Six fishermen safe as fishing boat runs aground at Rushikonda beach in Visakhapatnam
Bihar couple turns entrepreneur under PMFME scheme; their noodle business employs a dozen people
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 2 (IANS) A couple from Sheikhpura district of Bihar, namely Sanjay Kumar and Ranjana Kumari, have become the talk of town over their food venture under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, and its capacity to employ about a dozen people in a short span of time. The couple, after learning about the scheme, received monetary support under the scheme and launched a noodle-manufacturing business not long ago. The initiative not only made their family financially self-reliant but has also created job opportunities for others in the surrounding area. Today, their entrepreneurial venture employs a total of 10 people regularly. Ranjana Kumari, sharing the success story of 'Smriti Noodles,' shared with IANS the difficult times when it was difficult to cover household expenses and manage children's education. Facing a weak financial situation, she aspired to start a venture of her own. It was during this period that she learned about the PMFME scheme. She applied under the program and, with government assistance, took the first steps toward establishing her business. Earlier a homemaker and now a successful businesswoman. Ranjana and her husbands story has become an inspirational tale in the village as the family has not only become self-reliant but also employs locals in the noodle manufacturing business. She says that both men and women are currently employed at her unit. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she remarked that the scheme has served as a vital support system for women like her. Today, the family is not dependent on others to run expenses and is effectively fulfilling the familys responsibilities. Ranjanas husband, Sanjay Kumar, shared that his wife had long aspired to start a business, but rising inflation and household expenses made it difficult. It was during this time that they learnt about the PMFME scheme. With government assistance, they were able to install the necessary machinery and begin the production of noodles. According to Sanjay, this venture has given them, particularly his wife, a new identity. They are now receiving orders for noodles from several nearby districts, including Nalanda, Nawada, and Rajgir.
Bihar: Gas pipeline explodes in Muzaffarpur; one feared dead, several injured
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 2 (IANS) A powerful explosion rocked the Gobarsahi area of Bihar's Muzaffarpur district on Monday after a gas pipeline was reportedly damaged during drain construction work, leaving one person dead and several others injured. The intensity of the explosion was such that the windowpanes of dozens of nearby houses shattered, while the walls of several residential buildings sustained damage. The sudden blast triggered panic among residents, many of whom rushed out of their homes, fearing further explosions. Following the incident, a large crowd gathered at the spot as residents expressed concern over the continuing gas leak and the possibility of a fire. A team from the Fire Department rushed to the scene and launched emergency operations to control the situation. Efforts were underway to contain the gas leak, prevent a possible fire and ensure the safety of people living in the surrounding areas. According to preliminary information, one person has died, and several others have sustained injuries. However, official confirmation regarding the death, the exact number of injured persons and their identities is still awaited. The injured are expected to be shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities are also assessing the damage caused to residential properties and the need to evacuate people from vulnerable areas. The incident occurred when a gas pipeline was accidentally ruptured during drain construction work. The administration will investigate how the pipeline was damaged and whether adequate safety precautions were followed before and during the construction activity. The explosion has raised concerns over the safety of underground gas pipelines during infrastructure development work in densely populated residential areas. Further details regarding the casualties, the extent of the damage and the restoration of normalcy are awaited from the district administration and the concerned gas agency. The district police have deployed a number of police personnel to the affected area and urged people to stay cautious.
Jetti Vamsi says he was lured with the promise of a non-combat job in Russia but deployed near the Ukraine frontline; his mother appeals to the State government as police begin an inquiry
Bihar Assembly secretariat issues notice to Anant Singh over anti-party activities
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 2 (IANS) The Bihar Legislative Assembly Secretariat has issued a notice to Mokama MLA Anant Singh, asking him to submit his response within seven days over allegations of anti-party activities. The notice was issued by Assembly Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh on the instructions of Speaker Prem Kumar and was received by Anant Singh on Monday. The proceedings were initiated following a complaint by the Janata Dal (United), which has sought the termination of Anant Singh's legislative membership, alleging that he engaged in activities against the party. JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha had submitted a formal petition to Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar, seeking action against the Mokama MLA. The party also submitted supporting documents, including newspaper clippings, CDs and other evidence, to substantiate its allegations. After examining the complaint and the documents submitted by the JD(U), the Speaker directed the Assembly Secretariat to initiate the formal proceedings. Accordingly, the notice was issued, giving Anant Singh seven days to present his defence. No decision has been taken so far regarding the termination of his Assembly membership. Further proceedings will depend on his response and the Speaker's consideration of the matter. The controversy stems from the recent Bihar Legislative Council elections, during which Anant Singh openly opposed JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar in the Patna Graduates' constituency and campaigned in support of Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Kumar. Neeraj Kumar was the official NDA candidate and the JD(U)'s chief spokesperson. Following Anant Singh's public opposition to the party's candidate, the JD(U) expelled both him and his wife, former MLA Neelam Singh, for six years. The party had earlier assigned Union Minister and Munger MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh the responsibility of resolving the differences between Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar. JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Jha had also indicated that Lalan Singh would intervene to settle the dispute. However, the differences between the two leaders remained unresolved during the election campaign. Lalan Singh's remarks reportedly added to the friction, further complicating efforts to broker a reconciliation. After Neeraj Kumar won the Patna Graduates' constituency despite Anant Singh's opposition, he declined to accept congratulations and blessings from Lalan Singh. Neeraj also made a pointed remark, saying that he would repay the political debt with interest. However, his stance appeared to change just two days later, when he began publicly praising Lalan Singh, adding another twist to the political developments within the JD(U).
