The Times of India

On Friday, a catastrophic blaze destroyed vast swathes of farmland in four villages of Bhojpur district, engulfing around 500 acres of nearly ripe wheat crops. Fire crews fought valiantly against the inferno for hours, with early investigations pointing to high-tension wires as the potential ignition source.

Authorities apprehended Manohar Kumar Sharma in Kishanganj for allegedly creating counterfeit Aadhaar cards using forged documents. A raid at a grocery store uncovered a laptop, scanners, and a printer used in the operation. Sharma is reportedly linked to a larger syndicate involved in this illegal activity. An FIR has been filed, and he was presented in court.

In Mokama, an exhilarating wrestling extravaganza dubbed 'Mahadangal' unfolded in celebration of the legendary Vivek Singh. The event, orchestrated by Anant Singh, a JD(U) MLA and former opponent in the ring, drew in thousands of enthusiastic spectators.

A shocking incident unfolded at a private hospital in Saran, Bihar, where an 11-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted by a compounder. The accused, Monu Kumar, was apprehended by police shortly after the crime. Authorities have sealed the hospital for evidence collection and initiated a swift investigation under stringent laws, including the Pocso Act, promising a speedy trial.

Devastation hits East Champaran, with five lives lost due to the consumption of tainted alcohol. Nine individuals are currently in the hospital, while others have already been discharged. The dangerous brew was reportedly ingested in the areas of Turkauliya and Raghunathpur between Tuesday and Wednesday.

A devastating fire ravaged nearly 300 bighas of wheat crops in Gaya's Naili village, impacting around 200 families. Strong winds fueled the rapid spread, overwhelming villagers' efforts to extinguish the blaze. While fire tenders arrived, the damage was extensive. Authorities are investigating the cause and will provide compensation under disaster management provisions.

In a shocking turn of events, Bada Bazar in Darbhanga became the scene of a daring day-time robbery as a gang of four masked gunmen burst into a jewellery store. They made away with an astonishing hauljewels valued at Rs 2 crore and an additional Rs 25 lakh in cash.

Two fires erupted at Patna Medical College and Hospital on Friday, causing damage to documents and equipment. The first incident, in the pathology department, was attributed to a short circuit. A second fire occurred in the old gynaecology ward, possibly due to shifting materials. Fortunately, no patients or staff were harmed in either event, and patient care remained uninterrupted.

In Bihar, the Congress party is facing a storm over its latest appointment of 53 District Committee leaders. Many members are voicing concerns about insufficient representation for backward and extremely backward communities, suggesting that the new appointments heavily favor upper castes.

A railway employee, Pramod Kumar, was found shot dead on a roadside in Samastipur district on Friday morning. He was returning home from duty when unidentified assailants attacked him. While police suspect robbery, the victim's family points to a land dispute involving relatives. The incident has sparked protests, with locals blocking roads.

In a bold demonstration on Friday, Bihar Congress voiced its frustration over the unavailability of LPG cylinders and soaring energy costs. State leader Rajesh Ram pointed fingers at Prime Minister Modi, attributing these financial burdens to ineffective economic policies. The party committed to relentless efforts aimed at securing fair prices and ensuring all families have access to LPG fuel.

Bihar is emerging as a hotbed for filmmakers, fueled by its innovative Film Promotion Policy 2024. With generous financial support, the state has given the green light to 45 film projects, 39 of which have wrapped up since July. This exciting development attracts productions in multiple languages, bringing to life Bihar's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes throughout the nation.

In a landmark ruling, the Begusarai court has imposed life sentences on Rani Kumari and her accomplice, Mohd Sajjad, for the chilling murder of Rani's husband, Maheshwar Rai. The couple was convicted of strangling Rai in their rural home in Fafaut village back in January 2024.

In a proactive move for urban development, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reviewed pivotal infrastructure ventures in Patna, spotlighting Patliputra Park alongside essential road and drainage enhancements. He pressed officials for swift execution, aiming to optimize both foot traffic and vehicle flow. These undertakings are set to uplift western Patnas connectivity and aesthetics, easing transit towards Danapur and beyond.

