The Times of India

In a spirited public hearing, residents of Bhagalpur's Pirpainti block have shown enthusiastic approval for the Adani Group's plan to build a 2400MW ultra super critical thermal power plant. Community leaders and locals voiced their optimism, highlighting the potential for economic growth, job opportunities, and overall development in Bihar.

In Bettiah, four teachers at Vipin Higher Secondary School have been put on hold after it was found they marked their attendance but failed to show up for work. District education officials stumbled upon this during unannounced visits, especially alarming due to the school's strategic location right across the collectorate.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, authorities in Chennai have uncovered the bodies of a father and his young son, with the mother yet to be located. The father's disfigured remains were unearthed in a sack, while the child's body was discovered floating in a nearby river.

In a significant crackdown, income-tax investigators launched a series of thorough searches across rice trading operations in Gaya and Aurangabad. The focus was on suspected financial discrepancies and unexplained wealth among traders. Teams meticulously examined both commercial and private property, delving into financial records and asset documentation.

Bihar is making waves with its groundbreaking Mukhyamantri Samekit Chaur Vikas Yojana, as reported in the Economic Survey. This initiative is set to transform the wetland ecosystems of 22 districts into thriving aquaculture centers. By focusing on the sustainable development of chaur lands for fish production, the state is offering generous subsidies to local farmers and entrepreneurs.

In a recent meeting, Bihar's Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit emphasized the urgency of the Agristack initiative, encouraging district magistrates to accelerate the registration of farmers. From February 2-6, a focused effort aims to maximize farmer connectivity at no cost, with districts that hit PM-Kisan registration milestones set to receive special incentives, promoting transparency and swift implementation of government support.

In a move to boost economic growth, Bihar's cabinet greenlit pivotal incentives aimed at attracting global capability centres and semiconductor industries. These measures include generous subsidies for capital investments and salaries, particularly rewarding businesses that prioritize local employment

In a heartbreaking incident in Kaimur, Umashankar Paswan, the district vice-president of the Congress party, took his own life amid overwhelming financial challenges. His body was discovered in a locked room, accompanied by a note detailing his struggles with escalating debts and contentious land deals.

Six months have passed since a 16-year-old boy, a victim of bonded labour rescued from Bihar in Haryana, has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo, waiting for his release certificate. This administrative stalemate delays vital rehabilitation assistance, leaving his family in financial distress while Santosh's future hangs uncertain.

Bihar Agricultural University has unveiled a visionary tissue-culture approach to saffron farming in Bhagalpur, signaling a potential agricultural renaissance in the region. This groundbreaking initiative, termed 'From Kashmir to Bhagalpur,' seeks to deliver premium quality, disease-free saffron plants, significantly enhancing farmers' livelihoods and catering to India's growing market needs

In Patna, the 77th Republic Day was met with an outpouring of patriotic spirit. Army Public School at Danapur Cantt celebrated by showcasing the rich tapestry of India's democracy. Meanwhile, Sainik School Nalanda stood proud with their impressive march-past and vibrant cultural displays.

In a bold initiative, Bihar's Chief Secretary has launched an urgent campaign to safeguard and digitally archive the state's historical manuscripts. Dedicated technical teams are set to investigate places of interest like monasteries, temples, and private collections across each district.

In a pivotal announcement, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary revealed the state's bold acquisition of 280 acres from the Ashok Paper Mill, paving the way for a surge of new industries. This strategic initiative aims to create jobs and address the issue of migration from the region.

Due to unforeseen technical issues and land restrictions, the visionary plan to elevate Patna's Badi Patan Devi temple into a vibrant tourist destination has faced significant cuts. Originally budgeted at Rs7.8 crore, the project has been reduced to a basic toilet complex and a parking area, costing around Rs1 crore.

A sense of dread descended upon five civil courts in Bihar, including those in Bhagalpur and Muzaffarpur, following alarming bomb threat emails predicting explosions at noon. The facilities were promptly evacuated, and a thorough search by security personnel ensued.

In a landmark decision, the Patna High Court has confirmed the death sentences imposed on brothers Aman and Sonal Singh for the horrific slayings of their three cousins in Rohtas five years prior.

Amid the bustling peak tourist season, Gaya International Airport grapples with significant operational setbacks, exacerbated by an unfilled director position. Essential upgrades, including CAT approach lighting and runway extension, remain on hold, which poses risks to flight safety and restricts access for larger aircraft.

In a tragic turn of events, a male tiger was found lifeless in a sugar cane plantation in Bettiah, leading forest authorities to suspect that it fell victim to an illegal electrified fence. The feline's body remained intact, bolstering the theory of electrocution, especially with a wire retrieved from the scene.

In a bold move to safeguard public health, Bihar's health department has issued an urgent directive to district magistrates, instructing them to assemble dedicated teams aimed at dismantling the networks of touts who prey on vulnerable patients seeking care at government hospitals. Reports indicate that these touts are duping patients into unnecessary private treatments, tests, and medications.

In an exciting transformation, Patna's PMCH is set to enhance its capabilities with a major redevelopment initiative, increasing its bed capacity to 5,462. During a recent review, Divisional Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar evaluated the bustling hospital operations, which include a remarkable volume of diagnostics and treatments.

In a significant step forward, Lalit Narayan Mithila University has set the wheels in motion with the senate's approval of a Rs 1,349 crore deficit budget for the upcoming academic year, 2026-27. Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary proudly reported on the strides made towards NEP 2020 goals, exciting developments in hostel construction, and advancements in laboratory facilities.

Mark your calendars! The Patna Medical College Alumni Association is hosting its much-anticipated annual reunion on February 24. Expect an inspiring lineup of cultural performances and thought-provoking speeches as we welcome esteemed doctors from around the globe to this two-day celebration. Kicking off with a flag hoisting ceremony, the event will be inaugurated by our state health minister.

In Patna, crowds took to the streets to voice their anger over the recent UGC regulations designed to foster equity in education. Protesters argue that these new rules exacerbate caste tensions and threaten the rights of General category students.

In a recent statement, RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari contested assertions that the new UGC regulations are favoring the upper castes. He presented compelling statistics revealing that the majority of student suicides in elite institutions are from marginalized backgrounds, leading to crucial interventions by the Supreme Court.

A chaotic scene unfolded at Patna civil court on Wednesday when two armed individuals attempted to breach security. One suspect was quickly detained with a pistol in hand, while the other managed to escape. This alarming event comes on the heels of a bomb threat email, prompting police to initiate a manhunt for the fugitive.

In a tragic incident in Motihari, a 60-year-old woman was subjected to heinous violence by local residents who wrongfully accused her of witchcraft after the untimely death of a young man. Enduring both physical harm, including a broken tooth, and severe emotional distress, she was initially turned away from a public hospital.