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Jemimah stars in Indias comprehensive eight-wicket win against SL

VISAKHAPATNAM, Dec 21: Jemimah Rodrigues executed her shots with great skill and style en route to a scintillating, unbeaten 44-ball 69 as India crushed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the first Womens T20 International here on Sunday. Opting to field, India restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 121 for six after the visiting batters struggled to put away the loose balls, even as dew made its presence felt earlier than expected. India completed the chase of 122 with as [] The post Jemimah stars in Indias comprehensive eight-wicket win against SL appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 22 Dec 2025 4:29 am

CISF woman officer saves life of flyer

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:40 am

Schools to be closed upto class V

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:39 am

Home guards suspended

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:37 am

Teacher held for assaulting woman colleague

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:34 am

Lalu treats sons abovedaughters, alleges BJP

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:33 am

City girl missing for 4 days, family alleges abduction

A teenager from Patna has vanished without a trace for four days after heading out from her home. Her alarmed family received a frantic phone call, leading them to file a police report. Investigators tracked her last communication to a guava seller near Gandhi Maidan, where witnesses reported seeing her board an e-rickshaw.

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:29 am

Travel chaos in state as fog disrupts flights, trains

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:29 am

Patna drainage work restarts

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:27 am

Probation period row: Teachers body seeks chancellor intervention

In a tumultuous education landscape, Bihar universities are clashing with UGC guidelines and state orders by exhibiting a concerning inconsistency in confirming assistant professors post-probation. While some institutions provide confirmation at the one-year mark, others stretch it to two, creating a fragmented system.

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:26 am

4 held for killing man over extra-marital affair in Kishanganj

In Kasianganj, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of 25-year-old Zulfkar. The heinous crime reportedly arose from familial outrage over a supposed affair. Zulfkar was enticed to a woman's residence, where he was discovered in a compromising scenario, brutally assaulted, and ultimately killed.

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:24 am

Min: Bihar govt building an investor-friendly ecosystem

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:24 am

CCTV surveillance to tackle littering, rash driving menace in Begusarai

To tackle littering and elevate urban governance, Begusarai Municipal Corporation has rolled out a cutting-edge network of 317 high-definition CCTV cameras across 98 strategic points. This robust surveillance system operates 24/7, equipped with reliable battery backups, facilitating the identification of offenders, aiding law enforcement in crime detection, and optimizing traffic management.

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:16 am

Newborn rescued, 7 child traffickers held

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:14 am

City churches decked up for Christmas celebrations

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:08 am

From Patna to BJP high table: The rise of Nitin Nabin

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 11:57 pm

Smriti Mandhana Shatters Huge World Record, Enters Elite Women's T20I List

Star batter Smriti Mandhana shattered a huge India record during the 1st Women's T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

NDTV 21 Dec 2025 11:33 pm

1st T20I: Jemimah's 69 Not Out, Bowlers Help India Women Beat Sri Lanka By Eight Wickets

Rajasekhara Reddy ACA: Jemimah Rodrigues continued her superb form from the Women's ODI World Cup as she slammed an unbeaten half-century to help India capitalise on a good bowling performance to beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the first match of the five-match women's T20I series in Visakhapatnam. After the Indian bowlers came up with a superb performance to restrict Sri Lanka to a modest 121/6 in 20 overs, Jemimah, who scored a century to help India reach the World Cup final, scored 69 not out off 44 balls on Sunday and helped India race to 122/2 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium and win the match with 32 balls to score. Jemimah scored her half-century off 34 balls as she struck 10 boundaries and shared two half-century partnerships -- 54 for the second wicket stand with Smriti Mandhana, who scored a run-a-ball 25 after India lost Shafali Verma (9) early, and an unfinished 55-run partnership with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur for the third wicket. Jemimah built her knock with patience and then unleashed some superb shots, was quick on her feet, played late cuts superbly, and ran brilliantly, at times egging Mandhana and Harmanpreet to put in an extra effort. Mandhana and Rodrigues repaired the Indian innings after Verma clipped Kawya Kavindi to square leg, where Gimhani picked a smart catch, diving forward. Smriti was her usual left, cautious, and patient as he scored 25, becoming the first Indian batter to reach 4000 runs in women's T20I cricket. She hit four boundaries before being caught by Nilakshika Silva at deep extra cover off Inoka Ranaweera. Rodrigues found a willing partner in skipper Harmanpreet Kaur as they guided India to a comprehensive win with the captain scoring 15 not out as India went up 1-0 in the five-match series. Earlier, the bowlers made an easy win possible for India in a match in which both teams were hampered by copious dew. After skipper Harmanpreet Kaur elected to field on winning the toss in their first outing since winning the Women's ODI World Cup in Navi Mumbai, the Indian bowlers strangled the Sri Lankan batters despite atrocious fielding that included a few dropped catches, misfields and a six palmed-over by Smriti Mandhana as the 50 overs World Champions struggled to adjust with the short format, which they were playing after a big break. The Sri Lankans were not much better and struggled with the T20 format after they lost skipper Chamari Athapaththu for 15 off 12 balls as they managed to score only 31/1 in the Power-play. The Sri Lankan captain struck three fours in the first couple of overs before Kranti Gaud managed to sneak a ball through the gap between the bat and pad to rattle the stumps for her first Women's T20I wicket. Though debutant spinner Vaishavi Sharma failed to get a wicket, she conceded only 16 runs in her four overs as the Indians tied the Sri Lankans in knots. Deepti Sharma conceded only 10 runs in three overs, while N Shree Charani was comparatively costly in her spell of 1-30 in four overs. She was also guilty of dropping two easy skiers. For India, Kranti Gaud (1-23), Deepti Sharma (1-20), and N. Shree Charani (1-30) claimed a wicket each. Vishmi Gunaratne waged a lone battle for Sri Lanka as she scored a slow 39 off 43 balls, hitting a four and a six before she was run out to a piece of good work by Kranti Gaud. She shared a 38-run partnership with Harshitha Samarawickrama, but once the latter was out, Sri Lanka's batting effort got derailed once again. Hasini Perera 20 off 23 and Harshitha Samarawickrama (21 off 23) got starts but could not capitalise on them. But they helped the Islanders cross into three figures, though they could not manage to hit any big shots. Both India and Sri Lanka have gone into the match with contrasting selection decisions. While India showed trust in the tried and tested, retaining a majority of players that figured in their triumphant 50-over World Cup winning campaign, Sri Lanka picked several youngsters as both teams try to find the best combination for the Women's T20 World Cup to be held later in 2026. Hasini Perera 20 off 23 and Harshitha Samarawickrama (21 off 23) got starts but could not capitalise on them. But they helped the Islanders cross into three figures, though they could not manage to hit any big shots. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sri Lanka Women 121/6 in 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 39, Harshitha Samarawickrama 21; Kranti Gaud 1-23, Deepti Sharma 1-20, N. Shree Charani 1-30) lost to India Women 122/2 in 14.4 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 69 not out, Smriti Mandhana 25; Inoka Ranaweera 1-17) by eight wickets Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 21 Dec 2025 10:36 pm

