Bhagalpurs 120-year-old voters age verified: Dist administration
CM Nitish reviews flood situation in Bihar, directs officials to remain alert
PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level meeting regarding flooding in 10 districts of the state, where most of the rivers were flowing above the danger mark. Around 25 lakh people have been affected by the deluge. CM Nitish directed the officials concerned to remain alert and make necessary arrangements for the flood victims. Bhojpur, Patna, Vaishali, Saran, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur and Katihar are among the worst-affected districts. During the meeting, CM was briefed by officials about the steps taken by the district administration. The officials informed the CM that 16 teams of NDRF and SDRF have been pressed into service to rescue people from flood-affected areas and shift them to safer places. The officials told the CM that the situation worsened in some districts due to torrential rains during the past 24 hours. While some rivers were in spate, incessant rains added to the woes of the people. Over 1,200 country boats have been engaged in rescue work. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the CM directed the district magistrates of flood-affected areas to prepare a list of flood-affected people and provide them with relief assistance at the earliest. However, no deaths have been reported in any district, the release claimed. CM was expected to conduct an aerial survey of flood-hit districts, but it was deferred due to some unavoidable reasons. CM directed the officials to ensure payment to farmers against loss of standing crops due to floods. Rivers such as Ganga, Bagmati, Kosi, Punpun and Ghaghra are flowing above danger level at several places. Heavy downpour in the catchment areas of Nepal has led to a rise in the water level of these rivers, officials told the CM at the review meeting. The officials of the rural works department and road construction department were directed to ensure the repair of damaged roads in flood-hit districts.
125-yr-old Bihar voter sparks row
PATNA: Minta Devi, a resident of Bihars Siwan district, was thrilled to receive her Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) last month, allowing her to vote for the first time. However, her excitement turned to dismay when she noticed her voter ID listed her birth year as 1900making her 125 years oldinstead of the correct 1990 as per her Aadhaar card. The discrepancy came to light after Opposition leaders, including Congress Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, highlighted the case during protests against Bihars electoral roll revision. Some even wore T-shirts featuring Mintas photo with the slogan At 124 and not out. Minta, who had applied for the voter card online in April, blamed a technical glitch for the error. I had applied for my voter card through the online system in April with all the required information, she told this reporter over the phone on Tuesday. She, however, hastened to add that it was not her fault that her EPIC card listed her wrong date of birth. My date of birth has been mentioned incorrectly in the voter card due to a technical glitch, but it should be rectified immediately, she said, adding that only then would she be eligible to exercise her franchise for the first time. Her husband Dhananjay Kumar Singh, an auto-rickshaw driver by profession, revealed that her wife had applied for a new voter card from her in-laws address at Arjanipur, Siswa Khurd village under Darauda Assembly constituency in Siwan district. Mintas name was earlier listed in the voter card at her parents house near Chhapra in Saran district, but she had never voted there. She was very much excited after receiving the EPIC number at her in-laws address. But she became sad after she came to know about a technical error in her EPIC, Dhananjay remarked. Minta is enjoying a good laugh over the goof-up. However, the Siwan district administration has issued a statement, claiming that the would-be voter of the Daraunda Assembly segment has been contacted and remedial steps were taken well before the anomaly made headlines. The Booth Level Officer (BLO) of polling booth number 94 contacted Minta and initiated a correction process. The district administration assured her that the error would be rectified soon. The BLO received the form for correction in her date of birth. The error will be rectified within the stipulated time, a press note issued by Sohail Ahmed, deputy election officer of Siwan, said. According to a statement issued by the collectorate of Siwan, An application was obtained from Minta Devi on August 10 for rectifying the error, to which her attention was drawn by the BLO. It will be dealt with during the claims and objections phase (of special intensive revision of electoral rolls). Meanwhile, in Bhagalpur, another case surfaced where a woman, Asha Devi, a resident of Feku Tola village under Pirpaithy assembly constituency, was officially listed as 120 years old in her EPIC. Unlike Mintas case, BLO (polling booth number 292), Farzana Khatoon, in her report, confirmed that Asha Devis age was correct in her EPIC, and she is 120 years old. 341 of 13,970 claims filed during SIR disposed of: ECI The ECI on Tuesday said that the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer and his team of Electoral Registration Officers have disposed of 341 out of the 13,970 claims filed by voters for adding their names to the draft list and removing ineligible voters as part of the SIR in the state. Since the draft electoral rolls were published on August 1, not a single complaint has been filed by any political party in the past 12 days, the poll panel said.