BJP chief accuses Oppn of undermining democracy, warns Cong of losing LoP post
Daily-wage worker found dead in Supaul paddy field
Criminal carrying Rs25,000 reward shot in leg in Vaishali encounter
Kin block road outside Khagaria SPs residence over youths death
Probe intensifies in girls murder case after human head found in Banka canal
Bodhi tree in excellent health : FRI scientists
SEC has become subservient to Chandrababu Naidu, alleges Jagan
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Nov 2 (IANS) Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday accused the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) of acting in favour of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and failing to ensure free and fair municipal elections. In a social media post, he said the SEC, which is meant to protect democracy, has become subservient to Chandrababu Naidu. The shocking incidents during yesterdays municipal polling across the state, including in Pulivendula, show how the SEC is enabling election irregularities, he said. Yesterday in Pulivendula, YSRCP agents were kept out of 70 of the 80 polling booths. TDP goons brought in from other areas went on a rampage with the support of election officials and the police. They attacked our party agents to stop them from entering polling booths. In some places, they dragged our agents out of the polling stations. These incidents took place with the police's support. Voter slips were snatched from people, polling booths were captured, and votes were rigged and cast repeatedly. The video evidence of these incidents is clear. Agents from all 70 booths came to me personally, showed their agent forms to the officials, lodged complaints and protested, he said. Stating that the entire state witnessed what happened, Jagan said the SECs response was shocking. Irregularities took place in 70 of the 80 booths, and our agents were attacked and forced out. In these circumstances, how was it fair for the SEC to order repolling in only four booths and then wash its hands of the matter? asked the former Chief Minister. The SECs decision to order repolling in only four booths in Pulivendula, despite irregularities in many more, was an eyewash meant to mislead the public. Can these elections be called free and fair? If the Election Commission, which is responsible for protecting democracy, turns a blind eye to the ruling partys wrongdoing, how can peoples right to vote be protected? How can the public retain faith in the electoral system? YS Jagan said. He alleged that these incidents were not limited to Pulivendula. Election irregularities took place across the state, including in the municipal corporations of Kadapa, Anantapur, Tirupati, Kurnool, Chittoor, Ongole, Guntur, Nellore, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. Similar incidents occurred in several municipalities, including Macherla, Chilakaluripet, Vinukonda, Jammalamadugu, Nandyal, Chimakurthy, Giddalur, Emmiganur, Sullurpeta, Palasa, Dhone, Naidupeta, Nandigama, Jaggayyapeta, Kuppam, Puttur and Parvathipuram. We will fight these election irregularities in court to protect democracy. We will place every piece of evidence before the courts. Justice may take time, but truth and justice will ultimately prevail, he added.
Patna Book Fair Set to Celebrate Literature and Arts from December 4-15
The Patna Book Fair will feature over 350 events celebrating literature, art, and cinema from December 4-15, 2026. Patna Book Fair Set to Celebrate Literature and Arts from December 4-15
Tejashwi Yadav Calls for United Opposition Amid Sonia Gandhis Meeting with Lalu Prasad Yadav
Tejashwi Yadav emphasizes the need for a united opposition during a meeting between Sonia Gandhi and Lalu Prasad Yadav in Patna. Tejashwi Yadav Calls for United Opposition Amid Sonia Gandhis Meeting with Lalu Prasad Yadav
Cyclone Murasu: 12 flight services cancelled at Vijayawada; Visakhapatnam flights hit
The severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to cross the south Andhra coast near Ongole tonight
Nabin to lead BJP's save democracy rally in Kolkata, civic poll strategy on agenda
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Nabin will arrive in Kolkata on Monday afternoon to lead the partys Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao (save democracy, eliminate anarchy) rally, which will begin at College Street and conclude at Esplanade in central Kolkata. Following the rally, the BJP chief is expected to review the party's preparations for elections to seven urban local bodies in the state, including Kolkata. The rally is part of the BJPs nationwide campaign against the Opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The SIR protests have been spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and supported by the Congress-led INDIA bloc and other opposition parties, according to the BJPs account of the campaign. Nabin is scheduled to arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport from Patna shortly after 2 pm. He will proceed directly to College Street, the starting point of the rally, and lead the march to Esplanade. It remains unclear whether he will address party workers and supporters at the concluding gathering. Mondays programme will mark the start of an extended BJP campaign across West Bengal against the anti-SIR protests. State BJP vice-president Prabal Raha said similar rallies would be held in Howrah, adjoining Kolkata, and Siliguri in Darjeeling district on November 3. The second phase of the campaign is scheduled to begin on November 11, after Kali Puja and Diwali. The party plans to organise marches at 800 locations across the state, each with at least 10,000 participants, Raha said. The BJP also intends to bring national-level leaders and supporters from different parts of the country into the campaign in urban centres across Bengal. After the Kolkata rally, Nabin is expected to meet state BJP leaders to review preparations for elections to seven urban local bodies in West Bengal. These include the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC). A state BJP committee member said the discussions would focus on the partys strategy for the civic polls, including candidate selection. The leadership may also take up the preparation of preliminary candidate lists for the KMC and HMC elections. Nabin is expected to leave for Delhi either on Monday night or on Tuesday morning. The elections to the seven municipal bodies are likely to be held in the third or fourth week of December, according to the schedule being discussed. The results are expected in the last week of December or the first week of January 2027. The BJPs campaign is expected to run alongside its preparations for the civic elections, giving the state leadership two parallel organisational tasks in the weeks ahead.
