The Times of India

In a fiery demonstration within Bihar's assembly, opposition figures Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav led impassioned protests against the alarming rise in rape incidents. They chastised the ruling government for its lack of response and emotional disconnect, voicing serious doubts about the state's safety measures.

Fear of child theft has gripped Bihar, with mobs assaulting four individuals across five districts in 24 hours. Victims in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Sheikhpura, Nawada, and Katihar were rescued by police. Incidents ranged from distributing pamphlets to holding a child's hand, triggering panic and mob violence despite police intervention.

Bihar's NDA leaders have expressed fierce disapproval of the Youth Congress demonstration at the AI Impact Summit, pointing fingers at Rahul Gandhi and his party for undermining national interests. They characterized the protest as a disgraceful endeavor to tarnish Indias reputation on a global stage, accusing the Congress of engaging in detrimental politics filled with empty rhetoric.

Sushumlata Kushwaha, a visionary postgraduate and 'Pad Wali Mukhiya' from Dawan panchayat, is making waves in Bhojpur's approach to menstrual health. By launching a semi-automatic sanitary pad machine capable of producing 4,500 pads each day at just Rs23 per packet, she has made an impact on affordability.

Buxar gears up for the grand Vishwamitra Mahotsav on Saturday, featuring a beautifully decorated pandal and a welcome gate. District officials have reviewed preparations, ensuring smooth conduct with performances by Bollywood singer Bhavya Pandit, folk singer Madhav Priya Sharma, and dance troupes. Security, traffic, and sanitation are prioritized to promote Buxar's cultural heritage.

A significant delegation of 327 naval officers and personnel from 74 nations experienced the spiritual aura of Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Gaya. This visit, part of the International Fleet Review and Milan-26, offered a profound cultural exchange. Participants found the experience spiritually enriching, highlighting the global significance of Buddhist teachings on peace and co-existence, fostering stronger international maritime ties.

The cooperative department is gearing up to revitalize two dormant sugar mills, Sakri and Raiyam, breathing new life into the local economy. With sugarcane sourced from 2,401 villages in the Darbhanga and Madhubani districts, the project promises a reliable supply chain.

Patna Municipal Corporation is establishing designated feeding zones for stray dogs across all 75 wards to manage their population and reduce littering. This initiative aims to centralize feeding, prevent dogs from roaming residential areas, and improve public hygiene. The project, which includes signage and a helpline, relies on resident cooperation for its success.

In a concerning turn of events in Purnia, law enforcement apprehended four suspects following the shooting of an Intermediate student, Divyanshu Kumar, on February 3rd. The incident, ignited by a disagreement on social media, resulted in the victim sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg. Police also seized a firearm, mobile devices, and the motorcycle used in the crime.

Get ready for an extraordinary experience at Destination Bihar-Expo 2026, hosted by the Bihar Industries Association! From February 26 to March 2, join us at the vibrant Gandhi Maidan for an industrial expo designed to catalyze investment and create jobs across the state. Explore a specialized property show alongside a diverse range of products and services.

Bihar Assembly witnessed uproar as CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Sourav demanded UGC equity guidelines implementation, citing caste discrimination in higher education. He alleged Brahminvadi mindset opposition, sparking a debate. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha countered, emphasizing Ambedkar's casteless society vision and personal experience with caste ragging. The Speaker expunged the controversial term.

A district programme officer in Kishanganj has been apprehended by the Special Vigilance Unit for demanding a hefty bribe. Anita Kumari allegedly threatened to suspend an official unless he paid Rs 10 lakh. She was caught red-handed accepting Rs 50,000 as an initial installment, with a significant sum of cash also recovered from her residence.

In a bold move to enhance medical facilities, Bihar's health minister unveiled plans for a major upgrade at IGIMS Patna, with the addition of 1,450 beds slated for the next fiscal year. This initiative aims to elevate patient care and decrease waiting periods significantly. Meanwhile, Sadar hospitals are also set for transformation into super-specialty centers.

Patna police intercepted a car in Digha, seizing approximately Rs 18 lakh in cash. Two occupants, identified as Md Saddam and Pankaj Kumar from Sitamarhi, were detained after providing inconsistent explanations for the money's origin. Authorities suspect potential hawala links and have alerted the income tax department for further investigation into the cash's source and purpose.

In a heartbreaking incident, Khagaria district mourns the loss of Raju Mandal, president of the JD(U) youth wing, who tragically lost his life in a violent road accident on Friday morning. After attending a wedding celebration, his vehicle was violently hit by a reckless truck, leaving four others woundedtwo of them in critical condition.

Bihar is stepping into the future by harnessing technology, especially AI, to enhance key industries such as water management and agriculture. The state aspires to be a premier IT investment destination. Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Union Minister, emphasized Bihar's rapidly evolving landscape, which features a strong digital framework and a talented workforce, capturing the attention of numerous investors.

In an effort to tidy up the cityscape, the Patna Municipal Corporation is implementing stringent measures against unauthorized advertisements. With freshly minted regulations targeting advertising agencies and road categories, the initiative not only aims to enhance civic revenue but also to introduce increased penalties for violators.

Bihar is stepping up its commitment to minority welfare with plans to assign special officers in all 534 blocks by March 2027 for better management of schemes. In an exciting development, madrasa education will now include modern subjects and smart class facilities, while over 9,000 graveyards will receive protective fencing to minimize conflicts.