Dispose all pending cases against MPs, MLAs: Bihar DGP instructs subordinates ahead of polls
PATNA: Bihar lawmakers with criminal antecedents have a tough time ahead as Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar has directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to ensure timely investigation into the cases against MPs/MLAs and submission of chargesheets. Kumar has also asked SPs to initiate departmental proceedings against investigating officers who have been found lax in investigation of such cases. Delay in investigation lead to piling of pending cases, he said, adding that special MP/MLA courts have been set up for speedy trial of such cases. DGP has directed IGs and DIGs of all ranges to monitor investigation into such cases on a regular basis and send details of disposal of cases from districts under their jurisdiction to the police headquarters. Lapses on the part of investigating officers will not be tolerated, an ADG rank officer said. According to a report of Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), about 45 per cent of MLAs in Bihar have criminal records or criminal cases registered against them. Some of these cases were of serious nature, including murder, attempt to murder, kidnaping and crime against women. Similarly, 38 per cent MPs from the state have criminal cases pending against them. However, majority of the cases were registered against the lawmakers for defying prohibitionary orders, obstructions in government work, rioting and causing damages to nations property during protests. In addition, cases related to corruption, forgery and violation of model code of conduct during elections were pending against them in special MP/MLA courts. Reports suggested that Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and Purnea have the highest number of cases against MPs/MLAs. The Patna high court has also directed special MP/MLA courts across the state to expedite cases pending against lawmakers. In fact, we want such cases to be disposed of before forthcoming assembly elections in the state, a senior police officer remarked.
2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit 2025 Calls for Green Growth to Power India's Economic Future
The awards ceremony recognised exemplary work across multiple categories, celebrating achievers such as Godrej Agrovet; IPL Biologicals; Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL); SeedWorks International Limited; Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur; Love Kumar, District Agriculture Officer & District Horticulture Officer, Jamtara; Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Bhagalpur; Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation; Dhaksha; and the Federation of Seed Industry of India.
Flood scene eases in Patna, but Bhagalpur faces rising waters
Bihar unveils Rs 94.5 crore plan for digital libraries; approves 2400 MW power plant
The Bihar cabinet has approved significant initiatives, including establishing digital libraries in all 243 constituencies to enhance digital learning access. A 2400 MW thermal power plant in Bhagalpur got the green light, replacing a solar project. Inter-state bus services will be launched under a PPP model to improve transport. Land acquisition for industrial development across several districts was also authorized.
Flood situation along the Ganga river continues, school in Varanasi shut for two days
Flooding persists in Ganga's northern regions, Varanasi, and Patna, leading to evacuations. The Ganga's floodwaters are shifting eastward towards Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur. Water levels in Buxar, Patna, and Hathidah are above danger levels. Varanasi schools are closed due to flooding. Uttar Pradesh ministers are inspecting affected areas. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has deployed a team to oversee relief operations.
Nitish mourns death of five Kanwariyas in Bhagalpur road accident
Patna, Aug 4 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of five Kanwariyas in a road accident on the Shahkund-Sultanganj main road in Bhagalpur district last night. Kumar said that the accident was extremely distressing and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. This accident is deeply saddening. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased, he said. The Chief Minister also wished speedy recovery to those injured in [] The post Nitish mourns death of five Kanwariyas in Bhagalpur road accident appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Five Kanwariyas Killed, Two Injured As DJ Vehicle Hits Live Wire In Bihar's Bhagalpur
The devotees had collected holy water from Sultanganj and were part of the annual pilgrimage that draws thousands of kanwariyas each year.
Bihar: At least 5 kanwariyas killed in Bhagalpur after DJ vehicle hits high-tension wire
According to police reports, the group of young devotees was enroute to Jayesthgaur Nathsthan to offer prayers, having collected Ganga water from Sultanganj as part of the fourth and final Monday of the Shrawani Mela.
