Student stabbed to death in Lakhisarai
You Pushed Indian Badminton Forward: Yuvraj Hails Saina Nehwals incredible Career
BWF Super Series: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh congratulated Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal, one of India's most outstanding badminton players, who has announced her retirement from competitive sports after nearly two years of absence due to a chronic knee issue. The 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist last played a competitive badminton match at the 2023 Singapore Open and had not officially announced her retirement until Monday, when, during a podcast, the ace shuttler mentioned that she had left the court on her own terms and there was no need to announce it. Well played, Saina! Congratulations on an incredible career. You pushed Indian badminton forward and inspired a generation. Wishing you the very best for what's next, Yuvraj wrote on X, congratulating the badminton ace on a remarkable career. Nehwal revealed that a degeneration of cartilage in her knees forced her to take the tough call after discussions with her family and coaches, stating, Your cartilage has totally degenerated, you have arthritis I just told them, Now probably I cant do it anymore, it is difficult. Nehwal mentioned that her body could no longer handle the strain of elite badminton, leading her to retire. You train eight to nine hours to be the best in the world. Now,, my knees would give outut in one or two hours. It was swelling, and it became very tough to push after that. So I thought it was enough. I cant push it anymore, she said. The shuttler from Hisar gained international recognition in 2008 by winning the junior world championship and making history as the first Indian woman to reach the singles quarterfinals at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. In2009, she made history as the first Indian to win a BWF Super Series tournament by securing the Indonesia Open. A year later, she achieved the status of a Commonwealth Games champion. The shuttler from Hisar gained international recognition in 2008 by winning the junior world championship and making history as the first Indian woman to reach the singles quarterfinals at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In 2015, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the world No. 1 in singles badminton rankings, making her the first Indian woman to do so and only the second Indian shuttler, after Prakash Padukone, to reach the top. That year, she also reached the final of the BWF World Championships, being the first from India to do so, but took home silver after losing to Carolina Marin. Article Source: IANS
Army Public School, Hisar has released the APS Hisar Recruitment 2026 notification for 41 teaching and non-teaching staff posts on a fixed four-year term. Offline applications are open until January 29, 2026. The selection process includes written examination, skill test, document verification, and medical examination. Interviews are scheduled for February 2026. Applications must be submitted physically with required documents and a demand draft.
North India's First SkyWalker Orthopedic Robotic System Launched at Jindal Hospital, Hisar
Jindal Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS) , Hisar, has become the first medical institution in North India to introduce the SkyWalker Orthopedic Robotic System for knee replacement surgery, in collaboration with U.S.-headquartered MicroPort Orthopedics Inc. This landmark installation marks a significant advancement in the orthopedic care landscape across Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, and is a moment of pride for both Hisar and JIMS. Launch of SkyWalker Orthopedics Robotic System SkyWalker is the only orthopedic robotic platform globally that is integrated with a patented True Medial-Pivot Knee philosophy, delivering sub-millimeter precision for highly accurate joint alignment. This technology enables superior stability, improved functional outcomes, and faster recoveryresulting in a durable, natural-feeling knee that allows patients to return more quickly to everyday activities such as walking long distances and climbing stairs with confidence and ease. Leadership teams from Jindal Hospital, Hisar and MicroPort Orthopedics Earlier, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Late Shri Netram Jindal Ji and Late Smt. Chandrwali Jindal Ji, the SkyWalker Orthopedic Robotic System was graciously introduced by Smt. Savitri Devi Jindal Ji for the benefit of the masses. The introduction of this state-of-the-art robotic technology reflects Jindal Hospitals continued commitment to advancing orthopedic care through precision, innovation, and patient- centric treatment. JIMS carries a strong legacy of over 57 years, defined by patient-centric care, continuous advancement, and a commitment to remain at the forefront of medical science , said Dr. Ritu Chopra, Medical Director, Jindal Institute of Medical Sciences . The adoption of cutting-edge medical technology is central to our mission, and we are proud to be the first institution in North India to bring SkyWalker robotic technology to our patients . Dr. Sidharth Baheti, Senior Orthopedician at JIMS, Hisar , highlighted the growing clinical need in the region, Across rural Haryana and Punjab, we are witnessing a significant rise in knee osteoarthritisimpacting nearly 6065% of the elderly population in rural and semi-urban areas. Alarmingly, about 1520% of these patients already present with advanced, bone-on-bone arthritis and severe deformities. Whether it is a complex case with deformity or the more common presentation of knee osteoarthritis, patients seek total knee replacement surgery to regain mobility and independence. In this context, the SkyWalker Robotic System represents a timely paradigm shiftenabling accurate joint-line reconstruction with greater ease, reduced discomfort, and notably faster recovery in all kinds of presentations. SkyWalker is fully compatible with the Evolution Medial-Pivot Knee System, which closely replicates natural knee kinematics. This combination overcomes long-standing challenges associated with conventional knee replacementsuch as instability and residual pain. We believe that the dynamic gap balancing and built-in kinematic principles of SkyWalker allow complex cases to be managed far more effectively than traditional non-robotic techniques. It clearly stands apart from existing options, establishing a new patient-first benchmark in knee replacement surgery and elevating the overall surgical experience, added Dr. Vishal Gupta, Senior Orthopedician at JIMS. Dr. Mukesh Parmar, Senior Director and General Manager South Asia, MicroPort Orthopedics , commented, It is a privilege to launch the SkyWalker system at an institution like JIMS, which is deeply committed to patient outcomes. Together, we are setting a new benchmarkaligned with global standardsfor total knee replacement across the region with both a world-class knee implant and a cutting-edge ortho-robotic system. The choice of implant is as critical as the robotic platform itself, since it remains with the patient for life. The Evolution Medial-Pivot Knee has demonstrated over 95% patient satisfaction, 98.8% survivorship at 17 years, and nearly 80% Forgotten Joint Scores worldwide. Alongside 45+ other countries, our patients in India deserve to experience the benefits of this unparalleled implant performance with the seamless and refined customization for every knee that can be achieved with the SkyWalker system . With the introduction of the SkyWalker Orthopedic Robotic System, JIMS, Hisar, further strengthens its position as a leading destination for advanced orthopedic care in India, transforming patient outcomes and redefining standards in knee replacement surgery. About MicroPort Orthopedics Inc. With presence in over 100 countries, MicroPort Orthopedics Inc. leverages decades of orthopedic expertise and strong clinical evidence to improve patient outcomes and enhance provider satisfaction worldwide. Its mission is to partner with surgeons to redefine hip and knee replacement solutions that meet the evolving demands of todays patients. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to helping patients achieve Full Function, Faster, MicroPort Orthopedics supports healthcare providers in delivering world-class care every day. www.microportortho.com About Jindal Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS) JIMS is a 580-bedded, multi-superspecialty hospital that has been serving the healthcare needs of millions across rural Haryana, Punjab, and adjoining regions of Rajasthan since 1968. Spread across 15.5 acres in Hisar, Haryana, the campus offers a patient-friendly ecosystem with a strong focus on clinical excellence and compassionate care. Guided by the philosophy that without the upliftment of weaker and backward sections of society, a nation can never truly prosper , the Jindal family laid the foundation of the institution with the establishment of NC Jindal Eye Hospital in 1966, in memory of Late Shri Netram Jindal and Late Smt. Chandrwali Jindal. www.ncjims.org
Near-zero temperatures in Haryana, Punjab; mercury plunges in Jharkhand too
Northern and Eastern India are experiencing severe cold. Hisar in Haryana recorded 0.2 degrees Celsius. Delhi saw its coldest morning of the season at 2.9 degrees Celsius. Kashmir's Dal Lake has frozen. Jharkhand and West Bengal also recorded freezing temperatures. This cold wave is impacting several states.
Thieves steal Rs 28 lakh from Sarva Haryana Gramin Bank in Hisar
Temperature dips to 1.6C in Bathinda, 2.2C in Hisar
Fog reduces visibility in parts of Punjab, Haryana
Bathinda was the coldest place in Punjab recording a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius while Hisar, at a low of 2.2 degrees Celsius, was the coldest place in Haryana, according to the weather office
Petwar to host CJI Surya Kant on homecoming with grand celebrations
Petwar, a small agrarian village in Haryanas Hisar district, is set to witness an unprecedented public celebration as Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant arrives on a homecoming visit to his native place, marking his first return to the village after assuming the highest judicial office in the country. The visit forms part of [] The post Petwar to host CJI Surya Kant on homecoming with grand celebrations appeared first on India Legal .
Hisar court to honour Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
Intense cold sweeps Punjab, Haryana; dense fog reduces visibility at many places
Hisar in Haryana was the coldest place, shivering at 2.1 Celsius, three degrees below normal
Two Maoists carrying Rs 6 Lakh collective bounty surrender before Bihar DGP
PATNA: Three senior Maoist leaders, two of whom were carrying rewards of Rs 3 lakh each, surrendered before Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar in Munger district on Sunday, days after the state government claimed that Bihar had been freed from the Naxal menace. Two self-styled zonal commanders, Narayan Kora and Bahadur Kora, each carrying a bounty of Rs 3 lakh, surrendered before the DGP and other senior police officers at a simple function held in Munger. Their associate, Binod Kora, also surrendered on the occasion. According to police officials, Narayan Kora was evading arrest in 23 Maoist-related cases, while Bahadur Kora was wanted in 24 such cases. Binod Kora is facing three cases related to attacks on police personnel. The three surrendered Maoists handed over two INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles (SLRs), around 500 rounds of ammunition and 10 walkie-talkies to the police. DGP Vinay Kumar said the family members of the surrendered Maoists would be rehabilitated under the state governments surrender policy. Addressing reporters, the DGP said Bihar had largely been rid of the Naxal menace following sustained operations against the outlawed left-wing extremist group. He added that only four districts still had partial Maoist influence, which would be eliminated soon. He praised the state governments surrender policy, saying it would encourage the remaining members of the CPI (Maoist) to join the mainstream. The government, he said, had announced an attractive surrender package for Maoists operating in the state. Earlier, two other Maoist leaders, Ravan Kora and Bhola Kora, who were wanted in dozens of cases, had surrendered before the police. Munger, Jamui and Lakhisarai were among their areas of operation. The families of these two surrendered Maoists are currently availing themselves of benefits under government welfare schemes. Family members of Ravan Kora and Bhola Kora were also present when the three Maoists surrendered before senior police officials on Sunday. Munger was among the 22 worst Naxal-affected districts in Bihar, where government agencies had faced stiff resistance while implementing development works. Security forces had repeatedly conducted operations in Maoist-affected areas to curb extremist activities. Now we can say with full conviction that Bihar is almost Naxal-free, the DGP said in response to a media query in Munger. All three Maoists, Narayan Kora, Bahadur Kora and Binod Kora, were later sent to Munger district jail.
Punjab, Haryana reel under intense cold as dense fog envelops many areas
CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana are reeling under intense cold while dense fog enveloped many areas in both states on Saturday. Ballowal Saunkhri in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district was the coldest place in Punjab, recording a low of 4.4 degrees Celsius, according to a report of the local meteorological department. Among other areas in Punjab, Amritsar recorded a low of 5.1 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. Ludhiana shivered at 4.6 degrees Celsius while Patiala's minimum was 7 degrees Celsius. Pathankot, Bathinda, Faridkot and Gurdaspur recorded their respective lows of 5.4, 6, 4.9 and 5.8 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two states, recorded a minimum of 6.9 degrees Celsius. In neighbouring Haryana, Gurugram was the coldest place with a low of 4.9 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Ambala was recorded at 9.3 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while Hisar's low was 5 degrees Celsius. Karnal recorded a low of 8 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. Narnaul, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Sirsa registered minimum temperatures of 5.5, 7.2, 6.5 and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
On Christmas, Hanuman Chalisa Recitation At Park Right Across Church In Haryana
It's Christmas today. But in Haryana's Hisar, Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad, the Hindu right-wing organisations, have announced a mass recitation of Hanuman Chalisa at a popular city park right across the church.
CAQM issues show cause notice to six thermal power plants near Delhi-NCR over biomass co-firing
NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR and adjoining areas has issued Show Cause Notices to six coal-based Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) located within a 300 km radius of Delhi. These notices were issued due to non-compliance with the mandatory provisions regarding the co-firing of pellets or briquettes made from crop residue, as specified under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023. The affected power plants include two in Punjab, three in Haryana, and one in Uttar Pradesh. The plants in Punjab are Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL Vedanta) in Mansa and PSPCL Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant in Lehra Mohabbat. In Haryana, the plants are Panipat Thermal Power Station (PTPS) in Panipat, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Station (DCRTPS) in Yamunanagar, and Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant (RGTPP) in Hisar. The plant in Uttar Pradesh is Harduaganj Thermal Power Station, operated by UPRVUNL. This action follows a detailed review of compliance for FY 2024-25, based on data provided by the Ministry of Power, Government of India. The rules require all coal-based TPPs to utilize a minimum of 5% biomass pellets or briquettes made from crop residue along with coal, with a minimum threshold of over 3% co-firing prescribed for FY 2024-25 to avoid penalties in the form of Environmental Compensation (EC). These statutory provisions were introduced to promote the management of paddy straw, reduce incidents of stubble burning, and mitigate air pollution in the NCR and neighboring areas. However, the compliance status of the following TPPs has been found unsatisfactory during FY 2024-25, with biomass co-firing levels well below the mandated thresholds. As a result, Show Cause Notices proposing the imposition of EC have been issued to the concerned plants. The total Environmental Compensation proposed for these six TPPs amounts to approximately Rs 61.85 Crore. Recognising a significant lag in compliance and in light of directions from the Supreme Court, the Commission issued notices in early 2024 to four TPPs that had consistently poor performance since the monitoring began. The Commission also expressed concerns to seven additional TPPs and all relevant authorities for immediate corrective actions. A committee was established to review representations from non-compliant TPPs (if any) for the period of FY 2024-25. The concerned TPPs have been directed to submit their written explanations within 15 days of receiving the Show Cause Notices. Failure to do so will result in further actions in accordance with the provisions of the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjacent Areas Act, 2021, including actions under Section 14 of the Act.
