Bihar is an Indian state which is located in the eastern part of the country. Bihar gained recognition as an independent state and became the constituent part of India in 1950. Covering an area of 36,357 sq. mi., it is the twelfth largest state by territory and the third-largest populous state in India. The state is bounded by Uttar Pradesh to the west, Nepal to the north, Jharkhand to the south and the northern part of West Bengal to the east.
Patna is the state capital of Bihar, with Hajipur, Barauni and Dalmianagar being the major industrial cities in the state.
Holy river Ganga is the major river that flows through the state which also splits Bihar plain. The three main cultural regions of the state are Magadh, Mithila and Bhojpur. Among several dialects, Bhojpuri, Maithili (recognised regional language under the Constitution of India) and Magahi are the major languages spoken by the people of the state.
Since ancient times (classical India), Bihar is regarded as the centre of culture, learning and power. Worldwide famous Mithila painting better known as Madhubani art is the traditional style of painting practiced in Bihar which depicts the association of human beings with nature. On the other hand, Mathili music represents the vibrant folk of the state.
In addition to this, the vibrant culture of the state is explicitly visible at the time of Chhath Puja, which is also known as Dala Chhath. It is a major traditional festival in Bihar which is celebrated with great pomp and show. Quite similar to the north Indian cuisine, Bihar’s traditional dishes include ‘litti chokha’, ‘khadi bari’, ‘sattu-paratha’, ‘ghugni’, ‘dalpitthi’ and more. Along with these some notable Bihari sweets are ‘balushahi’, ‘malpua’, ‘khaja’ and ‘thekua’.
Bihar attracts tourism due to religious significance as Hindu Goddess Sita is believed to be born in Sitamarhi (district of Bihar) and Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Other ecotourism sites of the state include Valmiki National Park, Kanwar Lake bird Sanctuary, Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary etc. Bihar boasts of the first Yoga University of the world, The Bihar School of Yoga.
A debate has emerged surrounding the Special Intensive Revision exercise after differing perspectives were voiced regarding the deletion of voters from electoral rolls. Supreme Court Judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan criticised mass disenfranchisement, terming arbitrary deletions unconstitutional and highlighting that voting rights remain central to Indian democracy under Articles 14 and 326. He warned that depriving citizens of voting rights reduces them to second-class citizens. Conversely, former Uttarakhand High Court judge Justice Lokpal Singh defended the Election Commission of India's revision process, citing concerns over fake voters and illegal infiltration in border states such as West Bengal and Bihar. The discussion comes as multiple public interest litigations and court benches monitor deletions, appeal mechanisms, and software errors impacting voter lists across several states.
This news broadcast covers key national and international developments, beginning with an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv following an alleged cockpit attack on the pilot, with security analysis from retired IDF intelligence officer Major Dan Feferman. Focus shifts to women's safety issues across India, examining violent assaults in Begusarai and Gaya in Bihar, a recorded assault in Bengaluru, and demonstrations by Delhi University students demanding functional CCTV cameras and enhanced security following recent sexual assault cases in the national capital. The report details protests organized by the opposition INDIA bloc demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. Additionally, coverage includes an Uttar Pradesh court convicting Muskan and Sahil in the Saurabh Rastogi blue drum murder case, the suspension of a Borivali restaurant's licence by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, and the rollout of Apple Pay contactless payment services in India.
Speaking after an INDIA bloc meeting, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the Election Commission of enabling vote manipulation in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Yadav alleged that the Special Intensive Revision process in Bihar was designed to manipulate voter lists, citing instances from his Raghopur constituency where living voters were declared dead. Targeting Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, he alleged that the commission functions under directives from the Prime Minister's Office and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Yadav claimed the election was rigged through administrative machinery and financial power, pointing to irregularities in voter turnout data and welfare disbursements on voting day. He endorsed the Congress demand seeking the resignations of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, asserting that constitutional independence has been compromised after changes to the election commissioner appointment panel. He reiterated demands for paper ballots and stated that opposition parties could consider boycotting elections as a last resort if a level playing field is not ensured.
The Election Commission of India has removed the additional Special Intensive Revision declaration from the online Form 6 application across states and union territories where the exercise has concluded. Fresh voter applicants in these regions will now only submit the statutory Form 6 prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The additional declaration has been pulled from the poll body's portal, mobile application, and chief electoral officers' websites. The move follows a clarification stating the additional requirement applied solely during the revision exercise. Internal differences had surfaced over the move, with Election Commissioners Vivek Joshi and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu objecting on grounds that a statutory form cannot be amended without altering relevant rules. The commission maintained the provision was temporary and upheld by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Congress Party termed the earlier modifications illegal and alleged unconstitutional deletions in Bihar and West Bengal.
The Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of recent rape cases in Delhi, noting that five rape cases took place within five weeks in the national capital. The court issued observations addressing failures in law enforcement and civic administration, stating that living without fear is a fundamental right and public spaces cannot become high-risk zones. Pointing out lax police patrolling and poorly lit roads, the court drew a parallel to the Nirbhaya case and sought a status report on safety schemes while ordering an audit of vulnerable areas. The developments follow incidents reported from Kalkaji in Delhi to Jamui in Bihar. An India Today ground reality check across public spaces and parks in Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Bengaluru highlighted issues regarding non-functional streetlights, lack of CCTV camera surveillance, and absent police patrolling after dark.
A political standoff has escalated between the opposition and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over the functioning of the Election Commission of India and calls demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Congress party launched protests across multiple cities, alleging match-fixing of elections and demanding that the CEC step down or turn approver. In response, BJP leaders, including Union Minister JP Nadda and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, accused the Congress of blaming democratic institutions and electronic voting machines for repeated electoral defeats. The BJP countered the opposition's claims by pointing out that Congress leaders in Kerala had previously praised the Special Intensive Revision process following their electoral win in the state. BJP leaders also highlighted state election outcomes where opposition parties emerged victorious, urging the Congress to self-introspect rather than discredit constitutional bodies.
The opposition led by the Congress party has launched nationwide demonstrations targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Protests were organised in multiple cities, including Srinagar, Patna, Jaipur, and the national capital Delhi. Demonstrators attempted to march towards the Election Commission headquarters, leading to heavy barricading and deployment of security personnel, including the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces. Water cannons and riot gear were deployed in several locations as protestors holding placards and shouting slogans attempted to breach barriers. Demonstrations were also reported outside the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress headquarters in Srinagar, where effigies were burnt, as well as in Jharkhand and Bihar at JP Golambar. Indian Youth Congress members and Congress party workers demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the poll body of bias and questioning the Bharatiya Janata Party over alleged vote theft. Party leaders stated that the agitation would continue across India until their demands are addressed.
The Congress party, alongside Left organisations, launched extensive protests across several cities including Jaipur, Patna, Srinagar, and New Delhi, demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In Jaipur, police deployed water cannons and erected barricades to prevent Congress demonstrators from marching towards the state secretariat and the Election Commission office. In Patna, Left affiliated groups clashed with security forces at Dak Bungalow roundabout while seeking to march towards the Chief Minister's residence, prompting the use of water cannons. In New Delhi, Indian Youth Congress workers were stopped by police and paramilitary barricades along Raisina Road during their march towards the Election Commission headquarters. Protesters accused the Election Commission of compromising institutional integrity and functioning at the behest of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. While Bharatiya Janata Party leaders defended the poll panel and dismissed the opposition's charges as baseless, opposition leaders pledged to intensify their nationwide agitation.
A special report on Postmortem investigates serious concerns surrounding the safety of young people and women in public spaces across India.
The Election Commission of India has refuted allegations of internal discord, presenting a united front following a key meeting at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, clarified that major decisions, including the Special Intensive Revision across states and union territories, were taken unanimously. The commission noted that orders concerning SIR in Bihar, West Bengal, and other regions received unanimous approval and referenced Supreme Court backing. Officials also addressed media reports alleging centralization of power and internal objections, confirming extensions for SIR processes to assist voters.
The Election Commission of India has clarified that all decisions taken by the poll body, including the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision across states and union territories, were unanimous. Addressing reports regarding letters written by Election Commissioners, the poll body stated that the communication addressed to the Cabinet Secretary was strictly administrative in nature, concerning the functioning of an officer on deputation, and not related to any policy matters or the oversight of the Information Technology division. The Commission noted that the Special Intensive Revision orders for 12 states and union territories on 27 October and for 19 states and union territories on 14 May received unanimous approval and align with directives upheld by the Supreme Court of India. Dismissing opposition allegations of an internal divide, the Commission affirmed that administrative feedback reflects healthy internal deliberation and adherence to rules, maintaining that the poll body remains completely united in conducting fair elections across the country.
On India First, anchored by Gaurav Sawant, political representatives and analysts debate opposition protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Congress national spokesperson Amitabh Dubey argues that the actions constitute an attack on the Constitution and democracy, citing internal dissent reports, lack of consultation, and maintaining that the opposition stands united on evidence-based allegations. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Siddharth Yadav counters the charges, stating formal dissents were never recorded when final decisions were reached, accusing the opposition of spreading unsubstantiated narratives, and challenging them to present proof before the courts rather than through press conferences. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party representative Abbas Haider questions the judicial immunity granted under the CEC Act and flags large-scale voter roll deletions. Political analyst Rajat Sethi weighs in on whether the disparate protests signify opposition disunity, state-level strategies, or issues that should be addressed through legal forums.
Congress party workers staged nationwide demonstrations outside State Election Commission offices, seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision and voter list modifications, facing police action and water cannons in multiple locations. The opposition prepared another notice for an impeachment motion against the CEC, while a plea was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the electoral roll revisions and seeking the reinstatement of the original Form 6. The Election Commission maintained that its ECI NET platform operates with decentralized access and cybersecurity protocols. The broadcast additionally covers women's safety concerns following harassment incidents in Bihar's Jamui, Samastipur, and Banka, alongside student protests in Delhi following assault cases near Kalkaji Mandir and Hindu College. It also examines the investigation into the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Vakode, where family members began a hunger strike at Azad Maidan alleging institutional discrimination, alongside healthcare guidance on blood pressure monitoring.