Man dies in Bhagalpur accident
Rivers in spate in Bihar after heavy rain, CM directs officials to remain alert
PATNA: The water levels in several rivers in Bihar have risen due to heavy rain in the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed all officials concerned to remain alert. According to the latest district-wise rainfall bulletin issued by the Meteorological Department on Sunday, Light to moderate rain was recorded in many districts, including Patna, Banka, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Gayaji, Jehanabad, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Munger, Nalanda and Vaishali since August 2. Several key roads and many low-lying areas in Patna were waterlogged following incessant rain in the state capital on Sunday. The Meteorological Department issued an 'orange' alert (be prepared) for several districts, including Patna, Gayaji, Jamui, Aurangabad, Khagaria, Banka, Vaishali, Samastipur, Seikhpura, Lakhisarai, East Champaran, Arwal, West Champaran and Nawada for the next 48 hours. Officials of the state Water Resources Department (WRD) said that incessant rain in several districts has caused rivers and streams to overflow. The increased inflow also caused the water level in many dams to rise, they said. Besides, incessant rainfall in catchment areas of Nepal has also led to the rivers touching or flowing above the danger level in several places, they added. No causality has been reported so far, and in certain areas in East and West Champaran, Bhagalpur and Patna districts, villagers of low-lying areas have been shifted to safer places by the district administration. Owing to moderate to heavy rain in certain areas in the state, major rivers, including Ganga, Kosi, Sone, Bagmati, Gandak, Kamla, and Adahrwa, are maintaining a rising trend in their courses in the past couple of days, the latest report of the WRD said. Ganga is flowing above the danger level in Bhagalpur, and at Gandhi Ghat and Hathidah in Patna, Burhi Gandak in East Champaran, and Kosi in Supaul and Khagaria, it added. Almost all rivers are maintaining a rising trend throughout their courses, engulfing low-lying localities along their courses. However, all embankments are safe, a senior WRD official said. Meanwhile, the chief minister on Sunday inspected the State Emergency Operations Centre of the Disaster Management Department (DMD). According to a statement issued by the DMD, During the inspection, the CM reviewed the rainfall situation in the state, water levels of rivers, and the status of crop coverage. Bihar Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the DMD, Pratyaya Amrit, briefed the CM about the rainfall situation in the state. The CM directed all officials concerned to remain alert, it added. From June 1 to August 3 this year, the state recorded 409 mm of rainfall, which is 22 per cent less than normal. The ACS also mentioned that the state received good rainfall in the past 24 hours, with 25 mm or more rainfall recorded in 222 blocks across the state, the statement said. Regarding the current water levels of rivers in the state, the ACS said that the water levels in the Ganga, Kosi, and Burhi Gandak and some other rivers have risen, but the situation is currently under control. Providing details on crop coverage, he stated that as of August 3, paddy crop coverage in the state stands at 79.43 percent, whereas it was 67.38 percent during the same period last year. It is expected that 100 per cent coverage will be achieved by August 15 under normal circumstances, the statement added.
Bhagalpur-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will now run from Jamalpur from August 16, ending the long wait of passengers from Munger and nearby district.
'Give Me Euthanasia, Case After Case Against Me': RJD MLA Breaks Down In Patna Court
In a highly emotional appeal during his court appearance, RJD MLA Ritlal Yadav -- who has been lodged in Bhagalpur Central Jail since May 1 -- said he has no one to fight for him
Government to hold 1,000 stakeholder meetings, workshops, outreach programmes on India-UK trade pact
NEW DELHI: The government will organise as many as 1,000 outreach programmes, including stakeholder meetings, workshops, awareness drives and feedback sessions, in the next 20 days across the country to sensitise industry and states on the India-UK trade agreement , sources said. The exercise is aimed at ensuring effective implementation and maximising benefits from the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA), which was signed on July 24. They said that there is a plan to hold sector-wise outreach programmes. Respective line ministries will also hold programmes on the agreement. Teams will also visit different states to inform them about the benefits of this trade agreement. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will hold a meeting with the leather and textiles sector on the trade pact here on Monday. Goyal on July 26 said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already instructed him to talk to specific industry segments that will become far more competitive now after the implementation of this pact. I will be having sectoral meetings with every sector till the Parliament is going on and after that I will go to all states, he has said. Bhagalpur silk (Bihar), Pashmina shawls (Jammu and Kashmir), Kolhapuri chappal (Maharashtra), and Thanjavur dolls (Tamil Nadu) will now prominently appear on shelves in malls and shops across Britain, as the India-UK free trade agreement will provide duty concessions to a host of traditional products manufactured here. Other such goods, which will benefit from the pact, include Baluchari sarees (West Bengal), Bandhini (Gujarati tie-dye textile art), Kanchipuram sarees, and Tiruppur knitwear. The minister will also travel to Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and talk to the fishermen community about the opportunity that this pact opens for them. I will visit tech centres of Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Gurugram (and inform) how the double contribution convention pact (DCC) will help them expand their services exports, Goyal has said, adding, we will be sensitising the sectors to get the best out this agreement. We will send delegations to UK... and prepare the ground work in the next few months while their parliamentary approval is going on so that we can start leveraging the FTA as soon as it is operational, he added. India-UK FTA allows India to temporarily hike tariff if UK imports surge The pact will see 99 per cent of Indian exports enter the UK duty-free, when it comes into force. It will also reduce tariffs on British products such as cars, cosmetics, and whisky. The deal aims to double the