The Patna High Court has annulled the Bihar government’s notification that increased reservation for backward classes, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes in government jobs and educational institutions from 50% to 65%. The court ruled on petitions challenging the constitutionality of the increase, citing exceeding legislative authority.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, highlighting its significance as a symbol of India’s educational heritage and its potential to shape the future. He emphasized the university’s commitment to promoting education beyond borders and its role in reviving India’s position as a global knowledge hub.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Bihar’s Rajgir on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the revival of this ancient institution. The event was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and ambassadors from 17 nations, highlighting the university’s global reach and commitment to academic excellence. The new campus, a modern testament to the legacy of the original Nalanda University, boasts advanced facilities and a focus on sustainable development, poised to attract students from across the world.
Students at a government engineering college in Banka, Bihar, fell ill after finding what appeared to be snake pieces in their dinner. The incident sparked outrage and prompted the college administration to take swift action, including replacing the food vendor and implementing a new food safety rule. This incident comes amidst a string of similar food safety concerns across India, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and vigilance.
A boat carrying devotees capsized in the Ganga River in Bihar’s Barh on Sunday, leaving six people missing. The incident occurred near Umanath ghat while the boat was carrying 17 people, mostly from a single family, to Diara. Search and rescue operations are underway involving local authorities, police, and the state disaster relief force.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heatwave conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, June 16, while an orange alert predicts heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in parts of Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana. Heatwave conditions are likely to persist in several parts of Uttar Pradesh until June 18, with isolated pockets of heatwave in Bihar and Jharkhand on June 16. Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon is expected to advance into additional parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Northwest Bay of Bengal, Gangetic West Bengal, and Sub Himalayan West Bengal in the next 4-5 days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and Meghalaya, with extremely heavy rainfall possible in parts of Meghalaya and Assam. Scattered light to moderate rainfall is predicted for Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha in the next four days.
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has revised the dates for the Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-3.0) to July 19-22, 2024, following a High Court directive allowing guest teachers to participate. The exam was previously canceled due to a question paper leak and had been scheduled to be held from June 27-30, 2024. The BPSC is also conducting the TRE-4.0 exam in August 2024 and has revised the schedule for the Head Teacher and Principal exams to avoid conflicts with other exams.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh has criticized Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav’s claims that no important ministries were given to leaders from Bihar in Narendra Modi’s Council of Ministers. Singh stated that the people of India and Bihar have entrusted Yadav with a ‘jhunjhuna’ (rattle toy), hence his remarks. Singh defended the portfolio allocation of the new Union Council of Ministers, emphasizing that it was based on specific reasons beyond Yadav’s comprehension. He urged Yadav to continue playing with his ‘jhunjhuna’ and avoid making such statements.
A major fire broke out on Thursday in several coaches of a passenger train running from Patna to Jharkhand in Bihar. The blaze produced large clouds of smoke, as seen in a video shared by ANI news agency. Firefighting efforts are currently underway to extinguish the flames. Further details are still pending.
A major shakeup in the Indian bureaucracy is expected as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal United (JDU) emerge as key players in government formation. Bureaucrats from Andhra Pradesh and Bihar cadres may receive prominent postings, reflecting the influence of these parties in the new alliance government. This follows a common practice where ruling party leaders often bring along trusted officers who have served closely with them.
