The Times of India News

Left parties in Bihar protested the Centre's new VB-G-RAM-G program, viewing it as an attempt to dismantle MGNREGA. They argue MGNREGA, a vital job guarantee scheme, is being undermined by the current government. Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also voiced strong opposition, signaling a political battle over the future of rural employment initiatives.

IIBM Patna's cultural club, Jashniva, hosted 'Bells and Beginnings,' a vibrant Christmas and New Year celebration. The event featured a lamp lighting ceremony, followed by an energetic karaoke battle, games, and dance performances. Dignitaries lauded students' creativity and spontaneity. Aradhya and Rajnandani clinched the karaoke competition, adding to the festive cheer.

Congress criticizes the central government's proposed MGNREGA overhaul, alleging it aims to dismantle the scheme by shifting financial burdens to states. They claim the Modi government is diluting the program, established by the UPA to ensure rural employment and prevent hunger. The BJP counters, stating the scheme is being effectively implemented with enhanced transparency and aims to depoliticize welfare initiatives.

Bihar witnesses a significant drop in major crimes like murder, dacoity, and riots in 2025, attributed to enhanced policing. Left Wing Extremism violence has ceased, with Maoist-infested districts now at zero. Police have made substantial arrests and seized numerous firearms, bolstering state security and reducing communal tensions.

Patna and surrounding areas saw a brief respite from fog on Monday as the sun appeared after four days. Despite weak sunlight, chilly winds persisted, with Gaya experiencing severe cold day conditions. Dense fog is expected to continue across the state, impacting visibility and temperatures, though daytime warmth may slightly increase before nighttime lows drop further.

Patna is alive with creativity, yet its performing arts scene is at a crossroads: how to transform open mic nights from casual practice into lucrative performances. Among a passionate youth community, there's a notable hesitance from audiences to invest in the art, with social media clout often taking precedence over genuine artistic endeavor.

Patliputra University is gearing up to launch the first-semester postgraduate examinations for the 2025-27 cohort from January 5-9 at nine designated centres. A massive turnout of around 10,000 students is anticipated.

Tragedy struck Madhubani's Laheriyaganj Musahari Dalit Tola as a violent stabbing attack late Sunday night claimed two lives and left two injured. An intoxicated assailant, identified as Rahul Kumar Yadav, allegedly launched indiscriminate attacks with a large knife. Deepak Saday (15) and Rambabu Saday (21) succumbed to their injuries.

Patna's vibrant open mic movement is fueled by the selfless efforts of local enthusiasts who, inspired by creativity found in other cities, return to establish their own performance venues.

The youth of Patna are sparking a cultural renaissance with the rise of open mic platforms that break free from traditional artistic boundaries. What started as informal get-togethers has blossomed into structured events, providing a welcoming arena for poetry, humor, and narratives.

A teenager from Patna has vanished without a trace for four days after heading out from her home. Her alarmed family received a frantic phone call, leading them to file a police report. Investigators tracked her last communication to a guava seller near Gandhi Maidan, where witnesses reported seeing her board an e-rickshaw.

In a tumultuous education landscape, Bihar universities are clashing with UGC guidelines and state orders by exhibiting a concerning inconsistency in confirming assistant professors post-probation. While some institutions provide confirmation at the one-year mark, others stretch it to two, creating a fragmented system.

In Kasianganj, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of 25-year-old Zulfkar. The heinous crime reportedly arose from familial outrage over a supposed affair. Zulfkar was enticed to a woman's residence, where he was discovered in a compromising scenario, brutally assaulted, and ultimately killed.

To tackle littering and elevate urban governance, Begusarai Municipal Corporation has rolled out a cutting-edge network of 317 high-definition CCTV cameras across 98 strategic points. This robust surveillance system operates 24/7, equipped with reliable battery backups, facilitating the identification of offenders, aiding law enforcement in crime detection, and optimizing traffic management.