In a groundbreaking decision, Bihar's cabinet has approved plans for an expansive international airport in Sonepur, Saran district. With an impressive 4,200-meter runway designed to accommodate massive aircraft like the A380, this project is on track for a 2030 completion.

In a landmark announcement, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister confidently proclaimed the state free from Maoist influence, ushering in an ambitious initiative to recruit over 60,000 security personnel by 2026-27. The government also revealed plans for fortified jails, the establishment of a dedicated Bihar Industrial Security Force, and a new initiative for school safety with the introduction of 'Police Didis'.

BJP MLA Maithili Thakur, in her maiden Bihar Assembly speech, drew parallels from the Mahabharata to criticize the pre-2005 RJD regime, likening it to Dhritarashtra's rule and calling it 'jungle raj'. She praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's tenure as Dharmaraj Yudhishthira's just rule, highlighting improvements in law and order and the success of the bicycle scheme for schoolgirls.

In a significant legal move, the Patna High Court has summoned 42 MLAs from Bihar over serious allegations of electoral misconduct and alleged inconsistencies in their sworn affidavits. This action follows petitions lodged by rival candidates contesting the electoral wins of these incumbents.

In a surprising twist, the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) has called on the BJP to reinstate its leader, Upendra Kushwaha, in the Rajya Sabha. With the upcoming vacancies of five seats in April, RLM is optimistic about Kushwaha's reintegration, lauding his impactful leadership.

In a dogged pursuit of justice, the CBI has ramped up its investigation into the tragic case of an 18-year-old NEET aspirant who was allegedly raped and killed. This marks the agency's third visit to Jehanabad, where they are meticulously interviewing her family and working to recover a significant cellphone that could shed light on the case.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Nawada Police have arrested three suspects, including a young minor, linked to the horrific gang rape and murder of a 47-year-old woman. Authorities reported her lifeless body was found in a remote field on February 16th.

As Ramzan unfolded in Patna's Sabzibagh, the air was filled with energy. Local shops adorned their shelves with an abundance of bakarkhanis, dates, and fresh fruits, while bakeries worked overtime to meet the demand.

The renovation of Patna Museum is on the brink of its grand unveiling, as it revitalizes its historic buildings with authentic materials, reflecting their original beauty. Visitors can already explore new galleries and a state-of-the-art theatre, enhancing the cultural experience.

In a bid to strengthen the foundation of sports at the grassroots level, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit called on the sports department to enhance monitoring through the installation of CCTV cameras and the creation of well-structured sports clubs. He advocated for fostering public-private partnerships to ensure transparency in the procurement of sports equipment.

Tragedy struck in Khagaria district when a couple, Rupesh Kumar and Manas Devi, made a heartbreaking decision to jump into the Bagmati river from Dumri Ghat bridge amidst a heated argument. Bystanders reported that they jumped from different sides of the bridge, plunging into the waters below.

During a recent engagement in Nalanda, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju spotlighted the importance of fostering inclusive growth for minority communities. He introduced transformative tools like the PMJVK monitoring app and enhanced digital services for Haj pilgrimage. Rijiju articulated the vision for a prosperous India by 2047, emphasizing that progress must encompass all demographics.

In a shocking turn of events in Muzaffarpur, a wedding caterer was taken into custody following accusations of assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The horrifying incident took place on Tuesday night, when the victim was said to have been enticed into a remote hut. After several hours, she bravely shared her ordeal with family members, prompting swift law enforcement action.

In a recent crackdown on illegal encroachments and traffic violations, Patna officials have successfully confiscated over Rs 2.25 crore in fines and dismantled 1,402 unauthorized structures. District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M has made it clear that stringent measures will be taken to tackle unauthorized occupations that obstruct traffic on major routes.

In a troubling prelude to the PUSU elections, Patna University's Minto Hostel was the scene of chaos, resulting in the arrest of eight students for intoxication and violent clashes. In response, the university has ramped up security measures across campus to diffuse the rising tensions between competing factions.

In a festive boost for travelers, the railways have introduced nine extra special trains, adding to the previously announced 20. These services are designed to ease the holiday hustle, linking bustling cities like Pune, Mumbai, Danapur, Samastipur, Raxaul, Saharsa, Sriganganagar, Ahmedabad, Darbhanga, and Patna. Expect enhanced connectivity just in time for the Holi celebrations!

In a tragic turn of events, Tejnandan Rai, a former Army serviceman, lost his life in Patna due to a shooting linked to a land disagreement. The 45-year-old had been actively involved in the construction of his property, purchased in 2005, when he was ambushed by unidentified gunmen.

In an ambitious move, Bihar's Education Minister unveiled a recruitment campaign targeting 45,000 schoolteachers along with 7,000 specialized educators devoted to uplifting disabled students. The state has also secured the largest education budget in the country.

In a recent statement, Dipendra Singh Huda, a prominent Congress leader, raised alarms for farmers in Bihar regarding an impending US trade agreement. He fears this deal might jeopardize their livelihoods, particularly in maize and fruit farming.

In a bold move, RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav is calling for the annulment of the 2025 Bihar assembly election results, accusing the Election Commission of failing its role as an impartial overseer. He alleges that the ruling NDA secured victory through bribery and manipulation, referencing the Supreme Court's clear disapproval of election 'gifts and freebies.