The Times of India

Bihar police have made remarkable strides in the fight against illegal liquor, apprehending 7.41 lakh litres valued at a staggering Rs 60 crore by February 2026, marking an 18% rise in seizures. Coordinated operations across state lines resulted in multiple arrests, showcasing the widespread nature of this effort. To intensify prohibition measures, a specialized bureau has been established.

In a progressive move to enhance visitor experience, a state-of-the-art multi-level parking structure is taking shape at Takhat Sri Harimandirji Patna Sahib Gurdwara. This ambitious Rs 100 crore project, supported by the state government, will consist of six levels, efficiently accommodating approximately 500 cars and 50 heavy vehicles.

The defeat in the Rajya Sabha election has caused cracks in Bihar's Grand Alliance, with Congress members voicing their discontent. Complaints surfaced regarding the RJD's choice of an 'unpopular' candidate, resulting in a lack of participation and a subsequent loss.

The Bihar Congress is navigating a stormy political landscape as internal rifts grow and accusations fly post-Rajya Sabha elections. Frustrated leaders rallied against what they describe as the BJP's 'vote pilfering' after three MLAs opted out, inadvertently bolstering the ruling NDA's position.

In an exciting development for Gaya, plans are underway to relocate the district court to a spacious 25-acre site just south of Magadh University. The current court building, over a century old, has become dangerously overcrowded for its roster of more than 1,200 lawyers and 50 judicial staff members.

Longtime JD(U) stalwart K C Tyagi has officially wrapped up his 23-year journey with Nitish Kumar's party, opting not to renew his membership. Known as a key figure since the party's founding, Tyagi plans to meet with like-minded political allies on March 22 in New Delhi to discuss his next steps.

Residents of Patna are grappling with significant delays in LPG cylinder deliveries and even instances of non-receipt, despite local authorities promising ample supply. Frustrated residents have encountered numerous obstacles when attempting to book and receive their cylinders, leading some to turn to alternative energy sources.

In a robust ruling, the Patna High Court reprimanded the chairman of a Waqf tribunal for hindering progress on a national highway project. The court overturned a previous order that stalled construction due to the presence of a mosque and graveyard, stressing that judicial authorities should refrain from showing partiality towards specific communities.

Anticipation builds at Mahavir Mandir in Patna as preparations unfold for an extraordinary Ram Navami celebration on March 27, starting at 2 AM. With live LED screens broadcasting the rituals, the temple is set to distribute a staggering 24,000 kg of prasad.

Economic Offences Unit raided executive engineer Manoj Kumar Rajak, uncovering assets 62% exceeding his known income. Searches revealed 17 land documents valued over Rs 3 crore, financial documents worth Rs 1 crore, two vehicles, and significant cash. Rajak allegedly operated a gas agency in his brother's name and was constructing properties in Nepal and Darbhanga.

Bhojpur police swiftly apprehended three individuals, Avinash Pandey, Viraj Kumar, and Harish Pandey, within 24 hours of the murder of Class XI student Sumit Kumar. The victim, who had returned from Surat for his exams, was allegedly shot dead following an earlier dispute.

In a remarkable display of community outreach, the RSS celebrated its centenary year, kicking off on Vijayadashmi 2025, by connecting with over one crore households in Bihar. The dedicated volunteers launched a 'Grih Sampark Abhiyan,' reaching an impressive 84 lakh homes with informative literature. Furthermore, the movement saw participation from 10.

Gandhi Maidan in Patna is now closed to the public until March 24th. This temporary closure allows for preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr prayers and the upcoming Bihar Diwas celebrations. Extensive security measures, including CCTV surveillance and a temporary police station, are in place. The district administration is ensuring all arrangements are finalized for these significant events.

In a twist of fate, a Bihar native named Ranjeet Kumar celebrated his supposed triumph in the UPSC examinations, only to face arrest when authorities discovered he had fabricated his high-ranking success. The community, showering him with praise, were left in shock when it came to light that the rank he boasted was actually secured by a candidate from Karnataka.

In a dramatic showdown at Ramdiha village in East Champaran, law enforcement officers took decisive action against a pair of infamous criminals. The confrontation, which escalated to gunfire, resulted in the tragic loss of a Special Task Force jawan, alongside the two suspects.

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for a murder that occurred nearly 24 years ago. Rameshwar Ram was convicted by a Buxar court for his role in the 2002 incident, which stemmed from a water dispute. The victim, Meghnath Ram, died from injuries sustained during the altercation. Two other accused individuals passed away during the trial.

