The Times of India

Tragedy struck a wedding reception in Shahpur village, Bihar, late Sunday evening. Two brothers, Manjeet Kumar and Manish Kumar, were shot dead by unidentified assailants. Preliminary investigations suggest an old dispute, possibly property-related, led to the fatal incident. Police are actively searching for the accused and have sent the bodies for post-mortem.

In a shocking turn of events, a joyous wedding celebration in Patna's Shahpur village transformed into a scene of chaos early Sunday evening. A longstanding land conflict between two brothers, Manjeet and Manish Kumar, turned deadly as a heated argument spiraled out of control. Manish succumbed to his injuries, while Manjeet fights for his life, receiving critical care.

In a groundbreaking initiative, law enforcement agents in Bihar participated in a workshop tailored to enhance their understanding of Gram Kachahri's pivotal role in enforcing POCSO and Juvenile Justice laws. Specialists underscored the importance of upholding legal frameworks for community wellbeing, illustrating how effective grassroots mediation can transform local conflict resolution.

In a grand ceremony, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar honored the remarkable teenage cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, presenting him with a Rs 50 lakh cheque and a traditional 'angavastra'. The young star was celebrated for his extraordinary 175 runs that secured India's U-19 World Cup title, alongside his impressive records in the IPL.

The Patna Municipal Corporation is on a mission to clean up the cityscape by eliminating unauthorized ads and hoardings, looking to enforce new regulations while enhancing its revenue streams. This initiative, which has already seen the removal of 196 illegal installations across all zones, has resulted in 253 notices being issued.

Tejashwi Yadav has called out the BJP for allegedly manipulating Nitish Kumar to further its own interests, claiming that the government is turning a blind eye to the struggles of the poor and marginalized communities, while the crime rate and the liquor industry flourish unchecked. He expressed outrage over the BJP's delay in implementing the 65% job reservation initiative.

In a shocking turn of events, the lifeless body of Rinku Devi, 45, was found in Madhepura, Bihar, igniting a tense murder probe. Her son has named his cousin, Niwas Singh, as a suspect stemming from a bitter family feud.

The upcoming Patna University Students Union elections hang in the balance, as uncertainty looms with an active postponement notice still in effect, despite fervent calls from students for clarity. Some representatives are hopeful that the elections will kick off as initially planned; however, the lack of an official decree reinstating the original timeline leaves many questions unanswered.

In 2025, Bihar emerges as a trailblazer in prison rehabilitation, having implemented comprehensive educational and vocational programs for inmates. An impressive 3,900 prisoners engaged in skill-building initiatives, leading many to explore higher education and gain computer skills.

Sainik School, Nalanda cadets excelled at the state-level Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan, with Anurag Kumar securing first place. Two cadets will now compete nationally. Elsewhere, students spread Holi cheer at an old age home, while Vanijya Mahavidyalay celebrated its annual sports meet, honouring top athletes.

In Bihar, over 150 newly appointed assistant professors in political science have been left in limbo for eight months, awaiting their official postings. While a few universities have moved forward with appointments, six prominent institutions are stuck due to verification issues.

A wedding in Ara's Chhotki Sonadiya village was abruptly halted when the bride fainted during the 'jaimal' ceremony. Doctors attributed her collapse to weakness and exhaustion from wedding preparations. Despite medical assurances, the groom's family allegedly refused to proceed, citing health concerns and returning the wedding gifts. The bride's family expressed deep disappointment over their shattered dreams and wasted expenses.

Bihar's urban development department has ordered a crackdown on unlicensed meat and fish shops operating in unhygienic conditions. Municipal bodies must identify and shut down these illegal outlets, especially those near religious sites and schools, to ensure public health and prevent unrest. Strict adherence to licensing and hygiene rules is now mandatory, with legal action threatened for non-compliance.

Bihar's village libraries, once hubs of freedom fighters and adult learning, are experiencing a remarkable revival. State initiatives and community efforts are transforming these spaces into vibrant learning centers, empowering unemployed youth with competitive exam preparation. These modernized libraries, often run by local women, offer free internet and resources, attracting over a lakh students, with a significant majority being girls.

In Bihar's poorest district, Kishanganj, a youth-led library movement is transforming lives. The Seemanchal Library Foundation has established three rural libraries, drawing over 200 underprivileged children daily. These vibrant spaces, stocked with diverse books, are igniting a passion for learning among tribal girls and children of daily wage earners, offering a beacon of hope and knowledge.

Patna Zoo has unveiled a unique Nature Library, offering a blend of books, workshops, and hands-on activities to foster conservation education. This eco-friendly facility, built with cane bamboo, houses over 1,400 books and provides tools for gardening and bird-watching, complementing the zoo's role as a living laboratory for students and enthusiasts.

The student union elections at Patna University, originally scheduled for February 28, have been called off indefinitely due to unrest among students. Disturbances were reported, including unauthorized entries at Patna Women's College and inappropriate behavior towards faculty at Patna Science College. University authorities have reinforced a strict no-tolerance policy in line with the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee.

In a pointed reminder, Upendra Kushwaha, leader of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, has called on the BJP to honor a previous commitment regarding a Rajya Sabha seat. With five vacancies on the horizon in April, attention shifts to how the NDA will navigate the electoral landscape.

Get ready, Patna! Next month marks an exciting milestone as the Malahi Pakri and Khemnichak stations of the Metro's priority corridor are set to open. After a successful safety trial run on February 25th, these new additions will seamlessly link with the existing elevated track, completing the impressive 6.6km 'Blue Line.

Aurangabad police swiftly apprehended eight individuals, including the victim's wife, in a murder case initially disguised as suicide. Ranjit Kumar was allegedly murdered by his wife, Priyanka Kumari, and her family, along with four villagers, after a dispute. The accused then staged the scene to resemble a suicide by hanging the body. All have confessed and are in judicial custody.

The heart-wrenching fatalities of children in Patna underscore a disturbing failure in urban safety measures, as open drains and uncovered manholes present continual threats. Although there are explicit requirements for safety barriers and metal grilles, contractors frequently neglect to secure these sites.

In a significant move to aid the agricultural sector, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has allocated over Rs 113 crore to assist more than 200,000 farmers affected by the devastating floods and Motha cyclone last year.

In an effort to bolster public safety, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has tasked the transport department with enhancing pedestrian protection measures. This initiative encompasses the creation of well-designed footpaths, strategic zebra crossings, and vital overbridges and underpasses in high-traffic zones.

As Begusarai emerges as an industrial powerhouse, the call for a new greenfield airport has never been louder. The existing airport, limited to small planes, is pushing travelers towards the overcrowded Patna airport.

During a recent visit, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assessed the progress of a cutting-edge 1,200-bed hospital at IGIMS, pushing for its prompt completion. With an investment of Rs 513 crore, this facility promises to revolutionize the healthcare landscape in the region.

Join us this Sunday as the Bihar State Legal Services Authority launches an engaging legal awareness program, prompted by the Chief Justice of Patna High Court. This insightful initiative seeks to evaluate how NALSA's 2015 welfare schemes have benefitted the unorganized sector workers in Bihar.