The Times of India

A 35-year-old woman was beaten to death and four others injured in Bihar's Nawada district following a dispute over alleged witchcraft. Tensions flared when a neighbor's child fell ill, leading to accusations against the deceased woman. Her family claims relatives from the neighboring family attacked her with bricks, stones, and iron rods.

In a momentous ceremony, the Patna High Court has embraced two talented newcomers, Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar, as Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo presided over their swearing-in. Justice Ritesh Kumar brings a unique perspective to the court, grounded in sociology and seasoned in constitutional and service law, having served various state universities and corporations.

Tej Pratap Yadav, the estranged eldest son of Lalu Prasad, is stirring up the political pot in Bihar as he hosts a Makar Sankranti celebration, inviting ministers from the NDA. Despite being ousted from the RJD and facing familial rejection, his move raises eyebrows and ignites talks of possible political shifts.

In an aggressive crackdown on fraudulent job schemes, Enforcement Directorate (ED) operatives descended on Muzaffarpur and Motihari, probing a significant money laundering racket. The prime suspect, Mantu Shah, managed to evade capture at his premises in Muzaffarpur.

On Thursday, an alarming wave swept through Bihar as courts in Patna, Araria, and Gaya were evacuated due to ominous email threats suggesting the presence of RDX explosives. Bomb squads swiftly sprang into action, meticulously scouring the premises, yet ultimately uncovered no threats.

Exciting news for cane growers in Bihar! For the 2025-26 season, they'll enjoy an increase of Rs 15 per quintal for their harvest. The super grade will now be priced at Rs 380, while general grade will go for Rs 360, and low grade will stand at Rs 330.

Bihar Minister Mangal Pandey criticized West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging she hindered the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into money laundering. He claimed her interference at the premises of a suspect and associated firm was a blatant breach of constitutional norms, aimed at protecting wrongdoers.

In a significant meeting, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha engaged with Gujarat's Urban Development and Housing Development minister to delve into the states urban development triumphs. The dialogue centered around innovative smart city initiatives, robust infrastructure enhancement, and a focus on citizen participation in planning.

Starting Saturday, January 10, the Bihar Congress will rally across the state to oppose the VB-G-RAM-G Act and demand a revival of the MGNREGA program. Leaders of the party claim that the legislation threatens the employment rights of rural communities, consolidates authority inappropriately, and imposes financial strain on state resources.

In a heartfelt tribute, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his sorrow over the untimely passing of Agnivesh Agrawal, son of Anil Agarwal, who tragically lost his life due to a skiing accident in New York, followed by a cardiac incident.

During the launch of a specialized training initiative for engineers from the state rural works department, IIT-Patna Director T N Singh underscored the essential contribution of civil engineers to the progress of our nation. Over the course of 12 days, participants will delve into critical aspects of rural infrastructure, with a focus on hydraulics, foundation design, and pavement engineering.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Ajay Kumar Pandey, a steadfast assistant sub-inspector, lost his life while on duty in West Champaran. At the age of 55, the dedicated officer from Purnia was attending to a Dial 112 call when he suddenly collapsed from severe chest pain. Despite swift transport to Bagaha sub-divisional hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival.

In a devastating incident at the Chausa thermal power plant in Buxar, a tragic accident claimed the life of 44-year-old worker Rajkumar, who was tragically crushed under a 10-tonne iron pipe. The mishap, caused by a failure in support during a lift, sparked immediate unrest among workers demanding stricter safety protocols.

In a tragic incident in Aurangabad, 28-year-old Suman Kumar lost his life after being allegedly assaulted by employees at a local rice mill over theft suspicions. While the mill staff maintain that he was apprehended while trying to steal paddy, Suman's family staunchly defends his character, labeling the accusations unfounded.

A tragic accident unfolded in Buxar as thick fog blanketed NH-319, leading to a deadly crash. A truck loaded with tomatoes collided violently with a heavy vehicle close to Kadsar village, resulting in the untimely deaths of both the driver and his assistant. Hailing from Maharashtra, their lives were tragically cut short, trapped within the mangled wreckage.

Dr. Nusrat Parveen, at the center of a public controversy involving Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, has finally joined government service. After facing delays and intense scrutiny, she submitted her joining report at the Civil Surgeons office in Patna. Her induction into service, initially delayed, concludes after she completed mandatory medical tests, bringing relief to the health department.

An SUV rammed into roadside vehicles in Danapur, Patna, injuring four people, including a woman. Locals set the vehicle ablaze, which was later controlled by the fire brigade. The driver remains unidentified as the license plate was destroyed, but the owner is being traced via the engine number.

In a transformative turn for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the Chepua fish from the Gandak River is sparking a renaissance in rural economies. Fishermen are reaping the benefits, providing this sought-after delicacy to local food stalls and artisans crafting pickles.

In an inspiring move toward educational innovation, Aryabhatta Knowledge University in Patna is poised to elevate its research capabilities by adopting the National Education Policy-2020. During an engaging session with students, Vice-Chancellor Sharad Kumar Yadav unveiled ambitious plans to establish cutting-edge stem cell and astronomy laboratories that meet international standards.

The RJD has fiercely criticized the Nitish Kumar administration's initiative to tear down Bihar Nivas in Delhi, arguing it's an attempt to politically erase Lalu Prasad's legacy. They assert that the sturdy 32-year-old structure should not be demolished at the hefty cost of over Rs 500 crore, calling it an act of jealousy.

In a proactive step towards community engagement, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered all government officials to make themselves available in their offices every Monday and Friday. This initiative, commencing on January 19, is designed to streamline communication between citizens and their government representatives, from local panchayats to the state level.

In a bold move to enhance agricultural transparency, Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha has unveiled comprehensive land reform initiatives, now reaching down to the block level. He proudly reported an unprecedented acceleration in settling land record discrepancies and mutation cases.

Celebrating educational excellence, Wilfred Henry, a passionate science educator from Maner, has been named 'Teacher of the Month' for November 2025 in the Patna district. This accolade shines a light on his remarkable achievements following a prestigious state-level recognition in September 2025.

In response to alarming air quality levels, Patnas authorities have introduced stringent guidelines for managing construction debris. The Municipal Corporation is enforcing the use of designated disposal areas and green mesh at all construction sites, aiming to tackle the escalating dust pollution.

In a tragic incident, 55-year-old Manoj Sao, who was awaiting trial, passed away in a Nawada hospital after his condition drastically worsened in custody. His family voices concerns over potential negligence on the part of prison officials, who maintain that his passing was due to natural causes.

In a shocking incident on Gola Road in Danapur, a fast-moving SUV, reportedly under the influence, struck down four pedestrians, igniting fury among locals. In a swift response, the crowd set fire to the vehicle and assaulted the driver. The victims, in critical condition, were rushed to PMCH Patna for urgent medical care.

Bodh Gaya's vibrant economy is feeling the sting of the Dalai Lama's continued absence, marking a second year of diminished tourism. With hotel rooms filling up at only 40%, the town, which flourished on the influx of international pilgrims eager to hear his teachings, now faces a stark reality.

In a brazen act of burglary, thieves made off with roughly Rs1.10 crore worth of cash and jewellery from the home of plastic pipe entrepreneur Ravishankar Singh in Barwan Khurd, Siwan. The incident unfolded Monday night while Singh was away in Patna with his family.