Nearly 1,000 postgraduates, 3,324 graduates among 5,061 new Haryana police constables
CHANDIGARH: An increasing number of highly qualified candidates are joining the Haryana Police as constables. Of the 5,061 newly trained constables who will formally join the force on Wednesday after taking the oath of discipline, integrity and public service, 969 are postgraduates, 3,324 are graduates, and 768 hold 10+2 or diploma qualifications. This trend may be attributed to the dismal job scenario in both public and private sectors, the devaluation of educational degrees, or a growing passion for uniformed services. Director of the Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban, Karnal, A.S. Chawla said the batch is particularly noteworthy for its strong academic background and intellectual capacity. He added that many recruits are proficient in Hindi, English and Punjabi, which will enhance public communication, cybercrime handling, technology-driven policing and citizen-centric services. All recruits have been registered on the Karmayogi Portal and encouraged to undertake various capacity-building courses. Among the women trainees, Nishu from Jind secured the Overall First Position, Mohit from Gurugram stood second, while Manjeet Chahal from Hisar achieved third position and also won the Best Outdoor Trophy. These achievements reflect strong women empowerment and equal opportunity within the Haryana Police, Chawla said. A large number of recruits hail from rural backgrounds, along with significant participation from urban areas. Additionally, 32 recruits from other states have successfully completed training and earned the distinction of joining the Haryana Police. This diversity strengthens the force, making it more inclusive and representative, another official said. After the passing out parade on Wednesday, the 5,061 newly trained constables will be deployed across the state, playing a crucial role in strengthening law and order, peace and citizen security, the police said. The ceremony will be held in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The programme will also be attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, senior police and administrative officers, and other distinguished dignitaries.
Bihar 'almost' rid of Maoist menace, no major incidents reported in last three to four years
PATNA: The Bihar government on Monday claimed that the State has 'almost' got rid of the Maoist menace. The number of Maoist-infested districts has declined from 22 to zero, with no major incidents reported in the past few years, according to Bihar Home departments additional chief secretary (ACS) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary. Stating that Naxal-related violence has not been reported in the past 3-4 years in the State, Chaudhary said the number of left-wing Maoist-infested districts has reduced to nil. The number of Naxal-infested districts used to be 22 in 2013, but now the number of such districts is nil because of anti-Naxal operations in the State. Now, there are only four districts of Gaya Ji, Aurangabad, Jamui and Lakhisarai which have been identified as legacy and thrust districts. Out of 1727 extremists/criminals arrested by STF, 141 extremists/criminals carried rewards on their heads, ACS revealed. A total of 220 Naxalites have been arrested, while one Naxalite has been killed in an encounter, Chaudhary said, adding that 59 regular arms, three arms looted from police, 496 country-made arms, 2166 cartridges, 299 kg of explosives, 135 landmine/cane bomb, 168 detonators have been seized, besides 20 mini gun factories were busted. The State has also witnessed a decline in the number of major criminal cases of murders, dacoity and riots compared to last year due to better and effective policing. Murder cases fell by 7.72 per cent, dacoity cases by 24.87 per cent and riot cases by 17.97 per cent in comparison to last year due to swift action by the police, he said while asserting that the decline in major criminal cases is significant. Combating Naxal menace a joint responsibility of centre and states: Bihar CM The polices swift action and strict vigil led to the arrest of 3.35 lakh persons between January 2025 and November 2025 in major criminal cases, he said. He added that 5620 persons were arrested in connection with murder cases, 1054 in dacoity cases, 2082 in loot cases, 3630 in SC & ST Act and in rape and kidnapping cases. Besides, police seized 4528 firearms and 28414 cartridges during the same period. A better intelligence gathering mechanism has led to a gradual reduction in incidents of communal tensions in the state, he said. Chaudhary was addressing the media persons here at Suchna Bhawan. He was accompanied by DGP Vinay Kumar, ADG (Law & Order) Pankaj Kumar Darad, Secretary & IG (Jail) Pranav Kumar, and Special Secretary K S Anupam were present during the Press Conference. A seperate cyber crime control unit to be set up With a view to give special thrust on rising cyber-related incidents, a separate vertical structure for the cyber crime control unit has been set up in the State, and it will be headed by an ADG-rank police official, DGP Vinay Kumar said. A total of 24.38 lakh cyber-related complaint calls have been received on the NCRP helpline portal till December 15, 2025, he said, while adding that 1.10 lakh online complaints and 24,100 online complaints relating to other cyber crimes have been reported on the NCRP portal this year. Prosecution For effective implementation of three new criminal cases, the prosecution directorate has been strengthened, for which various categories of 760 posts have been created for the Bihar Prosecution Service, DGP said, adding that the Bihar Electronic Order (for issuance, receipt and disposal) Rules 2025 and E-Sakshya Management Rules 2025 have been notified. A district prosecution directorate has been constituted in every district, he said, adding that Bihar has become the first state to launch trial in absentia following the implementation of new criminal laws of BNS, BNSS. Home Ministry declares six Bihar districts Naxal-free A total of 2,99,927 pending cases have been disposed of in the year 2025, he said and added that 1,43,878 accused persons have been sentenced in 1,05,291 cases. Four convicts were awarded capital punishment, while 1097 got life imprisonment, 533 got more than 10 years of imprisonment, 1410 received less than 10 years and more than 2 years of jail, while 1,37,983 convicts were fined/released on bond. Bihar has become the first state to get convictions of accused persons within 15 days of trial in connection with the Sidhwalia PS case 232/2024 in Gopalganj district. The trial was completed within a record time, DGP said, adding that the earlier record of completing the fastest trial was 48 days.
Hansi declared as 23rd district of Haryana, notification within a week
CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday declared Hansi as the 23rd district of Haryana, marking a significant administrative milestone for the region. The official notification will be issued within a week, he said . With the creation of the new district, Hisar district will now have two subdivisionsHisar and Barwalawhile the newly formed Hansi district will comprise two subdivisions, Hansi and Narnaund. Addressing a Vikas rally in Hansi, CM Saini also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for three development projects worth Rs. 77.30 crore. Recalling Hansis rich historical and cultural legacy, Saini described it as a land of valour and sacrifice, once known as the gateway of Hindustan. He paid homage to the sacrifices made during the First War of Independence in 1857, stating that the historic Lal Sadak still bears testimony to the brutal atrocities of the British, where freedom fighters were mercilessly crushed. He said Hansis prominence predates even the freedom struggle, noting that the town was earlier known as Asi and Asigarh, and during the reign of Emperor Harsha, it served as the capital of the Satluj province. Reaffirming the governments commitment to regional development, Saini said that no stone would be left unturned for the progress of Hansi. Highlighting development works, he stated that projects worth Rs. 1,008 crore have been executed in the Hansi Assembly constituency over the last 11 years, whereas only Rs. 253 crore worth of works were undertaken during the Congress regime. Targeting Congress over its criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Chief Minister said that intensive revisions have been conducted several times since Independence, including in 1952, 1957, 1961, 196566, 198384, 198789, 19929395 and 200203often when opposition parties were in power. Democracy was never under threat during those periods, he said, questioning why objections are now being raised in 2025 when the Election Commission is performing its constitutional duty to update electoral rolls. Saini said that out of the 217 promises made in the Sankalp Patra election manifesto, the double-engine government has fulfilled 54 promises within a year, while work on 163 promises is currently underway. Though one year may appear brief, he said, it has witnessed development progressing at three times the earlier pace, reflecting the governments commitment to non-stop development. He added that during its third term as well, the government has taken decisive steps to ensure inclusive growth and safeguard the interests of all sections of society. Listing major welfare initiatives, Saini said that under the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, eligible women are provided financial assistance of Rs. 2,100, and so far more than seven lakh women have received Rs. 258 crore in two instalments. He further said that to support poor households, the government is providing LPG cylinders at Rs. 500 per month, benefiting around 14.7 lakh families across the state. Speaking on agricultural reforms, CM Saini said that the state government is procuring all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). He informed that Rs. 1.64 lakh crore has been directly credited to the accounts of nearly 12 lakh farmers for crop procurement. He also highlighted that the BJP government has abolished the British-era Abiana and introduced fully digital, paperless registration of land and property, making the entire process transparent and efficient. Haryana Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa said that the double-engine government is delivering development at a rapid pace, resulting in the BJP forming the government for the third consecutive term in the state. MLA Vinod Bhayana thanked the Chief Minister for accepting key development demands and described the decision to make Hansi a district as a historic gift for the region.
AAIs high-frequency radar to be relocated, will unlock land for affordable housing in Dahisar: Naidu
MUMBAI, Dec 14: The Airports Authority of Indias (AAI) high-frequency radar at Dahisar in Mumbai will be relocated to Gorai, unlocking hundreds of acres of land for affordable housing projects in the area, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced on Sunday. This decision was taken following a meeting between various stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Maharashtra government, and others. Addressing a meeting virtually, Naidu said the civil aviation ministry will seek cabinet approval for the relocation so [] The post AAIs high-frequency radar to be relocated, will unlock land for affordable housing in Dahisar: Naidu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bihar government cracks down on land mafia as Dy CM warns officials of strict action
PATNA: The newly formed Bihar government has started tightening its noose around land mafias operating in the state. Deputy Chief Minister and state land revenue and reforms minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Wednesday warned department officers and employees of stern action if they were found colluding with land mafias. Addressing a press conference at his official chamber, Sinha said reports had emerged about some departmental officers and employees having a nexus with land mafias. Nobody will be spared, whosoever they may be, he told the media. Strict action will be taken against any official found involved in such activities, he said, adding that their offices would not function for personal gain. Some within the department were colluding with land mafia, and action was certain against such white-collar individuals. He said meetings would be held at fixed times in every panchayat, with close monitoring of employee attendance. So far, 46 lakh people had applied regarding land-related matters, of which approximately 12 lakh cases had been resolved and uploaded to the portal. The minister stated that land disputes were the biggest problem in Bihar, and the government was working on a war footing to resolve them. Mutation and rectification of land records would be the department's top priority. Weekly reviews would be conducted in all districts, and timely completion of work made mandatory. Any officer rejecting an application must provide a valid reason, which would also be verified. He said strict action would be taken against those committing fraud using fake documents. A special flying squad has been formed to monitor such fraudulent activities. Warning to officials: The office will not be in your pocket Sinha stated firmly that no officers office would run as if its in their pocket. Regular meetings would be held in every panchayat, and employee attendance strictly monitored. Land Reforms Dialogue to begin on December 12 The government will launch a new programme called Land Reforms Dialogue on December 12 in Patna, with another session in Lakhisarai on December 15. The programme will run from 10 am to 12 pm, offering on-the-spot solutions to land-related grievances brought by citizens. He said stern action would be taken against anyone encroaching on government land. The word bulldozer inspires confidence among people. We need to instill fear of this word in their hearts, he said, adding that even stricter action than bulldozers would be used if wrongdoing was detected. After March, a special campaign will be launched across Bihar to free government land from encroachment, he added. Last week, the state government proposed the creation of 100 fast-track courts to dispose of pending land-related cases.
Bihar government to set up 100 fast-track courts to dispose of pending cases
PATNA: Bihar deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who is also holding the portfolio of home department, on Sunday announced that 100 fast track courts (FTCs) would be established in Bihar for speedy disposal of pending cases in the courts. The fast track courts aim to reduce the burden on the judiciary and provide due attention and time to cases of a sensitive nature. Chaudhary said that these fast-track courts would lessen the burden on courts considerably, considering that more than 18 lakh cases were pending in various courts of the state. He informed eight fast-track courts have been proposed in Patna, while four courts each will be established in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur. Home Minister said that three fast-track courts each would be set up in Nalanda (Biharsharif), Rohtas (Sasaram), Saran (Chapra), Begusarai, Vaishali (Hajipur), East Champaran (Motihari), Samastipur, and Madhubani. Similarly, two fast-track courts each will operate in West Champaran (Bettiah), Saharsa, Purnea, Munger, Nawada, Jehanabad, Arwal, Aurangabad, Kaimur (Bhabua), Buxar, Bhojpur (Ara), Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Siwan, Gopalganj, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, Banka, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, and Khagaria. In addition, it is proposed to establish one fast-track court each in the Naugachhiaand Bagaha sub-divisional courts. Chaudhary said, cases jointly identified by the district magistrates and superintendents of Police will be disposed of on a priority basis. A large-scale recruitment of personnel will also be undertaken for the establishment of a total of 100 fast-track courts across 38 districts and sub-divisions of the state. A total of 900 positions are proposed for each court, comprising eight types of posts -- bench clerk, office clerk, stenographer, deposition writer, data entry operator, driver, process server, and peon or orderly. As many as 79 courts will be specially set up for the speedy disposal of cases pending under the Arms Act. Bihar government was of the opinion that quick resolution of serious cases like those under the Arms Act would improve law and order in the state, Chaudhary added.
