Ranchi, Aug 9: The students’ protest in Jharkhand’s Ranchi entered its 16th day on Sunday with no signs of retreat, as the second round of talks between the protesting students and the state government once again failed to produce any breakthrough or agreement on their key demands.

The students have been staging their protest continuously at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium after alleged irregularities in the 14th Civil Services Preliminary Examination conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) came to light on July 2.

Several student leaders have been observing hunger strikes in support of the ongoing agitation. The protesting students have also accused the government of resorting to “empty promises” by repeatedly holding discussions with their representatives but failing to accept or act upon the demands raised by the students.

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato has been on a hunger strike since August 2, and his health condition has been deteriorating since late Saturday night. Following the deterioration in his health, a team of doctors reached the protest site and administered saline to Mahato. According to the doctors, his blood sugar level had dropped significantly, and the saline was administered as a precautionary measure.

Despite his worsening health condition, Mahato has maintained that he will not withdraw from the agitation or compromise on his demands. He has clearly stated that his hunger strike and the broader student protest will continue until a concrete solution is found to the issues raised by the aspirants.

Speaking to media, Mahato said, “At around 2:30 a.m., they took a blood sample and conducted a test. The blood sugar level was very low. After that, they started administering saline, and since then, the condition has improved slightly.”

Meanwhile, student leader Chandan accused the government and administration of attempting to suppress the ongoing protest and remove the students from the demonstration site.

Speaking to media, he said, “Police officers and the administration were attempting to remove the students from the protest site at night. The students will not back down from their demands and will seek justice. Mahto is unwell; his blood sugar levels dropped last night. However, he has decided to continue with the strike.”

Student leader Prem Nayak, who is also participating in the hunger strike, said that efforts were being made to weaken the movement while the government continued to invite student representatives for talks without addressing their core demands.

Speaking to media, Nayak said, “This is my sixth day on hunger strike. Devendra Babu’s health is also slightly deteriorating… Efforts are being made to weaken the movement, while at the same time, the delegation is being called and offered empty assurances. I just want to make it clear to the government not to waste our time by calling us for talks and not accepting our demands.”

Another student leader, Mahendra Prasad Mandal, said that the protest was being undertaken not only over the current recruitment examinations but also for the future of students who depend on government jobs and fear that irregularities in the recruitment system could undermine their opportunities.

Speaking to media, Mandal said, “I was also a student. After spending my student life, when we could not get jobs because of the corrupt system in Jharkhand, we decided to go on a hunger strike for the sake of future generations. The government is repeatedly calling the delegation team, but it is not openly taking our demands into consideration. Tomorrow is August 10, and there will also be a protest march to the Assembly.”

The students have maintained that their primary demand is the cancellation of the examinations in which they allege that irregularities took place, along with an impartial investigation into the recruitment process and greater transparency in future examinations.

Earlier, during the first round of discussions on Friday, a five-member government delegation and a 10-member student delegation participated in the talks. The students placed each of their demands before the government and sought a clear response on the issues raised during the ongoing agitation.

However, the second round of talks between the Jharkhand government and the protesting students, held on Saturday, once again ended without a breakthrough.

The discussions failed to resolve the differences between the two sides or convince the protesting students to withdraw their agitation.

Guwahati : More than 77,000 people continue to remain sheltered in relief camps across Assam as the flood situation in the state remains under close watch, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said that rehabilitation and restoration efforts were being intensified across the flood-affected areas as the state government continued to respond to the situation.

“More than 77,000 people continue to be sheltered in relief camps as the situation remains under close watch,” Sarma said in the post.

He added that rehabilitation and restoration efforts were being stepped up across the affected areas.

The latest update comes as several parts of Assam continue to grapple with the impact of floods, with thousands of people dependent on government-run relief camps for shelter and essential assistance.

The state administration and district authorities have been engaged in relief and rescue operations, while efforts are also underway to restore essential infrastructure and services in areas affected by the floods.

The Chief Minister has been regularly sharing updates on the flood situation and the measures being undertaken by the state government.

Officials have been monitoring water levels of major rivers and the condition of embankments in vulnerable areas, even as authorities remain alert to the possibility of further deterioration in some locations.

The continuing presence of more than 77,000 people in relief camps highlights the scale of the humanitarian challenge facing the state, with rehabilitation emerging as a key priority alongside immediate relief operations.

The government has also been focussing on restoring roads, communication links and other essential infrastructure disrupted by the floods, while affected communities are being provided assistance through relief mechanisms.

Sarma said the administration would continue to closely monitor the situation and accelerate restoration and rehabilitation measures wherever required.

The flood situation in Assam has caused widespread disruption in several districts this season, affecting homes, livelihoods and public infrastructure.

With a large number of people still residing in relief camps, authorities are expected to maintain enhanced preparedness until water levels recede and affected families can safely return to their homes.

New Delhi : India exported more than 7,000 metric tonnes of Makhana and value-added Makhana products to over 20 international destinations, including the US, the Middle East and Africa, in last fiscal (FY26), the government informed on Saturday.

Bihar accounts for nearly 85 per cent of India’s Makhana production. To further strengthen the sector, a separate HS Code for Makhana came into effect from July last year under the Finance Bill, 2025.

In a new feat, APEDA facilitated first-ever commercial sea shipment of 18 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta, Bihar, to Australia.

The consignment, sourced from Makhana growers of Darbhanga district, is expected to strengthen the international presence of Bihar’s flagship GI product while creating enhanced income opportunities for farmers through export-led market access, according to Commerce Ministry.

The initiative has enabled farmers to realise nearly 18 per cent higher returns than prevailing market rates, highlighting the benefits of export-oriented value chains and direct market linkages.

The export is expected to strengthen the international presence of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, create sustainable export opportunities for Bihar’s Makhana sector and contribute to higher farmer incomes.

State Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said Makhana is the identity of Bihar and greater participation of Bihar-based exporters in international trade would enable farmers to secure better price realisation.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining quality standards to meet global market requirements and stated that the Government of Bihar is continuously working to strengthen the Makhana value chain by supporting growers, processors and exporters.

The minister further said that all necessary support would continue to be extended to the Phori community, whose traditional skills are integral to Makhana processing.

The first-ever sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia reflects the growing global demand for Bihar’s agricultural products and opens new opportunities for farmers and exporters, he added.