JMM distances itself from Health Minister's remarks offering job to Muslim doctor involved in Bihar hijab incident

RANCHI: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Sunday distanced itself from the remarks of Health Minister Irfan Ansari , who offered a job to the female Muslim doctor who was allegedly assaulted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public event in Patna last week. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said that there is no provision empowering the minister to offer a job with a salary of Rs 3 lakh per month. I dont think a minister can provide a Rs 3 lakh job to anyone. However, the issue that is being suppressed should be discussed, the JMM spokesperson said, stressing that the minister's statement was personal. The party was responding to Ansari's remarks, inviting the female doctor to Jharkhand and offering her a job with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh. I have invited the woman doctor to Jharkhand and offered her a job with a Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a flat, a desired posting and full security, the minister said in Jamtara on Saturday. The minister was responding to the December 15 incident in Patna, where Nitish Kumar pulled the veil (naqab) off the face of a newly-recruited AYUSH doctor while she was receiving her letter of appointment. He accused Nitish Kumar of attempting to demean the hijab (veil) and the Muslim community through the act. Without naming anyone, Ansari also contrasted the incident with Jharkhand's governance. This is Jharkhand. Governance here is sensitive, inclusive and rooted in respect for human dignity, the minister said. Nusrat Parveen, a doctor hailing from Kolkata, was among ten Ayush doctors who had turned up at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Secretariat on December 15 to receive their letters of appointment. When Parveen's turn came, the 75-year-old CM pointed towards her veil and exclaimed 'what is this' before pulling it down and exposing her face. The incident has drawn widespread criticism , with many accusing Nitish Kumar of disrespecting Muslim traditions, allegedly in line with the RSS agenda. Meanwhile, former BJP minister C P Singh alleged a possible connection between the woman doctor and the Al-Falah University in Haryana, which has come under scanner in connection with the alleged white collar terror module. Singh demanded an NIA inquiry into the episode and said Ansari was not the health minister for one community alone. People from this particular community want to establish Ghazwa-e-Hind. Therefore, the NIA should investigate whether Nusrat Parveen has any connection to Al-Falah University, the BJP leader alleged. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor

The New Indian Express 21 Dec 2025 10:32 pm

TCS to commence operations in Visakhapatnam in January 2026

IT major to launch Delivery Centre from rented facility at Rushikonda with 2,000 employees and 80 crore initial investment

The Hindu 21 Dec 2025 9:45 pm

1st T20I: Bowlers Help India Women Restrict Sri Lanka To 121/6

Rajasekhara Reddy ACA: Indian bowlers came up with a superb performance to restrict Sri Lanka to a modest 121/6 in 20 overs in the first match of the five-match women's T20I bilateral series at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. After skipper Harmanpreet Kaur elected to field on winning the toss in their first outing since winning the Women's ODI World Cup in Navi Mumbai, the Indian bowlers strangled the Sri Lankan batters despite atrocious fielding that included a few dropped catches, misfields and a six palmed-over by Smriti Mandhana as the 50 overs World Champions struggled to adjust with the short format, which they were playing after a big break. The Sri Lankans were not much better and struggled with the T20 format after they lost skipper Chamari Athapaththu for 15 off 12 balls as they managed to score only 31/1 in the Power-play. The Sri Lankan captain struck three fours in the first couple of overs before Kranti Gaud managed to sneak a ball through the gap between the bat and pad to rattle the stumps for her first Women's T20I wicket. Though debutant spinner Vaishavi Sharma failed to get a wicket, she conceded only 16 runs in her four overs as the Indians tied the Sri Lankans in knots. Deepti Sharma conceded only 10 runs in three overs, while N Shree Charani was comparatively costly in her spell of 1-30 in four overs. She was also guilty of dropping two easy skiers. But the spinners did their job as they tied things up in the middle overs as the hosts put their experience to good use. For India, Kranti Gaud (1-23), Deepti Sharma (1-20), and N. Shree Charani (1-30) claimed a wicket each. Vishmi Gunaratne waged a lone battle for Sri Lanka as she scored a slow 39 off 43 balls, hitting a four and a six before she was run out to a piece of good work by Kranti Gaud. She shared a 38-run partnership with Harshitha Samarawickrama, but once the latter was out, Sri Lanka's batting effort got derailed once again. Hasini Perera 20 off 23 and Harshitha Samarawickrama (21 off 23) got starts but could not capitalise on them. But they helped the Islanders cross into three figures, though they could not manage to hit any big shots. Both India and Sri Lanka have gone into the match with contrasting selection decisions. While India showed trust in the tried and tested, retaining a majority of players that figured in their triumphant 50-over World Cup winning campaign, Sri Lanka picked several youngsters as both teams try to find the best combinations for the Women's T20 World Cup to be held later in 2026. Hasini Perera 20 off 23 and Harshitha Samarawickrama (21 off 23) got starts but could not capitalise on them. But they helped the Islanders cross into three figures, though they could not manage to hit any big shots. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sri Lanka Women 121/6 in 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 39, Harshitha Samarawickrama 21; Kranti Gaud 1-23, Deepti Sharma 1-20, N. Shree Charani 1-30) against India Women Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 21 Dec 2025 9:10 pm

IND vs SL 1st Women's T20I: India opt to bowl against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam

India are playing their first match since winning the ODI World Cup in November

The Hindu 21 Dec 2025 7:03 pm

International fleet review in Vizag in Feb 2026

Visakhapatnam will host the International Fleet Review in February 2026. Over 100 nations will participate, showcasing naval strength and cooperation. The event aims to enhance interoperability and address maritime threats. Discussions will cover emerging technologies, legal frameworks, and humanitarian assistance. This gathering underscores India's commitment to cooperative security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Economic Times 21 Dec 2025 6:58 pm

Espionage accused held in Raxaul with grenade, heroin

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 5:55 pm

Health check-up or politics? Bihar CM Nitish Kumars Delhi visit may include ModiShah meet