Cyclone Murasu: IndiGo Issues Travel Advisory as Bad Weather Disrupts Vizag Flights
Due to adverse weather conditions in Visakhapatnam, flight operations are impacted, IndiGo said.
Cyclone Murasu: No. 3 Danger Signal Issued at Krishnapatnam Port
Rainfall has been reported across several parts of Nellore district as the cyclone approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Cyclone Arnab aftermath disrupts IndiGo flights in Visakhapatnam, airline issues advisory
IndiGo has issued a travel advisory due to disrupted flight operations in Visakhapatnam caused by Cyclone Arnab. The airline warned passengers about potential extended waiting times both on the ground and onboard. Passengers are encouraged to visit the official website for the latest flight updates regarding their travel plans. Heavy rainfall is expected in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states as the cyclone approaches the coast.
RRB NTPC UG CBT 2 Cut Off 2026 Out - Check Zone-Wise and Category-Wise Cutoff Marks
RRB NTPC UG CBT 2 Cut Off 2026 has been released from 30 October for CEN 07/2025. Check post-wise, category-wise and zone-wise cutoff marks for Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Bengaluru, Bilaspur, Chennai, Gorakhpur, Patna, Ranchi and Siliguri. Download the cutoff PDFs and check CBT 2 results and scorecards online. The CBTST is tentatively scheduled for 27 November 2026.
The cyclonic storm lay centred about 350 km east of Chennai, 400 km east-southeast of Nellore, 430 km southeast of Machilipatnam, 420 km east-southeast of Kavali, 450 km southeast of Ongole, and 520 km south of Visakhapatnam, according to IMD.
GVMC polls record 51% turnout with Bheemunipatnam leading at 65%
BRC pays tributes to fallen heroes on foundation day
Bihars folk and maithili theatre: Devotional roots, literary legacy, and decline
PMC steps up preparations for Prakash Parv
Community Durga Pujas urged to preserve heritage, support local artisans
Polling Mostly Peaceful In North Andhra
Nellimarla recorded the highest turnout at 80.31%, while a few heated exchanges between TD and YSRC workers were reported in Visakhapatnam.
Dark chapter in history of democracy: Jagan on polling for Andhra municipal elections
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Nov 1 (IANS) YSR Congress Party president and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has termed Sundays polling for urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh a dark chapter in the history of democracy. Broad daylight rigging, polling agents being obstructed and pulled out, and voters openly threatened and prevented from exercising their right to vote, all in the presence of police, he said in a post on X. Hey Ram! Save Democracy!, wrote Jagan, who posted a video clip of rigging and violence allegedly by the TDP cadres during the polling. In Pulivendula(ULB), in 70 out of 80 polling booths, YSRCP polling agents were not allowed to enter the polling stations; who is to identify the voter?, he asked. Apart from my home constituency Pulivendula, similar incidents were also witnessed with respect to the following ULBs - Kadapa, Anantapur, Tirupati, Kurnool, Chittoor, Ongole, Guntur, Nellore, Visakhapatnam (GVMC), Vijayawada, Macherla, Chilakaluripet, Vinukonda, Jammalamadugu, Nandyal, Cheemakurthi, Yemmiganur, Sullurpeta, Palasa, Nayudupeta, Nandigama, Jaggayyapeta, Kuppam, Puttur, Bheemunipatnam, Parvathipuram and others, alleged the YSRCP chief. He stated that under Chandrababu Naidus watch, Andhra Pradeshs electoral system is collapsing alarmingly, with democratic institutions totally hijacked. This is no longer an election; its only your selection. It is an assault on democracy and a brazen attempt to subvert the peoples mandate!. I specially mention and salute the brave women and dedicated party cadre who stood their ground and fought till the very last minute to save democracy, he added. Meanwhile, YSRCP State Coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said the municipal polling process had been reduced to a farce, with Chandrababu Naidu resorting to large-scale electoral manipulation to manufacture an artificial victory. Speaking at the YSRCP central office, he said the party would demand repolling, take the irregularities to the national level and once again approach the courts. Sajjala said the irregularities that began at the nomination stage reached their peak on polling day. YSRCP candidates were prevented from filing nominations, nomination papers were torn, names disappeared from final lists, nominations were rejected during scrutiny, candidates were forced to withdraw, and leaders were subjected to cases, bind-overs and house arrests. He said YSRCP had approached the Supreme Court with evidence concerning nearly 1,500 to 2,000 people, but even directions relating to CCTV surveillance and extension of nominations were not implemented effectively by the State Election Commission. Despite these obstacles, YSRCP did not boycott the elections. Following YS Jagan Mohan Reddys direction, the party stayed in the contest and fought until the end. In Kadapa, only two of 66 nominations were retained, while similar obstruction occurred in Chittoor and Pulivendula. On polling day, voters were intimidated, polling agents were denied entry and booths were captured, he said. Sajjala listed Macherla, Chilakaluripet, Jammalamadugu, Madanapalle, Dhone, Tadipatri, Chimakurthy, Kuppam, Pulivendula, Kadapa and Chittoor among places where repolling was required. He also cited irregularities in Anantapur, Nellore, Kurnool, Ongole, Vinukonda, Markapuram, Yemmiganur and Nagari. He said police, Presiding Officers and Returning Officers facilitated the ruling partys actions while the SEC failed to intervene. In several places, YSRCP agents were removed after noon and bogus votes were cast with police support. Nearly 360 booths saw YSRCP agents driven out, he said.
