Shreyas Iyer returns to the BCCI's central contract list after a year of absence due to a fallout with the selection committee. Along with him, newcomers Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhishek Sharma make their debut on the list. These changes come after Team India's successful run at the 2025 Champions Trophy, where Iyer emerged as the top scorer. Other notable names include Ishan Kishan who gets a Grade C contract, and MS Dhoni hinting at bringing in younger players in the next IPL season.
In a strong condemnation of the Congress and RJD, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized their role in destroying Bihar and urged the state to vote for the development path of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Shah also highlighted the NDA's accomplishments in the state, including the allocation of Rs. 9 lakh crore for Bihar's development and the construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. However, RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav hit back, calling Shah the "hero of Gujarat's jungle raj" and questioning the BJP's contributions to Bihar's development in their 20 years of alliance with JDU. With the upcoming state polls, BJP and RJD are engaged in a war of words, setting the stage for a highly contested election.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has kickstarted a nationwide agitation against the Waqf Amendment Bill, with the first protest held in Patna. Muslim organizations from across the country are gathering in Gardanibagh, urging the government to reconsider the proposed changes in Waqf property regulations. Amid mounting opposition, the Central Government has called for a meeting with all Members of Parliament to discuss the Bill's provisions. The AIMPLB has also invited Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to join the protest in an effort to gain momentum and raise awareness about the potential consequences of the Bill on the Muslim community.
As Bihar marks its 113th state formation day, it is a time to celebrate the diverse culture and rich heritage of the state. From being a part of the Bengal Presidency to gaining its own separate identity, Bihar has come a long way. With leaders like Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the state's development, the future looks bright for Bihar. Let us join hands to make Bihar a shining example of progress and growth.
All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has taken to the streets of Delhi, demanding the withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Bill introduced by the government. Joining their protest is AIMIM Chief and MP, Asaduddin Owaisi, who strongly believes that the bill will not only fail to protect Waqf properties but also strip Muslims of their graveyards, Khanqahs, and Dargahs. The bill, which has gained opposition from leaders like Owaisi, Chandrababu Naidu, and Nitish Kumar, was referred to a joint committee of Parliament last year and has now been submitted with changes suggested by members of the ruling BJP.
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praises the sacrifices made by Mutyala, father of Nitish Kumar Reddy, stating that his sacrifices have helped India discover a "gem in cricket." This statement was made during an event commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Telugu cinema legend Akkineni Nageswara Rao, father of actor Nagarjuna.
Political leaders from Bihar, including Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, and RJD spokesperson Subodh Kumar Mehta, have welcomed the posthumous honouring of former Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi with the Padma Bhushan. The decision has been praised as a matter of pride for the state, as Modi was a dedicated and meticulous political worker who played an important role in the success of the Bihar turnaround. Even opposition parties such as RJD and Congress have acknowledged his contribution to the political landscape.
With the announcement of the Bharat Ratna award, considered the Jewel of India, close at hand, the air is rife with speculation on who the deserving recipients this year will be. In this annual tradition on the eve of Republic Day, names like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, industrialist Ratan Tata, and late Balasaheb Thackeray are being tossed around, along with others like Nitish Kumar, Naveen Patnaik, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and Jyotiba Phule. Instituted in 1954, this prestigious award is given to individuals for their extraordinary contributions, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender, and is shaped like a platinum-rimmed peepal leaf with the words "Satyameva Jayate" on its reverse side.
India will be without their all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and middle-order batter Rinku Singh for the second T20I against England, as the duo has been ruled out due to injuries. The BCCI has confirmed that Reddy sustained a side strain during practice, while Singh experienced a back spasm in the first match. All-rounder Shivam Dube has been called up as a replacement for Reddy, while Ramandeep Singh has been added to the squad. The BCCI is closely monitoring Singh's progress and he has been ruled out of the third game as well. The absence of these key players will be a blow to India's chances in the ongoing T20I series against England.
After a long and arduous rehabilitation process and knee injury, Mohammed Shami has been selected for the upcoming T20I series against England and will also be part of the Champions Trophy squad. He will not be playing all five games against England as he gradually works on his bowling load. A total of four spinners, including Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, have been picked for the 15-member squad, with Suryakumar Yadav selected as captain. The team has seen several changes from their previous series against South Africa, with Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, and Dhruv Jurel making their way into the squad.