USD 56-billion trade between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies by 2030. While India has opened its market to various consumer goods, including chocolates, biscuits, and cosmetics, it will gain greater access to export products such as textiles, furniture, footwear, gems and jewellery, sports goods, and toys. Also, Indian companies, such as TCS and Infosys, operating in the UK won't have to make social security contributions for up to three years for employees who move from India. Under the pact, tariffs on Scotch whisky will be reduced from 150 per cent to 75 per cent immediately, and further lowered to 40 per cent by 2035. On automobiles, India will reduce import duties to 10 per cent over five years, down from the current rate of up to 110 per cent, under a gradually liberalised quota system. India has provided duty concessions to the UK auto exporters only on large petrol and diesel vehicles and high-priced EVs, while protecting sensitive segments of the domestic automotive industry, especially mid and small cars and low-priced EVs, under the trade pact. India will also get duty-free access to several agri goods in the UK, such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, turmeric, pepper, cardamom, and processed goods like ready-to-eat food, mango pulp, pickles, and pulses. Marine products such as shrimp, tuna, fishmeal, and feeds, currently taxed between 4.2 per cent and 8.5 per cent, will become duty-free once the pact comes into force. In the textiles segment, India is facing a duty disadvantage vis-a-vis Bangladesh, Pakistan and Cambodia, which have duty-free access to the UK market. Now this FTA would eliminate the tariff on textile imports from India, thereby enhancing its price competitiveness in the UK market. On the services front, the agreement will enable Indian financial services players to expand their footprint in Britain, enhance their competitiveness and serve the Indian diaspora and businesses. For digitally delivered financial services, the UK has provided market access with respect to the various sub-sectors under both insurance and insurance-related, and banking and other financial services. India has right to take corrective steps if UK imposes carbon tax
In a dramatic incident caught on camera on the Bhagalpur-Muzaffarpur Janseva Intercity Express near Bihar's Munger, a thief, after stealing a mobile phone from a passenger, clung to the footboard of the moving train and later jumped off while it was crossing a bridge.
Ganga flowing at severe level across various states: CWC
NEW DELHI: The Central Water Commission (CWC) on Wednesday warned flood situation was worsening across several states, with the Ganga flowing at a severe level at several monitoring sites amid persistent rainfall. According to the CWC's daily flood bulletin, the Ganga is flowing above the danger mark at Hathidah and Gandhi Ghat in Patna in Bihar, Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Ballia in eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Farakkha in West Bengal. The Kosi River is flowing above the danger level in Bihar, while the Burhi Gandak River in Bihar is flowing under severe conditions. The bulletin indicated a high probability of urban flooding in low-lying areas of northern Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh due to continuous rainfall and river swelling. The CWC has advised district administrations in affected states to activate flood response protocols.
Railways working to roll out 100 new Amrit Bharat trains across India
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a future-ready railway network, is working on an ambitious project to roll out 100 modern and hi-tech Amrit Bharat trains for various parts of the country. With the inauguration of four more Amrit Bharat trains from across Bihar on Friday by Prime Minister Modi, the total number of operational Amrit Bharat trains in the country has now reached seven, including the three that were already running including two in Bihars North and eastern regions. The Amrit Bharat train sets are being manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative, using entirely indigenous technology, with a running capacity of 130 kmph. Working towards the realisation of his vision for a future-ready railway network, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off four new Amrit Bharat trains scheduled to run between Rajendra Nagar (Patna) and New Delhi; Bapudham Motihari and Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal); Darbhanga and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar); and Malda Town and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) via Bhagalpur. On the sideline of this inaugural event, speaking to the TNIE on Friday here, a senior railway official said the Amrit Bharat train sets are being manufactured with the objective of providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for middle-class and economically weaker passengers. As a total of 3 Amrit Bharat trains have been currently operational across the country, now the number reached 7. The Ministry of Railway is working to roll out 100 new Amrit Bharat rakes in coming days this year and next to ensure safe and faster affordable rail services to poor and middle class people, added an official. He said that earlier, two Amrit Bharat trains had been running between Bihars Darbhanga Anand Vihar Terminal and Saharsa Lokmanya Tilak Terminal. Now, the four more Amrit Bharat trains will start running in Bihar again with all passenger amenities like foldable snack table, mobile holder, foldable bottle holder, fast mobile charging ports, improved and comfortable seating, radium illuminated flooring strips, airline-style lighting that guides the way even in the dark and air spring body which ensures shock-free travel experience. A senior railway official, speaking about the features of Amrit Bharat trains, further added that the trains were equipped with modern and Divyangjan-friendly toilets, an electro-pneumatic flushing system, and automatic soap dispensers. On the safety front, the Amrit Bharat trains have been equipped with the facility of an EP-assisted brake system, and their coaches have been fitted with sealed gangways and vacuum evacuation systems. He further added The most interesting feature is that the railway has made the talk-back unit available in every coach of Amrit Bharat trains running in Bihar in a majority with fire detection system properly installed for the first time in non-AC coaches. Meanwhile, a railway official cited a conservative estimate that the four Amrit Bharat trains flagged off by PM Modi will ferry more than 56 lakh people from economically weaker and middle-class sections per month.
