The Times of India
Elections 2026Patna / The Times of India
Ishan Kishan's inspiring resurgence after being let go from the BCCI contract takes center stage. His key performance in India's T20 World Cup triumph emphasizes his enduring talent, even in the face of personal adversity.
A wave of distress swept through a government primary school in West Champaran when twelve students reported severe stomach pain, headaches, and vomiting shortly after their morning assembly. Authorities are probing into the possible sources of contamination, pointing to the hand pump water or mulberries consumed during their commute.
In an exciting development for healthcare in Bihar, IGIMS has taken a historic step by performing its inaugural robotic surgeries. A 26-year-old woman and a 55-year-old individual benefited from advanced gallbladder procedures utilizing cutting-edge AI-enabled robotics, ensuring precision and a quicker recovery process. This leap forward heralds a new era in patient care at the public health institute.
In a tragic incident, Prashant Kumar, a 19-year-old pursuing a Bachelor of Arts, was discovered lifeless at a lodge in Saharsa on Tuesday. The landlord raised the alarm after noticing the door to Prashant's room was locked from the inside. Authorities, including local police and forensics teams, are currently probing the case, with initial evidence pointing towards suicide.
Bihar's Education Minister Sunil Kumar urged academics to foster innovation and collaboration for higher education's transformation. He emphasized reclaiming the state's historical learning legacy, focusing on quality placements, startups, research, and nurturing responsible citizens. A workshop involving policymakers and VCs discussed strategies to build globally competitive institutions and knowledge hubs driving social and economic change.
In a bid to uplift talented yet underprivileged students, Patna University is breathing new life into its dormant endowment funds. Established by generous supporters, these scholarships and awards have sadly become inactive due to dwindling resources.
In a strategic huddle ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, the RJD and its allies expressed strong confidence in their candidate's prospects for victory. With precisely 41 MLAs in tow, the significance of unity among the opposition was highlighted. However, the conspicuous absence of AIMIM and BSP raised questions about their potential support, which remains a topic of ongoing negotiations.
RJD MP Sudhakar Singh has sharply criticized the NDA's anti-'Parivarvad' stance, calling it hypocritical following Nitish Kumar's son's political entry. Singh highlighted numerous NDA leaders with kin in politics, questioning the selective blame on RJD. He also expressed concern over potential external political influence on Bihar.
In a striking turn of events, a Rohtas court has slapped a Rs10,000 fine on the Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi for his blatant disregard of court orders regarding an Rs8.5 lakh motor accident compensation.
The tragic demise of a woman after receiving an injection at an unlicensed private hospital in Kaimur has ignited public fury. Her family claims that medical negligence played a crucial role in her sudden decline. In response, officials have shut down the facility, detained the so-called practitioner, and launched a thorough investigation.
In a significant legal development, the Enforcement Directorate has leveled charges against Arun Yadav, Kiran Devi, Rajesh Kumar Ranjan, Dipu Kumar, and their corporation for alleged money laundering activities in Patna. This case revolves around illicit sand mining operations and associated corruption, resulting in the emergence of over Rs 36 crore in unexplained assets.
In a groundbreaking move, Bihar is launching a new policy aimed at regulating the screen time and online activities of minors, amidst growing anxiety over smartphone addiction. With the insights of experts from Nimhans, the state government is rolling out initiatives such as age-specific usage limits, workshops on digital well-being in schools, and extensive awareness drives.
Tragedy struck Sasaram as two brothers, Prince Kumar (24) and Rohit Kumar (22), were killed on Dedicated Freight Corridor tracks near Bhabua Road due to dense fog. The siblings were en route to their fields when a high-speed train, obscured by poor visibility, struck them. Local villagers are now demanding safe crossing facilities to prevent future accidents.
In a dramatic raid on Tuesday morning, the Belsar police disrupted a significant illegal alcohol ring in Vaishali district, confiscating foreign liquor valued at around Rs25 lakh. Enclosed in a cleverly concealed cellar hidden beneath sacks of lime within a truck, officials found 235 cartons of illicit spirits.
Kishanganj has emerged as one of the eight most polluted cities in India, boasting an alarming Air Quality Index of 272, which categorizes it as 'poor.' This unsettling news highlights a growing environmental crisis that poses serious health risks, particularly for sensitive populations.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar criticized ICC chairman Jay Shah for taking the T20 World Cup trophy to a temple, deeming it against tradition. BJP leaders countered, with sports minister Shreyasi Singh calling Anwar's comment shameful. TMC MP Kirti Azad also attacked Shah and Nishant Kumar over nepotism, previously expressing displeasure about the temple visit, a sentiment Anwar supported.
As the Central Government extends LPG booking wait times to 25 days, residents of Patna are grappling with heightened anxieties, experiencing a 50% dip in deliveries. Distributors maintain that there's no overall shortage, yet the staggered supply and suspension of commercial bookingsbarring essential serviceshave left many worried.