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday left for a two-day tour of the national capital, where he is expected to meet top NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, officials said that CM is in Delhi for a routine health checkup and treatment of his eyes This is Nitishs first visit to the national capital after the NDAs landslide victory in the recently concluded Bihar assembly elections. Officials said that after reaching New Delhi, Nitish will first go to his residence and then visit AIIMS-Delhi for his checkup. Nitish usually undergoes a full medical examination of his body at AIIMS-Delhi at least for once in a year. Doctors at AIIMS Delhi has been monitoring his health for a long time. Nitishs visit to New Delhi is a part of his regular health checkup, said a senior official posted at CM secretariat. He, however, refused to disclose his other programmes. During his stay, Janata Dal (United) supremo is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He is expected to discuss NDAs future strategy for Bihar as the new government has to fulfil pre-poll announcements in the next five years. The issues like cabinet expansion in January are also likely to be discussed during their meeting. The change in leadership of BJP both at the national and state levels is expected to be taken up at the meeting for better coordination between two alliance partners. The appointment of five-term MLA from Bihar Nitin Nabin as working national president of BJP has political pandits guessing about the partys future plans. Another issue that may come up for discussion is the much-speculated entry into politics of Nishant, the only son of the state's longest-serving chief minister. Recently, JD(U) working president and Kumar's close aide Sanjay Kumar Jha had said there was a strong sentiment within the party in favour of Nishant's entry into public life and expressed hope that the reclusive 47-year-old would take a decision. Elections to a few Rajya Sabha and Bihar Legislative Council seats, due in 2026, could also be discussed. With its overwhelming majority in the Assembly, the NDA is expected to be in a position to secure several seats at the expense of the weakened opposition, sources added. The 45-year-old MLA is set to be made full time president of the party after six months. During his previous visit to New Delhi, Nitish had undergone cataract surgery at AAIMS Delhi, which was successful and he returned to Patna after treatment. However, his visit to the national capital has heated up states political temperature. (With additional inputs from PTI)

The New Indian Express 21 Dec 2025 5:37 pm

CITU leader counters BJP claims on saving Visakhapatnam Steel Plant from privatisation

After the third blast furnace was revived this year (2025), the plant had suffered losses to the tune of 1,000 crore

The Hindu 21 Dec 2025 4:30 pm

Responsibility Is More Because Expectations Are Going To Be More, Says Jemimah Ahead Of SL T20Is

SL T20Is: India batter Jemimah Rodrigues believes the Womens World Cup triumph has brought greater responsibility for the team as they gear up for the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting Sunday. The series marks Indias first international assignment since lifting the World Cup last month. Reflecting on the aftermath of the title win, Jemimah said the tournament's impact has already been felt beyond the field. It's been a while since, you know. Life has definitely changed after the World Cup. A lot many people have been recognising women's cricket, and I think that is one of the biggest achievements that this World Cup has had, she said in a video shared by the BCCI. Jemimah echoed the sentiments earlier expressed by vice captain Smriti Mandhana, underlining the long-term significance of the victory. I was just hearing Smriti's interview after the World Cup, what she had given, and she said that we will not realise it now, but the kind of impact this World Cup is going to have is going to impact the generations. And it's going to be big, it's going to be massive, so can't wait to see that. And yeah, at the same time, you know, now what has happened has happened. While the team takes pride in its achievement, Jemimah stressed that the focus has already shifted to future challenges. Yes, we take pride in what we've done as a team, but it's just the beginning. Now is the time when I think the responsibility is more because the expectations are going to be more, and at the same time, the T20 World Cup, that's our focus now. Yes, it's about winning World Cups, but it's also how we can be the best Indian team we've ever been. The 25-year-old highlighted the need for continuous improvement, especially with the shorter format demanding higher intensity. And when we think of it that way, I think that hard work never stops. You improving never stops. You keep improving every single day, little by little by little. Jemimah added that complacency would be the biggest enemy following success. So I think it's a greater responsibility for us, and we know what we've done, but we also know that we can't stop them. We need to keep going. T20, I feel, compared to the ODIs, the intensity is much higher. She also spoke about the tactical demands of T20 cricket, particularly for bowlers. It's a shorter format and we know that it has a lot of explosiveness to it. And I think that even as a team, we are working towards. T20, we know, even for bowlers, the batter is going to come hard at least but if we can nail those yorkers, nail those wide yorkers, the slow ones, I think it's also going to be a game of smartness and preparation where we can go out and execute what we do. Jemimah added that complacency would be the biggest enemy following success. So I think it's a greater responsibility for us, and we know what we've done, but we also know that we can't stop them. We need to keep going. T20, I feel, compared to the ODIs, the intensity is much higher. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India will take on Sri Lanka in the first of the five T20Is at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 21 Dec 2025 2:34 pm

Guv defends CM Nitish action in hijab row, doctor fails to report back at work

PATNA: Contrary to the expectations, Ayush doctor Dr Nursat Parveen, who hit the national headlines after Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulled down her hijab (veil) at an official function in Patna last week, did not join her job on Saturday. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan defended CM Kumar, saying that there could never be any conflict between a father and a daughter. Nitish Kumar is like a father to Nusrat, and it is wrong to label the affection and discipline a father shows towards his daughter as a conflict, he added. There are few instances in the past when the health department has given an extension, he added. Dr Parveen has been posted at Sabalpur primary health centre (PHC) in Patna Sadar, and was expected to complete the joining formalities by Saturday at 6 pm. However, she failed to report even after the expiry of the deadline.According to the health departments procedure, Dr Parveen has to go through several formal steps before starting her work. These include a medical examination and verification of documents at the State Health Committee. Patna civil surgeon Dr Avinash Kumar Singh confirmed that Dr Parveen did not join her duty on Saturday. He said that now the state health department could give her extension for joining her duty. According to health department officials, 75 AYUSH doctors were selected. Out of which 63 have joined. Remaining 12 doctors are yet to join duty. Dr Nusrat Parveen is among the 12 doctors who have not joined yet, a senior health department official said. Meanwhile, a political row erupted after Jharkhand health minister Dr Irfan Ansari, while lashing out at Nitish, offered a government job to Dr Parveen, promising to pay a salary of `3 lakh per month, and a posting of her choice in the Jharkhand health department.

The New Indian Express 21 Dec 2025 8:11 am

Supreme Court: Criminal record, gravity of offence key in deciding bail

The Supreme Court quashed bail granted by the Patna High Court to five accused involved in an armed assault and habitual offenders. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta emphasized that criminal antecedents and the gravity of offenses are vital factors in bail decisions.

