Relief from Scorching Heat Expected as Rainfall Forecasted for UP and Bihar

Lucknow: Th e Meteorological Department has announced that relief from the scorching heat is on its way with the prediction of rainfall in many states, including UP and Bihar. The forecast indicates that the heat wave conditions in Eastern India will persist until May 5. However, there is good news for North-East India, with heavy to very heavy rain expected on May 5 and 6, along with a possibility of storms. Eastern UP may also experience rainfall between May 6 and 9. In the last 24 hours, heatwave conditions were observed in Gangetic West Bengal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The highest temperature recorded was 46.2 degrees Celsius in the Nandyal area of Rayalaseema. Conversely, heavy rain was reported in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura. The Meteorological Department has forecasted light to moderate rain in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura over the next five days. Additionally, warnings for rain, thunderstorms, and lightning have been issued for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh between May 3 and 5. In North-West India, light rain is expected in Western Rajasthan on May 3 and in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab on May 4. Strong winds are also likely in Uttar Pradesh, Southern Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi on May 3 and 4. Furthermore, light to moderate rain is predicted in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand between May 6 and 9, with an alert for thunderstorms and lightning. In Delhi, the minimum temperature on Friday was recorded at 18.3 degrees Celsius, six degrees below normal. The relative humidity in the national capital was 34 percent at 8:30 am. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted strong winds during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to be around 38 degrees Celsius. Nepal Decides to Print New Rs 100 Currency Note with Controversial Map Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Planning to Implement Jizya Tax Mansukh Mandaviya, BJP Candidate from Porbandar, Equates Party Workers to God

Loco Pilot Killed After Being Hit by Rajdhani Express in Bihar's Gaya District

Patna: P ankaj Kumar Singh, a loco pilot, tragically lost his life after being hit by the Rajdhani Express in Bihar's Gaya district. The accident occurred as Singh was crossing the tracks after parking the light engine in the loco buffer of Ghazhandi. The impact of the collision caused his immediate death. The incident took place between Gurpa and Gajandi stations. RPF Inspector Jawaharlal reached the spot upon receiving information and reported the incident to the GRP. The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem examination. The accident occurred around 3:30 in the morning when Pankaj Singh was struck by the New Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined. Whether the loco pilot failed to notice the approaching Rajdhani Express or if there were other factors involved remains uncertain and will only be revealed through a police investigation. Nepal Decides to Print New Rs 100 Currency Note with Controversial Map Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Planning to Implement Jizya Tax Crorepati Candidates Dominate Odisha Lok Sabha Polls: A Detailed Analysis of Wealth Distribution

Archaeological Investigation to Uncover Truth about Bhojashala

Dhar: The Paramara dynasty holds a significant position in Indian history, not only for their political achievements but also for their contributions to art and architecture. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, this dynasty ruled over a substantial part of Central India, with their capital in Dhar, present-day Madhya Pradesh. King Bhoja, the most celebrated ruler of this dynasty, was a great patron of art and architecture. During his reign in the early to mid-11th century, a temple dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, was constructed in Dhar. The temple became an important center of education, attracting pilgrims from distant places. However, like many Hindu temples of the medieval period, it also faced destruction at the hands of Islamic invaders. In recent times, there has been a renewed interest among the Hindu community to revive their glorious past, which was obscured by dynastic politics. Recent archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India at Kashi Vishvanath have revealed that a structure adjacent to it was built by destroying a Hindu temple. In a similar context, the High Court of Madhya Pradesh has ordered the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a scientific investigation at Bhojashala. According to archaeological records, Bhojashala, situated in Dhar, was originally a temple of Saraswati built by King Bhoja in the 11th century. Various historical documents, including the Indian Archaeology Review of 1984-85 and the Corpus Inscription Indicarum Volume-7, provide evidence supporting this claim. The discovery of Hindu sculptures and remnants of a temple during archaeological excavations in 1987 further substantiates this claim. Contrary to claims that Bhojashala is a mosque, the presence of Paramara-style pillars bearing Hindu sculptures inside the complex, along with architectural ruins of temples used for constructing graves, suggests otherwise. These remains have been colored green to hide their identity as temple remnants. Under the guidance of Prof. Alok Tripathi, a team of archaeologists will examine the inscriptions present on the ruins inside Bhojashala and the nearby Dargah. The information gleaned from these inscriptions will help in dating the structure at Bhojashala. Archaeologist KK Lele has pointed out that two pillars at Bhojashala contain inscriptions meant for teaching grammar. Additionally, archaeological excavations will be conducted inside the Bhojashala complex using scientific methods. The presence of an adhisthana (platform) indicates that the original temple was destroyed and a new structure was built using its ruins. Carbon dating, although limited to organic substances, may provide valuable insights if charcoal or ash is recovered during excavation. Once the archaeological investigations are complete, a detailed report will be submitted to the High Court. This report will provide valuable evidence supporting the claim that King Bhoja constructed a temple of Vagdevi in Dhar, which was later destroyed by Islamic invaders. Similar to the restoration work at Ayodhya, Bhojashala is expected to regain its old glory with the help of archaeological excavations. Relief from Scorching Heat Expected as Rainfall Forecasted for UP and Bihar Afghan Consul General Zakia Wardak Resigns Amid Rs 18 Crore Gold Smuggling Allegations Nepal Decides to Print New Rs 100 Currency Note with Controversial Map

Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over Indian Judicial Code Provisions Amid New Criminal Laws

New Delhi: Th e Supreme Court has raised serious questions about certain provisions of the Indian Judicial Code, just two months before its implementation. The court has urged the Central Government and the legislature to reconsider and make appropriate changes to Sections 85 and 86 of the Indian Judicial Code to prevent false allegations of harassment against women. In its decision, the bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra highlighted that Sections 85 and 86 of the Indian Judicial Code are similar to Section 498 (A) of the IPC. However, the court emphasized that the explanation provided in Section 86 needs reconsideration to curb the rising trend of false complaints. The court has requested the legislature to make necessary changes to these sections before the implementation of the Indian Judicial Code, 2023, which is scheduled to come into effect from July 1. Sections 85 and 86 of the Indian Judicial Code pertain to the punishment for subjecting a woman to cruelty and provide a detailed explanation of cruelty, including both mental and physical harm inflicted on the victim woman. The bench directed the registry to send copies of its decision to the Union Law Secretary and Home Secretary, who will present it to the Law and Justice Minister and the Home Minister along with their recommendations and comments. The court's concerns stem from the need to prevent misuse of the law, similar to the issues faced with Section 498A of the IPC, which deals with dowry harassment complaints. The bench mentioned that it had raised concerns about Section 498A of the IPC 14 years ago due to the exaggeration of incidents in dowry harassment complaints. The court's decision came while canceling a dowry harassment case filed by a woman against her husband. The court noted that the woman's allegations were vague and lacked specific examples of criminal conduct. The three new criminal laws, which are set to be implemented from July 1, were approved by the Parliament on December 21 last year and received President Draupadi Murmu's consent and signature on December 25. Archaeological Investigation to Uncover Truth about Bhojashala Loco Pilot Killed After Being Hit by Rajdhani Express in Bihar's Gaya District Relief from Scorching Heat Expected as Rainfall Forecasted for UP and Bihar

Two Laborers Die While Cleaning Septic Tank in Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Noida: I n a tragic incident in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, two laborers lost their lives while cleaning a septic tank of a house on Saturday morning. The incident occurred in Sector 26 of Police Station Sector 20 area. Upon receiving information, the police team reached the spot to investigate. The bodies were sent for post-mortem, and further actions are being taken by the police. The deceased, identified as Nooni Mandal and Tapan Mandal, originally from West Bengal, were residents of Sector 6 in Noida and worked as laborers. They were relatives, akin to brothers-in-law. Both had gone to work at a house identified as A-94 in Sector 26. While cleaning the septic tank, they suddenly stopped moving. They were found unconscious and immediately rushed to Kailash Hospital. Unfortunately, both laborers succumbed during treatment at the hospital. The local police were informed about the incident, and the police from Sector 20 station reached the spot. The family members were informed, and the bodies were sent for post-mortem. Noida's Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vidya Sagar Mishra, stated that the two laborers were called to clean the safety tank of a house in Sector 26. However, they became unconscious during the cleaning process. Despite being rushed to the hospital for treatment, they could not be saved. Legal action is being taken by the police in this matter. Archaeological Investigation to Uncover Truth about Bhojashala Loco Pilot Killed After Being Hit by Rajdhani Express in Bihar's Gaya District Relief from Scorching Heat Expected as Rainfall Forecasted for UP and Bihar

Nepal Decides to Print New Rs 100 Currency Note with Controversial Map

Kathmandu: N epal has announced the printing of a new Rs 100 currency note featuring a map that includes the disputed territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, a move criticized by India as an artificial enlargement of Nepal's territorial claims. The decision to print the new map on the Rs 100 currency note was taken during a meeting of the council of ministers chaired by Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda', according to government spokesperson Rekha Sharma.The cabinet approved the redesigning of the Rs 100 banknote to include the new map, replacing the old map printed in the background of the banknote, said Sharma, who is also the Minister for Information and Communication. In June 2020, Nepal updated its political map to include the strategically important areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura by amending its Constitution, a move that India strongly opposed, calling it a unilateral act and rejecting the artificial enlargement of Nepal's territorial claims.India maintains that Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura belong to it. Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.During Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda's visit to India in June 2023, both India and Nepal pledged to resolve the boundary dispute in a spirit of friendship.Currently, India and Nepal have border disputes over the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh trijunction between India, Nepal, and China, as well as the Susta area in the West Champaran district of Bihar. Kalapani, administered by India as part of the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, lies along the Kailash Mansarovar route. The Kali River in the Kalapani region marks the border between India and Nepal, with discrepancies over the source of the river leading to boundary disputes.The Susta area, located on the banks of the Gandak River, is another area of contention. The Gandak River, known as the Narayani River in Nepal, merges with the Ganges near Patna in Bihar. Changes in the course of the Gandak River have fueled disputes over the Susta area. Mansukh Mandaviya, BJP Candidate from Porbandar, Equates Party Workers to God Crorepati Candidates Dominate Odisha Lok Sabha Polls: A Detailed Analysis of Wealth Distribution Malaysia Teams Up with MWL to Host Big Religious Conference in Asia

At Bihar rally, PM Modi rakes up Godhra train arson to accuse Opposition of appeasement

Modi accused the opposition parties of trying to rob SCs, STs and tribals of reservations because of the disillusionment these deprived sections felt towards the INDIA bloc

At Bihar rally, Modi highlights Godhra incident to emphasize opposition's alleged appeasement policies

At Bihar rally, Modi highlights Godhra incident to emphasize opposition's alleged appeasement policies Raking up the 2002 Godhra train arson, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday charged RJD president Lalu Prasad with having tried to save those responsible for burning alive more than 60 kar sevaks during the rule of Sonia madam. Modi, who addressed an election rally at Darbhanga in north Bihar, recalled the incident that took place while he was the chief minister of Gujarat, alleging that the opposition parties always practice politics of ''appeasement''. It is because of this appeasement politics that the father of Bihar's 'shehzada' (allusion to Tejashwi Yadav) had tried to save those who were responsible for the Godhra train burning incident, said Modi, adding after all, it was the rule of Sonia madam, referring to the UPA chairperson who was also the president of the ruling Congress. He (Lalu Prasad), who has himself been convicted (in fodder scam cases), was then the Railway minister. He set up an inquiry committee and got a report made which exonerated those guilty of the horrendous crime. But the court threw the report away, said Modi. Modi accused the opposition parties of trying to rob SCs, STs and tribals of reservations because of the disillusionment these deprived sections felt towards the INDIA bloc. The INDIA bloc is trying to divert reservations to Muslims. They are going against the views of Babasaheb Ambedkar and first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, neither of whom was in favour of reservations on religious lines, Modi claimed. He also slammed Tejashwi Yadav for bringing up the ''Hindu Muslim narrative'' at rallies while talking about Agnipath scheme and said when we talk about the martyrdom of Captain Hameed, do we think of him as a Muslim? Without naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav by name, he said, ''There is a shehzada in Delhi and one in Patna, both of whom think of the country as their fiefdom (jaagir).'' Their mindset was exposed when they raised questions about the surgical strikes and spoke ill of the armed forces, said Modi.

3 held for duping people on pretext of providing confirmed railway tickets

According to the police officials, the accused were identified as Santosh (27), Ashutosh (26), and Afroz Ansari (37), all residents of Bihar

Nagpur GRP busts Odisha-based inter-state ganja smuggling network

Nagpur: In a major breakthrough, the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Nagpur have tracked down and dismantled an entire inter-state ganja smuggling network operating from a Naxal-affected area of Odisha to Delhi. The police have arrested the ganja supplier, trafficker, and sellers during the operation, spanning across Odisha, Bihar, and Delhi. According to police, the [] The post Nagpur GRP busts Odisha-based inter-state ganja smuggling network appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .

