President Trump announced the daring rescue of a downed American service member shot down over Iran, calling it one of the most daring operations in U.S. history. The "SAFE and SOUND" Colonel was recovered after being stranded behind enemy lines
Amid concerns that Indian news channels were sensationalising the conflict in West Asia, the Union government on March 6 directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council to suspend the publication of Television Rating Points for at least a month
Raj Kapoors century old haveli in Peshawar partly collapses after heavy rain and an earthquake, officials urge urgent restoration to save the national heritage site A portion of the historic haveli of legendary Bollywood actor Raj Kapoor collapsed in Peshawar reportedly due to recent heavy rains
The Ramayana is one of the two major ancient Sanskrit epics of India, alongside the Mahabharata. New Delhi: The Ramayana, one of India’s most revered epics, continues to offer timeless lessons that remain relevant even today. Traditionally attributed to sage Valmiki
Hrithik Roshan has urged audiences to "debate with awareness" following the mixed reactions to the VFX in the teaser for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. Mumbai: Days after netizens reacted with mixed opinions to the first teaser of Ranbir Kapoor-starrer 'Ramayana
Global developments continued to dictate market direction, particularly the evolving US-Iran conflict, which kept crude oil prices volatile and elevated. New Delhi: The Indian stock markets appear to be transitioning into a consolidation phase with high volatility and low visibility
April 5 Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot readings reveal about people born on this dayIf your birthday falls on April 5, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot Published on: Apr 05, 2026 11:00 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link If you were born on April 5
Indian-American congressional candidate cops backlash from both sides for Hindi videoJay Vaingankar's campaign video in Hindi has drawn criticism from both Americans and the desi community. Updated on: Apr 05, 2026 9:40 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link An Indian-American congressional
Election Commission reviews Bihar poll readiness, to announce dates next week
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners are reviewing poll preparedness in Bihar, with the assembly election schedule expected soon. They are balancing the festive season and political parties' requests for fewer phases, aiming to have a new assembly by November 22 for the high-stakes contest between major alliances and a new entrant.
New Delhi: Setting the stage for the announcement of Bihar assembly elections early next week, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the two Election Commissioners on Saturday began a two-day review of poll preparedness in the state.
The full commission held a series of meetings in Patna through the day, including with representatives of national and state political parties.
The schedule for elections to Bihar's 243 assembly constituencies is expected to be announced soon after the EC concludes its visit on Sunday evening.
Given the ongoing festive season, the Election Commission will have to carefully frame the poll calendar to balance voter turnout with law-and-order and security requirements. A new state assembly has to be in place by November 22.
Several political parties told the EC on Saturday that elections should be scheduled immediately after the Chhath festival and completed in "as few phases as possible," according to an official statement.
In 2020, Bihar assembly elections were conducted in three phases between October 28 and November 7.
With Diwali falling on October 20 and Chhath Puja to be observed between October 25 and 28, the festive calendar will overlap with the polls. The EC is expected to factor in these dates as it finalises the schedule for Bihar's 7.42 cr electorate.
The election itself promises to be a high-stakes battle. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in office for over a decade, faces anti-incumbency as the JDU-BJP alliance squares off against the RJD-Congress combine. Adding another layer to the contest is Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party, making its electoral debut.
Beyond political consultations, the EC on Saturday also held a "detailed and comprehensive review" of preparations with the state government machinery.
The EC held meetings with Commissioners, IGs, DIGs, DEOs, SSPs and SPs on every aspect of planning, including EVM management, logistics, polling station rationalisation, training of staff, law and order, seizures, voter awareness and outreach.
It said detailed instructions were issued to officers based on the suggestions made by political parties. The Commission also directed DEOs, SPs and the state administration to act with "complete impartiality".
All DEOs and SPs were further asked to monitor social media for fake news and respond swiftly, including with legal action if necessary.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar described political parties as "significant stakeholders of a strong democracy" and urged them to fully participate in the process by appointing polling and counting agents, according to an EC statement.
