The Times of India

Starting this Monday, Patliputra University will kick off the Semester VI examinations for the 2023-27 cohort, with a staggering 80,000 students from arts, science, and commerce disciplines participating. The tests are set to take place across 40 centers in the bustling districts of Patna and Nalanda.

In a bold strategic move, the Bihar government unveiled a major administrative overhaul on Sunday, reshaping key roles within its ranks. The Governor's Principal Secretary, Robert L Chongthu, is now set to lead the minority welfare department, while Gopal Meena ascends to the Governor's Secretary position, adding the responsibilities of Vigilance Commissioner to his portfolio.

Exciting news from Magadh University! Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, they will introduce a brand-new Master of Computer Applications (MCA) program, having secured AICTE approval. This initiative will roll out at the picturesque Bodh Gaya campus, with 60 coveted seats available for eager students looking to expand their horizons in technology.

Attention commuters! Patna Metro will pause operations on Monday, April 27, to allow the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety to conduct a pivotal safety inspection along the Bhootnath to Malahi Pakri line. This 2.75-kilometer stretch is on the brink of becoming operational.

In a relentless pursuit of justice, Patna police arrested Ranjit Kumar, 39, just three days after a heinous crime shook the community: the attempted rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl. Luring the innocent child to his rented space, he brutally silenced her cries with a stone grinder when she resisted.

In an unexpected twist, Bihar's strict liquor ban has triggered a peculiar migration pattern. Locals from Bagaha and surrounding regions are now making their way to Uttar Pradesh and even Nepalnot for jobs, but for a shot at indulging in alcohol.

In a groundbreaking effort to bolster the forensic expertise in Bihar, Patna University has announced the introduction of a postgraduate course in forensic science set to commence in the 2026-27 academic year. The innovative curriculum has received official approval and will be taught at the Central Research Facility Centre.

Residents of Jai Prakash Nagar are grappling with severe health risks and travel disruptions as the Rajiv Nagar drain spills over, inundating streets with foul-smelling water. The recent collapse of a road into the drainresulting in a JCB falling inraises urgent safety alarms.

In a significant move to address absenteeism, the Bihar government has imposed a Rs 1,000 deduction from the salaries of over 600 revenue and circle officers who have been absent en masse since February. This protest stems from frustrations over stalled promotional opportunities, directly impacting the crucial Census 2027 efforts.

In Bihar, the tough stance on liquor prohibition finds itself in a relentless struggle with liquor smuggling. This has triggered a substantial crackdown with authorities reporting over 9,36,000 cases and the confiscation of vast quantities of illegal spirits

A brutal murder has shocked Patna as an unidentified young man's bloodied body was found near a lodge. Evidence suggests a violent attack inside the lodge, with blood trails leading to the discovery site. Police are actively searching for a second young man who was seen with the victim, believed to be the prime suspect in this grim incident.

Bihar's road construction department is now using river and pond silt for building roads, a move aimed at speeding up projects and offering multiple environmental benefits. This initiative protects fertile farmland, enhances water bodies' capacity, and aids groundwater recharge.

A shocking dowry-related murder has come to light in Patna, where a newly married woman's body was exhumed from a deep grave. Her in-laws allegedly murdered her and buried her body, even setting the site ablaze to conceal the crime. Police have launched a manhunt for the absconding accused, promising swift justice.

In a remarkable feat, doctors at Paras HMRI Hospital in Patna have successfully removed a 10-cm kidney tumour from an 85-year-old patient using advanced robotic surgery. The complex procedure involved carefully detaching the mass, which was tightly bound to the spleen and other nearby structures.

Bihar Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad staged a high-intensity mock drill at Patna High Court, simulating a bus hijacking by armed terrorists. The exercise showcased rapid commando action, sniffer dogs, and strategic coordination, culminating in the swift neutralisation of the mock attackers. Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo stressed the need for robust security and swift response mechanisms within the court premises.

Independent MP Pappu Yadav faces escalating controversy over his remarks on women in politics. A JD(U) leader has filed an FIR application, citing the comments as defamatory and an attack on women's dignity. The Bihar State Women's Commission has issued a notice seeking an explanation. Yadav offered a conditional apology, stating his intent was to expose exploitation.

A 70-year-old man, Balmiki Prasad, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Patna's Maranchi police station area. Police suspect murder and have launched a thorough investigation, involving forensic teams and technical experts. The deceased's family has filed an FIR against unknown individuals, and authorities are pursuing all leads to apprehend the culprits.

In a unique Navami tradition, Naurangiya village in Bihar emptied for 12 hours, with residents and livestock retreating to nearby forests. This Tharu community ritual, believed to appease a deity and ward off calamities, has roots in past epidemics and disasters. Villagers spend the day in the forest, fostering a community spirit, before returning to their homes.

Four excise police personnel from Nawada's Pakribarawan station were arrested for allegedly kidnapping a man and extorting Rs 1.5 lakh from his family. The victim was detained on suspicion of transporting illegal liquor, but instead of following procedure, officers demanded ransom. Rs 1.5 lakh cash was recovered from one officer's residence. An investigation is ongoing.

A scandal has erupted in Patna as the BPSC assistant public sanitation exam was plagued by malpractice. Authorities apprehended both a candidate and a biometric staff member after the former was discovered with answer chits, which were reportedly supplied by the staffer.

In the vibrant Bihar assembly, tensions flared as the NDA government celebrated its successful floor test. The ruling coalition championed its agenda for progress while dismissing fears of a financial downturn, yet opposition voices echoed worries over the state's growing debt burdens. Defenders of the government showcased statistics meant to reassure the public about Bihar's fiscal health.

Bihar's sweltering summer reaches new heights as southern areas prepare for suffocating temperatures between 40-44C, accompanied by severe heatwave alerts. Meanwhile, northern regions are greeted by the promise of scattered rain and tumultuous thunderstorms, yet nine locations have already reported soaring temperatures above 40C.