Epic Bhutan road trip on my BMW R 1200 GS: Covered 5500 km in 16 days

BHPian cjt2012 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This trip was on my mind for a couple of years, after having planned the trip last year, we dropped the plan a few days before the trip due to the extreme heat in May. This year, however, we decided to venture on the trip towards the end of March. A road trip is always about the adventure and thrill of the journey and not just about the destination. As a group of four (Parvez Patel Age 70 - 2022 BMW R1250GSA, Khodaram Zandbaf Age 62 - 2017 BMW R1200GS, Darayus Dastoor Age 61 - 2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 and myself Clement Thomas Age 48 - 2017 BMW R1200GS); we started planning for the trip at the beginning of January 2024, a WhatsApp group was made and that was about it. It was not until 14 days before the trip that we really sat down and did some groundwork on the possible routes and arrangements in Bhutan. One of the group members had his sister undertake the journey by air last year, so we decided to employ the services of the same travel company, to arrange our Hotel bookings, bike clearances and meet us at the Indo-Bhutan border. Odometer Reading the day before the trip Loading the Base attachment of the Moskomoto Reckless 80 setup Initially, inside Bhutan we were contemplating renting Bhutan-registered RE Himalayan, however, thankfully better sense prevailed once we reached Bhutan. Some arrangements inside Bhutan are mandatory a brief list of requirements as listed below:A Bhutanese tourism department-approved guide is mandatory to accompany tourists along with a Taxi and driver for the guide.Passports or Voter ID is required to enter Bhutan. We used our Passports which were duly stamped upon entry. Tourist must pay a sustainability fee at Immigration of Rs1200/- head/ night of stay in Bhutan (For Indians, Srilankans and Maldivians). For all other nationalities, USD 250/- night must be paid as sustainability fees.The tour operator has to present Proof of hotel reservations. All hotels for tourists have to be three-star and above. Travel insurance is also required which is set at Rs700/- per person for the duration of the stay.Original RC of the bike, Valid insurance, PUC, Original Valid Indian Driving license card, are the necessary documents for any Motor vehicle including Motorcycles.It is preferable to have the motorcycle in your name otherwise you may need an authorization letter from the owner permitting you to ride in Bhutan.Rs 4500/- per Night of Stay in Bhutan for Motorcycle/Motorcar is to be paid in cash at the Regional Transport office in Phuentsholing.These documents have to be submitted to the RTO in Bhutan who will then issue the Route Permit.Indian Currency is accepted, and the exchange rate is 1:1One very important point - Make sure you have your bank cards cleared for transactions in Bhutan (generally on most Indian bank-issued cards - it's written in the small print that the cards cannot be used in Nepal and Bhutan). You will be required to call your Bank helpline number and ask them to allow usage of the cards in Bhutan.Please also ensure that you have sufficient INR currency at hand, as everything has to be managed by cash inside Bhutan.My bike is generally well-kitted for long trips, but I did a small service at home only wherein I, changed the Oil, cleaned the K&N air filter, Cardan shaft removed and greased, Cardan Oil changed, Checked torque values on all crucial nuts and bolts and Tyre pressure checked. I have both Aluminium Panniers and Soft Luggage and for this trip, I decided to go with the soft luggage basically to manage the weight (Panniers tend to be heavier) Some very essential generic requirements on the motorcycle are as below:USB Charging port 12V (My bike has 3 USB ports)Aux LightsHeadlight guards / protectorsThe Connected cradle to accommodate the phone is a very essential requirement when using a Phone for Google map Navigation.In hindsight, I should have probably used a Tail bag instead of the dry bag in my Moskomoto Reckless 80 set up along with the two dry bags on the side. Pack one bag with all necessary travel essentials (preferably the tail bag) which should contain everything that you may require for the night stay at the hotel and your next day's morning routine, The other bags can be left secure on the Motorcycle itself, this saves you time and effort to get back on the road the next morning.Ensure you have a good set of riding gear, this is non-negotiable - I was using Klim Adventure Rally Pro Jacket, Klim Badland Pants, Rynox Gloves, Scorpion AT950 modular helmet, Rynox Dry Innerwear (Not a big fan of this product- I found it to be a little uncomfortable as it sticks to your body after sweating, I rather prefer a cotton t-shirt inside in this heat).All four of us were using the Parani intercom, but the pairing was not as seamless as they claimed and the four of us could never get connected with each other. Only two of us could always remain paired. I am not entirely sure if we were pairing it the correct way, but it was very frustrating after having invested in a new intercom only to see it unable to connect all four of us.Other equipment carried were: Sony Action cam with loop recording charged by the bikes 12v USB port, essential tools, a Puncture repair kit, a compact air compressor (12V supply from the bike), a jump starter, Cable ties (very important), straps, bungee chords, Essential first aid and medicines, Spare Brake pads front and rear, Spark Plug set, key fob spare battery, Emergency key. Throughout the trip, only regular fuel was used on my bike, however, my friends used 95 octane wherever possible, but as we realized on the highways it was not easily available. The only thing unanimously decided was that we would not be riding late into the night, and that, we should find a decent hotel with safe parking by sunset.Day 1: 24.03.24 Mumbai (MH)- Akola (MH) (583Km)As usual, group members were not exactly on time. By the time we congregated and started the trip, it was 6:15, getting out of Mumbai in the early hours of the morning was easy, however, roads after Thane for about 30-35 km are under repairs and have a lot of diversions. Lack of route planning meant that we were just following Google and it did take us through some villages. Not a very smart idea, and we decided that the route needed to be better thought out, We all decided that, we would stick to National Highways only, and if they were not available, only then take a State Highway. For the most part, the roads were good. We stayed at the Grand Jalsa resort off the highway at Akola.Day 2: 25.03.24 Akola (MH) - Rewa (MP) (780km)After the previous day's experience, we decided to only stick to NH, and the route took us via Nagpur, Seoni, Jabalpur, Katni to Rewa. By far, the best National Highway in the entire trip, first NH53 until Nagpur (absolutely brilliant roads ) then NH 44 and NH 30 towards Rewa, The roads were so good that I could engage Cruise control at 100kmph and leave it for up to 15min on some stretches. The motorcycle being absolutely planted and stable, it just gobbles up distances effortlessly. We stayed at Hotel Chandralok, the hotel is owned by a Sikh gentleman and he is a bike enthusiast. Nice hotel and good food. The festival of Holi was around and this meant that traffic on the road was not as bad, but this would impact us the next day. Near Pench Tiger Reserve - Hydration stop At Hotel Chandralok Rewa - Brilliant Hospitality specially for Bikers Day 3: 26.03.24 Rewa (MP) - Muzaffarpur (BR) (530km)Started late from Rewa due to the good hospitality, Again sticking to NH as planned we made rapid progress, However, soon we realized a serious problem, It was Holi and it was a very big festival in Bihar. So big in fact, that everything, and I mean every damn thing is closed in the entire state of Bihar. This meant that Petrol would become an issue, and sure enough, three of the bikes were down to one line on the fuel gauges (The GSA with 31ltr fuel tank was very comfortable / not concerned) and no petrol pumps were open, we had already started riding very conservatively but we were very concerned with our fuel situation. Towards late afternoon, we found a petrol pump which was closed, however, there was a pushcart next to the pump and they were selling petrol in Black, Selling 750ml whiskey bottles filled with petrol (say about 700ml per bottle) at Rs150/-. We bargained and were able to strike a deal for one bottle of petrol at Rs110/- . We bought 6ltrs each, enough to propel us until Patna. This entire fuel fiasco meant that we wasted a lot of time trying to find a petrol station. Contrary to popular belief, Roads were very good initially via Hanumana, Mirzapur, Mughalsarai, Mohania, Arrah, Patna towards Muzaffarpur, NH30, NH135, NH35, AH1, NH319, NH922, NH22. We got some traffic on the outskirts of Patna. As dusk set in we stopped for the night at Hotel The Premier in Muzaffarpur (BR). Don't even ask how rubbish that hotel was, but nonetheless a place to stay the night. Near Mirzapur - road side eatery Highway services after a Toll plaza Day 4 27.03.24 Muzaffarpur (BR) - Bagdogra (WB) (438km)Started later than planned, got very heavy traffic to exit the town, following NH only as planned, The roads were, for the most part, good. Towards evening, we were tired and decided to stop for the night at Bagdogra. Route taken was Darbhanga, Phulparas, Forbesganj, Araria, Purnia, Dalkhola, Kishanganj, Islampur, to Bagdogra. That is NH27 all the way. The section of road after Dalkhola until Kishanganj was no so good with some potholes. The night was spent at Orbit Hotel, which had decent facilities with food. Near Purunia - The best and simple Dhaba food experience during the trip Day 5 :28.03.24 Bagdogra (WB) - Jaigaon (WB) (158km)We had a leisurely breakfast and left the hotel late since this was the last leg to Bhutan, we took the most scenic and stunning northern route, surprisingly the roads were excellent and through some densely forested areas with tall trees on both sides, after which started the tea gardens, we crossed the famous Coronation Bridge on the Teesta river, which is a sight to behold, towards evening we reached Jaigaon. At Jaigaon, as we were approaching the border the roads were very bad with chaotic traffic. We have a friend who is a businessman and an avid motorcycle rider at Jaigaon, so we had a good evening tea and snacks while we waited for our Guide to take us into Bhutan. After the immigration process, we proceeded to Hotel Gardhen, Since Parvez was tired and exhausted, he decided that he would not be riding the motorcycle inside Bhutan and instead sit in the car with the Guide and Driver, and to give him company, Khodaram also decided that he will also not ride inside Bhutan. Both the bikes were left at Jaigaon with our friend and only Darayus and I got our bikes into Bhutan. As mentioned in the beginning, we were contemplating renting Bhutan-registered RE Himalayan, but when we saw the bikes on offer, we quickly changed our mind and decided to use our own bikes. The difference between Jaigaon and Phuentsholing is stark and you will be amazed at how clean and quiet Bhutan is. Tea Gardens in West Bengal Jaigaon/Phuentsholing Border Entry gate to Bhutan Day 6 : 29.03.24 Phuentsholing - Thimpu (150km)We checked out of the hotel at 9:00 am and went to clear immigration which was a time-consuming process, Indians make up the bulk of the tourists who visit Bhutan, and Immigration clearance took about 1.5hrs. Then we went to file the route plan and clear the paperwork for the two motorcycles which we intended to ride, it was also a slightly lengthy procedure which took about an Hour to complete, we paid Rs22500/- per bike for the 5 nights route plan inside Bhutan. Formalities completed, and we started our trip to Thimpu. The quality of the roads is excellent and they are completely built and maintained by the Border Roads Organisation, the roads are totally winding in nature and are a real pleasure and fun experience. On the way we stopped at Takthikoti canteen operated by BRO on the invitation by Chief Engineer of Project Dantak, towards evening we reached Thimpu and checked into Hotel Nordenma. One of the fellow riders knew Kelly Dorji (Actor and Model), he invited us to his Restobar in Thimpu called Grey Area, we had some great food with impeccable hospitality from Kelly. A huge thanks to him for inviting us. Enroute to Thimpu - Kawasaki Versys 1000 and the BMW R1200GS Day 7: 30.03.24 Thimpu Local SightseeingStarted the day visiting the Buddha Dordenma, Simply Bhutan, Royal Takin Pzeserve (Takin is the national animal of Bhutan), Bhutanese Cuisine at an authentic restaurant, and some local shopping. Buddha Dordenma at Thimpu- Angels look mesmerizing Day 8: 31.03.24 Thimpu - Punakha (73km)Again a day on the motorcycle, with excellent roads and breathtaking scenery, The two of us on the motorcycles would take off using Google maps and reach the pre-determined meeting point. as discussed with the guide, driver and our two other friends. We stopped at Dochula Pass which is a monument with 108 stupas in memory of the fallen soldiers. The bikes always generate a lot of interest among the public wherever we stop, At Dochula, we saw a lot of tourists, specially a group of Ladies only tourists group from various parts of India, we ended up meeting the same group a few times more along the trip in the next couple of days. We also met a group of three German riders who rented RE bikes locally and were exploring Bhutan. Onwards we rode to Chime Lhakhang The Divine Madman temple, whilst there, we witnessed a freak accident, burning down and gutting the Monastery which was being newly constructed for the Monks, we chipped in to help in any way we could to remove combustible material from the immediate vicinity. This put us behind schedule to visit a few more places in Punakha, We later went to our Hotel and called it a day. We stayed at Hotel Lobesa, it had a beautiful view outside the windows, a good balcony and big rooms, by far the best hotel we stayed at in Bhutan. Punakha Fort Entry - Note the large honeybee comb Day 9: 01.04.24 Punakha - Paro (115km)Started after breakfast, since we missed a few sightseeing locations the previous day due to the fire at the Monastery, we went to the Punakha Fort. This is an impressive structure with unmistakable Bhutanese architecture, a sight not to miss is the school of Trout fish which you can see from the bridge leading to the fort, after spending some time at the fort we were on the road again back along the same road for most of the way. Stopping again at Dochula Pass, the cafe is very good and since the sky was a bit more clear than the previous visit, we were able to see a few of the tall Himalayan mountain peaks at a distance. The highlight of the day was our invitation from the Chief Engineer of Project Dantak to visit the headquarters. We were deeply honored and thrilled to have received his Invitation, we had a very good interactive dialogue with the Chief Engineer, who was kind enough to explain the various aspects of the BRO's mandate in Bhutan, the history behind the entire project and the Museum. We were presented with a coffee table book consisting of the entire history of Project Dantak. Deeply honored and Salute to our soldiers who work in such extreme terrains. We then took to the road leading to Paro, as usual, the roads were brilliant with swooping curves at every turn. Paro is a beautiful town located in the Valley, this is also the town with the International Airport. Towards evening we reached our Hotel. We stayed at Hotel Ratna Vara, a decent hotel, However, the food could have been better. We retired early as the next day was the big trek to Tiger's Nest.Day 10: 02.04.24 Paro Local sight seeingWe left the Hotel early to the Tiger's Nest base, but before that, we stopped and had a refreshing breakfast at a local diner. Tiger's nest by far symbolizes Bhutan, it's a must-do trek for tourists arriving in Bhutan. It's by no means easy, and definitely not for the faint-hearted, and you need to be relatively fit to attempt such a Trek. The base camp is at 7300ft and the Nest is at 10500ft, the trek itself is about 5.5km, Parvez, the oldest among us chose to sit this one out, We started climbing at about 8:40 am and finally reached the summit at about 12:00, spent about an hour in the temples on top, the view of tiger's nest from any direction is breathtaking and beautiful. The trek consists of trails and steps both paved and stone steps. The cafe midway is a good place to rest your legs and re-energise. The trek down was also quite daunting, by the time we reached the base it was about 2:30pm, and we were all tired and decided to head back to the hotel. In the evening, we went out for a bit of souvenir shopping. Tiger's Nest - A Bhutan trip - must do trek Day 11: 03.04.24 Paro - PhuentsholingWe had a leisurely breakfast and then headed back on the road to the border town of Phuentsholing. We again had the same invitation to refresh and recharge at the Takthikoti GREF canteen which we accepted. Reached Phuentsholing towards evening, and headed to the same Hotel (Hotel Gardhen). Parked the bikes and came out to Jaigaon to have tea at our friend's place. After that, we headed back to the Hotel in Phuentsholing and retired early since we planned an early start for the return road trip.Day 12: 04.04.24 Phuentsholing - Darbhanga (BR) (530km)The previous night's food did not seem to go down well with my gut. I felt sick in the stomach and threw up a few times in the night. My friends did not think I was fit enough to ride, but, that was not a choice. The friend in Jaigaon was also riding with us for a few hundred kms on his Triumph Tiger 800, he offered to take me to a hospital on the way. By 10:00am my condition had worsened, I had thrown up about 5 times and was feeling severely dehydrated, I spoke to a doctor's friend, and she prescribed Tab Ondem and an Antibiotic to fight the food poisoning. The tab immediately helped and I was feeling a lot better, thus decided to continue as much as possible, and took the same roads back so we knew that the roads were good. By nightfall we were in the town of Darbhanga and decided to stop for the day at Hotel Garcia International, It was a very nice hotel and we had a nice peaceful night.Day 13: 05.04.24 Darbhanga (BR) - Hanumana (MP) (500km)I felt a lot better in the morning, starting at about 8:30 am roads were good as we were taking the same road back, the afternoon heat was too much and we were stopping often to hydrate and stretch our legs as we were having cramps. Passed UP in the evening, it was very sad to see the lack of any hotels after Mirzapur, by nightfall we had passed Mirzapur but could not find any hotels, so we kept pressing ahead, it was only after entering MP we saw a newly built hotel, we took the rooms even though it did not have any AC, it was about 9:30 pm by the time we reached the hotel, had dinner and retired for the day. We stayed at the Highway Treat Hotel.Day 14: 06.04.24 Hanumana (MP) - Nagpur (MH) (598km)Road were as good as they could be, made rapid progress. These bikes on such wonderful roads are really a treat and a dream ride. The skies were overcast and that also meant that the heat was a little lesser than usual. Reached Nagpur by sunset and called it for the day.Day 15: 07.04.24 Nagpur (MH) - Wadner (MH) (370km)Since we were not in a tearing hurry to reach, we took it easy with the riding, the day time heat had again started to rise, the roads were excellent and by early evening we decided to stop for tea at a roadside hotel which had just newly launched, since rooms were available with AC we decided to stay put there. Stayed at Hotel Gurukripa.Day 16: 08.04.24 Wadner (MH) - Mumbai (MH) (520km)Started around 7:30am and took a slightly different route than when we had left from Mumbai, using NH53 passing through Bhusawal, Jalgaon, Dhule then onto NH60 towards Malegaon, Nashik, Igatpuri, Thane and Mumbai. NH60 was good but every intersection has multiple speed breakers and as such has to slow down. The real agony was the poor condition of roads leading to Thane which starts about 30km before Thane and the afternoon traffic with the scorching heat was really unbearable. Finally reaching home by 6:00 pm. The epic round trip was about 5500km, In hindsight, we could have accomplished this trip in 2 weeks, but with a group of riders, we have to cater to the pace at which everyone is comfortable. The bikes which accomplished this trip were the real gems, each of the motorcycles did not miss a beat or give us any kind of mechanical trouble. The benefit of shaft drive was amply apparent as the Versys chain needed to be lubed before the return trip. The superior comfort of the GS/GSA is also something I wish to highlight, the suspension is truly an engineering marvel. Without a doubt, the BMW GS/GSA is one of the best motorcycles ever made. I wish here to thank my fellow riders for such a great trip, a memory etched forever in my mind. Before I conclude, I have to say that our Highway systems have seen a remarkable improvement, they were simply fantastic. One takeaway for anyone planning a road trip - stick to the National highways for as long as you can before you consider altering to SH or any other roads. Few more photos for your viewing pleasure Enroute to Thimpu - On Arguably the best purpose-built motorcycle At Takthikoti GREF Canteen Enroute to Thimpu One of the Few waterfalls on the route to Thimpu With Mr Anil, Road trip back to Mumbai somewhere in the forest of Jalpaiguri All the bikes in formation, a nice photo opportunity William Tell is aiming for the Apple on the head of Mr Parvez Finally After an Epic trip - Odometer on arrival back home A small Bhutan sticker to highlight the achievement Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Rahul Gandhi is wanted to become Prime Minister by Pakistani leaders: PM Modi in Palamu

