The Times of India
Elections 2026Bihar / The Times of India
In a recent statement, BJP spokesperson Prem Ranjan Patel took aim at RJD's Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, denouncing his comments regarding the TRE-4 recruitment initiative. Patel charged that Yadav is misleading the electorate while reaffirming the NDA's efforts for transparent employment practices. He juxtaposed these efforts with the RJD's troubled history of corruption, particularly the infamous 'land-for-jobs' scandal.
On May 23-24, Patna is set to host Bihars first major AI summit, a groundbreaking initiative to transform public services and boost the states economy.
At Patna Junction, railway employees are stepping up to battle the sweltering heat, handing out complimentary chilled water and refreshing sharbats to travelers. This commendable initiative has now spread to other prominent railway stations, serving as a lifeline for those most affected by the soaring temperatures.
In a surprising act of transformation, Kailash Mandal, a Bhagalpur ex-convict, recently threw his weapon into the sacred Ganga River, declaring his commitment to leave behind his violent past amidst escalating police confrontations in Bihar. Mandal, with a history marred by murder and extortion, sought redemption through prayer and public declaration.
In a striking display of resilience, Mahadalit families in Sasaram gathered to voice their concern over perceived bias at an Anganwadi centre. After receiving uniforms for 14 eagerly-awaiting children, families were dismayed to discover the next day that the kids were apparently not enrolled.
In a fiery address, opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav condemned the NDA government for what he termed a betrayal of Bihar's youth concerning the BPSC TRE-4 recruitment. He criticized the authorities for neglecting their electoral commitments and fueling discontent among job seekers who are clamoring for immediate exams and clear transparency.
In light of unpredictable monsoon patterns, Bihar's Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has called on officials to gear up for possible floods and drought conditions. He has stressed the importance of readiness, urging district magistrates to heighten vigilance, bolster flood defenses, and ensure that vital resources such as potable water and fodder are distributed efficiently.
In anticipation of the bustling Shravani fair, Bihar's Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has instructed district officials to put in place effective measures for the event's entire duration. Priorities include ensuring that crowd control, security, and healthcare services are well-equipped to handle the influx of millions of devotees.
In a bold initiative to enhance integrity in land dealings, Bihar's revenue department has set up a dedicated cell within its Economic Offences Unit. Tasked with probing fraudulent land documents and illegal encroachments, this unit will also scrutinize anomalies in essential revenue services like land mutations and record rectifications.
In an unprecedented turn of events, Patna has experienced a staggering 69% increase in power demand over a mere 11 days, pushing consumption beyond 850MW amidst the sweltering heat and humidity. With residents heavily relying on air conditioning and fans, the power infrastructure is feeling the strain, resulting in a rise in fuse failure reports.
In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare, AIIMS Patna proudly inaugurates its latest Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre, marking a major milestone for Bihar with 35 HIV/AIDS treatment facilities now in operation.
In a shocking turn of events at IGIMS, Patna, a confrontation erupted between engineering staff and junior resident doctors, resulting in injuries to three technicians. What began as a disagreement regarding air conditioning repairs escalated into chaos, prompting a police investigation.
In a heart-wrenching case from Bihar, 16-year-old Santosh, a victim of bonded labour, has been awarded Rs 10 lakh in compensation by the Haryana State Human Rights Commission after tragically losing an arm in a workplace accident with a chaff cutter. The commission underscored the urgency of financial support to facilitate his healing journey and restore his dignity.
Effective May 22, Sudha milk has seen a price increase of Rs 2 per litre across Bihar and Jharkhand. This hike impacts popular options such as Sudha Gold, Shakti, and cow milk. The adjustment comes as a response to rising costs of production and logistics, including increases in cattle feed prices.
In light of global fluctuations, Bihar's public sector oil companies are committed to ensuring a steady supply of fuel and LPG. They have confirmed that all terminals and retail outlets are functioning smoothly, with stocks being replenished constantly. Petrol and diesel are readily available, and LPG deliveries remain on schedule.
In a troubling development, Santosh Kumar, a data entry operator at a child development office in Patna, was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs37,100. Reports suggest he was attempting to siphon off a large chunk of funds earmarked for nutrition and eggs meant for 17 Anganwadi centers.
In a groundbreaking move to improve educational services, Bihar's Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari unveiled two inquiry centers and a cutting-edge digital portal at BSEB offices. Spearheaded by BSEB Chairman Anand Kishor, these resource hubs feature specialized counters aimed at tackling a myriad of academic and administrative concerns.
In Patna, aspiring candidates for the BPSC TRE-4 positions faced a heavy-handed response from law enforcement as they rallied for the release of job vacancies. The protest, led by student leaders, ended with arrests and the crowd being dispersed.
In Gaya, the community is voicing serious concerns about census enumerators who appear to be bypassing vital verification protocols such as geo-tagging and immediate digital data entries. As worries over the integrity of the data grow, enumerators have pointed to difficult working conditions and insufficient training and resources as contributing factors.
Celebrating the legacy of historian Prof Surendra Gopal, Patna Museum hosted the third memorial lecture to honor what would have been his 90th birthday. Keynote speaker Sunita Sharma captivated the audience with insights into the Indian caste system's historical journey. The gathering, which included scholars and notable personalities, underscored the importance of unbiased historical research.
