The Times of India
Elections 2026Patna / The Times of India
Lawmakers across party lines in Bihar are pushing for a cashless medical treatment system for legislators and state employees, citing issues with the current reimbursement process. Delays, deductions, and incomplete reimbursements have prompted calls for a streamlined, cashless approach. The health minister assured that the government is actively discussing the matter with the finance department to implement such a system.
Bihar mandates High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for all vehicles to enhance identification and road safety. While many vehicles now have HSRP, their details aren't updated on the VAHAN portal, causing confusion. Owners receiving reminders after installation should visit their District Transport Officer for verification and data update to prevent future issues.
Bihar government is banning meat and fish sales near schools, temples, and busy spots. This move aims to protect public health and prevent negative influences on children. Authorities are cracking down on unlicensed and unhygienic shops. Municipal bodies must identify and act against these outlets. Strict adherence to licensing and hygiene rules will be enforced.
In a case linked to an alleged 2021 custodial torture incident involving a TDP leader, Andhra Pradesh police detained an IPS officer in Patna. However, a local court refused their request for transit remand, pointing to procedural lapses, including the absence of an arrest warrant and the case diary.
In Bihar, legislators from all political parties have jointly pressed the government to raise the constituency development allocation to Rs 5 crore, arguing that project costs have surged and pointing to higher limits in other states. The treasury benches have promised to examine the demand.
Gayas high-value Rs 78 crore Electronic National Agriculture Marketing (ENAM) hub has hit yet another roadblock, with two key retail seller blocks still unfinished. Earlier targets have been missed, and even with mounting pressure to complete work before CM Nitish Kumars planned Samriddhi Yatra, the market is unlikely to become operational soon.
Bihars Cooperative Minister has revealed that a 50-member delegation will travel to Gujarat to examine its leading cooperative farming and dairy models. Insights from the visit will be used to adapt similar systems in Bihar, turning fragmented landholdings into engines of job creation and rural income.
Members of the Bodh Gaya Temple Advisory Board raised alarms that the proposed Mahabodhi Corridor could conflict with UNESCO World Heritage regulations. They stressed that any development must safeguard the sites spiritual integrity and meet global conservation benchmarks.
In Bihars legislative assembly, debate took a delicious turn as MLAs lobbied for Geographical Indication tags for their hometown sweets. Barhs crunchy 'laai', Gayas famed 'tilkut', and Lakhisarais syrupy 'rasgulla' all took center stage in a bid for national recognition.
Bihars Chief Secretary has mandated the use of satellite imagery to accurately locate and eradicate illegal opium and cannabis plantations. Regular Narco Coordination Centre reviews are now compulsoryquarterly at the state level and monthly in districts.
An IG rank officer in Bihar, Sunil Kumar Naik, was arrested by Andhra Pradesh Police in connection with a five-year-old case of alleged custodial torture. The case involves a 2021 incident in Guntur district where Naik was serving as DIG (CID).
Tragedy struck a wedding reception in Shahpur village, Bihar, late Sunday evening. Two brothers, Manjeet Kumar and Manish Kumar, were shot dead by unidentified assailants. Preliminary investigations suggest an old dispute, possibly property-related, led to the fatal incident. Police are actively searching for the accused and have sent the bodies for post-mortem.
In a shocking turn of events, a joyous wedding celebration in Patna's Shahpur village transformed into a scene of chaos early Sunday evening. A longstanding land conflict between two brothers, Manjeet and Manish Kumar, turned deadly as a heated argument spiraled out of control. Manish succumbed to his injuries, while Manjeet fights for his life, receiving critical care.
In a groundbreaking initiative, law enforcement agents in Bihar participated in a workshop tailored to enhance their understanding of Gram Kachahri's pivotal role in enforcing POCSO and Juvenile Justice laws. Specialists underscored the importance of upholding legal frameworks for community wellbeing, illustrating how effective grassroots mediation can transform local conflict resolution.
In a grand ceremony, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar honored the remarkable teenage cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, presenting him with a Rs 50 lakh cheque and a traditional 'angavastra'. The young star was celebrated for his extraordinary 175 runs that secured India's U-19 World Cup title, alongside his impressive records in the IPL.
The Patna Municipal Corporation is on a mission to clean up the cityscape by eliminating unauthorized ads and hoardings, looking to enforce new regulations while enhancing its revenue streams. This initiative, which has already seen the removal of 196 illegal installations across all zones, has resulted in 253 notices being issued.
Tejashwi Yadav has called out the BJP for allegedly manipulating Nitish Kumar to further its own interests, claiming that the government is turning a blind eye to the struggles of the poor and marginalized communities, while the crime rate and the liquor industry flourish unchecked. He expressed outrage over the BJP's delay in implementing the 65% job reservation initiative.
In a shocking turn of events, the lifeless body of Rinku Devi, 45, was found in Madhepura, Bihar, igniting a tense murder probe. Her son has named his cousin, Niwas Singh, as a suspect stemming from a bitter family feud.

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