The Times of India

Exciting news for aspiring high school students in Bihar! The secondary education directorate has announced that model schools across all state blocks are now accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Admission to Grade 9 will be determined by merit, based on scores from the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship exam, requiring a minimum cut-off of 50%.

In a passionate response, BJP and JD(U) leaders called out opposition parties for their inability to support the Constitution (131st) Amendment Bill, which aimed to secure 33% of legislative seats for women.

In a proactive move, Patna's District Magistrate conducted an in-depth review of traffic management and anti-encroachment initiatives. With over 2 crore gathered in fines, a significant portion attributed to traffic and encroachment violations, officials have been directed to pinpoint areas of congestion, ensure that all CCTV systems are operational, and remove blockages on critical thoroughfares.

In a recent declaration, Bihar's new Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, has reaffirmed the state's stringent liquor ban, emphasizing its historical importance and the backing it receives from key figures like Nitish Kumar and PM Modi.

In a significant transition, JD(U) figurehead Nitish Kumar plans to shift to his new residence in Patna next week. Accompanied by his son, he recently toured the 7, Circular Road bungalow. Additionally, Kumar is to receive a Type 8 bungalow in the prestigious Sunehri Bagh locality of Delhi.

Patna's Census 2027 self-enumeration phase has begun, with citizens able to submit data online until May 1, 2026. The house listing and housing census follows in May 2026. Extensive training for enumerators is underway, utilizing a mobile app for digital data collection. Over 14,000 personnel are involved in this crucial exercise for policy formulation.

Amid rising debates, Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar reaffirmed that the states prohibition policy will stand strong, pointing to its successful impacts despite growing calls for its dismissal. He also brushed aside rumors of divides within the ruling coalition surrounding the new Chief Minister's selection, stressing a united front.

With Nitish Kumar transitioning to the Rajya Sabha, the JD(U) is poised to choose a new leader for its legislative party on April 20. While many have anticipated that Nishant Kumar would take the mantle, his focus has been on enhancing the party's organizational framework.

In an effort to prepare for the monsoon season, the Patna Municipal Corporation has intensified its focus on sanitation and drainage management. Zonal inspectors are now under strict orders to maintain accountability for waste disposal efforts, which include utilizing an online portal to clear construction debris and conducting proactive night operations.

Bihar and Jharkhands Income Tax department is rolling out an innovative outreach initiative to demystify the new Income Tax Act, 2025, while rejuvenating tax collections that saw a decline last year. Aiming to foster understanding and streamline compliance, the program will target the region's expansive pool of seven crore PAN holders, which includes a large workforce and burgeoning entrepreneurial sectors.

As we look ahead to the monsoon of 2026, Bihar is bracing for troubling times, with the Indian Meteorological Department predicting below-average rainfall. This troubling forecast follows a decade marred by insufficient precipitation, with seven of those years affecting crucial Kharif crops such as paddy and jute.

IIT-Patna has witnessed a remarkable surge in its 2026 placement season, securing 582 job offers from over 215 companies, including startups and PSUs. The institute saw a significant increase in first-time recruiters, with global brands like VISA and Hyundai Motors making their debut. This success underscores IIT-Patna's dedication to academic excellence and industry preparedness.

In an effort to eliminate persistent delays in pension disbursements, university educators in Bihar are advocating for a shift to a nationalized bank, like SBI, to handle pension payments.

Central University of South Bihar will launch a four-year BA BEd and BSc BEd program from 2026-27, aligning with NEP 2020. Admissions will be through the National Common Entrance Test (NCET), not CUET. This integrated program aims to produce highly skilled teachers, with 50 seats per stream. By 2030, this will be the minimum qualification for school educators.

In a decisive move, West Champaran District Magistrate Taranjot Singh has taken action against two revenue officials, Lalan Kumar Bharti and Rahul Ranjan, for their role in obstructing government operations. These employees allegedly motivated mass absenteeism, which severely affected vital services such as land record updates and Aadhaar registrations, jeopardizing preparations for the upcoming Census 2027.

Headmasters in Buxar are fuming as 463 schools haven't received Rs 20,000 each for educational tours held in March. Despite submitting bills, funds remain elusive. Meanwhile, payments for parent-teacher meetings are also pending for 45 schools. Authorities claim funds for most tours were released Friday, but some schools faced action for non-compliance.

In a disturbing turn of events in Patna's Khusrupur region, a young man of 19 lost his life to his own elder brother, following a heated altercation. The tragic stabbing reportedly arose from jealousy and suspicion of a romantic connection between the victim and the brother's wife. The incident occurred amidst wedding festivities, shortly after the victim's return from Delhi.

Madhubani is making strides in addressing the issue of stray cattle through a new initiative spearheaded by the local administration. Under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner Umesh Kumar Bharati and Sadar SDO Chandan Kumar Jha, the operation focuses on the safe relocation of wandering livestock to designated cow shelters.

Deputy CM Bijendra Prasad Yadav, taking charge as Rural Works Minister, stressed that quality paved roads are crucial for Bihar's rural economy. He highlighted the department's pivotal role in state development, emphasizing seamless connectivity to remote areas to boost farmers' incomes and empower rural markets. Yadav assured accelerated construction with a focus on durability.