In a fervent address at an election rally in Palamu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized past Congress administrations, branding them as feeble in addressing terrorism issues with Pakistan. Modi asserted that previous governments resorted to sending love letters to Pakistan in pursuit of peace, only to receive a surge of terrorists in return. Modi emphasized a decisive shift in India's stance towards Pakistan following the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, attributing it to the power of individual votes. He highlighted Pakistani leaders' aspirations for Rahul Gandhi to assume the role of Prime Minister after the recent parliamentary elections. Gone are the days, Modi proclaimed, when terrorists roamed freely and governments penned conciliatory missives to Pakistan. Instead, he emphasized a resolute New India ethos, symbolized by the refrain, Ghar mein ghus ke maarta hai (We enter their homes and strike). Modi commended the valor of those from Jharkhand and Bihar who safeguard the nation's borders, contrasting it with what he described as the timidity of previous Congress administrations. Highlighting the impact of surgical and Balakot strikes, Modi asserted that they had rattled Pakistan, prompting cries for help. He derided Pakistan's plea for assistance, stating that the country is now beseeching aid while harboring hopes for a Congress-led government under Rahul Gandhi. Modi underscored the need for a robust government to lead India, dismissing Pakistan's desires for a leadership change in India. The Prime Minister reiterated that Naxalism, terrorism, and Article 370 have been uprooted from the nation since 2014. In Jammu and Kashmir, the wall of Article 370 was brought down by the power of your vote. Naxalism and terrorism once plagued states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, spreading fear and bloodshed. But your vote has brought hope to countless mothers and freed these lands from the grip of Naxalite terrorism, he declared. Former Pakistani Minister Fawad Chaudhry praised Rahul Gandhi, highlighting his socialist ideology reminiscent of his great grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru. Rahul Gandhi, like his ancestor, carries the torch of socialism. The problems faced by India and Pakistan remain starkly similar even after 75 years of partition. Rahul ji rightly pointed out that a small fraction of families own a majority of wealth in both India and Pakistan. This inequality underscores the challenges of capitalism, Chaudhry expressed on social media. In Jharkhand, elections will be held across four phases: May 13, 20, 25, and June 1. In the 2019 elections, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured victory in 12 seats, with BJP alone clinching 11. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress each won one seat. The ongoing general elections span seven phases over six weeks, from April 19 to June 1. The first and second phases already took place on April 19 Arrival of Delegates from 23 Countries to Observe Lok Sabha Elections in India Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Big Names Face Critical Tests BJP's Post-Election Strategy: Focus Shifts to West Bengal

Bihar DyCM Vijay Sinha: PM Modi Prioritizes Contentment ('Santushtikaran'), Not Appeasement ('Tushtikaran') in Politics

Bihar DyCM Vijay Sinha: PM Modi Prioritizes Contentment ('Santushtikaran'), Not Appeasement ('Tushtikaran') in Politics Senior BJP leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Saturday accused the RJD and its alliance partner Congress of indulging in the politics of vote bank and appeasement and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in the politics of 'santushtikaran' (satisfaction) not 'tushtikaran' (appeasement). Talking to reporters here, Sinha said, ''The NDA under the leadership of Modi Ji chose the path of satisfaction for the people of the nation rather than indulging in appeasement. Our PM believes in the politics of 'santushtikaran' (satisfaction) not 'tushtikaran' (appeasement). He has turned the politics into politics of performance. They (RJD and its alliance partners) target 'Sanatana Dharma' as part of their vote-bank politics.'' The RJD and its alliance partners can't discuss issues like development, good governance and removing corruption, he alleged. The DyCM made the remark in reply to questions from journalists who sought his views on RJD leader, Tejashwi Yadav's, latest comments at a rally in which he accused the saffron party of playing communal card by raising the issue of Sanatana Dharma. ''The RJD and its alliance partners want power. When the country talks about Modi Ki Guarantee, they (opposition) talk about reservation in the name of religion. Those who are symbols of corruption and 'jungle raj' can't talk about good governance. When our PM talks about removing corruption, they try to divert the attention of the electorate by raising issues like caste and religion,'' said the DyCM.

BJP is in depression, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav says India bloc will form government on June 4

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bihar visit, claiming BJP leaders are despondent and predicting an INDIA alliance government formation on June 4. Yadav remarked that Modi inviting Trump and Putin would be beneficial. He accused the PM of neglecting Bihar's development and job losses for youth. Campaigning in Bihar and Jharkhand, Modi faces scrutiny over NDA's past performance in the region amid ongoing polls. In 2019, NDA dominated Bihar with RJD failing to secure any seats.