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 1:22 am

Tharoor warns of Bangladesh unrest, calls for peace and respect for democratic norms

PATNA: Senior Congress leader and chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs, Shashi Tharoor, on Saturday expressed deep concern over the prevailing mob rule and instability in Bangladesh, warning that the unrest could adversely affect both Bangladesh and India. Speaking to media at Patna airport ahead of his participation in the five-day Nalanda Literature Festival, starting Sunday at Rajgir, Tharoor said that mob rule in Bangladesh was not good either for Bangladesh or India. He stressed that Indias interest is driven by a stable and democratic Bangladesh, and peace and democratic norms must be upheld. Elections are also going to be held there in February, and we want democracy to return there, but the way the situation is going there is very concerning, he said, adding, Such a situation is not good for both countries; we want peace there. Tharoor also expressed concern over the mob lynching of 27-year-old Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladeshs Mymensingh district over alleged blasphemy. He questioned the countrys interim government on what steps were being taken to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent such incidents in the future. Such mob rule should not prevail. The Parliamentary Standing Committee has also said that we want good relations with Bangladesh, and peace should be maintained there, he added. Addressing another recent incident, Tharoor commented on a viral video showing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar allegedly pulling down a womans hijab. He said, All women should be respected, and this incident was not right. Earlier on X, Tharoor expressed concern over targeted attacks on Bangladeshi media outlets. Deeply concerned by the reports from Bangladesh. The targeted mob attacks and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Starn are more than just an assault on two media houses; they are an assault on the freedom of the press and the very foundation of a pluralistic society. I am concerned about the well-being of editor @MahfuzAnamDS and other courageous journalists, he wrote. Tharoors comments come amid heightened tensions in Bangladesh, with mob attacks, arson, and violence raising alarms over the state of law and order and the stability of democratic governance in the region.

The New Indian Express 21 Dec 2025 12:55 am

New DSW of VKSU takes charge

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:13 am

Rs700-cr Ara-Sasaram raildoubling project gains pace

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:10 am

Guv approves spl exams for NCC cadets who missed tests

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:10 am

Absconding land mafia held in city

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:09 am

Dense fog continues to delaytrains on Delhi-Patna route

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:09 am

Illegal drug worth Rs70 lakh seized

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:06 am

Less than one-third of state teachers clear competency test

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:04 am

SSB highlights security & civic roles on 62nd raising day

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:04 am

Body of missing farmer found in Barh

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:04 am

Southern Railway RPF team wins shooting contest

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:03 am

Show-cause issued to former Bikram SHO for misconduct

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:03 am

Once Bihars sugar hub, Mithila awaits long-promised revival

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:02 am

3 accused of murder surrender

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 12:01 am

Complaint against SDO in Purnia

The Times of India 20 Dec 2025 11:58 pm

Woman files complaint alleging rape

The Times of India 20 Dec 2025 11:57 pm

Team formed to probe into ATM theft

The Times of India 20 Dec 2025 11:53 pm

National Mathematics Day celebration on Dec 22

The Times of India 20 Dec 2025 11:53 pm

Officials Ask Citizens To Turn Waste Into Wealth Under Swachh Andhra

At the event on R.K. Beach in Visakhapatnam, district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad emphasised on the dual benefits of waste management, generating income while protecting the environment: Reports

Deccan Chronicle 20 Dec 2025 11:36 pm

Bihar Hijab Row: Female Doctor Whose Naqab Was Removed By Nitish Kumar Didn't Join Duty

As per the protocol, candidates are required to report to the civil surgeon office in Patna and then join their respective workplaces.

News18 20 Dec 2025 10:18 pm

Ahead Of 2026 WPL, Delhi Capitals Set To Announce New Captain On Sunday Evening

Star Sports Network: Ahead of the 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL), three-time runners-up Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to announce their new captain for the upcoming season on Sunday evening. DC were captained by Australias multiple times World Cup winning skipper Meg Lanning, but fell short of winning the WPL title in 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively. But with Meg released by the franchise and being roped in by UP Warriorz (UPW) at the mega auction in New Delhi last month, they have a leadership void to fill. IANS understands that India batter Jemimah Rodrigues and South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt are in the race to be DCs new captain. Jemimah had been DCs vice-captain for three seasons, while Laura has considerable international leadership experience by leading the Proteas. It will be interesting to see who they go with, said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on Saturday. The new captains announcement by DC will also be made live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network channels at 6pm on Sunday evening, just before Indias opening T20I against Sri Lanka takes place at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Barring a last-minute change, DC might go in with an Indian skipper if co-owner Parth Jindals words in the mega auction are to go by. IANS understands that India batter Jemimah Rodrigues and South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt are in the race to be DCs new captain. Jemimah had been DCs vice-captain for three seasons, while Laura has considerable international leadership experience by leading the Proteas. It will be interesting to see who they go with, said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on Saturday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score DC will open their 2026 WPL campaign against defending champions and two-time winners Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 10. This is the first time a WPL season will be played in the January-February window. The final will take place at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on February 5. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 20 Dec 2025 9:46 pm

Series Against Sri Lanka Very Important Ahead Of Next T20 WC, Says Harmanpreet

ODI World Cup: A month after the epochal Womens ODI World Cup triumph, India will be seen back in action when the T20I series against Sri Lanka begins at the ACA-VDCA Stadium on Sunday. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the series will serve as crucial preparation for the next T20 World Cup, to be held in England from June 12 to July 5. India have just 11 T20Is lined up before the global event happens and will be keen to build rhythm and momentum. Since their group-stage exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has adopted a more aggressive approach, as seen from their 2-1 series win over the West Indies and a 3-2 triumph over England in July this year. Our end goal is the next T20 World Cup in six months and before that, we want to play as many T20s as possible. From tomorrow it is going to start and some new players in the team; it is the right time to give them a fair chance to understand how we have to go in the next World Cup. So, it is a very important series for all of us and we just want to play with a free mindset and play how we have been playing T20s for the last couple of years, said Harmanpreet in the pre-series press conference on Saturday. Indias World Cup-winning squad largely features against Sri Lanka, barring Radha Yadav and Uma Chetry, who have made way for youngsters, left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter G. Kamalini. It was hectic, but I want these kind of schedules after every World Cup. So I don't mind that, but looking forward to this series. We have been waiting for a month when we will go to the field because end of the day we enjoy ourselves on the field, so tomorrow we are going to start our first game, so really looking forward for that, added Harmanpreet. Indias World Cup-winning squad largely features against Sri Lanka, barring Radha Yadav and Uma Chetry, who have made way for youngsters, left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter G. Kamalini. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It also helps that India played ODI World Cup games against South Africa and Australia in Visakhapatnam. The pitch is really good (for batting). Dew is going to play a huge role in this ground. We played the (ODI) World Cup matches here. We know the kind of pitch here, and how we have to respond, concluded Harmanpreet. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 20 Dec 2025 9:18 pm

