ديجيتال فابلت

الوسم: Bihar

  • Indian police fire water cannons at fresh protest over exam leaks

    Indian police fire water cannons at fresh protest over exam leaks

    Police in India’s eastern Bihar state used water cannons and detained dozens of protesters on Tuesday as they attempted to march toward the governor’s residence, demanding the cancellation of a civil service exam amid allegations of leaked questions and irregularities.

    The Bihar Public Service Commission exam, a highly competitive state-level test, is held to recruit officers for the local administration. The protests stemmed from the exam conducted in December 2024, for which over 300,000 candidates appeared vying for 2,000 positions filled in June after two rounds of testing and interviews, according to local media reports.

    Although the state government has denied widespread question paper leaks, it ordered a re-test at one center at the time. Footage from news agency ANI showed hundreds of protesters in Patna breaking through police barricades before water was sprayed to disperse the crowd. Images also depicted protesters being loaded into police buses that then departed from the scene.

    Senior police officer KS Anupam told Reuters that the protests have now subsided and the demands have largely been addressed. Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari stated that the government had responded to students’ concerns, emphasizing that the possibility of dialogue remains open.

    India has seen increasing protests related to exam misconduct since the weeks-long youth demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) forced the resignation of the federal education minister in July. Similar protests recently occurred in neighboring Jharkhand, resulting in the cancellation of civil service exams there.

    The CJP has announced plans for a peaceful march in New Delhi next month to protest alleged government failures, including promises to withdraw police cases against protesters.

  • Amnesty Reports Excessive Police Force During Indian Protests

    Amnesty Reports Excessive Police Force During Indian Protests

    Protesters clashed with police during a Bihar Bandh protest demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recent NEET exam paper leaks in Patna, India, on July 25, 2026. — Reuters

    – A court has established a panel to investigate violent incidents during the protests.
    – Authorities deployed pellet guns, tear gas, and batons against demonstrators.
    – Reports indicate that the use of weapons violated international laws and police guidelines.

    Amnesty International reports that Indian police employed excessive force, including electric shock devices and pellet guns, against youth-led protests that led to the resignation of the education minister last month. Their findings contradict police claims that force was only used in response to protesters’ violence. The Indian Supreme Court recently formed a committee to investigate violence involving both police and demonstrators.

    The protests in New Delhi began over the leak of the national medical entrance exam and turned violent on July 20, as thousands tried to march towards Parliament. Amnesty’s verified evidence and witness testimony confirm that police used “pellet-firing shotguns, tear gas launchers, grenades, batons, and electric shock devices” against protesters in Delhi and Bihar.

    Additionally, Amnesty documented two cases in Bihar’s Siwan district where police unlawfully used lethal force against crowds; no fatalities were reported. The organization emphasizes that these weapons were used in a manner that breaches both international standards and domestic policing guidelines.

    While there were isolated instances of protesters throwing stones, Amnesty asserts that the heavy-handed police response was a form of state-sanctioned violence disguised as crowd control. Delhi Police claimed during a recent Supreme Court hearing that they only used force after protesters resorted to violence and that some individuals posing as students caused serious injuries to officers.

    Last Friday, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi staged a sit-in outside a Delhi police station with a 19-year-old protester who reported being injured by pellets during the July 20 clash. Gandhi called for an investigation into the shooting; police subsequently filed a case related to the complaint.

    What began as protests over exam irregularities has expanded into a broader movement addressing unemployment, youth opportunities, and concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s increasingly authoritarian leadership. These protests represent the most significant challenge Modi has faced since his third term began in 2024.

  • Indian CM controversially pulls down Muslim woman’s hijab at event

    Indian CM controversially pulls down Muslim woman’s hijab at event

    A recent incident in India highlights ongoing tensions around religious inclusivity. During an official event in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was photographed removing the hijab of a newly hired Muslim doctor. The event took place at CM’s secretariat, where appointment letters were being distributed to new doctors. When the woman approached to receive her letter, Kumar, 75 years old, looked at her and questioned, “What is this?” before pulling down her hijab. An official nearby quickly pulled her aside in response.

    This act sparked a wave of outrage among minority communities nationwide and drew fierce criticism from political opposition, notably the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The Congress publicly condemned Kumar’s behavior, labeling it as “vile” and shaming his conduct as inappropriate towards a female professional. The RJD questioned Kumar’s mental health, suggesting his actions reflected a disturbing mental state.

