Indian companies raise over $50 billion via foreign loans in FY25 till February

Indian companies' external commercial borrowings surpassed $50 billion in FY25, with February registrations at $2.63 billion. Tata Steel led borrowers, raising $750 million for overseas investments. Varanasi Aurangabad NH-2 Tollway secured over $370 million for refinancing and infrastructure, while NBFCs like Mahindra & Mahindra Financial also tapped into foreign loans.

Road accidents claim 91 lives in last 3 months in Aurangabad dist: Govt data

Thane man sentenced to seven years in jail for kidnapping minor, court drops rape charges

THANE: A court in Maharashtra's Thane district has convicted a 47-year-old man for kidnapping a minor girl and sentenced him to 7 years in jail. Additional Sessions Judge (Kalyan) P R Ashturkar, however, dropped rape charges pressed against Deepak, alias Ganesh Bhanudas Bhuktar, citing lack of evidence. A copy of the order passed on April 8 was made available on Friday. Ambernath resident Bhuktar was booked in March 2018 after being accused of kidnapping the 13-year-old girl and taking her to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, then Aurangabad. Judge Ashturkar held that the minor's lack of consent or resistance was irrelevant in a kidnapping case. The court also said that Bhuktar had secretly given her a phone, which was indicative of malicious intent. The kidnapping charge has been proved beyond reasonable doubt, the court held. However, the court found the rape allegations lacked specific and clear evidence. It said the girl and her mother failed to provide any specific details regarding the alleged sexual assault, including date, time, or place. Furthermore, the medical evidence did not support forceful sexual assault, the court said, acquitting Bhuktar of rape charges under the Indian Penal Code (IP) and Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court then convicted Bhuktar of kidnapping and sentenced him to seven years in jail and imposed a fine of Rs 3,000 on him. Additional Public Prosecutor Sachin Kulkarni said six prosecution witnesses, including the teenager and her mother, were examined during the trial.

Aurangzebs tomb row: Maha BJP leaders demand to rename Khuldabad to Ratnapur

Members of the ruling party in Maharashtra have demanded to rename Khuldabad, where the Mughal emperor Aurangzebs tomb is located, to Ratnapur. Khuldabad, which is located 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad), has been at the centre of political controversy after far-right politicians, including Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat, have raised intense demands 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 .

Human teeth not a dangerous weapon: HC after woman alleges being bitten by sister-in-law

MUMBAI: Human teeth cannot be considered as a dangerous weapon which would cause serious harm, the Bombay High Court said quashing an FIR filed on a woman's complaint against her in-laws, wherein she alleged her sister-in-law bit her. The complainant's medical certificates show there was only simple hurt caused by teeth marks, Justices Vibha Kankanwadi and Sanjay Deshmukh of the HC's Aurangabad bench said in the order on April 4. As per the FIR lodged in April 2020 on the woman's complaint, during a scuffle, one of her sisters-in-law bit her, thus causing her harm with a dangerous weapon. The accused were booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for causing harm with dangerous weapons, hurting someone and causing injury. The court in its order said, Human teeth cannot be said to be a dangerous weapon. It allowed a petition filed by the accused and quashed the FIR. Under section 324 of the Indian Penal Code (causing hurt using a dangerous weapon), the hurt should be by means of an instrument that is likely to cause death or serious harm, the HC said. The medical certificates of the complainant in the present case show there was only simple hurt caused by teeth marks, the court said. It would be an abuse of the process of law to make the accused face trial when the offence under section 324 is not made out, the HC said and quashed the FIR. The court noted there appears to be a property dispute between the accused and the complainant.

Khultabad town, housing Aurangzeb tomb, to be renamed as Ratnapur: Minister Sanjay Shirsat

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has said the name of Khultabad town, where the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is located, will be changed to Ratnapur. The minister for social justice, some other state leaders and right-wing outfits have been demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb from Khultabad, located around 25 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city. The graves of Aurangzeb, his son Azam Shah, Nizam Asaf Jah and many others are located in the area. Last month, Shirsat said there was no place in Maharashtra for the grave of Aurangzeb, the cruel emperor who tortured and executed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Speaking to reporters here over the weekend, Shirsat said Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was earlier known as Khadki, and later renamed as Aurangabad. Likewise, Khultabad was earlier known as Ratnapur. Names of many places were changed during the reign of Aurangzeb. We are going to change the name of Khultabad to Ratnapur, the Shiv Sena leader said. We are conducting a process of changing the names of all those places having 'bad' (like Auranga'bad') in their names. Ratnapur was changed to Khultabad during Aurangzeb's rule, the guardian minister of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district said. The government is positive about making a memorial there (in Khultabad) which will showcase the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji Maharaj, Shirsat said. INTERVIEW | Ignorance about historical Aurangzeb, anti-Muslim hate undergird calls to destroy his tomb: Audrey Truschke

Man bobbitises sister-in-laws rapist in Aurangabad, held

Graveyard gate torched in Bihar's Aurangabad, police boost security ahead of Ram Navami

PATNA: Tension gripped Aurangabad town in Bihar after unidentified miscreants damaged a structure and set fire to the entrance gate of a graveyard at Navadih under the town police limits late on Saturday. The district administration deployed additional armed police personnel in the locality as a precautionary measure. Police said unidentified anti-socials barged into the graveyard and damaged part of a structure. They later vandalised the main entrance gate and set it ablaze, allegedly to provoke members of the Muslim community. However, the situation was brought under control due to the timely intervention of senior district officials. Ambarish Rahul, superintendent of police (SP), Aurangabad, said, Additional police force has been deployed in the sensitive pockets of the town. Processions will be taken out in the town on the occasion of Ram Navami, he said, adding that security has been beefed up ahead of the religious event. He said a meeting with members of the peace committee was held under the leadership of sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Sadar, Sanjay Kumar Pandey. Those present at the meeting appreciated the restraint maintained by members of the minority community. SDPO Pandey said the identity of those involved in the incident was being ascertained. Nobody will be spared whosoever they may be, he added. Police also staged a flag march in the town to instil confidence among residents.

