The Times of India

JD(U) spokespersons met Nishant Kumar, son of CM Nitish Kumar, fueling speculation about an organizational shift. Nishant, seen as heir apparent, discussed the party's future direction and role. The meeting, attended by senior leaders, aimed to foster optimism and strengthen the JD(U) family under his evolving leadership.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is urged to unveil a statue of late Maharaja Kamal Singh during his March 25 visit to Buxar. The life-size bronze statue, installed in Dumraon over four years ago, awaits official inauguration.

West Asia's conflict is hitting Bihar's food businesses hard, causing a severe LPG cylinder shortage and price hikes. Eateries are switching to coal, tandoors, and induction stoves, leading to longer cooking times and altered menus. Some are even focusing on gas-saving South Indian dishes to cope with the crisis.

Bihar's probe agencies are uncovering a disturbing trend of officials amassing wealth through corruption. Recent raids revealed overflowing safes and assets far exceeding known incomes. From engineers to department officials, significant cash, property, and valuables have been seized, highlighting a systemic issue of power exploitation and illicit wealth accumulation across the state.

The CBI summoned the maternal uncle and hospital CMD of a deceased NEET student for questioning in Patna. The student was found unconscious in a hostel and later died. Her lawyer alleges the investigation is biased, with pressure on the family to accept suicide. Villagers in Jehanabad protested a recent CBI visit, citing repeated questioning without results.

The Vikramshila Setu bridge, a vital link in Bihar, is showing alarming signs of structural damage. Protective walls around its pillars are collapsing, indicating distress. This critical bridge faces relentless traffic, pushing it to its limits. While authorities manage congestion, the visible damage to pillar protections demands urgent attention.

This Saturday, Dumraon will come alive with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Mahotsav, a vibrant tribute to the legendary shehnai maestro on his birth anniversary.

In a significant bust, the Bhojpur police have arrested five individuals linked to a bike theft operation spanning multiple districts. The successful crackdown, coordinated by SDPO Raj Kumar Shah alongside SHO Devraj Rai, has led to the recovery of five stolen motorcycles.

The launch of Medanta Hospital's Mother & Child Centre marks a transformative chapter in Bihar's maternal and neonatal healthcare landscape. Celebrated by State Health Minister Mangal Pandey, this 500-bed superspecialty facility sets a new benchmark in health services.

Patna faces a significant cooking gas crisis with over 1.8 lakh consumers on a waiting list, despite official claims of ample supply. Daily bookings surge due to fear of shortages, overwhelming the current distribution. Authorities anticipate a week to ten days for the backlog to clear as panic buying subsides and supply stabilizes.

In a tragic turn of events in Purnia, the charred remains of a missing Class X girl were found, stirring public outrage nine days after her disappearance. Her grieving mother has made grave accusations of abduction, rape, and murder, suggesting that the suspects attempted to obscure their heinous acts.

Bodh Gaya is tackling the issue of 'fake monks' tarnishing the Mahabodhi temple's reputation. The Temple Management Committee is proposing joint patrols, ID cards for genuine monks, and an awareness campaign to protect pilgrims from fraudsters. This initiative aims to restore sanctity and prevent past incidents of misconduct and misappropriation.

Madhubani burst into color as the highly anticipated Mithila Mahotsav kicked off, drawing culture enthusiasts from near and far. With the esteemed DM Anand Sharma and SP Yogendra Kumar cutting the ceremonial ribbon, attendees were treated to a vibrant display of the region's famed Madhubani paintings, exquisite handicrafts, and unique local products.

On March 23, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sets off on the fifth leg of his 'Samriddhi Yatra' from Jehanabad. Over the course of four days, he'll traverse eight districts, culminating in Patna. This journey involves a deep dive into development projects, launching new initiatives, and hosting 'Jan Samvad' sessions with citizens.

In a tense two-hour standoff, protesters brought traffic to a standstill in Patna, clamoring for immediate action in the wake of Bittu's tragic murder. The truck driver was ruthlessly attacked by a mob in Danapur, and although he had a checkered past, his family is adamant about pursuing justice, naming three suspects in their complaint.

Bihar is gearing up for a wild pre-monsoon spectacle, with fierce winds, thunderous storms, and a sky cloaked in heavy clouds. The India Meteorological Department has raised alerts, urging farmers to safeguard their crops from potential damage.

On Friday, Anushka, a panchayati raj officer in Nalanda district, was taken into custody by the Vigilance Investigation Bureau. She stands accused of receiving a bribe of Rs 12,000 from a contractor in exchange for facilitating the payment of bills linked to the construction materials for Chhath ghats.

In an inspiring initiative, Patna is metamorphosing waste into art with an innovative park beside Rajendra Prasad's memorial. Dubbed 'Bihar ka Gaurav', this Rs 15 crore endeavor will feature stunning replicas of historical landmarks and sculptures of revered personalities, all ingeniously crafted from scrap materials.

In the heart of Bihar, a heated debate ignited between the BJP and JD(U) allies, each pushing their governance paradigms. The BJP heralded the 'Samrat Model' as a potent solution to crime, whereas JD(U) proudly defended the 'Nitish Model' as a beacon for developmental progress.

Bhagalpur's District Peace Committee convened to ensure smooth Eid, Chaiti Durga Puja, Ram Navami, and Chaiti Chhath celebrations. Authorities have banned DJs and provocative slogans, urging members to monitor festival committees. Key concerns addressed include cleanliness, power, traffic, and law and order, with special Chaiti Chhath arrangements due to low water levels. Law enforcement is on high alert.

Tragedy struck in West Champaran as three young friends lost their lives in a road accident. Their motorcycle collided with a parked truck near Bairia police station late Thursday night. Two died instantly, while the third succumbed to injuries Friday morning. The trio were returning from a fair, with the darkness reportedly obscuring the truck.

Tragedy struck Nawada as Akhilesh Yadav, son of JD(U) MLA Vibha Devi and former minister Raj Ballabh Yadav, died in a road accident. His SUV crashed into a tree near his residence, leading to fatal injuries. Akhilesh, a fuel station owner, was known for his good nature and grassroots connections, despite staying away from active politics.