The Times of India

Bihar's beloved litchi harvest is in dire straits as unexpected weather and relentless pest infestations wreak havoc on orchards. Farmers are witnessing heartbreaking losses with many crops failing before they even ripen.

Bihar police are recruiting 15,821 retired Army and CAPF personnel for Special Auxiliary Police roles. Recruitment rallies, division-wise, will be held in June 2026 at Danapur Cantonment. No written tests or physicals, but fitness and weapon handling are key. Bihar natives with specific skills are preferred. Various categories, including EWS and women, have reserved posts.

Bihar government has dissolved the Vigilance Investigation cadre, integrating its officers into the regular Bihar Police force. This move, aligning with the Bihar Police Act, 2007, aims to streamline operations and enhance coordination. DSPs, inspectors, and sub-inspectors will be absorbed into equivalent positions, preserving their service history and experience, though their seniority will be adjusted post-restructuring.

Patna's new Navin Kishore Sinha Path, a two-lane smart road built over Mandiri Nala, is set to open Monday. This Rs115 crore project connects key city areas, easing traffic and improving drainage. Inaugurated on former MLA Navin Kishore Prasad Sinha's birth anniversary, it links Nehru Path to Bansghat and the JP Ganga Path, promising smoother commutes and enhanced urban infrastructure.

Fresh thunderstorm and high wind warnings have been issued for Bihar, days after a severe storm disrupted Patna. Authorities are under pressure to bolster disaster preparedness and ensure uninterrupted civic services ahead of the monsoon. Efforts are underway to improve equipment and coordination among emergency response agencies to prevent future disruptions.

A crucial Bihar legislative council byelection for the Ara-Buxar local authorities constituency is set for Tuesday, with over 6,000 local representatives voting. The main contest is between the INDIA bloc's RJD candidate and the NDA's JD(U) candidate. However, a JD(U) rebel's independent run could significantly impact the outcome, potentially creating a triangular fight.

Magadh University has launched its first systematic archaeological excavation at the ancient site of Dubba in Gaya, a location believed to be on the historic pilgrimage route between Bodh Gaya and Sarnath. Following ASI permission, the university's team is exploring the site, hoping to uncover insights into ancient settlements and Buddhist traditions in the region. Work will continue post-monsoon.

Horrific discovery in Kaimur district as decomposed torsos of two men, heads missing and bodies dismembered, were found stuffed in suitcases in the Durgawati river. Locals alerted police after noticing suspicious bags emitting a foul odor. Authorities are investigating, with forensic teams collecting evidence. Postmortem and forensic reports are awaited to identify the victims and determine the cause of death.

AIIMS-Patna hosted a national neonatal resuscitation programme, aiming to train over 18,000 healthcare professionals in a single day. This initiative, aligned with India's Newborn Action Plan, seeks to significantly reduce neonatal mortality. Experts stressed strengthening referral systems and skilled intervention during the crucial First Golden Minute to improve newborn survival rates across the country, particularly in Bihar.

The NDA government in Bihar has strongly refuted dynasty politics allegations following Nishant Kumar's ministerial appointment. Leaders defended Nishant, highlighting his education and initial refusal of a deputy CM post. They countered by pointing to the RJD's alleged family-centric leadership, questioning the opposition's moral ground to criticize.

Railway security is on high alert after an unauthorized CCTV camera, potentially linked to a terrorist involved in the Akshardham Temple attack, was discovered at Sarai railway station. Two unidentified individuals were seen installing the device, which was later removed by authorities. An FIR has been filed, and the ATS is investigating a possible international connection.

Bihar's National Lok Adalat saw a massive turnout Saturday, clearing over 20,000 e-challan cases and collecting nearly Rs 5 crore. The One-Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme offered a 50% penalty reduction, easing burdens for helmet, seat belt, and speeding violations.

Bihar faces a cybercrime surge, with cases jumping 43% to 6,380 in 2024. Despite arrests, investigations lag significantly, with nearly 99.8% of cases unresolved. Financial frauds, particularly card and ATM scams, are alarmingly high, second only to Telangana. Manpower shortages are cited as a key reason for the low disposal rate.

A 60-year-old rental car driver, Rampravesh Singh, was fatally shot in Patna's Didarganj area on Saturday. Police are investigating the motive, examining his personal life and family background. Forensic teams and a dog squad have been deployed. This incident follows another murder in Kothiya village, prompting increased police presence in the region.

A tragic accident on the IIT-Patna campus claimed the life of 21-year-old BTech student Sadasivuni Harshith Patnaik. While retrieving a cricket ball, he was electrocuted by a live electric pole. Harshith, a dual degree student at IIM Bombay, had returned to attend his batchmates' farewell. The institute expressed deep sorrow and is investigating the incident.