Starry nights: Entertainers light up Bengal poll campaign

Starry nights: Entertainers light up Bengal poll campaign The not-so-old trend among major political parties in West Bengal to throw their weight behind silver screen personalities continues unabated in the current edition of Lok Sabha polls where stars of yesteryears are contesting the elections shoulder to shoulder with contemporary celluloid icons of the industry. In terms of numbers the state's ruling Trinamool Congress, like in the past, is way ahead of its completion this time around as well by fielding six of the nine filmstars in the poll fray. While the opposition BJP has nominated two film personalities, the CPI (M) has settled for one well-known tinsel town figure from the Tollygunge film and TV industry to try and dent the opposition vote bank. TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has reposed her faith in Bollywood superstar of the 70s and 80s, Shatrughan Sinha, a repeat candidate from Asansol, and on reigning Tollygunge superstar Dipak Adhikari aka Dev from the Ghatal seat for a third consecutive term in Lok Sabha. She also nominated tried and tested contemporary actors-cum-politicians Saayoni Ghosh and June Maliah from the Jadavpur and Medinipur constituencies respectively. Satabdi Roy, another popular star of the 80s, is TMC's candidate from Birbhum who is eyeing her fourth term in the lower house of the Parliament. Successful Bengali film heroine of the 90s, former Miss Calcutta and immensely popular TV show host, Rachana Banerjee, is the party's candidate of choice from the Hooghly seat. Banerjee, of course, makes her debut in politics with her role as a prospective parliamentarian. TMCs inclination for film stars also comes with Mamata Banerjee's decision to drop from the fray Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, leading ladies of the Bengali film fraternity who won the polls in 2019 from Jadavpur and Basirhat seats respectively. ''I am happy to be working under the country's strongest and most popular political figure Mamata Banerjee and want to continue serving the people of Asansol,'' Sinha, fondly called 'Bihari babu' by his fans, said. The veteran actor has already spent over two decades in politics and switched camps from the BJP to the Trinamool following his fallout with the Narendra Modi-led BJP regime. A distant follower of the TMC with respect to the number of showbiz figures it has managed to field, the BJPs candidate list includes actor-turned-politician Locket Chatterjee from the Hooghly seat and Tolly star Hiran Chatterjee from Ghatal. While Hiran, a sitting BJP MLA from Kharagpur, takes on fellow star Dev, debutant Rachana finds herself pitted against Locket, the incumbent MP from Hooghly. An initially reluctant Dev, who publicly expressed his desire to stay away from electoral politics during the current polls, later relented under the insistence of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. ''My dream is to implement the Ghatal masterplan which will put an end to people's distress arising out of recurrent floods in the area. I have been trying to implement the project since 2014 and felt I should continue in politics a while longer and finish what I started,'' Dev told PTI. Dev's rival Hiran had debuted in politics ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls. ''Its easy to fight injustices on reels, but you have to be part of the system to change it,'' said Hiran who is a bitter critic of alleged corruption under the current TMC regime. Rachana, so far, seems to be enjoying the different kind of limelight she has been put under. ''I don't believe politics is a pastime for people like us. Village women are mobbing me. They want to touch me. Men are asking me to bless their children during road shows,'' said Banerjee, host of the high TRP-grosser 'Didi Number One' reality show. Rachana, though, drew a flak from her rival Locket who is seeking re-election for the third time. ''If she thinks hitting campaign trails coming straight from a studio and waving hands at people will fetch her votes, she is grossly mistaken. Elections are a different ball game,'' Chatterjee said. Another familiar face from the industry, June Maliah, a Trinamool MLA of the Medinipur assembly segment, is locking horns with BJP's Agnimitra Paul, a known fashion designer and MLA of Asansol South, at the Medinipur Lok Sabha seat. TMCs youth wing president and a popular actor in her own right, Saayoni Ghosh, has been pitchforked by the party to lead the party's challenge in Jadavpur. Ghosh had unsuccessfully contested against Paul in the 2021 assembly elections. ''My experiences over the past three years have been rewarding and helped me mature as a politician. That is allowing me to reach out to my electorate in a better manner this time,'' Ghosh said. CPI(M) nominee Devdut Ghosh, a familiar face in TV soaps, OTT platforms and films, is trying his luck from the Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat after biting the dust in the 2021 state polls from Tollygunj. ''As an actor, I have a certain sensitivity. I cannot remain confined to my profession and fraternity when the state is burning. I need to respond and drive home my message to the people I can connect with,'' he said, justifying his foray into electoral politics. TMC spokesperson Trinankur Bhattacharya said, ''Dev, June and Saayoni have already proved their political acumen. While Dev and June have regularly been in touch with the voters of their constituencies, Saayoni gave a good fight to the BJP in 2021. She has emerged as an important leader with street fighter instincts. SFI state committee member Subhajit Sarkar called TMCs nomination of candidates like Rachana Banerjee ''nothing but a stunt''. ''Remember they did not renominate Nusrat Jahan or Mimi Chakraborty. People have seen through their gimmicks,'' he said. BJPs actor-leader Rudranil Ghosh said he was all in favour of people joining politics from various walks of life. ''But we don't need star personalities with little or no idea of what they are getting into,'' he added.

Tum to dhokebaaz ho...: All about Tejashwi Yadav's song-driven campaign against PM Modi

Bihar Lok Sabha Elections: Tejashwi's method appears to be striking a chord with voters. Clad in his usual white kurta-pyjama featuring the RJD lantern symbol, he enthusiastically sings a well-known song from the movie 'Saajan Chale Sasural' starring Govinda and Karisma Kapoor at nearly every rally. However, it's not only about the catchy melodies; Tejashwi complements this with audio snippets of PM Modi's previous commitments, emphasising concerns such as employment generation, controlling inflation, and addressing migration.

Tharoor: United Opposition Will Back INDIA Bloc Candidate, No Single Leader

Tharoor: United Opposition Will Back INDIA Bloc Candidate, No Single Leader Opposition parties, campaigning together or against each other, will join hands after the Lok Sabha polls, says Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, asserting that the people will get a prime minister who is first among equals and listens to others with an INDIA bloc coalition government. Including the Trinamool Congress in his argument on opposition parties getting together after the day of reckoning on June 4, Tharoor said in an interaction with PTI editors at the news agency's headquarters that a coalition government is nothing to be afraid of. The growth performance of the Indian economy has been better under such dispensations than under single party governments, he said. In his view, this is an election for ''change'' and as of now the BJP has ''lost its grip'' on the narrative. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) member also defended the party's decision to not attend the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying it was right to turn down the invitation as it was ''essentially a political platform for the greater glorification of Prime Minister Narendra Modi''. ''It would have been a mistake in my view had we done it. As a purely political decision, it was the right one,'' he said during the freewheeling interaction. Tharoor said it is true a coalition government functions very differently from a monolithic one-party government. ''Given Mr Modi's style, the personality cult built around him, and the way the BJP has been ruling, I think it is fair to say that it (an INDIA bloc government) would be very unlike what we have seen in the last 10 years,'' he said, confident that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will form the next government. The record and experience of the Indian public with coalition governments has been rather good, the former Union minister said. ''So, in many ways the advantage of a coalition is that there won't be any sort of autocratic tendencies whoever becomes prime minister... they will have to take into account the others. Frankly, it is the classic political theory of parliamentary systems of governance. Right now we are seeing a parliamentary system being run presidentially which is the worst of both the worlds,'' Tharoor argued. ''If you have a coalition government of the INDIA bloc, you are going to see, for the first time in a long while, a PM who is first among equals, who has to listen to others, take their point of view into account and who would have to be a good manager,'' he said. ''Mr (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee is considered in many ways an excellent example of that kind of consensus builder. He did not have a majority, far from it he had 26 parties in his coalition but his government was able to deliver effective results and at the same time reassure Indians that they had a functioning government,'' Tharoor said. The author-politician also hailed former prime minister Manmohan Singh's style of governance, saying he was able to pursue ''very relentlessly'' his economic goal and preside over the best growth period India has ever seen. Noting that the coalition of UPA-1 broke and the Left quit the government and was not part of UPA-2, Tharoor said there is always the issue on which a prime minister may have to draw the line for one or more of his coalition partners. ''So my own view is let us be reassured that our history in operating the system in the Constitution we have has by and large safeguarded the interest of the people. There have been many periods when people have been absolutely doomsaying about our country and we have come through all those periods,'' he said. ''I would say... coalition government is nothing to be afraid of and certainly when I speak to most voters they are thinking in terms of who is the candidate 'I am voting for', what values does he or she represent, who do they bring to power in Delhi and how is that power going to be exercised,'' Tharoor said. Asked about contradictions in the INDIA bloc as seen in bitter exchanges between the Congress and the Left in Kerala and whether that would be an impediment in the formation of a cohesive government, Tharoor pointed out that the UPA and the Vajpayee-led NDA before that came together after the elections. ''So the truth is that in our country coalitions come after the polling...This is an unusual case where a serious attempt was made to bring people together before voting even took place. It was very clear to all of us that the coalition will work on a state by state basis,'' he said. Citing the example of Kerala, Tharoor said it was unthinkable that the Congress which leads the UDF and the Communists who lead the LDF would ever be partners in the state. ''We have been fighting each other and at loggerheads for the last 55 years and alternating in power until the last election, so there was no question of that even being feasible. Having said that, right next door in Tamil Nadu, the same party, CPI(M), CPI, the Congress, our ally Muslim League and the DMK are all partners, have been partners and continue to be partners, there is no issue,'' he said. ''Finally when it comes to the day of reckoning on June 4 (when results are declared), I have no doubt that all these parties whether or not they are campaigning together or against each other, including the Trinamool Congress, when we have the numbers to prevent the BJP coming to power, we will come together,'' Tharoor asserted. Tharoor said he has friends in parties that are not allied with the Congress who have been telling him that after June 4 ''we will work together''. According to him, the hubristic narrative before the first phase is over. I don't think we are going to hear people say 'abki baar 400 paar' again for some time to come,'' the Congress leader said.

Anticipated above-normal Southwest monsoon brings hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report

Anticipated above-normal Southwest monsoon brings hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report Multiple meteorological organizations are anticipating abundant rainfall during this year's southwest monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent. According to Geojit insights, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects above-normal rainfall, with the total from June to September anticipated to be 106 per cent of the long-period average. Private forecaster Skymet Weather Services and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Climate Centre have echoed similar forecasts. Last year, the southwest monsoon ended with a 6 per cent deficit of the long-period average, mainly due to El Nino, resulting in wide spatial and temporal variations in rainfall distribution. However, regions that generally receive good rainfall experienced shortages, while dry regions like West Rajasthan and Saurashtra-Kutch received bountiful rainfall. Out of the total 36 meteorological subdivisions, 7 subdivisions, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, experienced deficient rainfall. The forecast of normal monsoon rains this year comes as a relief at a time when agricultural output is declining, and food inflation remains high, exacerbated by dwindling water levels in reservoirs. Slow growth in agriculture is mainly attributed to declining farm output, with food grain production expected to decline by six percent in 2023-24. The deficient monsoons last year and warmer, drier weather due to El Nino have left considerable impact on water levels in reservoirs across the country. Currently, reservoir storage stands at 31 per cent of the total live storage capacity, significantly lower than the 10-year average. With the summer approaching its peak, the situation in southern India, where reservoir levels are critically low, has worsened, increasing the threat of drought. Apart from affecting standing crops and agricultural productivity, dwindling water levels could impact other sectors as well. The prediction of normal monsoons this year brings hope for boosting the production of kharif crops such as rice, soybean, sugarcane, and pulses, cooling down food inflationary pressures, and replenishing water resources. However, the arrival, distribution, intensity, and departure of the monsoon remain crucial factors that will impact agricultural production and productivity. Skymet expects good rainfall in southern, western, and northwestern parts of the country, with Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh expected to receive adequate rainfall. However, eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal may face the risk of deficit rainfall during peak monsoon months, impacting kharif crops heavily dependent on early rainfall. Additionally, heavy showers during the latter half of the monsoon season may pose a threat to standing crops across the country. (ANI)

Video: Tejashwi Yadav injured during poll campaign in Bihar

Video Tejashwi Yadav injured during poll campaign in Bihar

Rainfall Alert: There is a possibility of heavy rain in this state for 4 days from tomorrow, know the latest update of IMD

Bihar Weather Report: SK Patel, scientist of Meteorological Center based in Patna, said that there has been snowfall in the mountains. North-westerly wind is coming to Bihar from the mountainous areas. Because of this, the weather is pleasant in the morning and evening but no significant change will be seen in the day temperature. Weather [] The post Rainfall Alert: There is a possibility of heavy rain in this state for 4 days from tomorrow, know the latest update of IMD first appeared on informalnewz .

'Bihari Babu is Now Bengali Babu': In Asansol, Shatrughan Sinha Says Mamata Banerjee Has All Qualities to be India's Next PM

Commenting on Sandeshkhali, the actor-turned-politician questioned the BJPs alliance partner in Karnataka amid a raging sex scandal

Congress accuses Modi govt of step-motherly treatment to Jharkhand on coal royalties, scheme benefits

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday claimed that the Centre owed Jharkhand lakhs of crores of rupees in coal royalties and central scheme benefits, and alleged that the Modi government dished out a step-motherly treatment to the state. Congress general secretary posed questions to the prime minister ahead of his rally in Palamu, Jharkhand. Why is the PM not releasing 1.36 lakh crores due to Jharkhand? Why is the PM denying 8 lakh people of Jharkhand the homes they were promised? What happened to the Mandal Dam? Ramesh said in a post on X. In Jharkhand, coal mines are operated by subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, which owes huge sums of money to the state government, he said. There is an outstanding of Rs 1,01,142 crore for non-payment of land compensation, Rs 32,000 crore under common cause dues head, and Rs 2,500 crore under washed coal royalty head. Sadly, given the BJP's track record in opposition-ruled states, the step-motherly treatment being dished out to Jharkhand is hardly a surprise, Ramesh said. What happened to the PM's favourite slogan - Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas? Where are the Rs 1,36,042 crores that Jharkhand and its people were promised? he said. Today mornings questions for the Prime Minister as he heads to Palamu, Jharkhand: 1. Why is the PM not releasing 1.36 lakh crores due to Jharkhand? 2. Why is the PM denying 8 lakh people of Jharkhand the homes they were promised? 3. What happened to the Mandal Dam? Jumla Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 4, 2024 Ramesh also said the Centre is yet to provide benefits to 8 lakh eligible beneficiaries in Jharkhand under the Centre's flagship housing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). In 2021-2022, despite the scheme's portal listing more than 10 lakh beneficiaries, only 4 lakh homes were sanctioned. Most recently, about two lakh beneficiaries were arbitrarily removed from the list by the Ministry of Rural Development. Where are the 8 lakh homes that Jharkhand and its people are entitled to? he said. The Mandal Dam project in Palamu is yet another poll promise that PM Modi conveniently forgot about after elections, Ramesh said. Just ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the PM had laid the foundation stone of Mandal Dam project with great fanfare, he said. Five years later, the project remains stalled. Conceptualised to address agrarian distress in Jharkhand and Bihar, the project has languished even while the state has suffered back-to-back droughts in recent years, Ramesh said. He claimed that the dam's progress has been hindered as the BJP has refused to meet the demands of displaced families and failed to resolve compensation issues. PM will never tell you this...: Jairam Ramesh Despite promises of additional compensation, the project remains inactive, raising questions about the BJP government's commitment to completing crucial irrigation projects. Is the PM doing anything to ensure that this crucial project will be built? What is his vision to help rid Jharkhand of droughts? he said and asked the prime minister to break his silence on these issues.

