March 29, 2026

Vamsikrishna

California at risk? The “Really Big One” could strike and cause massive damage, scientists warn

California at risk? The “Really Big One” could strike and cause massive damage, scientists warn

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Source: The New York Times Scientists have found that a massive earthquake in the Pacific Northwest could trigger a second catastrophic quake along California’s San Andreas Fault. A study published in SciTechDaily reveals that seismic stress from one fault system can transfer to another, creating a dangerous domino effect across the region. This challenges the…

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FIIs set for comeback in equity markets; driven by macro strength, moderating valuations: Report

FIIs set for comeback in equity markets; driven by macro strength, moderating valuations: Report

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

After foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows worth nearly Rs 2 lakh crore year-to-date, equities are showing early signs of recovery, according to Elara Capital. The brokerage attributes this turnaround to India’s resilient macroeconomic backdrop within emerging markets (EMs), alongside moderating valuations and stabilising earnings revisions.“With valuation premiums cooling and earnings outlook steadying, conditions now favour…

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Bihar’s 2025 assembly elections are witnessing a cinematic twist with folk singer Maithili Thakur and Bhojpuri actors Khesari Lal Yadav and Pawan Singh entering the political arena. The BJP and RJD are leveraging their star power and regional appeal to consolidate caste loyalties and energize voters, blending celebrity charisma with intricate political calculations. (From left) Pawan Singh, Maithili Thakur and Khesari Lal Yadav NEW DELHI: Bihar’s election stage has always had drama, but this time, the script has a cinematic twist. Folk singer Maithili Thakur, and Bhojpuri actors Khesari Lal Yadav and Pawan Singh, have all entered the political frame, turning the 2025 assembly battle into a fusion of star power and caste calculation.The BJP has fielded Maithili Thakur from Alinagar in Darbhanga, while the RJD has handed its Chapra ticket to Khesari Lal Yadav. Adding to the intrigue, Pawan Singh, who was once at odds with the BJP, has rejoined the party after months of speculation.Shah Avoids Naming Bihar CM Face, Says Bihar CM to Be Decided by Elected MLAsTogether, the three represent how Bihar’s two biggest parties are turning to popular faces from music and cinema to stir old loyalties and reshape caste equations.Maithili Thakur: The Mithila pride cardAlinagar sits in the heart of the Mithila region, where identity and language carry deep cultural pride. The BJP’s choice of Maithili Thakur is not just a nod to local sentiment but also a tactical move to expand appeal in a seat that has been closely fought.The constituency has shifted hands several times in recent years, and margins have been narrow. Maithili, a household name in the region, brings a blend of youth connect and cultural symbolism that the BJP hopes can widen its support base beyond traditional voters.Her campaign songs and folk roots are expected to draw attention across caste lines, especially among women and young voters who form a decisive chunk of the electorate.Khesari Lal Yadav: RJD’s bid for the massesIf the BJP is playing the Mithila card, the RJD has chosen to bank on Bhojpuri stardom. Khesari Lal Yadav’s candidature from Chapra in Saran district is designed to add glamour to a contest that has long been decided by caste arithmetic.Chapra has traditionally been a battleground between Yadavs and Rajputs, and the RJD’s decision to field Khesari is an attempt to consolidate the Yadav vote while energising youth and migrant workers who idolise him. The BJP won Chapra in 2020, but with thin margins. Khesari’s popularity among lower and backward castes gives the RJD a chance to turn that equation on its head.The party hopes that his folk appeal, built through music that often celebrates aspiration and struggle, will connect emotionally with voters who see politics through the lens of identity and pride rather than policy.The BJP-Pawan Singh reunionThe BJP’s patch-up with Pawan Singh was as political as it was pragmatic. A Rajput by caste and a massive name in the Bhojpuri entertainment industry, Singh had previously rebelled and flirted with contesting independently. His differences with the BJP had threatened to split the Rajput vote, especially in the Shahabad and Bhojpur regions where caste balance is delicate.His return to the party fold is a calculated move to heal that rift. BJP leaders believe Singh’s presence