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Bihar / The Times of India
In a bold initiative, the NDA government of Bihar is setting its sights on creating employment opportunities for 10 million young people over the next five years. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan praised the state's unwavering dedication to strengthening law and order, championing women's empowerment, and advancing infrastructure projects, reflecting the remarkable transformation since 2005.
Introducing a groundbreaking 3.2-km, three-lane bridge over the Ganga, forging a seamless link between Buxar and Bharauli. With an investment of Rs368 crore, this infrastructure marvel will alleviate traffic woes and strengthen the economic fabric of both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh by connecting the Buxar-Patna highway to the Purvanchal Expressway, leading to more efficient travel and logistics.
At the start of the winter session of Bihar's legislative council, Chairperson Awadhesh Narain Singh lauded the assembly elections for achieving an impressive 67.13% voter turnout, commending the overall peaceful atmosphere.
Bihar's assembly witnessed the tabling of a Rs91,717 crore supplementary budget for FY 2025-26. A significant Rs21,000 crore is allocated to the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana,' empowering women with Rs10,000 each for business ventures. The budget also includes provisions for schemes and pensions, with old age pension beneficiaries receiving Rs1,100 monthly.
In a significant political advancement, seasoned JD(U) figure Narendra Narayan Yadav is set to be elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly this Thursday. As the only nominee in the running, his victory is practically assured. This election marks Yadav's second straight term, after having previously served as the Pro Tem Speaker.
Bihar's NDA government is gearing up for a transformative five-year plan, setting an impressive goal of creating 1 crore job opportunities for young people, as announced by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. The administration is committed to reinforcing law and order, advancing police training and resources, and improving infrastructure.
The much-anticipated four-lane roadway project linking Rajiv Nagar to Kurji drain has officially kicked off in Patna. Stretching 4.26 km, this venture aims to ease the daily traffic woes for over 200,000 locals. By employing cutting-edge central load-bearing technology, travelers can expect a seamless journey between Ashiana-Digha Road and Atal Path, with project completion scheduled for two years from now.
Bihar is on a remarkable trajectory, breaking records in the production of animal-based products and outpacing national figures. In the fiscal year 2024-25, milk production rose by 4.24%, egg production soared by an impressive 9.99%, and meat production increased by 4.03%.
In a shocking incident in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, a Digambar Jain monk received a chilling death threat from two young men who insisted he abandon his sacred practice of nudity. They ominously threatened him with a gun if he refused to conform.
Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav's absence from the Bihar legislature's joint session drew sharp criticism from the ruling NDA. While the RJD cited urgent assignments for his absence, JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar was seen searching for him, questioning his whereabouts. BJP ministers also took a dig at Yadav's attendance record.
In a decisive move, Speaker Prem Kumar has called upon the secretary of the Building Construction Department after a series of audio failures marred Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's address. The microphones succumbed to repeated glitches that hindered the joint session, leaving attendees frustrated.
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in Supaul district as a ferocious fire engulfed a home, taking the lives of two innocent siblings, Manav Kumar (10) and Sakshi Kumari (12). The flames, ignited from a nearby bonfire, spread swiftly, annihilating six additional houses and resulting in the loss of 18 livestock.
A village headman, Radha Sah, was tragically shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in Siwan district. While riding his bike, he was targeted and fatally wounded in the head. Police suspect a dispute over an alleged illicit relationship as the motive, with the woman's family reportedly involved. Protests erupted as locals demanded swift action against the perpetrators.
In a show of unity, veteran BJP stalwart Prem Kumar has been elected as the Speaker of the Bihar assembly by consensus. The announcement came from pro-tem Speaker Narendra Narayan Yadav, confirming Kumar as the sole nominee.
From humble beginnings as the son of a bank peon, Prem Kumars ascent to Speaker of the Gaya MLA is nothing short of inspiring. Battling financial hardships early on, he navigated through the political landscape with grace and integrity, garnering widespread admiration.
In a shocking turn of events, a father-son duo has been sentenced to life behind bars in Sasaram, following their conviction for a brutal murder in 2019. Ram Iqbal Singh and his son, Shailesh Singh, alongside their accomplice, Sheshmuni Singh, were found guilty of the fatal stabbing of Upendra Singh, which stemmed from a financial dispute.
In an ambitious move to boost economic growth, Bihar's Industries Minister, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, has called on officials to streamline the investor application process, aiming to create a seamless 'one-stop clearance' system. He emphasized the importance of efficient responses from various departments and pledged to enhance the capabilities of the Industries Directorate in spearheading development.
In a decisive move to enhance consumer experience, Energy Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh has mandated immediate action against agencies that are lagging in the installation of smart meters. He has also called on officials to accelerate the provision of new connections, strengthen feeder infrastructure to eliminate power outages, and tackle billing discrepancies within a week.
In an interesting twist, the regional dynamics of parent-teacher meetings reveal a vibrant engagement in rural schools contrasted by the stark attendance issues faced in urban areas like Patna. Authorities point to the limited options available to rural families, for whom government schools provide the only pathway to education, hence a higher turnout.
There's a disagreement at the Patna High Court about a new plan letting judges pick Group-C staff. Some judges are worried this sidesteps Supreme Court rules for openness and could lead to 'backdoor hires,' possibly ignoring previous orders.
In Patna, the Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities orchestrated a dynamic two-day festival in honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This engaging event saw over 700 talented children and individuals with disabilities take the stage, displaying their remarkable skills in arts and culture.
In a strategic maneuver, the BJP has cemented its position within the NDA government of Bihar by clinching the Speaker's role, following its acquisition of the pivotal Home department. This development unfolds against a backdrop of Bihar's shifting political terrain, raising the stakes for the Speaker's office.
In November, Patna's Shakti Suraksha Dal responded to a remarkable 1,909 distress calls, providing support through counselling, legal assistance, and even emergency ambulance services. This innovative women-safety initiative swiftly addressed various issues, from harassment to cybercrime, ensuring that the vulnerable populations in the city were protected with both speed and compassion.
JD(U) MLA Vibha Devi faced difficulty reading her oath at the Bihar Vidhan Sabha's inaugural session. Other newly elected legislators shared their plans for the state. The NDA secured a significant victory in the recent elections, winning over 200 seats. BJP emerged as the largest party, followed by JD(U). Opposition parties like RJD and Congress secured fewer seats.
A heart-wrenching tragedy marred a joyous wedding celebration in Rohtas district when a government schoolteacher, Nandan Kumar Singh, lost his life to celebratory gunfire. At 50 years old, Nandan was enjoying the festivities of his cousin's wedding when an errant bullet struck him.
In an ambitious push to restore public spaces, Patna officials have initiated an extensive anti-encroachment campaign, raking in Rs 59,800 in penalties while dismantling numerous illegal roadside structures. This collaborative effort between various agencies is designed to ease traffic congestion and ensure that public areas are accessible for all.
In a surprising turnaround, the controversial ban on hired vehicles at Patna Junction has been shelved, following a wave of public outcry and significant disruption to daily commuters. The long lines and inconveniences faced by passengers and office-goers led to a strike by auto and e-rickshaw drivers, who are fighting for their livelihoods.
In a shocking turn of events, a wedding celebration in Khagaria district, Bihar, was marred by tragedy on November 30, when a groom was fatally shot. Family members claim that the suspect, Mohammad Sakib, opened fire in a fit of rage after being asked to leave the reception due to his excessive drinking.

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