Menu
Search
Home Blog Page 100

Bihar SSC to Begin Applications for 1481 Graduate Positions from August 18

By
Dhruv
-
0
Bihar
Bihar

The Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) has released a notification announcing 1,481 vacancies to be filled through the Graduate Level Combined Competitive Exam (CGL 2025). The online application window will be active from August 18 to September 17 on the official website bssc.bihar.gov.in.

Eligibility requirements including educational and technical qualifications vary by post. Interested candidates should refer to the detailed notification on the official portal for post specific criteria.

Applicants must be between 21 and 37 years of age as of the cut off date. Relaxation in the upper age limit will be provided to candidates from reserved categories as per government rules.

In the event that over 40,000 applications are received, the commission will conduct a preliminary screening exam using objective type questions to shortlist candidates for the mains.

BSSC will shortlist five times the number of vacancies from the preliminary exam for the main examination, for which a separate notification will be issued.

Preliminary Exam Details

Subjects Covered
General Studies
General Science and Mathematics
Mental Ability (Comprehension, Logic, Reasoning)

Format
Total Questions: 150
Marks per Question: 4
Negative Marking: 1 mark for each wrong answer
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Medium: Hindi and English (In case of any discrepancy, English version will prevail)

Candidates are permitted to carry textbooks one per subject from NCERT, BSEB, or ICSE boards only. Other materials like guides, handwritten notes, photocopies, or electronic devices are strictly prohibited in the exam hall.

Leaked Battery Details Hint at Ultra-Thin Design for Upcoming iPhone 17 Air

By
Dhruv
-
0
iPhone
iPhone

Speculation around Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air continues to build, with a new leak giving enthusiasts their first look at what could be its internal battery. The images, which recently appeared on the Korean platform Naver, show a battery claimed to belong to the iPhone 17 Air placed side by side with one for the iPhone 17 Pro.

The most striking feature is the battery’s form — measuring just 2.49mm in thickness and featuring an unconventional L-shaped structure. This design is much slimmer than typical iPhone batteries and noticeably thinner than the battery pictured alongside it, allegedly for the 17 Pro. Both batteries appear to have metal shielding, though this detail, like the rest of the leak, remains unconfirmed until official teardowns take place.

This revelation fuels ongoing chatter that the iPhone 17 Air might become Apple’s slimmest smartphone yet. Previous reports have hinted at a chassis slimmer than even the iPhone 6, with dimensions possibly falling between 5.5mm and 5.8mm — or potentially under 6mm altogether. Despite the thin frame, the battery is expected to be around 2,900mAh, which is on the modest side by today’s standards.

As for Apple’s broader plans, the iPhone 17 Air is believed to be part of a four-model lineup that will also include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The Air model is likely to take the place of the iPhone 16 Plus, similar to how Apple transitioned from the Mini to the Plus series in previous generations.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a new A19 chip (though not the A19 Pro), a single rear camera, and a price point that slots it between the base iPhone 17 and the higher-end Pro models. Official details remain under wraps, but if the leaks are accurate, Apple could be gearing up to launch its sleekest iPhone yet.

Punjab Chief Minister Says Crackdown on Drug Menace Nearing Completion

By
Dhruv
-
0
Punjab
Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday revealed that the state’s efforts to combat drug abuse have reached a pivotal moment with local community groups now taking center stage in maintaining momentum and safeguarding towns and villages from narcotics.

Speaking at a gathering of newly formed citizen led defence groups, Mann highlighted the progress made since the launch of the War Against Drugs initiative on February 4. He said significant ground has been covered in disrupting drug networks across Punjab and credited public cooperation as a key factor in the campaign’s success.

According to the Chief Minister, the infrastructure of drug trafficking in the state has been severely dismantled. To ensure these gains are permanent, the government has introduced grassroots defence teams designed to act as sentinels in the ongoing effort.

Each committee, Mann explained, will consist of four core leaders including the local sarpanch or ward councillor, a member of the anti drug initiative, a representative from the local administration, and a police official. Depending on the size of the village or ward, an additional 10 to 20 trusted individuals such as retired service members, educators, or respected locals will also be appointed.

Once approved by the local magistrate, these teams will receive official IDs and serve as a bridge between the community and law enforcement. Their duties will include monitoring drug activity, supporting rehabilitation for recovering addicts, and organizing education and awareness drives through outreach programs like street plays and school events.

Mann emphasized that neighbourhoods achieving total freedom from drug use will be publicly acknowledged and awarded by the government. He also noted that over 10,000 village meetings have already taken place with many panchayats formally pledging to eradicate drugs from their areas.

The Chief Minister also took aim at previous administrations, accusing traditional political parties of ignoring or even enabling the drug crisis. He claimed these governments allowed trafficking to flourish, forcing the current leadership to adopt defensive measures rather than purely developmental ones.

