The Times of India

Bihar's opposition leader, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of depleting the state's treasury and failing to develop Bihar over two decades. Yadav criticized the BJP, claiming Kumar's Rajya Sabha nomination was forced and that the JD(U) has become a BJP 'cell'. He highlighted the state's persistent poverty, poor infrastructure, and rising crime.

Gopalganj police are actively searching for JD(U) MLA Amarendra Kumar, also known as Pappu Pandey, and his brother following a land-grabbing case. A non-bailable warrant has been issued for their arrest in connection with the alleged illegal acquisition of 16 acres using forged documents. Raids are underway at their ancestral village and linked properties.

Patna's Indira Gandhi Science Complex is transforming into an interactive 'Astro Park' for children. Featuring 11 hands-on science models, including sundials, Kepler's Laws, and a Gravity Well, the park aims to make astronomy fun and accessible. This Rs 32 lakh project, nearing completion, complements the planetarium's recent upgrades, offering families an engaging space for discovery and learning.

Bihar is poised for a significant political shift as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to resign, paving the way for a BJP-led government. The transition is marked by a BJP legislature party meeting to elect a new leader, with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as observer. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for April 15.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspected the initial phase of the Patna-Bettiah Expressway, a crucial 164-km greenfield project. The expressway aims to halve travel time to West Champaran to three hours, boosting economic development in North Bihar. The first section is slated for completion by April 2027, with the entire project expected by 2027-2028.

Bihar is set to launch 213 new degree colleges by July, aiming to boost higher education access in underserved areas under the 'Saat Nishchay-3' program. These institutions will initially offer arts subjects, with faculty deputed from nearby colleges. The state also plans to upgrade 55 existing colleges into 'centres of excellence' to enhance educational quality and promote employment.

A police vehicle sustained damage from stone-pelting by a mob in Gaya's Sindhugarh area on Monday. The incident occurred when officers attempted to stop a tractor allegedly transporting illegal sand. Locals gathered, questioned the police action, and then resorted to pelting stones, damaging a police vehicle's windshield. No injuries were reported, and two individuals were detained.

Bodh Gaya witnessed a vibrant Songkran celebration as Thailand's New Year festival unfolded with sacred rituals. A grand procession, featuring a flower-adorned Buddha, led to the Mahabodhi Mahavihara. Monks and devotees participated in a ceremonial water offering to Lord Buddha under the Bodhi tree, symbolizing purification and blessings, underscoring the deep cultural and spiritual bond between India and Thailand.

West Champaran district witnesses a significant upgrade in citizen services with the inauguration of a new Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in Ramnagar. This facility, the 454th nationwide and 38th in Bihar, will streamline passport applications, renewals, and police clearance certificates for residents of remote areas.

Nalanda University actively participated in a national conference focused on technology's role in tribal India's transformation. Vice-Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi led a session emphasizing digital infrastructure for remote areas, advocating for integrating Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana with public digital systems to boost financial inclusion. The university reaffirmed its dedication to knowledge, technology, and inclusive growth.

A Bhagalpur family narrowly escaped a house fire late Sunday night, with a three-storey building allegedly set ablaze by neighbours over a garbage dispute. Household items worth lakhs were destroyed, but thankfully, no one was injured. Police have registered an FIR and are investigating the incident, with one family member narrowly escaping the flames.

A devastating fire has destroyed a solar power plant in Bettiah's remote Don region, plunging two villages into darkness. The inaccessible terrain prevented timely firefighting efforts, leaving residents concerned about safety, especially with wildlife nearby. Officials are investigating the cause and promising to restore power soon to the off-grid dependent community.

Buxar Central Jail is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from mere confinement to a center for inmate self-development. Daily physical training, yoga, computer literacy, and music classes are actively engaging hundreds of prisoners. This reformist approach, supported by district officials, aims to equip inmates with practical skills and constructive habits for successful societal reintegration, fostering a more humane correctional system.

Patna Municipal Corporation is set to issue municipal bonds worth up to Rs 200 crore, a move approved by the urban development department. This will fund major urban redevelopment projects, including the New Market area, with potential central government incentives. The initiative aims to enhance civic services and financial discipline in the city.

