The Times of India

In a bold initiative, Bihar's Chief Secretary has launched an urgent campaign to safeguard and digitally archive the state's historical manuscripts. Dedicated technical teams are set to investigate places of interest like monasteries, temples, and private collections across each district.

In a pivotal announcement, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary revealed the state's bold acquisition of 280 acres from the Ashok Paper Mill, paving the way for a surge of new industries. This strategic initiative aims to create jobs and address the issue of migration from the region.

Due to unforeseen technical issues and land restrictions, the visionary plan to elevate Patna's Badi Patan Devi temple into a vibrant tourist destination has faced significant cuts. Originally budgeted at Rs7.8 crore, the project has been reduced to a basic toilet complex and a parking area, costing around Rs1 crore.

A sense of dread descended upon five civil courts in Bihar, including those in Bhagalpur and Muzaffarpur, following alarming bomb threat emails predicting explosions at noon. The facilities were promptly evacuated, and a thorough search by security personnel ensued.

In a landmark decision, the Patna High Court has confirmed the death sentences imposed on brothers Aman and Sonal Singh for the horrific slayings of their three cousins in Rohtas five years prior.

Amid the bustling peak tourist season, Gaya International Airport grapples with significant operational setbacks, exacerbated by an unfilled director position. Essential upgrades, including CAT approach lighting and runway extension, remain on hold, which poses risks to flight safety and restricts access for larger aircraft.

In a tragic turn of events, a male tiger was found lifeless in a sugar cane plantation in Bettiah, leading forest authorities to suspect that it fell victim to an illegal electrified fence. The feline's body remained intact, bolstering the theory of electrocution, especially with a wire retrieved from the scene.

In a bold move to safeguard public health, Bihar's health department has issued an urgent directive to district magistrates, instructing them to assemble dedicated teams aimed at dismantling the networks of touts who prey on vulnerable patients seeking care at government hospitals. Reports indicate that these touts are duping patients into unnecessary private treatments, tests, and medications.

In an exciting transformation, Patna's PMCH is set to enhance its capabilities with a major redevelopment initiative, increasing its bed capacity to 5,462. During a recent review, Divisional Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar evaluated the bustling hospital operations, which include a remarkable volume of diagnostics and treatments.

In a significant step forward, Lalit Narayan Mithila University has set the wheels in motion with the senate's approval of a Rs 1,349 crore deficit budget for the upcoming academic year, 2026-27. Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary proudly reported on the strides made towards NEP 2020 goals, exciting developments in hostel construction, and advancements in laboratory facilities.

Mark your calendars! The Patna Medical College Alumni Association is hosting its much-anticipated annual reunion on February 24. Expect an inspiring lineup of cultural performances and thought-provoking speeches as we welcome esteemed doctors from around the globe to this two-day celebration. Kicking off with a flag hoisting ceremony, the event will be inaugurated by our state health minister.

In Patna, crowds took to the streets to voice their anger over the recent UGC regulations designed to foster equity in education. Protesters argue that these new rules exacerbate caste tensions and threaten the rights of General category students.

In a recent statement, RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari contested assertions that the new UGC regulations are favoring the upper castes. He presented compelling statistics revealing that the majority of student suicides in elite institutions are from marginalized backgrounds, leading to crucial interventions by the Supreme Court.

A chaotic scene unfolded at Patna civil court on Wednesday when two armed individuals attempted to breach security. One suspect was quickly detained with a pistol in hand, while the other managed to escape. This alarming event comes on the heels of a bomb threat email, prompting police to initiate a manhunt for the fugitive.

In a tragic incident in Motihari, a 60-year-old woman was subjected to heinous violence by local residents who wrongfully accused her of witchcraft after the untimely death of a young man. Enduring both physical harm, including a broken tooth, and severe emotional distress, she was initially turned away from a public hospital.

In a decisive move, Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha has taken action by suspending two officials from the urban development department. Umeshwar Kumar Singh and Jitendra Kumar faced repercussions due to their carelessness regarding an essential file tied to an executive officers postponed joining. Their inadequate responses during an internal review meeting led to this disciplinary measure.

In a tragic incident, Priya Bharti, a dedicated government school teacher, was discovered deceased in Vaishali district. A suicide note attributed her passing to ongoing health struggles, with her final wishes for her daughter to conduct the last rites and her husband to receive her cellphone.