Without naming individuals directly, Mann pointed to recent legal action against a former minister suggesting that new evidence tied to drug related misconduct will soon be presented in court. His remarks were seen as a veiled reference to Shiromani Akali Dal’s Bikram Singh Majithia who was arrested in June on charges related to disproportionate assets.

Mann concluded by expressing confidence that this community based model paired with consistent political will could finally steer Punjab away from the shadow of drug dependency.

Top Court Set to Examine Petition on Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood Restoration on August 8

By
Dhruv
-
0
J&K
J&K

A fresh application pushing for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is scheduled for hearing by the Supreme Court on Friday August 8 according to Live Law. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan brought up the listing before Chief Justice BR Gavai requesting the matter remain on the docket. The Chief Justice agreed.

The date holds added weight. August 5 2019 marked the day the Centre revoked Article 370 stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and split it into two Union territories.

This latest application is tied to the already concluded constitutional case on Article 370. Though the court had upheld the revocation of special status in its December 2023 ruling it notably did not weigh in on the legality of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act following the government’s promise to restore statehood as soon as possible.

Nearly a year has passed since that commitment and the petitioners Zahoor Ahmed Bhat a college professor and activist Khurshaid Ahmad Malik are now urging the court to compel the Centre to act. Represented by Advocate on Record Ejaz Maqbool they argue that despite peaceful elections in the region no concrete steps have been taken.

The timing of this legal move comes alongside political rumblings. The Congress has announced it will mark August 5 as a black day staging a dharna to protest the 2019 downgrade of Jammu and Kashmir’s status.

Meanwhile high level meetings in Delhi including one involving Home Minister Amit Shah NSA Ajit Doval and other top officials have triggered speculation that the Centre may be preparing to act on the issue of statehood restoration. Neither the BJP nor government sources have offered any confirmation but the timing has raised eyebrows.

Bihar doubles honorarium for school cooks, night guards and PE instructors; move ties welfare to classroom outcomes

By
Sheetal Qazi
-
0

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a sweeping pay revision for support staff in government schools: the monthly honorarium for mid-day-meal (PM-POSHAN) cooks will rise from ₹1,650 to ₹3,300; for night guards in secondary and higher secondary schools from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000; and for physical education & health instructors from ₹8,000 to ₹16,000. The annual increment for eligible instructors also goes up (from ₹200 to ₹400). The decision, made public on August 1, 2025, is framed as a morale-booster for the workforce that keeps schools safe, nourished and operational.

Why this matters extends beyond payroll. School cooks are the backbone of PM-POSHAN, the world’s largest school feeding programme. Under central norms, cook-cum-helpers receive ₹1,000 per month for 10 months from the Union government; states top this up at their discretion. Bihar’s doubling of its state honorarium sharply lifts take-home pay above the central floor and could improve attendance and meal quality—both linked in research to better enrolment and learning time.

Scale is significant. The Union Education Ministry’s 2024-25 PM-POSHAN approval notes 2,45,316 cook-cum-helpers for Bihar. If all are covered by the state’s higher top-up, a back-of-the-envelope estimate suggests roughly ₹405 crore extra a year (₹1,650 × 10 months × 2.45 lakh CCHs), before any spill-overs to related costs. (Actual outlay will depend on the final number engaged and months paid.)

Improved safety and activity time are the other pillars. Doubling the honorarium for night guards addresses chronic gaps in campus security—especially vital for labs, kitchens and girl-friendly facilities—while better-paid PE/health instructors can expand sports and basic health sessions that were squeezed in many schools. Recent UDISE+ data show Bihar still trails the national average on several infrastructure metrics even as its pupil-teacher ratio has improved (PTR 30 vs India 24 in 2024-25), underlining why non-teaching support roles matter for day-to-day functioning.

The announcement also sits within a broader pre-election social-sector push. In June, Bihar raised social-security pensions—old-age, widow and disability—from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month; in August the government released ₹1,247 crore under the enhanced pensions. Minimum wages were revised effective April 1, 2025 (unskilled ₹424/day; semi-skilled ₹440; skilled ₹536; highly skilled ₹654), which provides context for pegging honorariums closer to prevailing wage floors.

Critics will see political timing; supporters call it overdue recognition. Either way, aligning compensation for cooks, guards and PE/health instructors with the real responsibilities they carry—feeding over a crore children, safeguarding campuses, and keeping students active and healthy—can bolster the “ecosystem” around classrooms that textbooks and teachers alone can’t create. If sustained and paired with investments in toilets, electricity, libraries and playfields where Bihar still has gaps, the pay hike could translate into tangible gains in attendance, safety and learning time. The proof will lie in delivery and monitoring across the state’s 94,000-plus schools.

Russia Warns Against Nuclear Talk Following Trump’s Submarine Decision

By
Dhruv
-
0
Russia
Russia's President Putin.

