The Times of India News

Patna erupted with colorful festivities as New Year's Eve beckoned, where railway officials teamed up with army personnel to throw a spirited celebration at Khagaul and Danapur. Families came together, embracing the night with laughter, music, and dazzling fireworks.

After a challenging 69-hour restoration effort, normal train operations have finally returned to the key Patna-Howrah line following a goods train derailment near Telwa Bazar Halt. Both UP and Down tracks have been cleared for service as of Wednesday morning. While many passengers faced cancellations and rerouting during the disruption, services are on a steady path to full recovery.

Bihar is emerging as a vibrant film destination, thanks to its recent policy that has already granted over 37 approvals for films, web series, and documentaries. The state is hard at work constructing a dedicated film city, introducing a user-friendly website to enhance location scouting, and fostering local artistry with pensions and training programs.

In a bold move, the RJD has raised eyebrows over the occupancy of official bungalows in Patna by NDA leaders. Party spokesperson Nawal Kishore Yadav called out MPs Devesh Chandra Thakur and Sanjay Kumar Jha, along with Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, for residing in these properties while maintaining accommodations in Delhi.

In a surprising crackdown, authorities in Sasaram have dismantled a fraudulent marriage scheme that was targeting unsuspecting middle-aged men across state lines. This dubious operation, run by a gang that orchestrated fake weddings complete with counterfeit documents, has resulted in hefty financial loss for many.

This December, Patna's air quality is seeing a remarkable turnaround, shifting from a history of severe pollution to a more manageable moderate index. While PM10 levels have become the primary concern, fueled by vehicular emissions and ongoing construction projects, natural dust and beneficial winds have contributed to the change.

During a recent visit to the LNJPN Super Speciality Hospital, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar emphasized the urgent need to expedite the construction of the new six-storey medical facility.

In a significant move towards transparency, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has publicly declared his assets, revealing a wealth of Rs 1.65 crore.

Starting January 1, 2026, Bihar will transition to a fully digital land revenue record system, giving legal validity to online documents. In a progressive move, urban residents can now obtain genealogy certificates. The state is also launching 'Operation Bhumi Dakhal Dehani,' targeting 100% land rights for SC/ST communities, with set deadlines for resolving land cases.

Patna is on the cusp of a transformative journey, set to redefine urban living by 2026. The Municipal Corporation is introducing 26 new organized vending zones designed to enhance the street marketplace experience.

With the New Year just around the corner, Patna's cyber police are on high alert, warning citizens about potential scams hiding behind festive cheer. Fraudsters may send cheerful 'Happy New Year' wishes loaded with dubious links or Android packages, cleverly disguised as exclusive deals or fun animated images.

In a focused effort to enforce prohibition laws, Patna district is stepping up its game. Officials are encouraged to fast-track confiscation efforts, expedite liquor destruction processes, and ensure stern convictions. A firm stance against the land, liquor, and sand mafias has been declared, with resolving land conflicts taking precedence.

In a shocking incident in Patna's Saksohra region, Gorelal Yadav was ambushed by three assailants on motorbikes, sustaining critical injuries from multiple gunshots. The attack occurred as he was returning home from his farm accompanied by his brother-in-law.

An investigation is now in progress after four members of the GRP allegedly swiped 1 kg of gold biscuits, worth Rs1.44 crore, from a bullion trader's team. This bizarre incident took place near Koderma station while they were en route to Jaipur with the precious cargo.

In an exciting development for Bihar's agricultural sector, the cooperative minister unveiled ambitious plans to breathe new life into the defunct sugar mills of Sakri and Raiyam. This restoration effort is a cornerstone of the state's 'Saat Nischay-3' initiative, which seeks to rejuvenate nine aging sugar mills and introduce 25 modern facilities.

In a startling turn of events, the Special Vigilance Unit has detained Jeetendra Prasad, a panchayat secretary in Ara, under suspicion of soliciting a bribe of Rs10,000. The charge stems from his demand to hasten the issuance of a crucial birth certificate for a womans mother-in-law, a process that had already stalled for four months due to bureaucratic delays.

In a tragic incident in Saran district, a young woman reportedly lost her life due to dowry demands, sparking outrage among the local community. Her husband and in-laws attempted to perform a swift cremation, but vigilant villagers alerted the authorities just in time.

In a remarkable evolution, Bihar's Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) are emerging as essential community service hubs. They are rolling out a range of online solutions alongside Jan Aushadhi Kendras to enhance member benefits. With a robust membership of over 1.38 crore, PACS are also gearing up to introduce 'Tarkari' outlets dedicated to fresh fruits and vegetables.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a ropeway trial in Rohtas ended in disaster, prompting Bihar's Road Construction Minister to take swift action. Two engineers have been suspended, and the construction agency responsible is now on the blacklist.

Bihar welcomed a moment of warmth as the winter chill eased slightly under a gentle haze, although foggy mornings persisted. Despite this brief thaw, several districts remained in the tight grip of severe cold, with Rajgir recording the lowest temperature.

In light of the chilling cold wave sweeping through Bihar, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit has urged officials to bolster monitoring in high-traffic areas and provide sufficient bonfires for those in need. Meanwhile, the DGP has raised concerns about a potential surge in drug and biker gang activities, calling for heightened police presence at pilgrimage sites.

In a bold move to enhance administrative efficiency, the Bihar government has reshuffled 18 senior IAS officers, redefining key positions within the state. Vinay Kumar steps into the crucial role of Principal Secretary for Urban Development and Housing, while Sanjeev Hans, recently cleared of corruption allegations, has been appointed as Additional Member of the Board of Revenue.

At a recent meeting, BJP's national working president Nitin Nabin called upon the Ram Navami celebration committee in Patna to kick off their preparations for the sacred festivities set to commence on March 26. With deep ties to the Shri Shri Ramnavami Shobha Yatra Abhinandan Samiti, Nabin highlighted the significance of the yatra in promoting unity and discipline among communities.

As we approach the dawn of 2026, Patna is transforming into a festive wonderland, ready to usher in the New Year with exuberance. Expect a myriad of options, from grand parties decked with dazzling fireworks to cozy cafe gatherings stuffed with warmth and laughter.

In a remarkable feat, the Patna Municipal Corporation has surpassed a monumental Rs 63 crore in collections from property tax and solid waste management fees. This accomplishment stems from an aggressive tax initiative, with a significant shift toward online payment methods.

In a commendable stride towards public safety, the Bettiah police have triumphantly completed 'Operation Muskaan', returning 35 mobile phonesvalued at over Rs 10 lakhto their rightful owners. Since the operation kicked off in January, a total of 365 devices, worth Rs 53 lakh, have been reclaimed.