Opposition seeks disqualification of two MLCs under anti-defection law
20 new sports complexes being built in state: Samrat
Four arrested for gang rape of orchestra dancer
Patna Zoo Toy Train to Make a Comeback by January End, New 3.77-Km Track to Cost
Patna Zoo plans to relaunch the battery-operated toy train by January 2027, featuring a Vande Bharat-inspired design and improved facilities for visitors.
Heritage walk takes participants to landmarks linked to Mahatma
Railways to develop Rs 1000-cr network for coal transportation to Buxar thermal power plant
Jan Suraaj to petition legislative council chairperson over 2 MLCs
Cardicon 2026: Experts discuss advances in cardiac care
Samrat urges affluent households to surrender 125 units of free power
Girl missing from Buxar village rescued in Delhi
SIT arrests three accused in Rs 2-cr gold heist case
PMC logs 43% rise in property tax collection
Nishant urges JD(U) workers to connect with people in UP
Tensions flare at several Visakhapatnam polling booths during local body elections
YSRCP and NDA leaders trade allegations of polling irregularities; police and District Collector intervene to defuse tensions in several wards
Over 1k monks join robe offering ceremony at Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya
Youth living with girl as brother found hanging in Begusarai rented house
Debates before PUTA poll bring teachers concerns to fore
Electricity Workers Brave Cyclone Arnab To Restore Essential Services
Amid heavy rain and winds of up to 150 kmph brought by Cyclone Arnab, APEPDCL electricity workers continued working through the night near HB Colony in Visakhapatnam, braving harsh conditions to keep essential services running.
Thousands Join Silent March in Patna for Brahmin Communitys 15 Demands
In Patna, thousands participated in a silent march advocating for the Brahmin communitys 15 demands, emphasizing unity and rights. Thousands Join Silent March in Patna for Brahmin Communitys 15 Demands
Gummadi Sandhya Rani Casts Vote as Polling Begins Peacefully in Parvathipuram Manyam
Polling in Visakhapatnam is also progressing peacefully, with police maintaining security arrangements at polling stations.
According to booth-level officials, voter turnout was thin between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., with only a handful of people visiting several polling stations during the first hour
According to booth-level officials, voter turnout was thin between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., with only a handful of people visiting several polling stations during the first hour
Stampede-like chaos at concert featuring Roshan Rohi, Dimple Singh; police resort to lathi charge
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the extension of the Northern bullet train corridor from Siliguri to Guwahati, saying Delhi-Guwahati travel could take under eight hours. PM Narendra Modi has approved the Northern corridor, which will connect major cities across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal before reaching Assam.
BJP Leaders Criticize Oppositions Rally in Patna, Claiming It Misleads the Public
BJP leaders in Patna express skepticism about the oppositions rally, suggesting it misleads the public and questions its legitimacy. BJP Leaders Criticize Oppositions Rally in Patna, Claiming It Misleads the Public
Tejashwi seeks disqualification of 2 Bihar MLCs over BJP switch
Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has sought the disqualification of Bihar MLCs Bansidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj, who had announced that they had joined the BJP, less than a week after getting elected as independents. Yadav, who is the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, stated this late Saturday night, October 31, hours after 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 .
Sardar Patel statue to be tallest in Bihar: CM
An economic bulldozer should be run over dhanbalis
APSRTC Deploys 254 Buses For GVMC Polls
Appalanaidu said an additional 60 buses had been arranged to transport polling personnel from Alluri Sitarama Raju, Anakapalli and Vizianagaram districts to Visakhapatnam.
PM, CM greet Chirag on 44th birthday
Kuchipudi recital explores many shades of devotion
Tech snag forces Delhi-Darbhanga flight diversion
Water ingress reported on INS Kesari at Visakhapatnam naval dockyard
An incident of water ingress occurred on board INS Kesari on Saturday afternoon while the ship was berthed at the naval dockyard at Visakhapatnam, an Indian Navy official said. However, no injuries or loss of life were reported, a spokesperson of the Indian Navy said. An incident of water ingress occurred on board INS Kesari this afternoon while the ship was berthed at the naval dockyard, Visakhapatnam, the official said. Operations to pump out the water are currently in progress, the spokesperson said.
CM launches portal for digital delivery of urban services
2 Independent MLCs back BJP after council elections
BJP plans strategy to intensify organisational activities in Bihar
Govt orders probe into excess salary withdrawals by teachers, officers
PMC picks two agencies for waste management
Govt plans door-to-door heart disease survey
Supaul teacher suspended a day after dress code order
Experts stress early cancer detection, regular health checks
Additional land handed over to AAI for Raxaul airport
Man dies as SUV plunges into pond in Banka district
JD(U) MP alleges lack of support from NDA netas in Tirhut council poll
Ravi Shankar Prasad claims Nehru became PM through 'vote chori'
What kind of mock parliament is this, in which only the opposition is present, and the ruling party is absent? While its (INDIA bloc's) leaders disrupt parliamentary proceedings in the House, the party is mocking parliament and the people of the country by staging such an exercise, Prasad told reporters at the Bihar BJP headquarters in Patna.
