is used as a drug and is priced at up to 8 lakh per gram in the international market. Officials added that the phones of the accused have been seized and the entire network involved in the illegal trade of snake venom and pangolin scales is being investigated. The pangolin scales recovered during the raid belong to a rare mammal. These scales are used in the manufacture of medicines in China, Vietnam and several other countries, generating high demand in the international market.

Bihar assembly election: Litmus test for NDA, Mahagathbandhan in second and final phase

PATNA: The second phase of Bihar assembly polls will be like a litmus test for both ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan, as both alliances are apparently evenly poised in the first round. The second phase of polling will take place in 122 constituencies across 20 districts of Bihar. After the first round of the election , held on November 6, which finished with a record voter turnout, the second phase polls to be held on Tuesday will decide which alliance will finally form the government in the state. As many as 40 seats in Tirhut, 24 in Seemanchal, 26 in Magadh, and 22 seats in Shahabad regions will go to the polls in the second phase. The 122 seats going to polls in the second and final phase are spread across 20 districts of Bihars central, western and northern regions. BJP traditionally dominated Tirhut, Saran, and northern Mithilanchal regions, whereas JD(U) has a strong ground in Bhagalpur. Mahagathbandhan , on the other hand, has dominant base in Magadh and Shahabad regions covering the districts of Jehabanad, Gaya, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur, Arwal, and Nawada. Congress, however, does not have a strong influence in this region and it largely rallied on its allies. While the opposition Mahagathbandhan faces the challenge of repeating its performance in Shahabad and Magadh regions, the ruling NDA will have to perform better in these regions and also hold its electoral bastions intact. In the 2020 assembly elections, the NDA dominated in Tirhut, while the Mahagathbandhan performed better in Magadh and Shahabad regions. During that election, Mahagathbandhan won only seven out of the 24 assembly seats in Seemanchal, whereas NDA won 31 out of the 40 seats in Tirhut region. Opposition shielding infiltrators for vote bank politics: Shah Tirhut played a significant role in bringing the NDA to power. The Mahagathbandhan won only nine seats here in 2020 assembly election. This crushing defeat in this region kept the party away from power. If the NDA retains its grip on Tirhut and succeeds in breaching the Mahagathbandhans bastions in Magadh and Shahabad or if the Mahagathbandhan defends its hold in Magadh while making gains in Tirhut the overall electoral dynamics could shift significantly. The 24 seats in Seemanchal are crucial in determining the formation of the government. In the last assembly elections, out of the 24 seats in Seemanchal, the BJP won eight, JD (U) four, Congress five, RJD and CPI (ML) one each, while AIMIM won five seats. The Mahagathbandhan is trying to consolidate its core voters in Seemanchal, while the NDA is working to further strengthen its position there. The presence of AIMIM and Jan Suraaj Party has made the election a triangular contest. This time too, Seemanchal has witnessed a power-packed campaign by all political parties. From rallies by BJP bigwigs, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, to the Rahul Gandhi-led Voter Adhikar Yatra, all parties have walked the extra mile to woo the Seemanchal voters. The Magadh region includes Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada, Jehanabad, and Arwal districts. In 2020, Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM party held the Imamganj, Tikari, and Barachatti seats in Gaya district. In 2025, HAM candidates are facing tough competition on all three seats. BJP is contesting from Gaya Town, JD (U) from Belaganj, Congress from Wazirganj, and LJP from Sherghati. Similarly, the prestige of the state Congress president Rajesh Ram is at stake in Kutumba, Aurangabad. The situation has changed for NDA as union minister Chirag Paswans LJP (RV) and former union minister Upendra Kushwaha`s RLM are contesting the polls this time as allies of the ruling alliance. In addition to it, Bihar governments scheme, 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojan' may also tilt the balance in faovur of the NDA this time, remarked political analyst. Under the scheme, women have received Rs 10,000 for opening their own businesses as the government would provide subsequent support up to Rs 2 lakh. In the 2020 Assembly election, the Mahagathbandhan won 20 seats, though its performance in Magadh, like in Shahabad, was weakened by rifts among its Kushwaha and Scheduled Caste supporters. The NDA failed to win any seats in Magadhs three districts Jehanabad, Aurangabad, and Arwal. This time, the NDA has replaced several candidates in the region and allotted six seats to its new ally, LJP (RV), which had contested independently in 2020. Nitish Kumar was, is, and will be Bihar's CM: BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad

