The Times of India

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, is reportedly set to join the Janata Dal (United) on Holi, with party ministers indicating he will be given a significant role. This move follows persistent speculation and demands from party workers and youth for his active political entry.

In preparation for a vibrant and safe Holi, officials in Buxar are ramping up security protocols. Law enforcement and magistrates have been assigned throughout the district, maintaining visibility until March 4. Authorities anticipate heightened activity around Holika Dahan, ensuring fire safety measures with fire trucks ready for action.

Celebrated Bhojpuri artist Bharat Sharma Vyas has voiced his strong disapproval of the rising trend of suggestive Holi songs, claiming they pose a significant threat to both the Bhojpuri language and societal values.

Bihari migrants in West Asia face escalating conflict, with sirens and falling debris causing fear. Many are seeking evacuation, while families back home anxiously await updates. Despite the tension, some expatriates report relative safety and praise the UAE's efficient management of the situation, offering a glimmer of reassurance amidst the turmoil.

In an unwavering commitment to integrity, Bihar's Vigilance Bureau ramped up its anti-corruption campaign, launching 28 investigations early in 2026 related to bribery and illicit wealth. Despite facing manpower challenges, the bureau has already secured four convictions this year, with a target set to exceed 30 by the end of the year.

In a recent development, a Patna court has once again delayed the bail hearing for Manish Ranjan, the proprietor of a girls' hostel connected to the tragic case of a NEET students alleged sexual assault and subsequent death.

The NDA is poised to secure all five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar, with Chirag Paswan expressing confidence in their numbers. Allies like LJP(RV), RLM, and HAM(S) are seeking nominations. Meanwhile, the RJD faces an uphill battle to win a seat due to insufficient MLA support, despite Tejashwi Yadav's authorization to select a candidate.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has voiced strong disapproval of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's intended demonstration against the electoral roll revision. Party officials accuse her of engaging in appeasement politics, fearing that the revision may lead to the elimination of illegal votes.

In response to the rising conflict in West Asia, the Bihar government has rolled out a 24/7 helpline at 72177 88114, specially designed to support the approximately 200,000 residents from Bihar working in the region. This initiative is crucial for ensuring the welfare of migrant workers and their families, providing them with the necessary guidance and reassurance as tensions escalate.

During an enlightening seminar at Patna Medical College and Hospital, specialists highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, complemented by timely vaccinations and appropriate solid foods. Attendees were encouraged to make their children's nutrition and health a top priority. The event also showcased the joy of healthy infants, with five-month-old Aryan Kumar receiving special recognition.

As the vibrant festival of Holi approaches, Bihar Police are stepping up their game! Quick Response Teams and additional officers are strategically positioned in hotspots like Arwal, Nawada, and Gaya to ensure a safe celebration. With last year's incidents in mind, the police are implementing strict protocols against rowdy behavior, unauthorized party crowds, and excessively loud music.

In Gopalganj, the unfolding tragedy of a bridge collapse has led to the suspension of three engineers responsible for the project. Preliminary investigations reveal that subpar materials and lax oversight contributed to this disaster. The district magistrate has called for decisive actions, urging the blacklisting of Bapudham Construction.

As Patna prepares for the vibrant festivities of Holika Dahan on March 3, the city has established more than 400 bonfire locations. Yet, the upcoming lunar eclipse calls for the temporary closure of temples and the implementation of special purification rituals.

During a recent visit to Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took a close look at pivotal urban infrastructure ventures, particularly the underground drain and road projects in Saidpur and Bakarganj.

In Madhubani, the District Magistrate is calling on over 180,000 pensioners to swiftly finalize their annual life certification to ensure they remain eligible for their essential pension funds. This necessary step guards against any interruptions in payments.

In anticipation of the bustling travel rush following Holi celebrations, Indian Railways is launching more than 58 special trains throughout the East Central Railway zone beginning March 5. This initiative is designed to ease the travel experience for passengers, with popular routes such as Patna to New Delhi and Danapur to Anand Vihar benefiting from increased train frequencies.

Gaya authorities have heightened security for Holi, with intensified patrolling in populated areas and near the railway station. Social media is being monitored, and the fire brigade is on alert. Hospitals are prepared for emergencies, and power/water supply is ensured. Special attention is given to the 'Matka Phod' Holi event on March 5, with organizers briefed on safety.

India's political parties, including the RJD and Congress, condemned the attack on Iran and urged an immediate end to hostilities. They called on the government to safeguard Indian citizens in West Asia and criticized the US-led military action as an assault on humanity and a departure from diplomatic norms.

The RJD has opted to contest the Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar, entrusting Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav to nominate a candidate. With the opposition holding the exact 41 votes needed for a seat, the move introduces uncertainty into the race. The AIMIMs potential candidacy and the BSPs past alliances add layers of intrigue to the closely watched contest.

Patna cyber police arrested a 21-year-old man for allegedly swindling a businessman of Rs 2 crore in a stock-market investment scam. The accused created fake investment apps and posed as an expert to lure the victim into transferring funds after promises of high returns. Police say the case points to an organized racket involving fabricated evidence and accomplices.

As Magadh University marked its 65th foundation day, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar graced the event. Manjhi pledged to champion an auditorium and MU's broader development to put the university on the global map. Kumar highlighted Bihar's substantial education budget and urged MU to emulate Nalanda's academic stature.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar celebrated his 75th birthday amid widespread greetings from national leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah. Across the state, party workers organized birthday events and outreach activities. His son Nishant offered prayers for his fathers long, healthy life, while JD(U) leaders praised Kumars transformative leadership.

Tragedy struck Ramrekha Ghat in Buxar as four youths fishing in the Ganga were pulled into trouble. Two lost their lives on the spot, while a third youth was critically injured and airlifted to Patna. The incident unfolded when three friends were pulled beneath the ghat stairs, and a fourth attempting a rescue also swallowed water.

Bird flu fears have rattled Patna's poultry market ahead of Holi, with authorities culling thousands of birds to curb the outbreak. Shoppers are shifting to mutton, fish, or vegetarian options such as jackfruit, driving chicken sales down by about 50-60%. Farmers and traders are bearing heavy losses as public worry grows.

Rohtas district was shaken by a fatal dispute over grass cutting after a 55-year-old man, Lal Bahadur Ram, confronted a village youth for encroaching on his field. The argument escalated into a violent assault, leaving Ram critically injured and dying en route to hospital, sparking grief and tension within the community.

Bihar's vulnerable India-Nepal border in Seemanchal is getting a security upgrade as authorities narrow gaps between border outposts in Araria, Supaul, and Kishanganj. The plan aims to boost surveillance by increasing patrol density and shortening response times to curb smuggling and trafficking and bolster security in the region.

Patna erupted in celebration as India clinched a thrilling T20 World Cup semi-final spot by edging the West Indies. The chase of 196 stumbled early, but Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma steadied the ship with composed strokes, reigniting hope. Firecrackers lit the night as crowds roared in pride, brimming with anticipation for what comes next.

Panic gripped Dandkhora in Katihar on Sunday after a farmer spotted a leopard. Forest and police teams have intensified the hunt, with loudspeakers urging residents to stay alert and avoid fields at dusk. Unconfirmed earlier sightings fuel worry as authorities coordinate with locals to chart a capture plan amid heightened fear.

Three people, including a nine-year-old girl, were killed when a speeding truck collided head-on with a passenger bus on NH-19 in Bihar's Kaimur district. The bus, carrying about 70 passengers, was en route from Jamshedpur to Varanasi. The crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday, leaving several others injured.