Northern India shivers as temperatures plunge; Delhi chokes under very poor air
North India continued to reel under sharp winter conditions on Friday, with large parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana recording minimum temperatures well below normal, even as Kashmir saw a brief improvement in the cold due to overcast skies. Delhi, meanwhile, remained choked under very poor air quality as a cold wave was forecast for the day. Rajasthan recorded the lowest temperature in the region, with Fatehpur in Sikar district plunging to 1.9C on Friday morning. The Jaipur Meteorological Centre said minimum temperatures stayed below 10 degrees Celsius across several districts, including Sikar at 3C, Nagaur at 3.1C, Lunkaransar at 3.2C, Churu at 4.5C and Pilani at 4.8C. Dry conditions are likely to persist over most parts of the state for the next week, it added. Bone-chilling cold also gripped Punjab and Haryana. Faridkot, at 3C, was the coldest among the two states. In Punjab, Bathinda recorded 3.2C, while Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur reported lows between 5.5C and 6.2C. In neighbouring Haryana, Narnaul was the coldest at 3.5C, while Hisar recorded 3.7C. Karnal, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Sirsa registered temperatures ranging between 5.4C and 7.7C. Chandigarh, the shared capital, reported a minimum of 6.1C. Kashmir, however, witnessed an improvement in night temperatures as cloud cover pushed the mercury above those recorded in recent days. Srinagar, which had plunged to 4C the previous night, recorded a low of 0.4Cover four degrees higher. Qazigund reported 0.2C, Kupwara 0.2C, Kokernag 0.8C, Pahalgam 1.8C and Gulmarg 0C. Konibal in Pulwama district remained the coldest in the Union Territory at 3C. The weather office said light snowfall is possible in the higher reaches later on Friday, while another brief spell is likely on December 8. In Delhi, there was no respite from toxic air as the Air Quality Index stood at 323 at 9 am, firmly in the very poor category. Bawana recorded the highest AQI in the city at 373, while 30 monitoring stations reported very poor levels. The capital saw fluctuating pollution levels through the week, with the AQI rising from 279 on Sunday to 372 on Tuesday before settling at 304 on Thursday. The IMD said a cold wave is expected through the day, with the minimum temperature dipping to 5.6C, nearly four degrees below normal. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 22C, while relative humidity touched 100% in the morning. (With inputs from PTI)
CHANDIGARH: A Hisar resident who emerged as the successful bidder with a Rs 1.17 crore offer for the fancy vehicle number HR-88-B-8888 in an online auction held in Charkhi Dadris Badhra subdivision is now under investigation after failing to pay by the deadline. Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij on Thursday termed bidding in auctions a responsibility, not a hobby and directed transport officials to examine the bidders financial capacity and income sources. The Income Tax Department has also been asked to look into the matter. The bidder was required to make the payment by Monday after initially paying Rs 1,000 as the participation fee and Rs 10,000 as the security deposit to take part in the online bidding process. Vij said that during the recent online auction for vehicle number HR-88-B-8888, an individual placed the highest bid of Rs 1.17 crore. However, after placing the bid, the person allowed his security amount to be forfeited. Therefore, his financial capacity and source of income will now be thoroughly investigated to verify whether he was genuinely capable of bidding such a large amount, he said. The minister noted that fancy and VIP vehicle numbers in Haryana are allotted only through auctions. People often make very high bids for such numbers, not only for prestige but also because the process contributes significantly to state revenue. Expressing dissatisfaction over the incident, Vij said that participating in an auction is a serious responsibility, not a casual activity. He added that the recent incident shows some individuals are treating the auction process lightly. He said, I have issued strict instructions to Transport Department officials to check the bidders actual income and property. It must be confirmed whether the person really has the financial capacity to bid. A written request is also being sent to the Income Tax Department for a thorough investigation so that no one in the future participates in auctions on false financial claims or without sufficient economic ability.
A man from Hisar, Haryana, has reportedly paid a record Rs 1.17 crore for the VIP vehicle registration number HR 88B 8888. The auction, conducted online by the Haryana transport department, saw 45 participants vying for the number, which is believed to hold appeal due to its visual illusion.
Bidding frenzy in Haryana as fancy registration number fetches Rs 1.17 crore online
CHANDIGARH: The craze for fancy vehicle registration numbers in Haryanas rapidly growing digital auctions has reached a new high, with the number HR-88-B-8888 fetching a whopping Rs 1.17 crore. If confirmed, this would reportedly make it the costliest registration number bid in the country, though this could not be independently verified. The successful bidder must deposit the full amount by Monday to claim ownership, after which the number will be formally considered sold. Sources said the registration code HR stands for Haryana, while 88 denotes the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in the Badhra subdivision of Charkhi Dadri district. One of the bidders, Sudhir Kumar, son of Om Parkash from Hisar, placed the 1.17 crore bid. The amount, which stood at a few lakh rupees in the afternoon, shot up dramatically before closing at 1.17 crore at 5 pm. A total of 45 people took part in the auction conducted through the portal fancy.parivahan.gov.in. Haryana holds online auctions for fancy numbers weekly, and bidding closes at 5 pm every Wednesday. An official of the state transport department said the bidding process is automated and entirely online, and the information furnished on the e-auction portal is deemed correct. The bidder had paid 1,000 as participation fees and 10,000 as security deposit. He has to make the rest of the payment online by 5 pm Monday and will thus get the number. If he fails to deposit the money, then the bid will be cancelled and the money already deposited by him, that is, participation fees and security deposit, will be forfeited, and then this number can again be put up for auction, he said. Sources pointed out that in the number HR88B8888 , the uppercase B resembles the digit eight, creating what appears to be a flawless run of eightslong considered a symbol of prosperity and luck. A few days ago in Haryana, another number, HR22W2222 , went for 37.91 lakh. Notably, in August this year, Chandigarhs (Union Territory) costliest number, CH01DA0001 , was sold for 36.43 lakh. Also among the highest bids were CH01CZ0001 at 31 lakh, CH01CV0001 at 23.70 lakh last year, and CH01CH0001 , which fetched 22.02 lakh in 2022.
CJI makes new rule on urgent hearing
NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday administered the oath of office to Justice Surya Kant, who became the 53rd Chief Justice of India. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others, attended the ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It marked a personal milestone for the 62-year-old judge from Haryanas Hisar district, who took the oath in Hindi, invoking God. Moments later, he walked over to greet the prime minister. Justice Kant succeeds Justice B R Gavai and will serve until February 9, 2027, when he turns 65. His judicial career includes contributions to several landmark verdicts from the Presidential Reference on removing timelines for governors to the abrogation of Article 370, the Pegasus spyware matter, questions of free speech, citizenship rights, and the Special Intensive Revision of Bihars electoral rolls. He was also on the bench that put the sedition law on hold, directing that no new FIRs be filed until the Centre completes its review. After assuming office, CJI Kant introduced a new procedural norm for urgent mentions. From now on, he said, lawyers must submit written requests explaining the cause of urgency, and the registry will examine them. Oral mentions, he made clear, will be allowed only in rare situations. If you have any urgent mentioning, give your mentioning slip along with the cause of urgency; the registrar will examine Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, when somebodys liberty is involved, there is a question of death sentence, etc, then only I will list it, he said. His remark came after a counsel sought urgent listing in a case concerning the demolition of a canteen. On the bench, CJI Kant has repeatedly underlined the limits of free expression. He cautioned podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia for derogatory remarks, observing that free speech did not permit flouting societal norms. In another hearing, a bench he led pulled up Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for comments he made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi during Operation Sindoor, stressing that freedom of speech is not absolute and that ministers must speak responsibly.
Gurugram police arrest 2 men for trafficking youths for Myanmar cyber slavery
Gurugram police have arrested two men in Hisar for allegedly recruiting and trafficking Indian nationals to Myanmar for cyber-fraud activities orchestrated by Chinese individuals. The accused, Sandeep and Mukul, were themselves repatriates who lured victims with job promises in Thailand, then forced them into criminal operations and extorted money. They earned commissions for their recruitment efforts.
From small-town lawyer to pinnacle of judiciary, 53rd CJI Surya Kant delivered many key verdicts
NEW DELHI: Justice Surya Kant, who took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday, has been part of several key verdicts, including orders on Presidential Reference on removing timelines for governors, abrogation of Article 370, Bihar electoral roll revision , the Pegasus spyware case, free speech, and citizenship rights. Coming from a middle-class family in Haryana's Hisar district, CJI Kant started his professional journey as a small-town lawyer before reaching the pinnacle of the Indian judiciary. He took oath in Hindi in the name of God, and will remain in charge for nearly 15 months, till demitting office on February 9, 2027, on attaining the age of 65. Delineating his top two priorities as the head of the judiciary, CJI Kant recently told the media that dealing with a huge backlog of more than five crore cases across courts and promoting game changer mediation as an alternative mode of dispute resolution will be his two important goals. CJI Kant was recently part of a five-judge Constitution bench headed by his predecessor Justice B R Gavai, which ruled that the court cannot impose any timelines on governors or the president to grant assent to Bills passed by the state assemblies, but at the same time said governors do not have unfettered powers to sit on the Bills for perpetuity. CJI Kant also penned several notable judgments in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and was appointed the chief justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on October 5, 2018. His tenure as a Supreme Court judge is marked by verdicts on the abrogation of Article 370, free speech and citizenship rights. He was part of the bench that kept the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance, directing that no new FIRs be registered under it until a government review. CJI Kant also nudged the Election Commission to disclose the details of 65 lakh voters excluded from the draft electoral rolls in Bihar while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the poll panel's decision to undertake a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter list in the poll-bound state. In an order that emphasised grassroots democracy and gender justice, he led a bench that reinstated a woman sarpanch unlawfully removed from office and called out the gender bias in the matter. He is also credited with directing that one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, be reserved for women. CJI Kant was part of the bench that appointed a five-member committee headed by former top court judge Justice Indu Malhotra to probe the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Punjab in 2022, saying such matters required a judicially trained mind. He also upheld the 'One Rank-One Pension' scheme for defence forces, calling it constitutionally valid, and continues to hear petitions of women officers in the armed forces seeking parity in permanent commission. In another notable case, he upheld the Char Dham project in Uttarakhand, emphasising its strategic importance for national security, while balancing environmental concerns. His bench also observed that freedom of speech is not a licence to flout societal norms while cautioning podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia for his derogatory remarks. CJI Kant headed a bench which pulled up several stand-up comedians, including 'India's Got Latent' host Samay Raina, for ridiculing disabled people on their shows, and directed the Centre to come up with guidelines for regulating online content. Holding that freedom of speech is not absolute , CJI Kant led a bench which pulled up Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for his remarks targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who gained nationwide prominence for media briefings on 'Operation Sindoor', saying every word uttered by a minister has to be with a sense of responsibility. He has repeatedly underscored that corruption undermines governance and public trust. In a 2023 verdict, he called it a serious societal threat and ordered the CBI to probe 28 cases exposing an unholy nexus between banks and developers that defrauded homebuyers. He also led a bench that granted bail to former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the CBI excise policy case, saying the agency must work to dispel the notion of being a caged parrot. His bench flagged the absence of a legal framework for domestic workers, directing the Centre to form an expert committee to propose protective measures for the vulnerable workforce. He has been part of more than 300 benches since his elevation to the Supreme Court. CJI Kant was also on the seven-judge bench that overruled the 1967 Aligarh Muslim University verdict, opening the way for reconsideration of its minority status. He was also part of the bench which in 2021 appointed a three-member panel of cyber experts to probe the alleged use of Israeli spyware Pegasus for surveillance of certain people in India, saying the state cannot get a free pass every time the spectre of national security is raised and it cannot be the ugbear that the judiciary shies away from. High Courts must respond quickly and accurately, just like emergency wards in hospitals: Justice Surya Kant
From Hisar To CJI Chair: Justice Surya Kant Lists Priorities, Plans Ahead Of Swearing-In | Exclusive
Justice Surya Kant will on Monday take oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. He will succeed Justice B R Gavai
Justice Surya Kant to take oath on Monday as next Chief Justice of India
NEW DELHI: Justice Surya Kant, who has been part of several landmark verdicts and orders on abrogation of Article 370 removing Jammu and Kashmir's special status, Bihar electoral rolls revision and Pegasus spyware case, will on Monday take oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India . He will succeed Justice B R Gavai, who demits office this evening. Justice Kant was appointed as the next CJI on October 30 and will remain in the post for nearly 15 months. He will demit office on February 9, 2027 on attaining the age of 65 years. Born on February 10, 1962 in Hisar district of Haryana to a middle-class family, Justice Kant went from being a small-town lawyer to the country's highest judicial office, where he has been part of several verdicts and orders of national importance and constitutional matters. He also has the distinction of standing 'first class first' in his Master's degree in law in 2011 from Kurukshetra University. Justice Kant, who penned several notable judgments in the Punjab and Haryana HC, was appointed the chief justice of Himachal Pradesh HC on October 5, 2018. His tenure as an SC judge is marked by verdicts on the abrogation of Article 370, free speech and citizenship rights. 'Will prioritise reducing pendancy of cases': CJI designate Surya Kant The judge was part of the recent presidential reference on the powers of the Governor and President in dealing with bills passed by a state assembly. The verdict is keenly awaited with potential ramifications across states. He was part of the bench that kept the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance, directing that no new FIRs be registered under it until a government review. Justice Kant also nudged the Election Commission to disclose the details of 65 lakh voters excluded from the draft electoral rolls in Bihar while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the poll panel's decision to undertake Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters list in the poll-bound state. In an order that emphasised grassroots democracy and gender justice, he led a bench that reinstated a woman sarpanch unlawfully removed from office and called out the gender bias in the matter. He is also credited with directing that one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, be reserved for women. Justice Kant was part of the bench that appointed a five-member committee headed by former top court judge Justice Indu Malhotra to probe the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Punjab in 2022, saying such matters required a judicially trained mind. He also upheld the One Rank-One Pension scheme for defence forces, calling it constitutionally valid, and continues to hear petitions of women officers in the armed forces seeking parity in permanent commission. Justice Kant was on the seven-judge bench that overruled the 1967 Aligarh Muslim University judgment, opening the way for reconsideration of the institution's minority status. He was also part of the bench which heard the Pegasus spyware case and which appointed a panel of cyber experts to probe allegations of unlawful surveillance, famously stating that the state cannot get a free pass under the guise of national security.