Newly wed couple dies after falling from Machilipatnam Express

Hyderabad: A couple who had gotten married just two months ago died after allegedly falling from the Machilipatnam Express late on Thursday, December 18. According to reports, Korada Simhachalam, 25, and his wife Bhavani, 19, hailed from Ravupalli village in Garugubilli mandal of Parvathipuram Manyam district in Andhra Pradesh. Simhachalam worked at a chemical company Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 20 Dec 2025 8:39 pm

Dense fog and severe cold wave hit normal life in Bihar, red alert issued for 12 districts

PATNA: Normal life in Bihar has been largely hit by dense fog and severe cold wave conditions, prompting authorities concerned to change the timing of schools for children. Severe cold wave condition is expected to persist till December 22. Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudharys helicopter could not take off due to bad weather conditions and poor visibility. He was scheduled to attend official functions at Sugauli and Raxaul in East Champaran district. According to authoritative sources, a pair of flights of Air India from Patna to Delhi and vice versa was cancelled, while 16 pairs of flights got delayed due to bad weather conditions and poor visibility in Patna. Similarly, more than 12 trains were running behind schedule. Officials said that the trains, including Vibhuti Express, Shramjivi Express, Sampoorna Kranti Express, Barauni-Danapur Memu, Vaishali-Kodarma Fast Memu, Danapur-Jhajha Fast Passenger and Bhagalpur Garib Rath Express, were running from three hours to 30 hours behind schedule. According to notifications issued by the authorities, classes in schools will run from 9 am and 4.30 pm till December 27. The order will apply to all government and private schools across the State. However, pre-board and board examinations have been exempted from the new order. The school authorities have been asked to adhere to the order strictly, failing which action would be initiated against them as per the rule. Humidity levels have crossed 90 per cent, significantly narrowing the gap between maximum and minimum temperatures. A red alert has been issued for 12 districts of north Bihar, warning of extremely dense fog and severe cold wave conditions. In addition, a yellow alert has been issued for 24 other districts, including Patna, cautioning residents about cold weather conditions. The State witnessed a sharp drop in both day and night temperatures, throwing normal life out of gear. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cold spell is expected to persist until December 22, with the possibility of a further decline in temperatures. The districts largely hit include West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Vaishali, Samastipur, Siwan and Gopalganj. In these districts, extremely dense fog is likely to disrupt road traffic both during the day and night hours. Travelling by road will be risky under such conditions, said a police officer assigned to regular traffic in Muzaffarpur in north Bihar. He said an advisory has been issued for vehicle drivers. A yellow alert has been issued for 24 districts, including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Purnea. In Araria, two youths were killed in a head-on collision between a speeding car and a motorbike. The third person injured in the accident has been admitted to a local hospital.

The New Indian Express 20 Dec 2025 8:35 pm

Words Said To Ishan About WC Selection Have Turned Into Reality, Says Childhood Coach Mazumdar

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Ishan Kishan's childhood coach, Uttam Mazumdar, said his words about the wicketkeeper-batter's selection for the T20 World Cup have urned into reality following the 26-year-old's inclusion in India's squad for the mega event and T20I series against New Zealand. Kishan, who topped the charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 517 runs and captained Jharkhand to the title, became a surprise replacement for Shubman Gill in Indias T20I squad. Those stupendous performances, including hitting 101 in the final against Haryana, and the team managements preference to have a back-up wicketkeeper-batter who could bat in the top order led to Kishans return to the national set-up. Mazumdar revealed he had told Kishan during Jharkhand's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy knockouts campaign that a match-winning century in the final would secure his place in the World Cup squad, and he was glad that his student did exactly that. When the Jharkhand team qualified for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy knockouts, I told Ishan that, You have made a lot many runs. But if you hit a hundred in the final and make the team win the trophy, it should put your name in that team for the World Cup. It just came out of my mouth and I was literally manifesting that he has to be there in the team for the World Cup. He just did that and those words turned into reality today. It's a matter of pride and a very big pleasure for all of us because he was out of the set-up for two years. But then the way he led Jharkhand and won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, we are very happy and everyone is happy, Muzumdar told IANS from his Greater Noida academy at the SDRV School on Saturday. Kishans last game for India was the third T20I against Australia at Guwahati in November 2023, before being out of reckoning after taking a mental health break and even losing his BCCI central contract. Muzumdar received news of Kishans return to the Indian team after starting a religious ceremony for him. After the news of his selection came, I got a call in the afternoon, informing me about this. I didnt know of it before as I was busy with a puja since morning. We have organised a Bhagavad Gita paath for Ishan starting from today and it will go on for six days. Its definitely divine intervention that hes now in the World Cup squad, he added. Mazumdar feels the Kishan of 2025 has inner stillness and maturity as compared to his 2023 version, which reflects strongly in his recent consistent performances. A theraav (stillness) has come now in Ishan. Plus, maturity, patience and focus have come within him, due to which theres more consistency in his game. This is a very big thing because when there is consistency, stillness and determination in the game, everything starts to go well. It is a game of mindset and when that moves towards a very positive mindset at this level in the game, then a persons worldview also changes. So, that same thing happened with Ishan. He has also backed Kishan to be an automatic selection in Indias playing eleven and open the batting alongside in-form Abhishek Sharma. In all the competitions, Ishan has done very well. I don't think the team management will be able to put Ishan out of the playing eleven because of the calibre he has. The Indian T20I team needs such an explosive player. In T20Is, the power play is very important. So, I think Ishan will be very fit as far as those things are concerned. The team management should give him a chance to open with Abhishek. The rest will be seen later as we can also play two keepers in the playing eleven. We do know the kind of keeping Ishan does, added Muzumdar. Amidst a joyful two days for him, Muzumdar revealed he will speak to Kishan later in the day. I think I will talk to him only in the night. He was in Jharkhand for two days and had to meet the CM as well. The players were very happy because it was a historical win. It was a moment of wonder for a lifetime. All were uncapped players in the Jharkhand team and bringing all of them together to win the trophy as their captain, Ishan did that job really well. It was such a great achievement to win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, considering there are a lot of formidable teams. To beat all of them and win the final, its a very big achievement. Mazumdar still fondly remembers the time when at the Moinul Ul Haq Stadium in Patna, Pranav Pandey approached him with a request to take a seven year old Kishan under his wing, a moment that would mark the beginning of a brilliant cricketing journey which has seen tons of highs and lows. Till date, Kishan maintains a ritual of seeking blessings of Muzumdar before playing big matches. Mazumdar, who fondly calls Kishan as Ishu, signed off by confidently affirming that the wicketkeeper-batter will have a big impact in Indias title defence in the T20 World Cup. Mazumdar still fondly remembers the time when at the Moinul Ul Haq Stadium in Patna, Pranav Pandey approached him with a request to take a seven year old Kishan under his wing, a moment that would mark the beginning of a brilliant cricketing journey which has seen tons of highs and lows. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The way his performances have been, I am sure the team management will use it to the fullest during the New Zealand series and the World Cup. I really believe they will use Ishan in this Indian team in a very good way. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 20 Dec 2025 8:14 pm