Modi to inaugurate major development projects in Bihar and Bengal today
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stones and inaugurate major projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore in West Bengal and poll-bound Bihar on Friday. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat trains from different parts of Bihar. He will visit Motihari in Bihar and Durgapur in West Bengal for this purpose and will also address public meetings at both venues, according to a statement from the PMO. In Bihar, Modi will inaugurate a new Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Darbhanga, alongside a state-of-the-art Incubation Facility at STPI in Patna. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat trains between Rajendranagar Terminal (Patna) and New Delhi, as well as between BapudhamMotihari and Delhi (Anand Vihar), and between Darbhanga and Lucknow via Bhagalpur. The projects worth Rs 7,200 crore for the state form part of a broader initiative across the oil and gas, power, road, and rail sectors. He will dedicate several railway projects to the nation, including the automatic signalling system between the Samastipur-Bachhwara rail lines to enhance efficiency in train operations. The doubling of the Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur rail linespart of the Darbhanga-Samastipur doubling projects valued at Rs 580 crorewill also be inaugurated. The Mithilanchal region, comprising electorally significant districts such as Darbhanga and Samastipur, will benefit from these developments. Modi will also lay the foundation stone for a Vande Bharat train maintenance facility at Patliputra. The Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line doubling project is estimated at `4,080 crore. In the road sector, the PM will lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Ara-Mohania NH-319 and the Patna-Buxar NH-92, to reduce travel time. He will also inaugurate the four-lane Parariya to Mohania section of NH-319, valued at Rs 820 crore, which is a critical link connecting Ara town to the Golden Quadrilateral (NG-02). The Prime Minister will inaugurate a series of fisheries development projects. He will hand over keys to 12,000 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin scheme. In West Bengals Durgapur, the PM will unveil projects worth Rs 5,000 crore. He will lay the stone for the oil and gas infrastructure to be developed by BPCL and gas distribution project in Bankura and Purulia.
42 Kg Ganja Seized from Palasa Railway Station
According to police, the network comprises suppliers from the Kandhamal district in Odisha who had formed connections with buyers in Bhagalpur and Patna. The accused in this case had at least twice before moved ganja from Odisha to Bihar.
Railway Minister announces key projects for poll-bound Bihar; says Rs 10,000 crore budget allotted
NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his visit to Patna on Monday ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, announced the introduction of four new Amrit Bharat trains and that a budget of Rs 10,000 crore has been sanctioned to strengthen railway infrastructure in the state. Speaking at the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony for a new level crossing gate near Karpoori Gram railway station in Samastipur district, the minister also inaugurated several upgraded passenger amenities at the station. The NDA government at the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned Rs 10,000 crore in this year's budget for rail infrastructure in Bihar, Vaishnaw told reporters. In the past 11 years, over 34,000 km of new railway tracks have been laid, and 1,300 stations are being redeveloped as modern Amrit Bharat stations, he added. The four new trains will include a daily train from Patna to Delhi, weekly services from Darbhanga and Malda to Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, services from Saharsa to Amritsar in Punjab, and a daily service from Jogbani to Erode in Tamil Nadu. The minister also announced that the Karpoori Gram railway station would now come under the Samastipur railway division. Earlier, it was under the jurisdiction of Sonpur railway division. Speaking about upcoming railway infrastructure projects, the minister announced that a third rail line between Bhagalpur and Jamalpur, covering a distance of 53 kilometres, will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,156 crore. He further added that the doubling of the BakhtiyarpurRajgirTilaiya rail route, spanning 104 kilometres, will be carried out at a cost of Rs 2,017 crore. Another major project the doubling of the RampurhatBhagalpur route is also being planned, with an estimated budget of Rs 3,000 crore and a total distance of 177 kilometres. The minister also spoke about developments in the technology sector. He announced that two new Software Technology Parks of India (STPIs) for Bihar are ready and will be inaugurated soon. One is the new STPI building in Patliputra, Patna, which has been built at a cost of around Rs 53 crore, and the other is an upcoming STPI in Darbhanga, with an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore. Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, son of Karpoori Thakur, was also present on the occasion. Earlier in the day in Patna, the railway minister inspected passenger facilities at Digha Bridge halt station and gave necessary instructions to officials.