    India has seen a troubling rise in hate crimes against religious minorities, especially during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. A recent U.S. report recommended classifying India as a “country of concern” due to rising religious prejudice and violations of religious freedoms. The report pointed out systemic discrimination driven by the RSS and BJP’s Hindutva ideology, emphasizing that these extremist policies promote Hindu nationalism. Historically, the RSS has been involved in violent acts targeting minorities, including Muslims and Sikhs, over several decades.

  • Modi’s Alliance Poised to Dominate Hindi Heartland Vote

    Modi’s Alliance Poised to Dominate Hindi Heartland Vote

    Supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrate as early results indicate the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading in the Bihar state assembly elections in Patna, India, November 14, 2025. — Reuters

    – Securing Bihar, the third-most-populous state with nearly 130 million residents, is vital.
    – Modi’s coalition is significantly ahead of the 122-seat majority threshold in Bihar.
    – The outcome is expected to bolster Modi’s position following a disappointing national election loss in 2024.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling alliance appears poised to maintain power comfortably in Bihar, according to vote tallies on Friday. This victory offers a political boost after last year’s setback at the national level.

    Winning Bihar is critical because it is India’s third-largest state by population and ranks fifth in parliamentary representation. Control here enhances influence in the Hindi heartland and can shape national political narratives.

    Data from India’s Election Commission shows Modi’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leading in over 170 seats, vastly surpassing the 122 needed for a majority. The TV network NDTV reported a lead in 191 seats, indicating a potential gain of 69 seats from the previous election.

    “Bihar’s sentiment is unmistakable!” BJP tweeted on X. “The people demand development—no longer jungle rule. Good governance is the goal!”

    This result marks a turnaround for Modi, who lost his parliamentary majority last year and depends on allies to stay in power. Since then, his party has regained ground, winning key state elections.

    Analysts highlighted Modi’s recent transfer of approximately $853 million (₹75 billion) to women in Bihar via an employment program as a key factor in the electoral shift. Women in India have increasingly participated in voting over the past decade, with parties actively courting their support. Historically, male voters outnumbered women at polling stations.

    Bihar election observer Amitabh Tiwari, who traveled through the state during the two-phase election on November 6 and 11, noted that women voters seem to be tipping the scales in Modi’s favor more than in previous elections.

    A VoteVibe survey this week showed Modi’s alliance capturing about 48.5% of the female vote—more than 10 percentage points higher than the main opposition bloc.

    Upcoming elections are scheduled for states such as Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. Currently, the BJP holds power only in Assam among these regions.

  • Modi Confronts Pivotal Election in India’s Poorest Region

    Modi Confronts Pivotal Election in India’s Poorest Region

    Bihar votes in two rounds, on November 6 and 11. Election results are expected by November 14, according to election officials. The residents of Bihar, numbering around 130 million, are mostly concerned about financial issues.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP is aiming to leverage economic promises to sway voters and secure a full majority. A victory here could energize the party’s prospects in other crucial states before next year’s elections.

    Bihar, India’s third most populated state—comparable to Mexico—is a key battleground. It is the only primarily Hindi-speaking state in northern India where Modi’s Hindu nationalist BJP has yet to govern solo.

    For household helper Rajkumari Devi, supporting her family depends on her husband’s daily wages as a laborer in Muzaffarpur. On good days, he earns about 400 to 500 rupees (roughly five dollars).

    “There’s no stability,” the 28-year-old said from her small home overlooking farmland. “Sometimes he doesn’t find work for days, and we have to stretch our limited funds. Unemployment is widespread here.”

    According to India’s NITI Aayog, Bihar has the highest poverty rates nationally, with a GDP per capita of INR 52,379—just slightly better than countries like the Central African Republic.

    However, the state has shown improvements over the past decade. Last year, data indicated that the share of people living in multi-dimensional poverty—lacking in health, education, or living standards—declined from over half in 2016 to about one-third in 2021.

    In September, Modi announced plans for $8 billion in investments, including upgrades to railways and roads, new agricultural initiatives, and a new airport terminal. He also introduced an $844 million project to assist women entrepreneurs, providing 7.5 million women with INR 10,000 cash transfers.

    The BJP, allied with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) as part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance, faces stiff competition from the opposition. During a rally in Patna on Sunday, Modi urged voters to “support the NDA,” emphasizing the importance of their backing.

    A BJP victory could strengthen its position in other states controlled by opposition parties, such as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, according to analysts.

