The Times of India

In a pivotal decision, the Bihar cabinet has reached a historic agreement with Jharkhand to finally settle the enduring Sone river water dispute. This development clears the way for the construction of the Indrapuri reservoir, which promises to enhance irrigation dramatically in southern Bihar. The deal ensures that Bihar receives 5.

In a bold call to action, Bihar's planning minister inspired officials to harness the state's current surge towards industrial evolution, spotlighting the necessity for data-centric approaches and sustainable advancement.

The Women's Commission of Bihar is delving into two harrowing incidents that unfolded over the weekend: one involving a gang rape in proximity to a police station in Purnia, and another concerning the tragic and suspicious demise of a NEET aspirant in Patna. The victim's family has asserted the claims of rape and murder, igniting protests across the region.

In a recent statement, Patna's police chief, Kartikeya K Sharma, revealed that initial investigations have found no indication of sexual assault related to the tragic death of a medical student. He emphasized that the unrest in the community appears to be fueled by false information designed to provoke outrage, especially targeting the victim's family.

In a bold move, the Bihar cabinet has formally approved an ambitious initiative for Rajbanshi Nagar and Shastri Nagar, earmarking Rs 1.59 crore for a consultancy firm. Meanwhile, a substantial investment of Rs 576 crore and Rs 76 crore has been allocated for the underground electricity cabling project throughout the Patna divisions.

In a spirited initiative, the 48th battalion of Sashastra Seema Bal has kicked off a six-day pre-recruitment training program in Madhubani, drawing interest from 125 enthusiastic youths eager to embark on careers in the armed forces. Commandant Govind Singh Bhandari officially launched the event, underscoring the importance of physical conditioning, mental resilience, and a steadfast commitment to discipline and patriotism.

In a dramatic turn of events, Patna police have successfully captured three suspects linked to the high-profile murder of notorious gangster Aman Shukla. The conflict ignited over a feud with his former partner, Sonu, known as Kallu, who allegedly commissioned a contract killing worth INR 5 lakh.

Buxar's cooperative minister expressed concern over slow paddy procurement, with only 20-31% of the target met. Officials were urged to expedite the process, ensuring transparency and timely payments for small farmers. Allegations of corruption and farmer distress were raised, prompting a government review of complaints and a promise of assistance for cyclone-affected cultivators.

The air in Patna is alive with the festive spirit of Makar Sankranti, as local markets brim with mouth-watering delights like tilkut and chikki. With dairy demand on the rise, suppliers are hard at work, ensuring farms are teeming with fresh milk and creamy curd.

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Supaul district as two young girls, Preeti Priya, 11, and Khushboo Kumari, 9, tragically lost their lives after drowning in an open pond. The friends were enjoying a day of play when they accidentally slipped into the water. Villagers rushed to save them, but sadly, both were pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital.

In Saran district, the grisly discovery of an 11-year-old boy's body has ignited a wave of protests, with residents expressing their fury over perceived police inaction. Demonstrators blocked a major national highway, clashing with law enforcement and vandalizing vehicles.

A 30-year-old man, Upendra Rajbhar, was arrested in Buxar for allegedly strangling his wife, Kabutari Devi, to death. The couple, married in April 2024 with a three-month-old child, faced allegations of dowry demands. Kabutari's family found her dead after being summoned by her in-laws, who had fled. Police are investigating further.

Buxar district is gearing up for a secure Makar Sankranti with extensive arrangements. Authorities have ordered high alert, strict vigilance, and special security for Ganga snan. Municipal bodies will ensure cleanliness and safety at ghats. A kite festival and various sports events are also planned, with cyber police monitoring social media for rumors.

In a tragic turn of events in Muzaffarpur, a mother is believed to have poisoned her two children before taking her own life. The children are currently receiving medical care and are reported to be stable. Meanwhile, local police have begun an investigation into the matter, although reports indicate that the woman's relatives conducted her cremation before authorities could arrive.

Chirag Paswan, the leader of LJP (Ram Vilas), didn't hold back when he took aim at the RJD and Congress in Bihar, pointing out the growing unease among their MLAs. He called out Tejashwi Yadav for his lack of vocal opposition and criticized the divisive tactic of identity politics.

Patna University, already engaged in adopting five villages for development since 2018 under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, is set to re-evaluate its progress. Initially managed by NSS, the initiative aimed to provide technological solutions and improve government scheme implementation. The university now plans a fresh start to ensure comprehensive socio-economic and cultural growth in these adopted villages.

Protests erupted at Kargil Chowk after a medical aspirant died, with parents alleging sexual assault. Police are investigating a potential sleeping pill overdose, citing urine analysis and recovered pills. A gynaecologist found no evidence of assault, and the deceased's phone showed searches on poisons. Further action awaits the postmortem report.

Bihar's Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit has ordered swift action against slow-moving contractors on key infrastructure projects, including the North Koel Reservoir and Mandai Weir. He stressed increasing resources if needed. Discussions also covered the Tajpur-Bakhtiyarpur bridge, with assurances of timely completion. Officials are to conduct regular site visits to resolve issues promptly.

In a shocking incident in Patna City, a seemingly minor disagreement escalated into a brutal street fight, resulting in the tragic death of 25-year-old Bittu Kumar and injuries to two other individuals. Eyewitnesses reported how quickly the situation spiraled, with knives drawn and a community left reeling.

RJD MP Surendra Yadav found himself at the center of controversy after a video emerged of him hurling abusive comments at voters and the Yadav community regarding the recent election outcomes.

A suspected honour killing has shaken Muzaffarpur, where a man allegedly murdered his son-in-law for marrying his daughter against the family's wishes. The victim, Ayush Kumar, was shot dead by his wife's father and relatives just weeks after their registered love marriage. The grieving widow has accused her family, who are now on the run, of the brutal act.

Darbhanga police apprehended an RJD youth wing leader and another individual for liquor smuggling, seizing over 187 litres of foreign liquor. The RJD functionary, Gobind Sah, has a history of seven liquor-related cases and allegedly operated with political backing. His wife is a local panchayat member. Investigations into the wider network are ongoing.

In a landmark decision, the empowered standing committee of the Patna Municipal Corporation has officially approved the 'Councillor Scheme 4.0', which sets aside Rs 1 crore for each ward to drive local development in the year 2025-26.

During a pivotal state police conference, Bihars Chief Minister Nitish Kumar championed integrity and strict enforcement among law enforcement officials as vital components of effective crime prevention. He unveiled new specialized bureaus dedicated to tackling liquor prohibition, narcotics, and cyber threats, gathering insights from a recent national summit of police leaders to combat pressing challenges in these areas.

In a remarkable stride towards children's health, Bihar's CM Child Heart Scheme has recently facilitated the treatment of 20 more children suffering from congenital diseases in Ahmedabad. This compassionate initiative has now reached a total of 2,665 young lives, alleviating families from the financial strain of travel costs.

In a landmark ruling, the Patna High Court has mandated that the Bihar government provide a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to a 15-year-old boy who was wrongfully detained for over two months. The court deemed the directive from the DIG to apprehend the boy, who had already been exonerated by law enforcement, a breach of his fundamental rights.