The Times of India

Grief engulfed Manika village as the mortal remains of Dr. Vikas Kumar Gupta, who died in an air ambulance crash in Jharkhand, were brought home. The beloved Ranchi Sadar Hospital doctor, lauded by the Prime Minister for his dedicated Covid-19 service, received heartfelt tributes from villagers and colleagues alike.

Fierce protests by opposition members over police handling of agitating chowkidars and dafadars stalled proceedings in the Bihar Assembly. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hit back, projecting the NDA as united and accusing rivals of ignoring such issues when they were in power. Ministers promised to examine the protesters demands carefully, stressing that demonstrations must remain non-violent.

Parliamentarians from Bihar across JD(U), BJP, and RJD have been chosen to chair Parliamentary Friendship Groups with representatives from 60 countries. Key figures such as Sanjay Kumar Jha, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Prem Chand Gupta will lead Indian delegations to Germany, Israel, and Kenya, strengthening diplomatic outreach and promoting legislative collaboration on global issues.

Subordinate court staff across Bihar are poised for major service improvements after a Patna High Court committee cleared several long-pending demands. The committee has endorsed an extra annual increment for a large segment of employees, along with a structured plan for cadre restructuring and promotions.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended the Police Week parade and prize distribution ceremony, where he applauded the dedication of police personnel and the cooperation of local residents. Later, he traveled to Darbhanga to pay his respects at the shradh ceremony for the late mother of BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi, joining several prominent leaders.

In response to a series of tragic child fatalities, the Patna Municipal Corporation has begun an intensive citywide campaign to repair and secure damaged manholes. Commissioner Yashpal Meena has directed all wards to act without delay, prioritizing the replacement of broken covers. The programme focuses on upgrading thousands of manholes and catchpits with sturdy precast lids designed for long-term safety.

Patna Smart City Limited will soon introduce a digital booking system for the new crematorium at Bans Ghat, with inauguration targeted within a month. Through a WhatsApp chatbot, dedicated helpline, online portal, and mobile app, the system aims to make arrangements simpler and more dignified for bereaved families, removing physical queues and ensuring transparent, timely services for all users.

Lawmakers across party lines in Bihar are pushing for a cashless medical treatment system for legislators and state employees, citing issues with the current reimbursement process. Delays, deductions, and incomplete reimbursements have prompted calls for a streamlined, cashless approach. The health minister assured that the government is actively discussing the matter with the finance department to implement such a system.

Bihar mandates High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for all vehicles to enhance identification and road safety. While many vehicles now have HSRP, their details aren't updated on the VAHAN portal, causing confusion. Owners receiving reminders after installation should visit their District Transport Officer for verification and data update to prevent future issues.

Bihar government is banning meat and fish sales near schools, temples, and busy spots. This move aims to protect public health and prevent negative influences on children. Authorities are cracking down on unlicensed and unhygienic shops. Municipal bodies must identify and act against these outlets. Strict adherence to licensing and hygiene rules will be enforced.

In a case linked to an alleged 2021 custodial torture incident involving a TDP leader, Andhra Pradesh police detained an IPS officer in Patna. However, a local court refused their request for transit remand, pointing to procedural lapses, including the absence of an arrest warrant and the case diary.

In Bihar, legislators from all political parties have jointly pressed the government to raise the constituency development allocation to Rs 5 crore, arguing that project costs have surged and pointing to higher limits in other states. The treasury benches have promised to examine the demand.

Gayas high-value Rs 78 crore Electronic National Agriculture Marketing (ENAM) hub has hit yet another roadblock, with two key retail seller blocks still unfinished. Earlier targets have been missed, and even with mounting pressure to complete work before CM Nitish Kumars planned Samriddhi Yatra, the market is unlikely to become operational soon.

Bihars Cooperative Minister has revealed that a 50-member delegation will travel to Gujarat to examine its leading cooperative farming and dairy models. Insights from the visit will be used to adapt similar systems in Bihar, turning fragmented landholdings into engines of job creation and rural income.

Members of the Bodh Gaya Temple Advisory Board raised alarms that the proposed Mahabodhi Corridor could conflict with UNESCO World Heritage regulations. They stressed that any development must safeguard the sites spiritual integrity and meet global conservation benchmarks.

In Bihars legislative assembly, debate took a delicious turn as MLAs lobbied for Geographical Indication tags for their hometown sweets. Barhs crunchy 'laai', Gayas famed 'tilkut', and Lakhisarais syrupy 'rasgulla' all took center stage in a bid for national recognition.