Alliance Air, under the Government of India, connectssmaller cities and Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns to the main aviation network,bringing remote regions into India's aviation network. Building on this regional focus, the state-owned carrier introduced the Fare Se Fursat (One Route, One Fare) model last month, marking a significant step towards affordable, uniform ticketing across its routes. The initiative covers sectors such as Delhi-Shimla, Shimla-Dharamshala, Hisar-Chandigarh, Jabalpur-Jagdalpur, and Jalgaon-Ahmedabad, among others. These routes underscore the enduring significance of a public airline in connecting diverse geographies and fostering balanced regional development. Further connections such as Vidyanagar-Bengaluru, Kochi-Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar-Rourkela, and those in the northern and northeastern regions, including Guwahati-Aizawl, Imphal-Dimapur, and Jorhat-Tezu, demonstrate the airlines expanding network. By bringing previously unexplored destinations into focus, Alliance Air supports the governments effort to strengthen regional air connectivity. Meanwhile, the introduction of Fare Se Fursat reflects a well-structured measure to encourage domestic air travel and reinforce Indias aviation ecosystem. Industry experts view this model, launched under the broader framework of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity programme, as a potential turning point for affordable and inclusive air travel nationwide. Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman Sky One The purpose of aviation itself is to make air travel more people-oriented. One of the major concerns for passengers has always been the airfare. During peak seasons, they often have to pay higher prices, and when booking at short notice, they bear the impact of volatility. And if the state comes forward to address this concern, it is undoubtedly a positive step , ,said Jaideep Mirchandani, group chairman of Sky One . According to the official statement, Alliance Air will introduce a single fixed fare that remains unchanged, regardless of the booking date, even on the day of departure. This pilot initiative will be in effect from October 13 to December 31, 2025. Although it will initially apply only to selected routes, further decisions will be taken after assessing its operational feasibility and passenger response. The key question however is just who stands to benefit the most from this move? I think passengers who travel frequently between Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will benefit the most. Alliance Air generally operates on short and medium routes under the UDAN scheme. Its fleet mainly consists of ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, which are suitable for smaller airports and can carry up to 72 passengers. The airline also operates a few ATR 42-600 aircraft with a capacity of 48 passengers and one Indian-made Dornier 228 aircraft that can accommodate 17 passengers. Naturally, this approach will make air travel more people-friendly, added Mr Mirchandani . The aviation expert says that measures related to fares and amenities, which may seem insignificant to high-net-worth individuals, hold great value for the common traveller. Without assigning blame, he points out that initiatives such as UDAN Yatri Cafes, offering tea for Rs 10, coffee for Rs 20, and snacks for Rs 20 at airports, can make a real difference to regular passengers. Gone are the days when air travel was seen as a privilege of the elite. It should be accessible to more people, ensuring dignity and affordability. We are now addressing one of the biggest concerns of passengers: airfare. I am curious to see howthis move will impact private airlines in the country after the pilot phase. It will be interesting to observe how they adapt and incorporate similar measures within their domestic realms , concluded Mr Mirchandani .
Jammu University loses to Jamia University in VCs T-20 final
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 16: Jammu University gave a strong fight but went down by 3 wickets to Jamia University in the final of the All India Vice-Chancellors T-20 Cricket Tournament 2025, organized by LUVAS University, Hisar. Batting first, Jammu University scored 144 for 5 in 20 overs. Niranjan Singh led the charge with 50 runs, while Shami Kumar contributed 38, Raj Kumar Bakshi 14 and Vishal Sudan 11. For Jamia University, Adeel took 2 wickets for 19 runs, [] The post Jammu University loses to Jamia University in VCs T-20 final appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bihar Assembly Elections: NDA falls one short of a full ministerial sweep
As the ruling NDA steamrolled the Mahagathbandhan to retain power in Bihar, all but one of the 25 state ministers in the fray secured their seats. Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, both from the BJP, won Tarapur and Lakhisarai assembly seats. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar , who has been a member of the legislative council (MLC), did not contest the assembly elections. Altogether 15 ministers from the BJP had contested the polls and emerged victorious. Agriculture minister Prem Kumar, a BJP veteran, retained Gaya Town for an eighth consecutive term, a record equalled by his JD(U) cabinet colleague Bijendra Yadav (Supaul). Another minister Raju Kumar Singh, who had been elected from Sahebganj in 2020 on a ticket of Vikassheel Insan Party and later defected to the BJP, retained the seat. He contested the assembly segment this time on a saffron party's ticket. Sanjay Saraogi (Darbhanga) and Nitin Nabin (Bankipur) retained their seats for a fifth consecutive term. Other BJP ministers, who emerged victorious, were Renu Devi (Bettiah), Nitish Mishra (Jhanjharpur), Neeraj Kumar Singh 'Bablu' (Chhatapur), Kedar Prasad Gupta (Kurhani), Jibesh Kumar (Jale), Krishnanandan Paswan (Harsidhi), Vijay Kumar Mandal and Krishna Kumar Mantoo (Amnour) and Sunil Kumar (Bihar Sharif). However, Sumit Kumar Singh, who had been elected in 2020 as an independent candidate and inducted into the state cabinet, failed to retain the Chakai assembly seat when he sought reelection on a JD(U) ticket. Singh lost by a margin of nearly 13,000 votes to RJD candidate Savitri Devi, whom he had defeated five years ago from Chakai in the Jamui district. Son of late Narendra Singh, a former state minister and a close aide of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Sumit had held the science, technology and technical education portfolio in the outgoing government. Victorious JD(U) ministers included Sheela Kumari (Phulparas), Leshi Singh (Dhamdaha), Ratnesh Sada (Sonbarsha), Madan Sahni (Bahadurpur), Vijay Kumar Choudhary (Sarairanjan), Jayant Raj (Amarpur), Shrawon Kumar (Nalanda) and Mohd. Zama Khan (Chainpur). The ruling NDA decimated the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Friday to retain power, reaffirming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's enduring appeal and dealing a body blow to the Congress and ally RJD. The massive scale of the victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) can be gauged from the fact that its two main constituents--BJP and JD(U) -- clocked a nearly 85% strike rate in 101 seats each they had contested. The alliance secured a 200 paar win for a three-fourths majority in the 243-member Bihar assembly with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. Power of Six! How the NDA succeeded in hitting the MGB out of the park in Bihar polls
Bihar Election 2025: Both Deputy CMs lead in early trends, Samrat Chaudhary ahead in Tarapur, Vijay Kumar Sinha from Laskhisarai
Lakhisarai: In Vinay Kumar Sinha vs Suraj Kumar, who is winning?
Lakhisarai, a key Bihar constituency, is gearing up for the 2025 Assembly elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party's Vinay Kumar Sinha, the incumbent MLA and Deputy Chief Minister, is seeking re-election. He faces a new challenger, Suraj Kumar, from Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party. This contest promises to be a significant battle for the seat.
Bihar recorded historic polling of 65.08 per cent in first phase of Assembly elections, says EC
Bihar has registered a historic polling of 65.08 per cent in the first phase of the Assembly elections, the highest in the state's history, the Election Commission said on Saturday. As per the latest update provided by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Bihar, the turnout is 7.79 per cent more than the consolidated polling percentage of the 2020 Assembly polls, when 57.29 per cent of the electors had cast their votes. Two districts Muzaffarpur and Samastipur recorded over 70 per cent voting, according to EC. While Muzaffarpur registered 71.81 per cent turnout, it was 71.74 per cent in Samastipur. In the first phase of the polls, a total of 3.75 crore people were eligible to cast their votes at 45,341 polling stations, including 36,733 in rural areas, on November 6 to decide the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, of whom 1,192 are men and 122 women. Of the 3.75 crore voters, 1.98 crore are men and 1.76 crore women. Women had come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise in the November 6 polls. Other districts that recorded a high polling percentage were Madhepura (69.59), Saharsa (69.38), Vaishali (68.50) and Khagaria (67.90). Patna district recorded 59.02 per cent voting, while Lakhisarai registered 64.98 per cent, Munger 62.74 and Siwan 60.61. The remaining 122 seats of the 243-member assembly will vote on November 11, while the counting will take place on November 14. (With inputs from PTI) Bihar Assembly polls: Claims & counter-claims over turnout in first phase
Haryana sub-inspector beaten to death outside his house in Hisar
CHANDIGARH: In a shocking incident, Sub-Inspector of Haryana Police Ramesh Kumar was brutally beaten to death with bricks and sticks outside his house in Hisar after he tried to stop a group of men from creating a disturbance. The incident occurred around midnight Thursday, when a group of youths created a ruckus in Kumars neighborhood at Shamlal Dhani, Hisar. Kumar came out of his house on hearing the commotion and objected to their use of foul language. The group initially left the spot but returned an hour later with more people, arriving in a car and on bikes, and resumed their abusive behavior in front of Kumars house. When Kumar intervened again, they hurled abuses and attacked him with sticks and bricks, killing him on the spot. Kumars family rushed out of the house on hearing the noise and sought help, but the assailants had already escaped, abandoning their car and two bikes. Senior police officers promptly arrived at the scene. The 57-year-old Kumar, who was posted with the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) office in Hisar, was due to retire in January next year. A case of murder has been registered against the alleged assailants. Police have seized their vehicles, and special teams have been set up to track the accused, who are currently on the run. Kumars body has been sent to the civil hospital for a post-mortem examination. Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan said the group left the place after Kumar's upbraiding, but it returned and attacked him with bricks, wounding him fatally in the head. Police have booked 10 people in connection with the killing, and arrested five. The SP said the attackers lived in the same neighbourhood. The police have seized a car and a scooter used by the accused. Kumar is survived by two daughters and a son, the SP said. (With additional inputs from PTI.)
Haryana cop beaten to death outside home in Hisar; 5 held
He was allegedly beaten to death after he tried to stop a group of people from creating a ruckus outside his house
Bihar: Dy CM, Tejashwi aide spar in Lakhisarai
PATNA: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Thursday accused goons of the RJD, the main Opposition party, of attacking his convoy in a village in Lakhisaraihis home turfwhere he went following complaints that voters were being terrorised. According to Sinha, stones were pelted and cow dung hurled at his convoy. The incident reportedly occurred when Sinha reached the Nadiyawan village to oversee polling in Lakhisarai, from where he is seeking a fourth consecutive term. I had received complaints from the village. Our polling agent was shooed away by RJD goons who had terrorised local voters, mostly Dalits and extremely backward classes. So, I came here myself, Sinha said. The BJP leader is said to have confronted RJD MLC Ajay Singh for allegedly leading a group of his party supporters with Congress leader Sujit who were trying to intimidate voters outside the polling station. Sinha has demanded action against the RJD legislator, claiming that the latter was under the influence of liquor and actively attempting to vitiate the polling process. Singh, on the other hand, has accused Sinha of violating the Election Commissions (EC) model code of conduct by moving in a convoy while polling was on in the constituency. He further claimed that Sinha had accused him of disrupting the electoral exercise at the station as the latter feared a defeat. Munger DIG Rakesh Kumar said strict action would be initiated against anyone found to be at fault. An investigation is under way. Action will be taken after reviewing the evidence, he stated, adding that overall polling in Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura and Munger was held without incident. Taking a serious view of the alleged attack on the Deputy CM, the EC has asked the state police chief to probe the incident and submit a report in this regard. Under lens of poll panel The EC top brass is monitoring the polling in Bihar through the live feed available from polling stations. CCTVs have been installed for the first time in all polling stations of the state. From 19 to 92, voters seek garbage-free roads Garbage lay strewn in front of a polling station in Kumhrar constituency as voters, from a 19-year-old first-timer to a 92-year-old veteran doctor, queued up. Several voters, whether young or old, in Patrakar Nagar area in the state capital Patna, spoke of the dire condition of roads and the very poor level of sanitation in the streets. They expressed hope that the next MLA would be sensitive to the rundown infrastructure. Bigwigs at the booth CM Nitish Kumar, his deputies Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha and INDIA blocs CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav were among the top Bihar politicians who cast their votes on Thursday.