Senior BJP leader Prem Kumar reviewed the progress of Bihar's first AmasDarbhanga Greenfield Expressway (NH-119D). This 190 km, four-lane project, costing Rs 1,157.5 crore, began in March 2023 with a 24-month completion target. Kumar urged officials to expedite work and maintain quality, highlighting the expressway's potential to boost connectivity and economic growth across the state.

A violent clash during a Ramdhun procession in Bihar's Sheikhpura district left seven family members injured, including a differently-abled youth. The altercation reportedly began when the youth, on a tricycle, requested space in a narrow lane. The dispute escalated, leading to an attack with sticks and stones, critically injuring two individuals.

Patliputra University has appointed principal-in-charges to 16 new degree colleges across Patna and Nalanda districts. Academic activities are slated to commence from the 2026-27 session, with admissions to be completed soon. This move aims to boost higher education access in rural and semi-urban areas, reducing travel for students. Staff appointments are also underway to ensure timely operationalization.

Patna Municipal Corporation's standing committee approved 29 agendas, including charging rent from Kadamkuan vendors and deploying 'manhole ambulances' for swift repairs. Over Rs 5 crore was sanctioned for past festival projects, with Rs 50 lakh for ghat renovations. Water supply and infrastructure projects, including a new slaughterhouse, were also greenlit.

Residents of Mitra Mandal Colony are facing significant disruption due to GAIL's ongoing PNG pipeline work. Open trenches and debris have made roads hazardous for pedestrians, schoolchildren, and motorists, leading to traffic congestion and impacting local businesses. Locals urge timely road repairs to mitigate inconvenience, while GAIL assures work will conclude soon.

Bihar's Revenue Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal issued a stern warning to corrupt officials, vowing swift action and jail time for wrongdoers. He emphasized the government's commitment to prompt, transparent land services and public accountability. The minister highlighted ongoing digitalization efforts to enhance transparency and reduce manipulation in land records, aiming to make the revenue department a trusted institution for citizens.

A 70-year-old man was tragically beaten to death in Biharsharif's Nalanda district following a heated dispute over a dustbin's placement. The victim, Ramadheen Prasad, was allegedly attacked with a brick by a neighbour after an argument escalated late Friday night.

In a transformative alliance, Patna Municipal Corporation has teamed up with Isha Outreach for an ambitious five-year project focusing on the Bans Ghat crematorium. This partnership not only embraces both electric and wood-based cremation methods but also enhances waste management and upholds meticulous record-keeping. The initiative aspires to deliver transparent and modernized services, ensuring respectful farewells that honor lives.

Nishant Kumar assumed charge as Bihar's Health Minister, pledging to prioritize healthcare services and scheme implementation. He aims to build on his father Nitish Kumar's legacy, focusing on improving facilities and accessibility. Meanwhile, opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized the NDA government's stance on dynastic politics, questioning the induction of ministers without electoral mandates.

In Patna, a wave of determination surged among teacher aspirants as they gathered to rally for the long-awaited TRE-4 recruitment notification. Thousands took to the streets, their voices echoing demands for the immediate release of an advertisement for 46,595 positions. Despite prior commitments from officials, the promised notification remains frustratingly out of reach, sparking accusations of governmental inaction.

In a bold move to enhance the electric vehicle ecosystem, Bihar's transport department is rolling out EV charging stations at various locations including dhabas, hotels, and petrol pumps along major highways. This strategic expansion aligns with the introduction of 400 electric buses from the Central government, promising a greener future for transportation.

Panic subsided along the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh border Friday after a leopard, which injured eight people in separate attacks, was tranquilized and rescued. The animal, believed to have strayed from the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, caused fear across several villages before being safely caged and sent to Gorakhpur Zoo. Joint teams from both states conducted the successful operation.

In a heartwarming tribute, Tribhuvan School celebrated its founder's day by unveiling a stunning new hybrid rose named 'Tribhuvan.' Established in 2013, the school hosted a series of floral tributes and vibrant cultural performances to honor Tribhuvan Prasad Singh, a visionary ICS officer and passionate horticulturist.

A recovery agent was fatally shot inside an Indian Bank branch in Aurangabad on Friday. The incident occurred when a security guard's firearm discharged under unclear circumstances. While the guard claims it was an accident during cleaning, the deceased's family alleges deliberate firing. Police have taken the guard into custody and are investigating the exact cause of the shooting.

In a month-long initiative, the Danapur division of East Central Railway has successfully amassed around Rs 5 crore in fines targeting ticketless travel and unauthorized access to reserved coaches. An alarming 90 lakh passengers were identified breaching regulations, demonstrating a stark rise in infractions and penalties compared to the previous year.