Collector forms panel to monitor worsening air quality in Visakhapatnam

Instructs officials to take immediate steps to control the deteriorating air quality; directs GVMC officials to ensure that vehicles transporting garbage are fully covered with tarpaulin, urges citizens to segregate wet and dry waste before handing it over to sanitation workers

The Hindu 20 Dec 2025 8:03 pm

Painful Incident: Bihar Gov slams CMs niqab removal act

Patna: Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday said he was disappointed to witness the row after the niqab (veil) of a doctor was removed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Khan was referring to a video clip which sparked a major political row, which took place on Monday at the chief ministers secretariat in Patna Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 20 Dec 2025 7:38 pm

Visakhapatnam MP promotes A.P.s investor-friendly policies at CII meet

M. Sribharat invites industry leaders to explore the emerging investment opportunities across the region and the State at large

The Hindu 20 Dec 2025 7:27 pm

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, 1st T20I - Who will win today IND-W vs SL-W match?

IND-W vs SL-W , 1stT20I , Cricket Tips :After winning the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, the Indian Women's Team will be in action in the home T20I series. With the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 happening in June 2026, the preparation begins now. India will face Sri Lanka Women for five T20Is in December. The first game will be held at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on December 21 at 7 PM IST. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the star-studded Indian side, which has Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Shefali Varma, and Renuka Thakur. Sri Lanka will also be prepared, and they also have a good squad to challenge the Indian side. IND-W vs SL-W: Match Details Date : December 21, 2025 (Sunday) Time : 7:00 PM IST Venue : ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam IND-W vs SL-W: Live Streaming Details The upcoming five-match T20I series will be live on Star Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the action through live stream on the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND-W vs SL-W: Head-to-Head Total Matches : 26 India : 20 Sri Lanka : 05 No-Result : 01 IND-W vs SL-W: Ground Pitch Report The wicket at ACA-VDCA Stadium is pretty flat. The ball comes nicely onto the bat here, and it is a great deck to bat on. The wickets will have bounce and early swing, which will settle down with the time. Hence, the team that chases will have a slight edge in the conditions. IND-W vs SL-W: Possible XIs India : Shefali Varma, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Renuka Singh South Africa : Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Nilakshika Silva, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Kawya Kavindi, Malsha Shehani, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera IND-W vs SL-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Smriti Mandhana is a brilliant batter across formats. She is the backbone of the Indian team. For Sri Lanka, captain Chamari Athapaththu is the one who has done well against India before. Probable Best Bowler Kranti Goud has been brilliant since making her debut. She takes a wicket with the new ball. For Sri Lanka, Inoka Ranaweera is the wicket-taker. She varies her pace and gets the best out of the wicket. Today Match Prediction : India at home are very strong, and their record against Sri Lanka is also superb. Hence, we predict India Women to win this game. IND-W vs SL-W 1st T20I, Today Match IND-W vs SL-W, IND-W vs SL-W Prediction, IND-W vs SL-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between India Women vs Sri Lanka Women Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

CNMSports 20 Dec 2025 6:48 pm

Happy For My Thambi Sanju: Ashwin Reacts To Indias T20 WC Squad

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed delight at Indias T20 World Cup 2026 squad, stating that the team was ready for its itle defence. He said he was happy for his brother, Sanju Samson, and lauded Ishan Kishans selection, who has made a comeback to international cricket. In a surprising move, defending champions India have excluded Shubman Gill from their squad for next years T20 World Cup and the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand. As announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and vice-captain Axar Patel, this squad highlights notable changes. Besides Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma is also omitted, as Ishan Kishan makes a remarkable comeback after showcasing explosive form while leading Jharkhand to victory in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rinku Singh also returns to the T20I squad after missing out on the 3-1 series win in South Africa. Title defence loading. Superb squad. Great to see Rinku back and happy for my thambi Sanju, who will now rightfully open alongside Abhishek. Adipoli Chetta! Huge applause for Ishan, who showed his hunger by grinding hard in the domestic circuit, Ashwin wrote on X. The 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, taking place from February 7 to March 8, will feature 40 group matches, all scheduled to be played by February 20. The top two teams from each of the four groups will move on to the Super Eights, beginning on February 21. India and Sri Lanka are hosting the Mens T20 World Cup for the second time. Sri Lanka previously hosted in 2012, while India last held the event in 2016. After finishing a three-match ODI series, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting on January 21 in Nagpur, with matches also scheduled in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. In the Mens T20 World Cup, defending champions India are in Group A with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. India kicks off its tournament against the USA at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, followed by a match against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12. India and Sri Lanka are hosting the Mens T20 World Cup for the second time. Sri Lanka previously hosted in 2012, while India last held the event in 2016. After finishing a three-match ODI series, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting on January 21 in Nagpur, with matches also scheduled in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 20 Dec 2025 5:46 pm

Jharkhand minister offers job, flat to Bihar doctor after naqab row

RANCHI: Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Saturday said he has offered a job with Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a government flat and desired posting to a woman doctor from Bihar following the naqab controversy during distribution of appointment letters. Ansari alleged that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tried to demean naqab and the Muslim community by removing the veil of a woman. I have invited the woman doctor to Jharkhand and offered her a job with Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a flat, desired posting and full security, he told reporters in Jamtara. The way a doctor and a woman was humiliated and treated with indecency by pulling her naqab is not merely an attack on one individual but a direct assault on human dignity, honour and the Constitution itself, he said. The incident, a video clip of which has been circulated widely and sparked a major political row, took place on Monday at the chief minister's secretariat in Patna when Ayush doctors had gathered to receive their letters of appointment. When the woman came up for her letter, Kumar saw her naqab, said what is this?, and then removed the veil. Meanwhile, a social worker filed a police complaint against Kumar over the incident, an officer said on Saturday. Mohammad Murtaza Alam, along with some villagers, submitted the complaint with Itki police station on Thursday, he said. Manish Kumar, officer-in-charge of Itki police station, told PTI that the complaint was filed on the basis of a video purportedly showing Kumar pulling off the naqab of the woman doctor.

The New Indian Express 20 Dec 2025 4:54 pm

1st Women's T20I: India, Sri Lanka watch young names' evolution in five-match series

India faces Sri Lanka in a T20I series starting Sunday in Visakhapatnam. The series is crucial for identifying new talent to support the team until next year's World Cup. Youngsters like G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma will be closely watched. Established players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana will also aim for strong performances.

