The ET GenAI Hackathon 2026 has announced the results of its Idea Submission phase, with the shortlist finalised after evaluating entries from more than 54,000 builders across India. Shortlisted teams now advance to the Prototype Development Phase
The fast-expanding war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has captured global attention largely because it is disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. Yet another resource is now emerging as far more critical to the survival of the region’s societies. Water
Indian technology stocks have seen an unprecedented rout over the past few weeks over fears of artificial intelligence upending the traditional outsourcing model that powers the country's $300bn (£223bn) back-office industry. The sell-off - part of a global correction in traditional software and
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday managed an easy victory in the biennial polls to five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, with its candidates including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin
Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, although striker Endrick found a spot. With this snub, Neymar’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup have received a massive blow
If one wants to explore the many debates and controversies surrounding the Congress and its role in shaping India’s political trajectory, there may soon be a new address in the capital to turn to. At 3, Safdarjung Lane, the official residence of Nishikant Dubey — the Bharatiya Janata Party MP
Chelsea have been handed a Premier League record fine of £10.75m and a suspended transfer ban. It was a result of the club making secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties over transfers between 2011 and 2018. But it could have been a lot worse
Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani on Monday penned a note to Muslim countries, questioning their lack of support for Tehran as the US-Israeli war is now entering its third week with no clear end in sight, disrupting global energy supplies and raising fears of a spike in global inflation
Nitish announces Rajya Sabha candidature, triggers speculation over successor
Nitish announces Rajya Sabha candidature, triggers speculation over successor
Nitish announces Rajya Sabha candidature, triggers speculation over successor
Kumar is expected to vacate the chief minister’s post only after the nomination process, election, and oath as a member of Parliament are completed
Published on: Mar 05, 2026 11:43 AM IST By Sanjeev K Jha Share via Copy link Nitish Kumar, 75, on Thursday announced his candidature for the Rajya Sabha as a Janata Dal (United) nominee, triggering speculation over who will replace him as the Bihar chief minister months after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept back to power in the state. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. (HT PHOTO) In a post X, Kumar expressed gratitude to the people of Bihar for trusting him for over 20 years, saying their support enabled him to serve the state with dedication. “The strength of your faith and support has helped Bihar present a new dimension of development and dignity,” Kumar said. He added that he had expressed his gratitude to the people on several occasions earlier. Kumar said that since the beginning of his parliamentary career, he nurtured a desire to become a member of both Houses of Parliament in addition to serving in both Houses of the state legislature. “In that sequence, I wish to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the election being held this time,” he said. Kumar reassured people that his relationship with them would remain unchanged despite the move. He said he would continue working with the people to fulfil the goal of building a developed Bihar. Kumar added he would extend full cooperation and guidance to the new government that takes charge in the state. Kumar has been the central figure in Bihar’s politics for nearly two decades. His shift to Delhi could reshape the ruling NDA in the state. Kumar is expected to vacate the chief minister’s post only after the nomination process, election, and oath as a member of Parliament are completed. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is widely expected to get the chief minister’s post. The BJP has long been the dominant partner in the alliance in terms of organisational strength and electoral performance, even though the top post in Bihar has remained with Kumar. BJP leaders are believed to have begun internal discussions and political assessments in anticipation of a post-Kumar scenario. The BJP leadership is expected to balance multiple factors while choosing Kumar’s successor. The decision will not only be about seniority but also about caste representation, coalition stability, and the broader political message the party wants to send. Caste dynamics continue to play a decisive role in Bihar’s politics, and any leadership change will take that into account. Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) are among the most influential social groups in the state. Over the years, the EBCs have largely been seen as supporters of the NDA. Political strategists believe that the next chief minister will come from a social background that reassures this important voter base and helps maintain the coalition’s social cohesion. Women voters are another important factor. In the 2025 election, women’s participation increased significantly, and welfare programmes targeting them were credited with boosting support for the NDA. Networks of women associated with self-help groups, popularly referred to as “Jeevika didis”, emerged as a strong pillar of the ruling alliance’s electoral support. The BJP is expected to factor in both caste arithmetic and expectations of women voters while picking its chief ministerial candidate. It may lead the government, but it will have to ensure that its allies back the arrangement. The JD(U) will continue to remain an important partner in the NDA and retain influence among several communities. Political observers say the BJP leadership is likely to look for a formula that preserves the coalition’s balance. Patna-based political observer Kaushalendra Priyadarshi said one possibility could be that the chief minister’s post goes to the BJP, and JD(U) continues to hold key government positions, including the deputy chief minister’s post. “Such an arrangement would help maintain stability within the alliance at a time when a leadership transition could otherwise trigger uncertainty,” he said. He said the Tejashwi Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is likely to attempt to capitalise on any dissatisfaction within the NDA, particularly if the leadership change creates friction among allies Another political analyst, Dhirendra Kumar, said that Kumar’s potential move to the Rajya Sabha may signal the beginning of a new chapter in Bihar politics. “For years, the state’s political equations revolved around Kumar’s leadership and his ability to manage shifting alliances. If he shifts to a national role, Bihar could enter a post-Nitish phase in which the BJP attempts to establish its own leadership while keeping the NDA coalition intact. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sanjeev K Jha In his reporting career of over 20 years, Sanjeev K Jha has covered bureaucracy, politics, ISI activities in border areas, music and Bollywood. Presently, he covers crime in the national Capital. National Democratic Alliance Bjp Nitish Kumar Rajya Sabha Check India news real-time updates, latest news from India, latest US Iran News Live South Africa vs New Zealand Live, at HindustanTime News / India News / Nitish Announces Rajya Sabha Candidature, Triggers Speculation Over Successor See LessNitish Kumar, 75, on Thursday announced his candidature for the Rajya Sabha as a Janata Dal (United) nominee, triggering speculation over who will replace him as the Bihar chief minister months after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept back to power in the state.
In a post X, Kumar expressed gratitude to the people of Bihar for trusting him for over 20 years, saying their support enabled him to serve the state with dedication. “The strength of your faith and support has helped Bihar present a new dimension of development and dignity,” Kumar said. He added that he had expressed his gratitude to the people on several occasions earlier.
Kumar said that since the beginning of his parliamentary career, he nurtured a desire to become a member of both Houses of Parliament in addition to serving in both Houses of the state legislature. “In that sequence, I wish to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the election being held this time,” he said.
Kumar reassured people that his relationship with them would remain unchanged despite the move. He said he would continue working with the people to fulfil the goal of building a developed Bihar. Kumar added he would extend full cooperation and guidance to the new government that takes charge in the state.
Kumar has been the central figure in Bihar’s politics for nearly two decades. His shift to Delhi could reshape the ruling NDA in the state.
Kumar is expected to vacate the chief minister’s post only after the nomination process, election, and oath as a member of Parliament are completed. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is widely expected to get the chief minister’s post. The BJP has long been the dominant partner in the alliance in terms of organisational strength and electoral performance, even though the top post in Bihar has remained with Kumar.
BJP leaders are believed to have begun internal discussions and political assessments in anticipation of a post-Kumar scenario. The BJP leadership is expected to balance multiple factors while choosing Kumar’s successor. The decision will not only be about seniority but also about caste representation, coalition stability, and the broader political message the party wants to send.
Caste dynamics continue to play a decisive role in Bihar’s politics, and any leadership change will take that into account. Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) are among the most influential social groups in the state. Over the years, the EBCs have largely been seen as supporters of the NDA. Political strategists believe that the next chief minister will come from a social background that reassures this important voter base and helps maintain the coalition’s social cohesion.
