The Times of India

Bihar's bold budget of Rs 3.48 lakh crore positions human development and job creation at its core, targeting a doubling of per-capita income and the generation of 1 crore jobs through strategic initiatives such as Saat Nischay-3.

In a proactive move to enhance infrastructure development, Bihar's Chief Secretary engaged in a constructive dialogue with the Director General of BISAG-N, aiming to harness geospatial technology through the PM Gati Shakti portal.

In a bold move, the NDA government of Bihar has rolled out an ambitious budget of Rs 3.47 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, signaling a strong commitment to keep its electoral promises while aspiring for the title of a developed state.

At the bustling International Kolkata Book Fair, Bengali authors representing various regions of India came together to share their literary creations and address pressing issues related to linguistic minorities.

Bihar's ambitious Rs 3.47 lakh crore budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 is being hailed for its commitment to improving economic growth and contemporary infrastructure. This budget reflects the Chief Minister's core governance values. Highlights include plans for new expressways, upgraded healthcare systems, and a focus on rural upliftment.

In a concerning development, nine students were expelled on just the second day of Bihar's Intermediate exams for engaging in cheating and impersonation in various districts. Fortunately, the Mathematics and Political Science assessments proceeded without a hitch, thanks to the rigorous security measures in place.

Patna University Students' Union for the 2024-25 session has been dissolved following the announcement of fresh elections for the 2025-26 term. The university has released the election schedule, with the draft electoral roll due February 6 and final roll on February 10. Polling for key positions and council members is set for February 28, adhering to Lyngdoh Committee recommendations.

Bihar is embarking on a transformative journey with its new state budget, focusing on healthcare accessibility. By bringing in specialists such as orthopaedics and ophthalmologists to community health centres, and elevating district hospitals to superspeciality status, the state aims to revolutionize patient care.

Thousands marched in Jehanabad demanding justice for a medical aspirant allegedly raped and murdered. Protesters, joined by MP Pappu Yadav, decried authorities' alleged attempts to shield culprits and suppress the case. The victim, found unconscious in a Patna hostel, died after forensic reports indicated sexual violence. The Bihar government has recommended a CBI probe.

Madhepura is reeling from two tragic deaths. A young woman preparing for competitive exams was found dead in her lodge room, while a B.Tech student was discovered hanging in her hostel. Police are investigating both mysterious incidents, with no clear clues yet emerging in either case, leaving the town in shock.

Patna High Court has quashed an eight-year-old criminal case against Water Resources Minister Santosh Kumar Suman. An FIR lodged in 2017 accused the minister of unlawful assembly and obstructing public officers. The court found no criminal case made out from the FIR, deeming it a malafide attempt to harass an innocent citizen, and ordered the proceedings to cease.

In a transformative move for higher education, Bihar's Finance Minister unveiled a bold initiative, allocating Rs 100 crore apiece to Patna University and LNMU in Darbhanga, aimed at transforming them into premier institutions.

Bihar faces a rising cancer burden, with over one lakh new cases expected in 2025. Experts highlight low awareness, lifestyle factors like tobacco use, and environmental pollution as key drivers. Oral, breast, and cervical cancers are prevalent. Early detection through screening and vaccination is crucial for improved outcomes and survival rates.

The budget for Bihar in 2026-27 has ignited a fierce debate among Magadh's business elite. Proponents praise its ambitious vision for progress, while critics deride it as lackluster, particularly highlighting the overlooked hospitality industry.

Bihar's Vigilance Investigation Bureau nabbed two revenue employees for accepting bribes in Nalanda and Nawada districts. Akhilesh Sah in Rajgir was caught with Rs45,000 for land clearance, while Gulshan Kumar in Roh was apprehended with Rs35,000 for similar work. Both face legal proceedings at the Patna vigilance court.

Bihar's NDA partners lauded the Union Budget, highlighting its significant allocation of over Rs 1.62 lakh crore for the state's industrial development. This includes substantial tax devolution and grants-in-aid, alongside interest-free loans for capital expenditure. Leaders emphasized the budget's focus on inclusive growth, women's empowerment, and fulfilling the needs of common citizens, envisioning a developed India.

Bihar Congress has launched an exciting initiative, 'Kshitiz', seeking dynamic individuals to join as spokespersons, publicity coordinators, and researchers. State president Rajesh Ram emphasizes a fair selection process aimed at finding candidates who genuinely resonate with the party's values and community engagement.

The Bihar State Finance Commission has unveiled its new official website, encouraging the public to submit their financial insights. Chairman Ashok Kumar Chaudhary emphasized that the commission will evaluate finances at both panchayat and urban local body levels, aiming to propose reforms to enhance their fiscal health.

CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya has called for sustained protests against the Bihar government's ulldozer terror and alleged anti-people policies. He criticized the Nitish regime for failing land reforms and targeting the poor with demolition drives, while also pointing to voter list deletions, corporate land grabs, and rising crime.

In a swift operation, officers from West Champaran nabbed a drug trafficker named Mohammad Ashad while he was navigating the banks of the Pandai river on his motorcycle, successfully confiscating 2.53 kg of hashish. The arrest stemmed from an anonymous tip-off, prompting the police to act quickly.

