The Times of India News

Barwan Kalan, a remote Bihar village, is dubbed the hamlet of bachelors as lack of roads, water, and electricity has prevented marriages for over 50 years. Despite being near tourist spots, residents face isolation, with basic services like hospitals and schools miles away.

As the clock struck midnight, Patna's churches radiated warmth and joy, welcoming hundreds for the enchanting Midnight Mass. The air filled with harmonious carols and heartfelt prayers as Archbishop Sebastian Kallapura reminded congregants of Jesus' enduring message of hope and tranquility.

In Patna, the spirit of Christmas is in full swing as streets are adorned with shimmering lights and colorful decorations. Market stalls are brimming with festive goodies as eager shoppers hunt for the perfect ornaments and gifts.

In a bold move, the CBI has apprehended two ex-bank employees in Patna, Shalini Sinha and Abhishek Kumar, for their involvement in a sophisticated cybercrime operation. They stand accused of creating mule accounts to assist fraudsters, contributing to money laundering, and helping to avoid scrutiny. Investigators have uncovered alarming evidence of potential kickbacks.

The Judicial Services Association (JSA) is calling for an apology from Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, after he made controversial remarks that challenged a judge's integrity. The JSA condemned Sinha's viral commentsalleging that quick case resolutions reflect hidden agendasas detrimental to the very concept of judicial independence.

In a proactive step toward elevating traveler safety and curbing railway offenses, the Government Railway Police in Patna is set to roll out an ambitious new strategy. This comprehensive plan involves the creation of a dedicated railway police station along with five strategically positioned crime response hubs.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Bihar Police is revitalizing its police lines, targeting 32 outdated facilities and introducing 18 modern ones. A thorough evaluation is being conducted using 14 crucial metrics to pinpoint areas needing improvement.

In a landmark ruling, the Patna High Court has restored the positions of two panchayat teachers after a protracted legal tussle lasting ten years. Justice Alok Kumar Sinha mandated that financial compensation be granted retroactively from October 9, 2014, the date their appointments were initially confirmed.

In a deeply tragic turn of events in Khagaria, a son is said to have fatally assaulted his mother with a hammer after a simple act of applying oil to his forehead during a massage went awry.

During a recent site visit, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar examined the ongoing construction of the Bihar University of Health Sciences and the Bihar Engineering University in Patna. He emphasized the urgency for officials to expedite the completion of these crucial educational facilities, which promise to elevate technical and medical learning opportunities for students in Bihar.

In a landmark decision, the Patna High Court has declared that vehicles stolen and used in liquor smuggling cannot be seized from their unsuspecting owners. The court emphasized that innocent individuals should not be punished for the misdeeds of others.

In a striking political clash, JD(U) has publicly accused Tejashwi Yadav of jet-setting with infamous criminal Ramiz Nemat and possibly the elusive fugitive Devendra Gupta. They have called upon the DGP to keep a close watch on Yadav's escapades, alluding to his ties with individuals under investigation by the ED.

During his recent trip to Patna, BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin partook in spiritual rituals at the revered Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, alongside visits to local temples. In addition, he convened with party affiliates in the Bankipur constituency, focusing on enhancing organizational strength and an unwavering commitment to democratic values.

In a significant breakthrough, Gopalganj police have apprehended the ringleader behind the audacious heist at the revered Thawe Bhawani Temple, where treasures valued over Rs 90 lakh were swiped. After a thorough five-day chase spanning three states, bolstered by advanced forensic analysis and CCTV insights, the team is hopeful about the imminent recovery of the pilfered assets.

Bihars planning and development department has joined forces with The Convergence Foundation in a strategic three-year venture designed to supercharge the state's economic progress. This volunteer-driven initiative will prioritize investments, bolster regional development, boost tourism, and enhance the effectiveness of government programs.

On Tuesday, Patna was enveloped in a thick blanket of fog, causing a ripple effect in air travel. An IndiGo flight intended for the capital was rerouted to Raipur, and four other flights were scrapped altogether.

