The Times of India

A devastating incident marred the Chhath Puja celebrations in Patna, as two young lives were tragically lost in the Ganga at Damrahi Ghat. As devotees gathered around 7 am, the allure of the river proved perilous when a group ignored safety barriers, swept away by the strong currents.

As the monsoon season approaches, Patna is proactively tackling flooding with the inauguration of eight advanced drainage pumping stations. These high-tech solutions are specifically designed for low-lying regions to address the long-standing challenges of waterlogging.

In a devastating span of 12 hours, two tragic incidents in the Rohtas and Kaimur districts claimed four lives. A speeding SUV in Rohtas struck two young men, resulting in their untimely death and leaving another critically injured.

State minister Ashok Kumar Choudhary made a notable appearance at A N College, stepping in as an assistant professor to teach political science. Accompanied by security, he lectured on centre-state relations, expressing nervousness about facing students after a long gap. His academic appointment, following a recruitment process, has sparked discussions about balancing ministerial duties with teaching.

In a groundbreaking move at Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve, five skilled elephants from Karnataka are proving to be indispensable in the realm of security. These gentle giants, well-acquainted with regional commands and diets, enhance surveillance efforts in rugged landscapes, especially during the heavy monsoon season. Their presence is instrumental in curbing poaching and illegal timber activities.

The Bhagalpur district is currently grappling with unexpected cyclonic storms, leading to widespread destruction across approximately 22,220 hectares of thriving Rabi crops, including key staples like maize and wheat. As harvest time approached, farmers in over 140 village panchayats have witnessed their livelihood jeopardized.

In a recent announcement, Bihar's Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary revealed that the Lord Vaman temple at Buxar Jail is set to open its doors, marking a significant step towards liberty for the community. The government is committed to ensuring easy access for the public.

In a bewildering turn of events at a government hospital in Begusarai, a stray dog made off with an amputated leg, sending shockwaves through the community and sparking outrage over the hospital's sanitation practices. This alarming episode underscores the critical issues surrounding biowaste management in Bihar's public healthcare system, prompting officials to issue show-cause notices to responsible parties.

The JD(U) has initiated proceedings to disqualify Lok Sabha MP Giridhari Yadav for alleged anti-party activities. The party claims Yadav campaigned against its official candidate in the Belhar assembly elections, supporting his son who contested on an RJD ticket. This move follows months of scrutiny over Yadav's conduct and public remarks deemed embarrassing to the JD(U).

Bihar BJP is gearing up for a grand celebration of its 46th foundation day, spanning April 5-12. The week-long festivities include office decorations, 'Vikas Yatras', flag hoisting at homes with social media engagement, and booth-level celebrations. District-level conferences and a 'Gaon Basti Chalo Abhiyan' targeting villages are also planned, with coordinators appointed across various zones to ensure successful implementation.

In a remarkable achievement, East Central Railway has recorded a blazing 180 kmph speed on the DDU-Gaya-Pradhankhunta corridor, marking a significant enhancement to the Grand Chord route. Backed by comprehensive infrastructure improvements and the homegrown Kavach safety system, this upgrade will not only elevate traffic efficiency but also reduce the travel time between Delhi and Howrah by nearly an hour.

In a heart-wrenching incident in Nawada district, a couple, Pankaj Kumar and Sushma Devi, both in their thirties, lost their lives in a tragic road accident. They were riding their motorcycle home from a family gathering with their daughter, 11-year-old Pari Kumari, when an unknown vehicle collided with them from behind.

Chaiti Chhath Puja concluded with devotees offering 'arghya' to the rising sun, breaking their 36-hour fast. Celebrated with auspicious planetary alignments, the ritual involved exchanging 'mangal tika' and distributing 'prasad' like thekua. This ancient practice, linked to longevity and prosperity, saw families gather at ghats and ponds, seeking blessings for well-being.

In a move towards a greener future, Bihar's government is streamlining the process for securing domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections. Residents can now easily apply online, moving away from traditional gas cylinders and embracing cleaner energy solutions. Major City Gas Distribution companies, including GAIL, HPCL, and BPCL, are active in various districts, offering reliable services.

