The Times of India

In a vibrant display of faith, churches in Patna are gearing up for an extraordinary Palm Sunday celebration to usher in Holy Week. Festive preparations include the distribution of blessed palm fronds ahead of joyful processions. With thousands expected to attend the Masses, clergy are ready to deliver profound readings of Jesus' Passion.

Nitin Nabin, the current president of the Bihar BJP, found his way into politics unexpectedly after losing his father in 2006. He attributes his initial inter-state opportunities to the supportive Akhil Bharatiya Kayasth Mahasabha.

As Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prepares to take a seat in the Rajya Sabha, the political landscape of Bihar is buzzing with speculation. The JD(U) hints that he might remain in his position for another six months, while BJP leaders predict a possible leadership shift by mid-April, just after 'Khar-mas'.

In response to the escalating conflict in West Asia, the Bihar government has established an emergency task force spearheaded by the chief secretary. This initiative aims to safeguard essential supplies and support our migrant workforce. A collaboration of key departments will see the food department take charge as the primary coordination hub.

In a significant setback for air travel in the Magadh division, Air India has halted its services on the Delhi-Gaya route, while IndiGo has scrapped its proposed Gaya-Kolkata-Mumbai flight. This development has raised alarms among commuters, with industry analysts speculating that regulatory changes by the DGCA may be influencing IndiGos decision.

What began as a night of celebration at the Dinabhadri fair in Madhepura turned into a nightmare for four friends. Their car, recklessly streaming live on Facebook at a shocking speed of 140 km/h, veered off a 20-foot bridge, plunging into the Sursar river.

In a remarkable achievement, Munger in Bihar recorded an AQI of just 29 on Saturday, marking one of the cleanest air levels in the country. The combination of refreshing wind and recent rainfall has led to improved air quality in multiple cities across the state, with Rajgir and Kishanganj reflecting commendable figures.

A devastating accident unfolded on the Ara-Chhapra highway, leaving 22-year-old Sanju Kumar dead and his friend Vikash Kumar in critical condition after being struck by a speeding truck. The local community reacted with fierce anger, staging protests that resulted in damaged vehicles as they demanded accountability.

Tragedy struck Madhepura early Saturday as a car plunged into a river, claiming three young lives. The vehicle, carrying four occupants, reportedly lost control on a bridge around 1 am. While three bodies have been recovered, a search is underway for the fourth person. The victims were returning from a fair.

On March 31, President Murmu will attend the second convocation of Nalanda University at its newly established Rajgir campus. This momentous occasion celebrates the inaugural event at the permanent site, where the President will address graduates, confer degrees, and unveil a state-of-the-art auditorium.

In a disturbing incident at the India-Nepal border in Supaul district, five government school teachers were detained after being suspected of intoxication while supervising students on an educational trip. Under scrutiny at the Bhimnagar checkpoint, the teachers were subjected to breath-analyser tests that confirmed their inebriation.

Bihar prepares for a turbulent Saturday, with the IMD Patna sounding an orange alert. Winds may gust up to 60 km/h, accompanied by hailstorms and lightning strikes in various districts. With ongoing moderate to heavy rain, disaster management officials urge residents to remain indoors for safety.

In a groundbreaking decision, the Union Cabinet has allocated an extra Rs 700 crore for the AIIMS Darbhanga initiative, elevating the total investment to around Rs 1,964 crore. This substantial financial infusion is set to fast-track the establishment of a long-awaited super-specialty hospital, alongside a medical and nursing college, signaling a new era for healthcare in Bihar.

In a vibrant display of faith, Patna's Ram Navami festivities attracted millions of worshippers to the revered Mahavir Mandir and the Panchrupi Hanuman Temple. This year marked a joyous return to form with Mahavir Mandir witnessing its largest congregation since 2019, as around four lakh faithful chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' in unison.

In a proactive response to the ongoing strike of circle officers, Bihar's revenue department is assigning non-striking personnel to maintain operational continuity. As of April 1st, all 534 block offices will function seamlessly, supported by dedicated officials who will take on extra tasks.

In a bold move, Bihar's RJD has raised alarms with the Union Home Minister about the deteriorating security situation in the state, pointing to a surge in violent crimes and murders. Their concerns were underscored by the shocking incident where a villager was killed by a sub-inspector.

In a significant breakthrough, Bhojpur police have arrested Gautam Kumar Rai, the key suspect in a shooting that erupted near the Piro registry office on March 24. This violent altercation, linked to a longstanding land dispute, resulted in four individuals suffering serious gunshot injuries, while three others sustained minor wounds.

Attention Degree Part II students: Patliputra University has generously extended the deadline for exam form submissions to March 28! Get ready, as exams kick off on April 1 at seven designated centers. Don't forget, Part III exams will follow closely on April 15.

A tragic incident unfolded when 16-year-old Kajal Kumari was found lifeless in her rental room in Harnaut, suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities discovered a country-made firearm at the scene, prompting a thorough investigation. The police have cordoned off the area and the body has been sent for an autopsy, following reports of a gunshot that alarmed local residents.

In a heart-wrenching incident in Saran district, three siblings lost their lives in the Saryu River while gathering firewood amid a severe LPG shortage. A 10-year-old boy tragically fell into the river while stopping for a drink, prompting his brave 12 and 13-year-old sisters to plunge in after him.

In a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wrapped up his Samriddhi Yatra with the announcement of development initiatives worth Rs 1,866 crore aimed at Patna and Nalanda districts. He marked the event by unveiling completed projects and laying the groundwork for upcoming ones, underscoring the government's commitment to advancing Bihar's progress through various strategic programs.

As the Samriddhi Yatra unfolded, villagers from Bihar united in a chorus of heartfelt pleas, urging Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to remain in their midst and not venture to Delhi. With heartfelt slogans and placards raised high, the crowds expressed a collective worry, with many feeling a sense of loss at the mere thought of his departure.

In Patna, residents are facing an uphill battle in securing LPG cylinders, receiving misleading alerts about deliveries that never arrive. Reports of 'ghost bookings' have flooded in, leaving consumers exasperated as their cylinders are registered as delivered without any sign of the actual delivery.