The Economic Times 20 Dec 2025 4:21 pm

Disappointed to Witness Naqab Row, Says Bihar Governor

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan was referring to a video clip which sparked a major political row, which took place on Monday at the chief minister's secretariat in Patna when Ayush doctors had gathered to receive their letters of appointment

Deccan Chronicle 20 Dec 2025 4:09 pm

Gill Axed, Axar Named Vice-captain; Ishan Returns As India Name T20 WC Squad

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: In a surprising development, defending champions India have left out Shubman Gill from its squad for next years T20 World Cup and T20Is against New Zealand. In the squad announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Axar Patel has been named as the vice-captain. Apart from Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma misses out as Ishan Kishan makes a stunning return to the team, following his explosive form leading Jharkhand to a recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win. Meanwhie, Rinku Singh also makes his return to the T20I team after missing out on the 3-1 series win in South Africa. We are looking at combinations. Our thought was to have another keeper. Gill is a quality player, unfortunate to miss out, but it is the combination we want. Ishan bats at the top, he has been in good form, and played before for India. He wasn't there because Jurel and Pant were ahead. Sanju is at the top. Ishan at the top. That is the combination we are looking at right now. We felt he is the best back up keeper at this point, said Agarkar. The 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, to be held from February 7 to March 8, will have 40 group matches scheduled to be played till February 20. Top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super Eights starting on February 21. India and Sri Lanka are hosting the Mens T20 World Cup for the second time. Sri Lanka were the hosts of the 2012 edition, while India last hosted the competition in 2016. After the completion of the three-match ODI series, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand, starting on January 21 in Nagpur, followed by games in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram. In the Mens T20 World Cup, defending champions India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. The Men in Blue will be aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the Mens T20 World Cup title, the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, and the first team to clinch the T20 world title for a third time. India will open its Cup campaign against USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, before facing Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12. In the Mens T20 World Cup, defending champions India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. The Men in Blue will be aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the Mens T20 World Cup title, the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, and the first team to clinch the T20 world title for a third time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 20 Dec 2025 2:32 pm

Mayawati flags Bihar 'naqab' row; says CM Nitish should express regret, end controversy

LUCKNOW: Wading into the Nitish Kumar 'naqab' controversy, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday raised concerns over the Bihar chief minister recently pulling off the veil from a woman doctor's face , saying the JD-U chief should express regret and make effort to end the itterly growing controversy. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also flagged concerns over a controversial police parade incident in Bahraich, which she described as a failure of legislative sessions in the state and Parliament. In a long Hindi post on X, Mayawati said the 'naqqab' controversy was sad and unfortunate, which continued to escalate due to some statements made by ministers subsequently. The incident, a video clip of which has been circulated widely, took place on Monday at the chief minister's secretariat in Patna, where Ayush doctors gathered to receive their letters of appointment. When the woman came up for her letter, Kumar saw her 'naqab', said what is this and then removed the veil, prompting the opposition parties to demand an unconditional apology from the chief minister. Mayawati said the matter, which is linked to women's safety and dignity, should have been resolved through the chief minister's direct intervention. It would be better if the chief minister views the incident in the right perspective, expresses regret and makes an effort to end this bitterly growing controversy, she said. Referring to Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati said the Bahraich district police, drawing criticism for deviating from the established rules by offering a salute to a religious preacher during a police parade, triggered a major controversy, putting the state government in the dock. Police parades and salutes have their own traditions, discipline and sanctity, which should not be tampered with, she said, adding that it was a positive step that the state's police chief sought an explanation from the district police chief. People are now waiting for action, she said, urging the state government to take the matter seriously to prevent a recurrence. Mayawati also criticised the rief Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, which began on December 19, saying it had, like previous sessions, been confined to debates between the ruling party and the opposition instead of focusing on issues of public interest and welfare. She said the government should have responded more seriously to matters such as fertiliser shortages faced by the farmers and other public welfare concerns. The BSP chief also took a swipe at the Winter Session of Parliament, which concluded on Friday, alleging that it ended without any meaningful discussions on the pressing national issues, including the severe air pollution in Delhi. The entire country was hoping for deliberations on the burning national problems that could have offered some ray of hope but that did not happen, which is unfortunate, she said. Mayawati also expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Bangladesh and what she termed a rise in anti-India activities, similar to Nepal. She urged the Centre to take cognisance of the developments and respond with a long-term policy approach. Bangladesh has been on the boil this week after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader of the July Uprising of 2024, sparking violent protests and arson in the neighbouring country. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor

The New Indian Express 20 Dec 2025 1:40 pm

Manjhi clears the air in video, says managed to swing votes via DM

PATNA: A video claiming to show Union minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi speaking about influencing an election result went viral on Friday, sparking an uproar among opposition parties. After the furore, Manjhi claimed the video had been tampered with and accused his political opponents of trying to malign him. In the video, Manjhi is heard addressing a public gathering in Magahi, a local dialect, and is allegedly heard saying that he helped secure a candidates victory in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections by speaking to the then district magistrate. He says the candidate was trailing by 2,600 votes but went on to win after his intervention. This time, the candidate lost by 1,600 votes, but he wasnt informed, Manjhi adds in the clip. The official margin of victory does not match Manjhis claim. The remarks were reportedly made during a programme in Mohanpur block of the Barachatti Assembly constituency. In the video, Manjhi also refers to the district magistrate involved, who is now reportedly posted in Tripura. Manjhi denied having said such things. Some people, who tampered with one of my videos to make it go viral, think they can defame the son of a Musahar, he said. I want to tell such people that no one can either insult the son of a Musahar or fool him now. Those who spit at the sky are forgetting that the spit will fall back on their own face. Now Manjhi has become a brandno longer afraid of anyone. The RJD shared the video on social media and accused Manjhi of openly admitting to electoral manipulation. This is Jitan Ram Manjhi, a cabinet minister in the Government of India, former chief minister of Bihar, and patron of the HAM party. He is openly revealing the royal formula for winning elections through manipulation of results, machinery, and rigging, the party said. The RJD also claimed that Manjhi was expressing regret over his partys defeat in the Tekari Assembly constituency and questioned the role of constitutional authorities.

The New Indian Express 20 Dec 2025 8:40 am

Nara Lokesh accuses YSRCP of stalling investments via PILs, Opposition seeks more transparency

A political dispute has erupted in Andhra Pradesh over IT park projects and job creation. TDP leaders, including IT Minister Nara Lokesh, accused YSRCP of filing PILs to stall major projects by companies like TCS, Cognizant, Sattva, and Raheja Corp, which together promise over 1 lakh jobs. The latest PIL targets Rahejas proposed IT park in Visakhapatnam.