Modi to visit Bihar for 4th time this year on June 20
PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be back in Bihar on June 20, the fourth time this year and his seventh visit to the state after he took oath for the third term in June 2024. This time around, Modi will visit Siwan, considered a stronghold of main opposition RJD, where he is scheduled to address a mega political rally. A team of senior BJP leaders on Monday visited Siwan to take stock of preparations for the Modi rally. During the RJD regime, then RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin was said to call the shots in Siwan; merely his name spelt terror across Bihar, observers say. The don-turned-politicians family is considered close to RJD chief Lalu Prasad to this day. On June 30, PM Modi had addressed a rally at Bikramganj in Rohtas district, a part of Shahabad region where NDA performed poorly both in the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2020 assembly elections. Earlier, he visited Bhagalpur and Madhubani. From an administrative point of view, entire state has been divided into nine major regions. Shahabad region comprises Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas and Kaimur districts where Oppositions Grand Alliance won 15 out of 22 seats in 2020 assembly polls. In Magadh region, which comprises Gaya Ji, Aurangabad, Nawada and Jehanabad, the opposition bloc secured win on 16 out of 25 seats. A senior BJP leader said the PMs rally has been finalised in areas where the Opposition bloc performed better than the NDA in previous assembly elections. PM will announce several development projects for the region ahead of polls to woo voters. For NDA Shahabad region and adjoining Magadh region may prove to be a challenging battleground as it could win only 18 out of 49 seats in the two regions in the last election. Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi besides former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha have been roped in to improve NDAs performance in Shahabad and Magadh regions. Kushwaha told the press on Monday that the NDA could pull a spectacular performance in Shahabad and Magadh regions if all its constituents BJP, JD(U), LJP(RV), HAM and RLM contest the election in complete coordination. A message should go across all sections of the society that NDA is fully united and contesting elections without any misgiving to improve its seat tally in both regions, he said. Oppn tally in 2020 assembly Shahabad: 15 of 22 seats Magadh: 16 of 25 seats Patna: 10 out of 21 seats Kosi: 6 out of 11 seats Mithilanchal: 18 of 47 seats Tirhut: 11 of 42 seats Saran, which includes Siwan: 15 out of 24 seats
Chirag Paswan seeks to steal Nitish Kumars thunder in Bihar Assembly polls
BJP leadership might have a role in making Chief Ministers position uneasy By Tirthankar Mitra Bihar seems to have a penchant for being in the news be it owing to JPs call of total revolution or the Bhagalpur blindings or the fodder scam. The state finds itself in the news again as a new [] The post Chirag Paswan seeks to steal Nitish Kumars thunder in Bihar Assembly polls appeared first on Northlines .
Dalit woman dragged by hair during police raid in Bihar
A Dalit woman was dragged by her hair during a police raid with no woman officers present in the Nathnagar Pasi Tola area of Bhagalpur district, Bihar. The incident has triggered massive outrage among local residents. The incident reportedly took place on May 18. The 52-year-old Dalit woman, Jyothi Bharti, was attending to her ailing 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 .
JD(U) rules out possibility of domicile policy being introduced in Bihar
PATNA: Janata Dal (United), a key ally of the ruling NDA, has ruled out introducing a domicile policy in Bihar a long-standing demand by opposition parties aimed at curbing migration and creating more jobs for local youth. Manish Kumar Verma, general secretary of JD(U), at an event in Bihars Bhagalpur, said that implementation of domicile policy in the state would be against provisions of the Indian Constitution. The Opposition is creating a confusion among people about it, he said. Former bureaucrat-turned-politician said that reserved seats were meant for local residents only, and they were entitled to get benefits from the reservation policy. However, unreserved seats were open to all, he said, adding that people from across the country worked in Bihar. Similarly, people from Bihar worked in various states. If anybody has any confusion about domicile policy, he/she should immediately talk to judicial officers of high court and the Supreme Court. The judicial officials will clear their confusion about domicile policy, JD(U) leader said. Verma, considered close to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, said that any citizen of India is entitled to apply for government jobs within the country on unreserved seats. These unreserved seats are open to all. Eligible candidates can apply and get jobs after being selected, he clarified. JD(U) leader said that if domicile policy is implemented in Bihar, those Biharis who were working in other states would be forced to leave the places and return to their home state. What will be the seen if all migrant workers from Bihar return to the home state, he added. He, however, admitted that the ratio of job creation in the state was less than the number of educated youths. This has led to a large-scale migration from Bihars Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnea, Katihar and other districts to other states. Verma said that Constitution of India provided right to its legitimate citizens to work in any state for their livelihood. We cant discriminate with people hailing from other states in the name of domicile policy in Bihar, he remarked. Without taking the name of Bihars Opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, JD(U) general secretary said that some people were misleading people in the name of domicile policy. We have no confusion about the matter, he told the media. All opposition leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, have been raising the issue of domicile policy in their public meetings. Kishor alleged that Bihar government was playing with the future of its youths by not implementing domicile policy. Opposition leaders underlined the need of implementing domicile policy in the state to accommodate more educated youths in government jobs. The issue assumed significance in the wake of agitation earlier launched by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinees to press for re-examination of prelims. Political parties, including RJD, extended support to agitation launched by BPSC examinees.