will help consolidate upper-caste support and attract younger, entertainment-driven voters who identify with his larger-than-life persona. The party has suffered from factionalism in parts of Shahabad, and Singh’s popularity in districts like Arrah, Buxar, and Karakat could help the BJP offset anti-incumbency and regain lost ground.The caste arithmeticAccording to Census data and voter surveys, the caste profile of these regions explains why the BJP and RJD chose their celebrity candidates so carefully. In Darbhanga’s Alinagar, upper castes, especially Maithil Brahmins and Rajputs, together account for about 25 to 30 per cent of the electorate, while Yadavs, Muslims, and EBC groups form the rest.Maithili Thakur’s candidature appeals directly to the Maithil Brahmin identity and to cultural pride cutting across caste lines. In Saran’s Chapra, Yadavs make up roughly 20 to 22 per cent, Rajputs and Bhumihars about 15 to 18 per cent, and EBCs and Muslims the remainder.That arithmetic explains why the RJD placed its faith in Khesari Lal Yadav to deepen Yadav consolidation while reaching EBC and lower-caste Bhojpuri voters who relate to him.Further west, in the Shahabad and Bhojpur belt, where Pawan Singh holds sway, Rajputs and Bhumihars together exceed 25 per cent, making them a crucial bloc for the BJP to retain. His re-entry aims to keep that segment united and offset the erosion seen in parts of Arrah and Karakat during 2024.While celebrity names attract attention, they do not always convert into victories. Bihar’s elections are fought at the booth level, where caste networks, local loyalty, and the ground machinery of parties still decide outcomes.Maithili’s appeal may help the BJP in Mithila, but it will need organisational muscle to translate her popularity into votes. Khesari’s fame gives the RJD visibility, but turning fans into voters requires the kind of micro-level mobilisation that only a well-oiled party machine can provide.Pawan Singh’s Rajput credentials may strengthen the BJP’s caste equation, but overreliance on charisma can backfire if local candidates fail to deliver on expectations.The entry of Maithili Thakur, Khesari Lal Yadav, and Pawan Singh has turned Bihar’s election into a curious blend of celebrity, caste, and calculation. The BJP and RJD are both using star power to energise their bases, yet beneath the glamour, it remains a story about numbers, of seats, votes, and social groups.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Justin Trudeau Destroyed…’: Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik Questions Safety Of Indians In CanadaA War Cry In Melody: Navy Dedicates Op Sindoor Song To PM During Diwali Celebration on INS Vikrant’Naxal-Maoist Terror Nearly Wiped Out Across India’: PM Modi Hails Police, CRPF, BSF10 Key Facts About Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant, Where PM Modi Celebrated Diwali With Naval Officers’You Gave Sleepless Nights To Pak’: PM Modi Hails INS Vikrant and BrahMos Role in Operation SindoorAyodhya Sets 2 Guinness World Records With Over 26 Lakh Diyas & Largest Saryu Aarti During Deepotsav‘7 Planes Were Shot Down’: Trump Repeats Claim Of Solving India-Pak ‘War’ Using ‘200% Tariff’ ThreatKuala Lumpur’s Little India Bazaar Bursts With Festive Spirit Despite Rising Costs in MalaysiaIndia Upgrades BrahMos Missile Strike Range to 800 Kms, Signals Strategic Shift to Pakistan, China’PM Modi Agreed To Stop Russian Oil’: Donald Trump Issues Harsh Warning To India Over Energy Ties123 Photostories 10 traditional snacks from Italy one needs to tryFrom ‘Vicky Donor’ to ‘Article 15’: Films that prove why ‘Thama’ actor Ayushmann Khurrana is Bollywood’s king of contentAlia Bhatt wore a 30-year-old saree to Kareena Kapoor’s Diwali party and made it 2025’s top festive trendAre you an introvert? 5 smart ways to prepare for an interview without losing yourselfBollywood stars’ best Diwali looks over the years: Alia Bhatt to Allu Arjun, here’s everyone who took desi looks to the next levelFrom Manholes to Machines: Maharashtra Transforms Sewer Cleaning 100 Robotic Sewer-Cleaners, Rs 100 Crore Investment High-Tech Move to End Manual Scavenging (Photos)7 creatures that eat dead animals to keep the ecosystem balanced11 traditional Japanese snacks to try on your next trip to JapanBollywood couples celebrating their first diwali with their newborns: From Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha to Arbaaz Khan-Sshura KhanInside PM Modi’s Diwali celebrations with Navy personnel on INS Vikrant — In pictures123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingLauren KyleHow to get Greninjite in Pokemon LegendsAdam SandlerEmiru attackDurgapur Gang RapeLauren KyleDoug Martin Net WorthDaug Martin Cause of DeathChris JonesStephanie Lachances

