The Times of India

As the Central Government extends LPG booking wait times to 25 days, residents of Patna are grappling with heightened anxieties, experiencing a 50% dip in deliveries. Distributors maintain that there's no overall shortage, yet the staggered supply and suspension of commercial bookingsbarring essential serviceshave left many worried.

Valmiki Nagar Airport in West Champaran is set for a significant upgrade, with a Rs 38.64 crore tender issued for its development. This project aims to transform the historic airstrip into a modern facility, enhancing regional air connectivity and boosting tourism and trade in North Bihar, including areas near the Nepal border.

In a dramatic turn of events, Bihar's revenue officers have initiated a strike, prompting Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha to allege the involvement of the land mafia. He has sternly warned of serious consequences if the situation does not improve.

In anticipation of the bustling travel post-Holi, East Central Railway has introduced an additional 28 special trains to cater to the soaring demand. Key routes such as Patna to New Delhi and Danapur to Anand Vihar will continue to run until March 31 and March 30 respectively.

In a recent turn of events, a West Champaran sub-inspector found himself suspended due to alleged oversights in a dowry death inquiry. Officials have disclosed that the investigating officer did not take necessary action against the main suspect, Amit Shahi, despite having ample evidence on hand.

Bihar's Deputy CM, Vijay Kumar Sinha, is taking a firm stand against illegal parking fees throughout municipal areas. He emphasized that no charges should be imposed on vehicles merely passing through. Clear display of official fee structures is mandatory, and charges will apply exclusively to parked vehicles. Notably, hearse vehicles will no longer incur any fees.

The political landscape of Bihar has lost a significant leader with the passing of Satish Kumar, former MLA renowned for galvanizing Kurmi voters in opposition to Lalu Prasad. A dedicated legislator representing Surajgarha and Asthawan thrice, his legacy is intertwined with the memorable Kurmi Chetna Rally of 1994, often viewed as a pivotal moment for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's rise.

In Gaya, the ambitious Vishnupad corridor project has sparked worry among spiritual leaders about the fate of sacred altars. However, officials have pledged that these revered sites will be safeguarded. The initiative seeks to improve amenities for pilgrims while honoring the essence of their rituals. Plans for road expansions are being contemplated with care and respect for the community's needs.

Bihar's SCERT is excited to announce the upcoming NIPUN TLM Mela 3.0, a vibrant two-day fair featuring groundbreaking educational tools curated by 282 talented teachers from every corner of the state. This event aims to revolutionize foundational literacy and numeracy by emphasizing playful, hands-on learning experiences.

Patna is set to unveil its first international-standard hockey ground, featuring a state-of-the-art Dutch astroturf. This Rs8.44 crore project, nearing completion at Rajendra Nagar Physical College, promises to elevate state-level hockey training and competition. Officials anticipate finishing the remaining work, including a sprinkler system and spectator stands, within a month, marking a significant boost for the sport in Bihar.

In a significant crackdown on suspected Maoist activities, Bihar's STF and local police have made a daring arrest in Giridih, Jharkhand. Pankaj Yadav and Pawan Kumar Singh, both wanted for serious crimes including homicide and illegal arms dealings, were captured while seeking refuge at a relative's house.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assert India's independent stance on energy security and strategic matters, free from external influence. He emphasized that national interests should guide decisions, especially amidst global geopolitical shifts and oil supply concerns. Yadav stressed India's capability to make its own choices without seeking permission.

In a strategic shift aimed at invigorating leadership, Pashupati Kumar Paras, head of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party, has welcomed Prince Raj as the newly appointed national working president. This dynamic move reflects a commitment to nurturing youthful visionaries within the party, with plans to elevate Raj to a full-time national president position in just two months.

Bihar's government is set to unveil an Incentive Policy, 2026 to revitalize its sugar industry. The plan aims to boost farmers' income through increased sugarcane cultivation and create youth employment by establishing 25 new sugar mills within five years. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to drive industrial growth and economic development across the state.

In a groundbreaking move, Patna is introducing UltraPODs, an innovative intra-government smart mobility system designed to link prominent administrative centers. This cutting-edge Personal Rapid Transit system, boasting sleek six-seater pods, is set to revolutionize travel for government officials with quick, reliable, and uninterrupted journeys.

Truck drivers in Buxar protested for better facilities and welfare, highlighting hardships faced on national highways. Demands include a pension scheme, accident compensation, drivers' commission, and improved rest stops. They also seek health cards and recognition for drivers' contributions, urging government action on their long-pending issues.

In a tragic twist of fate, Kundan Kumar, a speech-impaired teenager in Bihar's Vaishali district, lost his life over a cricket match misunderstanding. While caught up in the excitement of the India-New Zealand T20 World Cup final, a misunderstood cheer from Kundan triggered a violent confrontation with another individual.

A man's body was discovered under suspicious circumstances in Bhojpur district after he attended a neighbour's party. His family alleges foul play, claiming he was strangled. Police have taken two individuals into custody for questioning and are awaiting the autopsy report to determine the exact cause of death.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspected ongoing link road construction from Patna Sahib railway station to Patna Ghat, urging swift completion. This 1.5 km road, costing Rs 52.54 crore, aims to ease traffic congestion on Ashok Rajpath and connect to NH-30.

In anticipation of Bihar Diwas from March 22-24, Patna's District Magistrate conducted a detailed assessment of Gandhi Maidan's event preparations. The focus is on ensuring seamless logistics, effective traffic flow, and adept crowd management. Nine specialized teams have been assembled, supported by a state-of-the-art control room alongside police presence and assistance desks.

In a shocking turn of events, a 28-year-old groom-to-be found himself behind bars in Supaul just days ahead of his wedding. The accusation? Allegedly assaulting a 17-year-old girl during the vibrant Holi festivities, near a public restroom.

In Patna's Chitragupta Nagar, tensions flared into violence when a dispute arose over suspected bird flu-infected chickens. Shopkeeper Mohammad Arman confronted a poultry dealer about the delivery of sickly birds, leading to a brutal assault and theft of Rs5,700. Following the incident, Arman received medical care, and law enforcement has filed a First Information Report (FIR) to investigate the matter.

In an exciting turn of events, Bihar's Rajya Sabha elections are set for five pivotal seats, with all six candidates in the race, including the notable figures of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP leader Nitin Nabin. As the deadline for withdrawals has passed, the countdown to voting on March 16 begins.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Patliputra University is set to unveil 16 new colleges in the rural hinterlands of Patna and Nalanda districts. These educational establishments will kick off with six essential subjects and later expand to cover a wide array of 16 subjects alongside vocational training options.

Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary is in West Bengal, potentially meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and Bihar's political landscape, including a possible CM change. The focus is on securing victory for all five NDA candidates, especially Upendra Kushwaha, who requires external support. Choudhary also criticized West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

In a heart-wrenching tale from Darbhanga, a woman has bravely stood up against her live-in partner, alleging a pattern of coercive control that included forcing her into four abortions and issuing threats over her current five-month pregnancy. Despite promising marriage and cohabiting since 2019, he reportedly insisted on ending any pregnancies, expressing a preference against having a daughter.

In a shocking incident, a gang of more than 25 motorcyclists launched a violent assault on a mining officer's vehicle in Saran, Bihar, leaving a woman constable injured. The group, wielding sticks and stones, specifically targeted the vehicle as it moved a tractor filled with illicit sand. After their brazen attack, the assailants escaped with the confiscated tractor.