The Times of India

A shocking find of ten vacant liquor bottles outside the Chief Minister's residence in Patna has stirred a political uproar. Amid strict prohibition laws, this incident has spurred opposition inquiries and pledges for rigorous enforcement from officials. The revelation has sparked renewed discussions about the viability of the state's liquor ban and its real impact on society.

A murder suspect, Bikku Singh alias Ravan, was shot in the leg by police in Jehanabad during an exchange of gunfire. He was being taken to recover weapons allegedly used in a May 18 murder. Singh reportedly opened fire first, prompting retaliatory action. This marks the sixth such police shooting in five days.

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through Aurangabad, Bihar, a 17-year-old boy named Ritesh Kumar lost his life under tragic circumstances. His lifeless body was discovered by a canal, bearing marks of a brutal attack, with multiple fractures and a severe head injury indicating a ferocious struggle.

In a strategic alliance, Bihar has joined forces with RECPDCL to enhance its electricity transmission and supply systems, incorporating energy from the Pirpainti Power Plant. This initiative is set to drive the state's industrial ambitions for 2025-2030 by ensuring a stable power supply for enterprises.

In a commendable move, Buxar Police have successfully reunited 64 mobile phones, worth Rs13 lakh, with their rightful owners as part of 'Operation Muskan.' This achievement marks the 19th phase of the initiative, cumulatively recovering 1,605 phones. Superintendent of Police Shubham Arya emphasized how this campaign enhances community trust, announcing forthcoming efforts to recover stolen motorcycles.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver a significant milestone by virtually presenting over 51,000 appointment letters to new government employees from his office in Delhi. Known as the 19th Rojgar Mela, this event includes new recruits in crucial sectors such as railways and home affairs, with simultaneous celebrations unfolding at 47 locations across the country.

In a dramatic twist, a teenage girl from Sasaram, previously presumed dead, was discovered unexpectedly alive in Maharashtra. Authorities revealed a bizarre scheme involving her and the suspect, Mayank Kumar, who attempted to fabricate her demise using chicken blood and counterfeit footprints. Their capture in Bhiwandi prevented a dangerous charade that could have misled investigators and the public alike.

In a strategic move to combat the impacts of climate change, Bihar's Chief Minister has empowered the water resources department to harness the Ganga's flow during the rainy season. Water will be diverted to the Badua reservoir in Banka and the Kharagpur reservoir in Munger, enhancing irrigation for farmers in three districts.

In a proactive response to the surge of complaints concerning frequent power outages, Gaya's district administration has heightened vigilance among power officials. District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar has ordered swift measures to ensure a stable electricity supply, particularly in bustling commercial hotspots.

This month, the rural development minister of Bihar has exciting news for Jeevika Didis: the second installment of Rs 20,000 under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rajgar Yojana is on its way! Designed to uplift women through self-employment opportunities, this initiative will eventually total Rs 2.10 lakh distributed in five installments. With the first installment already benefiting over 1.

In a bid to streamline the travel experience and reduce waiting times, the Danapur division of East Central Railway is set to deploy 90 state-of-the-art automatic ticket vending machines. This initiative is designed to facilitate the issuance of around 2.6 lakh unreserved tickets daily, especially during rush hours on popular routes.

In a harrowing incident in Patna, a 26-year-old woman who was focused on her SSC preparations fell victim to a horrifying attack by her boyfriend. Following a heated argument regarding marriage, the man allegedly assaulted her in his rented accommodation, brandishing a knife during the brutal act.

In a significant move to address land disputes, the Bihar government plans to hire 8,054 revenue officials, aimed at resolving an enormous backlog of around 40,000 cases. Minister Dilip Jaiswal has unveiled plans to revitalize the Bihar Land Tribunal, expanding its team to seven members.

In a significant security operation, the Bihar Anti-Terrorism Squad has detained Mohammad Mustafa in Muzaffarpur for allegedly facilitating activities linked to anti-India organizations. Preliminary investigations expose a troubling connection with Shahzad Bhatti, an arms trafficker operating out of Pakistan.

Exciting news for travelers! Darbhanga Airport is gearing up for night flight operations, thanks to a productive meeting between JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Union minister has guaranteed robust support, including extra Air Force personnel and technical help, to make night landings a reality.

In a groundbreaking move, Bihar's education department is launching a transfer policy impacting more than seven lakh educators. The initiative focuses on placing female teachers in nearby panchayats within their districts while shifting male teachers to bordering blocks.

In a recent statement, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the NDA government, pointing to soaring inflation rates and rampant unemployment as indicators of its failing economic strategies. He expressed deep concern over the escalating prices of basic necessities that are straining the finances of familiesespecially the less affluent and middle-class citizens in Bihar.

In a remarkable display of anti-corruption efforts, vigilance authorities in Rohtas district executed well-timed sting operations on Friday, resulting in the arrest of a circle officer, his assistant, and a clerk. The Sasaram circle officer and his aide fell into the trap while accepting a sizable bribe linked to land mutation permits.