Bihar’s 2025 assembly elections are witnessing a cinematic twist with folk singer Maithili Thakur and Bhojpuri actors Khesari Lal Yadav and Pawan Singh entering the political arena. The BJP and RJD are leveraging their star power and regional appeal to consolidate caste loyalties and energize voters, blending celebrity charisma with intricate political calculations. (From left) Pawan Singh, Maithili Thakur and Khesari Lal Yadav NEW DELHI: Bihar’s election stage has always had drama, but this time, the script has a cinematic twist. Folk singer Maithili Thakur, and Bhojpuri actors Khesari Lal Yadav and Pawan Singh, have all entered the political frame, turning the 2025 assembly battle into a fusion of star power and caste calculation.The BJP has fielded Maithili Thakur from Alinagar in Darbhanga, while the RJD has handed its Chapra ticket to Khesari Lal Yadav. Adding to the intrigue, Pawan Singh, who was once at odds with the BJP, has rejoined the party after months of speculation.Shah Avoids Naming Bihar CM Face, Says Bihar CM to Be Decided by Elected MLAsTogether, the three represent how Bihar’s two biggest parties are turning to popular faces from music and cinema to stir old loyalties and reshape caste equations.Maithili Thakur: The Mithila pride cardAlinagar sits in the heart of the Mithila region, where identity and language carry deep cultural pride. The BJP’s choice of Maithili Thakur is not just a nod to local sentiment but also a tactical move to expand appeal in a seat that has been closely fought.The constituency has shifted hands several times in recent years, and margins have been narrow. Maithili, a household name in the region, brings a blend of youth connect and cultural symbolism that the BJP hopes can widen its support base beyond traditional voters.Her campaign songs and folk roots are expected to draw attention across caste lines, especially among women and young voters who form a decisive chunk of the electorate.Khesari Lal Yadav: RJD’s bid for the massesIf the BJP is playing the Mithila card, the RJD has chosen to bank on Bhojpuri stardom. Khesari Lal Yadav’s candidature from Chapra in Saran district is designed to add glamour to a contest that has long been decided by caste arithmetic.Chapra has traditionally been a battleground between Yadavs and Rajputs, and the RJD’s decision to field Khesari is an attempt to consolidate the Yadav vote while energising youth and migrant workers who idolise him. The BJP won Chapra in 2020, but with thin margins. Khesari’s popularity among lower and backward castes gives the RJD a chance to turn that equation on its head.The party hopes that his folk appeal, built through music that often celebrates aspiration and struggle, will connect emotionally with voters who see politics through the lens of identity and pride rather than policy.The BJP-Pawan Singh reunionThe BJP’s patch-up with Pawan Singh was as political as it was pragmatic. A Rajput by caste and a massive name in the Bhojpuri entertainment industry, Singh had previously rebelled and flirted with contesting independently. His differences with the BJP had threatened to split the Rajput vote, especially in the Shahabad and Bhojpur regions where caste balance is delicate.His return to the party fold is a calculated move to heal that rift. BJP leaders believe Singh’s presence will help consolidate upper-caste support and attract younger, entertainment-driven voters who identify with his larger-than-life persona. The party has suffered from factionalism in parts of Shahabad, and Singh’s popularity in districts like Arrah, Buxar, and Karakat could help the BJP offset anti-incumbency and regain lost ground.The caste arithmeticAccording to Census data and voter surveys, the caste profile of these regions explains why the BJP and RJD chose their celebrity candidates so carefully. In Darbhanga’s Alinagar, upper castes, especially Maithil Brahmins and Rajputs, together account for about 25 to 30 per cent of the electorate, while Yadavs, Muslims, and EBC groups form the rest.Maithili Thakur’s