Bihar Elections: Record phase 1 turnout sets up 'sushasan vs jobs' showdown
In Bihars highest-ever voter turnout, nearly 65% of 3.75 crore electors cast their ballots on Thursday across 121 constituencies in the first phase of the assembly elections a high-stakes contest seen as a litmus test of the ruling NDAs popularity. In a statement, the Election Commission said the first phase of the assembly elections concluded peacefully in a festive mood with the highest-ever voter turnout of 64.66 percent in the history of Bihar. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vinod Singh Gunjiyal said women came out in large numbers to cast their votes, with a lot of enthusiasm. The NDA, in power for much of the past two decades, is leaning on its image of sushasan or good governance, contrasting it with what it calls the jungle raj of the RJD-Congress years. The opposition bloc, meanwhile, is banking on anti-incumbency and Tejashwi Yadavs ambitious jobs-for-every-home pledge to challenge the ruling alliance. The polls for the 243-member assembly are being closely watched not only for their local implications but also as an early indicator of the political mood ahead of 2029, and follow the highly controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll by the EC, which came under attack from opposition parties for alleged igging and manipulation of voter lists. The second and the last phase will be held on November 11, and the counting will take place on November 14. Muslim women vote in large numbers in first phase of Bihar polls after SIR exercise Stakes are high for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, with several key leaders , including RJD's Yadav, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, besides a slew of ministers, being among the 1,314 candidates in fray in this phase. Stray incidents of violence, including an alleged attack on Sinha's vehicle , were reported from some areas during the polling. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed rallies in a couple of constituencies going to polls in the second and final phase, felt that the noticeably high number of women turning up to vote was a good sign for the NDA. Mothers, daughters, and sisters have been the worst sufferers of 'jungle raj'. Today, they seem to have put up a fortress around polling booths to prevent the return of 'jungle raj', Modi remarked. The NDA hopes that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's record, along with recent welfare measures such as 125 units of free power, Rs 10,000 cash transfers to over 1 crore women, and an increase in social security pensions, will help counter anti-incumbency. However, the opposition dismissed the boasts of the BJP-led coalition and hoped that people would vote for a change. RJD president Lalu Prasad, who hopes that his younger son and heir apparent Yadav will form the next government, came out with an evocative social media post, drawing the analogy of a oti. If a roti is not flipped on a tawa (pan), it gets burnt. Twenty years is a long time. A Tejashwi government is essential to build a new Bihar, Prasad wrote on X. There have also been allegations and counter-allegations from both sides on the polling day. Deputy CM Sinha, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term from Lakhisarai, claimed that one of the cars in his convoy was attacked by RJD supporters trying to intimidate voters belonging to extremely backward classes. On the other hand, the RJD alleged on X that voting had been deliberately slowed down in areas where the INDIA bloc was strongly placed, a charge promptly rejected by the EC. 'BJP will try to steal votes with all its might,' Rahul tells Bihar voters, urges youth to 'stop it' A notable feature of this election has been the presence of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party, which the former political strategist believes could emerge as the proverbial dark horse. Kishor has caught public imagination with his promise of making the state among the top-ranking ones in the country, and to this end, he has not shied away from making a few bold statements, including his announcement that he intends to scrap the prohibition law, which has been bleeding the state dry. Polling was held across 18 districts, with Muzaffarpur and Samastipur recording the highest turnouts, as per the latest available data. Muzaffarpur recorded a turnout of 70.96 per cent, while the polling percentage in Samastipur stood at 70.63. Madhepura recorded 67.21 per cent turnout, followed by Vaishali at 67.37 per cent, Saharsa at 66.84 per cent, Khagaria at 66.36 per cent, Lakhisarai at 65.05 per cent, Munger at 60.40 per cent, Siwan at 60.31 per cent, Nalanda at 58.91 per cent, and Patna at 57.93 per cent. The low turnout in Patna was largely attributed to urban constituencies such as Bankipur, Digha, and Kumhrar, where electors are known to be less enthusiastic. According to the Election Commission, the assembly elections of 1951-52 saw the lowest voter turnout in the state at 42.6 per cent, while the one in 2000 saw the highest turnout before this, at 62.57 per cent. In the last assembly polls in 2020, held under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, a voter turnout of 57.29 per cent was recorded. The 2015 elections recorded a turnout of 56.91 per cent, while the one before that, in 2010, the polling percentage stood at 52.73. Politics in Bihar is as much about numbers as it is about castes. Caste and community loyalties remain crucial, with Yadavs, Kushwahas, Kurmis, Brahmins, and Dalits shaping outcomes in key constituencies. Understanding Bihars caste matrix: The key to unlocking poll outcomes in the state
Bihar Dy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha: 'RJD, Congress captured Lakhisarai polling booth', reports EC
Poor Roads Led To Protest, Not Violence: Bihar Officials Explain Attack On Vijay Sinha's Convoy
Lakhisarai officials denied Vijay Kumar Sinhas convoy was attacked, citing only villagers protest over road issues.
As Bihar underwent the first phase of the assembly polls 2025, blame game politics was taken to the strees in Lakhisarai on Thursday, i.e., November 6, as deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha engaged in a bitter fallout with RJD MLC Ajay Kumar in the middle of the road. As passersby moved to polling booths in the constituency, Sinha and Kumar exchanged bitter allegations before the camera on the road.
Bulldozer will run on their chest: Bihar Deputy CM Sinha after alleged RJD attack on his convoy
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP candidate from Lakhisarai, Vijay Kumar Sinha, alleged on Thursday that his convoy was attacked by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supporters while he visited Khoriari village during the first phase of the 2025 Assembly elections. Sinha, seeking a fourth consecutive term, claimed his car was surrounded by RJD workers who pelted stones, cow dung, and hurled slippers while chanting Murdabad. He said one of his polling agents was turned away and that his supporter, Vibhishan Kevat, was beaten and admitted to hospital. These are the goons of RJD. The NDA is coming to power, thats why in their chest will feel the bulldozer. The goons are not letting me visit the village. Vijay Sinha is going to win, he told ANI, adding that booths 404 and 405 of Khoriari village witnessed the violence. Expressing dissatisfaction with the police response, Sinha called the local Superintendent of Police a coward and said he would raise the matter with the Election Commission (EC). Following the complaint, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the DGP to take immediate action. An EC official said, No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Strict action will be taken against the miscreants. Lakhisarai SP Ajay Kumar said polling was continuing in the area and added that he would confirm the facts after visiting the site. Accusing the RJD of resorting to violence, Sinha said, The RJD has shown what it stands for. When this is their behaviour while out of power, if they win the polls even by fluke, what will ensue will be nothing short of the law of the jungle. #WATCH | Deputy CM and BJP candidate from Lakhisarai constituency, Vijay Kumar Sinha says, These are the goons of RJD. Satta mein aa rahi hai NDA isliye inke chhati pe bulldozer chalega. The goons are not letting me visit the village. Vijay Sinha is going to win...They turned https://t.co/4uKBAq7bC0 pic.twitter.com/kY3Ti6Qzl0 ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2025 Dismissing the allegations, RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav said, He is lying. He gets Z+ security; his party is in power and controls the administration. Still, he is levelling false allegations? Locals raised questions on a broken drain, and that is what happened. Meanwhile, political rhetoric between parties continued. Former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, after casting his vote in Patna, called for a change in government, noting the NDAs 20-year rule in the state. Tawa se roti palatati rahni chahiye nahi toh jal jayegi (The roti should keep turning on the tawa, otherwise it will burn). Twenty years is too long! For a youth government and a new Bihar, a Tejashwi government is extremely necessary, he said. JD(U) leader Ashok Chaudhary responded to Lalus remarks, saying, Jo roti jal jati hai, usko phenk diya jata hai. Chaudhary appealed to voters to rise above caste politics, urging them to remember Bihars rich history, including its rule from Afghanistan to Bangladesh and its status as a golden sparrow during the Maurya period. Voting for the first phase of the elections is underway across 121 constituencies in 18 districts, covering approximately 3.75 crore electors. As of 1 pm, Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 42.31 per cent, with Gopalganj recording the highest at 46.73 per cent, followed by Lakhisarai at 46.37 per cent. Patna recorded a comparatively low turnout of 37.72 per cent. The first phase will decide the fate of several senior leaders, including RJDs Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Mangal Pandey, JD(U)s Shravan Kumar and Vijay Kumar Choudhary, and Tej Pratap Yadav. (With inputs from PTI and ANI) Congress-RJD protect infiltrators, dislike Lord Ram for vote bank politics: PM Modi in Bihar
As the Bihar election 2025 phase 1 voting is underway, Deputy CM and BJP candidate from Lakhisarai constituency, Vijay Kumar Sinha's vehicle came under attack from the Bihar opposition. He alleged that RJD supporters threatened polling agent in Lakhisarai.
RJD supporters attacked my convoy in Lakhisarai, alleges Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha charged the local administration of inaction after his complaint that slippers and cow dung were flung at my convoy. Stones were also thrown.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha reported his convoy was attacked by RJD supporters in Lakhisarai. He stated this incident proves RJD would bring back 'jungle raj' if they regain power. Sinha also accused the local administration of inaction. Stones, slippers, and cow dung were reportedly thrown at his convoy.
2025 Bihar Polls | Phase 1 to decide fate of 1,314 candidates across 121 seats
The first phase of Bihars Assembly elections will be held today, with 3.75 crore voters deciding the fate of 1,314 candidates across 121 constituencies. The high-profile contests feature several top leaders, including RJDs Tejashwi Yadav in Raghopur and BJP Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary in Tarapur. Yadav, seeking a third consecutive win, faces BJPs Satish Kumar, who once defeated his mother Rabri Devi. His elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav is contesting from Mahua under his new party, the Janshakti Janata Dal, against RJDs Mukesh Raushan. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha is eyeing a fourth straight victory in Lakhisarai, while BJPs Mangal Pandey is contesting his first Assembly election from Siwan. The Mokama seat has drawn attention as jailed JD(U) leader Anant Singh faces RJDs Veena Devi. The polls also feature new entrants like singer Maithili Thakur and Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav. Phase 1 in numbers 3.75 crore voters across 121 constituencies. 1,314 candidates in the fray. 10.72 lakh new electors registered. 7.38 lakh voters aged 1819 years. 45,341 polling stations, including 36,733 in rural areas.
Bihar polls: Legacy, family feuds and fresh faces shape key battles in Phase 1
From family feuds to fresh political debuts, Bihar is gearing up for a dramatic first phase of Assembly polls on November 6. The election will feature a mix of contests from Yadav strongholds and first-time candidates stepping into the spotlight to brothers standing on opposite sides of the political divide. In Patna, the BJP is banking on new faces, while in Lakhisarai and Kuchaikote, seasoned leaders are fighting to hold their ground. As alliances shift and loyalties are tested, every constituency has its own story one of legacy and ambition shaping Bihars political stage. Heres a look at some of the key battles to watch in Phase 1: Tarapur: Samrat Choudhary (BJP) vs Arun Shah (RJD) In Munger districts Tarapur seat, BJP leader Samrat Choudhary is set to take on RJDs Arun Shah in what promises to be a close and lively fight. The Yadavs form the largest group of voters, with around 63,000 people, followed by 20,000 Muslims, 50,000 upper-caste voters (mainly Rajputs and Brahmins), 40,000 Kushwahas, 35,000 Sahs and 28,000 Dalits. Choudhary, a sitting MLC, is returning to the polls after 15 years, adding extra interest to the race. Shah had earlier contested the 2021 bypoll here but narrowly lost to JD(U)s Rajiv Kumar Singh by just over 3,800 votes. A familiar face in state politics, Choudhary has also been one of the BJPs main campaigners and has been travelling across Bihar to rally support beyond his own seat. Raghopur: Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) vs Satish Kumar (BJP) RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the Mahagathbandhans chief ministerial face, is gearing up for a high-stakes contest in Raghopur against BJPs Satish Kumar from the NDA and Jan Suraaj Partys Chanchal Kumar. Tejashwi has made jobs the centrepiece of his campaign, promising a new law to ensure one government job for every family and to begin the recruitment process within 20 months. With employment a major concern across Bihar, this pledge is seen as a potential game-changer for the RJD. Raghopur has long been a Yadav family stronghold since Lalu Prasads win in 1995, except for one term between 2010 and 2015 when JD(U) held the seat. Tejashwi has represented the constituency for the past two terms and is now looking to secure it once again. Understanding Bihars caste matrix: The key to unlocking poll outcomes in the state Mahua: Tej Pratap Yadav (JJD) vs Mukesh Raushan (RJD) In Vaishali districts Mahua seat, Lalu Prasads estranged son and independent MLA Tej Pratap Yadav will be in the spotlight as he takes on RJDs Mukesh Kumar Raushan, the sitting MLA, and LJPs Sanjay Singh. After being expelled from the RJD in May for what the party called irresponsible behaviour and straying from the partys core values, Tej Pratap formed his own outfit, the JJD. His expulsion followed a controversial social media post, now deleted, where he spoke of a 12-year relationship with a woman. Tej Pratap had earlier won Mahua in 2015 and is now hoping to reclaim it under the JJD banner. The new party brings together five smaller regional outfits the Vikas Vanchit Insaan Party, Bhojpuria Jan Morcha, Pragatisheel Janata Party, Wazib Adhikar Party and Sanyukt Kisan Vikas Party as he attempts to rebuild his political base independently. Alinagar: Maithili Thakur (BJP) vs Binod Mishra (RJD) vs JSPs Biplaw Kumar Chowdhary Folk singer Maithili Thakur, the BJPs new cultural face, will make her electoral debut from Alinagar in Darbhanga district. She will face RJDs Binod Mishra and JSPs Biplaw Kumar Chowdhary in the first phase of polling. By nominating the 25-year-old singer, the BJP aims to turn Mithilas cultural pride into political strength. Thakur joined the party in October, soon after the BJP announced its first list of 71 candidates for the Bihar elections. Alinagar has traditionally been an RJD stronghold, long represented by veteran Abdul Bari Siddiqui, who won seven times before stepping aside after his 2015 victory. In 2020, the seat went to VIPs Mishri Lal Yadav a former RJD leader who crossed over to the NDA by a narrow margin of just over 3,000 votes. Lakhisarai: Vijay Kumar Sinha (BJP) vs Suraj Kumar (JSP) vs Amresh Kumar Aneesh (INC) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha is eyeing a sixth straight victory from Lakhisarai, where he will face JSPs Suraj Kumar in the first phase of polling. Lakhisarai has been a BJP bastion for the last three Assembly terms 2010, 2015 and 2020 largely driven by caste dynamics, with strong support from Bhumihars and other upper-caste groups. A civil engineer by training and a former RSS worker, Sinha is a prominent Bhumihar leader. He made history in 2020 by becoming the first BJP member to serve as Speaker of the Bihar Assembly after the party formed the government with JD(U). Arrah: Sanjay Singh Tiger (BJP) vs Vijay Kumar Gupta (JSP) vs CPI (ML)s Quyamuddin Ansari In Arrah, BJPs Sanjay Singh Tiger will take on JSPs Vijay Kumar Gupta and CPI (ML)s Quyamuddin Ansari in what appears to be a three-cornered contest. The seat has swung between the BJP and RJD in almost every election since 2010. BJPs Amrendra Pratap Singh won in 2010 and again in 2020, both times with Ansari finishing second. In between, during the 2015 bypoll, the seat briefly returned to the RJD when Mohammad Nawaz Alam won. INTERVIEW | 'Fighting for jobs, dignity, development; NDAs austerity model is anti-people': Tejashwi Yadav Patna Sahib: Shashant Shekhar (Congress) vs Ratnesh Kushwaha (BJP) In Bihars capital, the Patna Sahib seat is set for a fresh face-off as the BJP replaces veteran leader Nand Kishore Yadav, 72, with 45-year-old lawyer Ratnesh Kushwaha. The Congress has fielded newcomer Shashant Shekhar, 35, making this a contest between two first-time candidates. An entirely urban constituency, Patna Sahib has long been a BJP stronghold. Yadav held the seat since its creation after the 2008 delimitation and defeated Congresss Pravin Singh Kushwaha by over 18,000 votes in 2020. For the Congress, this contest is a chance to reconnect with voters and rebuild its presence in a city where it has struggled to make a mark for decades. Kuchaikote: Amarendra Kumar Pandey (JD(U)) vs Hari Narain Kushwah (INC) Amarendra Kumar Pandey, popularly known as Pappu Pandey, continues to be a strong political presence in Bihars Gopalganj district. A senior JD(U) leader and sitting MLA, he represents the Kuchaikote constituency, where he has won the last two Assembly elections. Known for improving local infrastructure and supporting agricultural growth, Pandey has built a loyal voter base in the region. His influence within the party and consistent electoral success have made him one of JD(U)s key figures in western Bihar. Danapur: Ram Kripal Yadav (BJP) vs Ritlal Yadav (RJD) Former Union minister Ram Kripal Yadav returns to the state arena, contesting from Danapur on the outskirts of Patna. He faces a tough battle against RJDs Ritlal Yadav, known for his strong local base in the area. The seat carries symbolic weight for Ram Kripal it borders Pataliputra, the constituency he once represented in Parliament after defeating Lalu Prasad Yadavs daughter, Misa Bharti, in 2014. His return signals the BJPs renewed attempt to reconnect with backward-class voters in the Patna region. Siwan: Mangal Pandey (BJP) vs Awadh Bihari Choudhary (RJD) Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey, a senior BJP leader and former state party president, will contest from Siwan against RJDs Awadh Bihari Choudhary. A familiar face in Bihar politics, Pandey is known for his calm leadership and strong organisational skills within the party. Often seen as a steady hand in the BJPs Bihar unit, his name has occasionally been mentioned as a possible future chief ministerial candidate. However, the NDA has made it clear that Nitish Kumar remains its CM face for 2025. As Bihar heads into the first phase of polling, these contests will set the tone for the battles ahead. 121 seats. 18 dists. Stage set for 1st phase of Bihar assembly elections
Lakhisarai, a key rural constituency in Bihar, is a BJP stronghold where Vinay Kumar Sinha has won three consecutive Assembly elections. He faces a new challenge from Suraj Kumar of the Jan Suraaj Party, aiming to disrupt the BJP's dominance by focusing on local issues like mining and employment.