15-year-old girl gang-raped in Bihar's Rohtas, accused held

PATNA: A 15-year-old girl was gang raped by two youth in Bihars Rohtas district, police said on Saturday. The incident took place when the victim, a native of Aurangabad district, had gone to her relatives house to attend a wedding ceremony in Rohtas district on Friday. The youth, stated to be resident of a village under Amjhor police station limits in Rohtas district, lured the girl, took her to a secluded place and raped her. The family members started searching for the victim when she went missing from the wedding function. Later they came to know that the girl was lying unconscious in a nearby field. She was rushed to a hospital at Sasaram, the district headquarter town of Rohtas. Shyam Kumar, station house officer (SHO) of Amjhor police station, said that the girl has been sent to the hospital for medical examination. The victims statement will be recorded after she overcomes the trauma, she underwent due to the incident, he added. The SHO said that the accused--Shahzad Raen and Salman Raza-- have been arrested and produced before the chief judicial magistrate who sent them in judicial custody for 14 days. They are stated to be residents of the same village where the victim had come to attend the wedding ceremony. An investigating officer said that the rape survivor is shocked over the incident and is not willing to talk to anybody. Counselling is being done so that she overcomes the trauma as early as possible, the police officer said. The SHO said that the case will be recommended for speedy trial under POCSO Act. The victim is undergoing treatment under police protection, he said. The medical report is still awaited.

Estranged parents can go to any extent to put ego over child welfare: Bombay HC

MUMBAI: Parents embroiled in matrimonial disputes can go to any extent to satisfy their ego, the Bombay High Court has said dismissing a petition filed by a woman seeking only her name to be mentioned as parent in the child's birth record. Neither of the parents can exercise any right in respect of their child's birth record, Justices Mangesh Patil and Y G Khobragade of the HC's Aurangabad bench said in the March 28 order while deprecating such petitions. The petition is a classic example of how a matrimonial dispute is a genesis for multiple litigations, the HC said and imposed a cost of Rs 5,000 on the petitioner, noting the plea was a sheer abuse of the process and waste of the court's precious time. The 38-year-old woman had filed the petition, seeking a direction to the Aurangabad municipal authorities to record her name in the birth record of her child as a single parent and issue a birth certificate with only her name. The woman in her plea claimed her estranged husband was addicted to certain vices and had never even seen the face of his child. The high court, however, said that just because the father is addicted to vices, the mother cannot insist as a right to be mentioned as a single parent in the child's birth certificate. Neither of the parents can exercise any right in respect of the child's birth record, it said. The bench in its order said the present petition was a classic example of how a matrimonial dispute is the genesis for multiple litigations. This demonstrates to what extent parents, embroiled in a matrimonial dispute, can go to satisfy their ego, the HC said. It is quite evident that the woman, in order to satisfy her own ego, is not even bothered about the child's interests, the court said, adding the welfare of the child is of paramount importance. The relief being claimed, clearly demonstrates that she can go to the extent of treating her child as if it is a property in respect of which she can claim some rights, ignoring the interest and welfare of the child, the bench said in the order. The woman was undermining the child's interest by seeking to mention only her name in the birth record, it said. While dismissing the petition, the HC said it has no manner of doubt that the same was a sheer abuse of the process and waste of precious time of the court.

65-Year-Old Man Beheaded, Torso Burnt During 'Black Magic' In Bihar: Cops

A 65-year-old man was allegedly killed and his torso was burnt in a 'Holika Dahan' fire as part of 'black magic' rituals in Bihar's Aurangabad district, a police officer said.

65-year-old man beheaded, torso burnt as part of black magic rituals in Bihar's Aurangabad

AURANGABAD: A 65-year-old man was allegedly killed and his torso was burnt in a 'Holika Dahan' fire as part of 'black magic' rituals in Bihar's Aurangabad district, a police officer said. The deceased has been identified as Yugual Yadav (65), he said. Police have arrested four persons, including a relative of a 'tantric' in connection with the incident, the officer said on Friday, adding that the tantric is absconding. Aurangabad Superintendent of Police (SP) Ambrish Rahul told reporters on Friday, Madanpur police station on March 13 received a missing complaint about Yugal Yadav, a resident of Gulab Bigha village. A case was registered and a special investigation team was formed by the police to trace him. During the investigation, officials came to know about the discovery of human bones from the ashes of a Holika Dahan fire in the neighbouring village of Banger. Officials inspected the site and found charred human bones and Yugal's slippers from there. A dog squad was immediately deployed which took the investigators to the house of Ramashish Rikyasan a 'tantric. While Ramashish was not present at the house, his relative, Dharmendra, was taken into custody as he gave conflicting statements about the whereabouts of the former, said the SP. During interrogation, Dharmendra confessed that he and others had kidnapped and beheaded Yugal as a part of black magic rituals. His torso was then burnt in the Holika Dahan fire. Based on Dharmendra's statement, police recovered the victim's severed head from a nearby field, said the SP. The official said Ramashish Rikyasan had conducted the ritual on behalf of Sudhir Paswan, who was seeking a child. Dharmendra also admitted that the group had earlier sacrificed a teenager, whose body was dumped in a well in the same locality. A total of four people, including Sudhir Paswan, Dharmendra and two others, have been arrested, police said. A minor boy has also been taken into custody in connection with the incident, police said. Police have seized the weapon of offence and sent the recovered human bones for scientific tests, including DNA examination, said the SP. A manhunt has been launched to nab tantric Ramashish Rikyasan, he added.