candidature appeals directly to the Maithil Brahmin identity and to cultural pride cutting across caste lines. In Saran’s Chapra, Yadavs make up roughly 20 to 22 per cent, Rajputs and Bhumihars about 15 to 18 per cent, and EBCs and Muslims the remainder.That arithmetic explains why the RJD placed its faith in Khesari Lal Yadav to deepen Yadav consolidation while reaching EBC and lower-caste Bhojpuri voters who relate to him.Further west, in the Shahabad and Bhojpur belt, where Pawan Singh holds sway, Rajputs and Bhumihars together exceed 25 per cent, making them a crucial bloc for the BJP to retain. His re-entry aims to keep that segment united and offset the erosion seen in parts of Arrah and Karakat during 2024.While celebrity names attract attention, they do not always convert into victories. Bihar’s elections are fought at the booth level, where caste networks, local loyalty, and the ground machinery of parties still decide outcomes.Maithili’s appeal may help the BJP in Mithila, but it will need organisational muscle to translate her popularity into votes. Khesari’s fame gives the RJD visibility, but turning fans into voters requires the kind of micro-level mobilisation that only a well-oiled party machine can provide.Pawan Singh’s Rajput credentials may strengthen the BJP’s caste equation, but overreliance on charisma can backfire if local candidates fail to deliver on expectations.The entry of Maithili Thakur, Khesari Lal Yadav, and Pawan Singh has turned Bihar’s election into a curious blend of celebrity, caste, and calculation. The BJP and RJD are both using star power to energise their bases, yet beneath the glamour, it remains a story about numbers, of seats, votes, and social groups.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Justin Trudeau Destroyed…’: Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik Questions Safety Of Indians In CanadaA War Cry In Melody: Navy Dedicates Op Sindoor Song To PM During Diwali Celebration on INS Vikrant’Naxal-Maoist Terror Nearly Wiped Out Across India’: PM Modi Hails Police, CRPF, BSF10 Key Facts About Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant, Where PM Modi Celebrated Diwali With Naval Officers’You Gave Sleepless Nights To Pak’: PM Modi Hails INS Vikrant and BrahMos Role in Operation SindoorAyodhya Sets 2 Guinness World Records With Over 26 Lakh Diyas & Largest Saryu Aarti During Deepotsav‘7 Planes Were Shot Down’: Trump Repeats Claim Of Solving India-Pak ‘War’ Using ‘200% Tariff’ ThreatKuala Lumpur’s Little India Bazaar Bursts With Festive Spirit Despite Rising Costs in MalaysiaIndia Upgrades BrahMos Missile Strike Range to 800 Kms, Signals Strategic Shift to Pakistan, China’PM Modi Agreed To Stop Russian Oil’: Donald Trump Issues Harsh Warning To India Over Energy Ties123 Photostories 10 traditional snacks from Italy one needs to tryFrom ‘Vicky Donor’ to ‘Article 15’: Films that prove why ‘Thama’ actor Ayushmann Khurrana is Bollywood’s king of contentAlia Bhatt wore a 30-year-old saree to Kareena Kapoor’s Diwali party and made it 2025’s top festive trendAre you an introvert? 5 smart ways to prepare for an interview without losing yourselfBollywood stars’ best Diwali looks over the years: Alia Bhatt to Allu Arjun, here’s everyone who took desi looks to the next levelFrom Manholes to Machines: Maharashtra Transforms Sewer Cleaning 100 Robotic Sewer-Cleaners, Rs 100 Crore Investment High-Tech Move to End Manual Scavenging (Photos)7 creatures that eat dead animals to keep the ecosystem balanced11 traditional Japanese snacks to try on your next trip to JapanBollywood couples celebrating their first diwali with their newborns: From Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha to Arbaaz Khan-Sshura KhanInside PM Modi’s Diwali celebrations with Navy personnel on INS Vikrant — In pictures123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingLauren KyleHow to get Greninjite in Pokemon LegendsAdam SandlerEmiru attackDurgapur Gang RapeLauren KyleDoug Martin Net WorthDaug Martin Cause of DeathChris JonesStephanie Lachances