Women voters are another important factor. In the 2025 election, women’s participation increased significantly, and welfare programmes targeting them were credited with boosting support for the NDA. Networks of women associated with self-help groups, popularly referred to as “Jeevika didis”, emerged as a strong pillar of the ruling alliance’s electoral support.
The BJP is expected to factor in both caste arithmetic and expectations of women voters while picking its chief ministerial candidate. It may lead the government, but it will have to ensure that its allies back the arrangement. The JD(U) will continue to remain an important partner in the NDA and retain influence among several communities.
Political observers say the BJP leadership is likely to look for a formula that preserves the coalition’s balance.
Patna-based political observer Kaushalendra Priyadarshi said one possibility could be that the chief minister’s post goes to the BJP, and JD(U) continues to hold key government positions, including the deputy chief minister’s post.
“Such an arrangement would help maintain stability within the alliance at a time when a leadership transition could otherwise trigger uncertainty,” he said. He said the Tejashwi Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is likely to attempt to capitalise on any dissatisfaction within the NDA, particularly if the leadership change creates friction among allies
Another political analyst, Dhirendra Kumar, said that Kumar’s potential move to the Rajya Sabha may signal the beginning of a new chapter in Bihar politics. “For years, the state’s political equations revolved around Kumar’s leadership and his ability to manage shifting alliances. If he shifts to a national role, Bihar could enter a post-Nitish phase in which the BJP attempts to establish its own leadership while keeping the NDA coalition intact.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: PM Modi among proposers of Nitin Nabin’s candidature for BJP president Nitish Kumar to go to Rajya Sabha Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned over Congress rally slogans against PM Election Commission announces Rajya Sabha polls for 37 seats on March 16 BJP announces nine nominees for biennial Rajya Sabha polls Mallikarjun Kharge claims portions of Rajya Sabha speech removed without reason Congress tests state of ties with NC with a wish for Rajya Sabha seat in J&K BJP, allies to contest all three Rajya Sabha seats in Assam Opposition MPs walk out of Rajya Sabha demanding discussion on SIR AAP fields industrialist Rajinder Gupta for Rajya Sabha bypoll from Punjab
Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed strong displeasure over Dr. Asif Nazar being considered for the Lahorighat Assembly ticket, citing Nazar's alleged association with an individual charged in an attack on Bordoloi. Bordoloi wrote to AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh
5 hours ago
A sessions court in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in connection with a 2016 case in which seven Dalits were assaulted in the town of Una, The Indian Express reported. Additional Sessions Judge Jignesh Pandya of the court in Veraval
5 hours ago
It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. But it was perhaps a night to forget for Timothée Chalamet. As well as losing out to Michael B Jordan for best actor and One Battle After Another for best picture
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump on Monday said more than 30 mine laying ships of Iran have been destroyed which has affected Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “We are hammering their capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with more
5 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for March 17, 2026: A spontaneous moment could lead to a meaningful connectionLove Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:28 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Mars is pushing you to
5 hours ago
Dubai arrests Iranian drone strike survivors after they sent explosion photos to loved ones3 foreigner nationals who survived drone strike in Dubai have been arrested after sending photos of the explosions to family members. Updated on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
‘Firms need to move to adaptive, energy-efficient AI models’Sarah Hooker is convinced that the future lies in AI systems that use less computing power, cost less to run and can adapt to the needs of users. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:58 AM IST By Shweta Taneja Share via Copy link In the last
5 hours ago
Baghdad witnessed a significant drone and rocket attack on the U.S. embassy early Tuesday. This incident marks the most intense assault since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Iraqi security forces have heightened their presence across the capital. The Green Zone
5 hours ago
Russell Wilson trade update: Chiefs hand a shock to Giants QB with Justin Fields move Published on: Mar 17, 2026 5:03 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5 hours ago
![London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/chelsea-fined-and-faces-supended-transfer-ban-by-premier-league.webp?height=520)