Bihar: Five Naxals arrested in Aurangabad district

Patna: Five Naxals belonging to the banned outfit Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) were arrested by Bihar Police in Aurangabad district on Tuesday, officials said. A cache of arms and ammunition, including three 315-bore rifles, a country-made rifle, 13 cartridges, a walkie-talkie set, seven camouflage uniforms and several other incriminating items were seized from their 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 .

Bihar: 13-yr-old Dalit girl refuses to play Holi, killed in accident

A 13-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly killed while playing Holi after she refused to entertain casteist remarks. The incident occurred in Bihars Aurangabad district. The three accused have been identified as Ranjay Kumar alias Sunny Singh, Vinod Singh and Sanjay Singh. Ranjay Kumar is the son of former Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) district president 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 .

Congress appoints Dalit leader Rajesh Kumar as Bihar unit chief

PATNA: In a significant development ahead of Bihar assembly election, Congress appointed a Dalit leader, Rajesh Kumar as president of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC), replacing Akhilesh Prasad Singh, who was holding the post since 2022. A decision to hand over the baton to Rajesh Kumar, a two term MLA from Kutumba in Aurangabad district, was taken at a meeting of partys general secretaries and in-charge of states, presided over by president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was also present at the meeting. Rajesh Kumars appointment as the new Bihar president is seen as the partys new strategy for the upcoming assembly elections due in October-November this year. A senior Congress leader said, The party wants to focus on Dalit votes in the upcoming assembly election in the state. The leader on the condition of anonymity revealed that Akhilesh Prasad Singh comes from Upper Caste Bhumihar, a dominant caste in Bihar while Rajesh Kumar is a non-controversial face and belonged to the Scheduled Caste, which constitutes about 19.65 per cent of the states population. Moreover, Congress has already roped in a young leader Kanhaiya Kumar, also a Bhumihar, in Bihar politics. In this context, the question of inviting the wrath of Upper Caste Bhumihar for removing Akhilesh as the state chief of the party does not arise, the leader asserted. A notification about the appointment of a new president of Congress in Bihar was issued by partys general secretary K C Venugopal on Tuesday. The development comes amid Palayan Roko, Naukri Do padyatra launched by the Congress partys students and youth wings. The state-wide padyatra is jointly led by AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru and NSUI national in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar. Sources in the Congress said that Akhilesh was maintaining a distance ever since Allavaru was made in-charge of Bihar and Kanhaiya was entrusted a new assignment in Bihar. Akhilesh is also considered close to RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who was not in favour of entry of Kanhaiya in Bihar politics. Though Akhilesh joined the padyatra launched from Mahatma Gandhis Bhitiharwa Ashram in West Champaran district on March 16, he was found conspicuous by his absence at a press conference of Allavaru and Kanhaiya at Sadaquat Ashram to announce the proposed Palayan Roko, Naukri Do programme. Allavaru has already warned of stern action against party leaders and workers engaged in promoting factionalism within the party. Rajesh Kumars appointment as the state president is a case in point.

Curfew In Parts Of Nagpur After Violence Amid Aurangzeb Tomb Row

A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur after violence broke out over a call to move the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb out of Maharashtra. The 17th-century emperor's tomb is in Aurangabad, now known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Time to bulldoze Aurangzebs tomb: BJP MLA Raja Singh

Hyderabad: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh spoke on the demolition of the Mughal emperor Aurangzebs tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly known as Aurangabad). Why does Aurangzebs tomb still exist in our country? What is the motive behind it? he said at a public gathering in Maharashtras Pune district on 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 .

Severe groundwater contamination detected in over 30,000 rural wards in Bihar: Report

