The Times of India

Gaya, a vibrant urban center, is suffocated by relentless traffic jams, a direct consequence of its outdated infrastructure lacking proper traffic signals. Commuters endure daily frustrations, while a long-awaited initiative to introduce electronic signals languishes in bureaucratic limbo.

Bihar Cricket Association has inked a 498 crore deal to build an international-standard cricket complex at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna. Awarded to Shivansh Infrastructure Development Pvt Ltd, the project will feature a 40,000-spectator capacity stadium, a five-star hotel, player hostels, and other world-class facilities, aiming for completion within two years.

On Martyrs' Day, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi and the valiant freedom fighters at Gandhi Ghat, a ceremony conducted with utmost state honors. Concurrently, Congress leaders, spearheaded by state president Rajesh Ram, gathered at Sadaquat Ashram, advocating for a revival of Gandhi's principles in contemporary society.

The Central University of South Bihar organized a dynamic educational tour tailored for aspiring rural youth and women farmers, focusing on innovative agricultural strategies. This initiative aimed to elevate productivity and earnings through modern farming methods, holistic systems, and complementary ventures such as animal husbandry and apiculture.

Amid the turmoil of the pandemic, security guard Kumar Vinay found his heart heavy as he witnessed the daily loss of life in a Patna hospital. Inspired by the suffering around him, he decided to dedicate his modest earnings to feeding 21 people in need each day.

In a poignant display of defiance, Dalit villagers in Vaishali district, Bihar, paid their last respects to a 91-year-old woman on a public road after being reportedly barred from the local cremation grounds. The family, frustrated by the barriers posed by encroaching constructions, chose to honor her memory along the side of the street.

In a heartbreaking incident in Muzaffarpur, a devastating accident claimed the lives of a junior engineer and a power company worker when their vehicle veered off course and plunged into the Vaishali canal. Eyewitnesses reported that the car was moving at a high speed and crashed through the bridge railing in the early hours of Friday.

Kicking off on Monday, Bihar's Intermediate exams are set to see a massive turnout of over 13 lakh students across 1,762 centres. Patna district, a hub of academic determination, will host 73,963 aspiring scholars. To ensure a fair testing environment, stringent security protocols have been established, including thorough frisking, CCTV monitoring, and a 200-meter buffer zone.

On February 7, the Bihar Assembly will celebrate its foundation day with the honored presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan. This occasion serves as a highlight of the upcoming budget session, which kicks off on February 2, with Governor Arif Mohammed Khan formally opening the discussions.

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.