Amid tensions sparked by a verbal clash between US President Donald Trump and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Moscow has called for restraint on nuclear-related statements.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized Russia’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and urged all parties to avoid escalating rhetoric. “We believe everyone should be very, very cautious with nuclear rhetoric,” he said on Monday.

His comments followed Trump’s claim that he ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines near Russian waters in response to Medvedev’s remarks online. The former Russian president had warned the US against issuing ultimatums, calling it a dangerous path toward conflict.

The dispute emerged after Trump shortened his self-imposed deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine, stating from Scotland that he was frustrated with President Putin’s stance.

Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow, with the Kremlin noting the importance of such dialogue and hinting that a meeting with President Putin could take place.

EC Says No Record of Voter ID Shared by Tejashwi Yadav

By
Dhruv
-
0
Tejashwi Yadav
Tejashwi Yadav

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a formal notice to Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly and senior RJD leader, disputing his recent claim regarding his voter registration status.

Yadav had alleged during a Saturday press conference that his name was missing from the ongoing revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls. To support his claim, he displayed a voter ID and demonstrated a failed search for his name in the electoral database, suggesting he was no longer eligible to vote or contest elections.

However, the ECI has clarified that the voter ID number shown by Yadav RAB2916120 does not appear to be officially issued. In contrast, the Commission confirmed that Yadav’s authentic electoral entry remains intact. According to official records, he is registered at serial number 416 of polling station 204, located in the library of Bihar Animal Sciences University in Patna. The correct EPIC number tied to his registration is RAB0456228, the same ID he used in the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections.

The clarification was publicly shared by Patna’s district administration via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday afternoon. The notice included a copy of the draft voter list showing Yadav’s name, photograph, and relevant details.

Responding to the RJD leader’s accusations, the Election Commission described his claims as unfounded and misleading, reaffirming that his name appears in the most recent electoral roll published on August 1.

During the press conference, Yadav had connected his phone to a screen and searched for the displayed EPIC number, which returned no results. He then remarked that he was seemingly not recognized as a voter anymore and implied this could impact his right to contest elections or even reside in his home.

The ECI, however, called for greater care when making public claims about electoral processes, especially from senior political figures, as such statements could mislead the public and erode trust in the democratic system.

Hours After Joining BJP, Punjab Leader’s Residence Searched by Vigilance Bureau

By
Dhruv
-
0
Punjab vigilance bureau
Punjab vigilance bureau

Just hours after real estate developer Ranjit Singh Gill officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), officials from the Punjab Vigilance Bureau carried out searches at his residence in Chandigarh on Saturday. Gill is the owner of the prominent Gillco Group.

Commenting on the development, Gill’s legal advisor, LK Verma, called the raid unwarranted and politically motivated. “This is nothing new. The Aam Aadmi Party government has used similar tactics against other leaders in the past,” Verma told ANI. He cited previous instances involving BJP figures like Tajinder Bagga, alleging a pattern of political harassment. “It’s the AAP government’s strategy to put pressure on influential individuals so they remain aligned with their agenda,” he added.

Verma also noted the timing of the raid, emphasizing that it took place the day after Gill’s induction into the BJP. He stated that they are prepared to take all necessary legal action in response.

Separately, the Vigilance Bureau continues its anti-corruption efforts in the state. On July 23, the agency arrested Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Jagtar Singh from Sangrur district while he was allegedly accepting a ₹12,000 bribe. Singh, posted at Police Station Sadar in Sangrur, was caught red-handed by a VB team from Patiala following a complaint by a local resident.

According to the complainant, although he had already secured bail through the high court, the ASI demanded ₹15,000 to officially join the investigation. Additionally, the officer allegedly asked for ₹20,000 more to return personal equipment seized during a prior search.

The Vigilance Bureau verified the allegations and conducted a sting operation, during which Singh was apprehended while receiving the bribe, with two official witnesses present. A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the bureau’s Patiala range office, and further inquiry is ongoing.

Top Court Rebukes Rahul Gandhi for Questioning Indian Army’s Integrity

By
Dhruv
-
0
Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi

The Supreme Court on Monday heard Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s appeal challenging a May 29 order from the Allahabad High Court, which had declined to cancel a defamation case against him.

The case stems from Gandhi’s comments during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022, where he claimed that the Chinese military had occupied 2,000 square kilometres of Indian land, killed 20 Indian soldiers, and assaulted troops in Arunachal Pradesh.

A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih put a temporary hold on the lower court proceedings.

During the hearing, the bench questioned Gandhi’s counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, over the public nature of the remarks. “Why are such claims being made on media platforms or social media? Were you present there? On what basis was this figure of 2,000 square kilometres mentioned?” the judges asked.