PATNA: Bihar is grappling with severe groundwater contamination, with 30,207 rural wards exposed to unsafe drinking water that poses serious health risks, according to a new report. The report, which was recently tabled in the assembly as part of the Bihar Economic Survey (2024-25), highlighted the presence of arsenic in groundwater in 4,709 such wards, fluoride in 3,789 wards and iron in 21,709 wards. Around 26 per cent of the rural wards in 31 districts, out of a total of 38, have groundwater sources affected by arsenic, fluoride and iron contamination beyond permissible limits, the state's Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) said in the study. The affected wards are located in Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Lakhisarai, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagara, Munger, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria and Kishanganj districts. We are aware of the fact. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the state government has decided to make rural Bihar 'hand pump-free' and provide safe drinking water to people in the rural areas under the 'Har Ghar Nal ka Jal' scheme, PHED Minister Niraj Kumar Singh told PTI. The government is also implementing multi-village schemes (MVS) to improve water quality in the state, he said. Under the 'Har Ghar Nal ka Jal' scheme, PHED is providing safe drinking water to 83.76 lakh families in rural areas, he said, adding, potable water is also being made available to families in the 30,207 rural wards where the contamination is high. The state government is already working on a plan to use river water for drinking purposes. In September 2024, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone of a Rs 1,347-crore project for the supply of water from Sone river for drinking purposes in Aurangabad, Dehri and Sasaram cities after necessary treatment, the minister said. The scheme will use the water of Son river, ending the dependence of these cities on groundwater, he said. The project is likely to be completed in two years. In 2023, the CM dedicated the ambitious Ganga Water Supply Scheme (GWSS) or the 'Ganga Jal Apoorti Yojana' to the people of Gaya, Rajgir and Nawada. Under the scheme, people in these districts are provided an uninterrupted supply of clean and safe drinking water, Singh said. Dr Manoj Kumar, a leading gastroenterologist in Bihar, told PTI, The high level of chemical contamination in groundwater is certainly a matter of concern. The authorities must identify the source of contamination and take appropriate steps. Besides, camps should also be organised in the affected wards on a regular basis to make people aware of the adverse effects of consumption of contaminated groundwater. The authorities should come out with standardisation and classification of the quality of water used for drinking purposes. Kumar said drinking water quality standards should describe the quality parameters. Water may contain many harmful constituents, yet there are no recognised and accepted standards for drinking water in the country. The type of contaminant and its health effects vary depending on the water source, he said. The health impacts of water contamination can vary from a bout of stomach infection to terminal illnesses like cancer, Kumar said. The methods of purification depend on specific contaminants in a person's water source. Therefore, detailed water quality standards must be introduced by the authorities concerned, he added.

Everyone sensitive about own caste and community, not of others: High Court

The Bombay High Court's Aurangabad bench quashed a case against Devendra Patil for allegedly insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, emphasizing that not every social media comment requires a reaction. The court stressed mutual respect among communities and advocated for more refined forms of dissent, noting that provocative posts should not invite unwarranted responses.

Bihar YouTuber slaps passenger on moving train for reel, RPF cracks down

A YouTuber from Bihar slapped a random passenger on a moving train at the Anugraha Narayan Road railway station in Aurangabad for online fame. The action triggered huge anger among the public, prompting authorities to take immediate cognizance of the matter. The culprit, identified as Ritesh Kumar, extended his arm from the platform position to 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 .

Varanasi Aurangabad Highway Tollway raises USD 316.3 mn through dollar bond

NEW DELHI, Feb 26:Varanasi Aurangabad NH-2 Tollway Private Limited (VAH) on Wednesday said it has raised USD 316.3 million (about Rs 2,750 crore) by issuing dollar-denominated bonds. VAH, a Roadis entity, is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the 192 km Varanasi-Aurangabad highway and its expansion to six lanes. According to the company statement, the bonds carry a coupon rate of 5.90 per cent and will mature in about nine years. The funds raised will be used for [] The post Varanasi Aurangabad Highway Tollway raises USD 316.3 mn through dollar bond appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Lucknow Diary: BJPs Dalit outreach plan for Assembly polls

BJPs Dalit outreach plan for Assembly polls With UP Assembly polls scheduled for 2027, political parties have started charting out priorities. The ruling BJP, along with RSS, is working out a new outreach plan focused on Dalits, to check an apparent shift of disenchanted SC vote bank from BSP to rival camps, particularly the SP and Congress. The plan envisages visits of BJP functionaries and ABVP members to degree colleges, universities, engineering and medical colleges to meet Dalit students in groups or individually and convince them about the social justice measures undertaken by Modi government at the Centre and Yogi government in UP. SBSP to contest over 10 seats in Bihar The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), led by Yogi minister OP Rajbhar, is preparing to contest over 20 seats in Bihar, where Assembly polls are set to take place in later this year. Rajbhar, a BJP ally, claims to have completed the groundwork on nearly 29 seats. He is set to demand a fair share from the BJP and JD(U) in the state where his party has been active for the past few years. Sources said SBSP has zeroed down on assembly seats across 28 districts, including Sasaram, West Champaran, Nawada, Nalanda, Gaya, Aurangabad and Bettiah. Dalit groom assaulted, marriage party returned A Dalit groom bore the brunt of caste discrimination when a group of 40 upper caste men attacked his marriage procession for passing through their locality and playing DJ music in Bulandshahr. While the groom was pulled down from the horse, the baratis (wedding guests) were beaten up and forced to return. Six of them sustained head injuries in the incident. An FIR has been filed against 30 identified and some unknown people under relevant sections of BNS which included sections 191 (2) (rioting), 126 (2) (preventing someone from moving freely), 324 (4) (mischief), and 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt).

