The Times of India

On January 16, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will embark on his landmark 17th 'Samriddhi Yatra,' traversing the entire state to evaluate the progress of various developmental projects initiated under previous campaigns such as Pragati Yatra and Saat Nischay.

In Bihar, Congress activists have taken to the streets, rallying against what they see as the government's dangerous initiative to replace the MGNREGA program with a new scheme dubbed VB-G-RAM-G. From now until January 29, they plan to inundate President Murmu with postcards, emphasizing the necessity of upholding employment guarantees for the vulnerable.

Tejashwi Prasad Yadav made a dramatic return to Patna, accusing the NDA of massive electoral fraud in the recent Bihar assembly elections. He pledged to hold his tongue against the ruling party for the next three months, calling on them to deliver on their election commitments.

In a dramatic turn of events, a Royal Bengal Tiger from Valmiki Tiger Reserve made headlines after wandering into West Champaran and taking down a cow. This 10-year-old male, known for its unexpected excursions into human territory, was promptly subdued by vigilant forest trackers and relocated to Patna zoo for a thorough health assessment.

Bihar is currently enduring a harsh winter, characterized by thick fog and biting winds. As a precaution, schools in Patna for students up to Class V will remain closed until January 13. Although theres a slight uptick in maximum temperatures, experts warn that clear, sunny skies can trick people into thinking it's warmer than it actually is.

Bihar's Tourism Minister Arun Shankar Prasad visited the ancient Somnath temple in Madhubani, pledging government support for its preservation and development. The temple holds a legendary connection to Gujarat's Somnath, established by priests fleeing an ancient raid. The visit coincided with the 1,000th anniversary of the Gujarat temple's attack and included witnessing PM Modi's Swabhiman Parv event.

A heart-wrenching incident in Indore highlights the alarming water contamination issue in Bihar. The state's population grapples with dangerous toxins lurking in their groundwater arsenic, fluoride and heavy metals are all hidden threats. Rivers are choked with untreated sewage and the capital, Patna, is overwhelmed by its waste management challenges

In an encouraging turn, Bihar's waterways and subterranean resources are bouncing back, highlighted by an enhancement in the Ganga's water quality. Thanks to the expansion of sewage treatment plant capacities, the troubling faecal coliform counts have plummeted, allowing locals to partake in refreshing dips

As Makar Sankranti approaches, Bihar's dairy industry is gearing up for a remarkable surge in milk and curd demand. With the Patna Dairy Project predicting a 20% boost in sales, local dairies are prepping to cater to the increased appetites for festive favorites like paneer, tilkut, and curd across three districts.

In a distressing turn of events, a young man, just 20 years old, was found lifeless in a field in Gopalganj, igniting unrest among local residents. His relatives are claiming that the family of a woman he was reportedly involved with is responsible for his death.

After undergoing eye surgery, RJD leader Lalu Prasad made his way back to Patna, confronting a recent Delhi court directive to lay down charges in the railway land-for-jobs scandal. Though he chose not to comment, his daughter Misa Bharti stepped in to clarify that formal charges have not yet been established.

After being tragically left behind by a train, 15-year-old Santosh faced a harrowing four-month journey of bonded labour and trauma. With one hand amputated, he miraculously escaped from a hospital and was later found. His brave and detailed account helped the police track down his captor, Anil Kumar, who admitted to abandoning him post-accident.

Bihar is soaring to new heights in airport development, propelled by a revitalised civil aviation department. Plans for a substantial runway extension and state-of-the-art terminal at Darbhanga Airport are on track for completion by 2026.

In a heartwarming nod to tradition, Gaya's cherished tilkut has been reimagined with a thrilling new ingredient: neera, the fresh sap sourced from palm and date palm trees. This inventive variation, crafted by local artisan Dablu Kumar, pairs the classic flavor with health benefits, including potential anti-diabetic effects.

In a heart-wrenching event in Dalsinghsarai, Samastipur, a 65-year-old man lost his life in a devastating truck accident. The tragedy sparked outrage among locals, culminating in a three-hour blockade of NH-28, where protesters also damaged a garbage truck. Frustration over consistent traffic issues, attributed to a nearby fish market, fueled calls for its relocation.

As Republic Day approaches, Patna's Gandhi Maidan is bustling with activity, as preparations reach a fever pitch. The district administration is prioritizing safety with enhanced security measures such as surveillance cameras and lookout towers. Infrastructure improvements are also in the works to ensure top-notch lighting and sanitation.

In an effort to enhance citizen engagement, Patna District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M has established a new initiative requiring all officials to be present in their offices every Monday and Friday starting January 19th. This approach aims to tackle public grievances directly and ensure that government services remain accessible and efficient.