Bihar Diwas 2026 celebrations are set to dazzle from March 22-24 at Gandhi Maidan, featuring a star-studded lineup. Sona Mohapatra and Shaan will perform, with Papon closing the event. The festival also includes classical music, dance, poetry, and local artist showcases, alongside educational and heritage pavilions.

A railway committee member highlighted critical issues affecting common travelers, including a lack of basic amenities at rural stations and low platform heights. He expressed concern that the shift towards premium trains and reduced general coaches is making rail travel unaffordable for the poor and middle class, urging the restoration of ordinary passenger services to ease overcrowding.

Madhubani administration cracked down on LPG cylinder hoarders and black marketers, registering two cases and recovering 89 empty cylinders. Raids uncovered illegal storage at a herbal medicine shop and a general store, leading to arrests and seizures. Special teams are now inspecting all LPG agencies to ensure fair distribution and consumer supply.

Bihar's Rajya Sabha elections saw all five NDA candidates, including CM Nitish Kumar and BJP president Nitin Nabin, secure victory. The Grand Alliance's lone RJD candidate faced an unexpected defeat due to four opposition legislators' absence. NDA's united voting secured their win, marking a significant political outcome in the state.

Two men, Amarjeet and Chandan, were arrested in Bhojpur for the Feb 22 double murder of brothers Manish and Manjeet Kumar at a wedding reception. Police revealed the killings stemmed from a decade-old land dispute over property valued at Rs 72 crore. The victims' family had recently won a court verdict, allegedly provoking the rival side to commit the murders.

In light of the fire-prone season from March 15 to June 15, Patna's District Magistrate has called upon all residents to prioritize fire safety measures. The upcoming 'Agni Suraksha Saptah' from April 14-20, 2026, aims to elevate public awareness on this crucial issue. Authorities are actively preparing by ensuring that fire hydrants and emergency vehicles are fully operational.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is poised to join an exclusive club of leaders who have served in all four legislative houses: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Bihar Assembly, and Bihar Council.

In a bold move towards urban improvement, the Patna Municipal Corporation has announced a hefty budget of Rs 2,980 crore. This financial plan emphasizes enhancing city logistics and transforming public spaces through beautification efforts. A significant initiative includes the rollout of a comprehensive Municipal Solid Waste Management system in all six circles.

In a harrowing incident, a 16-year-old girl who left Delhi with her boyfriend in search of freedom faced a tragic fate in East Champaran. Lured by false promises of a safe haven from two men, she became a victim of a brutal gang rape.

In a commendation that echoes across the nation, Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain praised Prime Minister Modi's internationally recognized disaster risk reduction strategy. Emphasizing Bihar's commitment to this initiative, he highlighted the state's forward-thinking actions to fortify safety measures.

Ahead of CM Nitish Kumar's visit, Congress leaders in Gaya highlighted stalled development projects. The Wazirganj steel plant, announced in 2008, remains on hold due to land use issues. A state-of-the-art stadium, planned in 2018, has seen no construction. Piped gas scheme delays and demands for medical college upgrades were also criticized.

The Janata Dal (United) is gearing up for its national presidential election, with the nomination window set to close on March 22. Sources indicate that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, freshly inducted into the Rajya Sabha, is poised to pursue a second term.

Residents of Patna are in an uproar over phantom deliveries and illegitimate refill records from gas distributors amid a dire LPG shortage. Many consumers are receiving notifications of cylinders supposedly delivered, only to find their tanks still empty, raising alarms about potential black-market activities and diversion.

In a shocking turn of events, Bhojpur district mourns the untimely loss of 18-year-old Sumit Kumar Pandey. Just hours before his much-anticipated Class XI final exam, the young student was tragically found shot near his home. His grandfather expressed disbelief, noting that there were no apparent conflicts within the community.

In a bid to tackle kala-azar, Madhubani district has launched its inaugural indoor residual spray campaign. Focused on villages with historical cases, specially trained teams are applying insecticides to walls to eradicate sand flies that carry the disease. The community is encouraged to stay alert for any symptoms and to seek medical assistance promptly to help prevent further outbreaks.

In a harrowing incident late Sunday night, a family residing in the Beur police station area of Patna became victims of a terrifying home invasion. Six armed intruders, utilizing a ladder to reach their secluded house, held the family at gunpoint and made off with over Rs 2 lakh in cash and jewelry.

Patliputra University is set to revolutionize its assessment approach by introducing OMR-based examinations for its skill-oriented and value-added courses beginning in April 2026. This initiative is aligned with the NEP-2020 framework, emphasizing innovative evaluation methods and enhancing skill development. The university is committed to swift and transparent assessments, building on the recent rollout of its four-year degree program.