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faces Law made in 2023 to shield election commissioners as EC helps Modi-Shah Appointment of High Commissioners welcome as we rebuild ties Mamata Banerjee-led TMC delegation to meet Chief Election Commissioner on February 2 CEC Gyanesh Kumar calls post-election roll revision illegitimate amidst SIR controversy in Bihar CEC Gyanesh Kumar to review Kerala assembly election preparations in Kochi ED arrests ex-MUDA commissioner Dinesh Kumar Trinamool plans to bring motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar CEC Gyanesh Kumar threatened Bengal govt officers at meet EC rejects Rahul Gandhi’s charge against CEC Gyanesh Kumar as ‘baseless’
7 High-Protein Snacks for Office Desk: Tasty 4PM Hunger Solutions for a More Productive AfternoonThese 7 high-protein office snacks help beat 4PM hunger with healthy ingredients that keep energy steady during work. Updated on: Apr 05, 2026 10:50 AM IST By Tarishi Shrivastava Share via Copy link A
4 hours ago
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar economic engine, contributing significantly to India's economy and redefining the business of sport, according to a recent report by Kotak Mutual Fund. The report noted that the IPL ecosystem is currently valued at around USD
4 hours ago
Reports suggest that India was the only country to hold its ground and asserted that the IFD agreement could weaken WTO’s core principles. New Delhi: India has asserted itself at the international trade table, making it clear that it will not compromise on its principles
4 hours ago
Iran's central military command on Saturday (April 4, 206) rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to destroy the country's vital infrastructure if it does not accept a peace deal within 48 hours. General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, in a statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters
4 hours ago
US Israel Iran News Day 37: The Iran-Israel conflict intensifies on its 37th day. Iran attacks Kuwait and Israel faces missile threats from multiple directions. Strikes inside Iran cause civilian casualties. Former US President Trump issues an ultimatum which Iran rejects
4 hours ago
Hours after rumours about the health of US President Donald Trump spread online, similar speculation quickly turned towards former President Joe Biden on Saturday. Posts circulating on X claimed that Biden had been hospitalised at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or was dealing with
4 hours ago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Kerala that the government has ensured 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, and aims to implement it from 2029. He announced that Parliament will reconvene from April 16 to 18 to take forward the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
4 hours ago
A search is under way for a missing crew member after a US F-15 fighter jet flying over southern Iran was shot down on Friday. One of two crew members was rescued by US forces, but the search for the second continues, US media report. Iranian officials said the warplane was shot down by its air
4 hours ago
The war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran has sent shockwaves across international energy markets. With the Strait of Hormuz closed, countries across the world are facing fuel shortages. India has managed to secure its oil and gas tankers
4 hours ago
Come summer, mangoes take over our plates, but there’s always one question: should you eat them raw or ripe? While both are delicious, they offer very different health benefits. The answer isn’t about choosing one over the other; it is about knowing what your body needs.Come summer
4 hours ago
Cucumber Mint Lemonade Recipe: Zero Sugar Summer Cooler for Refreshing Hydration and Natural Detox DrinkCucumber mint lemonade is a zero sugar summer cooler made with cucumber, mint, and lemon for hydration and freshness. Published on: Apr 05
4 hours ago
Majuli islanders anticipate the completion of new bridges connecting them to mainland Assam, hoping for improved access to healthcare and easier travel. While welcoming development, residents also express concerns about potential influx of outsiders impacting the island's unique cultural and
4 hours ago
‘Nobody praised my hard work’: Microsoft employee on role of luck in corporate successA Microsoft employee said success needed both hard work and luck. Published on: Apr 05, 2026 10:25 AM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A woman working at Microsoft’s Hyderabad office has
4 hours ago
After finishing last in 2025, Chennai Super Kings rang in major changes to its squad ahead of this season. However, the fortunes haven’t changed on the field for the five-time champion, which suffered its second straight defeat of IPL-19 against Punjab Kings in Chennai on Friday (April 3, 2026)
4 hours ago
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has established a comprehensive framework designed to revitalize the nation’s long-format cricket capabilities over the coming decade. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has established a comprehensive framework designed to revitalize
4 hours ago
US President Donald Trump has threatened that "all hell would rain down on" Iran if it did not make a deal, an ultimatum that Tehran has rejected. Senior Iranian military officer, Gen Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, echoed Trump's rhetoric, saying "the gates of hell will open for you"
4 hours ago
IDBI Bank reported double-digit growth across key business parameters for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The bank’s total business rose 14% year-on-year to ₹6 lakh crore, compared with ₹5.29 lakh crore in the year-ago period. Total deposits increased 12% year-on-year to ₹3.47 lakh crore
4 hours ago
The official trailer for Toaster, a dark comedy starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, was released today. Mumbai: Netflix has dropped the official trailer of its upcoming dark comedy 'Toaster,' offering a glimpse into a chaotic narrative where frugality spirals into absurdity
4 hours ago
States that have stabilised their populations will not lose their Lok Sabha seats during delimitation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at an election rally in Kerala on Saturday. All states will benefit from a proposed increase in the size of the Lower House of Parliament, he said in Thiruvalla
4 hours ago
Easter is a festival to indulge in delicious treat that can be quickly made at home and enjoyed with family and loved ones. These Mini Egg Brownie cookies are the perfect Easter treat for chocolate lovers who want bakery‑style indulgence at home. These rich
4 hours ago
Iran is expected to have around 500 kg of uranium enriched to 60%. U-235 is the isotope of uranium conventionally used in nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors. Enrichment is the process of increasing the quantity of U-235 in the uranium mass. The rest will be U-238
4 hours ago
10 road trips from Bengaluru that are 'under 10 hours and actually feel like a vacation': Wayanad, Ooty to GokarnaWayanad in Kerala to Ooty in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri hills, here is why you should plan your weekend gateways from Bengaluru to these stunning destinations. Published on: Apr 05
4 hours ago
States that have stabilised their populations will not lose their Lok Sabha seats, and all States will benefit from a proposed increase in the size of the House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an election rally in Central Travancore in Kerala
4 hours ago
India’s pharmaceutical exports stood at over $28 billion up to February in the last financial year, registering a growth of more than 5% compared to the same period last year, a top official said on Saturday (April 4, 2026). K. Raja Bhanu, director general of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion
4 hours ago
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified its withdrawal rules, making it easier for members to access their savings. The revised framework reduces multiple categories into three broad groups and offers greater clarity on when and how funds can be withdrawn
4 hours ago
Bandhan Bank reported double-digit growth in advances and steady deposit accretion for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, according to its provisional business update. The bank’s loans and advances (including on-book and PTC) stood at ₹1.54 lakh crore at the end of the March quarter
4 hours ago
The Mumbai Indians (MI) are facing internal scrutiny and a search for answers following a disappointing six-wicket defeat at the hands of the Delhi Capitals (DC). The Mumbai Indians (MI) are facing internal scrutiny and a search for answers following a disappointing six-wicket defeat at the hands
4 hours ago
![New Delhi [India], April 5 (ANI): The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar economic engine, contributing significantly to](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/from-cricket-league-to-economic-giant.webp?width=120&height=70)
