Rijiju takes charge of Earth Sciences Ministry; thanks PM

New Delhi (PTI): Kiren Rijiju on Friday assumed charge as Earth Sciences Minister and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him an opportunity to handle various portfolios.

Nanded (PTI): Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday announced a monthlong programme to expand his Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party’s network in over 45,000 villages in urban civic bodies in Maharashtra. Rao made the announcement while addressing the party cadres’ training programme in Nanded, where he asserted that the efforts taken by his party workers during this 30-day exercise may change the politics of Maharashtra.

This was his fourth rally in Maharashtra in four months - of which three were held in Nanded district alone. His first rally was held in February this year.

Rijiju, who was removed as Law Minister, refused to answer questions about his previous ministry contending that they were no longer relevant and he looked forward to serve in the Earth Sciences Ministry.

“Don't ask questions related to the previous ministry as they are no

Make civic bodies ‘Self Reliant’: Yogi to mayors

Nitish bristles at BJP for criticising government over caste survey

Darbhanga (PTI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday lambasted the opposition BJP for buffeting his government over roadblocks hit by the much-publicized caste survey.

He, however, declined to comment on the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant an interim relief on an appeal filed by the state government challenging Patna High Court’s stay on the mammoth exercise.

“It will not be appropriate,” quipped Kumar, when reporters sought his reaction on the apex court’s order passed on Thursday.

Legal experts are studying the matter and the Bihar government will decide on its course of action based on their ad vice, the premo,