The Times of India

Bihar's urban development department has ordered a crackdown on unlicensed meat and fish shops operating in unhygienic conditions. Municipal bodies must identify and shut down these illegal outlets, especially those near religious sites and schools, to ensure public health and prevent unrest. Strict adherence to licensing and hygiene rules is now mandatory, with legal action threatened for non-compliance.

Bihar's village libraries, once hubs of freedom fighters and adult learning, are experiencing a remarkable revival. State initiatives and community efforts are transforming these spaces into vibrant learning centers, empowering unemployed youth with competitive exam preparation. These modernized libraries, often run by local women, offer free internet and resources, attracting over a lakh students, with a significant majority being girls.

In Bihar's poorest district, Kishanganj, a youth-led library movement is transforming lives. The Seemanchal Library Foundation has established three rural libraries, drawing over 200 underprivileged children daily. These vibrant spaces, stocked with diverse books, are igniting a passion for learning among tribal girls and children of daily wage earners, offering a beacon of hope and knowledge.

Patna Zoo has unveiled a unique Nature Library, offering a blend of books, workshops, and hands-on activities to foster conservation education. This eco-friendly facility, built with cane bamboo, houses over 1,400 books and provides tools for gardening and bird-watching, complementing the zoo's role as a living laboratory for students and enthusiasts.

The student union elections at Patna University, originally scheduled for February 28, have been called off indefinitely due to unrest among students. Disturbances were reported, including unauthorized entries at Patna Women's College and inappropriate behavior towards faculty at Patna Science College. University authorities have reinforced a strict no-tolerance policy in line with the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee.

In a pointed reminder, Upendra Kushwaha, leader of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, has called on the BJP to honor a previous commitment regarding a Rajya Sabha seat. With five vacancies on the horizon in April, attention shifts to how the NDA will navigate the electoral landscape.

Get ready, Patna! Next month marks an exciting milestone as the Malahi Pakri and Khemnichak stations of the Metro's priority corridor are set to open. After a successful safety trial run on February 25th, these new additions will seamlessly link with the existing elevated track, completing the impressive 6.6km 'Blue Line.

Aurangabad police swiftly apprehended eight individuals, including the victim's wife, in a murder case initially disguised as suicide. Ranjit Kumar was allegedly murdered by his wife, Priyanka Kumari, and her family, along with four villagers, after a dispute. The accused then staged the scene to resemble a suicide by hanging the body. All have confessed and are in judicial custody.

The heart-wrenching fatalities of children in Patna underscore a disturbing failure in urban safety measures, as open drains and uncovered manholes present continual threats. Although there are explicit requirements for safety barriers and metal grilles, contractors frequently neglect to secure these sites.

In a significant move to aid the agricultural sector, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has allocated over Rs 113 crore to assist more than 200,000 farmers affected by the devastating floods and Motha cyclone last year.

In an effort to bolster public safety, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has tasked the transport department with enhancing pedestrian protection measures. This initiative encompasses the creation of well-designed footpaths, strategic zebra crossings, and vital overbridges and underpasses in high-traffic zones.

As Begusarai emerges as an industrial powerhouse, the call for a new greenfield airport has never been louder. The existing airport, limited to small planes, is pushing travelers towards the overcrowded Patna airport.

During a recent visit, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assessed the progress of a cutting-edge 1,200-bed hospital at IGIMS, pushing for its prompt completion. With an investment of Rs 513 crore, this facility promises to revolutionize the healthcare landscape in the region.

Join us this Sunday as the Bihar State Legal Services Authority launches an engaging legal awareness program, prompted by the Chief Justice of Patna High Court. This insightful initiative seeks to evaluate how NALSA's 2015 welfare schemes have benefitted the unorganized sector workers in Bihar.

At the India AI Impact Summit, Bihar unveiled its groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence, illuminating the path for sectors like governance, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the state's innovative electoral reforms powered by AI, praising how they enhance democratic processes and foster effective governance.