Rajnath hits out at Revanth, alleges Congress trying to divide nation on religious lines

Aurangabad/Sasaram, Nov 9: Hitting out at Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for his Congress means Muslims comment, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday alleged the opposition party was trying to divide the country on the basis of religion. Addressing back-to-back rallies in Bihars Aurangabad and Sasaram districts on the last day of the campaign for the assembly elections, Singh claimed that the BJP-led NDA does not divide people on the basis of religion, caste or creed, as it believes in the [] The post Rajnath hits out at Revanth, alleges Congress trying to divide nation on religious lines appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Bihar doesnt want return of jungle raj, says Modi

PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a strong attack on the Opposition, warning that the people of Bihar did not want a return of katta sarkar or jungle raj. Addressing an election rally in Aurangabad, Modi said incidents of crime and extortion would rise if those responsible for lawlessness in the past came back to power. They are already talking about turning children into rangdars (gangsters). They are openly declaring that if their leaders government comes to power, there will be katta (gun), donali (double-barrel rifle), firauti (extortion), rangdari (ransom) all of them will return, he said. He accused the Opposition of turning Bihar into a hub of migrant workers during its rule. Jungle raj wallahs stand for everything that blocks investment and employment generation. They must have tried to create mischief this time as well, but I praise the Election Commission for conducting orderly polls, he said. Modi also took a dig at the Mahagathbandhans election manifesto, calling it a bunch of lies. He said even Congress leaders had no trust in it and were silent. RJD gave Congress those seats it had never won in 3540 years, he added, claiming that the RJD stole the Opposition alliances CM face at gunpoint. The Prime Minister said the record turnout in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly polls showed peoples trust in the track record of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar. Record-breaking turnout indicates women, farmers, and youth have decided to retain the NDA government in Bihar, he said. It is confirmed from the first phase phir ek baar NDA sarkar, Bihar mein phir se sushashan sarkar (once again NDA government, once again good governance in Bihar). He said his government had kept its promises, citing the Ram temple, abrogation of Article 370, and Operation Sindoor. Yesterday, voters of Bihar broke all records. Much credit goes to mothers and sisters who turned up in large numbers, taking turnout to around 65 percent, he said. Addressing another rally in Kaimur, Modi said Opposition confidence had been deflated. INDIA blocs election manifesto a bunch of lies Prime Minister Modi also took a dig at the INDIA blocs election manifesto, calling it a bunch of lies. He said even Congress leaders had no trust in the manifesto and were silent. The RJD gave the Congress those seats it had never won in 3540 years, the PM added, claiming that the RJD stole the Opposition alliances chief ministerial face at gunpoint.

Entire world witnessed Pakistans collapse in Op Sindoor: PM

Says Modi track record is in front of everyone, I do what I say Aurangabad (Bihar), Nov 7: Asserting that everyone has seen Pakistan getting destroyed in Operation Sindoor Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Friday said that every promise made by his government has been kept. Addressing a public rally in [] The post Entire world witnessed Pakistans collapse in Op Sindoor: PM appeared first on Northlines .

Modi-Nitish track record is of keeping promises: PM Modi

Modi addressed two rallies in Bihar on Friday - in Aurangabad and Bhabua - where he claimed that the high voting percentage in Bihar in the first phase has ruffled the Mahagatbandhan, underlining that this is an indicator of people's faith in the governance track record of Narendra-Nitish dispensations.

Tejashwi Yadav says Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj will have no impact on Bihar polls