PM inaugurates Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Patna; applauds criketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi
PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 and heaped praise on 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who stunned the cricketing world with his 35-ball century in his first Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Bihar is hosting the prestigious national sporting event for the first time. The opening ceremony was organised at the Patliputra Sports Complex in the state capital and was attended by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and other dignitaries. While referring to young cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshis spectacular performance in the IPL, Prime Minister Modi said it was an example of how consistent participation builds champions. We all have seen the outstanding performance of the son of Bihar. Not only dedication brought him success, but also his experience of playing at various levels. Jo jitna khelega, wo utna khilega (the more you play, the more you shine), he noted. Suryavanshi hails from a small hamlet near Tajpur in Bihars Samastipur district. PM Modi also appreciated the growing importance of sports in India and said that the country was gradually developing a strong sports culture. The more this sporting culture spreads, the more Indias soft power will rise, he added. #WATCH | PM Modi virtually addresses the inauguration event of Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar's Patna. PM Modi says, ...You have to perform in the field as a sportsperson, but you also have to play your role as an ambassador of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. Those athletes pic.twitter.com/y13vWSaJaA ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 Putting emphasis on the spirit of national unity and cultural exchange, Modi called upon visiting athletes to embrace Bihars rich traditions and cuisine. Athletes from outside should try litti-chokha and taste Bihars famous makhana. Youre not just sportspersons on the field, but ambassadors of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat , he remarked. He further said that India is aiming to host the 2036 Olympics and that every state has to play a significant role in making it successful. The KIYG 2025 will run from May 4 to 15, with some of the sports being held in Delhi as well. Most of the competitions will take place in Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, while three eventsshooting, gymnastics, and track cyclingwill be held in Delhi. Around 6,000 participants from 36 states and union territories are competing in the sporting event. The athletes will compete in 27 medal sports until May 15. In its seventh edition, the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 features 27 competitive sports and one demonstration sport. E-sports has been introduced for the first time at KIYG. Bihar finished 27th in the last edition of KIYG held in Tamil Nadu.
Momentum Gathers For BuxarBhagalpur Expressway: DPR Tender Floated For Key Bihar Corridor
Civil servants should act like craftsmen towards India's development: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday stated that the country is beginning to build a strong foundation for a developed India. Addressing civil servants on the occasion of Civil Services Day, PM Modi said that since India has now become the most populous country in the world, achieving saturation of basic amenities must be our top priority. The Prime Minister remarked, Today, we are in a world that is changing at a fast pace. Our bureaucracy and policy-making cannot operate on outdated systems. That is why, since 2014, systemic change has been actively pursued. We are transforming ourselves at great speed. Elaborating on the policies being implemented by his government, PM Modi said, The policies we are working on today, the decisions we are making, are going to shape the future of the next thousand years. Cautioning against complacency amid global developments and emerging challenges, the Prime Minister stated, In rapid changing times, we have to keep a close watch on global challenges. You are seeing that Food, Water and Energy Security still remains a big challenge. This is a huge crisis, especially for Global South. Speaking about Indias domestic programmes, he noted, Indias aspirational society be it the youth, farmers, or women holds unprecedented dreams and ambitions. To fulfil these aspirations, we need an equally unprecedented pace of progress. A strong focus on last-mile delivery is essential. As the needs and aspirations of citizens evolve rapidly, civil services must also adapt to contemporary challenges. He claimed that India has undergone transformative changes in the past ten years. We are no longer just focused on growth, but on setting benchmarks in governance, transparency, and innovation. Our G20 Presidency is a strong example of this, he asserted, adding that over 200 meetings were held across more than 60 cities, creating an inclusive footprint never before seen in the history of the G20. This reflects our truly holistic approach. Touching upon the success of development initiatives, PM Modi said, We have often discussed aspirational districts, but the success of aspirational blocks is equally important. This programme was launched in January 2023, and within just two years, unprecedented changes have been seen in key indicatorshealth, social development, and basic infrastructure. Citing specific examples, he stated, In the