The Times of India

The NDA government in Bihar has strongly refuted dynasty politics allegations following Nishant Kumar's ministerial appointment. Leaders defended Nishant, highlighting his education and initial refusal of a deputy CM post. They countered by pointing to the RJD's alleged family-centric leadership, questioning the opposition's moral ground to criticize.

Railway security is on high alert after an unauthorized CCTV camera, potentially linked to a terrorist involved in the Akshardham Temple attack, was discovered at Sarai railway station. Two unidentified individuals were seen installing the device, which was later removed by authorities. An FIR has been filed, and the ATS is investigating a possible international connection.

Bihar's National Lok Adalat saw a massive turnout Saturday, clearing over 20,000 e-challan cases and collecting nearly Rs 5 crore. The One-Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme offered a 50% penalty reduction, easing burdens for helmet, seat belt, and speeding violations.

Bihar faces a cybercrime surge, with cases jumping 43% to 6,380 in 2024. Despite arrests, investigations lag significantly, with nearly 99.8% of cases unresolved. Financial frauds, particularly card and ATM scams, are alarmingly high, second only to Telangana. Manpower shortages are cited as a key reason for the low disposal rate.

A 60-year-old rental car driver, Rampravesh Singh, was fatally shot in Patna's Didarganj area on Saturday. Police are investigating the motive, examining his personal life and family background. Forensic teams and a dog squad have been deployed. This incident follows another murder in Kothiya village, prompting increased police presence in the region.

A tragic accident on the IIT-Patna campus claimed the life of 21-year-old BTech student Sadasivuni Harshith Patnaik. While retrieving a cricket ball, he was electrocuted by a live electric pole. Harshith, a dual degree student at IIM Bombay, had returned to attend his batchmates' farewell. The institute expressed deep sorrow and is investigating the incident.

Senior BJP leader Prem Kumar reviewed the progress of Bihar's first AmasDarbhanga Greenfield Expressway (NH-119D). This 190 km, four-lane project, costing Rs 1,157.5 crore, began in March 2023 with a 24-month completion target. Kumar urged officials to expedite work and maintain quality, highlighting the expressway's potential to boost connectivity and economic growth across the state.

A violent clash during a Ramdhun procession in Bihar's Sheikhpura district left seven family members injured, including a differently-abled youth. The altercation reportedly began when the youth, on a tricycle, requested space in a narrow lane. The dispute escalated, leading to an attack with sticks and stones, critically injuring two individuals.

Patliputra University has appointed principal-in-charges to 16 new degree colleges across Patna and Nalanda districts. Academic activities are slated to commence from the 2026-27 session, with admissions to be completed soon. This move aims to boost higher education access in rural and semi-urban areas, reducing travel for students. Staff appointments are also underway to ensure timely operationalization.

Patna Municipal Corporation's standing committee approved 29 agendas, including charging rent from Kadamkuan vendors and deploying 'manhole ambulances' for swift repairs. Over Rs 5 crore was sanctioned for past festival projects, with Rs 50 lakh for ghat renovations. Water supply and infrastructure projects, including a new slaughterhouse, were also greenlit.

Residents of Mitra Mandal Colony are facing significant disruption due to GAIL's ongoing PNG pipeline work. Open trenches and debris have made roads hazardous for pedestrians, schoolchildren, and motorists, leading to traffic congestion and impacting local businesses. Locals urge timely road repairs to mitigate inconvenience, while GAIL assures work will conclude soon.

Bihar's Revenue Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal issued a stern warning to corrupt officials, vowing swift action and jail time for wrongdoers. He emphasized the government's commitment to prompt, transparent land services and public accountability. The minister highlighted ongoing digitalization efforts to enhance transparency and reduce manipulation in land records, aiming to make the revenue department a trusted institution for citizens.

A 70-year-old man was tragically beaten to death in Biharsharif's Nalanda district following a heated dispute over a dustbin's placement. The victim, Ramadheen Prasad, was allegedly attacked with a brick by a neighbour after an argument escalated late Friday night.

In a transformative alliance, Patna Municipal Corporation has teamed up with Isha Outreach for an ambitious five-year project focusing on the Bans Ghat crematorium. This partnership not only embraces both electric and wood-based cremation methods but also enhances waste management and upholds meticulous record-keeping. The initiative aspires to deliver transparent and modernized services, ensuring respectful farewells that honor lives.

Nishant Kumar assumed charge as Bihar's Health Minister, pledging to prioritize healthcare services and scheme implementation. He aims to build on his father Nitish Kumar's legacy, focusing on improving facilities and accessibility. Meanwhile, opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized the NDA government's stance on dynastic politics, questioning the induction of ministers without electoral mandates.

In Patna, a wave of determination surged among teacher aspirants as they gathered to rally for the long-awaited TRE-4 recruitment notification. Thousands took to the streets, their voices echoing demands for the immediate release of an advertisement for 46,595 positions. Despite prior commitments from officials, the promised notification remains frustratingly out of reach, sparking accusations of governmental inaction.

In a bold move to enhance the electric vehicle ecosystem, Bihar's transport department is rolling out EV charging stations at various locations including dhabas, hotels, and petrol pumps along major highways. This strategic expansion aligns with the introduction of 400 electric buses from the Central government, promising a greener future for transportation.

Panic subsided along the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh border Friday after a leopard, which injured eight people in separate attacks, was tranquilized and rescued. The animal, believed to have strayed from the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, caused fear across several villages before being safely caged and sent to Gorakhpur Zoo. Joint teams from both states conducted the successful operation.

In a heartwarming tribute, Tribhuvan School celebrated its founder's day by unveiling a stunning new hybrid rose named 'Tribhuvan.' Established in 2013, the school hosted a series of floral tributes and vibrant cultural performances to honor Tribhuvan Prasad Singh, a visionary ICS officer and passionate horticulturist.