    “This election will reveal if the BJP can form a government on its own,” said political expert Pushpendra, who uses only his first name. “A win could also boost their momentum in other regions.”

    Voting is scheduled in two phases—November 6 and 11—with results anticipated on November 14.

    The opposition alliance, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, presents a formidable challenge.

    Supporter Mudassir, a 25-year-old student, expressed mixed feelings, saying, “It’s okay if he doesn’t win big this time. We’ll see what happens.” Meanwhile, former BJP strategist Prashant Kishor has launched a new party, Jan Suraaj (People’s Good Governance), to contest the election.

    Supporters of Yadav’s campaign brought him garlands as he arrived in Darbhanga and pledged to create “a new Bihar” with promises of one government job per family.

    Voters’ choices will likely depend on which party is perceived as most capable of improving their lives. Many, like 30-year-old Vikash Kumar, consider employment the top priority. Having left Bihar ten years ago seeking work elsewhere, Kumar still struggles to find steady income. “If industries could be established here, people wouldn’t go hungry,” he said. “They could earn, live comfortably, and feed their families.”

  • Lightning Fatalities: 33 Lives Lost in Eastern India

    Lightning Fatalities: 33 Lives Lost in Eastern India

    Lightning strikes illuminate the overcast sky during monsoon storms in Patna on July 16, 2025. — AFP

    PATNA: This week, lightning strikes associated with monsoon storms in eastern India have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 33 individuals, with many more injured, officials reported on Friday.

    The fatalities occurred in Bihar amid severe storms that swept through the region from Wednesday to Thursday, according to a statement from the state disaster management department. Most of the victims were farmers and laborers working outdoors.

    Forecasters predict additional heavy rain and lightning for various areas of the state.

    Bihar’s disaster management minister, Vijay Kumar Mandal, informed AFP that officials in high-risk districts were instructed to “raise awareness about taking precautionary measures following a lightning alert.”

    The state government has offered compensation of 4 million rupees (approximately $4,600) to the families of those who lost their lives due to lightning strikes.

    According to state officials, at least 243 people died from lightning in 2024, with 275 fatalities the previous year.

    Annual floods in India’s eastern region, including Bihar, commonly lead to numerous deaths and displace hundreds of thousands during the peak monsoon season.

  • PM Modi Addresses Pahalgam Attack’s Culprits and Supporters

    PM Modi Addresses Pahalgam Attack’s Culprits and Supporters

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in Bihar state on April 24, 2025. — Image from Facebook/@narendramodi

    • Attackers will face unimaginable consequences: Modi.
    • Indian Prime Minister pledges to pursue justice vigorously.
    • He states that the nation will find, track, and punish those involved.

    NEW DELHI: On Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to take action against those who supported and carried out an attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of India-controlled Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in over two dozen lives lost.

    “I say to the entire world: India will identify, track, and hold accountable every terrorist and their supporter […] We will chase them to the ends of the Earth,” PM Modi declared during an address in Bihar.

    The shooting at the popular tourist destination on Tuesday marked the deadliest assault on civilians in the disputed Muslim-majority area since 2000. This incident has escalated diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, with India accusing Pakistan of facilitating “cross-border terrorism” and subsequently downgrading diplomatic relations through various measures.

    In response to the incident, despite Pakistan’s strong denial of involvement, Modi’s government has suspended the Indus Water Treaty and prohibited entry for Pakistani nationals.

    Additionally, New Delhi has ordered the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari and required military, naval, and air attaches from the Pakistani High Commission to exit the country within a week, declaring them as persona non grata.

    Pakistan, recalling its own advisers, has also decided to reduce its diplomatic staff in India from the current 55 to 30 by May 1—the same deadline for Pakistani nationals to depart.

    During his first public address since the attack, Modi stated: “Let me be clear: those who carried out this attack and those who masterminded it will face severe consequences.” He emphasized, “They will absolutely pay for what they’ve done. Any territory these terrorists occupy will be turned to dust. The determination of 1.4 billion Indians will crush these terrorists.”

    Ending his speech with a rare moment in English directed at an international audience, Modi asserted, “Terrorism will not go unpunished,” and added, “Every effort will be made to ensure justice prevails.”

    His comments coincide with reports that India has summoned the chief Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi to formally inform that all defense advisers in the Pakistani mission are declared persona non grata and must leave within a week.

    As PM Modi seeks justice, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is holding a high-level National Security Committee meeting with key civilian and military leaders to discuss their internal and external security concerns in light of New Delhi’s swift decisions and actions.