Peeplu block of Tonk, Rajasthan, just two years ago, the measurement efficiency of children was around 20 percent at Anganwadi Centres. Today, it has risen to over 99 percent, he said, also mentioning Bihars Bhagalpur district, Jagdishpur block, which saw a significant improvementpregnant women registration rose from just 25 percent in the first quarter to over 90 percent. Similarly, in Jammu & Kashmirs Marwah block, institutional deliveries, which were previously at 30 percent, have now risen to 100 percent, the Prime Minister said. Discussing governance quality, he noted, I believe quality in governance is not achieved merely by launching schemes, but by ensuring how deeply they impact the citizens of India. Its about understanding the real, on-ground effect. He added that this impact has been observed across various districts from increased school attendance to the adoption of solar power. Many districts have fulfilled their commitments, and several have been recognised for their efforts, he said. The Prime Minister also emphasised the launch of Mission Manufacturing and attributed much of its success to MSMEs. Today, MSMEs, startups and young entrepreneurs have unprecedented opportunities. Therefore, ensuring competitiveness in the global supply chain is crucial. Their competition is not just with small entrepreneurs but with the entire world, he remarked. Describing civil servants as the architects of the nations future, PM Modi said, You are not just Civil Servant, you are the craftsman of a new India. To fulfil the responsibility of craftsman, we should enable ourselves, we should dedicate time to the goal. You see, you will be able to see developed India in front of your eyes. Prime Minister Modi also presented the PM Awards for Excellence in Public Administration to various civil servants for their outstanding performance in implementing schemes for holistic development on the ground. He also released an e-book featuring success stories and best practices in governance, and viewed a film made on the government's flagship schemes.
SC dismisses plea by Bihar DSP seeking to quash FIR against him in rape case
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Saturday dismissed a plea filed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Somesh Kumar Mishra, who sought the quashing of an FIR registered against him nearly a decade after the alleged crime, and at a location different from where the offence occurred. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan refused to quash the FIR and dismissed Mishras plea. We are dismissing your (Mishras) petition on the ground of delay, not on the ground of merit, the court stated in its order. Mishra, a former trainee DSP and currently posted in Gopalganj, Bihar, had filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the top court challenging the Patna High Courts 2022 decision, which had also refused to quash the FIR. Following the apex court's decision, Mishra will now face trial in Bhagalpur. He has been chargesheeted by the investigating agency under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). According to the prosecution, Mishra is accused of raping the victim at gunpoint between 2009 and 2012. According to Mishra's lawyer, Shailendra Mani Tripathi, the case against him was initiated without the due process of law. The case has been initiated without the lodging of an FIR, which is contrary to legal requirements. And also there is no content prescribed in the FIR. The proceedings are not in accordance with the law. The FIR indicates that the distance from the place of occurrence to the police station is 2 kilometres. However, it has been alleged that the incident took place in Delhi, Tripathy alleged. Furthermore, there are no allegations pertaining to Bhagalpur in the entire report. Thepolice, without any jurisdiction, conducted an arbitrary investigation and then filed a charge sheet in the Sessions Court, Bhagalpur, he said. Mishra in his plea, stated that the police inquiry against him was conducted without following the due process of law. According to Mishra's plea, instead of approaching a police station and filing a complaint, the victim had sent an email to the Bihar police academy Rajgir in 2019, which was forwarded by the DIG to the additional DGP and Deputy Director of Bihar Police. Following this, the additional DGP ordered the DIG to submit an inquiry report within a week. As part of the inquiry, the victim was asked by the police to come to the police academy in Rajgir. On January 25, 2020, the victim along with her husband, appeared before the sexual harassment committee at Bihar police academy and informed that the said incident had happened a decade ago. The plea stated that following this, instead of lodging the FIR in Delhi, where the offense occurred, the police registered a case at Bihar's Bhagalpur on March 20, 2020. Mishrawas arrested in November 2020, and was granted bail the next month. Claiming that the allegations against him are baseless and fabricated with an intent to ruin his life and career, Mishra alleged that he had been targeted at a time when he was trying to settle in life with his dream job and thinking of starting a family life. The FIR is based on false and fabricated facts, as such, the same is liable to be quashed. There was a substantial delay (about a decade) in lodging the FIR and no plausible explanation regarding this has been given. Delay in lodging the FIR, itself shows that it is done after much thought and consultation, due to mala-fide intention, he alleged.