A recovery agent was fatally shot inside an Indian Bank branch in Aurangabad on Friday. The incident occurred when a security guard's firearm discharged under unclear circumstances. While the guard claims it was an accident during cleaning, the deceased's family alleges deliberate firing. Police have taken the guard into custody and are investigating the exact cause of the shooting.

In a month-long initiative, the Danapur division of East Central Railway has successfully amassed around Rs 5 crore in fines targeting ticketless travel and unauthorized access to reserved coaches. An alarming 90 lakh passengers were identified breaching regulations, demonstrating a stark rise in infractions and penalties compared to the previous year.

Patna Municipal Corporation offered Rs 40 lakh tax relief to over 35,000 property owners for early payments. A 5% rebate is available until June 30. Despite collecting Rs 11 crore, collections are down from last year. PMC is urging taxpayers to pay, with defaulters facing 1.5% monthly interest from October.

Tragedy struck Saran district as a pickup van carrying an orchestra group collided head-on with a truck, claiming three lives, including a woman artist. This incident follows another fatal accident involving musicians just two days prior. The troupe was returning from a performance when the devastating crash occurred, leaving several others injured and critically wounded.

In a bid to enhance commuter experience, the Danapur division of railways has intensified its efforts to combat price gouging, executing 95 undercover inspections within a span of ten days. Responding to numerous passenger grievances regarding exorbitant charges for food, parking, and toilet facilities, authorities are implementing stringent penalties on offenders.

For nearly a decade, Krishna Sharma, affectionately dubbed 'Ambulance Sharma', has served as a lifeline along the Patna-Buxar highway. The owner of a furniture shop, he's committed over 1,200 acts of bravery by offering free ambulance transport to those in desperate need.

Newly sworn-in Bihar ministers have pledged to prioritize transparency and public welfare. Revenue Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal aims to clear pending cases and restore public trust. Social Welfare Minister Dr. Shweta Gupta will focus on women, children, and the elderly, while Prohibition Minister Madan Sahani vows to intensify efforts against liquor smuggling and spurious production.

In a powerful display of unity, Union minister Chirag Paswan joined forces with opposition parties in Bihar to denounce the police lathicharge against teacher aspirants in Patna. Protestors, pleading for recruitment announcements, faced alleged excessive force from law enforcement.

In a groundbreaking move, the Bihar Police and the transport department have unveiled the 'Lump Sum Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme 2026.' This innovative program is designed to resolve over 200,000 pending e-challans via Lok Adalat, bringing overdue relief to motorists facing minor offense penalties.

A severe thunderstorm battered Bihar on Friday, claiming seven lives and causing widespread disruption. Patna experienced heavy traffic jams, uprooted trees, and significant damage. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for victims' families. Authorities are working on restoration, with an orange alert issued for Saturday.

Nalanda police successfully rescued four girls, three of them minors, from an illegal orchestra racket in Silao. Four individuals, including a woman, were apprehended for allegedly forcing the girls into performances and subjecting them to harassment. Authorities suspect an interstate human trafficking network was involved, and an investigation is ongoing.

Buxar District Magistrate Sahila has ordered the rebranding of 'Didi ki Rasoi' to 'Didi ka Cafe' and directed Jeevika Didis to receive modern technology training. She also stressed inter-departmental coordination for RSETI beneficiaries and expressed dissatisfaction with slow progress on the G-Ram G scheme, leading to salary withholding for programme officers.

A 19-year-old, Harsh alias Yash Kumar, was fatally shot in Patna's Didarganj area following an old dispute. Lured to a field by four youths from a neighboring village, he was shot in the chest and later died. Police are investigating the incident, with an FSL team collecting evidence and CCTV footage being reviewed. Raids are underway to apprehend the suspects.

In a bid to protect the villages along the Ganga River, a groundbreaking anti-erosion initiative worth Rs 52 crore has been greenlit for the Shahpur block of Bhojpur. This project promises hope to countless families affected by devastating erosion, especially those in Jawaniya village, which suffered a tremendous loss of over 200 homes and agricultural land in July 2025.

Following a distressing surge in road deaths exceeding 30 in Nalanda over just two weeks, the transport department is taking a proactive measure by introducing an AI-driven Integrated Traffic Management System. With advanced smart cameras and constant surveillance at high-risk areas and bustling streets, this technology will identify speeding offenders and facilitate automated e-challans.

Police used lathicharge in Patna to disperse Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE) 4.0 aspirants protesting for the delayed BPSC notification. Candidates gathered, demanding timely announcement and clarity on exam schedules. The situation escalated when demonstrators refused to leave the protest site, leading to police intervention. Details on injuries or detentions are pending.

Get ready! Patna University's admission portal is live this Saturday for the 2026-27 undergraduate programs, allowing aspiring students to apply until May 30. The selection process for four-year degrees will be based purely on Class 12 scores, so no entrance exam is needed. However, remember that some self-financing and professional courses will still require entrance exams in June.

In a bold move, Bihar's cabinet underwent a dramatic expansion as 32 new ministers took their oath, notably including the offspring of former chief ministers. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, this newly formed council strives for inclusivity across caste, community, and regional lines.

In a vibrant ceremony at Gandhi Maidan, Bihar's newly inaugurated council of ministers marked a pivotal moment, underscoring the BJP's savvy political maneuvering and societal outreach. The presence of key national figures added weight to the gathering, reflecting the partys expanding influence across the nation.

In a strategic cabinet expansion, Bihar's ruling BJP showcases its commitment to energetic, grassroots leadership by sidelining seasoned politician Mangal Pandey. The shake-up features newcomers hitting the ministerial scene alongside JD(U)'s inclusion of a medical expert and a representative from the caste community.