Bihar receives a significant Rs10,379 crore for rail infrastructure in 2026-27, aiming to boost connectivity, safety, and passenger experience. Over Rs1 lakh crore is currently invested in state projects, including 98 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and 802 new works. Bihar leads in Vande Bharat operations, enhancing its role in national trade.

In an unexpected turn of events, a man masquerading as an IAS officer was caught red-handed in Saran district, thanks to the keen eye of the District Magistrate. After interacting with high-ranking officials, including the SSP, his glaring gaps in administrative knowledge raised alarms.

In a heartbreaking incident in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, a family's internal strife erupted over a cellphone, resulting in the tragic loss of a 14-year-old boy. Reports suggest that the boy's 20-year-old brother, struggling with addiction, fatally attacked him with a stick after being denied access to the phone.

A Patna High Court judge has ordered a halt to the Munger University Vice-Chancellor's salary until a former financial advisor receives his two-month salary arrears and pending allowances. The court expressed strong displeasure over a two-year delay in settling the claims of Brajendra Narain Das, who satisfactorily completed his tenure. The VC's office has been urged to expedite the payment.

Bihar is gearing up to transform its healthcare landscape with the introduction of 50-bed Ayush hospitals across seven districts by 2026-27. During a capacity-building workshop for Ayush practitioners, Health Minister Mangal Pandey highlighted the initiatives focus on enhancing skills and broadening access to holistic wellness services.

Patna is on the brink of a maritime transformation with a cutting-edge ship repair center planned for a hefty investment of Rs243 crore, promising to streamline waterway transport and eliminate the need for expensive repair trips to Kolkata.

During a recent gathering, Director P K Jain of NIT-Patna called on architects to step outside conventional roles, embracing their potential as job creators and architects of the nations progress.

A tragic incident unfolded on the Ara-Buxar highway, where a car collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the loss of three young lives and leaving another in critical condition. Eyewitnesses claim the truck driver escaped immediately after the crash.

In a proactive move, District Magistrate Sahila convened a meeting to assess the final touches on a significant revenue and e-measurement initiative in Buxar, scheduled to run from January 26 until March 31. Officials were urged to compile detailed reports focusing on issues like land availability, wetlands, and encroachments without delay.

In an impressive turnaround, Bihar's economy celebrated a remarkable 13.1% growth rate in FY 2024-25, eclipsing the national average. The state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) continues to reflect a trajectory above the nation's trends, largely fueled by enhanced investments and a focus on developing human resources.

Bihar is experiencing an economic renaissance, as sectors like construction, manufacturing, and services take the lead over traditional agriculture. However, the agricultural sector still plays a crucial role, thanks to enhanced support for farmers and a surge in the production of essential crops and livestock.

In Bihar, the escalating dog bite epidemic is sending shockwaves through communities, with an astonishing average of 776 dog bites reported daily. The latest Economic Survey indicates that the state has recorded over 283,000 incidents during the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a sharp increase from last year.

Bihar's NDA administration is embarking on an ambitious five-year plan to elevate per capita income and boost job prospects through its comprehensive 'Saat Nischay-part 3' initiative. By leveraging past achievements, the state is on track to generate one crore job opportunities within government sectors and beyond.

In a significant ruling, the Patna High Court has turned down a father's request for an independent judicial inquiry into the enigmatic death of his child, a medical aspirant. The court emphasized that the state's move to involve the CBI in the investigation negates the need for high court oversight at this moment.

In an unprecedented move, jailed JD(U) MLA Anant Singh was granted court approval to take his oath as an MLA while serving time for a murder charge. Despite his incarceration, Singh has been elected for a sixth term from Mokama. The ceremony will see him escorted from Beur jail, although he must return immediately afterward.

In Vriti Tola village, Bettiah, an air of fear settled over the community Saturday night when police uncovered suspicious explosive materials, including tubular objects and detonators. The items were reportedly tossed into the yard of a local resident by unidentified individuals. Authorities quickly secured the perimeter and initiated a technical analysis to ascertain the nature of the explosives.

In the tranquil backdrop of Raghunandanpur village, a heartbreaking incident shattered the peace as 30-year-old Suman Kumari lost her life in a terrifying shooting. She was on her way to visit family, accompanied by her husband and daughter, when tragedy struck.

Business moguls in Bihar have shared a patchwork of responses to the Union Budget for 2026-27. Enthusiasm surrounded the government's initiatives aimed at boosting MSMEs, youth employment, and infrastructure development. However, a prevailing sentiment of dismay emerged as many leaders felt the budget fell short of addressing the unique developmental challenges faced by Bihar.

A tragic road accident on NH-30 in Patna claimed six lives, including two children, when a speeding truck collided head-on with an autorickshaw. The victims, returning from a religious festival, were all residents of Ara. The collision, occurring early Sunday, resulted in severe damage and scattered belongings. Police have arrested the truck driver.

A 10-year-old girl in Supaul district was allegedly raped by her tutor, Akram Alam, on January 24. The accused reportedly locked the child in a room and silenced her screams. The incident surfaced after the girl complained of a stomach ache and confided in her mother. An FIR has been registered, and police are actively searching for the absconding tutor.