Farmer stabbed to death in Samastipur over Rs 4 Lakh land deal dispute
Missing girl found hanging from tree in Darbhanga
Firecracker row sparks senior-junior fight at Motihari college, police restore peace
Neeraj Kumar takes jibe at Lalan Singh; JD-U to review Bihar MLC poll results on Nov 5
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 31 (IANS) Differences within the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) appear to persist following the Bihar Legislative Council elections, with party MLC Neeraj Kumar on Saturday making a fresh remark about Union Minister and senior party leader Lalan Singh. Asked whether Lalan Singh had congratulated him on his victory from the Patna Graduates' constituency, MLC Neeraj Kumar said, If he hasn't offered any congratulations, how am I supposed to accept them? However, Neeraj Kumar acknowledged Lalan Singh's seniority in the JD-U, noting that he had been associated with the organisation since the Samata Party days and was currently serving as a Union Minister. He said that differences had emerged over certain recent developments, which had been taken seriously by both the state and Central leadership. The party was monitoring the situation, he added. Neeraj Kumar also described his victory as important for the party's credibility, particularly amid its performance in the MLC elections, in which the JD-U reportedly won one seat and lost four. The party will review its performance in all the constituencies at a meeting convened by Bihar JD-U President Umesh Kushwaha on November 5. Neeraj Kumar said the meeting would examine the reasons behind the defeats as well as the factors that contributed to the party's victory in Patna. The review will also cover the statement by JD-U candidate Abhishek Jha, who had attributed his defeat to the role played by certain leaders within the NDA. Neeraj Kumar said all aspects of the election would be examined. Commenting on JD-U leader Nishant Kumar's scheduled visit to Uttar Pradesh on November 1, Neeraj Kumar expressed confidence that it would benefit the party's organisational expansion in the state. He said that Nishant Kumar's campaign in three locations during the Bihar MLC elections had proved favourable for him, as he subsequently won the Patna Graduates' seat. He also praised Nishant Kumar's public appeal and said he enjoyed broad acceptance. Neeraj Kumar said the NDA had performed well under the leadership of Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Health Minister Nishant Kumar, expressing confidence in the party's prospects in Uttar Pradesh. The November 5 meeting is expected to be closely watched, as the leadership will review not only the election results but also the allegations of internal differences and the role of NDA leaders during the campaign.
Flying To Dubai Cheaper Than Mumbai-Patna Flight This Diwali, Thanks To Wars
Digital Desk | Ghaziabad, Oct 31 (IANS) Drawing parallels of current politics with Hindu epic Mahabharata, Former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam said on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is 'Arjun' and will break through all the 'Chakravyuhas' (traps), asserting that in 2029, the oath-taking ceremony for his fourth term as the Prime Minister will resonate across the country. Speaking to IANS, Krishnam said, Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the entire Kaurava clan and the Kaurava faction are coming together. All the Kauravas are uniting and attacking PM Narendra Modi, thinking of him as Abhimanyu. All these Kauravas, all the great warriors, and the entire Kaurava clan gathering in the Opposition should understand very clearly that PM Narendra Modi is not Abhimanyu; he is Arjuna, he added. He also claimed that PM Modi will break all the Chakravyuhas. He (PM Modi) will break all the Chakravyuhas, and in 2029, the oath will echo: 'I, Narendra Modi, taking oath for the fourth time as the Prime Minister of India,' Krishnam said. The former Congress leader also took a swipe at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, saying that he had now become an object of pity. Mallikarjun Kharge has now become an object of pity. He is no longer a spark. A spent cartridge and extinguished ashes cannot explode, he told IANS. His remarks came amid a political row over Kharge's alleged 'baap' jibe at Prime Minister Modi during an event in Patna. Amid the uproar, senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury came to the defence of the party President, describing the controversy as an attempt to make a mountain out of a molehill. Chowdhury said that Kharge's remark was metaphorical, rooted in local jargon, and was not meant to be taken literally. He said the expression implied that even someone stronger than PM Modi could be defeated. The government of our country always tries to find a little hole anywhere. They know the art of making a mountain out of a molehill. What our President said was meant metaphorically -- that even someone stronger than PM Modi can be defeated, he added. This is a local jargon. It means that someone may be stronger than PM Modi. It was used in a metaphorical manner; it does not literally mean 'father', Chowdhury added. The remarks have triggered a political debate, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticising Kharges comments while Congress leaders maintain that the statement was being misinterpreted.
HBCHRC Technician Recruitment 2026
Innovsource Services Pvt. Ltd. has released the official notification for 2 Technician (CSSD) posts. Selection will be carried out through a Walk-in Interview scheduled on 12 November 2026 at HRD Department, first floor, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital Research Centre, Visakhapatnam. Candidates should report at 9:30 AM.
