The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) declared the results for the 70th Combined Competitive Exam (CCE) on January 23, 2025. In the hours following the announcement, reactions to the results and the subsequent developments have continued to unfold, with protests, legal challenges, and debates surrounding the exam process showing no sign of abating.

21,581 candidates clear, but tension persists

While 21,581 candidates cleared the preliminary exam, questions remain about the legitimacy of the results. Legal challenges have already been initiated, with petitions filed in the Patna High Court questioning the integrity of the examination process, particularly regarding the status of those who were debarred due to alleged malpractice. The court’s involvement could still alter the final list of successful candidates.

Political impact and ongoing reactions

The protests have also drawn political figures into the fray. Prashant Kishor, leader of the Jan Suraj Party, joined the demonstrations and went on an indefinite hunger strike starting January 2, showing solidarity with the aspirants. His involvement and calls for action have added a political dimension to the controversy, which is now under the scrutiny of Bihar’s government.

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan recently met with a delegation of aspirants to hear their grievances and assured them that steps would be taken to address their concerns. The Governor also appealed to Prashant Kishor to end his fast, citing health concerns.

Looking ahead: What’s next for the 21,581 pass candidates?

For the candidates who have successfully passed the prelims, the main examination is the next step. However, the future of the recruitment process remains uncertain, with protests, petitions, and public calls for reforms still ongoing. The uncertainty surrounding the exam’s integrity and the lack of clarity on future steps means that the exam’s aftermath will likely continue to dominate discussions.

As the BPSC navigates the fallout from this highly contentious exam, it faces increasing pressure to restore public trust and ensure that future recruitment processes are conducted with the highest standards of fairness and transparency.

In a move that offers much-needed relief to consumers grappling with rising living costs, Amul, one of India’s leading dairy brands, has announced a price reduction on three of its popular milk variants. The price cut, effective immediately, affects the 1kg packs of Amul Gold, Amul Taaza, and Amul Tea Special, each seeing a reduction of ₹1.

The announcement was made by Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the entity that operates the Amul brand. Mehta emphasized the company’s commitment to its consumers, stating that the decision to lower prices was made with the intention of providing relief without compromising the high-quality Amul is known for. He underscored Amul’s dedication to serving its customers and ensuring accessibility to essential dairy products.

The ₹1 reduction may seem modest, but its impact is significant, particularly considering the current economic climate. The rising cost of essential commodities has placed a considerable strain on household budgets across the country, making even small price adjustments on staples like milk a welcome development. Amul’s decision reflects an understanding of these economic pressures and a proactive response to alleviate some of the burden on consumers.

Amul’s extensive reach across India means this price reduction will benefit millions. The brand holds a prominent position in the daily lives of countless Indian families, making its products a staple in countless households.

The price cut underscores Amul’s role not just as a major dairy producer, but also as a brand responsive to the needs and challenges faced by its consumers. This move is likely to be seen as a positive step, demonstrating corporate social responsibility amidst challenging economic times.

The reduction is expected to provide tangible relief, even if small, to consumers across the nation, further strengthening Amul’s image as a brand committed to its consumers’ well-being. The timely price adjustment aligns with the brand’s long-standing commitment to affordable and high-quality dairy products.

During the Sydney Smash Challenger final, Sydney Sixers batsman Josh Philippe experienced one of the most unfortunate dismissals in Big Bash League (BBL) history. The incident, a bizarre run-out at the non-striker’s end, unfolded in the ninth over with the Sixers comfortably positioned at 2-50.

Philippe, already on 16 runs from a promising 12 balls, including two boundaries, was partnered with Moises Henriques, also on 16. Their 31-run partnership appeared set to propel the Sixers further.

Disaster struck when Henriques powerfully struck the ball straight back towards the bowler, Tanveer Sangha. Sangha, attempting to field the fiercely driven ball, was unable to hold onto the catch. The ball, however, didn’t simply fall harmlessly to the ground.

Instead, it ricocheted off Sangha’s hands, taking a cruel and unpredictable trajectory directly onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Philippe, caught completely off guard by the swift turn of events, was stranded far short of his crease, resulting in a highly unusual run-out.

The commentary team was visibly stunned by the sheer bad luck involved. Mark Howard on Fox Cricket exclaimed, “He might have got the run-out, he has! The catch has gone down, but Philippe is gone in the worst possible way. He dropped the catch, it ran onto the stumps, and Philippe was nowhere.” The incident sparked widespread discussion about the unusual nature of the dismissal, highlighting its place among the most unfortunate in BBL history.

Mark Waugh, a former Australian cricketer, offered a perspective linking the unlucky dismissal to Philippe’s recent struggles. He suggested that such incidents often befall players experiencing a dip in form, stating, “That’s what happens when you are having a run of outs; you get run out at the bowler’s end.” He described Sangha’s reaction to the hard-hit ball, explaining how the bowler’s attempt to protect himself inadvertently led to the deflection onto the stumps.

Mike Hussey, another former Australian cricketer, echoed the sentiment of misfortune, emphasizing the cruel timing of the dismissal. He noted that Philippe was just beginning to find his rhythm, accumulating runs and looking increasingly confident at the crease. The unexpected run-out, therefore, was not only highly unusual but also incredibly frustrating, given Philippe’s promising start and the momentum the partnership had built. The Sixers, ultimately left reeling at 3-50, saw a significant shift in their progress following this bizarre and unfortunate incident.