The Times of India

Protests erupted in Muzaffarpur as villagers clashed with an anti-encroachment team, leading to stone-pelting and road blockades. Residents accused the administration of discriminatory evictions without rehabilitation plans. Officials stated the demolitions, including 90 'pucca' houses, followed a court order to clear illegal encroachments on government land for development. Dialogue failed as residents demanded concrete rehabilitation.

Patna City police intercepted two individuals attempting to evade a checkpost, discovering Rs32 lakh in cash on their motorcycle. Preliminary inquiries suggest the money was collected from a company and was en route to Bardhaman, West Bengal. Authorities have alerted the income tax department and are investigating the money's origin and the suspects' claims.

In a bold move to prioritize environmental sustainability, the Patna High Court has put a stop to the use of red bricks in a government school construction project in West Champaran. The court is insisting on compliance with a 2021 directive that mandates the use of 100% fly ash bricks within a 300-kilometer radius of thermal power stations.

In a significant political event, Bankipur MLA Nitin Nabin, recently appointed as the BJPs national president, graced the Bihar assembly's budget session. His arrival was met with enthusiastic applause from seasoned NDA leaders. During his address, Nabin hailed the transformative initiatives undertaken by CM Nitish Kumar, highlighting a vision for Bihar to shine on the national stage.

South Bihar's wetlands are alive with an astonishing display of biodiversity! Recent findings indicate that waterbird numbers have surged dramatically, with some areas reporting increases of up to three times their prior counts. The Indrapuri Barrage Wetland has become a vibrant haven, hosting more than 7,800 birds spanning 66 different species.

In a sweeping action, income tax authorities launched a series of raids across Purnia and Supaul, zeroing in on the Panorama Group and its chief, Sanjeev Mishra. This operation, manned by a cadre of over 20 senior officials, was driven by suspicions of tax fraud and hidden earnings.

During a heated session on Tuesday, the Bihar Legislative Council turned chaotic as opposition members were forcefully escorted out and given a day-long suspension. The turmoil erupted over demands for apologies concerning perceived disrespect shown to former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. As tensions escalated with confrontations and loud slogans, the Chairperson intervened, resulting in the eviction of several opposition MLCs.

The sudden closure of the Bharat Plus Ethanol Plant in Buxar, effective Wednesday, casts a shadow over the local economy as hundreds of workers face unemployment. With oil companies cutting back on ethanol purchases due to a new government tender policy, the facility, which cost Rs 200 crore to establish, is now running at half its capacity.

In a heated session, opposition lawmakers stormed the Bihar assembly, raising their voices against a surge in rape cases and an alarming decline in public safety. Representatives from the RJD and Congress expressed their frustrations over what they described as a government attempt to shield serious criminal activities.

Patna University is gearing up for its student elections on February 28, where around 20,000 eligible voters will choose representatives for five pivotal office-bearer roles and 24 councillor positions. Nomination papers will be available starting February 11, as the university prioritizes clarity and inclusion with the release of the final electoral roll, ensuring that all candidates and voters are well-informed.

Indian Railways has launched an e-pantry service on 25 long-distance trains, primarily in the East Central Railway zone. This new system allows passengers to pre-book meals of their choice for delivery at selected stations, offering flexibility and affordability. Passengers can choose from a wide variety of options, with payments made digitally.

In a fiery exchange, Tejashwi Yadav took aim at Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, highlighting the alarming surge in crime against minors. He chastised the CM for the government's inability to take decisive action against such heinous acts, while also denouncing the disrespectful comments directed at Rabri Devi within the assembly.

Patna BJP chief Nitin Nabin inspected ongoing drain projects, urging timely completion and quality work. Accompanied by senior officials, he emphasized smooth drainage and road connectivity, crucial for the upcoming monsoon. The Mandiri Nala project, costing Rs86.98 crore, will feature a covered drain with a two-lane road, benefiting thousands and easing traffic. The Bakarganj Nala redevelopment, at Rs26.

In a troubling development for local drivers in Sasaram and Mohania, it has come to light that they are being charged full toll fees at plazas, despite regulations allowing for a 50% discount for commercial vehicles registered in the district. This information, uncovered through a Right to Information request, points to potential mismanagement and significant unauthorized revenue collection.

In a powerful demonstration, women activists from AISA and AIPWA took to the streets of Patna, advocating for justice after the tragic loss of a NEET student. They raised their voices against the rising tide of violence against women and girls in Bihar, determined to push through police barricades that tried to halt their march.

A Sasaram court granted bail to a youth accused of his girlfriend's murder, questioning the investigation's integrity. The judge suggested the case might be honour killing, with potential involvement of the deceased's father, who filed the FIR. The court noted a lack of prima facie evidence for the chargesheet against the accused.