Giriraj Singh targets Rahul Gandhi over proposed Ramlila Maidan rally; announces Padyatra in Begusarai Patna: Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi over the Oppositions proposed rally of 10 lakh people at Delhis Ramlila Maidan, questioning its [] The post Giriraj Singh targets Rahul Gandhi over proposed Ramlila Maidan rally; announces Padyatra in Begusarai appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
It Was Like We Were Superstars - Sudha Shah Recalls Indias First Womens Test Match
Indian Cricketers Association: Sudha Shah was part of the Indian side that played the countrys first womens Test match against the West Indies in Bangalore on October 31, 1976. On its 50th anniversary, which was also Indias first international cricket game, Sudha recalled the crowd followed the team later in the series, especially in Patna, as it made the players feel like we were superstars. In Patna, the thing I remember most about the Test we won is the crowd. Every day, there was a crowd of nearly 20,000 to 30,000. After we won, they lined up on either side of the road, and when our bus went to where we were staying, it was like we were superstars. We had never even dreamt of experiencing something like that, Sudha was quoted as saying by bcci.tv on Saturday. The celebrations in the dressing room got a little out of hand, added Sudha. We had to wave to the crowd from the balcony because they just werent leaving. All of us were screaming and jumping around, and Sharmila Chakraborty broke the basin in the dressing room bathroom! We just couldnt believe that we had won a Test match. That series was the start of a 15-year international career for Sudha, who played 21 official Tests, scoring 601 runs and taking five wickets, and 13 ODIs. Her 21 consecutive Test appearances are the second-most in womens cricket. In those days, when we played, we just played. Nobody thought of records or breaking records. We played a lot of games that were later classified as unofficial. Out of 35, only 21 are official. But believe me, we took it in our stride, she added. Finding grounds and money was a constant struggle for Sudhas generation. It gives a lot of satisfaction that we did pursue cricket at that time despite all the difficulties we faced, be it on the field or off the field. We did toil, and to see the game where it is today gives you the satisfaction that what we did at that time hasnt gone in vain. Cricket has got to a point today where we are right on top of the world, and that really gives such a lot of satisfaction. She credited the BCCI, who took over the womens game in 2006 and has since introduced equal match fees, for turning cricket into a real career for women. At that time, we faced a lot of difficulties with finances and getting grounds, but we took it in our stride. If you had told me 50 years ago that girls would be making cricket a career, I wouldnt have believed it. At that time, we played purely for the love of the game. I never imagined that they would be getting paid and that the game would come this far. So, credit goes to the BCCI. The board gave Shah its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. It is a great honour. To be acknowledged for the years we put in validates the fact that our early efforts laid a strong foundation for the game, she said. As the head coach, Shah took India to their first World Cup final in 2005, a big achievement given how little the team had to work with. In 2003, we started working towards the World Cup in 2005. When we won the semi-final, we celebrated as if we had won the World Cup. It was a great achievement, considering the facilities the girls have today and what we had at that time. India lost that final and the wait for the trophy ended on November 2 last year, and Sudha nearly missed it. She voted in her local cricket associations elections, rushed to the airport for a late-afternoon flight and made it into the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai only because rain had delayed the start. When I entered DY Patil through the gate, I could hear the national anthem being played, and I said, Todays my day. When we won, I had tears in my eyes, and I rushed to the ground. I said, No, Im not sitting in the stands. We went onto the ground, and Harman (Harmanpreet Kaur) came and gave me the trophy. Harmanpreet had made her India debut when Sudha was the head coach. When she (Harmanpreet) gave me that trophy, I thought, Boy, I never ever dreamt that I would hold it. But it felt so good. The only regret I had was that I was so excited that I didnt have the presence of mind to get a photograph taken! She was also delighted by Indias Test win over England at Lords this year. We were very happy. It was so good. We have been playing very few Tests, but we have been managing to win those Test matches, and that is very commendable. I think Test cricket really tests the character of a cricketer. We lived on Test cricket. The present generation thrives on T20 and 50-over cricket, but when it comes to Test cricket, we have been playing well, and that really augurs well for womens cricket. I think the girls should be playing more Test matches. Sudha further stated the Womens Premier League (WPL) had raised standards in the domestic game. Thanks to the WPL, our domestic players have gained good exposure. Sharing the dressing room with foreign players, rubbing shoulders with them and observing their routines closely has made a great difference. Today, the youngsters are playing much more fearless cricket, and their confidence has grown. With India set to host the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in 2027, Sudha signed off by saying televised home tournaments were bringing far more girls into the game. Today, with all these tournaments being televised, even if young girls are not able to get to the grounds, they are watching, and that itself makes a big difference. Having these ICC tournaments held here increases the interest, and a lot more girls are coming forward to play. I can see the difference from 15 or 20 years back when it was more of an elimination than a proper selection for our state sides. Now, there are thousands of girls coming to play, and that is a massive boost. With India set to host the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in 2027, Sudha signed off by saying televised home tournaments were bringing far more girls into the game. Today, with all these tournaments being televised, even if young girls are not able to get to the grounds, they are watching, and that itself makes a big difference. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India's proposed Northern High-Speed Rail Corridor could bring major cities across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar closer to Delhi. The planned journey between Delhi and Agra could take just 59 minutes, while passengers may reach Lucknow in approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes.
Bengali food festival in Visakhapatnam: A feast of sorse ilish, kosha maangsho and more
A lavish buffet at The Park Visakhapatnam celebrates Bengals culinary favourites, from mustard-rich fish curries to traditional sweets and street food.