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Khaira village as three young lives were tragically cut short due to an electrocution accident involving an 11KV overhead wire. The young men, two cousins and a friend, were attempting to navigate a low-tension line that intersected with the high-voltage wire, unaware of the deadly risks involved.

In a shocking development, Patna police have apprehended two women linked to a heinous acid attack on Sushma Gupta, a local beautician. Investigators uncovered a dark plot driven by deep-rooted jealousy over a suspected love affair. The victim was cunningly deceived into taking a particular route, where the assailant was waiting to alter her life forever.

Vigilance sleuths in Bihar apprehended two officials for corruption. Revenue employee Raja Kumar was caught accepting Rs1 lakh in Patna for land clearance, while SI Kanhaiya Singh was nabbed with Rs40,000 in Siwan for removing a name from a case. Both arrests followed verified complaints, with investigations ongoing.

This tourist season, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar is captivating adventurers from around the globe. Travelers from countries like the US and Germany are enchanted by the serene landscape and the allure of eco-friendly bamboo huts that offer a unique stay. With enhanced amenities and exhilarating jungle safaris, VTR is swiftly gaining recognition as an attractive eco-tourism destination.

Patna's district administration is accelerating the verification of over 100,000 ration cards to ensure only eligible beneficiaries receive benefits. New applications are also being fast-tracked, with officials ordered to expedite processing and ensure timely grain allotments. Regular inspections and raids on fair price shops are mandated to maintain transparency in the Public Distribution System, with defaulting vendors facing action.

Bihar is preparing for a harsh winter as dense fog continues to blanket the region, making the next 48 hours quite challenging. With temperatures expected to plummet, certain districts are under strict severe cold day alerts. The heavy fog is causing significant visibility issues, creating hurdles for everyday activities.

Archana Verma of NITI Aayog reviewed Khagaria's development schemes, noting the district's top national performance. She visited milk collection, digital learning, fishing, and banana fibre units. Verma expressed satisfaction with the implementation of central and state government initiatives, highlighting the district's progress.

Four medical students at Bettiah Government Medical College have been suspended and ordered to leave the hostel following a violent altercation with Jeevika didis in the kitchen. The dispute over food escalated, leading to an assault on the workers, with several sustaining injuries. The college has banned students from the kitchen and is taking disciplinary action.

The Madhubani State Youth Festival-2025 kicked off with an electrifying parade, bringing together 1,202 enthusiastic participants from 38 districts. District Magistrate Anand Sharma inspired the youth, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities presented by 'Saat Nischay 3' while honing their practical skills.

Ahead of the New Year, Bihar government elevated 43 IPS officers. Kundan Krishnan, currently on central deputation, is now a Director General of Police. One Inspector General was promoted to Additional Director General, while eight Deputy Inspectors General became Inspectors General.

Government Engineering College, Buxar's startup cell hosted an expert session for B Tech students, focusing on industry readiness, startup culture, and AI's pivotal role. Principal Ram Naresh Rai emphasized practical skills and innovation, urging students to embrace continuous learning for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Keynote speaker Gokul Ojha shared insights on AI applications and startup fundamentals.

East Central Railway's RPF has earned the prestigious Railway Board Security Shield for 2025, recognized as the best among all zonal railways. This accolade highlights their exceptional work in protecting railway property and ensuring passenger safety, particularly for women and children. Their efforts led to solving numerous crime cases, including narcotics trafficking and human trafficking, with significant arrests and rescues.

Buxar railway station is undergoing a significant upgrade, costing approximately Rs30 lakh, to transform it into a major junction. The project includes adding two new 650-meter platforms, enhancing train handling capacity, and modernizing tracks with ballastless technology. A new bypass line is also being constructed to improve connectivity, ensuring better passenger facilities and managing rising train traffic.

Police in West Champaran have arrested a man and his brother for allegedly killing his wife over an affair. The husband, Ranjeet Ram, confessed to the crime after his father-in-law reported his daughter missing. The couple reportedly argued about her phone calls with her brother-in-law, leading to her death. Her decomposed body was found hidden along an embankment.