Woman kept chained in parents' house for two months rescued in Maharashtra's Jalna

JALNA: The police have rescued a woman held captive by her parents, who kept her chained inside their house for two months in a remote village in Jalna district, an official said on Tuesday. The police acted on Monday following directions of the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court on a complaint by the woman's husband, the official said. He said the woman, Shahnaz alias Sonal, was rescued from her parents' house in Alapur village in Bhokardan tehsil, where they had allegedly kept her chained for two months. According to the police, the woman, who is in her 20s, had an interfaith marriage, and the couple had a three-year-old son. Police said she went to visit her parents with the child two months ago. Upset about the interfaith marriage, the parents refused to allow her to return to her husband and kept her chained in the house, where they lived in isolation. The official said despite repeated attempts, the husband was unable to bring her back and was denied entry into the house, following which he moved the court. He said a police team raided the house, rescued Shahnaz and her son, and handed them over to the husband through a government lawyer. The official said a case has not been registered against the parents so far, and action will be taken if the woman lodges a complaint.

Party hopping begins, two from JD(U) join Congress in Bihar

PATNA : Party-hopping has picked up in Bihar as the assembly election draws near, charging the states political atmosphere. Leaders have begun switching sides in the hope of contesting the election representing parties of their choice. The parties embrace them with open arms to encash their caste identities and winnability factors. On Tuesday, two senior leaders of the ruling Janata Dal (United) --Ali Anwar, former Rajya Sabha member and Bhagirath Manjhi, son of Bihars Mountain Man Dasarath Manjhi joined the Congress. In addition, Manoj Prajapati, state president of Akhil Bharatiya Prajapati Kumbhkar Sangh, along with other leaders, joined the grand old party. Ali Anwar is an influential Pasmanda community leader. Pasmandas form the lions share among the backward Muslim votes. He is a two-term Rajya Sabha member and All-India Pasmanda Muslim Samaj president. The Congress is trying to strengthen its support base among backward Muslims and Dalits through Ali Anwar and Dasarath Manjhi, political analyst Pramod Kumar said. On Saturday, state RJD vice president Shobha Kushwaha joined Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD (U) along with a large number of supporters. The party hopes her entry will help consolidate the Luv-Kush (Kurmi-Koeri) vote base. Shobhas induction comes when the RJD is trying hard to make inroads into the Kushwaha vote bank. In the last Lok Sabha polls, it had fielded three Kushwaha candidates. It appointed Abhay Kushwaha, who won the election from Aurangabad, as its parliamentary party leader in the Lok Sabha. Shobha was also a member of the Bihar State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights. A prominent leader of the Dhanuk caste (listed as EBC in Bihar), Ajay Rai from Bhagalpur, also joined JD (U) on the occasion. The JD (U) claimed he supported former poll strategist Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party. Recently, former JD (U) vice president Mangani Lal Mandal was inducted into the RJD by party leader Tejashwi Yadav. With the help of Mandal, Tejashwi is trying to woo the EBC vote bank. The EBC support is considered crucial for getting and retaining power in Bihar. This has been Nitishs core vote bank for the last 20 years. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, he had inducted Mukesh Sahni into the alliance to make inroads into the Mallah vote bank. Mandals influence is believed to be in Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur and Muzaffarpur of north Bihar. He has been an MLA and MP from Jhanjharpur. This time, RJD celebrated former chief minister Karpoori Thakurs birth anniversary in Madhubani districts Phulparas on Friday, considered as the Karmabhhomi of Thakur, who was also from the EBC category. In the 2020 assembly election, the grand alliance could not perform well in Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani and Muzaffarpur. While the RJD won 11, Congress and CPI (M) won a seat each in Muzaffarpur and Samastipur.

SCR Hyderabad Division 100% Electrified

Hyderabad : South Central Railway on Thursday announced that its Hyderabad division was 100 per cent electrified, with the electrification of the new 18.56 track-km Akkanapet-Medak railway line. All 1,004 track-km of the division is now electrified, SCR affirmed. SCR said this was a step forward towards achieving the target of net zero emissions set by Indian Railways. It is an environmental-friendly means of powering the trains, while saving fuel costs. This division also inaugurated a tower car, a specialised vehicle used for inspection, maintenance and repair of overhead equipment in electrified sections, at Akkanapet. The Akkanapet -Medak connects to Secunderabad, Nizamabad, Aurangabad and beyond towards Mumbai. Arun Kumar Jain, SCR general manager, congratulated the electrical department and Hyderabad division for achieving the milestone.

Dabur Chyawanprash special CSR Initiative at Mysore

Mysore: Winter is one of the most awaited seasons in India, but it may also bring a plethora of diseases like Cold, Cough, and Respiratory problems to name a few; which are most prevalent in this season and usually occur due to low immunity. Chyawanprash is an around 3000-year-old & well-known Ayurvedic formulation that is used for boosting immunity and helps provide protection against common day-to-day infections like cough and cold. Dabur Chyawanprash contains many Rasayana herbs which help in the prevention of a variety of infections through its immunomodulatory effects. Dabur Chyawanprash announced the launch of a mega awareness initiative aimed at securing the health of underprivileged kids across the country. Under this initiative, Dabur Chyawanprash, along with a renowned doctor, will conduct Immunity awareness sessions to educate children about the need to build a stronger immune system to fight against illnesses due to the changing season, common bacteria, and viruses. The drive was flagged off in Mysore with a special session conducted for more than 150 kids from GHPS Gungral Chhatra llawala Hobli in Mysore With the esteemed Head Mistress, Mrs. Susheela, and Mr. Rajeev John, Marketing Head, Dabur India Ltd, Dinesh Kumar Dabur India Ltd & teachers from school attendance. The session was aimed at creating awareness among kids to fight illness in winter. The kids were also educated on ways to boost their immunity through basic hygiene and a nutritious diet. Speaking on the occasion, Dabur India Ltd, General Manager Marketing, Mr. Amit Garg said, Dabur Chyawanprash has been committed to helping every Indian achieve the strongest immunity for over 100 years. This initiative is a leap forward towards this commitment. We are concerned about the cold wave that claims so many lives every year. Through this initiative, we will attempt to reach out to provide protection to underprivileged kids by highlighting the importance of Immunity besides providing Chyawanprash to these kids. Dr. Parmeshwar Arora, M.D. (Ayurveda), B.H.U, said, During cycles of seasonal change, there is a sudden temperature variation, which leads to illnesses like cough, cold & flu. Enhancing immunity is an effective way to fight illnesses like cold, cough, respiratory problems, etc. Dabur Chyawanprash is an effective solution to boost ones immunity needs through changing weather cycles. Under this campaign, Dabur Chyawanprash has joined hands with leading NGOs from 22 cities in India i.e. Agra, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Udaipur, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Siliguri, Patna, Gaya, Indore, Raipur, Pune, Aurangabad, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mysore, Nasik, Nagpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal.