Loksabha Election 2024: PM Narendra Modi to hold rallies in Jharkhand & Bihar

Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address two public rallies at Palamu and Sisai in Gumla district at 11 am and 12.30 pm today in Jharkhand. Mr Modi will campaign for NDA candidates from Palamu BD Ram and Samir Oraon from Lohardaga constituencies, going for polls in the fourth phase of General []

No relief from intense heat in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha as mercury soars - MSN

No relief from intense heat in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha as mercury soars MSN

Congress cries foul over alleged bias of Modi government towards Jharkhand

Congress cries foul over alleged bias of Modi government towards Jharkhand The Congress on Saturday claimed that the Centre owed Jharkhand lakhs of crores of rupees in coal royalties and central scheme benefits, and alleged that the Modi government dished out a ''step-motherly treatment'' to the state. Congress general secretary posed questions to the prime minister ahead of his rally in Palamu, Jharkhand. ''Why is the PM not releasing 1.36 lakh crores due to Jharkhand? Why is the PM denying 8 lakh people of Jharkhand the homes they were promised? What happened to the Mandal Dam?'' Ramesh said in a post on X. In Jharkhand, coal mines are operated by subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, which owes huge sums of money to the state government, he said. ''There is an outstanding of Rs 1,01,142 crore for non-payment of land compensation, Rs 32,000 crore under common cause dues head, and Rs 2,500 crore under washed coal royalty head. Sadly, given the BJP's track record in opposition-ruled states, the step-motherly treatment being dished out to Jharkhand is hardly a surprise,'' Ramesh said. ''What happened to the PM's favourite slogan - Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas? Where are the Rs 1,36,042 crores that Jharkhand and its people were promised?'' he said. Ramesh also said the Centre is yet to provide benefits to 8 lakh eligible beneficiaries in Jharkhand under the Centre's flagship housing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). ''In 2021-2022, despite the scheme's portal listing more than 10 lakh beneficiaries, only 4 lakh homes were sanctioned. Most recently, about two lakh beneficiaries were arbitrarily removed from the list by the Ministry of Rural Development. Where are the 8 lakh homes that Jharkhand and its people are entitled to?'' he said. ''The Mandal Dam project in Palamu is yet another poll promise that PM Modi conveniently forgot about after elections,'' Ramesh said. Just ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the PM had laid the foundation stone of Mandal Dam project with great fanfare, he said. ''Five years later, the project remains stalled. Conceptualised to address agrarian distress in Jharkhand and Bihar, the project has languished even while the state has suffered back-to-back droughts in recent years,'' Ramesh said. He claimed that the dam's progress has been hindered as the BJP has refused to meet the demands of displaced families and failed to resolve compensation issues. ''Despite promises of additional compensation, the project remains inactive, raising questions about the BJP government's commitment to completing crucial irrigation projects. ''Is the PM doing anything to ensure that this crucial project will be built? What is his vision to help rid Jharkhand of droughts?'' he said and asked the prime minister to break his ''silence'' on these issues.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Big Names Face Critical Tests

The Lok Sabha elections for 2024 are in full swing, with Phase 3 set to take place on May 7th. This phase encompasses 95 seats across 12 states and Union Territories. Among the contenders are notable figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, rebel BJP leader KS Eshwarappa, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Dimple Yadav, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Supriya Sule. The key players in Phase 3 hail from prominent political parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), among others. Let's take a closer look at some of the top contenders: Amit Shah: Union Minister Amit Shah seeks re-election from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat. He faces competition from Congress' Sonal Patel. The BJP has maintained a stronghold on this seat since 1989, with Shah securing victory in 2019 by a significant margin. Dimple Yadav: SP candidate Dimple Yadav is contesting from the 'Mainpuri' constituency in Uttar Pradesh, a stronghold of her party. Following the passing of SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, Dimple Yadav won the seat in a bypoll. She now faces BJP candidate Jaiveer Singh in a bid to uphold Mulayam's legacy. Jyotiraditya Scindia: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia represents the BJP in the Guna Lok Sabha constituency of Madhya Pradesh. He goes head-to-head with Rao Yadvendra Singh of the Congress, aiming to reverse his defeat in the 2019 polls. Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the BJP's candidate from Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency. Chouhan, a five-time MP from Vidisha, competes against Pratap Bhanu Sharma of the Congress. Supriya Sule: NCP leader Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, contests from the Baramati seat in Maharashtra. Her candidacy sparks interest as she faces Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, who recently joined the BJP-led NDA. The constituencies participating in Phase 3 cover a wide geographical spread across India, including states like Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, along with Union Territories like Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu. The Election Commission reports a total of 1,351 candidates vying for seats in this phase, with Gujarat and Maharashtra leading in the number of nominations. Notably, Osmanabad constituency in Maharashtra and Bilaspur seat in Chhattisgarh witness significant participation, indicating the intense competition characterizing Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. BJP's Post-Election Strategy: Focus Shifts to West Bengal Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mega Campaigning in Ayodhya: All You Need to Know PM Modi Vows Justice for Victims of the West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scam

Man held from Dehradun for sharing intimate pictures of Thane girl on internet

Man held from Dehradun for sharing intimate pictures of Thane girl on internet The police from Maharashtras Thane city have arrested a 21-year-old man from Uttarakhand capital Dehradun for allegedly sharing the private pictures of a 13-year-old girl on the internet, an official said on Saturday. Accused Rohit Kumar, originally from Saran in Bihar, had befriended the teenager from Thane on social media and allegedly accessed her nude pictures, the official said. When the girl refused to continue chatting with Kumar, he shared her intimate pictures with her relatives and released them on the internet, the official said. On a complaint by the girl, the Vartak Nagar police registered a case on April 1 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and IT Act and launched a probe. Acting in various inputs, they tracked down Kumar to Dehradun and arrested him from there on Thursday, said senior inspector Rajkumar Wakchoure of Vartak Nagar police station. The official said Kumar is a habitual offender and has targeted many girls similarly in the past.

Mambazhakaalam

KOCHI: As I eyed the golden Alphonso in the market, I was taken back to my home where in the backyard mango trees would start blooming way before the summer holidays set in. Come the holidays, my house would have a daily feast with mango mojitos, curries, pickles, and desserts for every meal. It was only as I grew older did I realise the different names of the variants. The golden mangoes were Alphonso or Aapus as my grandmother would say, and the long raw mangoes, I used to have with salt and chilli powder, were Totapuri or Kilimooku. Sometimes, identifying mangoes is something you can do but not explain, says Ranganathan, a vendor in the market as he explain the history of certain mangoes. This was a common statement I heard during my quest to learn how to identify different mangoes. Baiju S Chittilappilly, who owns a farm in Kerala, explains that mango cultivators can often identify, through experience, the different mango trees based on the shape of their leaves. Alphonsos leaves are longer than a lot of other varieties, he says. Alphonso, especially the one from Maharashtra, holds tightly to its title of King of Mangoes and sustains the publics choice award. With a slight sparkle, it stands out in a cart due to its almost perfect roundness and clean golden-yellow skin. A good Alphonso mango will weigh up to 250 grams and will not have any blemishes or spots on its smooth skin, points out Baiju as he speaks of this variants high demand. With dark yellow flesh almost comparable to turmeric, Alphonso is widely available in nearly every market. And another one known for its hue is Sinshoora. Being one of the firstborns of the mango season, it is Sindhoora that often welcomes the public to a very sweet and fruitful season. While comparatively easier to identify, with its reddish shade, the fruit weighs nearly 250 grams per mango. There are not a lot of distinct reddish mangoes I have seen, and Sindhoora is a combination of red, green, and a bit of yellow, says Sameer, a fruit seller from Bihar. As I walked more into the lanes of markets, I stumbled upon a public favourite Imam Pasand. With its origin in Urdu stories to the possibility of it having been Emperor Humayuns favourite, it is one of the sweetest mangoes available. Very much in competition with Alphonso for the grand title, Imam Pasand has thin, tasty skin and is being bought a lot this season. On the other hand, Banganapalli is the middle child of the season and is a bit more pale than others. Often distinctly larger than many varieties, Banganapalli is one of the most affordable lots in the family. Another variety, Jawaad can be sweeter than Banganapalli sometimes. However, most people cannot afford those, so Banganapalli is bought a lot, Sameer adds. Malgoa, with a smaller seed and more flesh, will be available well into May. With a thick skin, it is seen and described as being more round and curvy with a dip near its stem. With a pale flesh, Malgoa is sweet even before ripening, unlike mangoes like Sindhoora or even Neelam, says Baiju. Neelam, a latecomer to the mango season, mainly comes from Andhra Pradesh. With a particularly small round shape, it can be seen when the monsoon rains start, he adds. While the markets are full of different variants, isnt it a wonder that our states can grow so many of them right in time for the season? Baiju tells me that with various grafting and budding techniques becoming popular among mango cultivators, growing multiple varieties of mangoes together is a cakewalk. Grafting is a practical method. Multi-budding, where you can grow multiple mango types on one tree, is very useful. The only main factor that affects is the climate, and some trees have close to 25 mango types growing together, says Baiju. And thats how our markets get filled with mangoes from all over the country. Though the season of varieties like Moovandan and other umpteen local variants are almost over, the mango season is not close to an end as more and more varieties from other states enter the market. Aam Dal/Toker Dal by Joyadrita Ragavendran Chatterjee Ingredients Red masoor dal: 1.5 cups Raw mango (cut into long, thick strips): 1 Salt and sugar to taste Turmeric powder Mustard oil Mustard seeds for tempering Red chilli: 1 Method Boil the red masoor dal with a couple of pieces of mango, salt, and turmeric powder. Keep the other mango slices aside. Heat mustard oil with the mustard seeds and red chilli in a wok temper. Add the remaining mango slices and let it soften. Next, pour the boiled dal. Adjust salt. Add sugar. The final dal should taste sweet and sour. Prawns Raw Mango Curry by Sheeba La Fleur Ingredients Prawns: half cup Green chillies: 4 nos Ginger paste: 1/4 tsp Garlic paste: 1/4 tsp Salt to taste Raw mango: 1 diced Tomato: 1 small Section 2 Grated coconut: 1cup Shallots: 6 nos Tamarind a small ball Red chilly powder: 2tbsp Corriander powder: 2tsp Fennel powder: 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp Ginger a small piece Garlic: 2 nos Water: 1/4 cup For tadka Coconut oil: 2tbsp Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp Sliced Shallots: 2 nos Curry leaves: few Dried red chilli: 3 Method Add prawns, green chilly, ginger and garlic paste with half a cup of water and cook for two minutes. Now add diced tomatoes and raw mangoes to it and cook for another two minutes. Make a fine paste with ingredients from section two. Add the paste to the prawns and cook for another 3 minutes. Heat oil add mustard and other tadka ingredients and pour it into the curry. You can serve it with rice or puttu. MANGO CHEESECAKE by Arun Vijayan, consultant chef Ingredients Crushed biscuits: 500gm Melted butter : 150gm Cream cheese : 350gm Whipping cream : 250gm Cornflour : 50gm Mango puree : 250gm Condensed milk: 300gm Method In a blender, add biscuits and process them until fully crushed. Now add melted butter and blend again. Transfer the biscuit crumbs into a 7-inch springform pan and press down evenly. Set it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. In another bowl, add cream cheese, heavy cream, condensed milk, mango pureeand cornflour. Mix until the batter is fully combined. Now transfer this on top of the biscuit base. Seal the bottom of the springform pan with two layers of aluminium foil so nothing leaks out. Now add the batter to a cheesecake tin and place it in a preheated oven at 160 Celsius for about 40-45 mins. Once baked fully run a knife around the edges while the cheesecake is still warm. Transfer the cheesecake to the fridge to cool for about 7-8hours. Garnish it with mango puree. Sticky Mango Rice by Sheeba La Fleur Ingredients Uncooked sticky rice: 1 cup Full-fat coconut milk: 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 g) Sugar: 1/4 cup Salt: 1/2 tsp Cornstarch (Optional): 2 tsp Mangoes (peeled and sliced): 3 ripe Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (Optional) Method Rinse the sticky rice with water and gently stir it with your hands. Drain the water to remove the excess starch. Then add cold water. Soak the sticky rice for a minimum of 1 hour, or up to overnight in the fridge. Once soaked, rinse again and drain the water. Transfer the rice to a heatproof bowl, add about 2.5 cups of water to your steamer (not into the rice), place the heatproof rice bowl on the steaming rack placed in the steamer, and cover the steamer. Turn to medium-high heat to bring the water to a boil. When the steam starts to come out of the pot, turn to medium heat. Steam for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is cooked through, with no hard raw bits in the middle. Remove the pot from the stove. Let sit, covered, while you prepare the other ingredients. Make the sauce when the rice is cooking. Combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat or medium-low heat until the sugar is melted. Do not bring the coconut sauce to a boil. Carefully remove the bowl of sticky rice from the steamer. Pour 1 cup of the sauce into the bowl. Stir to mix well until the sauce is fully absorbed. The mango sticky rice is ready to serve when the rice mixture and the sauce cool to room temperature or lukewarm. For that extra garnish, you can also pour a few spoonfuls of extra coconut sauce on top of the rice or also top with some toasted sesame seeds. Creamy Mango Curry by Arun Vijayan, Consultant chef Ingredients Tender mango wedges: 300gm Finely chopped onions: 30gm Finely chopped garlic : 10gm Finely chopped ginger: 10gm Tomato pure : 20gm Cumin powder: 5gm Salt to taste Turmeric powder: 8gm Fresh cream : 30ml Butter : 10gm Sunflower oil : 50ml Method Heat oil in a pan and add onion, ginger and garlic. Saut it until brown. Add the seasonings and tomato pure. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes in slow heat until the tomato gets mashed. Then add little hot water and mango wedges to it. Reduce the flame and finish with fresh cream and butter. The curry can be served with bread or white rice. Mango margarita by BLND Restobar, Thiruvananthapuram Ingredients Fresh mango: 75 gm Lime juice: 30ml Chilli: 1/2 chilli Ice cube: one big scoop Method Blend all the above ingredients in a blender and serve it in a margarita glass with chilli salt on its rim. Garnish with a chilli. Mango Rasam by Mala Sekar Ingredients Raw mango: 1, medium size Toor dal: 1 small cup Tomato: 1 Pepper: 1 spoon Cumin seeds: 1 spoon Green or red chillies: 2 Crushed ginger: a small piece Coriander leaves Method Pressure cook toor dal and raw mango with a pinch of turmeric on medium flame until two whistles. Once its done, blend it into a smooth paste and add water if its too thick. Add oil to a pan and add mustard, chilies, ginger, a pinch of asafoetida, and turmeric for tadka. Chop the tomato and add it to the tadka along with salt. After this is done, add the toor dal and raw mango paste. Once it comes to a boil, add pepper and cumin powder Garnish with coriander generously.