PMs katta jibe draws Kharge, Priyanka flak
PATNA: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday hit back at PM Narendra Modi over his katta remark. Addressing a public meeting in Vaishali district, Kharge asked whether Modi was present when RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav was announced the CM face of the INDIA bloc. Was Modi Ji present there? he asked. The remarks came after Modi alleged that RJD had snatched the CM post from Congress under pressure. RJD ne Congress ki kanpatti par katta rakh kar CM pad chur aliya, PM Modi said. Talking to media persons in Patna, Kharge claimed that BJP would throw Bihar chief minister and JD (U) president Nitish Kumar out like a fly from milk after the assembly elections. When BJP-JDU leaders came to launch the NDA manifesto with Nitish Ji, they finished the press conference in 36 seconds. They have been in power for 20 years, they could have stayed for at least 2 minutes. This was a faster manifesto launch than instant coffee. Everyone knows that Nitish Ji has been hijacked by the BJP. This will continue until the elections. Then they will throw Nitish Ji out like a fly from milk. In Vaishali, Kharge accused Nitish of betraying the legacy of socialist leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia and Karpoori Thakur by aligning with BJP. He alleged that saffron party, which believes in Manu Smriti, has no concern for Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) or women. Nitish Kumar is today sitting in the lap of BJP and given up on JP, Lohia and Karpoori Thakur, he added. Addressing rallies in Saharsa and Lakhisarai, Priyanka mocked Modi for frequently accusing Opposition leaders of insulting the country and Bihar, advising him to create a new ministryApmaan Mantralaya (Ministry of Insult). The new ministry will make a list of all people who disrespected or insulted him or the country. The proposed ministry can also maintain records of the insults hurled at my family every day by the ruling party enough to fill an entire library, she said. She also accused the PM Modi of trying to divert peoples attention from unemployment and poverty by attacking Opposition leaders.
Bihar will see portfolio of murder if RJD wins: Shah
PATNA: UNION Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday vowed to make Bihar free from floods if the NDA retains power and claimed that the INDIA bloc would create three portfolios of murder, kidnapping and extortion if the opposition alliance gets a chance to form a government in the state. Shah also urged people to vote for the NDA to check the recurrence of jungle raj witnessed during the RJD regime in the state. Addressing election rallies in Muzaffarpur and Vaishali, Shah appealed to electors to cast votes to prevent the return of jungle raj that saw kidnappings, murders, atrocities. If voted to power, the NDA will make Bihar flood-free. It is our pledge. We will set up a separate ministry to ensure that Bihar is saved from flood fury, Shah said. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chalked out a scheme to ensure water from Koshi, Ganga, and Gandak rivers reaches farmers fields for irrigation in Bihar. Shah termed the NDA allies -- BJP, JD(U), Chirag Paswans LJP (RV), HAM, and Kushwahas party -- as five Pandavas and said they will ensure Bihars prosperity. He acused Lalu Prasad and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of trying to make their sons Bihar CM and prime minister, respectively, and asserted that both posts are not vacant. Lalu & company and Rahul & company indulged in `12 lakh crore scams and corruption, Shah alleged. In Lakhisarai, Shah claimed that opposition INDIA bloc would be wiped out in the assembly elections as people would take revenge for Congress workers allegedly insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modis mother and Rahul Gandhis remarks against Modis mother and Chhathi Maiya. He said that Rahul Gandhi insulted Chhathi Maiya while criticising PM Modi, saying those worshipping the goddess were doing drama. Taking a swipe at Sonia Gandhi, he exhorted people to press on EVM buttons having NDA symbols with such rage that the tremors were felt in Italy. Shah cites welfare schemes, pledges jobs for youth Highlighting welfare schemes launched under the leadership of Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the reduction in GST would help litchi growers in Bihar, adding that steps are being taken to set up a mega food park in Muzaffarpur with `20,000 crore investment. He also said one crore Bihar youths will be given jobs if the NDA wins.
Justice Surya Kant appointed as next Chief Justice of India, will take charge from November 24
President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice Surya Kant as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) with effect from November 24, 2025. In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India as the Chief Justice of India with effect from 24th November, 2025. I convey my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to him, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tweeted on Thursday. On October 27, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai had recommended the name of Justice Kant to the Centre as his successor. The CJI's recommendation came after he received a letter from Meghwal who asked him to nominate his successor. It is a convention that the sitting CJI recommends the seniormost judge after himself as the next CJI. The incumbent CJI Gavai will step down on November 23. Justice Kant will be taking charge at a time when the judiciary is grappling with huge pendency of cases. Elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, Justice Kant will retire on February 9, 2027 after one year, three months and 15 days. He will also be the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, with effect from November 12, 2025. As per the Supreme Court website, the 63-year-old Justice Kant was born in Hisar in Haryana and graduated from the Government Post Graduate College there in 1981. He acquired his Bachelor's degree in Law in 1984 from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. He started practising law at the District Court, Hisar, in 1984, and shifted to Chandigarh in 1985 to practise in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Specialising in Constitutional, service and civil matters, he represented a number of universities, boards, corporations, banks and also the High Court itself. He was appointed as Advocate General (AG) of Haryana on July 7, 2000, and was designated as Senior Advocate in March 2001. He held the office of Advocate General, Haryana, till his elevation as a permanent judge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004. Justice Kant was nominated as a member of the governing body of the National Legal Services Authority on February 23, 2007, for two consecutive terms till February 22, 2011. He is presently a member of various committees of the Indian Law Institute, a deemed university under the aegis of the Supreme Court. He earned another distinction of standing first in his Master's degree in Law in 2011 from the Directorate of Distance Education, Kurukshetra University. He assumed charge as Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh with effect from October, 5, 2018. Justice Kant has pronounced several landmark verdicts and orders. He was part of the bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370 concerning Jammu and Kashmir and the bench that struck down the electoral bonds scheme, citing a violation of citizens' right to information. Justice Kant also authored the majority opinion validating Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, part of the Assam accord. He also upheld the validity of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for the armed forces. Justice Kant was part of the bench that appointed an expert panel in the Pegasus spyware case, stating the state cannot use national security as a free pass for surveillance. He has been involved in cases concerning the appointment of the Delhi Police Commissioner and the protection of public water bodies, emphasizing they are public utilities and their takeover is illegal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was on a bench that directed authorities to consider releasing prisoners to alleviate overcrowding in jails.
Bihar poll push: Haryana BJP rallies migrant workers to vote back home
CHANDIGARH: The Haryana unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has devised a multi-pronged strategy to assist the migrant population from Bihar living in Haryana to return home and cast their votes in the forthcoming polls. Bihar goes to polls in two phases on Nov 6 and 11. Special buses have been arranged to ferry these voters back to Bihar, and factory owners have been requested to grant paid leave to migrant workers. As the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan engage in a tough contest, the saffron party hopes its efforts will impress natives of Bihar residing in Haryana and help sway the vote. This move is part of the BJPs broader strategy to maximize voter turnout in the Bihar elections. According to party sources, the initiative also aims to ensure that migrant workers exercise their right to vote and encourage others to do the same, regardless of their political preferences. Sources said the party has identified a significant population of migrants from Bihar living across 12 districts of Haryana. The majority of these voters are industrial labourers employed in factories across the National Capital Region (NCR) including Gurugram, Faridabad, Rewari, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Sonipat, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Hisar, Ambala, Yamunanagar, and Karnal. The saffron party has contacted over one lakh voters residing in Haryana, while the total number of migrants from Bihar with votes registered back home is estimated to be between 2.5 and 3 lakh. The strategy aims to ensure that these registered Bihar voters are present at their respective polling booths on election day. The partys outreach focuses on promoting the BJP governments message of good governance, drawing a clear contrast with the past, said a party leader. Sources added that the BJP had initiated this strategy months earlier, during Bihar Diwas celebrations in March, with an eye on the upcoming Bihar elections in November. The outreach, designed to strengthen emotional and social bonds, culminated during Chhath Puja festivities, which were attended by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Recently, the BJP organized a series of meetings including one chaired by CM Nayab Singh Saini to finalize the election strategy. Senior leaders were assigned specific responsibilities to handle the logistical arrangements for migrant voters, ensuring their presence in Bihar on polling day. To facilitate this, the party is dispatching Vistarakas (campaign workers) from Haryana to Bihar for voter mobilization and engagement. Haryana BJP leaders are also actively reaching out to factory owners, urging them to grant paid leave to Bihari migrant workers to remove a major obstacle to their participation in the assembly polls, sources said.
Amit Shah targets Rahul, Sonia Gandhi in Bihar rally; says INDIA bloc will be wiped out in state
LAKHISARAI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the INDIA bloc will be wiped out in Bihar polls as people will ake revenge for Congress workers allegedly insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother and Rahul Gandhi deriding the PM and 'Chhathi Maiyya'. Addressing a rally in Lakhisarai district, he claimed that Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, insulted 'Chhathi Maiyya' while criticising Modi, saying those worshipping the goddess were doing drama. In a jibe at Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, he called upon people to press on EVM buttons having NDA symbols with such rage that the tremors are felt in Italy. Shah claimed that Bihar witnessed 'jungle raj' during the chief ministership of Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, while asserting that every vote to NDA will bring development to the state. He alleged that the UPA government indulged in scams worth Rs 12 lakh crore during 10 years of rule, whereas nobody could point fingers at Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for corruption. Lalu Prasad was involved in fodder, land-for-jobs, bitumen and flood relief scams whereas Bihar moved on the path of development under the Nitish Kumar regime and the Centre hiked MSP for agri produce and bolstered infrastructure, he said. 'Yuvraajs of corruption': PM Modi targets Rahul, Tejashwi, calls RJD-Congress alliance 'like water and oil' He claimed that terrorists unleashed mayhem in India during the UPA regime without any consequences, while the Modi regime repaid every attack with strikes inside Pakistan. We will also drive out infiltrators from Bihar who usurp poor people's foodgrains, employment and indulge in anti-national activities, he said. Shah announced that a medical college will be set up in Lakhisarai over the next two years in the name of Bihar's first chief minister Shri Krishna Sinha. Hailing Goddess Sita as daughter of Bihar, he said that a grand temple will be built at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi at a cost of Rs 850 crore and it will be connected to Ram Temple at Ayodhya through a direct train. Under the NDA rule, the Centre has spent Rs 18 lakh crore on road, railways, greenfield expressway projects in Bihar, while a Makhana Board has also been established, he said. 'Tell him if you dance we'll vote, he'll do it': Rahul launches Bihar poll campaign, trains guns on PM Modi
Prashant Kishor enrolled as voter in both Bihar and West Bengal, triggers row ahead of State polls
PATNA: Prashant Kishor, poll strategist turned politician whose Jan Suraaj Party is contesting the Bihar Assembly polls , has his name enrolled in the voter lists of two states West Bengal and Bihar. According to reports, in Bihar, Kishor is registered as a voter in the Kargahar assembly constituency under the Sasaram parliamentary constituency in Rohtas district. His polling station is Madhya Vidyalay in his ancestral village Konar. In Bengal, Kishor's address is listed as 121 Kalighat Road, which houses the Trinamool Congress office in Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees assembly constituency. His polling station is listed as St Helen School on B Ranishankari Lane. Kishor had worked with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as a political consultant during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. Attempt to contact Kishor to get his reaction over duplicity of voter proved futile. However, a senior leader of the Jan Suraaj Party on the condition of anonymity said that Kishor enrolled as voter in the Kargahar assembly constituency after the West Bengal elections. He is learnt to have applied for deletion of his name from electoral rolls in West Bengal after he enrolled in Bihars Kargahar assembly constituency. The status of the application for cancellation of name from West Bengal is not known to us, the JSP leader said. No need to fear any leader or party anymore, Prashant Kishor tells voters Kishors Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) is contesting all the 243 seats in the Bihar assembly election. Initially, it was expected that Kishor would contest from the Kargahar assembly seat. But later he expressed his wish to contest from Raghopur against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. Later he suddenly dropped the idea of contesting election. When asked about his decision not to contest election, Kishor clarified that it was the unanimous decision of the party not to contest election in the larger interest of the candidates. Now I will focus more on strengthening the partys support base and ensure victory of candidates in the election, he added. Duplicity of voter is not an isolated case. Earlier, Bihar former deputy chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha were enrolled in Patna as well as their respective assembly constituencies. Tejashwi is contesting from Raghopur, Sinha is seeking his reelection from Lakhisarai.