In an impressive financial feat, Bihar's commercial taxes department has recorded an unprecedented tax collection of Rs 43,324 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a commendable 4.09% rise compared to last year. This surge, particularly in GST revenue, highlights Bihar's economical prowess, outstripping the national growth average.

In a robust response to flooding concerns, the Bihar government has earmarked a staggering Rs 1,117 crore for 384 flood protection initiatives throughout the state. Among these, Rs 340 crore is dedicated to five pivotal schemes, including crucial anti-erosion strategies and a protective ring bund for AIIMS Darbhanga.

In an ambitious move, the Bihar government is channeling Rs 1,117 crore into 384 flood protection initiatives statewide. Among these, a substantial Rs 340 crore will be dedicated to five essential projects, featuring critical anti-erosion strategies and the construction of a protective ring bund around AIIMS Darbhanga.

In a recent development, RJD MLA Faisal Rahman conferred with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, triggering a wave of political speculation after his absence from the Rajya Sabha elections. During their discussion, Rahman laid out various development initiatives aimed at benefitting his constituency, receiving encouraging commitments from the Chief Minister.

In response to the devastating stampede that resulted in the loss of nine precious lives at Sheetla Mata Mandir in Nalanda, authorities have taken vital steps to enhance temple governance. It has officially been documented with the Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts, marking a significant stride towards improved safety and management.

Chirag Paswan and fellow NDA members took to social media to rebuke Tejashwi Yadav for his comments that they claim are damaging Bihar's reputation for political gain in Kerala. They labeled him as hypocritical, emphasizing the significant progress made in Bihar under Nitish Kumar's leadership.

In a shocking turn of events, the tranquil atmosphere of Daruabari village in West Champaran was shattered when a massive 12-foot king cobra was spotted lounging in a resident's bedroom. Forest officials promptly sprang into action, undertaking a complex rescue that showcased their expertise.

In a stellar display of operational prowess, East Central Railway has not only sustained robust freight loading for the second year running but has also celebrated a commendable fourth place nationwide, with a massive 203 million tonnes transported. Meanwhile, passenger revenue has shown impressive growth, climbing by 6.89% to reach Rs 4,917 crore.

In Patna, congregations celebrated Maundy Thursday with heartfelt services that featured the poignant foot-washing ceremony, a tribute to Jesus' Last Supper. Worshippers united for Holy Communion, delving into the profound themes of love and servitude embodied in Christ's life. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar joined the observance, echoing the timeless relevance of Jesus' teachings in fostering community harmony and progress.

In a remarkable milestone, the Patna Municipal Corporation has successfully collected an unprecedented Rs 125 crore in property taxes, encompassing 2.45 lakh properties. This achievement can be attributed to a dedicated workforce, an innovative one-time settlement initiative, and robust enforcement measures.

Fifteen patients were safely evacuated from a nursing home in Patna's Kankarbagh area after a fire erupted due to a short circuit. Smoke filled patient rooms, causing breathing distress. Firefighters swiftly responded, rescuing all individuals. While no lives were lost, the blaze caused substantial damage to the facility and its equipment. An investigation into the incident is underway.

During a recent visit to the BIPARD Skill Park, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar highlighted the state's dedication to empowering its youth through various skill development initiatives. His inspection included a thorough review of the diverse training programs and living arrangements provided, fostering motivation among the trainees.

During a recent field visit, Patna's Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena took a close look at various nala projects, pressing for the immediate development of micro-plans to accelerate work hindered by encroachments.

In a remarkable financial feat, the Patna Municipal Corporation has amassed an impressive 125 crore in property tax revenue for the fiscal year 2025-26, surpassing its goal by 9 crore. This achievement can largely be attributed to stringent enforcement measures and a highly successful one-time settlement initiative, which offered complete waivers on interest and penalties.

In a commendable display of fiscal prowess, Bihar's prohibition and excise department has successfully amassed over Rs 8,403 crore in revenue for the fiscal year 2025-26, outpacing its target by an impressive 10%. This achievement is particularly striking given the 9% drop in document registrations, yet it highlights a notable increase in income per document.