The Times of India

Vote counting for the Bankipur assembly bypoll commenced amid tight security arrangements. Prashant Kishor makes his electoral debut, challenging the BJP's hold on the seat. The byelection was necessitated after Nitin Nabin resigned following his Rajya Sabha election. A total of twenty-six candidates are contesting this significant electoral contest. The voter turnout recorded a decline compared to the previous assembly election.

A fire erupted in the engine and a coach of the Samastipur-Saharsa passenger train. Passengers were safely evacuated from the train at Simri Bakhtiyarpur railway station. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, causing some panic. Railway officials and emergency teams responded quickly to control the situation. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Mukta Mohini, co-founder of an early intervention and special needs centre in Patna and mother of two autistic children, has experienced autism care in the city both as a parent and a professional. Speaking to Adwitiya Deb of STOI, she discusses delayed diagnosis, gaps in support systems and what a truly inclusive city should look like

In Bihar, middle-class families are grappling with the high costs of autism therapy. Roma Kumari made the tough decision to sell her land to finance her son Jatin's treatment. Nivriti Singh moved to Patna, incurring hefty expenses on rent while juggling therapy bills. Meanwhile, Amrendra Kumar Puri borrowed money and tightened his family's budget to provide care for his son.

As autism diagnoses rise, more families in Patna are seeking help, but experts say the citys schools, public spaces and support systems remain ill-equipped to meet childrens needs. STOIs Adwitiya Deb takes a closer look at the gaps in awareness, acceptance and inclusion

An executive officer of the Dehri-Dalmianagar Municipal Council was shot dead. Vimal Kumar was killed by unidentified assailants near Dhanauti Bridge on Saturday evening. Attackers first assaulted Kumar with sticks before opening fire on him. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him dead. Police have cordoned off the area and launched raids to apprehend the culprits.

A significant fire erupted at the Judicial Magistrate First Class office on Saturday morning. The blaze destroyed numerous important case files and legal records before court proceedings began. Firefighting teams battled for hours to bring the flames under control after the incident. Officials are now assessing the extensive damage and investigating the fire's cause. Hearings scheduled for Saturday have been postponed due to the fire.