Author: Rahul M

Show Quick Read Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a strict advisory to political parties and candidates ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls, directing them to refrain from misusing artificial intelligence (AI) for creating synthetic videos or deepfakes aimed at maligning rivals. With the announcement of the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar and bye-elections in eight Assembly constituencies across six states and Jammu & Kashmir on 6 October 2025, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force. The ECI clarified that MCC provisions extend to…

After NewsFirst’s detailed report on irregularities and digital lapses in the Energy Department, BESCOM has announced that it will introduce UPI, NEFT, and online transfer facilities within the next two weeks.In a major NewsFirst impact, BESCOM has announced that it will introduce UPI, NEFT, and online transfer facilities within the next two weeks. This comes after NewsFirst’s detailed exposé, aired on September 30, revealed the shocking lack of digital payment options in the Energy Department, particularly in BESCOM and other ESCOMs.Also Read:BESCOM faces flak for denying online payments despite High Court orderThe NewsFirst report had highlighted irregularities, administrative negligence, and…

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore has secured a spot in the 201-250 range in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, reinforcing its status as India’s leading academic institution. Notably, India has emerged as a global leader, ranking second worldwide for the highest number of universities in the top tiers, trailing only the United States.Also read: Bengaluru University celebrates 60th Convocation, honours 218 toppers with gold medalsIISc makes it to the top 250IISc is the sole Indian university to make it to the top 250, showcasing its continued excellence in research and education. Other prominent institutions…

After all political parties urged the Election Commission to not stretch out voting in Bihar, it is set to wrap up polling for the coming Assembly elections in two phases, down from three in 2020, five in 2015 and six in 2010. An analysis shows that in 2020, the Mahagathbandhan did better in the 121 seats that will vote on November 6, and the NDA in the 122 constituencies that go for polling on November 11.While the NDA in the 2020 Assembly polls bagged 59 seats in voting in the first phase this time, trailing the Mahagathbandhan at 61, in…

India’s young batter Sai Sudharsan has faced pressure after his disappointing performance in the second Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad. Despite this, captain Shubman Gill publicly showed his support by helping Sudharsan with throwdowns in practice and backing him as the team’s long-term No. 3 batter. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on October 9 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, Gill stated, “Young players will not get a hundred in every match. You have to give them the chance and then only decide what else he can do to better. Right now we see him as a long term…

Over three months after announcing plans for special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across all states and UTs, the Election Commission (EC) is yet to fix dates for a nationwide exercise — a delay that officials say is eating into the window for routine annual special summary revision, usually completed by December-end.An intensive revision is a full-scale rebuilding of electoral rolls, which involves house-to-house visits, recording all eligible voters afresh. This is usually done when existing rolls are outdated or after exercises such as delimitation. A Special Summary Revision (SSR), however, is EC’s routine annual update of rolls. Draft…

New Delhi: The Prashant Kishor-led Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) has released a list of 51 candidates, including many professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and academicians, for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.Former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer R.K. Mishra will contest on a JSP ticket from Darbhanga. IPS R.K. Mishra, a former director general (home guards), served in the police force for a long time and is known for his strict working style. His association with the Jan Suraaj Party is traceable to its inception. Addressing a press conference, Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) national president Uday Singh said Prashant Kishor will kickstart…

Addressing a mega rally at the Kanshi Ram memorial in Lucknow Thursday, BSP president Mayawati asserted that her party would fight the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections on its own steam, ruling out any alliances. She urged the BSP’s leaders and workers to step up efforts to bring the party to power and make her the Chief Minister for the fifth time.Mayawati held the rally after four years on the occasion of the 19th death anniversary of party founder Kanshi Ram. Here are seven takeaways from her speech: Attack on SP The BSP supremo kept her guns trained on the…

PVR INOX has launched India’s first dine-in cinema at the M5 ECity Mall in Bengaluru, blending the world of cinema with gourmet dining for a truly unique experience. This innovative concept aims to redefine movie-watching by offering audiences the convenience of enjoying chef-curated meals right in their seats, without the need to step out or even purchase a movie ticket.Also read: PVR INOX unveils south India’s largest cinema complex in Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall of AsiaHolistic entertainment experienceThe new cinema format is designed to offer a holistic entertainment experience, combining blockbuster films with a variety of food options. Guests can indulge…

The Karnataka government has approved the Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025, granting one paid leave per month for women employees across public and private sectors to promote inclusivity and well-being.In a landmark move, the Karnataka government on Thursday officially approved the “Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025”, becoming the first state in India to extend menstrual leave benefits to women across both government and private sectors.Also Read:Jain College students write to NewsFirst seeking media support after sexual harrassment case against HODUnder this progressive policy, all women employees, from government offices and garment industries to IT firms and multinational companies, will be entitled to…