Bihar environment secretary addresses Jakarta Futures Forum, stress upon global collaboration for renewable energy transition

The secretary urged the nations to strengthen international collaboration frameworks, increase support for developing countries, and ensure that the energy transition addresses the needs of affected workers andcommunities.

Delhi: 3 held for duping Bihar-based people on pretext of providing confirmed railway tickets

The News Mill

Patna HC stays edu dept order freezingvarsities bank a/cs

40 hotels under lens over lack of fire safety

Retired schoolteacher found dead in Munger

Lalu: PMs vocab limited to Muslim, mangalsutra

19 file nominations for Sitamarhi LS seat

30 huts reduced to ashes in Patna fire

Student found hanging in city hostel

State to get rain relief next week: Met

Training prog at CUSB concludes

Paswans group purify statue of Ambedkar after Chirags touch

NAAC team concludestwo-day visit to PWC

Bihar presents its green initiatives at global forum

DM: Ensure max turnout of voters

Parivarvad rampant in RJD: Chandrika

Man takes donkey ride to file papers for Gopalganj LS seat

BJP promises 10 lakh government jobs before 2025 assembly polls in Bihar

BJP promises lakh government jobs before assembly polls in Bihar

Explore these waterfalls of Bihar, the beauty will make you crazy

Bihar, a state known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, also boasts some hidden gems of natureits mesmerizing waterfalls. From cascading streams to thundering falls, Bihar's waterfalls offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Let's delve into the enchanting beauty of these natural wonders that will leave you spellbound. Roaring Wonders amidst Nature's Embrace 1. Kakolat Falls: A Majestic Cascade Nestled amidst lush greenery in Nawada district, Kakolat Falls stands tall as one of Bihar's most majestic waterfalls. With its cascading waters plunging from a height of approximately 160 feet, Kakolat presents a breathtaking sight. The surrounding landscape, adorned with rocky cliffs and verdant foliage, adds to the allure of this natural wonder. 2. Karkat Waterfall: Nature's Symphony Located in the Kaimur district, Karkat Waterfall is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by dense forests and rocky terrain, this picturesque waterfall offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts. The pristine beauty and soothing sound of cascading water make it a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Tranquil Oases of Serenity 3. Manjhar Kund: A Serene Haven Tucked away in the scenic hills of Munger district, Manjhar Kund is a serene oasis amidst nature's bounty. The tranquil waters of this picturesque pond, fed by a small waterfall, create a calming ambiance that soothes the soul. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely dip or simply bask in the tranquility of this hidden gem. 4. Dhua Kund: Nature's Delight Located near the town of Gaya, Dhua Kund is a charming waterfall renowned for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. Set against a backdrop of rugged hills and lush greenery, this cascading waterfall offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Visitors can revel in the pristine surroundings and immerse themselves in the tranquility of this enchanting oasis. Unveiling Nature's Splendor 5. Chandan Dam: A Scenic Retreat Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Jamui district, Chandan Dam is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. The tranquil waters of this reservoir, formed by a small waterfall, create a serene ambiance that is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. Visitors can soak in the scenic beauty and marvel at the wonders of nature in this idyllic retreat. 6. Sikarhar Kund: A Natural Marvel Tucked away in the picturesque hills of Banka district, Sikarhar Kund is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, this cascading waterfall offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can unwind amidst nature's embrace and marvel at the beauty of this pristine oasis. Bihar's waterfalls are not just natural wonders; they are tranquil oases that offer a respite from the chaos of everyday life. Whether you seek adventure or solace, these enchanting cascades beckon you to explore their beauty and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature's embrace. Couple romantic activities happen in Manali, plan to go with your girlfriend soon Where do trains with rotating seats, glass windows and unique coaches run? Travel Reimagined: Concierge Introduces Bespoke First-Class and Private Jet Experiences

Khagaria Bihar Lok Sabha election 2024: Date of voting, result, candidates, main parties, schedule

To convey big message, Bihar man takes donkey ride to file papers

Madhepura Bihar Lok Sabha election 2024: Date of voting, result, candidates, main parties, schedule

Hajipur villagers wash Ambedkar statue with milk after Chirag garlands it

Paswan community washes Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar's statue with milk after Chirag Paswan offers flowers en route to filing Hajipur Lok Sabha nomination, sparking protests. Chirag accused of defiling the statue, leading to a viral video of the incident.

RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav NDTV Exclusive Reservation | Bihar Politics

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Bihar Politics: NDTV Exclusive Lalu Yadav

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Bihar coop caught storing wheat for private player, Centre seeks action

Bihar faces food procurement challenges with low wheat procurement, urging govt action. Farmers sell below MSP, PACS involved in unofficial procurement. FCI transports grains from Punjab, Haryana. Low land holdings limit surplus for farmers.

Rainfall Update: There will be rain in this state for four days; Meteorological Department announced good news

UP Weather: There is going to be light to moderate rain in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand between 6-9 May. Apart from this, an alert has also been issued for thunderstorm and lightning. UP Weather: Amidst the scorching heat across the country, the Meteorological Department has announced good news on Friday. It is going to [] The post Rainfall Update: There will be rain in this state for four days; Meteorological Department announced good news first appeared on informalnewz .

Lok Sabha Polls: RJD aims to make mark in Bihar's Supaul after 25 long years

Lok Sabha Polls: RJD aims to make mark in Bihar's Supaul after 25 long years Supaul Lok Sabha constituency, which has been considered a stronghold of the socialists for a long time, is set for a keen contest as RJD has fielded its candidate after 25 years since the 1998 Lok Sabha polls against sitting MP and JD-U leader Dileshwar Kamait. The National Democratic Alliance has reposed faith in sitting MP and JDU leader Dileshwar Kamait, whereas the RJD has fielded Chandrahas Chaupal, its MLA from the Singheshwar (SC) seat. Chaupal, an RJD MLA from Singheshwar Assembly constituency, is trying his luck for the first time to reach Parliament. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed a public meeting in Supaul on Thursday. During his public meeting in Supaul, Singh said, Congress-RJD have lost their credibility and it will be a dream for them to win any seat in Bihar. The people who are accused of corruption are claiming to develop Bihar. Whether it was Atal ji government or the Modi ji government, not a single Minister indulged in corruption, he said. In 2014, Kamait lost to Congress candidate Ranjeeta Ranjan, the wife of former MP Rajesh Ranjan, alias Pappu Yadav. The BJP's Kameshwar Chaupal finished third, despite the strong Modi wave for change. However, after losing in the 2014 polls, Kamait avenged his defeat at the hands of Ranjeet Ranjan in 2019. Supaul has voted aggressively in the last two parliamentary elections. The voter turnout in Supaul was 63.62 per cent in 2014 and 65.77 per cent in 2019. According to the 2011 India census, Supaul had a population of 2,228,397, of which 1,157,815 were male and 1,070,582 were female. The initial provisional data suggest a density of 919 in 2011, compared to 714 in 2001. Supaul's main religious communities included Hindus (81.20 per cent), followed by Muslims (18.36 per cent) in the population. Among others were Christian (0.17%), Sikh (0.01 per cent), and Jain (0.02 per cent) among others. Supaul is among the five Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar that will vote in the third phase on May 7. The other four are Araria, Madhepura, Khagaria and Jhanjharpur. The 40 seats in Bihar are undergoing polls in all seven phases. In 2019, the BJP-led NDA swept the state by winning 39 out of 40 seats, while Congress won just one seat. RJD, a formidable force in the state, failed to open its account. (ANI)

Lok Sabha Polls: RJD aims to make mark in Bihars Supaul after 25 long years

The News Mill

Heatwave to Persist for Two More Days in Eastern and Southern Peninsular India

Heatwave to Persist for Two More Days in Eastern and Southern Peninsular India The record-breaking heatwave spell affecting east India and parts of the southern peninsular region continued unabated on Friday, with temperatures settling above 44 degrees Celsius in at least 13 places. Intensely hot conditions prevailed in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Maximum temperatures settled in the range of 43-46 degrees Celsius in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra and 40-43 degrees in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Marathwada and north interior Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh sizzled at 46.3 degrees Celsius, the highest maximum temperature in the country on Friday. The mercury settled at 44.6 degrees Celsius in Odisha's Boudh, 45 degrees in Khammam (Telangana), 46.2 degrees in Cuddapah (Andhra Pradesh), 43.4 degrees in Erode (Tamil Nadu), and 44.6 degrees in West Bengal's Kalaikunda. The IMD said the ongoing heatwave spell in east and south peninsular India will continue until May 5-6 and abate thereafter. The Met office on Wednesday said above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in May and a significantly high number of heatwave days expected over the northern plains, central region and adjoining areas of peninsular India. April witnessed record-smashing maximum temperatures in east, northeast and southern peninsular India, prompting health warnings from government agencies and some states to suspend in-person classes in schools. A number of stations recorded their highest-ever April day temperatures. Five active western disturbances led to rainfall, thunderstorms and hail storms over north and central India at regular intervals in April, preventing heat waves. IMD data shows that heat waves this April were far worse than in 2023, the warmest year on record so far. This trend is likely to continue in May, with around eight to 11 heatwave days predicted over the south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada and the Gujarat regions. The remaining parts of Rajasthan, east Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Chhattisgarh, interior Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, north interior Karnataka and Telangana may record five to seven heatwave days during the month. Normally, the northern plains, central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India experience around three days of heat waves in May. India witnessed two spells of heat waves in April -- from April 5 to 7 and April 15 to 30. The IMD attributed the prolonged heatwave spell over east, northeast and south peninsular India in April to the absence of thunderstorms and an anticyclone at lower levels over the west central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining eastern coasts of India. This caused the sea breeze to cut off over Odisha and West Bengal on most days. The weather office said south peninsular India recorded an average maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius in April, the second-highest since 1901. The mean temperature (28.12 degrees Celsius) in April in east and northeast India was the highest since 1901, it said. The IMD said above-normal maximum temperatures have become frequent over south peninsular India since the 1980s. The region recorded 12.6 mm rainfall in April -- the fifth lowest since 1901 and the second-lowest since 2001. According to IMD data, the number of heatwave days this April was the highest in 15 years in Gangetic West Bengal and nine years in Odisha. Odisha also experienced the longest heatwave spell (16 days) in April since 2016. Amid the prevailing but weakening El Nino conditions, the IMD had earlier warned of extreme heat during the April-June period, coinciding with the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. Hundreds of thousands of voters had to cope with the searing heat when they stepped out to exercise their franchise in the second phase of the elections on April 26. Polling for 94 constituencies across 12 states will take place on May 7. The weather office had earlier expected four to eight heatwave days in different parts of the country in April against a normal of one to three days. Ten to 20 heatwave days are expected against a normal of four to eight in the entire April-June period.