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday said that poll strategist Prashant Kishor, whose party Jan Suraaj made its electoral debut in the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections on Thursday, would have no impact on the outcome. In an interview with NDTV , Yadav dismissed speculation that Kishors party could split votes from the RJD. This question about which party will damage us or who can help us the RJD has been pushed into this narrative. Some will claim that in the last election Chirag Paswan helped us or speculate Kishor will steal votes from us in this election but we have nothing to do with this, he said. Yadav added, I have only belief that we are going to form the government and Bihar will change. He also referenced past tensions in the BJP-JDU alliance, noting that in the previous election, Chirag Paswans Lok Janshakti Party contested independently, which affected the BJP-JDU vote share. Paswans solo run took away nearly 5.7 per cent votes from the BJP-led alliance at the same time, the opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD, picked up nearly nine per cent more than it got in 2015, Yadav said, according to NDTV . Tejashwis favourite CM is Stalin, whose party compares Biharis with bidis: Amit Shah Many observers have drawn parallels between Kishors Jan Suraaj and Paswans earlier role, with speculation that the new party could act as a third front and influence the vote, particularly among young and educated voters. However, Yadav dismissed the idea that Kishor could be a game-changer. He also ruled out any significant role for Asaduddin Owaisis All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in the election, indicating that the contest will primarily be between the ruling NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD(U) and the BJP, and the opposition Mahagathbandhan, fronted by the RJD and Congress. The first phase of polling covered 121 of Bihars 243 Assembly seats, recording a voter turnout of 64.66 per cent, the highest in the states history. Yadav said that this high participation is a positive sign. I have positive feedback from everywhere. People want change They want a Bihar free from corruption; they want Bihar to be a hub of IT, textiles, food processing, agro-based industry, Yadav said, according to the NDTV interview. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the record voter turnout in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections showed that people had reposed their faith in the track record of Narendra and Nitish. Addressing a rally in Aurangabad district, Modi predicted a clear victory for the NDA, led in Bihar by Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, and lauded the Election Commission for conducting peaceful polls across 121 constituencies. BJP leaders, who cast votes in Delhi, also voted in first phase of Bihar polls: Rahul Gandhi

Tejashwis favourite CM is Stalin, whose party compares Biharis with bidis: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday criticised RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for calling Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin his favourite CM, alleging that the DMK had previously insulted Biharis by comparing them to bidis. Someone asked Lalus son who his favourite CM is. He said Stalin, do you know who he is? His party compares Biharis with bidis. His party insults Biharis and disgraces them. Tejashwis favourite is this CM, Shah claimed at a rally in Bhagalpur. He also accused the DMK of opposing the construction of the Ram Temple and insulting Sanatan Dharma. The remarks come after Stalin last week criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his alleged comments that DMK leaders harassed workers from Bihar, asking the PM to avoid cheap politics targeting Tamils ahead of elections. Shah also targeted the broader opposition, saying the RJD-Congress combine had no development agenda for Bihar. Lalu-Rahul-Rabri have not done anything for the poor, except patronising infiltrators who are taking away jobs, foodgrain, and other resources, he said. He described the Mahagathbandhan as a thagbandhan, lacking both policy direction and unity. Tejashwi Yadav says Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj will have no impact on Bihar polls Addressing security concerns, Shah alleged that Maoists reigned supreme in Bihars Gaya, Aurangabad, Jamui, and other districts during Lalu Prasads tenure as Chief Minister and credited the current government with eliminating Naxalism. If you want to prevent jungle raj, vote for the NDA, he said. In this Naxal-affected area, around 150 Naxals had hijacked the Dhanbad-Patna Express, killing three people. The area was completely under Naxal control. But now, thanks to PM Modis efforts, it is Naxal-free. Earlier, voting used to end by 3 PM; now, people can vote till 5 PM, Shah said. He also took a dig at Lalu Prasad Yadav, claiming that if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power, it would create a new department called Apaharan (kidnapping). He also criticised the Congress leadership, alleging that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi did not have the courage to respond to repeated terror attacks during the UPA regime. Shah further promised a series of development initiatives in Bihar if the NDA retains power. Speaking at rallies in Jamui and Bihpur, he announced plans for an electric vehicle manufacturing cluster, a defence corridor, world-class expressways, new highways, medical and engineering colleges, and an investment of Rs 20,000 crore in pisciculture. He also reiterated support for the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Goddess Sita in Bihar. On the political front, Shah warned voters about potential law-and-order issues under an RJD government. No one can prevent riots in Bhagalpur if the RJD wins the Bihar polls. You have to decide whether you want the kidnapping industry in Diara or the development of tourism, he said. BJP leaders, who cast votes in Delhi, also voted in first phase of Bihar polls: Rahul Gandhi