MLC Satish Chavan returns to Ajit Pawar-led NCP

Shirdi: Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Satish Chavan on Saturday returned to the Nationalist Congress Party led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar after a brief stint with the rival NCP (SP). Chavan went over to the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar in October 2024 after the Ajit Pawar group expelled him for six years for anti-party activities. He rejoined the NCP in the presence of Ajit Pawar and other leaders here as the party revoked his expulsion, NCP sources said. Chavan was among five NCP MLCs who had sided with Ajit when he rebelled against his uncle and split the NCP in 2023. After switching his loyalties to the Sharad Pawar faction last year, he contested on its ticket from Vaijapur in the state assembly elections but lost. Chavan is a three-time MLC from the Aurangabad graduates constituency.

Maoist leader Vikas arrested in Aurangabad district, Bihar

PATNA: A top-ranking Maoist leader, Rahul Yadav, alias Vikas Ji and Bakra Vikas, has been arrested in the Maoist-infested Aurangabad district of Bihar. Police confirmed that he was wanted in connection with 23 cases of Maoist activities across Aurangabad and its adjoining districts. Acting on a tip-off, a police team set up a trap near an automobile showroom on the Rafiganj-Shivganj road, within the jurisdiction of Rafiganj police station, and arrested Vikas. He is believed to be the regional commander of CPI-Maoist, a banned Naxal outfit in Bihar. Vikas, originally from Tulsi Bigha village under Aati police station, had been active in the areas of Gaya, Aurangabad, and Nawada districts. Several cases were pending against him at police stations in Guraru, Tikari, Barachatti, Bazirganj, Fatehpur, Koch, and Mufassil in Gaya district. Additionally, cases had been lodged against him at Sirdala and Rajauli police stations in neighbouring Nawada district, as well as Goh, Rafiganj, and Deo police stations in Aurangabad district. During the search operation, police did not find any illegal weapons with Vikas. Aurangabad Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Amit Kumar stated, The arrest of Vikas is significant as he was attempting to revive the banned outfit in Aurangabad and its adjoining districts. He added that raids were ongoing to apprehend Vikas's accomplices. Recently, police recovered a large quantity of explosives during a search operation in Chhkarbandha forest. Authorities have launched a special drive against Maoist activities in the Magadh region.

Bihar police foil major Naxal operation; seize huge quantity of explosives, raw materials

PATNA: Bihar police foiled a major operation of the Maoists in Bihar's Gaya district following the recovery of a large quantity of landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and raw materials during a special drive launched against the red rebels in the wake of the recent attack on security forces in Chattisgarh on Monday. At least eight security personnel and a civilian were killed in an IED blast in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. A special team of central armed police and the special task force (STF) of the state police cordoned off Tarchua locality, a part of Chhakarbandha forest in Gaya district in the early hours of Wednesday after being tipped off that the area was being used by Maoists as their safe haven. A cave-like corner of Chhakarbandha forest was being used for making IEDs and landmines. The huge stock of explosives and raw materials for manufacturing high-quality IEDs indicated that the Maoists had planned to carry out a Chhattisgarh-type operation in Bihar's Chhakrbandha forest, close to the Jharkhand border. This is for the first time when such a quantity of explosives has been seized, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Imamganj, Amit Kumar said. The seized articles include four cylinders each weighing four kg, two cylinders each weighing two kg, five pressure cookers each weighing 12 kg, steel containers weighing 10 kg, 44 pieces of tiffin bomb, 20 pieces of tin cutter and 20 pieces of hammer among others. Landmines and IEDs were also recovered from the spot. Police officials associated with the operation said that the area was being used for manufacturing illegal weapons and IEDs despite frequent raids launched by the security forces. The topography of the area which comes under the Dumaria block of the district makes the task of the security forces difficult, they revealed. In October last year, the security personnel had recovered 320 detonators and electric wire besides explosive in huge quantity during an operation in Langurahi and Pachrukhiya forests in Gaya district. The IEDs were meant for blowing up vehicles carrying security personnel during anti-Naxal operations in the district. Gaya, Aurangabad, Lakhisarai, Jamui and Munger are among the five worst Maoist-hit districts in the state.

