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Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar’s switching over again to join BJP after ditching INDIA Bloc has inspired two sets of reaction – first, BJP and NDA will have significant political gain as their leaders have claimed; secondly, it was a good riddance for INDIA bloc which would have greatly suffered with a leader having lost face and too much anti-incumbency, as TMC leader Mamata Banerjee believed. Both the claims seem to be too simplistic to be true in tremendously increased political complexity not only in Bihar but across the country. It seems just the beginning of the pre-poll political game which is likely to continue until the post-poll formation of the government.

On Sunday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar threw a bomb shell by leaving the ruling Mahagathbandhan in Bihar and returning to the N.D.A. coalition. He also quit the opposition coalition which he had built eight months ago. This dismantling of the bloc has dealt a significant blow to the I.N.D.I.A. bloc at the national level. They missed the slim chance of defeating the B.J.P. in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Inside Rajbhawan in Patna, the three storied building in Palladian form built by the New Zealand architect, has been witness to the crude form of intrigue during last four days. While Nitish Kumar was taking oath of chief minister for ninth time in succession, outside the palatial structure, just beneath the statute of India’s first president, known for his commitment to probity in public life and strict adherence to truth, the people assembled there did not hesitate in using filthy words against the chief minister and forecast this fifth desertion will witness his political demise.

There is yet another Nitish Kumar-Modi/Shah government in Bihar, and questions are being asked why Modi-Shah went back on their word to never align with Nitish Kumar after the last time he broke up with the BJP in 2022. Whatever happened, why the sudden need for Nitish Kumar’s much lent shoulder? Of course, there are the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, but could it be the threat to the BJP from the INDI-Alliance and Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’? Could it be fear of the expected ‘Manipur’ backlash; perhaps, the fear of a total ‘South’ white-wash? Could it be apprehensions of losing the majority? Maybe, the “400+ seats” will turn out to be a pipedream?

For developing countries struggling economically to contain rising fuel, food and import costs in the post Ukraine war period, one positive sign of the times is that West-sponsored economic sanctions may not be as damaging as before. The experience of Russia and new emerging alignments within the world order suggest that no other country may face the kind of economic crippling that Cuba has had to endure for decades, mainly under unrelenting US pressure.

On January 25, Kenneth Eugene Smith made history as the first person to be executed using nitrogen hypoxia. Smith was found guilty in 1989 for the murder of Elizabeth Sennett, the wife of an Alabama preacher, allegedly acting under her husband's instructions. Initially, Alabama attempted to execute Smith through lethal injection in November 2022, but the procedure failed. As a result, Smith opted for the untested method of nitrogen hypoxia for his execution. However, this decision has sparked controversy, as Alabama maintains that nitrogen hypoxia is a painless and swift method of death, while numerous medical experts disagree, comparing it to torture. The question remains: why did Alabama approve the use of this unproven method?

Announcement of fencing of India's entire border with Myanmar marks end Free movement Regime(FMR). It came into effect in 2018 allowing people in both sides of the border to travel up 16 kilometres into the other country sans visa.

Born on October 17, 1955, and tragically lost on December 13, 1986, Smita Patil’s legacy shines even brighter as the years pass Today, we not only celebrate her artistic brilliance but also the social consciousness she brought to her roles. The 30th anniversary of her iconic film "Mirch Masala" falls shortly after, on February 8. This fiery masterpiece, featuring Patil's unforgettable performance as the rebellious Sonali, remains a potent reminder of her ability to challenge societal norms and give voice to the struggles of marginalized women.

New Delhi: India overpowered South Africa 6 -3 to set up title clash with the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup in Muscat.

New Delhi: India continued their unbeaten run on the tour with a dominating 3-0 win over the hosts South Africa in Cape Town.