Street vendors along JP Ganga Path are caught in a frustrating limbo as delays in their relocation to the Digha vending zone persist. These setbacks have exacerbated already poor working conditions, with vendors facing unhygienic environments. Promises of improved infrastructure, including drainage systems, remain unfulfilled, leading to mounting discontent. The planned 1.
In a remarkable bust, authorities in the Bagaha region of Bettiah seized a tractor suspiciously overloaded with bricks, only to discover an astonishing 1,386 litres of contraband foreign liquor hidden underneath.
In an exciting announcement, Bihar's Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh revealed ambitious plans to elevate the state's athletic prowess by prioritizing advanced training for talented athletes at top-tier institutions. With a forward-looking vision, the state is set to launch cutting-edge sports facilities, including a Water Sports Academy and specialized shooting ranges, aiming to create a vibrant sports culture.
In a bid to strengthen law enforcement, Bihar's home department has conducted a strategic reshuffle involving five senior IPS officers and eight DSPs. Significant changes include new appointments to the roles of ADG and DIG of security, as well as fresh assignments for SPs overseeing cyber operations and various district commands.
In a momentous event, Bihar's Industry and Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh unveiled 'Swayamsiddha', a vibrant showroom and business hub located in Patna. This innovative initiative, set up by former rag pickers and beggars, features an array of handcrafted items, sustainable jute products, and local delicacies.
In a bid to enhance responsiveness, Bihar's revenue department has unveiled an innovative monitoring cell aimed at streamlining public complaint resolution, as directed by Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal. With nine dedicated officials at the helm, this initiative champions swift and clear resolution of grievances, reinforcing the government's dedication to accountability in managing revenue services.
Since its inception in 2022, Bihar's Dial-112 emergency service has been a lifeline for over 5.5 million individuals, slashing emergency response times to beneath 11 minutes. With daily usage by over 6,500 residents, the program has played a pivotal role in significantly reducing serious crime rates, such as homicides and thefts.
On Wednesday, Patna faced a major setback as chemists and druggists across the country staged a strike, causing a scramble for vital and emergency medications. Although government-operated Jan Aushadhi Kendras and hospital pharmacies remained functional, the shuttering of private pharmacies, including the largest medicine market in Bihar, left many residents in distress for essential prescriptions and pain relief.
Introducing 'Brand Bihar,' a groundbreaking initiative poised to redefine the narrative of Bihar by spotlighting its advancements in socioeconomic development, entrepreneurial spirit, and rich cultural heritage. Through compelling storytelling and data-driven communication, this program aims to shape a positive perception both nationally and internationally, forging partnerships and tapping into public enthusiasm.
Patliputra University is thrilled to announce the start of admissions for its four-year undergraduate programs for the 2026-27 academic year! The university's innovative 'Samarth' portal has already received an enthusiastic response, reflecting the eagerness of aspiring students. Applications are accepted until May 31st, and with an expected intake of around 1.25 lakh students, this is a fantastic opportunity.
In a vibrant celebration, 227 freshly-trained constables from the Bihar Police proudly graduated at the SSB's 65th Battalion in Bagaha. Chief Guest Inspector General Anusuya Ransingh Sahu inspired the new officers to embrace integrity and commitment as they embark on their journey. Honoring excellence, outstanding recruits were celebrated for their incredible accomplishments.
Top officials from the BJP and NDA have voiced their disapproval of Rahul Gandhi's recent comments directed at Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. They labeled his assertions as regrettable, indicative of both a sense of disillusionment and a penchant for division.
In a tragic event that has left the community in disbelief, a man has been accused of setting his ex-wife, her family, and a child on fire in Patna, a mere two weeks following her new marriage. Kanhai Kumar allegedly doused the victims in petrol before igniting them.
Bihar's cabinet has taken a landmark step by launching a biweekly IndiGo flight connecting Gaya to Bangkok, supported by a viability gap funding of 10.40 crores. This strategic move is expected to invigorate tourism and enhance local commerce.
A staggering 1,000 Indian inmates, with 403 in Haryana, find themselves behind bars even after serving 14 years of actual imprisonment and demonstrating commendable behavior. According to RTI statistics, these individuals have fulfilled their 'maximum period of punishment' but are still waiting for early release.
In Gaya, law enforcement officials have detained six suspects in connection with a reported assault on the convoy of HAM-S MLA Jyoti Manjhi. The alarming episode included obstructing her vehicle, physically assaulting her security team, and uttering derogatory caste-based comments.
In a spirited appeal, JD(U) representative Sanjay Kumar Jha called on Union Minister G S Shekhawat to integrate the Mithila Research Institute into the Gyan Bharatam Mission, aimed at safeguarding and digitizing invaluable manuscripts. Furthermore, he championed extensive archaeological efforts at Balirajgarh for the next ten years, underlining the significance of Mithila's vast historical and cultural tapestry.
At the 28th syndicate meeting of Patliputra University, overseen by Vice Chancellor Upendra Prasad Singh, exciting changes were unveiled including promotions for 13 lecturers to reader positions and elevating a talented history teacher to the role of professor. In a decisive move, the university also chose to terminate the services of an absent assistant professor.
Passengers on the Sampoorna Kranti Express from Patna to New Delhi endured significant hardship on Monday. Hundreds of unauthorized commuters boarded reserved 3 AC coaches, preventing ticketed passengers from reaching their seats. The overcrowding caused panic, especially for women and students, with limited access to facilities.

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