The Times of India

During the launch of a specialized training initiative for engineers from the state rural works department, IIT-Patna Director T N Singh underscored the essential contribution of civil engineers to the progress of our nation. Over the course of 12 days, participants will delve into critical aspects of rural infrastructure, with a focus on hydraulics, foundation design, and pavement engineering.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Ajay Kumar Pandey, a steadfast assistant sub-inspector, lost his life while on duty in West Champaran. At the age of 55, the dedicated officer from Purnia was attending to a Dial 112 call when he suddenly collapsed from severe chest pain. Despite swift transport to Bagaha sub-divisional hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival.

In a devastating incident at the Chausa thermal power plant in Buxar, a tragic accident claimed the life of 44-year-old worker Rajkumar, who was tragically crushed under a 10-tonne iron pipe. The mishap, caused by a failure in support during a lift, sparked immediate unrest among workers demanding stricter safety protocols.

In a tragic incident in Aurangabad, 28-year-old Suman Kumar lost his life after being allegedly assaulted by employees at a local rice mill over theft suspicions. While the mill staff maintain that he was apprehended while trying to steal paddy, Suman's family staunchly defends his character, labeling the accusations unfounded.

A tragic accident unfolded in Buxar as thick fog blanketed NH-319, leading to a deadly crash. A truck loaded with tomatoes collided violently with a heavy vehicle close to Kadsar village, resulting in the untimely deaths of both the driver and his assistant. Hailing from Maharashtra, their lives were tragically cut short, trapped within the mangled wreckage.

Dr. Nusrat Parveen, at the center of a public controversy involving Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, has finally joined government service. After facing delays and intense scrutiny, she submitted her joining report at the Civil Surgeons office in Patna. Her induction into service, initially delayed, concludes after she completed mandatory medical tests, bringing relief to the health department.

An SUV rammed into roadside vehicles in Danapur, Patna, injuring four people, including a woman. Locals set the vehicle ablaze, which was later controlled by the fire brigade. The driver remains unidentified as the license plate was destroyed, but the owner is being traced via the engine number.

In a transformative turn for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the Chepua fish from the Gandak River is sparking a renaissance in rural economies. Fishermen are reaping the benefits, providing this sought-after delicacy to local food stalls and artisans crafting pickles.

In an inspiring move toward educational innovation, Aryabhatta Knowledge University in Patna is poised to elevate its research capabilities by adopting the National Education Policy-2020. During an engaging session with students, Vice-Chancellor Sharad Kumar Yadav unveiled ambitious plans to establish cutting-edge stem cell and astronomy laboratories that meet international standards.

The RJD has fiercely criticized the Nitish Kumar administration's initiative to tear down Bihar Nivas in Delhi, arguing it's an attempt to politically erase Lalu Prasad's legacy. They assert that the sturdy 32-year-old structure should not be demolished at the hefty cost of over Rs 500 crore, calling it an act of jealousy.

In a proactive step towards community engagement, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered all government officials to make themselves available in their offices every Monday and Friday. This initiative, commencing on January 19, is designed to streamline communication between citizens and their government representatives, from local panchayats to the state level.

In a bold move to enhance agricultural transparency, Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha has unveiled comprehensive land reform initiatives, now reaching down to the block level. He proudly reported an unprecedented acceleration in settling land record discrepancies and mutation cases.

Celebrating educational excellence, Wilfred Henry, a passionate science educator from Maner, has been named 'Teacher of the Month' for November 2025 in the Patna district. This accolade shines a light on his remarkable achievements following a prestigious state-level recognition in September 2025.

In response to alarming air quality levels, Patnas authorities have introduced stringent guidelines for managing construction debris. The Municipal Corporation is enforcing the use of designated disposal areas and green mesh at all construction sites, aiming to tackle the escalating dust pollution.

In a tragic incident, 55-year-old Manoj Sao, who was awaiting trial, passed away in a Nawada hospital after his condition drastically worsened in custody. His family voices concerns over potential negligence on the part of prison officials, who maintain that his passing was due to natural causes.

In a shocking incident on Gola Road in Danapur, a fast-moving SUV, reportedly under the influence, struck down four pedestrians, igniting fury among locals. In a swift response, the crowd set fire to the vehicle and assaulted the driver. The victims, in critical condition, were rushed to PMCH Patna for urgent medical care.

Bodh Gaya's vibrant economy is feeling the sting of the Dalai Lama's continued absence, marking a second year of diminished tourism. With hotel rooms filling up at only 40%, the town, which flourished on the influx of international pilgrims eager to hear his teachings, now faces a stark reality.

In a brazen act of burglary, thieves made off with roughly Rs1.10 crore worth of cash and jewellery from the home of plastic pipe entrepreneur Ravishankar Singh in Barwan Khurd, Siwan. The incident unfolded Monday night while Singh was away in Patna with his family.

