The Times of India

In a heart-wrenching turn of events during a seemingly ordinary ceremony in Bhojpur, tragedy struck as a speeding bus indiscriminately mowed down six individuals, resulting in the untimely death of 55-year-old Gita Devi and injuries to five others. Witnesses reported that the driver's sudden and reckless maneuver caused chaos near Kudariya-Mahuli Ghat.

During a memorable event marking the 135th birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar, Patna University's Vice-Chancellor Ajay Kumar Singh passionately spoke about the Constitution of 1950, emphasizing its transformative impact on India's governance, social equity, and human rights. He articulated Ambedkar's ongoing significance as a beacon for national development.

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through Biharsharif, local authorities have rounded up Sintu Kumar, a 35-year-old resident, on grave charges of assaulting a 23-year-old mother in the Sheikhpura area. Reports indicate the attack happened late Sunday night while the victim lay asleep beside her young children. Allegedly, Kumar gained entry by maneuvering through the rooftop.

Bihar welcomes its new Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, the first BJP leader to take the helm, succeeding Nitish Kumar. A scion of a political lineage and a representative of the Koeri community, Choudhary is committed to propelling Bihar into a new era of development.

Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised Nitish Kumar's unwavering integrity, celebrating Samrat Choudhary's recent appointment as Bihar's Chief Minister. He expressed optimism that Choudhary will uphold Kumar's vision for development, steering Bihar towards prosperity under PM Modi's leadership. BJP leaders echoed this sentiment, expressing their belief in Choudhary's capability to advance the state's agenda of progress and growth.

To facilitate thousands of candidates appearing for the Bihar Public Service Commission's assistant education development officer exams, Indian Railways is running special trains on April 15, 18, and 21. These services will operate on key routes connecting Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Samastipur, and Bettiah to Patliputra Junction via Hajipur.

Punjabi Bradri organised the 74th Baisakhi cultural festival on Tuesday. The event, supported by the tourism and art and culture departments, was held to mark the harvest festival and commemorate the foundation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699

On Wednesday, Bihar is gearing up for a historic moment as Samrat Choudhary takes his oath, becoming the first Chief Minister from the BJP. Known for his roots in the Koeri community and a dynamic political career that includes a stint as Deputy CM, Choudhary now must navigate the complexities of governance following Nitish Kumars long-standing leadership.

Bihar's opposition leader, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of depleting the state's treasury and failing to develop Bihar over two decades. Yadav criticized the BJP, claiming Kumar's Rajya Sabha nomination was forced and that the JD(U) has become a BJP 'cell'. He highlighted the state's persistent poverty, poor infrastructure, and rising crime.

Gopalganj police are actively searching for JD(U) MLA Amarendra Kumar, also known as Pappu Pandey, and his brother following a land-grabbing case. A non-bailable warrant has been issued for their arrest in connection with the alleged illegal acquisition of 16 acres using forged documents. Raids are underway at their ancestral village and linked properties.

Patna's Indira Gandhi Science Complex is transforming into an interactive 'Astro Park' for children. Featuring 11 hands-on science models, including sundials, Kepler's Laws, and a Gravity Well, the park aims to make astronomy fun and accessible. This Rs 32 lakh project, nearing completion, complements the planetarium's recent upgrades, offering families an engaging space for discovery and learning.

Bihar is poised for a significant political shift as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to resign, paving the way for a BJP-led government. The transition is marked by a BJP legislature party meeting to elect a new leader, with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as observer. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for April 15.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspected the initial phase of the Patna-Bettiah Expressway, a crucial 164-km greenfield project. The expressway aims to halve travel time to West Champaran to three hours, boosting economic development in North Bihar. The first section is slated for completion by April 2027, with the entire project expected by 2027-2028.

Bihar is set to launch 213 new degree colleges by July, aiming to boost higher education access in underserved areas under the 'Saat Nishchay-3' program. These institutions will initially offer arts subjects, with faculty deputed from nearby colleges. The state also plans to upgrade 55 existing colleges into 'centres of excellence' to enhance educational quality and promote employment.

A police vehicle sustained damage from stone-pelting by a mob in Gaya's Sindhugarh area on Monday. The incident occurred when officers attempted to stop a tractor allegedly transporting illegal sand. Locals gathered, questioned the police action, and then resorted to pelting stones, damaging a police vehicle's windshield. No injuries were reported, and two individuals were detained.

Bodh Gaya witnessed a vibrant Songkran celebration as Thailand's New Year festival unfolded with sacred rituals. A grand procession, featuring a flower-adorned Buddha, led to the Mahabodhi Mahavihara. Monks and devotees participated in a ceremonial water offering to Lord Buddha under the Bodhi tree, symbolizing purification and blessings, underscoring the deep cultural and spiritual bond between India and Thailand.