London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment.In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of
5 hours ago
A Bengaluru-based cafe has drawn attention on social media after adding a 5 per cent “Gas Crisis Charge" to a customer’s lemonade order, sparking debate on social media platform X. The unusual fee, applied on a bill for two mint lemonades, has left many users amused and some questioning its
5 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using an older laptop? These Intel 13th Gen laptops show what modern performance feels likeIntel 13th Gen laptops bring improved performance
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. "We've requested that we delay it a month or so," he told reporters at the White House
5 hours ago
LDF ally ISJD, UDF ally RSP name candidates for four seats eachThe ISJD and RSP announced their candidates for Kerala Assembly polls, with ISJD's K Krishnankutty retiring from politics and RSP seeking assembly representation. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Operational strategies at work need refinementHoroscope Today: Read the astrological predictions for each zodiac sign based on an expert's guidance on March 17, 2026. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:19 AM IST By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
5 hours ago
Viswanathan Anand has defended Cyprus as the host of the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament, saying the island nation offers a high-quality setting for one of chess’ most important events despite concerns over regional tensions. Cyprus has been in focus due to its proximity to the evolving Gulf
5 hours ago
A parliamentary panel has flagged the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for surrendering nearly a quarter of funds sanctioned for Scheduled Caste welfare schemes. The committee found the ministry's inability to utilize allocated funds and its consistent budget scaling down at revised
5 hours ago
Fino Payments Bank clarifies the ongoing probe relates only to certain programme managers and merchants associated with multiple banks. Also Read :10 people dead after fire breaks out at Odisha’s Cuttack SCB Medical College; CM announces Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia assistanceFino Payments Bank clarifies
5 hours ago
When the daytime air feels like an oven and night brings no relief, people in Karachi, Pakistan, say the heat “goes straight to the head”. They mean more than dizziness or sweat. It’s the creeping panic of a body that cannot cool down: restless nights, frayed tempers, a household on edge
5 hours ago
Dozens of people are feared dead or injured at a drug treatment centre in Kabul, Afghanistan after an air strike that the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan. The hospital was hit on Monday evening, killing some people and injuring others, the government's spokesman said on X
5 hours ago
The report from Elara Capital said retail gasoline and diesel prices “could be fully protected through excise cuts until roughly $110/bbl, beyond which price hikes on diesel and gasoline would become inevitable”. Also Read :Fino Payments Bank Shares Fall To 52-Week Low Amid Probe Reports;
5 hours ago
Shocked Karan Johar reveals his 9-year-old son Yash's ‘business proposal’ as he wants to pay rent to him. WatchKaran Johar and his son Yash had a fun conversation as they discussed a business proposal. Watch their banter here. Mar 17, 2026, 06:00:58 IST By Ananya Das Share via Copy link
5 hours ago
Punjab Assembly session: House passes motion against LoP Bajwa over ‘band player’ remarkThe Punjab assembly condemned opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa for alleged derogatory remarks about a minister, leading to chaos and a walkout by Congress. Published on: Mar 17
5 hours ago
More than a thousand citizens in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil regions rallied on Monday, echoing calls for statehood and adherence to the Sixth Schedule. Leaders from the Apex Body Leh alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance expressed their discontent regarding the central government's stance
5 hours ago
Menstrual pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of being a woman. But when cramps become debilitating, interfere with daily life or are accompanied by chronic pelvic discomfort, they may signal something more serious. One such condition is endometriosis – a long-term disorder affecting
5 hours ago
Khushbu Sundar comes out in support of Trisha amid her viral pics with Vijay: ‘She is one of the most dignified women’Khushbu Sundar has addressed the online chatter surrounding the public appearance of Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, after the divorce petition filed by Sangeeta. Mar 17, 2026
5 hours ago
Rex Culpepper's fiancee pays sweet tribute after tragic bike accident death: ‘I don’t regret' Published on: Mar 17, 2026 4:55 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper died after an accident on Saturday (Instagram/Rex Culpepper) Rex Culpepper
5 hours ago