Bihar | Tejashwi leads the charge

Bihar | Tejashwi leads the charge

State govts announce new school timings, holidays amid heatwave: Check complete list

State governments adjust school timings to protect kids from intense heatwave. IMD red alert for Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha. Met 'Orange' alert for Telangana, Karnataka. Heatwave persists in May. Chhattisgarh summer vacation. Jharkhand school closure. Maharashtra early break.

EC intensifies efforts to boost voter turnout after decline in LS polls

EC intensifies efforts to boost voter turnout after decline in LS polls The Election Commission on Friday said it has ''doubled up'' its voter participation interventions to overcome the ''small'' dip in turnout in the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. The turnout stood at 66.14 per cent in the first phase and at 66.71 per cent in the second phase. Compared to the voter participation in the past, this is ''among the best'' but ''somewhat lags'' behind the high benchmarks of the 2019 general elections, it said. In 2019, a voter turnout of 69.43 per cent was recorded in the first phase and 69.64 per cent was recorded in the second phase. The weather conditions are predicted to be normal in the 11 states and union territories that will go to polls in the third phase of elections on May 7, the poll panel noted. Following the dip in the turnout in the first phase, the EC had directed state chief electoral officers of Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka to come up with additional set of plans to enhance voter participation. The poll panel also held one-on-one interactions with district electoral officers from low-turnout districts to enhance voter participation. The EC said it remains committed to taking up all possible interventions to boost voter turnout in the next five phases. The commission said it is leading a set of additional initiatives for this purpose with chief electoral officers and senior officers at Nirvachan Sadan.

Bihar B.Ed CET 2024: Registration begins at biharcetbed-lnmu.in, direct link to apply

Bihar B.Ed CET 2024 has kicked off its registration process, inviting aspiring candidates to apply through the official website biharcetbed-lnmu.in. This initiative marks the beginning of a journey for individuals aspiring to pursue a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) program in Bihar.

Schools closed, class timings revised in these states due to heatwave: Check complete list here

States are adjusting school schedules to deal with the ongoing severe heatwave. Class 10 activities in Bihar's Patna district are limited to 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chhattisgarh's summer break lasts from April 22 to June 15. Jharkhand closes schools up to Class 8, adjusting Class 9-12 hours to 7 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Maharashtra announces an early break, while Meghalaya and Tripura close schools temporarily. West Bengal moves summer vacation to April 22.

Nothing can stop me from contesting LS polls from Karakat: Pawan Singh

Patna: Bhojpuri singer-turned-politician Pawan Singh said on Friday, May 3, that he is the son of Bihar and no one can stop him from contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Bihars Karakat as an independent candidate. After Pawan Singh had recently said that he would be contesting the polls from Karakat as an independent, Union 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 .

Patna High Court dismisses petition seeking striking down a provision of Bihar Medical Education Service Recruitment, Appointment and Promotion Rules

The Patna High Court dismissed a Petition filed seeking striking down of Rule-7(iii)(d) of Chapter-4 of the Senior Resident/Tutor and Bihar Medical Education Service Recruitment, Appointment and Promotion Rules, 2008. The objectionable rule prescribes the maximum age limit for appointment to the post of Assistant Professor to be 45 years for unreserved category, 50 years []

Delhi: Trio Arrested for Railway Ticket Scalping

Delhi: Trio Arrested for Railway Ticket Scalping Three people were arrested for allegedly impersonating Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) and duping Bihar-based people under the pretext of getting their railway tickets confirmed, officials said on Friday. The accused were identified as, Santosh (27), Ashutosh (26), and Afroz Ansari (37), all residents of Bihar, they said. ''These accused took cash, debit cards and other valuable articles by duping innocent people especially the railway passengers hailing from Bihar by representing themselves as TTEs, on the pretext of getting their railway tickets confirmed,'' Additional Commissioner of Police (crime) Sanjay Bhatia said. The officer further said that on April 29, a tip-off was received about one of the accused. A trap was laid near IFFCO Chowk in Gurgaon and Santosh was apprehended. During interrogation, the accused admitted that he along with his associates, Rakesh Paswan and Afroz duped a person while they were travelling in the metro on the pretext of getting his railway ticket confirmed, said the officer. ''They (accused) took him to various places near AIIMS and took all of his belongings. Later at his instance, Santosh and Afroz were apprehended from Dabri in Delhi,'' said the officer, adding that they were involved in a total of 11 cases of cheating and theft registered at different police stations in Delhi.

Bihar: Chirag Paswan threatens legal action against Tejashwi Yadav over reservation remarks

Although Paswan and Yadav have been good friends for long, their relationship rooted in the close ties between their fathers, late Ram Vilas Paswan and Lalu Prasad, respectively, political rivalry seems to have got the better of personal rapport.

Here's What 2024 Lok Sabha Elections Schedule: Seven Phases from April 19 to June 1

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are set to unfold in seven phases, spanning from April 19 to June 1, with results expected on June 4. The Election Commission has revealed the schedule, highlighting that April 19 will witness the highest number of constituencies, totaling 102, while the fifth phase, on May 20, will see the lowest number at just 49. Here's a breakdown of the election phases across different states: Single Poll Date (22 states): Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu. Two-phase Voting (4 states): Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tripura, Manipur Three-phase Voting (2 states): Chhattisgarh, Assam Four-phase Voting (3 states): Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand Five-phase Voting (2 states): Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir Seven-phase Voting (3 states): Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal The Lok Sabha Election 2024 schedule is as follows: Phase 1 (April 19): 101 Seats Phase 2 (April 26): 89 Seats Phase 3 (May 7): 94 Seats Phase 4 (May 13): 96 Seats Phase 5 (May 20): 49 Seats Phase 6 (May 25): 57 Seats Phase 7 (June 1): 57 Seats Each phase covers various states and Union Territories, ensuring a comprehensive electoral process across the nation. In the first phase on April 19, a total of 102 seats will be contested across several states and Union Territories: Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal West, Arunachal East Assam: Sonitpur, Kaziranga, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur Bihar: Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui Jammu & Kashmir: Udhampur Madhya Pradesh: Sidhi, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat, Chhindwara Maharashtra: Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur Manipur: Inner Manipur Meghalaya: Shillong, Tura Mizoram: Mizoram Nagaland: Nagaland Rajasthan: Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Nagaur Sikkim: Sikkim Tamil Nadu: Thiruvallur, Chennai North, Chennai South, Chennai Central, Sriperumbudur, Kancheepuram, Arakkonam, Vellore, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Viluppuram, Kallakurichi, Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Tiruppur, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Dindigul, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Sivaganga, Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukkudi, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari Tripura: Tripura West Uttar Pradesh: Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur, Pilibhit West Bengal: Cooch Behar, Alipurduars, Jalpaiguri Chhattisgarh: Bastar Uttarakhand: Tehri Garhwal, Garhwal, Almora, Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar, Hardwar Andaman & Nicobar: Andaman Nicobar Islands Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep Puducherry: Puducherry These elections aim to engage citizens in the democratic process, allowing them to exercise their right to vote and shape the future of their nation. Congress Announces Candidates for Lok Sabha 2024, Rahul Gandhi to Contest from Rae Bareli Congress KL Sharma to Contest against BJP's Smriti Irani in Amethi Trinamool Congress Accuses Congress Leader of Promoting BJP Agenda

BPSC Assistant Director, Block Agriculture Officer & Other Key 2024: Written Exam Final Answer Key Now Available

Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has announced exciting job opportunities through its latest recruitment notification. If you're looking to build your career in the agricultural sector, this could be your chance! Read on to learn about the vacancies available, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

BJD being run by bureaucrats, outsiders in CM's office trying to capture Odisha: Pradhan

SAMBALPUR: Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal is facing public revolt for the first time and a caucus of outsiders in the chief minister's office wants to capture the state, BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has claimed. The Education Minister, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Sambalpur, also dismissed the speculation that there were any attempts from BJP to enter into an alliance with the BJD. In an interview with PTI, Pradhan, who is returning to the electoral fray after 15 years, said, he Odia identity is under threat and this election is all about that identity. BJD is being run by a group of bureaucrats...the caucus in the chief minister's office which has few non-Oriya officers, they all came together and thought let's exploit the inability of the chief minister, let's create a vacuum from back door and their intention is to capture the state. This is a very dangerous trend and this is what public is angry about besides their inaction on the ground, Pradhan said in a veiled jibe at Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian. The minister said this is the first time the so far popular CM is facing the heat from the public. BJD is facing public revolt for the first time...we have been fighting with them for long, we fought elections together too in the past. But 2024 election is a new type of election for them ..it is the most difficult election they would be facing, he said. The Assembly and general elections are being held in Odisha simultaneously. Naveen Patnaik will become the longest serving chief minister of India if his party wins the upcoming Assembly polls. He is already the longest serving CM of Odisha. Pradhan, however, said Patnaik's more than two-decade rule has brought little to the people of the state in way of solid development. Since last 24 years, Patnaik has been the in-charge of the state as chief minister but on all the fronts, be it social structure, infrastructure, economy, employment generation this government has been an utter failure. The lack of basic facilities causing large scale migration from the state. They do not have any vision or political will power they do not have any commitment to society, there is a huge anger among youth, women, tribals, different sections of society.. this is going to reflect in voting behaviour, people will teach them a lesson, there will be befitting response, he said. When he was asked about how the BJD was able to secure a mandate for five consecutive terms if there are so many issues, Pradhan said, kabhi to sabr ka bandh tutata hai (the patience crosses its limit at one point). 2024 election will be a real test of his popularity...soon BJD will not be seen in the state even by using binoculars. Pradhan, 54, also denied any talks of an alliance between BJP and BJD ahead of elections. There was no 'buzz' for alliance from our side...we had no compulsions for an alliance with them...on several national issues various parties have supported us but it is not mandatory that we will fight elections with them together, he said. Asked whether he would be the BJP's CM face if the party comes to power in Odisha, Pradhan said, here has been no decision yet and it will be decided by the party later only about who will be given the responsibility but I am confident that the Chief Minister will be from BJP. The BJP leader filed his nomination from Sambalpur on Thursday. Polling in the state is scheduled in the sixth phase of the general election on May 25. The high-profile Sambalpur constituency, which is the epicentre of western Odisha, is gearing up for a heated contest between Congress's Nagendra Pradhan, Dharmendra Pradhan, and BJD's Pranab Prakash Das. Nagendra Pradhan had won the constituency on a Biju Janata Dal ticket in 2014 polls. Dharmendra Pradhan is contesting an election after a gap of 15 years. He had last contested an election in 2009 after the end of BJP-BJD alliance. He lost the assembly poll that year. He was elected to the Odisha Assembly in 2000 and to the Lok Sabha from Deogarh seat in 2004. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar in 2012 and again in 2018 from Madhya Pradesh. Asked about the opposition's allegations that BJP will change the Constitution if voted to power, Pradhan said, Congress is scared...their leadership has been re-launched and repackaged several times and they have faced defeat only. They are making all attempts now like using deepfake videos, misutilising AI, making such statements but public knows their deeds and Congress existence is in danger.

Odisha: Furnace explosion in KJS Ahluwalia plant leaves 10 injured

KEONJHAR/BARBIL: At least 10 workers sustained grievous burn injuries following an explosion in one of the furnaces of KJS Ahluwalia Steel Plant on Thursday evening. Four of the injured were critical and shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Sources said an explosion took place in induction furnace number -1 of the plant and molten iron spilled on the workers who were present under it. The plant is situated in Barapada area within Rugudi police limits. The injured workers were immediately rushed to Keonjhar district headquarters hospital and four of them were later shifted to SCB. Dr Pradeep Kumar Naik, a senior specialist in Department of Surgery, confirmed that four persons were critically injured in the accident which took place at about 4.45 pm. Police sources said the injured workers are natives of different states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Assam. Deputy director and assistant director of Directorate of Factories and Boilers visited the spot to investigate the matter. The reason behind the explosion is yet to be ascertained. Initial investigation revealed about eight workers sustained injuries due to the explosion. Further probe into the matter is continuing, said DIG, Niti Shekhar. Odisha Fire and Emergency Service personnel rushed to the spot but things did not get worse as the incident did not trigger any fire accident. The incident has raised concerns about safety of the workers in the plant. In January this year, an explosion had occurred in induction furnace-2 of the same plant.