Prashant Kishor enrolled as voter in Bihar, West Bengal
PATNA: Prashant Kishor, poll strategist turned politician whose Jan Suraaj Party is contesting the Bihar Assembly polls , has his name enrolled in the voter lists of two states West Bengal and Bihar. According to reports, in Bihar, Kishor is registered as a voter in the Kargahar assembly constituency under the Sasaram parliamentary constituency in Rohtas district. His polling station is Madhya Vidyalay in his ancestral village Konar. In Bengal, Kishor's address is listed as 121 Kalighat Road, which houses the Trinamool Congress office in Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees assembly constituency. His polling station is listed as St Helen School on B Ranishankari Lane. Kishor had worked with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as a political consultant during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. Attempt to contact Kishor to get his reaction over duplicity of voter proved futile. However, a senior leader of the Jan Suraaj Party on the condition of anonymity said that Kishor enrolled as voter in the Kargahar assembly constituency after the West Bengal elections. He is learnt to have applied for deletion of his name from electoral rolls in West Bengal after he enrolled in Bihars Kargahar assembly constituency. The status of the application for cancellation of name from West Bengal is not known to us, the JSP leader said. No need to fear any leader or party anymore, Prashant Kishor tells voters Kishors Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) is contesting all the 243 seats in the Bihar assembly election. Initially, it was expected that Kishor would contest from the Kargahar assembly seat. But later he expressed his wish to contest from Raghopur against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. Later he suddenly dropped the idea of contesting election. When asked about his decision not to contest election, Kishor clarified that it was the unanimous decision of the party not to contest election in the larger interest of the candidates. Now I will focus more on strengthening the partys support base and ensure victory of candidates in the election, he added. Duplicity of voter is not an isolated case. Earlier, Bihar former deputy chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha were enrolled in Patna as well as their respective assembly constituencies. Tejashwi is contesting from Raghopur, Sinha is seeking his reelection from Lakhisarai.
From Haryana's Heartland To India's Next CJI: All About Justice Surya Kant
Justice Surya Kant pursued his undergraduate education at Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, and earned his law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984
CJI Gavai recommends Justice Surya Kant as next Chief Justice of India
Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has recommended Justice Surya Kant, the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, as his successor. Chief Justice Gavai, in his recommendation, described Justice Kant as suited and competent in all aspects to take the helm, adding that both shared a similar social background marked by perseverance and struggle. Justice Surya Kant, the second senior-most Supreme Court judge after the incumbent CJI Gavai, is set to become the 53rd CJI on November 24 after CJI Gavai's retirement on November 23. The CJI's recommendation came after he received a letter last week from the Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who asked him to nominate his successor Justice Surya Kant as 53rd CJI on November 24, 2025. As per the Supreme Court website, Justice Kant was born on February, 10, 1962 at Hisar (Haryana) to a middle class family. He graduated from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar in 1981, and acquired his Bachelor's degree in Law in 1984 from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. He started practicing Law at the District Court, Hisar in 1984, and shifted to Chandigarh in 1985 to practice in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Justice Kant specialises in Constitutional, Service and Civil matters. He represented a number of Universities, Boards, Corporations, Banks, and even the High Court itself. He was appointed as Advocate General (AG) of Haryana on July 7, 2000, and was designated as Senior Advocate in March, 2001. He held the office of Advocate General, Haryana till his elevation as a permanent Judge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 09, 2004. Justice Kant was nominated as a Member of the Governing Body of National Legal Services Authority on February 23, 2007, for two consecutive terms till February 22, 2011. He is presently a Member of various Committees of Indian Law Institute a deemed university under the aegis of Supreme Court. He earned another distinction of standing First Class First in his Master's degree in Law in 2011 from the Directorate of Distance Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. He assumed charge of the office of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh with effect fromOctober, 5, 2018. He was part of the bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370 concerning Jammu and Kashmir and the bench that struck down the electoral bonds scheme, citing a violation of citizens' right to information. Justice Kant also authored the majority opinion validating Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, part of the Assam accord. He also upheld the validity of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for the armed forces. Justice Kant was part of the bench that appointed an expert panel in the Pegasus spyware case, stating the state cannot use national security as a free pass for surveillance. He has been involved in cases concerning the appointment of the Delhi Police Commissioner and the protection of public water bodies, emphasizing they are public utilities and their takeover is illegal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was on a bench that directed authorities to consider releasing prisoners to alleviate overcrowding in jails. Elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, Justice Kant will be retiring on Feb 9, 2027. He is also the Chairman of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, with effect from November 12, 2025.
Hisar court denies bail to YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra in espionage case
CHANDIGARH: The bail plea of 33-year-old Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber who was arrested in May on suspicion of espionage, has been dismissed by a court at Hisar in Haryana, stating that there is a reasonable apprehension that her release on bail may impede the probe. In a detailed order passed on October 23, the court of Additional Sessions Judge Dr Parminder Kaur dismissed the regular bail plea. There exists on the record a prima facie case of considerable gravity under the Official Secrets Act and the BNS provisions relied upon. The forensic material recovered from the accused's electronic device, the Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centre (SMAC) intelligence inputs and the circumstantial matrix of contacts with a foreign official and movements in sensitive areas collectively create a reasonable apprehension that release on bail may impede the investigation, facilitate tampering with digital evidence, or otherwise be contrary to the public interest and national security considerations, it stated. The Court observed that public interest and national security considerations assume special significance where the allegations, if established, would impair the sovereign interest of the State. Courts must be mindful that bail is not to be granted if it would be a danger to public order, security or if it would result in the accused being in a position to frustrate the process, it said. On the argument of the petitioner's counsel that the intelligence inputs relied upon are untested and that the prosecution failed to produce direct evidence of communication or transmission of sensitive material to foreign agents, the court stated while it is true that such matters ultimately must be tested at trial and the accused has the right to contest the allegations, the bail must be viewed in the totality of the evidence available at the stage. The order stated,Here, the combination of (a) intelligence linkage shown by SMAC inputs, (b) the asserted communications connecting the petitioner to the foreign national, (c) forensic reconstruction of deleted material showing footage of sensitive sites and (d) the factual matrix of the petitioner's visits and movements while abroad -- taken together -- satisfy the threshold of a prima facie case of sufficient gravity to refuse bail. The court further added that the Official Secrets Act and the provisions of the BNS invoked by the prosecution are not ordinary penal enactments as they protect matters of state security and public safety. The possibility that sensitive visual material relating to strategic infrastructure may have been collected, retained and shown to foreign personnel is a matter which, even at a prima facie level, calls for stringent judicial caution before permitting the accused's release, read the order. It added, The presence of a foreign national (an official of the Pakistan High Commission), the circumstances of the petitioner's visits to Pakistan, the alleged facilitation of travel beyond permitted areas and the asserted VIP treatment, when read together with the forensic retrieval of videographic material, create a prima facie case that the accused may have had communications and interactions with persons whose identity and purpose are material to the investigation. Earlier police sources had said Malhotra was in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistani High Commission, since November 2023. India expelled Danish on May 13 for allegedly indulging in espionage. On May 26, Hisar police had arrested Malhotra, who ran the YouTube channel 'Travel with JO' under provisions of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). She is presently in judicial custody.
Hisar court denies bail to YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra arrested in espionage case
CHANDIGARH: The bail plea of 33-year-old Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber who was arrested in May on suspicion of espionage, has been dismissed by a court at Hisar in Haryana, stating that there is a reasonable apprehension that her release on bail may impede the probe. In a detailed order passed on October 23, the court of Additional Sessions Judge Dr Parminder Kaur dismissed the regular bail plea. There exists on the record a prima facie case of considerable gravity under the Official Secrets Act and the BNS provisions relied upon. The forensic material recovered from the accused's electronic device, the Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centre (SMAC) intelligence inputs and the circumstantial matrix of contacts with a foreign official and movements in sensitive areas collectively create a reasonable apprehension that release on bail may impede the investigation, facilitate tampering with digital evidence, or otherwise be contrary to the public interest and national security considerations, it stated. The Court observed that public interest and national security considerations assume special significance where the allegations, if established, would impair the sovereign interest of the State. Courts must be mindful that bail is not to be granted if it would be a danger to public order, security or if it would result in the accused being in a position to frustrate the process, it said. On the argument of the petitioner's counsel that the intelligence inputs relied upon are untested and that the prosecution failed to produce direct evidence of communication or transmission of sensitive material to foreign agents, the court stated while it is true that such matters ultimately must be tested at trial and the accused has the right to contest the allegations, the bail must be viewed in the totality of the evidence available at the stage. The order stated,Here, the combination of (a) intelligence linkage shown by SMAC inputs, (b) the asserted communications connecting the petitioner to the foreign national, (c) forensic reconstruction of deleted material showing footage of sensitive sites and (d) the factual matrix of the petitioner's visits and movements while abroad -- taken together -- satisfy the threshold of a prima facie case of sufficient gravity to refuse bail. The court further added that the Official Secrets Act and the provisions of the BNS invoked by the prosecution are not ordinary penal enactments as they protect matters of state security and public safety. The possibility that sensitive visual material relating to strategic infrastructure may have been collected, retained and shown to foreign personnel is a matter which, even at a prima facie level, calls for stringent judicial caution before permitting the accused's release, read the order. It added, The presence of a foreign national (an official of the Pakistan High Commission), the circumstances of the petitioner's visits to Pakistan, the alleged facilitation of travel beyond permitted areas and the asserted VIP treatment, when read together with the forensic retrieval of videographic material, create a prima facie case that the accused may have had communications and interactions with persons whose identity and purpose are material to the investigation. Earlier police sources had said Malhotra was in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistani High Commission, since November 2023. India expelled Danish on May 13 for allegedly indulging in espionage. On May 26, Hisar police had arrested Malhotra, who ran the YouTube channel 'Travel with JO' under provisions of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). She is presently in judicial custody.
Haryana: Hisar court refuses bail to YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra arrested in espionage case
A court in Hisar has denied bail to YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra. She faces espionage charges. Police arrested her in May. The court cited concerns about impeding the investigation and national security. Evidence includes intelligence inputs and digital material. Malhotra allegedly had contact with a foreign official.
Hisar court denies bail to influencer Jyoti Malhotra in 'spying' case
A Hisar court has struck down the bail plea of social media influencer Jyoti Malhotra over espionage accusations, underlining the delicate nature of national security. Concerns were raised that allowing her release might compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Stage set for first phase of polls, 1.3K in fray for 121 seats
PATNA: In all, 1,314 candidates are left in the fray for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled on November 6. This phase covers 121 seats and will mainly see a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition INDIA bloc. Eighteen districts are covered in this phase, with Muzaffarpur, Kurhani, Mahnar, and Bahadur seeing the highest number of contestants. Election Commission sources said 1,690 candidates had filed nominations between October 10 and 17, but 135 were rejected for technical reasons. The last day for withdrawal of nominations was on October 20. The phase will test the popularity of Bihar CM Nitish Kumars JD(U) and Lalu Prasads RJD. Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary (Tarapur) and Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai), along with Opposition Leader Tejashwi Yadav (Raghopur), will be among the top leaders facing voters. The maximum number of 20 candidates each are in the fray in Kurhani and Muzaffarpur, while Alauli and Parbatta have the fewest, with five each. In Patna, 149 candidates are in the fray, with nine withdrawals. Paliganj has the highest competition with 14 contestants. Bhagalpur has 102 nominees, with Nathnagar seeing 21. Mahnar in Vaishali has 18 candidates, while Bahadur has 17. Key candidates include JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha from Mahnar and RJDs Bhola Yadav, a close aide of Lalu Prasad. Health Minister Mangal Pandey is contesting from Siwan, while Nitin Nabin, a former minister, is in the fray from Bankipur. Former Union Minister Ram Kripal Yadav will face RJD MLA Ritlal Yadav, seeking re-election from jail. Shashank Shekhar, IIT Delhi alumnus, is contesting Patna Sahib on a Congress ticket against BJPs Ratnesh Kushwaha. Other notable contestants include Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav (RJD), folk singer Maithili Thakur (Alinagar), Mohammad Shahabuddins son Osama Sahab (Raghunathpur), and ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary (Sarairanjan), Shravan Kumar (Nalanda), Jibesh Mishra (Jale), Sanjay Saraogi (Darbhanga), and Ratnesh Sada (Sonbarsa).