In a bold move to reclaim safety and security, the Bihar Police have ramped up their efforts against organized crime, detaining more than 134,000 individuals from January to May. Additional Director General Sudhanshu Kumar emphasized that all measures taken are within legal bounds and dismissed any accusations of caste-based discrimination.

Starting May 25, Sudha milk from Bihar will see a price hike of Rs 2-4 per litre and Rs 1-2 for 500ml packs. This shift is driven by rising costs in cattle feed and operational expenses, which means families may need to adjust their budgets. Tea lovers should also brace for a ripple effect as milk prices soar.

At the Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology in Patna, patients express frustration over claims of staff soliciting bribes for medical tests and expedited services, despite the facility's promise of free or affordable care. Reports suggest that patients are being overcharged for essential supplies, such as electrodes and batteries, with no formal receipts provided.

In a dramatic turn of events, Gaya cyber police have detained Rajendra Rao, known as Sardar, for making threats against Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi in a video that quickly gained traction online. The Patna native was located in Nalanda after extensive digital tracking.

Bihar's Baal Hriday Yojana continues its impressive journey by healing 3,028 young hearts afflicted with congenital heart diseases, recently sending another group of 28 children to Ahmedabad for complimentary surgery. Initiated in 2021, this remarkable program not only alleviates financial strain for families but also reinstates hope for a brighter future for children up to 18 years old.

In a bold move aimed at enhancing governance, the Bihar government has implemented a sweeping administrative reshuffle, elevating ten IAS officers, including three to the prestigious role of Additional Chief Secretary. Among the notable changes, Deepak Kumar Singh has been appointed as Principal Secretary to the Governor, while Arvind Kumar Choudhary and B Rajender expand their portfolios with new responsibilities.

Sasaram is currently facing a critical water scarcity issue, affecting numerous historic neighborhoods even after significant financial investments. Daily life for residents has become a relentless challenge, leading some families to seek alternatives like relocation or property sales. The situation is particularly dire in the surrounding hills.

In Gaya, cyber law enforcement has taken action against Rajesh Rao, known as Sardar, after a controversial video circulated online. The clip reveals Rao delivering menacing threats, peppered with casteist insults, directed at Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Investigators are diligently working to track down the suspect and scrutinize digital trails.

In a shocking incident from Munger, a 17-year-old girl has faced a harrowing experience as she was reportedly gang-raped at gunpoint after her family turned down a marriage proposal. Tuntun Mandal, the prime suspect, is believed to have lured the young girl to a secluded lake area where he, alongside two accomplices, committed this heinous act.

A heart-wrenching event occurred in Supaul district, where Manoj Kumar, a 62-year-old grocer, lost his life when a car escaping a police pursuit collided with him. The vehicle, thought to be loaded with over a thousand bottles of illicit Nepali liquor, first crashed into a tractor before tragically hitting Kumar. Authorities have since apprehended two suspects who fled the scene.

As Bihar faces an intense heatwave, temperatures soar past 40C in 10 districts, including Patna, with the 'real feel' reaching a staggering 50C. Authorities have taken action by halting school activities for children up to Class V and adjusting the schedules for older students.

In a recent statement, BJP spokesperson Prem Ranjan Patel took aim at RJD's Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, denouncing his comments regarding the TRE-4 recruitment initiative. Patel charged that Yadav is misleading the electorate while reaffirming the NDA's efforts for transparent employment practices. He juxtaposed these efforts with the RJD's troubled history of corruption, particularly the infamous 'land-for-jobs' scandal.

On May 23-24, Patna is set to host Bihars first major AI summit, a groundbreaking initiative to transform public services and boost the states economy.

At Patna Junction, railway employees are stepping up to battle the sweltering heat, handing out complimentary chilled water and refreshing sharbats to travelers. This commendable initiative has now spread to other prominent railway stations, serving as a lifeline for those most affected by the soaring temperatures.

In a surprising act of transformation, Kailash Mandal, a Bhagalpur ex-convict, recently threw his weapon into the sacred Ganga River, declaring his commitment to leave behind his violent past amidst escalating police confrontations in Bihar. Mandal, with a history marred by murder and extortion, sought redemption through prayer and public declaration.

In a striking display of resilience, Mahadalit families in Sasaram gathered to voice their concern over perceived bias at an Anganwadi centre. After receiving uniforms for 14 eagerly-awaiting children, families were dismayed to discover the next day that the kids were apparently not enrolled.

In a fiery address, opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav condemned the NDA government for what he termed a betrayal of Bihar's youth concerning the BPSC TRE-4 recruitment. He criticized the authorities for neglecting their electoral commitments and fueling discontent among job seekers who are clamoring for immediate exams and clear transparency.

In light of unpredictable monsoon patterns, Bihar's Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has called on officials to gear up for possible floods and drought conditions. He has stressed the importance of readiness, urging district magistrates to heighten vigilance, bolster flood defenses, and ensure that vital resources such as potable water and fodder are distributed efficiently.

In anticipation of the bustling Shravani fair, Bihar's Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has instructed district officials to put in place effective measures for the event's entire duration. Priorities include ensuring that crowd control, security, and healthcare services are well-equipped to handle the influx of millions of devotees.