Congress KL Sharma to Contest against BJP's Smriti Irani in Amethi

The Congress party has revealed its contenders for the crucial Amethi and Raebareli seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. Kishori Lal Sharma, a trusted aide of the Gandhi family, will stand from Amethi, while Rahul Gandhi will contest from Raebareli. Sharma, with over four decades of allegiance to the Congress, steps into the political fray alongside a powerful opponent, BJP's Smriti Irani, in Amethi. This move signifies the Congress's resolve to reclaim its traditional strongholds. A Veteran Congress Figure: Kishori Lal Sharma Originally from Ludhiana, Punjab, Kishori Lal Sharma joined forces with the Congress in 1983, aligning with Rajiv Gandhi. Following Rajiv Gandhi's demise in 1991, Sharma's association with the Gandhi family deepened. He played a pivotal role in managing affairs in Amethi and Raebareli, especially during the absence of the Gandhis. Sharma's Influence in Amethi and Raebareli Sharma's journey in Amethi began in the 1990s when the Gandhi family opted out of electoral politics. He actively campaigned for Congress candidates during this period. Notably, Sharma was instrumental in Sonia Gandhi's electoral debut from Amethi in 1999. After Sonia Gandhi shifted her focus to Raebareli, Sharma followed suit, continuing his support in her electoral endeavors. With Rahul Gandhi's entry into politics, Sharma expanded his responsibilities to manage both constituencies. Beyond Amethi and Raebareli, Sharma's involvement in Congress activities in Bihar and Punjab showcases his commitment to the party's cause. 45 Royal Families Extend Support to PM Modi Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections Trinamool Congress Accuses Congress Leader of Promoting BJP Agenda Traditional Congress Strongholds Amethi and Raebareli have long been bastions of the Gandhi family. However, in the 2019 elections, Rahul Gandhi faced defeat in Amethi against Smriti Irani, signaling a shift in dynamics. Election Dynamics The upcoming elections on May 20 hold immense significance for both Congress and BJP. Sharma's nomination in Amethi and Rahul Gandhi's candidacy in Raebareli underscore Congress's determination to regain lost ground. Kishori Lal Sharma gears up to file his nomination from Amethi, ready to challenge BJP's Smriti Irani in what promises to be a closely watched electoral battle. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi seeks to reclaim the family stronghold of Raebareli, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral showdown.

Labour shortage casts shadow on Tiruppurs knitwear export boom

The labour shortage is attributed to employment opportunities in UP, Bihar, and Odisha. Despite wage increases of around 30%, attracting local labour remains a challenge for the cluster

15 hours to nab a burglar

Valuables worth 1.20 crore were stolen from filmmaker Joshiys Kochi residence. Mohammed Irfan, the man accused, turned out to be a burglar from Bihar working alone, targeting premium residential colonies across six States. This was his biggest hit by far, reports M.P. Praveen

GST collection in Odisha hits record high in April

BHUBANESWAR: Gross GST collection in Odisha hit a record high in April with an overall tax revenue of Rs 5,902.25 crore registering a growth rate of 17.21 per cent against the national average of 13 per cent. The gross GST collection including CGST, SGST, IGST and Cess, was Rs 5,035.74 crore in Odisha in April last year. Odisha has also breached all previous records in state GST revenue registering a phenomenal growth rate of 32.94 per cent last month. From the overall collection, the state share and IGST settlement was Rs 2,996.05 crore in April this year against Rs 2,253.71 crore collected during the corresponding period in 2023. The collection of state GST exclusively in April was Rs 2,081.83 crore, which is also the highest ever state GST collection since the introduction of GST regime. The collection under all acts monitored by the Commissionerate of CT and GST, including state GST, IGST settlement, VAT and profession tax in April was Rs 3,330.48 crore as compared to Rs 2,544.45 crore during the corresponding month last year. The collection under all acts posted a growth rate of 30.89 per cent. Odisha is among top-six states that have recorded the highest growth rate in collection of gross GST last month. Assam topped with a growth rate of 25 per cent, followed by Bihar (23 per cent), Punjab and Haryana (21 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (19 per cent). GST officials attributed the highest ever collection of tax to the growth in compliances and both domestic and interstate transactions besides the mining revenue. The GST collection now shows the buoyancy that was expected at the time of its roll out, they said. As many as 23.15 lakh of waybills were generated last month as against 20.9 lakh in April 2023. Of this, 12.38 lakh were intra-state waybills and 8.51 lakh were inter-state waybills. The highest 24.4 lakh waybills were generated in March this year. Impressive figures Rs 5,902.25 crore overall tax revenue collected in April Rs 5,035.74 crore gross GST collection in April last year Rs 2,996.05 crore state share and IGST settlement in April this year Rs 2,081.83 crore state GST collected in April

Debutants VS war horses in Bihar battle

PATNA: A keen contest between debutants and old warhorses is on the cards in Bihar as five of its seats go to the polls in the third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on May 7. Though there are 54 contestants in the fray, the fight is mainly between BJP-JD(U)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and RJD-Congress-led Grand Alliance, the latter being a part of Opposition INDIA bloc. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, all the five seatsMadhepura, Supaul, Khagaria, Araria and Jhanjharpurwere won by the NDA. The moot question for the ruling alliance both at the centre and in the state is to retain the seats that it had clinched in the previous general elections when candidates had emerged victorious driving on the Modi wave. The scene is a bit different now. It will not be a cake walk for the sitting MPs to retain their respective seats this time. For example, NDA has fielded the JD(U) sitting MP Dinesh Chandra Yadav from Madhepura. He is pitted against Kumar Chandradeep, an English teacher, who is contesting the polls for the first time. Similarly, in Supaul seat, JD(U) MP Dilkeshwar Kamait has been pitted against Chandrahas Chaupal, a debutant. While NDA candidate Kamait, a retired Railway officer, is seeking his reelection from the seat, the grand alliance has fielded Chaupal. Chaupal, an RJD MLA from Singheshwar Assembly constituency, is trying his luck for the first time to reach Parliament. In Khagaria, the NDA has nominated Rajesh Verma as its candidate while the CPM is fielding Sanjay Kumar. Both Verma and Kumar are trying their luck in in Lok Sabha polls for the first time. In Jhanjharpur also, the NDA has fielded JD(U) sitting MP Ramprit Mandal. He is pitted against Suman Mahaseth, a debutant in the general elections. A former MLC, Mahaseth is a nominee of Mukesh Sahani-led Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) which is a part of opposition Grand Alliance. In Araria, BJP sitting MP Pradip Singh has been nominated as an NDA candidate while Mohammed Shahnawaz Alam is contesting as Grand Alliance candidate. Shahnawaz, an MLA from Jokihat, is fighting the Lok Sabha polls for the first time. Shahnawaz had won the 2020 Assembly election on the ticket of Asaduddin Owaisis AIMIM but he later switched over to RJD. While JD(U) had won four seats, one had gone to BJPs kitty in 2019 Lok Sabha lections. Our top leaders are making all-out efforts to ensure victory of candidates on all the five seats in the third phase. We are convincing voters to vote in favour of NDA candidates to strengthen the hands of PM Narendra Modi, a BJP leader of Araria said. According to the state chief electoral officers office, JD(U) is contesting on three seats, BJP and LJP (Ram Vilas) on one seat each. On the other hand, the RJD is contesting three seats, CPM and VIP one seat each. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded five candidates. 19 Independent candidates are trying their luck.

Kerala: Climate change reality gets heatwave check

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Valerian Isaac, a traditional fisherman from Anchuthengu in Thiruvananthapuram, is deeply concerned about the impact of climate change on his livelihood and the overall quality of life. He used to enjoy his summer with the sea cooling down when folks in the town sweltered in the heat. The situation however has changed dramatically. The sea has warmed up significantly. Consequently, the fish have migrated to cooler waters away from the coast. Previously, we relied on good winds and occasional rains to alleviate the heat. But this summer has proven to be the toughest yet, Isaac said. With the dwindling catch, only a handful of fishermen dare to venture out into the sea in his area. And they are not the only ones suffering. Adverse weather has also affected autorickshaw drivers, tour operators, vegetable vendors and those in the construction sector. As the government considers imposing further restrictions on operations between 11am and 3pm, the livelihoods of even more sectors hang in the balance. Isaac, like many others, had not heard of the term El Nino, a climate phenomenon responsible for warming the sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean and often cited as a primary cause of harsh summers. However, he, along with the rest of the populace, has become acquainted with the term heatwave in recent times. Its sudden appearance in the vocabulary coincided with its confirmation in Palakkad on April 26, the day of the general elections. Such weather was once considered unusual, mostly associated with the traditional hot regions of the country. The India Meteorological Department first issued a heatwave alert in Kerala in 2016, the warmest year on record for the state, primarily focused on Palakkad. This year, the focus has again been on Palakkad which experienced scorching temperatures throughout April, with Thrissur following suit. Subsequently, heatwave alerts were issued for Kollam, Kozhikode and Alappuzha, as temperatures in these districts deviated from the norm significantly. A majority of those belonging to the fishing community in Perumathura in Thiruvananthapuram are spending their time under the shade of coconut palms. The reason being the roofs of their homes are made of asbestos and tin sheets, which increase the heat Weather experts assert the situation is similar across south and east India. An Asia-wide heatwave map published by international weather agencies depicts most countries in the region coloured in red. The temperature rise is attributed to global warming induced by climate change. The impact of El Nino exacerbates the situation, said D Sivananda Pai, senior scientist and ADGM of India Meteorological Department. According to him, the dry weather in Kerala has increased the temperature. In Palakkad, the relative humidity is now in the 30-40% range in comparison to the normal 60-80%. Thats why the temperature remains high. The condition is worse for people living in more humid areas as high moisture content does not help reduce body temperature, he said. Like this year, 2016 too was an El Nino year. While it was the warmest year in recent history, the damage, technically, was limited to a heatwave alert in Palakkad. What makes the conditions worse than 2016 is the absence of summer rain, especially in the northern districts, and the land use and land cover changes because of urbanisation, said Rajeevan Erikkulam, a meteorologist with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Weather experts pointed out the situation is likely to improve by the second week of May when summer rains are expected to be more regular. The El Nino effect is expected to be neutral during the time of monsoon, but the experts have a warning the next El Nino year could be much worse than 2024. What is heatwave? Qualitatively, heatwave is a condition of air temperature that becomes fatal to human body when exposed. Quantitatively, it is defined based on the temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or its departure from normal. Criterion for declaring heatwave Heatwave is considered to be in effect if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40Celsius or more in the plains, at least 30Celsius or more in hilly regions, and 37 Celsius or more in coastal regions. The departure from normal is 4.5 to 6.4Celsius. If the above criteria is met in at least two stations in a meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days, a heatwave is declared on the second day. A woman carrying a pedestal fan on a two-wheeler in Kochi. With mercury level going up, residents are opting for various methods to beat the scorching heat Heatwave prone states Heatwave generally occurs over the plains of northwest India and central, east and north peninsular India from March to June. It covers Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Sometimes, it occurs over Tamil Nadu and Kerala too. Impact of heatwave Water stress Health problems Livelihood problems Heatwave in Kerala First alert - Palakkad, in 2016 First alert - Kozhikode - 2020 First confirmation this year - Palakkad, on April 26 First alert in Alappuzha - April 30 Reasons for heatwave Global warming El Nino Absence of summer rain Urbanisation Number of days above 40 degrees Celsius in April in Kerala 2024 - 16 (15 in Palakkad) 2023 - 3 2016 - 14 1989 - 8

It's Lalu's daughter vs Laloo Prasad Yadav in Bihar's Saran Lok Sabha seat

Rohini Acharya faces Laloo Prasad Yadav challenge in Saran Lok Sabha seat. Yadav, RJP candidate, determined despite financial disparity. Labels like 'dharti pakad' do not deter him.

If Pawan contestsagainst NDA nominee,BJP will take action

Will serve people as son of Hajipur

Nadda: Lalus RJD stands forRishwatkhor Jungleraj Daldal

353 city hotels, coaching centres found flouting fire safety norms

2 held for sand smuggling

Relief in sight as Met office predicts rain on May 5 & 6

Misa calls PM old, getsslammed by BJP, JD(U)

2 killed in firing over illegal sand mining

Bihar on path of devpt: Min

Its Yadav vs Yadav in Madhepura constituency again

Woman gang-raped,killed in Sheikhpura

Online form submission for BEd entrance test from today