As he assumed his role as Rural Works Minister, Deputy CM Bijendra Prasad Yadav emphasized the importance of high-quality roads for enhancing Bihar's rural economy. He pinpointed the crucial role of his department in the broader landscape of state development, advocating for better connectivity to remote regions that can significantly increase farmers' profits and invigorate rural markets.

In a bold move towards progress, Bihar's chief secretary has taken a closer look at advancements in four districts impacted by Maoist activities. With the region now officially Maoist-free, the emphasis shifts to developing essential infrastructure such as roadways and mobile towers, ensuring streamlined permissions to elevate connectivity.

In a proactive move, Bihar's Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit is driving the establishment of 19 new Kendriya Vidyalayas across the state. To make this vision a reality, departmental secretaries and district magistrates are on the front lines, accelerating the processes for land identification, obtaining NOCs, and removing encroachments.

In the heart of West Champaran, a visionary headmaster named Lakhan Prasad has reimagined a government primary school, turning it into a pioneering eco-friendly model. Through engaging home visits and innovative learning environments, he has not only increased student attendance but has also empowered a neglected community by restoring their sense of pride.

During a recent event at Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University's newly established butterfly garden, attendees were thrilled to spot over 100 different butterfly species. This remarkable observation is a testament to the university's effective ecological projects and the thriving condition of the surrounding ecosystem.

In response to the soaring demand for summer travel, Indian Railways has introduced three exclusive trains linking Bihar with northern and southern regions of India. These routes, including stops at Supaul, Jogbani, and Yeshwantpur, are designed to alleviate the influx of passengers and provide essential travel solutions during this bustling season.

In a troubling incident in Biharsharif, a 25-year-old man, the son of a prominent JD(U) figure, has been found dead in a nearby field. His family believes there are sinister circumstances surrounding his untimely demise, pointing towards potential foul play instead of a natural cause.

In Bhagalpur, the education department is transforming the futures of schoolgirls by introducing digital literacy in 25 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas. With the launch of state-of-the-art ICT labs and smart classrooms, young girls from underprivileged rural backgrounds are stepping into the world of computers and the internet, bridging the digital gap.

Amidst the financial turmoil gripping three women's colleges affiliated with Magadh University, critical necessities such as electricity and sanitation hang in the balance. The government's unfulfilled promise to reimburse expenses accrued from offering free education to female students has left these institutions teetering on the edge, endangering their UGC accreditation.

In a heart-wrenching incident on the Sheikhpura-Barbigha main road in Nalanda, the life of 20-year-old Mohammad Mijan was tragically cut short. His motorcycle tragically collided with a temple wall near the Ratoiya river bridge. Despite the valiant efforts of a local teacher who rushed him to the hospital, Mijan could not be saved from his grave injuries.

In a distressing turn of events in Siwan, an 18-year-old student is fighting for her life after being pushed off her rooftop by a police station chief amid a contentious parking dispute. The victim's family alleges that the officer forcefully entered their home, escalating to a violent confrontation.

In a shocking incident on NH-27 early Thursday, a bus traveling from Patna to Udakishunganj flipped after colliding with a truck that was reportedly speeding. The accident resulted in injuries to at least 24 passengers, with eight of them facing serious conditions that required immediate medical attention.

In a surprising turn of events, Bhushan Prasad, an assistant engineer with the Bihar Education Project, found himself in hot water after being detained by the Special Vigilance Unit in Purnia. Allegations surfaced that he solicited a bribe of Rs 10,000 to validate a measurement book linked to a government school construction project.

In a shocking incident that has stirred strong emotions, the residents of Harpur village in Buxar discovered on Thursday morning that the newly erected statue of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar had been vandalized overnight. The statue's finger was broken and its spectacles were destroyed, prompting immediate protests from locals who are demanding swift justice.

In a transformative moment for Bihar's political arena, Nitin Nabin, Upendra Kushwaha, and Ramnath Thakur took their oaths as newly minted Rajya Sabha members. Nabin, who has recently climbed to the role of BJP national president, was greeted with enthusiastic applause.

In a bold statement, a prominent figure from Bihar's Rashtriya Lok Morcha has called for a critical reassessment of the state's long-standing liquor ban, highlighting the alarming drop in state revenues. He proposes a comprehensive public awareness initiative to educate citizens instead of maintaining the prohibition, which he argues leads to financial losses to neighboring regions.

In a pivotal move for Bihar, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit has called on all departments to secure full engagement from employees for the Census 2027 self-enumeration starting April 17. Highlighting its significance for the nation, he emphasized the need to meticulously follow Indian government protocols.

In a significant ruling, a Patna court has granted default bail to Manish Ranjan, the building owner implicated in the tragic rape and death of a NEET student. The court highlighted a failure by the CBI to file the necessary charge sheet within the stipulated 90-day period, suggesting a need for administrative review regarding the delays.

With a fresh perspective, Bihar's newly elected Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, has embarked on a transformative journey, vowing to bring about swift progress and a culture of transparency in governance. His commitment to effective public service highlights a future where issues are resolved promptly, corruption is eradicated, and critical government services are easily accessible to all.