Bihar's road construction department is boosting highway safety by forming patrol teams to tackle animal-related accidents. Following Supreme Court directives, 757 animal congregation spots have been identified. Patrols photograph and report stray animals for relocation to designated shelters, aiming to prevent vehicular accidents and protect both commuters and animals.

During a recent conference at the Central University of South Bihar, Sports Minister Shreyashi Singh passionately discussed how artificial intelligence could transform the landscape of sports. She highlighted AI's capabilities in scouting talent, tracking athletic performance, and managing injuries more effectively.

In a fiery demonstration within Bihar's assembly, opposition figures Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav led impassioned protests against the alarming rise in rape incidents. They chastised the ruling government for its lack of response and emotional disconnect, voicing serious doubts about the state's safety measures.

Fear of child theft has gripped Bihar, with mobs assaulting four individuals across five districts in 24 hours. Victims in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Sheikhpura, Nawada, and Katihar were rescued by police. Incidents ranged from distributing pamphlets to holding a child's hand, triggering panic and mob violence despite police intervention.

Bihar's NDA leaders have expressed fierce disapproval of the Youth Congress demonstration at the AI Impact Summit, pointing fingers at Rahul Gandhi and his party for undermining national interests. They characterized the protest as a disgraceful endeavor to tarnish Indias reputation on a global stage, accusing the Congress of engaging in detrimental politics filled with empty rhetoric.

Sushumlata Kushwaha, a visionary postgraduate and 'Pad Wali Mukhiya' from Dawan panchayat, is making waves in Bhojpur's approach to menstrual health. By launching a semi-automatic sanitary pad machine capable of producing 4,500 pads each day at just Rs23 per packet, she has made an impact on affordability.

Buxar gears up for the grand Vishwamitra Mahotsav on Saturday, featuring a beautifully decorated pandal and a welcome gate. District officials have reviewed preparations, ensuring smooth conduct with performances by Bollywood singer Bhavya Pandit, folk singer Madhav Priya Sharma, and dance troupes. Security, traffic, and sanitation are prioritized to promote Buxar's cultural heritage.

A significant delegation of 327 naval officers and personnel from 74 nations experienced the spiritual aura of Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Gaya. This visit, part of the International Fleet Review and Milan-26, offered a profound cultural exchange. Participants found the experience spiritually enriching, highlighting the global significance of Buddhist teachings on peace and co-existence, fostering stronger international maritime ties.

The cooperative department is gearing up to revitalize two dormant sugar mills, Sakri and Raiyam, breathing new life into the local economy. With sugarcane sourced from 2,401 villages in the Darbhanga and Madhubani districts, the project promises a reliable supply chain.

Patna Municipal Corporation is establishing designated feeding zones for stray dogs across all 75 wards to manage their population and reduce littering. This initiative aims to centralize feeding, prevent dogs from roaming residential areas, and improve public hygiene. The project, which includes signage and a helpline, relies on resident cooperation for its success.

In a concerning turn of events in Purnia, law enforcement apprehended four suspects following the shooting of an Intermediate student, Divyanshu Kumar, on February 3rd. The incident, ignited by a disagreement on social media, resulted in the victim sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg. Police also seized a firearm, mobile devices, and the motorcycle used in the crime.

Get ready for an extraordinary experience at Destination Bihar-Expo 2026, hosted by the Bihar Industries Association! From February 26 to March 2, join us at the vibrant Gandhi Maidan for an industrial expo designed to catalyze investment and create jobs across the state. Explore a specialized property show alongside a diverse range of products and services.

Bihar Assembly witnessed uproar as CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Sourav demanded UGC equity guidelines implementation, citing caste discrimination in higher education. He alleged Brahminvadi mindset opposition, sparking a debate. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha countered, emphasizing Ambedkar's casteless society vision and personal experience with caste ragging. The Speaker expunged the controversial term.

A district programme officer in Kishanganj has been apprehended by the Special Vigilance Unit for demanding a hefty bribe. Anita Kumari allegedly threatened to suspend an official unless he paid Rs 10 lakh. She was caught red-handed accepting Rs 50,000 as an initial installment, with a significant sum of cash also recovered from her residence.