The Railway Board has greenlit the construction of third and fourth railway lines along the busy DDU-Patna-Jhajha corridor, a crucial 400km stretch. This Rs17,000 crore project, aimed at easing severe congestion, will be executed in phases, starting with key sections like Fatuha-Bakhtiyarpur. The expansion promises improved efficiency, reduced travel times, and enhanced connectivity for thousands of commuters.

A dispute over setting up a vegetable shop in Patna's Bikram area tragically escalated, leading to the fatal stabbing of 40-year-old Ramakant Paswan. His son, Golu Kumar, was injured during the altercation. Police swiftly arrested the accused, Saryug Sharma, and recovered the weapon. Protesting villagers blocked a highway demanding justice.

A BJP Yuva Morcha district vice president and former VHP treasurer in Kishanganj was apprehended with over 264 litres of illicit liquor. The arrest occurred during a vehicle check following a tip-off about liquor smuggling from West Bengal. Police also seized cash and a mobile phone, and are now investigating potential accomplices in the smuggling operation.

In a significant boost for sports and education, Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh officially opened a new mini stadium at Anugrah Narayan College in Patna, made possible through his MPLAD funding. He also committed an additional Rs 60 lakh towards enhancing the college's infrastructure.

In a significant political move, Ajay Kumar Singh, son of former Member of Parliament Tapeshwar Singh, has aligned himself with the JD(U) in Patna. State president Umesh Kushwaha embraced Singh's decision, asserting that his involvement will invigorate the party's efforts in the Bhojpur-Buxar area.

In a dramatic turn of events, Bihar's political arena is on the brink of transformation as a high-ranking JD(U) official revealed that the BJP is poised to choose the next Chief Minister. This development comes in the wake of Nitish Kumars recent elevation to the Rajya Sabha, hinting at his possible shift to national leadership roles.

In an ambitious move, the Railways is investing Rs 513.61 crore into transforming 22 Amrit Bharat stations within the Danapur division. This initiative is set to revolutionize the travel experience with features reminiscent of airport facilities, bolstered security measures, and sustainable designs.

The Malahi Pakri station of Patna Metro is on the verge of opening its doors, poised to revolutionize the travel experience across the eastern and southern sectors of the city. This elevated marvel boasts contemporary facilities and a splash of artistic flair, all awaiting the green light for safety protocols.

In a resolute display of solidarity, a large assembly of women and social advocates, spearheaded by Sudha Varghese, rallied in Patna to demand accountability following the heinous gang rape of a three-year-old. Their voices rose in unison for immediate justice and severe consequences for all involved, including family members implicated in the crime.

In Patna, vibrant posters emerged proclaiming Nishant Kumar as the 'future Chief Minister of Bihar,' coinciding with the BJP appointing a central observer. These eye-catching displays, strategically placed near prominent political venues, not only celebrated Nishant but also took a subtle jab at the controversial 'bulldozer model' and ongoing 'riots-unrest.

Heartbreak echoed through the streets of Shyampur Bazar in Gopalganj after a tragic accident involving a speeding tractor and two motorcycles. Sadly, Nasir Alam and Sujeet Kumar Pandey lost their lives, while another individual sustained critical injuries.

In a tragic incident in Muzaffarpur, a 12-year-old girl was reportedly assaulted by a neighbor, who was later found dead under peculiar circumstances. Authorities were able to pinpoint the 28-year-old suspect through security footage, but alas, by the time they acted, he had already been cremated by his family.

In a tragic twist in Vaishali, a man detained for the alleged murder of his pregnant sister-in-law has made a dire attempt on his own life by ingesting poison while in police custody. Identified as Sahil Patel, he is now under medical care as authorities delve into the heinous crime.

In a heated response to the NDA's recent government formation in Bihar, opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav articulated his concerns about the legitimacy of the new Chief Minister. He argues that this leader lacks a true public mandate and is merely a puppet in a larger power game.

The anticipation builds in Bihar as the BJP legislative party convenes in Patna to select the state's next Chief Minister. With Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stepping in as the central observer, the official announcement is expected on April 14 or 15. His presence marks the dawn of a new governmental era in Bihar.