Tragedy struck Madhubani as a 32-year-old man, Jayram Mandal, was fatally shot in the mouth by criminals attempting to rob him of his bike. The brutal incident occurred in the Raghopur Balat area. Locals, enraged by the senseless violence, staged a four-hour road blockade, demanding justice and an end to crime.

Madhubani advocates must now secure an e-filing ID to submit cases online, particularly for NI Act and miscellaneous matters. The district court has launched a special drive to assist lawyers in obtaining these IDs at the library building's e-seva centre. This initiative aims to streamline court processes, with plans to expand mandatory e-filing to other case categories soon.

A young Bihar transport constable, Mukesh Kumar, tragically lost his life during a routine vehicle check on NH-139 in Arwal. A speeding gravel truck lost control, crashing into a parked truck and then into the department's SUV, crushing the constable. The incident also left others injured, prompting an official inquiry.

Bankipur MLA Nitin Nabin attended the Bihar assembly's budget session for the first time as the BJP's national president. Senior NDA leaders welcomed him, highlighting his capability and efficiency. Nabin's appointment signifies a generational shift, and the BJP aims to leverage his experience in upcoming state elections.

Tragedy struck in Aurangabad, Bihar, as four girls, aged 10-14, allegedly died by suicide after being reprimanded for associating with boys. The surviving fifth girl revealed they consumed poison together in a field. The incident, which occurred on January 29, came to light after local media reported it, prompting a police investigation.

During a spirited gathering in Patna, BJP National President Nitin Nabin took a firm stand against the Congress and RJD, asserting that their self-serving habits threaten the progress of Bihar. He praised the BJP's commitment to inclusivity and honored the relentless dedication of its members.

In an effort to uphold integrity, the Bihar Police are taking a firm stance against misconduct. Officers found distracted by social media or exhibiting unprofessional conduct during their shifts will face swift suspension and disciplinary measures.

The vibrant Patna Haat is set to rise from the ashes of an old structure near Gandhi Maidan, with demolition already in progress. This ambitious Rs 48 crore initiative, inspired by the famed Delhi Haat, aims to empower local artisans, particularly women entrepreneurs, by providing a dynamic platform for their traditional crafts.

In a bold move, Bihar's finance minister introduced a staggering Rs 3.47 lakh crore budget, seeking to double household incomes and generate one crore jobs within five years. Highlighting a commitment to uplift the most vulnerable, the budget promises significant financial support for the poorest families and initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs.

Six arrested in Darbhanga following violent protests over a six-year-old girl's rape and murder. Locals, enraged by the discovery of the child's body, vandalized property and injured officials. Police registered a case against 30 named and 200 unknown individuals, with ongoing efforts to apprehend all involved in the unrest.

A shocking incident unfolded in Madhepura, Bihar, where Kanhaiya Kumar was apprehended for allegedly attempting to sacrifice three children at a temple. The accused reportedly lured the youngsters from a cow shelter with promises of treats. Fortunately, one child alerted their parents, leading to the man's arrest and the recovery of a knife. He denies the charges.

Bihar is launching a statewide mass drug administration campaign against lymphatic filariasis from Tuesday, aiming to protect nearly 8.97 crore people. A mega camp on February 11 targets one crore individuals, followed by door-to-door efforts until February 28. Trained health workers will ensure supervised consumption of anti-filarial medicines across 396 blocks in 34 districts.

Gaya's Block Development Officer, Rakesh Kumar, was apprehended by the Vigilance Investigation Bureau accepting a Rs 50,000 bribe. The arrest followed a complaint from the block pramukh, who alleged the BDO demanded Rs 1 lakh to approve a school boundary wall project. The vigilance team set a trap, catching Kumar red-handed with the initial payment at the block office.

The Reserve Bank of India's Patna office launched Financial Literacy Week-2026, emphasizing KYCYour first step to safe banking. This nationwide campaign aims to educate citizens on secure digital transactions and protect them from fraud. The initiative highlights KYC's role in safeguarding against identity theft and fake requests, urging customers to use authorized channels and never share sensitive information.

A tragic accident on NH-107 near Rajpur village claimed the life of 25-year-old Saurav Kumar when an unidentified vehicle struck his motorcycle. Two pillion riders, Neha Kumari and Shishu Yadav, sustained injuries and were hospitalized. The trio was returning to Purnia after a visit to Singheshwar Sthan when the collision occurred. Police are investigating the incident.

Bihar's civil courts, including Patna, Aurangabad, and Bhagalpur, faced chaos Monday after a bomb threat email warned of RDX-laden IEDs. Premises were evacuated, and judicial proceedings, including Pappu Yadav's bail hearing, were deferred. Police investigations are underway, with initial findings suggesting a hoax. This marks the third such incident this year.