Saurashtra defeats J&K by 47 runs; Shambhavi scores 62

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 4: Skipper Shambhavi Rajput played a magnificent innings and salvaged a lone battle but her master-class innings could not save J&K from a defeat against Saurashtra in the ongoing Womens U-19 One-Day Trophy at MGM Cricket Ground Aurangabad, today. Chasing a target of 200 runs, Shambhavi showed elegance, promise, grit and guts to score brilliant 62 runs, studded with 10 delectable boundaries. However, she fell short of support from the other side as Mahika Singh [] The post Saurashtra defeats J&K by 47 runs; Shambhavi scores 62 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SCR to run 26 additional Maha Kumbh Mela special trains

Hyderabad: In order to clear extra rush of passengers participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela - 2025, the South Central Railway (SCR) is operating 26 additional Maha Kumbh Mela special trains between various destinations in February. Train No. 07081/07082 Guntur Azamgarh Vijayawada (Two services): These special trains will stop at Guntur Azamgarh special train will stop Vijayawada, Khammam, Dornakal, Mahbubabad, Warangal, Ramagundam, Mancherial, Sirpur Kaghaznagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Varanasi and Shahganj stations in both the directions. Train No. 07083/07084 Machilipatnam Azamgarh Machilipatnam (Two services): These special trains will stop at Gudlavalleru, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Khammam, Warangal, Ramagundam, Mancherial, Sirpur Kaghaznagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Varanasi and Shahganj stations in both the directions. Train No. 07085/07086 Kakinada Town Azamgarh Vijayawada (Two services): These special trains will stop at Samalkot, Nidadavolu, Tadepalligudem, Eluru, Vijayawada, Khammam, Warangal, Ramagundam, Mancherial, Sirpur Kaghaznagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Varanasi and Shahganj stations in both the directions. In the return direction, Train No. 07086 will be terminated at Vijayawada station and will not stop at Kakinada Town, Samalkot, Nidadavolu , Tadepalligudem, Eluru stations. Train No. 07087/07088 Moula-Ali Banaras Moula-Ali (Two services): These special trains will stop at Bhongir, Jangaon, Kazipet, Jammikunta, Peddapalli, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Sirpur Kaghaznagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur and Prayagraj Chheoki stations in both the directions. Train. No. 07089/07090 Moula Ali Gaya Moula Ali Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Bhongir, Jangaon, Kazipet, Jammikunta, Peddapalli, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Sirpur Kaghaz Nagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn, Bhabua Road, Sasaram, Dehri on Sone and Anugraha Narayan Road stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07091/07092 Vikarabad Gaya - Vikarabad Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Lingampalli, Cherlapalli, Jangaon, Kazipet, Jammikunta, Peddapalli, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Sirpur Kaghaz Nagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn, Bhabua Road, Sasaram, Dehri on Sone and Anugraha Narayan Road stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07093/07094 Vijayawada Gaya Vijayawada Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Madhira, Khammam, Dornakal, Mahbubabad, Warangal, Jammikunta, Peddapalli, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Sirpur Kaghaz Nagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn, Bhabua Road, Sasaram, Dehri on Sone and Anugraha Narayan Road stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07095/07096 Kakinada Town Gaya Vijayawada Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Samalkot, Nidadavolu, Tadepalligudem, Eluru, Vijayawada, Madhira, Khammam, Dornakal, Mahbubabad, Warangal, Jammikunta, Peddapalli, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Sirpur Kaghaz Nagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn, Bhabua Road, Sasaram, Dehri on Sone and Anugraha Narayan Road stations. In the return direction, Train No. 07096 will be terminated at Vijayawada station and will not stop at Kakinada Town, Samalkot, Nidadavolu , Tadepalligudem, Eluru stations. Tr. No. 07099/07100 Nanded Patna Nanded Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Purna, Basmat, Hingoli, Washim, Akola, Malkapur, Khandwa, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn., Buxar, Ara and Danapur stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07101/07102 Aurangabad Patna Aurangabad Special Trains (Four services): These special trains will stop at Jalna, Selu, Parbhani, Purna, Basmat, Hingoli, Washim, Akola, Malkapur, Khandwa, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn., Buxar, Ara and Danapur stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07103/7104 Kacheguda Patna Kacheguda Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Bolarum, Medchal, Kamareddi, Nizamabad, Basar, Dharmabad, Umri, Mudkhed, Nanded, Purna, Basmat, Hingoli, Washim, Akola, Malkapur, Khandwa, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn., Buxar, Ara, Danapur, stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07105/07106 Secunderabad Patna Secunderabad Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Bolarum, Medchal, Kamareddi, Nizamabad, Basar, Dharmabad, Umri, Mudkhed, Nanded, Purna, Basmat, Hingoli, Washim, Akola, Malkapur, Khandwa, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn., Buxar, Ara, Danapur, stations in both the directions. All these special trains will consists of 2A, 3A, sleeper and general second class coaches, according to a press release.

NGT orders thermal power plants at Aurangabad's Nabinagar to comply with environmental laws

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered two thermal power plants at Nabinagar in Bihar's Aurangabad to rectify minor non-observance of environmental laws.