All Of Us Were Very Excited': Shubhangi Kulkarni Recalls Indias First Womens Test In 1976
ODI World Cup: Exactly fifty years after she walked out at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for Indias first womens Test against the West Indies, Shubhangi Kulkarni still remembers how excited the dressing room was that morning. The match also marked the first international game played by India womens cricket team. All of us were very excited. We were all very young, mostly college-going girls around 17 or 18 years old. We were just getting exposed to international competition, and all of us were thrilled to be playing international matches, Shubhangi was quoted as saying by bcci.tv as Indian womens cricket marks its golden jubilee on Saturday. In that game, Shubhangi, a leg-spinner from Pune, became the third-youngest debutant in womens Test history at 17 years and 104 days. She took 5-48 in the first innings and finished the match with figures of 7-76. The squad had trained under former India batter Lala Amarnath, and the excitement came with a fair amount of self-belief. We had a camp before the series with Lala Amarnath, and then we played the West Indies team, which was known for having good fast bowlers. We thought our spinners were very good, and we were really looking forward to the competition. The first Test match was very memorable for me because I got five wickets. It was the first time I was bowling to international cricketers. I had just learned a few tricks and was trying them out, she added. The excitement turned to celebration in the fourth Test at Patnas Moin-ul-Haq Stadium. Shubhangi took 3-43 and 4-14 as India won a Test match for the first time. Her 23 wickets in the six-match series are still a joint record for the most in a womens Test series. The kind of response we got from the crowd was something we had never anticipated. After we won, the crowd response was so overwhelming that it took us a long time to get back to the hotel because the crowds wouldnt allow the bus to move. We kept signing autographs. Initially, people came out of curiosity just to see us play. But once they started watching, they appreciated our skills and realised that girls could play cricket too. It took people a lot of time to accept us playing the sport, recalled Shubhangi. For many players, she said, the first hurdle was at home, and the second was money. The biggest challenge for most girls was getting permission from home to play cricket. Parents were worried about the hard ball causing injuries, or that playing for long hours in the sun would make the girls dark. Another major challenge was funding. We had to spend money from our own pockets to travel for domestic events, often paying our own train fares. We stayed in dormitories and travelled in unreserved or second-class train compartments, sometimes carrying our own food to save money, she added. Shubhangis international career lasted 15 years. She played 17 consecutive Tests, the seventh-longest run in the format, and bowled 3,329 deliveries, ninth on the all-time list. She took 60 Test wickets with five five-wicket hauls, a joint world record, and her 16 stumpings are the second-most in womens Tests. She also took 38 ODI wickets at an economy rate of 3.49. Her best innings came on her captaincy debut against England at Collingham in 1986. With India at 105/5, she made a career-best 118 and added 106 for the eighth wicket with Minoti Desai, the fifth-highest eighth-wicket stand in womens Tests, as India reached 323. She received the Arjuna Award in 1985. Off the field, as honorary secretary of the Womens Cricket Association of India (WCAI), Shubhangi helped bring about its merger with the BCCI in 2006. She credited former BCCI president Sharad Pawar with making that happen. That is where things changed for womens cricket in India and that is when the girls started getting the facilities. Those were challenging times. But looking back at where we are today, it gives us a sense of satisfaction that what we did in the beginning has borne fruit. She credited ICC chairman Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary, and the present board administration with speeding up the games growth, adding that todays players have support her generation could not have imagined. The facilities that the BCCI is providing to women cricketers are excellent now. If you compare it to our time, when we played on college grounds, club grounds, and uneven surfaces, today these girls are playing on top-class grounds, which significantly improves fielding and overall play. The facilities provided, such as state teams staying in four-star or five-star hotels and travelling by air, are a stark contrast to our struggles. The equal match fees and the central contracts that the girls are getting allow them to focus entirely on their game without worrying about finances. They are well-provided for, and the BCCIs support has completely transformed the sport. The most significant change has been the introduction of the Womens Premier League (WPL), which has opened up numerous opportunities for domestic players to play alongside international stars and learn from them in the dressing room, she said. India won their first ICC Womens ODI World Cup on November 2 last year, and Shubhangi said the title meant as much to former players as to the team. It was a dream come true for most of us former players because winning a World Cup is something we all wanted. Seeing this team achieve it gave me immense satisfaction. The team performed exceptionally well; they gave their 100% and never gave up. There were challenges, but they overcame them, making it a total team effort. The way they played, hats off to Harmanpreet and the entire team. Shubhangi further said she valued the way Harmanpreet Kaurs side has honoured the pioneers. It is very nice of the current players to appreciate and recognise the efforts of the earlier players. During our time, we played for the love and passion of the game. It felt like they truly valued all of that, and I am really proud that the team felt that way. She also recalled the contribution of the founders of the womens game in India: Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Pramila Bai Chavan and Chandra Tripathi. In 1973, when the organisation was formed and Mr Sharma registered it, he actually gave the girls a platform to play a sport and turn what had been a hobby into a national sport, she said. Looking ahead, Shubhangi signed off by welcoming Indias hosting of the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in February 2027. I think the timing is absolutely right for hosting the first-ever Womens Champions Trophy. After winning the World Cup last year and then the match at Lords, I think we have the momentum, and this is the fastest-growing sport in India. She also recalled the contribution of the founders of the womens game in India: Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Pramila Bai Chavan and Chandra Tripathi. In 1973, when the organisation was formed and Mr Sharma registered it, he actually gave the girls a platform to play a sport and turn what had been a hobby into a national sport, she said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
The Building Has Come Up Beautifully, Says Diana Edulji As Indian Womens Cricket Team Turns 50