A reported internal rift within the Election Commission of India has triggered a political clash between the opposition and the government. Led by Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party and the INDIA bloc have launched nationwide protests demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition is preparing to move an impeachment motion against the CEC in both houses of Parliament, citing reported internal dissent by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over orders concerning the SIR exercise. Protest plans include marches to state election offices, gherao of the CEC's office in Delhi, and effigy burning by the RJD in Bihar. In response, the BJP dismissed the allegations, claiming the opposition is unsettled by anti-incumbency and the electoral revision process. NDA ally Chirag Paswan noted that the poll panel should address public concerns to preserve trust, while the Election Commission confirmed that its operational digital network remains secure with restricted access for authorised field officials.
A major political row has erupted following allegations of vote theft against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, are staging nationwide demonstrations outside state election offices, while the RJD announced plans to burn effigies of the Chief Election Commissioner across Bihar. Sources indicate the opposition bloc plans to pursue impeachment proceedings against the Chief Election Commissioner in Parliament. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the accusations, asserting that the opposition is unnerved by anti-incumbency and administrative electoral revision exercises. The Election Commission clarified that its internal digital platform is decentralized with restricted access for designated election officials and protected by cybersecurity measures. In Goa, Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Koyal faced scrutiny over the reported omission of ninety-seven verified voters from the electoral rolls. The broadcast outlined the constitutional procedure required for the removal of a Chief Election Commissioner.
A major political row has erupted over a reported rift within the Election Commission of India. The Bharatiya Janata Party attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks, sharing an older video of Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala acknowledging the benefits of the Special Summary Revision exercise in Kerala. The BJP accused the Congress of raising selective allegations only in states where it loses elections. Meanwhile, opposition parties intensified protests, with the Congress planning nationwide demonstrations and marches to election offices, while the INDIA bloc reportedly considers an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of vote theft, targeting top leadership. Amid the escalating controversy and concerns over voter data integrity, the Election Commission issued a clarification regarding its ECI Net platform, maintaining that it is a decentralised system accessible only to authorised officials like booth-level officers and district election officers through unique login credentials, backed by cybersecurity safeguards.
A special investigation on The Crime Scene examines the horrific fire aboard a double-decker sleeper bus on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida that claimed the lives of nine passengers. While initially perceived as an accident, details from the FIR reveal severe negligence: the bus driver, Pawan, and conductor, Yogesh, were reportedly smoking beedis and cigarettes inside the cabin, ignoring smoke alerts and passenger pleas before fleeing the burning vehicle. The investigation uncovers critical safety violations, including sealed emergency exits replaced by extra sleeper berths, flammable interior materials, blocked walkways, and the absence of glass-breaking safety hammers. The bus, owned by an individual in Madhya Pradesh, was registered in Bihar, possessed a Rajasthan fitness certificate, and had accumulated over 1.7 lakh rupees in unpaid traffic challans. Further ground checks across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh reveal widespread flouting of transport regulations and safety codes across long-distance private sleeper buses.
A probe into the fatal Greater Noida bus fire that claimed nine lives has uncovered widespread regulatory lapses across multiple states. Registered with the Transport Department in Madhubani, Bihar, the bus was owned by a resident of Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, and operated along the route between Kashmiri Gate in Delhi and Mahoba. Additionally, the vehicle obtained its fitness certificate from Rajasthan and its pollution clearance from Haryana. The vehicle was operating despite lacking mandatory safety provisions, including proper emergency exits, space for passengers, and compliance with partition regulations. Investigations further revealed flammable luggage transported in the boot and more than sixteen unpaid traffic fines totalling over 1.5 lakh rupees accumulated over eighteen months. Neither transport authorities nor traffic police intervened to seize the vehicle despite repeated violations. The tragedy raises critical concerns over systemic negligence, cross-state corruption, and the lack of oversight by enforcement agencies.
A ground investigation across sleeper buses operating between Delhi, Bihar, Indore, and Jaipur reveals critical violations of passenger safety norms. In buses travelling from Delhi to Bihar, designated emergency exits were found completely sealed with nuts and bolts, making escape during emergencies nearly impossible. Crucial safety equipment like glass-shattering hammers was absent, and fire extinguishers were either inadequate or improperly maintained. A similar situation was exposed in sleeper buses arriving in Jaipur from Indore, where emergency doors were blocked by sleeper berths or welded shut, and fire cylinders were stowed away inside luggage compartments instead of being mounted. The report highlights severe negligence by operators and enforcement lapses by transport authorities.
A lawyer slapped a man accused of molesting a minor girl in Bihar’s Jamui after he was produced in court on Wednesday. The accused, Hareram Yadav, was being escorted by police when lawyer Akash Pandey approached him and slapped him on the court premises.