The Economic Times 20 Dec 2025 8:11 am

Hyderabad: Traffic Diversions for Construction of Skywalk at Mehdipatnam Rythu Bazaar till Dec. 21

Traffic from Attapur side towards Banjara Hills may use the alternative route from Rethibowli, Nanalnagar Junction, Filmnagar.

Deccan Chronicle 20 Dec 2025 12:54 am

RJD alleges poll rigging in state, BJP rejects charge

The RJD alleges the Bihar election mandate was rigged, citing a Union minister's past remarks and claiming machinery management manipulated votes. Despite the Election Commission's rejection of anomalies, the RJD insists a dacoity occurred, questioning the NDA's ground presence versus their victory. The BJP dismisses these claims as baseless accusations from a losing party.

The Times of India 20 Dec 2025 12:02 am

School timings changed in Patna, two more dists

In light of the biting cold and dense fog, the district administrations of Patna, Bhojpur, and Buxar have revised school hours to safeguard children's well-being. The new timetable will be in effect until December 25th, ensuring that young learners remain healthy during this chilly season while still facilitating important exams as scheduled.

The Times of India 20 Dec 2025 12:01 am

Transport minister flags revenue shortfall, pulls up erring officials

During a recent address, Bihar's Transport Minister Sharwan Kumar voiced urgent concerns regarding the sluggish pace of revenue collection and the mounting backlog of vehicle registrations and driving licenses. He cautioned that officials failing to meet established targets could face disciplinary measures, as many districts are reporting woefully low revenue figures.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:59 pm

BJP to welcome Nitin with roadshow in city on Dec 23

Patna is gearing up for a grand reception for Nitin Nabin, the BJP's newly appointed national working president, on his inaugural visit next week. A massive roadshow from the airport to Hanuman Mandir, followed by a felicitation ceremony at Miller School Ground, will mark his arrival. The events aim to showcase the party's strength and unity.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:58 pm

Not just toast anymore: Avocado finds its way into Indian chutneys, tikkis and thalis

Avocado consumption is surging across India, moving beyond big cities to smaller towns like Sangli and Patna. Imports have seen a significant jump, with demand growing rapidly. Even farmers in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are experimenting with avocado cultivation. This boom is reshaping agricultural choices and making the fruit accessible to a wider audience nationwide.

The Economic Times 19 Dec 2025 11:58 pm

Manjhi remarks on Tekari loss trigger storm, opposition cries foul

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's remarks about his party losing a Bihar assembly seat y mistake have ignited a political firestorm. Opposition parties, citing the video, allege vote chori, while Manjhi claims the footage is tampered with. The controversy reignites long-standing accusations of electoral malpractice in the state.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:55 pm

Bihar to study Guj model for urban reforms

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:51 pm

State on threshold of industrial revolution under Nitish: JD(U)

Bihar is on the cusp of an industrial revolution, according to JD(U), with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's initiatives paving the way for self-reliance and job creation. The party anticipates significant industrial growth and investment between 2025 and 2030, driven by improved infrastructure and skill development, promising tangible improvements for the state's youth and society.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:47 pm

Fire at Aurangabad NTPC plant triggers panic

Panic gripped Aurangabad as a fire erupted at NTPC's Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project's Unit-1 cooling tower during maintenance. While no injuries were reported, significant damage to equipment occurred. Firefighting efforts brought the blaze under control after several hours. An internal inquiry is underway to determine the cause, with maintenance resuming only after a safety review.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:44 pm

2024 floods cost north Bihar families Rs126cr, says survey

North Bihar's 2024 floods caused over Rs 126 crore in losses to 2,290 families across seven districts. The survey revealed significant damage to land and housing, with 91% of families reducing food intake and many mortgaging assets. Floods affected 27 districts, highlighting the need for proactive flood management.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:42 pm

Dense fog envelops state; no relief in sight

Bihar finds itself enveloped in a thick blanket of fog, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a cautionary alert. In western Bihar, temperatures have dipped significantly, Gaya experiencing the coldest lows. The local government has initiated warmth measures, setting up bonfires and emergency shelters to aid those affected by the harsh winter chill.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:42 pm

Traffic restrictions from Dec 25 for Prakash Parv

Patna traffic police have unveiled a comprehensive plan for the 359th Prakash Parv, with significant road restrictions in place for devotees and general traffic. Key routes, including Ashok Rajpath, will see diversions and closures from December 24th to 28th to facilitate celebrations and ensure smooth movement for essential services and participants.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:34 pm

Now or never: Chief secretary calls for rapid industrial expansion

In a bold move to elevate industrial growth in Bihar, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit championed a decisive 'now or never' mindset. He underscored the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs and called for rapid policy reforms. During the meeting, he addressed ongoing payment disputes faced by innovators and urged for urgent road repairs adjacent to a new ethanol facility.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:32 pm

DM orders destruction of over 2 lakh litres of liquor

Patna's District Magistrate has ordered the destruction of over 2 lakh litres of seized liquor, with police stations holding the largest quantities. Country liquor must be destroyed within ten days and foreign liquor within fifteen. Additionally, 1,256 vehicles are slated for auction, and authorities are cracking down on crime syndicates involved in illegal trades.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:32 pm

MoRTH inks MoU with IIT-P for tunnel safety

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has partnered with IIT-Patna to enhance tunnel safety and protect hill slopes along national highways. This collaboration aims to tackle complex geological challenges in hilly regions, drawing on past incidents to build stronger scientific and engineering capabilities. The initiative seeks to create safer, more resilient highway infrastructure for the future.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:29 pm

Vizag Air Quality Index at 350, Beats Delhi

On Friday, the air quality index at Visakhapatnam central area around noon showed 350, while Delhi, said to be the most polluted city, displayed the index at 316 around the same time.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Dec 2025 11:28 pm

Cybercrime syndicate busted, three held from two districts

East Champaran police have dismantled a significant cybercrime ring, arresting three individuals involved in ten fraud cases across India. Authorities seized cash, cellphones, and ATM cards. The syndicate exploited a local villager's bank account, facilitating over Rs 3 crore in fraudulent transactions since April. Investigations are ongoing.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:26 pm

ABVPs state convention to begin in Gaya from Dec 28

Gaya is set to host the 67th state convention of ABVP from December 28, with Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar performing the 'bhoomi pujan'. Over 1,200 volunteers will attend the event, the first in 27 years, focusing on youth and societal issues.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:24 pm

Admin ramps up action after animal cruelty cases come

Patna's administration is cracking down on animal cruelty following last year's rescue of 89 animals and 11 arrests. District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M emphasized stopping atrocities against living beings vital to our ecosystem. Local officials are now tasked with monitoring animal welfare, with plans to involve NGOs and grassroots workers to enhance reporting and expand surveillance across all blocks.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2025 11:18 pm