ODI World Cup: The foundation laid by Indias women cricketers 50 years ago has grown into a structure that now holds an ODI World Cup title, said former captain Diana Edulji on the occasion of 50 years since the side played its first official international match. India played their first official international match on October 31, 1976, against West Indies in Bangalore, the opening game of a six-Test series. Shanta Rangaswamy captained the side, and Diana played alongside her sister Behroze in the match ending in a draw. This was the beginning, and the journey has been wonderful. I cant believe that 50 years is already around the corner, and Im very happy that we will be able to see this day. We made sure that we played, whatever the conditions. And today, I think, through the foundation we laid, the building has come up beautifully, Diana was quoted as saying by bcci.tv. on Saturday. She recalled that early players faced every kind of hardship, from poor facilities to little money, but never considered walking away from the sport. We went through what I would describe as a complete overhaul. We went through the rigmarole. You name it, and we faced it. It was that difficult, but not once did we ever think, No, lets stop. Never. You wont believe it. Because we were not used to that pace, we didnt have a very firm grip on the bat, and when they (the West Indies) bowled, the bat would fly out of our hands. Thats when we realised that Indian cricket had a lot of catching up to do to match the standards of other teams, added Diana. Despite that, India, coached by former mens batter Lala Amarnath at that time, still won the fourth Test in Patna, the countrys first international victory, and Diana hit the winning runs. The most pleasurable moment for me was hitting the winning run in the Test match we won in Patna. We had a good crowd, which was something we could not believe. About 30,000 to 35,000 people were in that stadium. When the crowd erupted after the victory, it was something we had seen only in mens cricket. People ran onto the ground, and we were completely surrounded. We were so overwhelmed, but it was such a great feeling. In fact, I lost my bat and gloves; they were simply snatched away, but it was worth it. I can still picture that experience. Even after 50 years, that memory remains fixed in my mind, she added. Diana became Indias first ODI captain and the first to lead the country in a World Cup. She was the first Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in womens international cricket, and remains the only bowler to have sent down more than 5,000 balls in womens Tests. She was the first Indian woman cricketer to receive the Padma Shri and the first Indian woman inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Over the next five decades, India reached several World Cup finals and won a Commonwealth Games silver medal, two consecutive Asian Games golds and eight Asia Cup titles. They also won the first womens Test played at Lords. Diana said the 2017 World Cup final, which India lost to England at Lords, was when the country began to pay attention to the women's team. All of them became household names during that time. Lords was packed, and the match was watched by people all over the world. The Prime Minister of India invited a team that had lost the final to his residence for high tea. That showed that this team had arrived, and womens cricket really moved forward. Diana served on the Committee of Administrators (CoA) that ran the BCCI briefly and recalled how the panel began the push for equal treatment, which led to current ICC chairman Jay Shah implementing it in his time as the BCCI secretary through pay parity and the launch of the Womens Premier League (WPL). We did our bit as members of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) to help women cricketers become more equal and give them the benefits that men were receiving. We then handed it over to Mr Jay Shah, who took it forward. He ensured that the WPL was launched, and I think that was another turning point for womens cricket. Mr Jay Shahs vision has helped womens cricket prosper a lot. Undoubtedly, he has made a significant contribution as BCCI Secretary and, even more so, as ICC Chairman. He has taken the game to the global stage. He has helped bring cricket into the Olympics, which is something we would never have dreamt of. India is now slated to host the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in February 2027. Now, with the Champions Trophy coming in, you can see how the game is expanding, and that is largely due to the ICCs genuine commitment to promoting womens cricket. We have had people promoting the game before, but not at this level. So, hats off to Mr Jay Shah and his team at the ICC, and to the BCCI as well, added Diana. Monday, November 2, will be the first anniversary of India winning the first ICC Womens World Cup, and Diana recalled seeing that winning moment from the stands last year. It was a great, great feeling. I was so happy to be watching it live. I was at the stadium, and this was the dream we had, because that was the only trophy missing from the cabinet. The BCCI, after doing so much for women cricketers, deserved this trophy. India is now slated to host the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in February 2027. Now, with the Champions Trophy coming in, you can see how the game is expanding, and that is largely due to the ICCs genuine commitment to promoting womens cricket. We have had people promoting the game before, but not at this level. So, hats off to Mr Jay Shah and his team at the ICC, and to the BCCI as well, added Diana. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Todays Gold Rate: Gold prices down in Coimbatore, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Surat, Jaipur
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on October 31
Heavy rain, thunderstorms to lash Bihar; red alert for Sitamarhi, Madhubani
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 31 (IANS) Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is likely to affect several parts of Bihar on Saturday under the influence of a weather system originating in the Bay of Bengal, according to the Meteorological Department. The Patna Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert for Bhojpur, Saran, Siwan, West Champaran, East Champaran, Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, Khagaria, Munger, Banka, Bhagalpur, Lakhisarai, Begusarai, and Jamui, warning of thunderstorms, rain and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph. Orange alert has also been issued for Patna, Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas and Aurangabad districts. A red alert has been issued for Sitamarhi and Madhubani, where the impact of the weather system is expected to be more severe. Intermittent rainfall over the past two to three days has already disrupted normal life in several parts of the state. The department has forecast strong winds, lightning and further rainfall across many districts, urging people to remain cautious and take shelter in safe places during thunderstorms. Residents have been advised to avoid open areas and stay away from trees during lightning and strong winds. The department has also urged people not to pay attention to rumours and to follow official weather updates. The latest advisory has also raised concerns among farmers. The Meteorological Department has advised them to drain excess water from agricultural fields and move harvested or mature crops to safe storage to minimise losses. Continuous rainfall has reportedly flattened standing paddy crops in several areas. Farmers are concerned that strong winds and rain have caused grain-laden paddy stalks to bend and collapse, threatening their harvest and causing financial distress. The rainfall has also brought down temperatures by around 5-7 degrees Celsius in several parts of Bihar, resulting in cooler conditions and light morning fog. Authorities have urged residents, particularly those in districts covered by weather alerts, to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.
ABVP holds Save Democracy march in Patna amid SIR row
ABVP National Secretary Abhay Pratap Singh said that in a democracy, governments change through ballots, not mob rule. He added that attempts to pressurise constitutional institutions are unacceptable
Bihar Museum has achieved an impressive milestone by being named the ninth best museum worldwide in the 2026 rankings, securing the top spot in Asia. Located in Patna, the museum showcases a rich variety of historical and cultural artifacts. This esteemed recognition shines a light on Bihar's diverse cultural heritage and its significant contributions to the broader tapestry of Indian history, firmly establishing its place on the global museum stage.