People trust the track record of Narendra-Nitish: Modi hails record turnout in Bihar polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the record voter turnout in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections showed that people had reposed their faith in the track record of Narendra and Nitish. Addressing a rally in Aurangabad district, Modi predicted a clear victory for the NDA, led in Bihar by Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, and lauded the Election Commission for conducting peaceful polls across 121 constituencies. Never before in Bihars history has the turnout been so high. Much of the credit goes to mothers and sisters who came out in large numbers, raising the turnout to nearly 65%. It is evident that they trust the track record of Narendra-Nitish, the Prime Minister said. Asserting that people voted to ensure the NDAs return to power for good governance, Modi said voters had rejected the false promises of the RJD-led opposition. Even Congress, despite being its ally, doesnt trust RJDs promises, he remarked. Taking a dig at the opposition, Modi warned against the return of jungle raj, recalling the violence and Naxal insurgency that marked past elections. The jungle raj wallahs have taught even children to speak of katta and dunaali. They stand for everything that blocks investment and jobs, he said. He also praised the Election Commission for conducting orderly polls despite attempts by jungle raj elements to create trouble. Modi credited Nitish Kumar with ending jungle raj but noted that he faced non-cooperation from the Congress-led UPA during his first nine years as Chief Minister. Reiterating his commitment to promises made, the PM cited the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the abrogation of Article 370, and Operation Sindoor as examples. I do what I promise. You saw what happened to the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack in Operation Sindoor, he said. Speaking in a region known for its large number of soldiers, Modi highlighted the one rank one pension scheme, saying Rs 1 lakh crore had been transferred to ex-servicemen. The RJD people might not even know how many zeros are in one lakh crore, he quipped. Referring to the land-for-jobs scam involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family, Modi said, They promised jobs but made people give up their land. Now they are out on bail. Accusing the opposition of politics of insults, Modi said, They mocked Chhathi Maiya by calling it a drama and spoke ill of Maha Kumbh. On November 11, when the second phase of polls is held, you must punish them. He was referring to Lalu Prasads past remarks on the Maha Kumbh and Congress leader Rahul Gandhis criticism of Modis symbolic Chhath offering.

Prashant Kishor slams PM Modi: 'You want votes from Bihar, but set up factories in Gujarat?'

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, campaigning in Bihar's Aurangabad ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections, accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and PM Narendra Modi of neglecting Bihar's development while questioning corruption, high electricity bills, and lack of industries.

Bihar: Kishor urges citizens to vote for childrens future in Aurangabad, reacts to H Files

Samsung announces winners of Solve for Tomorrow 2025 Innovation Challenge

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 4: Samsung, Indias largest consumer electronics brand today announced the top four winners of its flagship national innovation programme, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025. The initiative, now in its fourth year, encourages young innovators to create tech-driven solutions addressing real-world challenges in Indian communities. The winning teams, Percevia (Bengaluru), NextPlay.AI (Aurangabad), Paraspeak (Gurugram) and Prithvi Rakshak (Palamu), secured Rs 1 crore in incubation grants and will continue developing their prototypes at IIT Delhis FITT Labs with [] The post Samsung announces winners of Solve for Tomorrow 2025 Innovation Challenge appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rahul Promises to Transform Bihar Into Manufacturing Hub

Addressing back-to-back rallies in Aurangabad and Gayaji, Mr Gandhi charged Mr Modi with promoting addiction to social media

Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of distracting youth with social-media reels

Aurangabad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the youth to remain busy in making social media reels, so that they stay distracted from pressing problems about education, health and employment. Addressing back-to-back rallies in Bihars Aurangabad and Gayaji, Gandhi charged the PM with promoting addiction to social media. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Rahul Gandhis army controlled by 10% comment triggers fresh controversy

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has sparked a fresh controversy with his remarks suggesting that only a small section of the population -- primarily from upper castes -- dominates key institutions in India, including the armed forces, reports said. Speaking at an election rally in Bihars Aurangabad ahead of the Assembly polls beginning November 6, Gandhi said, Only 10 percent of the countrys population -- the upper castes -- get opportunities in corporate sectors, the bureaucracy, and the judiciary. Even the Army is under their control. He argued that the remaining 90 percent of Indians -- comprising backward classes, Dalits, Scheduled Tribes, and other minorities -- are largely absent from positions of influence. Reiterating his demand for a national caste census, Gandhi said such data is essential to ensure equal representation and to protect the Constitution. We want to know how many Dalits, OBCs, women, and minorities are there. If 90 percent of the people dont have participatory rights, the Constitution cannot be protected, he said. Gandhi also claimed that there are no Dalits in Indias top 500 companies, underscoring what he described as deep-rooted inequality in access to opportunities. This is not the first time his comments about the military have drawn criticism. Earlier, the Supreme Court had reprimanded him for remarks made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, in which he alleged that Chinese troops were thrashing Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh.

