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 significant legal development, the Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a petition by the BJP, which had sought a directive for a special sitting of the Delhi Assembly to table several audit reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The court emphasized that while the tabling of such reports is mandatory under the Constitution, there was no compelling need to summon an extraordinary session of the legislative body at this time.

Justice Sachin Datta, who was presiding over the case, observed that there had been a considerable delay on the part of the Delhi government in addressing the matter. However, he clarified that the court was not inclined to compel the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly to call for a special sitting, particularly as the state was heading into elections.

The petition, filed by BJP’s opposition leader Vijender Gupta alongside several other party legislators, including Mohan Singh Bisht, Om Prakash Sharma, and Ajay Kumar Mahawar, among others, had called for the immediate tabling of the CAG audit reports. They argued that the government’s failure to do so had impeded transparency and accountability in the state’s financial governance.

The petitioners, represented by senior advocates Neeraj and Satya Ranjan Swain, claimed that the reports contained critical findings and should be presented before the Assembly at the earliest. In response, the counsel for the Delhi government and the Speaker opposed the plea, arguing that the timing of the request, just before the elections, was politically motivated. They asserted that the delay in tabling the reports did not constitute an immediate or urgent issue.

Justice Datta’s ruling came as a relief to the ruling AAP, which has faced significant political pressure ahead of the upcoming elections. The decision underscores the court’s reluctance to intervene in the procedural workings of the legislature, especially in the run-up to an election, unless there is an explicit violation of constitutional duties.

Despite this setback for the BJP, the court’s comments highlight the constitutional requirement for audit reports to be presented in the Assembly. The issue, while not immediately resolved through judicial intervention, remains a point of contention between the AAP government and the opposition.

As the election date approaches, this ruling adds another layer to the ongoing political battle between the ruling party and its rivals in Delhi.

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.