The Times of India
Elections 2026Bihar / The Times of India
In a strategic move to combat the impacts of climate change, Bihar's Chief Minister has empowered the water resources department to harness the Ganga's flow during the rainy season. Water will be diverted to the Badua reservoir in Banka and the Kharagpur reservoir in Munger, enhancing irrigation for farmers in three districts.
In a proactive response to the surge of complaints concerning frequent power outages, Gaya's district administration has heightened vigilance among power officials. District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar has ordered swift measures to ensure a stable electricity supply, particularly in bustling commercial hotspots.
This month, the rural development minister of Bihar has exciting news for Jeevika Didis: the second installment of Rs 20,000 under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rajgar Yojana is on its way! Designed to uplift women through self-employment opportunities, this initiative will eventually total Rs 2.10 lakh distributed in five installments. With the first installment already benefiting over 1.
In a bid to streamline the travel experience and reduce waiting times, the Danapur division of East Central Railway is set to deploy 90 state-of-the-art automatic ticket vending machines. This initiative is designed to facilitate the issuance of around 2.6 lakh unreserved tickets daily, especially during rush hours on popular routes.
In a harrowing incident in Patna, a 26-year-old woman who was focused on her SSC preparations fell victim to a horrifying attack by her boyfriend. Following a heated argument regarding marriage, the man allegedly assaulted her in his rented accommodation, brandishing a knife during the brutal act.
In a significant move to address land disputes, the Bihar government plans to hire 8,054 revenue officials, aimed at resolving an enormous backlog of around 40,000 cases. Minister Dilip Jaiswal has unveiled plans to revitalize the Bihar Land Tribunal, expanding its team to seven members.
In a significant security operation, the Bihar Anti-Terrorism Squad has detained Mohammad Mustafa in Muzaffarpur for allegedly facilitating activities linked to anti-India organizations. Preliminary investigations expose a troubling connection with Shahzad Bhatti, an arms trafficker operating out of Pakistan.
Exciting news for travelers! Darbhanga Airport is gearing up for night flight operations, thanks to a productive meeting between JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Union minister has guaranteed robust support, including extra Air Force personnel and technical help, to make night landings a reality.
In a groundbreaking move, Bihar's education department is launching a transfer policy impacting more than seven lakh educators. The initiative focuses on placing female teachers in nearby panchayats within their districts while shifting male teachers to bordering blocks.
In a recent statement, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the NDA government, pointing to soaring inflation rates and rampant unemployment as indicators of its failing economic strategies. He expressed deep concern over the escalating prices of basic necessities that are straining the finances of familiesespecially the less affluent and middle-class citizens in Bihar.
In a remarkable display of anti-corruption efforts, vigilance authorities in Rohtas district executed well-timed sting operations on Friday, resulting in the arrest of a circle officer, his assistant, and a clerk. The Sasaram circle officer and his aide fell into the trap while accepting a sizable bribe linked to land mutation permits.
In a bold move to reclaim safety and security, the Bihar Police have ramped up their efforts against organized crime, detaining more than 134,000 individuals from January to May. Additional Director General Sudhanshu Kumar emphasized that all measures taken are within legal bounds and dismissed any accusations of caste-based discrimination.
Starting May 25, Sudha milk from Bihar will see a price hike of Rs 2-4 per litre and Rs 1-2 for 500ml packs. This shift is driven by rising costs in cattle feed and operational expenses, which means families may need to adjust their budgets. Tea lovers should also brace for a ripple effect as milk prices soar.
At the Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology in Patna, patients express frustration over claims of staff soliciting bribes for medical tests and expedited services, despite the facility's promise of free or affordable care. Reports suggest that patients are being overcharged for essential supplies, such as electrodes and batteries, with no formal receipts provided.
In a dramatic turn of events, Gaya cyber police have detained Rajendra Rao, known as Sardar, for making threats against Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi in a video that quickly gained traction online. The Patna native was located in Nalanda after extensive digital tracking.
Bihar's Baal Hriday Yojana continues its impressive journey by healing 3,028 young hearts afflicted with congenital heart diseases, recently sending another group of 28 children to Ahmedabad for complimentary surgery. Initiated in 2021, this remarkable program not only alleviates financial strain for families but also reinstates hope for a brighter future for children up to 18 years old.
In a bold move aimed at enhancing governance, the Bihar government has implemented a sweeping administrative reshuffle, elevating ten IAS officers, including three to the prestigious role of Additional Chief Secretary. Among the notable changes, Deepak Kumar Singh has been appointed as Principal Secretary to the Governor, while Arvind Kumar Choudhary and B Rajender expand their portfolios with new responsibilities.
Sasaram is currently facing a critical water scarcity issue, affecting numerous historic neighborhoods even after significant financial investments. Daily life for residents has become a relentless challenge, leading some families to seek alternatives like relocation or property sales. The situation is particularly dire in the surrounding hills.
In Gaya, cyber law enforcement has taken action against Rajesh Rao, known as Sardar, after a controversial video circulated online. The clip reveals Rao delivering menacing threats, peppered with casteist insults, directed at Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Investigators are diligently working to track down the suspect and scrutinize digital trails.
In a shocking incident from Munger, a 17-year-old girl has faced a harrowing experience as she was reportedly gang-raped at gunpoint after her family turned down a marriage proposal. Tuntun Mandal, the prime suspect, is believed to have lured the young girl to a secluded lake area where he, alongside two accomplices, committed this heinous act.
A heart-wrenching event occurred in Supaul district, where Manoj Kumar, a 62-year-old grocer, lost his life when a car escaping a police pursuit collided with him. The vehicle, thought to be loaded with over a thousand bottles of illicit Nepali liquor, first crashed into a tractor before tragically hitting Kumar. Authorities have since apprehended two suspects who fled the scene.
As Bihar faces an intense heatwave, temperatures soar past 40C in 10 districts, including Patna, with the 'real feel' reaching a staggering 50C. Authorities have taken action by halting school activities for children up to Class V and adjusting the schedules for older students.
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.

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