PM Wants Youth To Remain Busy Making Social Media Reels So That They Dont Raise Questions: Rahul

Aurangabad, Nov 4: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the youth to remain busy in making social media reels, so that they stay distracted from pressing problems about education, health and employment. Addressing a poll rally in Bihars Aurangabad, Gandhi charged the PM with promoting addiction to social media. Modi wants you to become addicted to making reels, Instagram, Facebook This is the new high (nasha) of the 21st century. He wants such [] The post PM Wants Youth To Remain Busy Making Social Media Reels So That They Dont Raise Questions: Rahul appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM wants youth to remain busy making social media reels so that they don't raise questions: Rahul Gandhi

AURANGABAD: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the youth to remain busy in making social media reels, so that they stay distracted from pressing problems about education, health and employment. Addressing a poll rally in Bihar's Aurangabad, Gandhi charged the PM with promoting addiction to social media. Modi wants you to become addicted to making reels, Instagram, Facebook. This is the new high of the 21st century. He wants such a scenario because this would ensure that the youth remain distracted, and do not hold his government accountable for their problems about education, health and employment, he alleged. Gandhi also claimed that Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were indulging in 'vote chori' (vote theft) in Bihar, as they know the NDA would not win the assembly polls. The INDIA bloc, if voted to power in Bihar, will be a government of the extremely backward, socially marginalised and Dalits, the former Congress president asserted. Slamming the NDA government in the state, Gandhi accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of turning the youth of Bihar into labourers. Question paper leaks are also a regular affair in Bihar, benefitting the financially rich students, alleged Gandhi

Homecoming Vote: Migrant workers returning for Chhath puja could decide Bihar polls

NEW DELHI: With nearly 70 lakh Bihari migrant workers returning home for the Chhath festival on October 2728, just a week before the first phase of Bihar Assembly polls, political experts expect a surge in voter turnout across the state's 243 constituencies. The Assembly polls will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting and results scheduled for November 14. According to estimates, around 2.5 to 3.1 crore Biharis work outside the state, including 8090 lakh who migrate annually for work as labourers, masons, mechanics, and other trades. The migrant workers coming home, mostly labourers and employees working in factories, construction sites, and offices across India, are being considered a decisive voter bloc. Many of them are likely to stay back and vote, especially in districts that recorded low polling in 2020. Both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan (opposition grand alliance) are urging migrant workers to stay back and vote, portraying it as a duty to ensure a better future for Bihar. The majority of those who come (for the festival) belong to Scheduled Castes and marginalised communities whose families benefit from government welfare schemes. Their womenfolk will certainly think of the NDA, not the RJD, claimed a BJP leader. However, RJD leaders disagreed, claiming that the migrant workers facing hardship in other BJP-ruled states would not vote for the NDA in Bihar. Those who face hardship outside Bihar due to unemployment and poor development under NDA rule will never vote for the NDA, said a senior RJD functionary. Those who feel humiliated or exploited in other states are less likely to vote for parties aligned with those governments, admitted a senior NDA leader, requesting anonymity. The NDA leader, however hoped that rust in Modi and the work done by Nitish Kumar may convince the migrant workers to back the JDU-led alliance. While the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan has made joblessness a central campaign issue, the ruling NDA has highlighted job creation and social welfare to counter the attack. Both camps are actively reaching out to returning migrants through local networks, community meetings, and WhatsApp groups. Districts such as Purnia, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Saharsa, Sitamarhi, Gaya, Jehanabad, Saran, Motihari, Jamui, Nawada, and Aurangabad all major hubs of outmigration are expected to see higher participation this time. Poll analysts believe the Kosi region, plagued by recurrent floods and high migration, could witness a sharp rise in voting, with nearly half of the returnees expected to stay through election day. Similar trends are anticipated in the Tirhut and Purnia divisions, depending on migrants ability to sustain themselves economically after Chhath. Waqf Act will be thrown into dustbin if INDIA bloc voted to power in Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav JD(U) expels 11 leaders for anti-party activities in poll-bound Bihar