In a decisive move against insurgency, the Aurangabad police, alongside the CRPF, successfully disrupted Maoist operations during a recent raid. Close to the Gobardah hill, they uncovered a substantial cache of explosives and ammunition, which included an Improvised Explosive Device and various detonators, promptly neutralized to ensure public safety.

In a bold reshuffle, Bihar's home department has revamped the security protocols for numerous political figures. While several leaders from the ruling party are stepping up to enhanced 'Z' and 'Y+' security, key opposition personalities like Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Meira Kumar face a reduction in their protective measures.

Bank employees across Bihar joined a nationwide one-day strike Tuesday, demanding the implementation of a five-day work week. Thousands participated, protesting the delay in introducing the system despite an agreement. Union leaders warned of an indefinite strike if the issue isn't resolved by March, following a recent inconclusive meeting.

In a fervent call for accountability, supporters of the Jehanabad student who tragically passed away in a Patna hostel are rallying behind the CPI(ML) groups AIPWA and AISA, demanding a CBI inquiry into the matter.

In a recent address, Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha reassured municipal representatives that their tenures would be safeguarded against sudden dissolution for new elections, which he categorized as unfair. This affirmation comes amid rising tensions from councillors regarding the recent enlargement of the Danapur Nizamat nagar parishad. Sinha emphasized his commitment to uphold the integrity of their elected terms.

This month marks a pivotal shift as several senior Bihar IPS officers transition to central deputation roles. Ashish Bharti and Sapna G Meshram, both from the 2011 batch, will lend their expertise to the CRPF, while Gaurav Mangla, a 2013 batch officer, takes on new challenges with the Intelligence Bureau.

In a harrowing turn of events in Gopalganj, a two-year-old girl was reportedly abducted and assaulted by a neighbor. Thanks to her mothers swift actions, locals quickly intervened, apprehending the suspect before he was delivered to the authorities. The child is now receiving the necessary medical care, and an investigation is actively progressing.

At a Republic Day celebration in Maranchi Mahadalit Tola, Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar renewed his commitment to local needs, reminiscing about previous development milestones. He unveiled plans for new infrastructure initiatives, including a community hall and road improvements, as well as upgrades to schools and health facilities.

In an ambitious stride towards regional advancement, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled a plethora of development initiatives totaling Rs 391 crore in Madhubani. At this occasion, he rolled out 294 schemes and laid down the groundwork for 101 additional projects, underscoring the need for punctual execution.

In a dramatic twist within the Bihar Congress, tensions are escalating as party members voice their outrage over Shakeel Ahmad's disparaging comments labeling Rahul Gandhi as 'cowardly.' Ahmad, concerned for his safety, has reportedly received threats directed at his residence.

On Republic Day in Supaul, Bihar, a teacher from a government school was taken into custody for allegedly encouraging students to shout pro-Jinnah slogans while the national flag was being raised. Students voiced their concerns over the teacher's pro-Pakistan statements.

A sand-laden truck driver, attempting to evade police after fatally hitting a biker in Bihta, Patna, narrowly missed crushing DSP Amarendra Kumar Jha's official vehicle. The truck, after striking a motorcycle and another vehicle, collided head-on with the DSP's car. The driver and helper were apprehended, and the deceased's body was sent for postmortem.

In a fiery Republic Day address, a doctor invoked the legendary warrior Abhimanyu, sparking a whirlwind of controversy after a medical aspirant's tragic death at his hospital. This has drawn sharp rebukes from local MP Pappu Yadav, who didn't hold back in accusing the doctor of protecting wrongdoers and pledging to bring the truth to light.

The Patna police are ramping up their search for the primary suspect in the tragic case involving the alleged rape and murder of a 17.5-year-old aspiring medical student. Authorities are diligently gathering DNA samples from those associated with the victim's hostel, including the owner and their companions, in hopes of aligning with forensic findings.

A prominent Purnia businessman, Suraj Bihari, was fatally shot near Neva Lal Chowk. The attack occurred as he exited his car, with assailants firing multiple rounds. While his armed guard and cousin escaped unharmed, police are investigating a social media dispute over a girl's photo as a primary motive.