In a significant move for local development, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled projects worth about Rs 1,058 crore in Buxar and Bhojpur districts. He asserted the state government's unwavering focus on enhancing infrastructure, promoting welfare, and creating job opportunities, showcasing Bihar's advancements since 2005.

Bihar is set to boost global air connectivity with direct international flights from Patna and Gaya. The state government is inviting bids for services to Kathmandu, Sharjah, Bangkok, Colombo, and Singapore, offering Viability Gap Funding to airlines. This initiative aims to enhance tourism and economic ties, with flights potentially launching this summer.

Nishant Kumar, a prominent figure in the JD(U), called on party members to champion the accomplishments of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over his two-decade tenure in Bihar. He highlighted the critical need to educate every family on the advancements made in healthcare, education, and public services since 2005.

Tragedy struck at Barh railway station as an unidentified man was fatally struck by the Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express. The incident occurred around 9 am on platform 2. Authorities suspect the man, who was chewing tobacco, may have had hearing issues, failing to hear the train's horn as it passed through without stopping.

In a heart-wrenching incident in Muzaffarpur, Harishankar Singh, a dedicated farmer, lost his life to gunfire from unknown assailants while on his way home with his young son. Authorities believe the motive may stem from a longstanding land dispute that turned deadly.

Police in Siwan district shot and apprehended two wanted jewellery thieves after a fierce gun battle on the Siwan-Patna highway. The duo, accused of looting Rs 25 lakh worth of jewellery, opened fire on officers during a vehicle check. Both sustained leg injuries and are receiving treatment in custody. Authorities also recovered weapons and narcotics.

In a dramatic turn of events, Saif Khan, aged 31, was captured by Patna Police in Begusarai following a brazen Rs 20 lakh heist. The cash management professional was ambushed at gunpoint by three assailants on a motorcycle near AN Path.

On March 27, Patna comes alive with the spirit of Ram Navami! Thrilling Shobha Yatras will be parading through the city, filled with color and joy, as 52 puja committees unite in celebration. Iconic sites like the Mahavir Temple are pulling out all the stops, from unique prayer sessions to delicious prasad ready for the masses.

In a recent address, State Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar brought to light the timeless principles of truth and non-violence, originally advocated by Mahatma Gandhi during the historic Champaran Satyagraha. He pointed out that these ideals were pivotal in confronting the injustices faced by farmers under colonial rule and continue to inspire citizens in their fight against contemporary injustices.

Attention Bihar residents! Brace yourselves for a shift in your electricity bills starting April 1, as new Time of Day (ToD) pricing comes into play. Power will be more economical between 9 am and 5 pm but will rise significantly from 5 pm to 11 pm for homes. Businesses and industries should expect an even sharper hike in rates.

In Khagaul, the local art scene is buzzing with excitement as artists embrace a newfound sense of financial security due to the 'Mukhyamantri Kalakar Pension Yojana'. With monthly pensions of Rs 3,000 now flowing into their hands, creators can focus solely on their craft.

NH-22 in Gaya is synonymous with danger as reckless driving and blatant traffic violations have turned the road into a perilous zone. With the rise in head-on collisions, despite existing dividers, it's alarming that a former MLA reported 88 fatalities in just one year. Unlicensed drivers and overloaded vehicles contribute significantly to this crisis.

A man lost his life after being struck by the Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express at Barh railway station. The incident occurred on platform number 2. He was taken to Barh Sadar Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The deceased's identity remains unestablished. Railway authorities have urged passengers to maintain a safe distance from platform edges.

Bihar farmers will now benefit from the Centre's approval to procure masoor dal at Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the 2026 Rabi season. This initiative, aimed at boosting farmer income, will see 32,000 metric tonnes of masoor purchased at Rs 6,700 per quintal.

In response to the busy summer travel season, Indian Railways has rolled out additional special train services linking Bihar with both Delhi and West Bengal. Key routes such as Barauni-New Delhi, Darbhanga-New Delhi, and Patna-Howrah will be operational until June 1.