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

(From left) Pawan Singh, Maithili Thakur and Khesari Lal Yadav NEW DELHI: Bihar’s election stage has always had drama, but this time, the script has a cinematic twist. Folk singer Maithili Thakur, and Bhojpuri actors Khesari Lal Yadav and Pawan Singh, have all entered the political frame, turning the 2025 assembly battle into a fusion…

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‘BGT nightmares return for Virat Kohli’ – Former India cricketer issues bold verdict | Cricket News

‘BGT nightmares return for Virat Kohli’ – Former India cricketer issues bold verdict | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Virat Kohli dismissed for duck on ODI comeback India’s opening ODI against Australia at Perth was largely one-sided, as the visitors struggled to make an impact. The top-order, including Rohit Sharma (8), Virat Kohli (0), and captain Shubman Gill (10), faltered under overcast and seaming conditions after being put in to bat. After Gill’s dismissal,…

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‘Shame on you’: Navjot Singh Sidhu slams ‘BCCI should remove Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir’ post

‘Shame on you’: Navjot Singh Sidhu slams ‘BCCI should remove Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir’ post

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, left, and Ajit Agarkar, chairperson of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee, talk during a practice session (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki) Social media platforms often circulate fake quotes attributed to celebrities. Former Indian cricket star Navjot Singh Sidhu recently faced a similar situation with a fabricated quote circulating online.The fake post appeared…

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Housing sales: Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai together see 47% rise; Mumbai, Delhi record weak performance

Housing sales: Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai together see 47% rise; Mumbai, Delhi record weak performance

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The southern cities of Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai have driven a sharp rise in housing sales, reporting a combined 47% growth during the July-September quarter, even as overall demand across India’s top eight cities remained subdued, according to PropTiger.During the quarter, the three cities sold 38,644 residential units, up from 26,284 in the same period…

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‘Usne apna bhi mazak udaya, SRK sir ka bhi’: Lakshya on how Aryan Khan has the ‘power to change the world’

‘Usne apna bhi mazak udaya, SRK sir ka bhi’: Lakshya on how Aryan Khan has the ‘power to change the world’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Aryan Khan’s first foray into directing with ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ has sparked a wave of accolades, showcasing his potential in the industry. Lead actor Lakshya spoke glowingly of Aryan’s ‘incredible passion’ and ‘tenacity,’ while humorously touching on his own career hurdles as well as those faced by SRK. Read on to know more. Shah…

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Indian Railways AI chatbot: This new AI tool can help you book train tickets, get refunds and check details on IRCTC website and app |

Indian Railways AI chatbot: This new AI tool can help you book train tickets, get refunds and check details on IRCTC website and app |

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

To make it easier for users to book train tickets and avail of other train-related services via the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) platform, Indian Railways offers an AI chatbot called AskDisha 2.0. The chatbot offers users a range of services like booking tickets and getting refunds and it even provides necessary information….

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Daily Shani Predictions, October 20, 2025: Saturn Energy on Diwali Brings Recognition and Stability for These Zodiac Signs!

Daily Shani Predictions, October 20, 2025: Saturn Energy on Diwali Brings Recognition and Stability for These Zodiac Signs!

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Saturn is the planet of our karmas. It teaches us valuable lessons by encouraging us to learn from our mistakes. Saturn wants us to grow, evolve, and continuously improve as we move forward in our life journey. It also wants us to introspect about our actions to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Currently, Saturn is…

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What the Myanmar earthquake taught us: Why sonic boom quakes are no longer science fiction

What the Myanmar earthquake taught us: Why sonic boom quakes are no longer science fiction

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

When Myanmar was rocked by a powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake in March 2025, scientists noticed something unusual. The ground shook harder and faster than expected, and data showed the rupture moved at extreme speeds. Researchers later confirmed it was a supershear or “sonic boom” quake, where the rupture front travels faster than seismic shear waves. This…

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US challenges Russia to step back from Ukraine attack

US challenges Russia to step back from Ukraine attack

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

A Ukrainian serviceman fires his weapon during an exercise in the Joint Forces Operation, in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Tuesday. (AP) WASHINGTON: The United States said Thursday that Russia is on the verge of unleashing a massive military attack against Ukraine, dismissing Moscow’s claim to be pulling forces back, as artillery fire hit a…

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India-US trade takes a hit amid tariff row; exports fall 37.5% in four months: GTRI report

India-US trade takes a hit amid tariff row; exports fall 37.5% in four months: GTRI report

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

India’s exports to the United States have plunged sharply following Washington’s imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on most Indian goods. September 2025 shipments fell to $5.5 billion, down 20.3 per cent from August, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline and erasing over $3.3 billion in monthly trade since May, according to a report from…

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