The Times of India

Bihar's backward classes welfare department has opened admissions for 2026-27 in 39 girls' residential schools. Applications are open for vacant seats in Classes VI to IX, with a focus on Class VI. An entrance exam on March 1 will assess Hindi, English, math, science, and social science. Strict income and age criteria apply. The application deadline is February 9, 2026.

In a shocking turn of events, the Jodhpur-Kamakhya Express was targeted by thieves who executed a bold robbery, pulling the alarm chain and making off with passengers' valuables. The 36-hour manhunt has yielded no suspects, prompting increasing frustration among travelers as concerns over train security mount. Passengers are now calling for stricter safety measures and greater accountability from railway authorities.

Doctors at Madhubani Sadar Hospital achieved a medical first, successfully treating a patient with severe hydropneumothorax. The complex operation, involving chest tube insertion to drain life-threatening fluid and air buildup, was performed by a specialist team. The patient's condition has stabilized, marking a significant advancement for critical care at the facility.

In a challenging turn of events, travelers endured extensive delays on Friday due to a thick blanket of fog and a chilling cold wave that gripped the region. Key train services heading to Bihar from Delhi, notably the Tejas Rajdhani and Sampoorna Kranti, experienced prolonged stoppages, leaving many passengers shivering while they awaited their journeys.

Social values evolve, but freedom of expression demands ethical responsibility, stated State Information Commissioner Prakash Kumar at a Buxar seminar. He emphasized that content harming social harmony, though legally permissible, can be morally questionable. BJP MLC Nawal Kumar Yadav highlighted the media's crucial role as a bridge, warning that sensationalism and misinformation erode democratic values.

Bihar is currently under the spell of a relentless winter, where frosty winds and a thick blanket of fog have disrupted daily routines. Patna is experiencing a stubborn minimum temperature lingering in the single digits for days on end, while cold day conditions refuse to relent.

In Rajgir, a humble tea stall has been a beacon of kindness for over three decades, offering free milk to infants up to 18 months old. Started by Sarvan Kumar and continued by his brother Ranjit, the initiative stems from a deep-seated belief in serving the needy.

In a remarkable turn of events, Bihar recorded an impressive decline in major crimes in 2025, with bank robberies plummeting by 80% and a reduction in homicides by 8.3%. DGP Vinay Kumar attributed this success to strategic law enforcement efforts, including a surge in arrests, optimized cybercrime initiatives, and advancements in forensic science.

During his visit to IIT-Patna, newly appointed Chairman T V Narendran, the global CEO of Tata Steel, expressed admiration for the institute's impressive academic achievements and state-of-the-art facilities. He engaged with faculty and administrators, stressing the pivotal impact of startups and entrepreneurship on the country's economic landscape.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspected the JP Ganga Path beautification project, envisioning it as a prime attraction in Patna. The ongoing work, including landscaping, plantation, and the addition of amenities like food parks and selfie points, aims to transform the riverfront stretch into a vibrant public space.

In a monumental step towards modernization, Bihar is poised to leverage Artificial Intelligence and digital governance in every facet of state administration. High-ranking officials, led by the Chief Secretary, convened with technology leaders to strategize the incorporation of AI into vital sectors like education reform, women's and child welfare, and public safety.

Patna College marked its 164th foundation day with vibrant celebrations, including a flag hoisting and balloon release. Top-performing students and retired staff were honored. Speakers emphasized the college's rich heritage and the need to adapt to modern challenges to regain its academic leadership. A 'kavi sammelan' and 'mushaira' concluded the festivities.

In a proactive move, AIIMS-Patna organized a community outreach event to tackle the health hazards posed by the extreme cold wave. Medical professionals shed light on critical issues like hypothermia, heart attacks, and strokes, particularly emphasizing the vulnerability of children.