CHANDIGARH: Nine Japanese companies have expressed interest in investing approximately Rs 5,000 crore in Haryana and have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to that effect. These investments are expected to generate employment opportunities for around 15,000 youth in the state, said Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. He added that Gurugram has evolved into a global hub for IT and startups, and as part of the Global City Project, a 1,000-acre township is being developed in the millennium city. Saini made these remarks while addressing a gathering at the ''Jan Vishwas-Jan Vikas'' state-level event in Panchkula, on the occasion of the completion of one year of the third term of the BJP government in Haryana. He said that industrialists and companies from Haryana have expanded their reach by visiting African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda, where they have even established industrial units. Recently, a delegation of 13 progressive farmers, led by the Agriculture Minister, visited Kenya to explore opportunities in agriculture and develop a roadmap for exporting floriculture products to international markets. Saini emphasised that, as a result of the government's proactive incentive schemes, Haryana has emerged as a preferred destination for both domestic and international investors. Under the Haryana Startup Policy 2022, the state now hosts over 9,500 startups, including 19 unicorn companies. In addition, more than 250 Fortune 500 companies have established a presence in Haryana. Gurugram has evolved into a global hub for IT and startups, further strengthening the states innovation ecosystem. As part of the Global City Project, a 1,000-acre township is being developed in Gurugram. Beyond this, the state is also building a logistics hub in Narnaul, a manufacturing cluster in Hisar, and an electronics park in Sohna, positioning Haryana as a leader in infrastructure-led industrial development. He said that twenty-one new national highways have been declared to connect every district, and work on 13 of them has already been completed. A Regional Road Upgradation Project has been launched to enhance road connectivity. Under this initiative, 4,227 roads spanning 9,410 kilometres are being repaired and upgraded at a cost of Rs 4,827 crore in the current financial year. Saini stated that industry is the backbone of the economy, and to accelerate industrial growth, the state has developed a robust ecosystem promoting Ease of Doing Business. As a result of various incentive schemes, 12,20,872 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been registered in the state over the past 11 years, attracting investments worth Rs 28,377.59 crore. He highlighted that Maruti Suzuki's largest manufacturing plant is set to open at IMT Kharkhoda, with an investment of Rs 18,000 crore, expected to create 10,000 jobs. In addition, Suzukis motorcycle plant is also being established at the same location, involving an investment of Rs 1,466 crore, which will provide employment to 2,000 youth. Furthermore, the Uno Minda Group is setting up an alloy wheel plant in the region, with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore, projected to generate employment for 2,500 youth. Saini said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana from Panipat to empower women. Under this scheme, 9,656 women have become Bima Sakhis. Inspired by its success, the state government has introduced the Lado Sakhi scheme. A provision has been made to provide an incentive of Rs 1,000 to Lado Sakhis who care for pregnant women during delivery and after the birth of a daughter. He said that the Scheduled Castes, who had long been deprived of their rightful opportunities, are now being empowered through increased participation in government jobs, Panchayat, and local body elections. He added that the Backward Class-B community has been granted reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies, including 5 per cent reservation for the post of Sarpanch and proportional representation based on their population for other posts. He further said that the government has granted land rights to the Prajapati community in 1,700 villages to support their traditional pottery business. Now, there will be no hurdles in their livelihood. We have taken steps to restore the dignity and respect of the Prajapati community, he said. Speaking about renewable energy initiatives, the Chief Minister said that under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the state aims to install free rooftop solar systems of up to 2 kilowatts by 31 March 2027. So far, 37,825 solar systems have been installed. He added that citizens opting for 3-kilowatt systems are eligible for an additional subsidy of Rs 18,000 for the third kilowatt. Over the past 11 years, 1,61,837 solar pumps have been installed, including 33,553 in the last year alone.
Congress releases first list of candidates for Bihar assembly polls
The Congress released its first official list of 48 candidates for the Bihar Assembly polls on Thursday. The party's Bihar unit president Rajesh Ram has been fielded from the SC-reserved seat of Kutumba. The party had, a day before, started releasing the names of some candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar on the official handle of its Bihar unit. Congress had also posted photos of the candidates receiving their nomination certificates. This comes even as the seat-sharing arrangement between the Mahagathbandhan allies has not been officially finalized yet. In its first list, the party has fielded Bijendra Chaudhary from Muzaffarpur, Om Prakash Garg from Gopalganj, Amita Bhushan from Begusarai, Dr. Shashi Shekhar Singh from Wazirganj. Meanwhile, Kaushelendra Kumar will contest from Nalanda, and Anand Shankar Singh from Aurangabad. Anil Kumar will contest from Bikram, Lalan Kumar from Sultanganj, Amaresh Kumar from Lakhisarai, BK Ravi from Rosda, Shashibhushan Rai alias Gappu Rai from Govindganj, Jitendra Singh from Amarpur, and Shiv Prakash Garib Das from Bachhwara Assembly constituency. Trishuldhari Singh has been fielded from the Barbigha seat. pic.twitter.com/io0WmcA5sG Congress (@INCIndia) October 16, 2025
Bihar polls: Tejashwi Yadav in fray from Raghopur; Vijay Kumar Sinha from Lakhisarai
In a dynamic electoral landscape, Tejashwi Yadav is making waves by filing his nomination from Raghopur for the third consecutive time, confidently rallying for progressive change among the voters.
BJP's lone woman CM Rekha Gupta to campaign extensively in Bihar polls
Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is gearing up to hit the campaign trail in the Bihar Assembly elections. Her first stop will be the nomination filing for Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha in Lakhisarai, followed by lively interactions at public meetings in Bihar Sharif.
BJP releases list of 71 candidates for Bihar polls; fields 2 Dy CMs, 6 ministers
NEW DELHI, Oct 14: The BJP on Tuesday released its first list of 71 candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections, fielding Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha from Tarapur and Lakhisarai seats, respectively, and six state ministers. The list also includes nine women candidates, including sitting Minister Renu Devi, who will seek re-election from the Bettiah Assembly constituency. Shreyasi Singh, a sitting MLA and Arjuna awardee, will contest from the Jamui seat, seeking another term. Sitting ministers [] The post BJP releases list of 71 candidates for Bihar polls; fields 2 Dy CMs, 6 ministers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ex Union Minister, 2 Deputy Chief Ministers In BJP Bihar List, Speaker Out
The BJP has released its first list of 71 candidates for the upcoming Bihar election. Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha have been fielded from Tarapur and Lakhisarai seats, respectively
BJP releases first list of 71 candidates for Bihar Assembly elections
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released its first list of 71 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The saffron party will field Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha from Tarapur and Lakhisarai seats, respectively. Former deputy chief minister Tarkishore Prasad and state minister Renu Devi will contest from Katihar and Bettiah, respectively. State ministers Nitish Mishra will seek re-election from the Jhanjharpur seat and Mangal Pandey from Siwan. Shreyasi Singh will join the fray from the Jamui seat, according to the list released by the BJP. The first list has named as many as nine women candidates, including Bihar Minister for Animal and Fisheries Resources Renu Devi, who has been fielded from Bettiah. Bihar Assembly polls are scheduled to be held in two phases on november 6 and 11.
BJP Releases First List of 71 Candidates for Bihar Assembly Polls
Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha to contest from Tarapur and Lakhisarai; polls to be held on November 6 and 11
BJP on Tuesday released the first list of 71 candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections. Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary to contest from Tarapur, Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha from Lakhisarai, State Minister Nitin Nabin from Bankipur and Renu Devi to contest from Bettiah.
The BJP has unveiled its initial list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. These elections are scheduled to commence on November 6. The party will be contesting 101 out of the total 243 seats. This decision was finalized during a meeting of the Central Election Committee in Delhi. Prime Minister Modi and other senior leaders were present.
Uncertainty grips NDA, INDIA bloc over seat-sharing as nomination process begins in Bihar
NEW DELHI: Although the nomination process for 121 seats in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began on Friday, ahead of polling on November 6, both the JD(U)-led NDA and the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan are yet to finalise seat-sharing arrangements within their alliances and the announcement of candidate lists. The situation highlights how forming and managing pre-poll alliances in Bihar has become increasingly difficult, driven by shifting political equations and competing ambitions. Sources within the BJP indicate that the NDAs internal seat-sharing arrangement is likely to be finalised within a day or two, after which the party plans to release its first list of candidates. The JD(U), another key NDA ally, is also expected to announce its candidate list soon, according to party insiders. Meanwhile, Union Minister Chirag Paswans Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is reportedly demanding 45 seats, while the NDA has offered between 20 and 22. As negotiations continued on Friday, BJP Bihar in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan arrived in Patna to finalise the seat-sharing arrangement and prepare a fresh list of candidates. Nomination begins for first phase of Bihar polls; seat-sharing talks intensify in NDA, INDIA bloc It is speculated that the NDA may soon reach an agreement, with the BJP likely to contest around 101102 seats, JD(U) 102103, LJP (RV) 2325, and LJP 2023, while both HAM and RLM may be allotted 7 seats each. Amid the ongoing uncertainty with the two main alliances, Prashant Kishors newly formed political outfit, Jan Suraaj, took the lead on Thursday by announcing a list of 51 candidates. In Delhi, senior Bihar BJP leader and MoS for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai met Chirag Paswan for the second consecutive day, saying that the talk moved in a positive direction. The ongoing confusion within both the ruling and opposition camps is being linked to rising regional political aspirations, particularly among smaller parties that depend heavily on caste-based support. Local political analysts say these ambitions continue to complicate alliance politics in Bihar. The first phase of polling will cover key districts including Patna, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Saharsa, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Buxar, and Bhojpur.
Haryana youth feared killed fighting for Russia
A youth from Hisar, Sonu, is feared dead in the Russia-Ukraine war, with his companion Aman missing since September 22. Both men were reportedly deceived into joining the Russian army after going to Russia for a foreign language course. Families have sought help from the MHA and the Indian embassy in Moscow.
Hooda consolidates hold in Congress amid dissent
CHANDIGARH: All is not well in the Haryana Congress with the appointment of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Haryana, who will eventually become the Leader of the Opposition, and Rao Narendra Singh, a former health minister, named as President of the Haryana Congress. Hooda has once again consolidated his hold over the state unit of the party, but voices of dissent are starting to emerge in the faction-ridden grand old party. Senior Congress leader and former minister Capt Ajay Singh Yadav has questioned the appointment of Rao as chief of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee. Sources said detractors may view this as marginalisation of the anti-Hooda camp, which comprises Sirsa Member of Parliament Kumari Selja, former Union minister Birender Singh, and Congress general secretary and MP Randeep Singh Surjewala. A party leader said the challenge for both Hooda and Singh is to strike a balance between asserting authority and accommodating rival factions. Factionalism has kept the party paralysed, and the consequences were visible in the last three state Assembly elections. Capt Ajay Singh Yadav took to the social media platform X, tagging senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, and BK Hariprasad, to express his disappointment and concern over the decision. Given the Congress partys steadily declining performance in Haryana, the party needs to introspect on todays decision. Rahul Gandhis desire was to appoint a person with clean, unblemished, and youthful leadership as president of the Haryana Congress. However, todays decision appears to be the exact opposite. This has led to a complete decline in the morale of party workers and cadre, he wrote. A six-time former MLA, Yadav was a prominent contender for the post. Meanwhile, former Hisar MP and Congress leader Brijendra Singh has announced plans to take out a Sadbhav Yatra from October 5 with the aim of ensuring social harmony in the state. The IAS officer-turned-politician said the yatra will begin from Danoda village in the Narwana assembly constituency in Jind on October 5. The father-son duo, along with Congress workers, will tour across 90 assembly segments over the next six to seven months, covering a distance of 2,600 to 2,800 kilometres. During the padyatra, Singh, son of Congress veteran and former Union Minister Birender Singh, said national and regional issues will also be highlighted. He accused the ruling BJP of playing divisive politics and said that sadbhav (harmony) has come under stress in the past decade. He added that he was inspired by Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Yatra and received permission from the central party leadership to carry out the yatra across the state. The BJP is dividing people on the lines of caste, region, and religion. Our aim is to bridge this divide and spread brotherhood among people. We will also focus on state and national issues, said Brijendra Singh.
From teacher to trickster: Gujarat police nab car scam kingpin in Mumbai
AHMEDABAD: A fraudster who rocked Gujarats online car market with a Rs 73 lakh fraud has finally landed in police net. Junagadh police nabbed the fraudster from Dahisar, Mumbai, after a high-tech chase across states. For three years, he duped car buyers and sellers on apps like OLX and CAR-24, trapping victims in 31 cases across 11 districts of Gujarat. The accused, Piyush Maheshbhai Patel (39), a resident of Visnagar, Mehsana, Gujarat was caught from Dahisar, Mumbai, after an intensive three-day surveillance operation. The story broke from Junagadh, where on September 25, 2025, a resident filed a complaint at the A-Division Police Station. The fraudster, posing as Dhaval Patel from CAR-24, trapped a local doctor by offering an inflated price for his Swift and luring him with a Brezza in return. Once the deal was set for just Rs 2.25 lakh through Angadiya payment, the scammer switched off his phone and vanished. The victims complaint led SP Subodh Odedara to order immediate action. PI and his team tracked the fraudsters digital trail, discovering he was operating from Mumbai. Using local intelligence, officers lay in wait inside a Mumbai salon for three days before finally nabbing the accused in Dahisar. Police interrogation peeled back Patels web of deceit. A former schoolteacher and car showroom worker, debt drove him into crime. His modus operandi was chillingly systematic: he would scan car-sale ads on OLX, pose as a CAR-24 agent, and bait owners with high offers. At the same time, he would tempt dealers in nearby cities with quick-sale cars at throwaway prices. Once both sides were convinced, Patel collected payments through Angadiya, then switched off his mobile and re-emerged with a new number and a new name. Patels aliases ranged from Dhawal, Arpit, Hardik, Sanjay, Rajendra Panchal, Jaimin, Hemala carousel of fake identities that helped him cheat buyers and sellers of 42 cars in three years. The confession is staggering: 31 cases registered in 11 districts, including Ahmedabad (6 cases), Gandhinagar, Bharuch, Botad, Banaskantha, Rajkot, and Kutch, with a total fraud of Rs 73.30 lakh. Earlier, he had already duped victims of nearly Rs 1 crore. From Patels possession, police seized a Samsung Galaxy A-35, 13 SIM cards, 3 blank HDFC cheques, and fraud-linked materials. His record reveals he turned Gujarats car market into his hunting ground, repeatedly exploiting digital platforms with surgical precision. The police have now tightened the investigation to identify possible accomplices and recover the looted money.