In an effort to enhance urban governance and ensure equitable tax assessments, the Patna Municipal Corporation is embarking on an extensive city survey. This initiative is designed to uncover unregistered properties, validate self-assessed values, and identify any misuse of residential properties for commercial purposes.

In a shocking incident in West Champaran, a 24-year-old man named Ranjeet Kumar Sharma was critically injured after he kindly offered a ride to a man who turned out to be dangerous. Returning home from a festive gathering, Sharma found himself in a terrifying confrontation when his passenger, Ramesh Raut, pulled out a firearm during a dispute with others.

Innovative scientists at Bihar Agricultural University have introduced a vibrant pink oyster mushroom variety that resists diseases and boasts a remarkably quick harvest cycle of just 20-25 days, empowering farmers with faster financial returns. Flourishing in warm, humid environments, it cleverly utilizes agricultural waste and stands out in the market due to its striking color and delicious flavor.

In a significant turn of events, the East Champaran police have made a major breakthrough by capturing Satish Chandra Chaudhary, the main orchestrator behind the poisonous spirit supply linked to a tragic hooch incident that resulted in ten fatalities. His arrest in Lucknow comes after another distributor's capture, shedding light on a larger web of illicit activity extending from Ghaziabad.

In a shocking turn of events, a police sub-inspector in Munger has been taken into custody, accused of the tragic murder of his wife amid ongoing dowry tensions. The woman was discovered with a severe chest injury in their rental residence.

In an uproar regarding a critical shortage of LPG cylinders, Patna residents took to the streets, halting traffic on a major highway. The community has faced daily challenges in preparing meals as irregular distribution from a local agency has left many empty-handed. Frustration peaked due to soaring black-market prices for refills, compelling residents to act.

In a heartbreaking event, 70-year-old farmer Buto Mandal was found dead in his cowshed near Bhagalpur late Saturday night. Family members, waking to a tragic discovery Sunday morning, alerted the authorities as they found him lifeless in a pool of blood.

Patna University has unfortunately let slip the opportunity to celebrate the centenary of the iconic Wheeler Senate House, and now it looks set to miss recognizing the 100th anniversary of Patna Science College as well.

With Bihar making renewed efforts to secure GI tags for more of its unique agricultural products, Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) vice-chancellor P S Pandey tells STOIs B K Mishra in an interview that rigorous scientific documentation and stronger producer organisations are essential to accelerate the process. Excerpts:

Geographical Indication (GI) tags play a crucial role in preserving the heritage of distinctive products, such as Darjeeling Tea and Banarasi saris. Enshrined in a 1999 statute, these protections not only defend traditional crafts but also enhance local economies by allowing for higher pricing.

Bihar is rapidly emerging as a champion of its cultural heritage by securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for its extraordinary products, with 14 already on the list. This movement is gaining momentum, especially with an influx of applications focusing on agriculture and culinary delights.

In a devastating accident on National Highway-31 in Katihar district, Bihar, a bus and van collided head-on, resulting in the loss of 13 lives and injuring 22 others. The van was transporting members of the tribal community back from Jharkhand when it was hit by a bus driven by an alleged drunk driver.

In a significant turning point for accountability in East Champaran, Intekab Alam, a private clerk at the Adapur police station, faced action from the Vigilance Investigation Bureau. Allegations surfaced that he solicited a bribe of Rs 14,000 to hasten a firearm licence application verification.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Nalanda University in Rajgir welcomed the Passport Seva Mobile Van, bringing essential passport services right to the doorstep of its students and faculty. IFS officer Sibi George had the honor of inaugurating this event, part of the Ministry of External Affairs' innovative 'Passport at Your Doorstep' program.

Tejashwi Yadav dismissed speculation about Bihar's next chief minister, stating the public is concerned about the state's adhaal condition. He alleged the BJP orchestrated Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha, claiming senior JD(U) leaders were pressured. Yadav criticized the current government's performance across all sectors, highlighting issues like law and order and farmer distress.

As the much-anticipated wedding season approaches, the Nalanda district administration is proactively ensuring a steady supply of LPG. By instructing caterers to register for commercial connections, they aim to streamline the process for hosts. Additionally, couples can conveniently apply for gas cylinders by presenting their wedding cards.