The Times of India

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.

Bihars Chief Secretary has mandated the use of satellite imagery to accurately locate and eradicate illegal opium and cannabis plantations. Regular Narco Coordination Centre reviews are now compulsoryquarterly at the state level and monthly in districts.

An IG rank officer in Bihar, Sunil Kumar Naik, was arrested by Andhra Pradesh Police in connection with a five-year-old case of alleged custodial torture. The case involves a 2021 incident in Guntur district where Naik was serving as DIG (CID).

Tragedy struck a wedding reception in Shahpur village, Bihar, late Sunday evening. Two brothers, Manjeet Kumar and Manish Kumar, were shot dead by unidentified assailants. Preliminary investigations suggest an old dispute, possibly property-related, led to the fatal incident. Police are actively searching for the accused and have sent the bodies for post-mortem.

In a shocking turn of events, a joyous wedding celebration in Patna's Shahpur village transformed into a scene of chaos early Sunday evening. A longstanding land conflict between two brothers, Manjeet and Manish Kumar, turned deadly as a heated argument spiraled out of control. Manish succumbed to his injuries, while Manjeet fights for his life, receiving critical care.

In a groundbreaking initiative, law enforcement agents in Bihar participated in a workshop tailored to enhance their understanding of Gram Kachahri's pivotal role in enforcing POCSO and Juvenile Justice laws. Specialists underscored the importance of upholding legal frameworks for community wellbeing, illustrating how effective grassroots mediation can transform local conflict resolution.

In a grand ceremony, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar honored the remarkable teenage cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, presenting him with a Rs 50 lakh cheque and a traditional 'angavastra'. The young star was celebrated for his extraordinary 175 runs that secured India's U-19 World Cup title, alongside his impressive records in the IPL.

The Patna Municipal Corporation is on a mission to clean up the cityscape by eliminating unauthorized ads and hoardings, looking to enforce new regulations while enhancing its revenue streams. This initiative, which has already seen the removal of 196 illegal installations across all zones, has resulted in 253 notices being issued.

Tejashwi Yadav has called out the BJP for allegedly manipulating Nitish Kumar to further its own interests, claiming that the government is turning a blind eye to the struggles of the poor and marginalized communities, while the crime rate and the liquor industry flourish unchecked. He expressed outrage over the BJP's delay in implementing the 65% job reservation initiative.

In a shocking turn of events, the lifeless body of Rinku Devi, 45, was found in Madhepura, Bihar, igniting a tense murder probe. Her son has named his cousin, Niwas Singh, as a suspect stemming from a bitter family feud.

The upcoming Patna University Students Union elections hang in the balance, as uncertainty looms with an active postponement notice still in effect, despite fervent calls from students for clarity. Some representatives are hopeful that the elections will kick off as initially planned; however, the lack of an official decree reinstating the original timeline leaves many questions unanswered.

In 2025, Bihar emerges as a trailblazer in prison rehabilitation, having implemented comprehensive educational and vocational programs for inmates. An impressive 3,900 prisoners engaged in skill-building initiatives, leading many to explore higher education and gain computer skills.

Sainik School, Nalanda cadets excelled at the state-level Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan, with Anurag Kumar securing first place. Two cadets will now compete nationally. Elsewhere, students spread Holi cheer at an old age home, while Vanijya Mahavidyalay celebrated its annual sports meet, honouring top athletes.

In Bihar, over 150 newly appointed assistant professors in political science have been left in limbo for eight months, awaiting their official postings. While a few universities have moved forward with appointments, six prominent institutions are stuck due to verification issues.

A wedding in Ara's Chhotki Sonadiya village was abruptly halted when the bride fainted during the 'jaimal' ceremony. Doctors attributed her collapse to weakness and exhaustion from wedding preparations. Despite medical assurances, the groom's family allegedly refused to proceed, citing health concerns and returning the wedding gifts. The bride's family expressed deep disappointment over their shattered dreams and wasted expenses.

Bihar's urban development department has ordered a crackdown on unlicensed meat and fish shops operating in unhygienic conditions. Municipal bodies must identify and shut down these illegal outlets, especially those near religious sites and schools, to ensure public health and prevent unrest. Strict adherence to licensing and hygiene rules is now mandatory, with legal action threatened for non-compliance.

Bihar's village libraries, once hubs of freedom fighters and adult learning, are experiencing a remarkable revival. State initiatives and community efforts are transforming these spaces into vibrant learning centers, empowering unemployed youth with competitive exam preparation. These modernized libraries, often run by local women, offer free internet and resources, attracting over a lakh students, with a significant majority being girls.

In Bihar's poorest district, Kishanganj, a youth-led library movement is transforming lives. The Seemanchal Library Foundation has established three rural libraries, drawing over 200 underprivileged children daily. These vibrant spaces, stocked with diverse books, are igniting a passion for learning among tribal girls and children of daily wage earners, offering a beacon of hope and knowledge.

Patna Zoo has unveiled a unique Nature Library, offering a blend of books, workshops, and hands-on activities to foster conservation education. This eco-friendly facility, built with cane bamboo, houses over 1,400 books and provides tools for gardening and bird-watching, complementing the zoo's role as a living laboratory for students and enthusiasts.