Valmiki Nagar Airport in West Champaran is set for a significant upgrade, with a Rs 38.64 crore tender issued for its development. This project aims to transform the historic airstrip into a modern facility, enhancing regional air connectivity and boosting tourism and trade in North Bihar, including areas near the Nepal border.
In a dramatic turn of events, Bihar's revenue officers have initiated a strike, prompting Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha to allege the involvement of the land mafia. He has sternly warned of serious consequences if the situation does not improve.
In anticipation of the bustling travel post-Holi, East Central Railway has introduced an additional 28 special trains to cater to the soaring demand. Key routes such as Patna to New Delhi and Danapur to Anand Vihar will continue to run until March 31 and March 30 respectively.
In a recent turn of events, a West Champaran sub-inspector found himself suspended due to alleged oversights in a dowry death inquiry. Officials have disclosed that the investigating officer did not take necessary action against the main suspect, Amit Shahi, despite having ample evidence on hand.
Bihar's Deputy CM, Vijay Kumar Sinha, is taking a firm stand against illegal parking fees throughout municipal areas. He emphasized that no charges should be imposed on vehicles merely passing through. Clear display of official fee structures is mandatory, and charges will apply exclusively to parked vehicles. Notably, hearse vehicles will no longer incur any fees.
The political landscape of Bihar has lost a significant leader with the passing of Satish Kumar, former MLA renowned for galvanizing Kurmi voters in opposition to Lalu Prasad. A dedicated legislator representing Surajgarha and Asthawan thrice, his legacy is intertwined with the memorable Kurmi Chetna Rally of 1994, often viewed as a pivotal moment for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's rise.
In Gaya, the ambitious Vishnupad corridor project has sparked worry among spiritual leaders about the fate of sacred altars. However, officials have pledged that these revered sites will be safeguarded. The initiative seeks to improve amenities for pilgrims while honoring the essence of their rituals. Plans for road expansions are being contemplated with care and respect for the community's needs.
Bihar's SCERT is excited to announce the upcoming NIPUN TLM Mela 3.0, a vibrant two-day fair featuring groundbreaking educational tools curated by 282 talented teachers from every corner of the state. This event aims to revolutionize foundational literacy and numeracy by emphasizing playful, hands-on learning experiences.
Patna is set to unveil its first international-standard hockey ground, featuring a state-of-the-art Dutch astroturf. This Rs8.44 crore project, nearing completion at Rajendra Nagar Physical College, promises to elevate state-level hockey training and competition. Officials anticipate finishing the remaining work, including a sprinkler system and spectator stands, within a month, marking a significant boost for the sport in Bihar.
In a significant crackdown on suspected Maoist activities, Bihar's STF and local police have made a daring arrest in Giridih, Jharkhand. Pankaj Yadav and Pawan Kumar Singh, both wanted for serious crimes including homicide and illegal arms dealings, were captured while seeking refuge at a relative's house.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assert India's independent stance on energy security and strategic matters, free from external influence. He emphasized that national interests should guide decisions, especially amidst global geopolitical shifts and oil supply concerns. Yadav stressed India's capability to make its own choices without seeking permission.
In a strategic shift aimed at invigorating leadership, Pashupati Kumar Paras, head of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party, has welcomed Prince Raj as the newly appointed national working president. This dynamic move reflects a commitment to nurturing youthful visionaries within the party, with plans to elevate Raj to a full-time national president position in just two months.
Bihar's government is set to unveil an Incentive Policy, 2026 to revitalize its sugar industry. The plan aims to boost farmers' income through increased sugarcane cultivation and create youth employment by establishing 25 new sugar mills within five years. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to drive industrial growth and economic development across the state.
In a groundbreaking move, Patna is introducing UltraPODs, an innovative intra-government smart mobility system designed to link prominent administrative centers. This cutting-edge Personal Rapid Transit system, boasting sleek six-seater pods, is set to revolutionize travel for government officials with quick, reliable, and uninterrupted journeys.
Truck drivers in Buxar protested for better facilities and welfare, highlighting hardships faced on national highways. Demands include a pension scheme, accident compensation, drivers' commission, and improved rest stops. They also seek health cards and recognition for drivers' contributions, urging government action on their long-pending issues.
In a tragic twist of fate, Kundan Kumar, a speech-impaired teenager in Bihar's Vaishali district, lost his life over a cricket match misunderstanding. While caught up in the excitement of the India-New Zealand T20 World Cup final, a misunderstood cheer from Kundan triggered a violent confrontation with another individual.
A man's body was discovered under suspicious circumstances in Bhojpur district after he attended a neighbour's party. His family alleges foul play, claiming he was strangled. Police have taken two individuals into custody for questioning and are awaiting the autopsy report to determine the exact cause of death.

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