The Times of India

During a recent educational trip, trainee IFS officers discovered the vibrant tapestry of Bihar's culture, its developmental strides, and untapped tourism potential. Engaging dialogues with local ministers and secretaries illuminated the state's ambitious vision for global tourism and its proactive measures in advancing employment-oriented technical education, including the introduction of foreign language programs.

Seven Patna University hostel students were arrested with country-made bomb-making materials following a late-night clash at Krishna Ghat. The dispute, reportedly over eve-teasing, escalated to alleged firing and the explosion of a sutli bomb. Police recovered a significant quantity of objectionable materials during a search of Hathua Hostel.

Patna faces a grave threat from unsecured manholes, with thousands of complaints lodged annually. Heavy traffic shortens cover lifespan, and a lengthy manufacturing process delays replacements. Theft of steel-laden covers is rampant, forcing residents to improvise warnings. Despite safety measures, a recent car sinking incident underscores the persistent dangers.

In a tragic twist, 17-year-old Chandrakant Kumar, an intermediate student, was found lifeless in Samastipur, a noose ominously around his neck. Reported missing since Tuesday night, initial investigations reveal signs of foul play, with evidence of strangulation apparent on his body.

Since its inception in 1998, the Bodh Mahotsav has sought to elevate Bodh Gaya as a beacon of spirituality. However, the event has drawn criticism due to its inconsistent scheduling and lack of professional management.

Patna authorities have mobilized 66 magistrates and police officers across 44 locations for Saraswati Puja, emphasizing crowd management, law and order, and traffic control. Drone and CCTV surveillance are in place, with quick response teams ready. All puja committees must secure licenses, and DJs are banned. Immersions require permits and magisterial supervision, with artificial ponds mandated.

A sub-inspector in Buxar has been suspended after an accused, Farhan, escaped from the Town police station lock-up on January 19. Farhan, arrested for alleged abduction, reportedly broke through a toilet window grill. The SP cited negligence by the on-duty officer as the cause. A manhunt is underway to recapture the fugitive, with an internal inquiry also initiated.

In a peculiar twist, Shila Devi, a councillor from the Gaya Municipal Corporation, finds herself in limbo as her widow pension is reportedly halted due to a mix-up categorizing her as 'deceased'. While she insists this error is affecting her benefits, officials argue it's merely correcting her eligibility for two pensions.

Bhagalpur administration is enforcing strict rules for Saraswati Puja to ensure peace and harmony. Puja committees must obtain licenses and submit details, with a ban on loud, vulgar music and weapons. CCTV cameras will monitor pandals and immersion routes, while authorities tackle rumour-mongering to prevent any untoward incidents during the two-day festival.

Bihar's RJD women's cell and AISA activists took to the streets in Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur, protesting rising crime against women and the government's alleged failure to ensure safety. Demonstrators, including RJD leaders and AISA members, voiced concerns over increasing incidents of murder, loot, and rape, demanding justice and a secure environment for women and daughters across the state.

In Patna, the mysterious death of a medical student has sparked a thorough investigation following her reported ingestion of numerous antidepressant pills belonging to her father. Authorities have discovered empty packaging linked to her recent trip home. While evidence from her diary and cellphone suggests suicide, the inquiry is also delving into troubling allegations of sexual misconduct.

In a surprising turn of events, Siwan's Shivrajpur village witnessed chaos as tensions from a wedding celebration spiraled out of control. A confrontation between two factions escalated into a violent clash, resulting in stone-throwing that left five injured. Police intervened, taking five suspects into custody and ramping up security measures.

In a significant ruling, the Patna High Court granted judicial immunity to revenue court officials, dismissing charges against a Bihar Administrative Service officer.

In a progressive stride for Saran district, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled 69 groundbreaking projects valued at Rs 538 crore. This initiative prioritizes a bold vision to double farmers' income by 2029, fueled by innovative agricultural practices.

In a heart-wrenching incident near Rohini Bhan village, a fierce head-on motorcycle crash claimed the lives of three young individuals, leaving two others in critical condition. Among the victims was a 25-year-old fitness trainer, who had just returned to his roots. The sheer destruction of the motorcycles and the distance they were propelled testify to the accident's brutality.

Nitin Nabin's ascent to the BJP's top position sparked widespread celebrations in Patna with party workers distributing sweets and bursting firecrackers. Colleagues lauded his dedication, simplicity, and organisational skills

In a display of unity and strength, Patna's streets came alive with the fervent 'Aakrosh March', where hundreds of students and youths rallied for justice following the heartbreaking demise of a NEET aspirant. Spearheaded by Nari Suraksha Sena, the protest underscored the urgent need for improved safety for women and students alike, calling for immediate action against those responsible.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Bhagalpur police thwarted a nefarious plot to assassinate a schoolteacher in Sunderpur. Two suspects, Satyam Kumar and Kamal Kumar, were caught red-handed with a loaded handgun and ammunition.

On January 29, the illustrious tennis player Vijay Amritraj is set to receive an honorary D Litt degree at the convocation ceremony of Patliputra University. In a bid to honor local culture, the university has also decided to name its upcoming Bakhtiyarpur campus 'Nitish Nagar'.

Patna police apprehended four individuals involved in a drug supply ring targeting Beur central jail inmates. The operation, which extended beyond the jail, saw the arrest of key suppliers and the alleged mastermind, who confessed to throwing marijuana packets over the prison walls. An inmate was identified as the primary recipient and distributor within the jail.

A bitter land dispute turned deadly in Munger district, where two brothers fatally attacked each other with rods and knives over ancestral property. Shailesh Kumar Singh died instantly, while his elder brother Mukesh Kumar succumbed to his injuries en route to medical care. The violent confrontation erupted on a village street following a heated argument.

IIM Bodh Gaya is collaborating with Automation Anywhere to elevate the standards of AI and automation education. This partnership will grant students exclusive access to Automation Anywheres learning platform and certification opportunities. Additionally, the collaboration will facilitate the creation of innovative AI-centric courses, preparing students with essential automation expertise and valuable industry knowledge for their future careers.

In a bid to streamline judicial processes, the Patna high court is advising district judges to selectively manage bail applications, thereby enhancing focus on vital constitutional cases. The court is also pushing for an updated state govt report on approximately 50,000 utility certificates and is scrutinising claims against the STF for allegedly disclosing a juvenile's identity

Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) is spearheading a Rs1 crore AI-based legal research project with UK firm Gravitas AI to integrate artificial intelligence into India's criminal justice system. This initiative, funded by the Union ministry of social justice, aims to develop an AI tool for easier access to new criminal laws.

Bhagalpur district has launched earthquake awareness vehicles to educate residents on safety during seismic events. These vehicles will tour rural, suburban, and urban areas, utilizing LED screens and street plays to highlight preparedness and rescue techniques. The initiative aims to bolster safety in Seismic Zone IV, a high-risk area, emphasizing the benefits of earthquake-resistant construction.

Amidst the trials brought on by the Covid pandemic, the women of Majhaua village in West Champaran have unearthed a gem of an opportunity through the art of fish pickling. With mentorship from Ramji Singh Mahato, they have turned a slump in fish sales into a flourishing enterprise