The Times of India

As Makar Sankranti approaches, Bihar's dairy industry is gearing up for a remarkable surge in milk and curd demand. With the Patna Dairy Project predicting a 20% boost in sales, local dairies are prepping to cater to the increased appetites for festive favorites like paneer, tilkut, and curd across three districts.

In a distressing turn of events, a young man, just 20 years old, was found lifeless in a field in Gopalganj, igniting unrest among local residents. His relatives are claiming that the family of a woman he was reportedly involved with is responsible for his death.

After undergoing eye surgery, RJD leader Lalu Prasad made his way back to Patna, confronting a recent Delhi court directive to lay down charges in the railway land-for-jobs scandal. Though he chose not to comment, his daughter Misa Bharti stepped in to clarify that formal charges have not yet been established.

After being tragically left behind by a train, 15-year-old Santosh faced a harrowing four-month journey of bonded labour and trauma. With one hand amputated, he miraculously escaped from a hospital and was later found. His brave and detailed account helped the police track down his captor, Anil Kumar, who admitted to abandoning him post-accident.

Bihar is soaring to new heights in airport development, propelled by a revitalised civil aviation department. Plans for a substantial runway extension and state-of-the-art terminal at Darbhanga Airport are on track for completion by 2026.

In a heartwarming nod to tradition, Gaya's cherished tilkut has been reimagined with a thrilling new ingredient: neera, the fresh sap sourced from palm and date palm trees. This inventive variation, crafted by local artisan Dablu Kumar, pairs the classic flavor with health benefits, including potential anti-diabetic effects.

In a heart-wrenching event in Dalsinghsarai, Samastipur, a 65-year-old man lost his life in a devastating truck accident. The tragedy sparked outrage among locals, culminating in a three-hour blockade of NH-28, where protesters also damaged a garbage truck. Frustration over consistent traffic issues, attributed to a nearby fish market, fueled calls for its relocation.

As Republic Day approaches, Patna's Gandhi Maidan is bustling with activity, as preparations reach a fever pitch. The district administration is prioritizing safety with enhanced security measures such as surveillance cameras and lookout towers. Infrastructure improvements are also in the works to ensure top-notch lighting and sanitation.

In an effort to enhance citizen engagement, Patna District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M has established a new initiative requiring all officials to be present in their offices every Monday and Friday starting January 19th. This approach aims to tackle public grievances directly and ensure that government services remain accessible and efficient.

Bihar's backward classes welfare department has opened admissions for 2026-27 in 39 girls' residential schools. Applications are open for vacant seats in Classes VI to IX, with a focus on Class VI. An entrance exam on March 1 will assess Hindi, English, math, science, and social science. Strict income and age criteria apply. The application deadline is February 9, 2026.

In a shocking turn of events, the Jodhpur-Kamakhya Express was targeted by thieves who executed a bold robbery, pulling the alarm chain and making off with passengers' valuables. The 36-hour manhunt has yielded no suspects, prompting increasing frustration among travelers as concerns over train security mount. Passengers are now calling for stricter safety measures and greater accountability from railway authorities.

Doctors at Madhubani Sadar Hospital achieved a medical first, successfully treating a patient with severe hydropneumothorax. The complex operation, involving chest tube insertion to drain life-threatening fluid and air buildup, was performed by a specialist team. The patient's condition has stabilized, marking a significant advancement for critical care at the facility.

In a challenging turn of events, travelers endured extensive delays on Friday due to a thick blanket of fog and a chilling cold wave that gripped the region. Key train services heading to Bihar from Delhi, notably the Tejas Rajdhani and Sampoorna Kranti, experienced prolonged stoppages, leaving many passengers shivering while they awaited their journeys.

Social values evolve, but freedom of expression demands ethical responsibility, stated State Information Commissioner Prakash Kumar at a Buxar seminar. He emphasized that content harming social harmony, though legally permissible, can be morally questionable. BJP MLC Nawal Kumar Yadav highlighted the media's crucial role as a bridge, warning that sensationalism and misinformation erode democratic values.

Bihar is currently under the spell of a relentless winter, where frosty winds and a thick blanket of fog have disrupted daily routines. Patna is experiencing a stubborn minimum temperature lingering in the single digits for days on end, while cold day conditions refuse to relent.

In Rajgir, a humble tea stall has been a beacon of kindness for over three decades, offering free milk to infants up to 18 months old. Started by Sarvan Kumar and continued by his brother Ranjit, the initiative stems from a deep-seated belief in serving the needy.

In a remarkable turn of events, Bihar recorded an impressive decline in major crimes in 2025, with bank robberies plummeting by 80% and a reduction in homicides by 8.3%. DGP Vinay Kumar attributed this success to strategic law enforcement efforts, including a surge in arrests, optimized cybercrime initiatives, and advancements in forensic science.

During his visit to IIT-Patna, newly appointed Chairman T V Narendran, the global CEO of Tata Steel, expressed admiration for the institute's impressive academic achievements and state-of-the-art facilities. He engaged with faculty and administrators, stressing the pivotal impact of startups and entrepreneurship on the country's economic landscape.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspected the JP Ganga Path beautification project, envisioning it as a prime attraction in Patna. The ongoing work, including landscaping, plantation, and the addition of amenities like food parks and selfie points, aims to transform the riverfront stretch into a vibrant public space.

In a monumental step towards modernization, Bihar is poised to leverage Artificial Intelligence and digital governance in every facet of state administration. High-ranking officials, led by the Chief Secretary, convened with technology leaders to strategize the incorporation of AI into vital sectors like education reform, women's and child welfare, and public safety.

Patna College marked its 164th foundation day with vibrant celebrations, including a flag hoisting and balloon release. Top-performing students and retired staff were honored. Speakers emphasized the college's rich heritage and the need to adapt to modern challenges to regain its academic leadership. A 'kavi sammelan' and 'mushaira' concluded the festivities.

In a proactive move, AIIMS-Patna organized a community outreach event to tackle the health hazards posed by the extreme cold wave. Medical professionals shed light on critical issues like hypothermia, heart attacks, and strokes, particularly emphasizing the vulnerability of children.

In a bold move to enhance governance, the Bihar government has undertaken a major reshuffling, with 21 IAS and 71 IPS officers being reassigned. This strategic transfer touches various key positions across districts, municipal bodies, and police organizations, including critical leadership roles like DG STF and ADG Headquarters, all designed to streamline operations and improve service delivery throughout the state.

A 35-year-old woman was beaten to death and four others injured in Bihar's Nawada district following a dispute over alleged witchcraft. Tensions flared when a neighbor's child fell ill, leading to accusations against the deceased woman. Her family claims relatives from the neighboring family attacked her with bricks, stones, and iron rods.