In a historic ceremony, Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo took the oath of office as the 47th Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, an occasion marked by the presence of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and esteemed guests, including the Chief Minister of Bihar. A respected authority in criminal law, Justice Sahoo previously held a judgeship at the Odisha High Court.

As Makar Sankranti draws near, Patna is alive with jubilant celebrations. The air is sweetened by the delightful aroma of traditional treats like tilkut and gajak, with local shops bustling with activity. Prices for these beloved jaggery and khoya-based goodies range from Rs260 to Rs500 per kg.

In a shocking revelation, a jewellery store worker from Samastipur has claimed he endured severe brutality at the hands of police officers, including an alleged petrol injection, lasting five harrowing days linked to a theft investigation. The distressing allegations include daily beatings from December 31 to January 4.

In the lead-up to a nationwide protest organized by the Congress party, NDA leaders held a press briefing in Patna to champion the newly enacted VB-G RAM G Act, which they assert replaces the MGNREGA.

Tensions reached a boiling point among Madhubani Congress members during a post-election review meeting, as frustrations over disappointing results sparked a chaotic brawl. Disputes over candidate selections and accusations of mismanagement flared, leading to an unexpected clash with makeshift weapons. In an attempt to de-escalate, senior party officials intervened, advocating for calm discussions to address grievances.

The ongoing chill and enveloping fog are proving to be a double-edged sword in the agricultural landscape. While wheat and mustard crops thrive under these conditions, potato production faces dire threats. Agronomists caution that the increased moisture could lead to late blight, a destructive fungal disease.

In a pivotal turn of events, law enforcement has detained Dheeraj Kumar Mahto, the main suspect in the tragic murder of Dharmveer Paswan. Paswan's life was cut short by gunfire in Patna's Barh sub-division after a heated disagreement over an assault case.

Tragedy struck in East Champaran as two young lovers, Niku Kumari and Lakhan Kumar, were found hanging from a tree in Baudha village. Both hailed from Panapur village and were reportedly close relatives. Missing since Monday evening, their deaths are being investigated as suicide, though other possibilities are not ruled out. Families are being questioned.

During a recent celebration, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha passionately stated that the vision of a developed and thriving India cannot be realized without the active participation of women. He praised the governments initiatives aimed at empowering women and shared the inspiring progress that has been made.

In a bold move to empower local farmers, the Patna district administration has launched a four-day initiative to create digital farmer registry IDs. These IDs are essential for farmers to utilize important schemes such as PM-Kisan and the Kisan Credit Card.

In light of a recent water contamination incident in another region, the Patna Municipal Corporation has taken proactive measures by conducting an extensive safety assessment of its drinking water infrastructure. Tests across all 75 wards have shown that overall water quality and TDS levels remain within safe parameters.

Amidst a brewing political storm, Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash finds himself in a tight spot as three out of four MLAs from Rashtriya Lok Morcha are reportedly considering a switch to the NDA. Frustration is palpable among the MLAs, who are disturbed by Upendra Kushwaha's choice to appoint his own son, Deepak, as minister without having a legislative seat.

Bihar is poised for a transition from an orange alert to a yellow alert as the harsh cold snap begins to lift. Expect sunlit afternoons that bring a hint of warmth, while chilly nights and early mornings linger on. Residents in northern Bihar should prepare for thick fog and follow health recommendations to stay cozy and secure.

In a significant breakthrough, the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit has captured Bipul Kumar, a prominent figure within the infamous Sanjeev Mukhiya gang. Kumar admitted to being a key player in the leak of the Haryana teacher eligibility exam and masterminding the BPSC TRE-3.0 fraud, where candidates memorized answers in a covert Jharkhand hideout.

Following recent upheavals in Nepal's Parsa and Dhanusha areas, the borders between India and Nepal, particularly in Bihar's East and West Champaran districts, have seen an increase in security measures. This proactive approach is designed to curb any potential fallout from incidents related to mosque vandalism and sensitive social media posts.

During a recent address, Union Minister Giriraj Singh unleashed a scathing critique of JNU, branding it a sanctuary for an 'anti-India tukre-tukre gang' following demonstrations against PM Modi and Amit Shah. He called for serious repercussions, urging treason trials for supporters of student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, whom he claims promote pro-Pakistan ideologies.

In a robust move to combat fraudulent activities in fertilizer sales, Bihar's Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav has implemented stringent regulations. This Rabi season alone saw the cancellation of over 100 licenses and the suspension of 132.

In an inspiring move towards urban development, Patna's District Magistrate visited prominent project sites, from the Loknayak Jayprakash Narayan Memorial to an innovative waste-to-wonder theme park.

In a surprising twist, Rohini Acharya, Lalu Prasad's daughter, has resurfaced on social media, making cryptic remarks about her 'aim' being on point, after alleging her brother Tejashwi Yadav's aides pushed her out of both family and politics.