A 32-year-old man, Hasan Raza Khan, tragically died after a violent land dispute erupted in Rohtas district. Beaten severely with sticks and other objects, he succumbed to his injuries at Sasaram Sadar Hospital. Police have detained three suspects and are investigating the ongoing land conflict that led to this fatal assault.

Bihar's Special Vigilance Unit launched an operation targeting Sheohar's Deputy Development Commissioner, Brijesh Kumar, in a case involving disproportionate assets. The investigation revealed a staggering Rs 1.84 crore in illicit assets, far surpassing his disclosed earnings. Authorities seized properties tied to his wife's name during the raid, which intensified focus on possible concealed wealth and questionable financial dealings.

Bihar's rural development department is launching a comprehensive social audit of all MGNREGA projects at the panchayat level. With central funding secured, district-level societies will conduct third-party assessments to ensure transparency, curb corruption, and verify that funds are effectively utilized for rural infrastructure and livelihood projects, benefiting the intended recipients.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched development projects worth Rs 689 crore in Rohtas and Kaimur districts, emphasizing his vision for a prosperous Bihar. He highlighted progress in water supply, roads, education, and healthcare, urging continued public support to maintain development momentum. The Samriddhi Yatra aims to monitor projects and ensure effective implementation for transforming Bihar.

In a drive to safeguard food security amidst the looming threat of climate change, agricultural authorities gathered in Pusa. Emphasizing the need for climate-resilient farming techniques, they called for innovative approaches to crop breeding and advanced water management strategies as ways to tackle the challenges posed by extreme temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns.

Commercial LPG supply in Bihar has been boosted to 50% following supply chain improvements. Rural domestic consumers will now receive refills every 25 days, down from 45, to ensure fair distribution. Officials lauded district magistrates for their effective management and transparent communication, while strict action against black marketing and irregularities was ordered.

Renowned Thai Buddhist monk, Somdet Phra Thirayanamuni, graced the Buddha Cancer Medical Centre in Patna with his presence, praising the compassionate care provided to those in need. In a gesture of generosity, he donated five ICU beds and initiated the construction of a new facility, offering heartfelt prayers for the patients.

Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha has declared the mass leave by revenue department staff illegal, demanding their return by Wednesday 5 PM. He warned of strict disciplinary action, including salary deductions and break in service, for continued absence. Sinha emphasized the disruption to public services and administrative functioning, especially during the CM's outreach program on land reforms.

In Patna, the vibrant energy of Chaiti Chhath filled the air as devotees poured their hearts into the evening 'arghya' ritual, honoring the retreating sun. Crowded ghats and tranquil makeshift ponds transformed into sacred spaces, with worshippers crafting traditional offerings like thekua and ladua.

After spending 141 days behind bars, JD(U) MLA Anant Singh, affectionately known as Chhote Sarkar, made a triumphant return to Mokama, met by a sea of supporters and a celebratory convoy. He emphasized his intention to seek blessings and reconnect with his constituents, steering clear of political maneuvers.

Authorities in Patna are ensuring a safe Ram Navami celebration with a 40-foot Lord Ram idol. Power supply will be cut along procession routes, and low-hanging cables are being addressed. Officials inspected the route, focusing on crowd management, medical facilities, and road repairs.

In Patna, the vibrant Bengali community is joyfully partaking in 'Basanti Pujo', a cherished springtime homage to Goddess Durga, which heralds the dawn of the festive season long before autumn arrives. This time-honored celebration thrives at Pucca Bari, Bangali Akhara, and Patna Kalibari, showcasing intricate rituals, communal feasts, and vibrant cultural displays.

Bihar's Deputy CM announced a significant project to construct 44 four-storey residential buildings across 21 jails, costing Rs88.90 crore. This initiative aims to provide rent-free accommodation for senior prison officials and family housing for wardens, enhancing living facilities and the work environment for jail staff. Construction is set to begin this financial year.