In a bold move to enhance governance, the Bihar government has undertaken a major reshuffling, with 21 IAS and 71 IPS officers being reassigned. This strategic transfer touches various key positions across districts, municipal bodies, and police organizations, including critical leadership roles like DG STF and ADG Headquarters, all designed to streamline operations and improve service delivery throughout the state.

A 35-year-old woman was beaten to death and four others injured in Bihar's Nawada district following a dispute over alleged witchcraft. Tensions flared when a neighbor's child fell ill, leading to accusations against the deceased woman. Her family claims relatives from the neighboring family attacked her with bricks, stones, and iron rods.

In a momentous ceremony, the Patna High Court has embraced two talented newcomers, Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar, as Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo presided over their swearing-in. Justice Ritesh Kumar brings a unique perspective to the court, grounded in sociology and seasoned in constitutional and service law, having served various state universities and corporations.

Tej Pratap Yadav, the estranged eldest son of Lalu Prasad, is stirring up the political pot in Bihar as he hosts a Makar Sankranti celebration, inviting ministers from the NDA. Despite being ousted from the RJD and facing familial rejection, his move raises eyebrows and ignites talks of possible political shifts.

In an aggressive crackdown on fraudulent job schemes, Enforcement Directorate (ED) operatives descended on Muzaffarpur and Motihari, probing a significant money laundering racket. The prime suspect, Mantu Shah, managed to evade capture at his premises in Muzaffarpur.

On Thursday, an alarming wave swept through Bihar as courts in Patna, Araria, and Gaya were evacuated due to ominous email threats suggesting the presence of RDX explosives. Bomb squads swiftly sprang into action, meticulously scouring the premises, yet ultimately uncovered no threats.

Exciting news for cane growers in Bihar! For the 2025-26 season, they'll enjoy an increase of Rs 15 per quintal for their harvest. The super grade will now be priced at Rs 380, while general grade will go for Rs 360, and low grade will stand at Rs 330.

Bihar Minister Mangal Pandey criticized West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging she hindered the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into money laundering. He claimed her interference at the premises of a suspect and associated firm was a blatant breach of constitutional norms, aimed at protecting wrongdoers.

In a significant meeting, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha engaged with Gujarat's Urban Development and Housing Development minister to delve into the states urban development triumphs. The dialogue centered around innovative smart city initiatives, robust infrastructure enhancement, and a focus on citizen participation in planning.

Starting Saturday, January 10, the Bihar Congress will rally across the state to oppose the VB-G-RAM-G Act and demand a revival of the MGNREGA program. Leaders of the party claim that the legislation threatens the employment rights of rural communities, consolidates authority inappropriately, and imposes financial strain on state resources.

In a heartfelt tribute, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his sorrow over the untimely passing of Agnivesh Agrawal, son of Anil Agarwal, who tragically lost his life due to a skiing accident in New York, followed by a cardiac incident.

During the launch of a specialized training initiative for engineers from the state rural works department, IIT-Patna Director T N Singh underscored the essential contribution of civil engineers to the progress of our nation. Over the course of 12 days, participants will delve into critical aspects of rural infrastructure, with a focus on hydraulics, foundation design, and pavement engineering.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Ajay Kumar Pandey, a steadfast assistant sub-inspector, lost his life while on duty in West Champaran. At the age of 55, the dedicated officer from Purnia was attending to a Dial 112 call when he suddenly collapsed from severe chest pain. Despite swift transport to Bagaha sub-divisional hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival.

In a devastating incident at the Chausa thermal power plant in Buxar, a tragic accident claimed the life of 44-year-old worker Rajkumar, who was tragically crushed under a 10-tonne iron pipe. The mishap, caused by a failure in support during a lift, sparked immediate unrest among workers demanding stricter safety protocols.

In a tragic incident in Aurangabad, 28-year-old Suman Kumar lost his life after being allegedly assaulted by employees at a local rice mill over theft suspicions. While the mill staff maintain that he was apprehended while trying to steal paddy, Suman's family staunchly defends his character, labeling the accusations unfounded.