Bihar police vow to make state free from Naxals by 2025

PATNA: Bihar police on Monday said that the state will be made free from Naxal menace by 2025. Following Amit Shah's claim , the police announced that a detailed plan to drive out Maoists from South Bihar has been chalked out and its results will be visible in the next few months. Additional director general of police (ADGP), Operations, Amrit Raj said that Maoists have already been driven out from North Bihar and no major incident of Maoist violence has been reported from this region. We hope to make the state free from Naxal menace by 2025, as we have focused our operation in South Bihar, he said. According to police reports, eight districts including Gaya, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Jamui, Munger, Rohtas, Nawada and Lakhisarai were still occupied by Naxals. We have decided to set up five forward operating bases in the districts close to the Bihar-Jharkhand border to contain activities of the outlawed red rebels, ADGP (Operations) said. The state has witnessed a decline of 72 per cent in Maoist related incidents in the last five years. The ADGP, however, claimed that only five districts--Gaya, Aurangabad, Jamui, Lakhisarai and Munger--have witnessed sporadic incidents but they were not serious. The state police have information about some hardcore Maoists taking shelter in districts close to the Jharkhand border. To weaken the sources of income of the extremists, the state police have started to confiscate their property under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Since 2012, illegal assets belonging to the Maoists worth Rs 6.75 crore have already been seized and proposals to attach property of Rs 8.97 crore have been sent to the Enforcement Directorate. The property of 10 top most Maoist leaders, including Sandip Yadav, Pradumna Sharma, Masafir Sahni, Arvind Yadav, Rambabu Rajan, Pintu Rana, Binay Yadav, Anil Ram, Dilip Sahni and Abhijeet Yadav has been seized. In addition, standing crops of Opium on 2523 acres of land were also damaged by police as part of the drive to check sources of income of the extremists. The police also seized Rs 57 lakh in cash which were collected as levy by Maoists from businessmen, contractors and other affluent people. The seized money was collected by Maoists between 2020 and 2024. The Special Task Force (STF), which has been raised to contain Naxal menace, is being revamped for the purpose. Meanwhile, the state police have launched a manhunt for the arrest of Vivek, a Maoist leader operating in Aurangabad and its adjoining districts. Suresh Koda, who is active in Lakhisarai, Munger and Jamui districts, is also on the run after the state police stepped up its operation in the region, ADGP Amrit Raj claimed.

Maruti Suzuki signs MoA with Bihar Govt Transport Dept

5 driving test tracks to be automated at Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Purnia and Saran 2 driving test tracks automated by Maruti Suzuki at Aurangabad and Patna are already operational Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) for Two-wheeler (TW) and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving license testing MSIL to increase the number of Automated Driving Test Tracks to 44 across the country, from the current 27 New Delhi : Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Transport Department, Government of Bihar to automate driving license test tracks at Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Purnia and Saran. The MoA was signed in the presence of Smt. Sheela Kumari, Honble Transport Minister of Bihar and Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Transport Department, Government of Bihar. The MoA was signed by Shri Navin Kumar (IAS), State Transport Commissioner, Government of Bihar and Shri Tarun Agarwal, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Maruti Suzuki. With zero human intervention, the Automated Driving Test Tracks are aimed to make license testing more comprehensive, efficient, and transparent. The rigorous and standardized evaluation process is designed to assess candidates according to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). Test results are also automatically generated. Applauding Maruti Suzuki on its road safety efforts, Smt. Sheela Kumari, Honble Transport Minister of Bihar said, I applaud Maruti Suzuki, Indias leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, for their exemplary commitment to road safety through nationwide programs. One of their innovative initiatives, the Automated Driving Test Tracks, ensures that only skilled drivers get a driving license, making our roads safer for everyone. We successfully automated the driving test tracks in Aurangabad and Patna with them and have seen drivers coming better prepared for the license testing. We are glad to partner with Maruti Suzuki once again to develop five more Automated Driving Test Tracks in Bihar. This collaboration will significantly contribute toward reducing road accidents and promoting responsible driving practices in our state of Bihar. Mr. Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, Maruti Suzukis association with the Bihar government goes back to 2018 when we set up the states first Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) to offer driver training in Aurangabad. Since then, we have inaugurated ADTTs at Aurangabad in 2020 and Patna in 2021. We thank the Government of Bihar for further entrusting us with this road safety project. Maruti Suzuki has been steadfast in its commitment to the 5 pillars of road safety - engineering, education, evaluation, enforcement, and emergency care. Automated driving license testing is a vital component of the evaluation process. Equipped with high-definition cameras and an integrated IT system, ADTTs guarantee a comprehensive, efficient, and transparent testing process ensuring that only skilled drivers are awarded licenses. Mr. Bharti added, According to data shared by the Union Road Transport Ministry, 15.3 lakh lives were lost in road accidents in the 10 years between 2014-2023 in India. Road death rate in the country is around 250 per 10,000 km as opposed to 119 in China, 57 in the USA, and 11 in Australia. An important aspect of road safety is drivers skill and knowledge of traffic rules. Automated Driving Test Tracks will ensure that license seekers are better prepared and only skilled drivers are awarded a driving license. This will bring a positive transformation that will go a long way to reduce road accidents caused by human error. Maruti Suzuki Automated Driving Test Tracks across India Over the past years, Maruti Suzuki has systematically automated 27 driving test tracks (across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Haryana). The Company is in the process of setting up 12 additional ADTTs in Uttar Pradesh. With the addition of these 5 test tracks in Bihar, the Company will complete automation of 44 driving test tracks across the country.