Singhvi defended the statement, saying Gandhi exercised his constitutional right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a) and was attempting to draw media attention to vital national security issues. He emphasized that Gandhi’s role as a Member of Parliament does not strip him of this right.

The bench, however, did not appear fully convinced. “You are citing freedom of speech, but as a leader of the Opposition, is it appropriate to make such claims in times of cross-border tension?” the court asked.

The judges stressed that sensitive matters like this should be raised within Parliament rather than in public statements. “Why not speak inside Parliament? What is the need to post this on social media?” the bench remarked.

The court agreed to review several legal aspects of the case, including whether Gandhi was denied a chance to be heard before the summons was issued—a concern Singhvi said was overlooked by the high court. The bench also appeared willing to consider whether the complainant met the legal criteria to file a defamation case.

Representing the complainant, senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia opposed the stay and backed the trial court’s decision, but the bench decided it would consider all arguments after three weeks.

The case was filed by Uday Shankar Srivastava, a retired director from the Border Roads Organisation, who accused Gandhi of spreading false claims meant to tarnish the reputation of the Indian Army and lower troop morale. The controversial statement was made on December 9, 2022, in the context of the clash in Arunachal Pradesh’s Yangtse region.

Srivastava alleged that Gandhi made the remarks deliberately to mislead the public, despite an official army statement confirming that Chinese troops had been pushed back. He argued that the comments were not only misleading but also damaging to national morale.

The Allahabad High Court, in its May 29 ruling, said a clear case had been established and declined to cancel the summoning order issued on February 11. The court also dismissed the argument that Gandhi’s remarks were made in an official capacity, stating that no prior government approval was needed to pursue the case.

Nitish Kumar launches ₹574 crore development push in Muzaffarpur

By
Dhruv
-
0
Nitish Kumar
Nitish Kumar

Days before the upcoming Assembly elections, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar initiated a series of infrastructure and welfare projects totalling ₹574.16 crore in Muzaffarpur on July 31, 2025.

Among the key undertakings is the launch of a Railway Over Bridge (ROB) and approach road between Ramdayalu Nagar and Muzaffarpur railway station, with a budget allocation of ₹167.68 crore. Another significant project involves constructing a road linking Muzaffarpur-Pusa Road to the Chandwara bridge approach for ₹120.93 crore.

Kumar also flagged off road widening and upgrade initiatives, including the Chandni Chowk to Ramdayalu Nagar stretch (₹44.76 crore) and a 7-km enhancement from Chandni Chowk to Bakhri (₹89.77 crore). Several other local road improvement works were also greenlit during his visit.

At the Teacher Training College in Patahi, the CM engaged with social security pension beneficiaries, who expressed gratitude for the hike in monthly pension from ₹400 to ₹1,100. Tricycles were distributed to differently-abled individuals, and ₹1 lakh cheques were handed over to recipients under the Inter-Caste Marriage Promotion Scheme.

Domestic consumers in attendance also appreciated the decision to offer 125 units of free electricity per month under the Chief Minister’s Electricity Consumer Assistance Scheme. ASHA workers, meanwhile, thanked Kumar for tripling their incentive from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000.

During his interaction with Jeevika self-help group members, Kumar recalled the modest beginnings of SHGs in Bihar. He highlighted how his administration secured a World Bank loan in 2006 to promote SHGs across the state under the ‘Jeevika’ initiative. He credited Bihar’s model for inspiring a nationwide program later rolled out as ‘Aajeevika’ by the central government.

“Jeevika sisters are transforming lives in Bihar. We will continue supporting your efforts in every possible way,” he assured.

The CM, accompanied by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and other officials, also reviewed progress on the ROB at the Muzaffarpur Bypass. The 16.87 km-long project, costing ₹250 crore, has been largely completed except for the bridge itself. Kumar urged officials to expedite the remaining construction, anticipating smoother traffic flow through the city upon completion.

This visit follows up on commitments made during the Pragati Yatra on January 5, where Kumar reviewed the region’s development and pledged swift implementation of new schemes.

1...99100101...323Page 100 of 323

About us

At The News Grill, we're your trusted source for a diverse menu of news and insights, served hot and fresh daily. Our passionate team of journalists, writers, and experts covers a wide range of topics, from global headlines to local stories, technology trends, lifestyle, and beyond.

Usefull Links

The latest

Global Teaching Practices Reach Punjab Classrooms Through Partnership With Finland’s University of Turku: CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab 0
A partnership between the Punjab Government, led by Chief...

Basmati Centre of Excellence Planned in Punjab to Strengthen Crop Diversification: CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab 0
Punjab is moving toward a significant shift in agriculture...

CM Bhagwant Mann Invites Dutch Legend Bovelander to Engage With Punjab Athletes After Meeting

Punjab 0
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday connected...

© 2023 The News Grill. All Rights Reserved.