The Times of India
Elections 2026Bihar / The Times of India
On March 31, President Murmu will attend the second convocation of Nalanda University at its newly established Rajgir campus. This momentous occasion celebrates the inaugural event at the permanent site, where the President will address graduates, confer degrees, and unveil a state-of-the-art auditorium.
In a disturbing incident at the India-Nepal border in Supaul district, five government school teachers were detained after being suspected of intoxication while supervising students on an educational trip. Under scrutiny at the Bhimnagar checkpoint, the teachers were subjected to breath-analyser tests that confirmed their inebriation.
Bihar prepares for a turbulent Saturday, with the IMD Patna sounding an orange alert. Winds may gust up to 60 km/h, accompanied by hailstorms and lightning strikes in various districts. With ongoing moderate to heavy rain, disaster management officials urge residents to remain indoors for safety.
In a groundbreaking decision, the Union Cabinet has allocated an extra Rs 700 crore for the AIIMS Darbhanga initiative, elevating the total investment to around Rs 1,964 crore. This substantial financial infusion is set to fast-track the establishment of a long-awaited super-specialty hospital, alongside a medical and nursing college, signaling a new era for healthcare in Bihar.
In a vibrant display of faith, Patna's Ram Navami festivities attracted millions of worshippers to the revered Mahavir Mandir and the Panchrupi Hanuman Temple. This year marked a joyous return to form with Mahavir Mandir witnessing its largest congregation since 2019, as around four lakh faithful chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' in unison.
In a proactive response to the ongoing strike of circle officers, Bihar's revenue department is assigning non-striking personnel to maintain operational continuity. As of April 1st, all 534 block offices will function seamlessly, supported by dedicated officials who will take on extra tasks.
In a bold move, Bihar's RJD has raised alarms with the Union Home Minister about the deteriorating security situation in the state, pointing to a surge in violent crimes and murders. Their concerns were underscored by the shocking incident where a villager was killed by a sub-inspector.
In a significant breakthrough, Bhojpur police have arrested Gautam Kumar Rai, the key suspect in a shooting that erupted near the Piro registry office on March 24. This violent altercation, linked to a longstanding land dispute, resulted in four individuals suffering serious gunshot injuries, while three others sustained minor wounds.
Attention Degree Part II students: Patliputra University has generously extended the deadline for exam form submissions to March 28! Get ready, as exams kick off on April 1 at seven designated centers. Don't forget, Part III exams will follow closely on April 15.
A tragic incident unfolded when 16-year-old Kajal Kumari was found lifeless in her rental room in Harnaut, suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities discovered a country-made firearm at the scene, prompting a thorough investigation. The police have cordoned off the area and the body has been sent for an autopsy, following reports of a gunshot that alarmed local residents.
In a heart-wrenching incident in Saran district, three siblings lost their lives in the Saryu River while gathering firewood amid a severe LPG shortage. A 10-year-old boy tragically fell into the river while stopping for a drink, prompting his brave 12 and 13-year-old sisters to plunge in after him.
In a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wrapped up his Samriddhi Yatra with the announcement of development initiatives worth Rs 1,866 crore aimed at Patna and Nalanda districts. He marked the event by unveiling completed projects and laying the groundwork for upcoming ones, underscoring the government's commitment to advancing Bihar's progress through various strategic programs.
As the Samriddhi Yatra unfolded, villagers from Bihar united in a chorus of heartfelt pleas, urging Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to remain in their midst and not venture to Delhi. With heartfelt slogans and placards raised high, the crowds expressed a collective worry, with many feeling a sense of loss at the mere thought of his departure.
In Patna, residents are facing an uphill battle in securing LPG cylinders, receiving misleading alerts about deliveries that never arrive. Reports of 'ghost bookings' have flooded in, leaving consumers exasperated as their cylinders are registered as delivered without any sign of the actual delivery.
On April 6th, Patna Medical College Hospital unveils a state-of-the-art cancer department, creating a comprehensive hub for cancer care. With streamlined outpatient consultations and cutting-edge radiotherapy and chemotherapy services available, patients can now access critical treatments all in one place.
In a spirited effort to champion river conservation, Madhubani organized an enlightening Ganga River quiz as part of the Swachhta Pakhwada initiative. After 12 challenging rounds, UM Vidyalaya emerged victorious, showcasing the students commitment to environmental protection. Officials stressed the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining the vitality of our rivers, inspiring young minds to take charge of ecological preservation.
In response to the increasing flow of commuters, the railway authorities have unveiled a dedicated daily train service on the bustling Patna-Gaya corridor. Running until April 6, this 22-coach train will alleviate crowding for travelers.
As Ram Navami approaches, Patna is taking no chances with security. With 1,500 police officers deployed, alongside drone surveillance and strategic CCTV placements in vital areas, the city is well-prepared for the festivities. To ensure safety amidst the crowds, traffic diversions are already in effect and temporary control rooms have been established.
A devastating incident marred the Chhath Puja celebrations in Patna, as two young lives were tragically lost in the Ganga at Damrahi Ghat. As devotees gathered around 7 am, the allure of the river proved perilous when a group ignored safety barriers, swept away by the strong currents.
As the monsoon season approaches, Patna is proactively tackling flooding with the inauguration of eight advanced drainage pumping stations. These high-tech solutions are specifically designed for low-lying regions to address the long-standing challenges of waterlogging.
In a devastating span of 12 hours, two tragic incidents in the Rohtas and Kaimur districts claimed four lives. A speeding SUV in Rohtas struck two young men, resulting in their untimely death and leaving another critically injured.
State minister Ashok Kumar Choudhary made a notable appearance at A N College, stepping in as an assistant professor to teach political science. Accompanied by security, he lectured on centre-state relations, expressing nervousness about facing students after a long gap. His academic appointment, following a recruitment process, has sparked discussions about balancing ministerial duties with teaching.
In a groundbreaking move at Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve, five skilled elephants from Karnataka are proving to be indispensable in the realm of security. These gentle giants, well-acquainted with regional commands and diets, enhance surveillance efforts in rugged landscapes, especially during the heavy monsoon season. Their presence is instrumental in curbing poaching and illegal timber activities.
The Bhagalpur district is currently grappling with unexpected cyclonic storms, leading to widespread destruction across approximately 22,220 hectares of thriving Rabi crops, including key staples like maize and wheat. As harvest time approached, farmers in over 140 village panchayats have witnessed their livelihood jeopardized.
In a recent announcement, Bihar's Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary revealed that the Lord Vaman temple at Buxar Jail is set to open its doors, marking a significant step towards liberty for the community. The government is committed to ensuring easy access for the public.
In a bewildering turn of events at a government hospital in Begusarai, a stray dog made off with an amputated leg, sending shockwaves through the community and sparking outrage over the hospital's sanitation practices. This alarming episode underscores the critical issues surrounding biowaste management in Bihar's public healthcare system, prompting officials to issue show-cause notices to responsible parties.
The JD(U) has initiated proceedings to disqualify Lok Sabha MP Giridhari Yadav for alleged anti-party activities. The party claims Yadav campaigned against its official candidate in the Belhar assembly elections, supporting his son who contested on an RJD ticket. This move follows months of scrutiny over Yadav's conduct and public remarks deemed embarrassing to the JD(U).

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