West Champaran district witnesses a significant upgrade in citizen services with the inauguration of a new Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in Ramnagar. This facility, the 454th nationwide and 38th in Bihar, will streamline passport applications, renewals, and police clearance certificates for residents of remote areas.

Nalanda University actively participated in a national conference focused on technology's role in tribal India's transformation. Vice-Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi led a session emphasizing digital infrastructure for remote areas, advocating for integrating Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana with public digital systems to boost financial inclusion. The university reaffirmed its dedication to knowledge, technology, and inclusive growth.

A Bhagalpur family narrowly escaped a house fire late Sunday night, with a three-storey building allegedly set ablaze by neighbours over a garbage dispute. Household items worth lakhs were destroyed, but thankfully, no one was injured. Police have registered an FIR and are investigating the incident, with one family member narrowly escaping the flames.

A devastating fire has destroyed a solar power plant in Bettiah's remote Don region, plunging two villages into darkness. The inaccessible terrain prevented timely firefighting efforts, leaving residents concerned about safety, especially with wildlife nearby. Officials are investigating the cause and promising to restore power soon to the off-grid dependent community.

Buxar Central Jail is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from mere confinement to a center for inmate self-development. Daily physical training, yoga, computer literacy, and music classes are actively engaging hundreds of prisoners. This reformist approach, supported by district officials, aims to equip inmates with practical skills and constructive habits for successful societal reintegration, fostering a more humane correctional system.

Patna Municipal Corporation is set to issue municipal bonds worth up to Rs 200 crore, a move approved by the urban development department. This will fund major urban redevelopment projects, including the New Market area, with potential central government incentives. The initiative aims to enhance civic services and financial discipline in the city.

The Railway Board has greenlit the construction of third and fourth railway lines along the busy DDU-Patna-Jhajha corridor, a crucial 400km stretch. This Rs17,000 crore project, aimed at easing severe congestion, will be executed in phases, starting with key sections like Fatuha-Bakhtiyarpur. The expansion promises improved efficiency, reduced travel times, and enhanced connectivity for thousands of commuters.

A dispute over setting up a vegetable shop in Patna's Bikram area tragically escalated, leading to the fatal stabbing of 40-year-old Ramakant Paswan. His son, Golu Kumar, was injured during the altercation. Police swiftly arrested the accused, Saryug Sharma, and recovered the weapon. Protesting villagers blocked a highway demanding justice.

A BJP Yuva Morcha district vice president and former VHP treasurer in Kishanganj was apprehended with over 264 litres of illicit liquor. The arrest occurred during a vehicle check following a tip-off about liquor smuggling from West Bengal. Police also seized cash and a mobile phone, and are now investigating potential accomplices in the smuggling operation.

In a significant boost for sports and education, Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh officially opened a new mini stadium at Anugrah Narayan College in Patna, made possible through his MPLAD funding. He also committed an additional Rs 60 lakh towards enhancing the college's infrastructure.

In a significant political move, Ajay Kumar Singh, son of former Member of Parliament Tapeshwar Singh, has aligned himself with the JD(U) in Patna. State president Umesh Kushwaha embraced Singh's decision, asserting that his involvement will invigorate the party's efforts in the Bhojpur-Buxar area.

In a dramatic turn of events, Bihar's political arena is on the brink of transformation as a high-ranking JD(U) official revealed that the BJP is poised to choose the next Chief Minister. This development comes in the wake of Nitish Kumars recent elevation to the Rajya Sabha, hinting at his possible shift to national leadership roles.

In an ambitious move, the Railways is investing Rs 513.61 crore into transforming 22 Amrit Bharat stations within the Danapur division. This initiative is set to revolutionize the travel experience with features reminiscent of airport facilities, bolstered security measures, and sustainable designs.

The Malahi Pakri station of Patna Metro is on the verge of opening its doors, poised to revolutionize the travel experience across the eastern and southern sectors of the city. This elevated marvel boasts contemporary facilities and a splash of artistic flair, all awaiting the green light for safety protocols.

In a resolute display of solidarity, a large assembly of women and social advocates, spearheaded by Sudha Varghese, rallied in Patna to demand accountability following the heinous gang rape of a three-year-old. Their voices rose in unison for immediate justice and severe consequences for all involved, including family members implicated in the crime.

In Patna, vibrant posters emerged proclaiming Nishant Kumar as the 'future Chief Minister of Bihar,' coinciding with the BJP appointing a central observer. These eye-catching displays, strategically placed near prominent political venues, not only celebrated Nishant but also took a subtle jab at the controversial 'bulldozer model' and ongoing 'riots-unrest.