Times of India

Bihar's ruling party, JDU, anticipates Nishant Kumar's political debut as his father, Nitish Kumar, prepares to step down. This move aims to reassure party workers and maintain the JDU's traditional support base, particularly among the Kurmi community. Nishant, an engineering graduate, is reportedly being considered for a Deputy Chief Minister role, signaling continuity as Nitish shifts to the Rajya Sabha.

Nitish Kumar exits Bihar CM post after two decades, sparking political upheaval. Known for his strategic alliances and ideological shifts, Kumar carved a unique niche as an OBC leader focusing on "Mandal-plus" policies and women's welfare. His political maneuvering, including caste-based strategies and welfarism, sustained his dominance for years.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dedication to citizen welfare. Carney highlighted Modi's focus on direct delivery of programs to ordinary Indians. He also noted Modi's relentless work ethic, stating he has not taken a day off in 25 years. Carney's remarks followed recent meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

India's fertilizer supply faces potential disruptions for the upcoming kharif season if the Strait of Hormuz blockade persists. While current stocks are healthy, reduced LNG imports for urea production could impact output. Rising global prices due to shipping route blockades may also increase government subsidy expenses.

Nepal's Gen Z voters turned out in large numbers for snap parliamentary elections, a significant development following September protests that reshaped the country's politics. Despite logistical challenges in the mountainous nation, preliminary turnout exceeded 60%, with young activists viewing election day as the next phase of their movement for change and accountability.

Priyanka Chopra is set to present at the upcoming Oscars on March 15. The star-studded event will also feature presenters like Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, and Will Arnett. 'Sinners' leads this year's nominations with a record 16 nods, while performances of nominated songs 'Golden' and 'I Lied to You' are confirmed.

Prime Minister Modi held discussions with French President Macron, emphasizing a return to dialogue and diplomacy for the West Asia region. Both leaders committed to close engagement and coordinated efforts to restore peace and stability. Concurrently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Oman, underscoring India's active diplomatic outreach.

Iran's foreign minister has warned of severe repercussions after a US submarine torpedoed the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in international waters, resulting in 87 sailor deaths. The Indian Navy joined the search and rescue efforts following a distress call. Amidst rising tensions, another Iranian warship is seeking refuge in Sri Lankan waters.

Behind the glamour of red carpets, Friday releases and social media fame lies a far more complex financial reality for actors. In exclusive conversations with ETimes, actors Adah Sharma, Chahatt Khanna, Nyrraa M Banerji and Chandan K Anand spoke candidly about the economics of surviving in the entertainment industry — from financial misconceptions and savings strategies to the hidden costs of building a brand.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed a condolence book at the Iranian embassy following the killing of Iran's supreme leader, amid criticism over India's initial silence. This move follows a telephonic conversation between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart, with a potential high-level meeting scheduled.

Nitish Kumar filed for Rajya Sabha, signaling a potential end to his Bihar CM tenure despite family and party objections. His move, supported by Amit Shah, has sparked unrest within JD(U), with workers protesting. Discussions within NDA are underway for a successor, possibly a Dalit leader or JD(U) deputy CM, as RJD criticizes the political maneuvering.

Amidst escalating Middle East tensions, the US Embassy in Kuwait has shut down following Iranian missile and drone strikes. These attacks, which killed six American soldiers and damaged the embassy, have spread to other Gulf capitals like Doha and Bahrain, disrupting air travel and oil shipments.

Rajya Sabha nominations have set the stage for political contests in Bihar and Odisha, with new alignments tested. While Maharashtra's NCP factions remain divided, the BJP-led NDA is strategically nominating diverse candidates to broaden its social coalition.

The Supreme Court has taken the unprecedented step of transferring three petitions from the Allahabad High Court to itself, citing a six-year delay in delivering a verdict on a 1994 criminal case. This intervention, aimed at ensuring speedy justice, highlights concerns over the High Court's prolonged inaction, which has also kept the trial stayed.

A significant gubernatorial reshuffle has seen R N Ravi appointed as West Bengal's new governor, replacing C V Ananda Bose. This move, occurring just before state elections, has drawn sharp criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Taranjit Singh Sandhu is set to become the new L-G of Delhi, among other key appointments across various states and Union Territories.

The Supreme Court has strongly condemned government authorities and litigants for routinely defying court orders and resorting to delayed appeals when facing contempt. Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan emphasized that such practices erode public faith in the judiciary, urging strict action against disobedient parties, especially state entities, to uphold the rule of law.

The BJP has strongly refuted claims blaming India for a US strike on an Iranian naval vessel, emphasizing the incident occurred in international waters far from Indian jurisdiction. Party leader Amit Malviya stated that geographical proximity does not equate to control or accountability under international maritime law, dismissing attempts to involve India as factually incorrect and politically motivated speculation.

West Asian conflict is causing airlines, especially Indian ones, significant operational challenges and fare hikes due to Pakistan airspace closure. Air India seeks approval for a new Central Asia route to bypass war zones and mitigate rising costs, including soaring insurance premiums and fuel prices. This crisis is leading to a demand-supply mismatch, drastically increasing ticket prices for passengers.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the "conflict" and the sinking of an Iranian warship. They accused the government of "surrendering strategic sovereignty" and "undoing" India's foreign policy, particularly concerning oil imports and the safety of Indian citizens in the Gulf region.