The Times of India News

In a significant breakthrough, Gopalganj police have apprehended the ringleader behind the audacious heist at the revered Thawe Bhawani Temple, where treasures valued over Rs 90 lakh were swiped. After a thorough five-day chase spanning three states, bolstered by advanced forensic analysis and CCTV insights, the team is hopeful about the imminent recovery of the pilfered assets.

Bihars planning and development department has joined forces with The Convergence Foundation in a strategic three-year venture designed to supercharge the state's economic progress. This volunteer-driven initiative will prioritize investments, bolster regional development, boost tourism, and enhance the effectiveness of government programs.

On Tuesday, Patna was enveloped in a thick blanket of fog, causing a ripple effect in air travel. An IndiGo flight intended for the capital was rerouted to Raipur, and four other flights were scrapped altogether.

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Khaira village as three young lives were tragically cut short due to an electrocution accident involving an 11KV overhead wire. The young men, two cousins and a friend, were attempting to navigate a low-tension line that intersected with the high-voltage wire, unaware of the deadly risks involved.

In a shocking development, Patna police have apprehended two women linked to a heinous acid attack on Sushma Gupta, a local beautician. Investigators uncovered a dark plot driven by deep-rooted jealousy over a suspected love affair. The victim was cunningly deceived into taking a particular route, where the assailant was waiting to alter her life forever.

Vigilance sleuths in Bihar apprehended two officials for corruption. Revenue employee Raja Kumar was caught accepting Rs1 lakh in Patna for land clearance, while SI Kanhaiya Singh was nabbed with Rs40,000 in Siwan for removing a name from a case. Both arrests followed verified complaints, with investigations ongoing.

This tourist season, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar is captivating adventurers from around the globe. Travelers from countries like the US and Germany are enchanted by the serene landscape and the allure of eco-friendly bamboo huts that offer a unique stay. With enhanced amenities and exhilarating jungle safaris, VTR is swiftly gaining recognition as an attractive eco-tourism destination.

Patna's district administration is accelerating the verification of over 100,000 ration cards to ensure only eligible beneficiaries receive benefits. New applications are also being fast-tracked, with officials ordered to expedite processing and ensure timely grain allotments. Regular inspections and raids on fair price shops are mandated to maintain transparency in the Public Distribution System, with defaulting vendors facing action.

Bihar is preparing for a harsh winter as dense fog continues to blanket the region, making the next 48 hours quite challenging. With temperatures expected to plummet, certain districts are under strict severe cold day alerts. The heavy fog is causing significant visibility issues, creating hurdles for everyday activities.

Archana Verma of NITI Aayog reviewed Khagaria's development schemes, noting the district's top national performance. She visited milk collection, digital learning, fishing, and banana fibre units. Verma expressed satisfaction with the implementation of central and state government initiatives, highlighting the district's progress.

Four medical students at Bettiah Government Medical College have been suspended and ordered to leave the hostel following a violent altercation with Jeevika didis in the kitchen. The dispute over food escalated, leading to an assault on the workers, with several sustaining injuries. The college has banned students from the kitchen and is taking disciplinary action.

The Madhubani State Youth Festival-2025 kicked off with an electrifying parade, bringing together 1,202 enthusiastic participants from 38 districts. District Magistrate Anand Sharma inspired the youth, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities presented by 'Saat Nischay 3' while honing their practical skills.

Ahead of the New Year, Bihar government elevated 43 IPS officers. Kundan Krishnan, currently on central deputation, is now a Director General of Police. One Inspector General was promoted to Additional Director General, while eight Deputy Inspectors General became Inspectors General.

Government Engineering College, Buxar's startup cell hosted an expert session for B Tech students, focusing on industry readiness, startup culture, and AI's pivotal role. Principal Ram Naresh Rai emphasized practical skills and innovation, urging students to embrace continuous learning for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Keynote speaker Gokul Ojha shared insights on AI applications and startup fundamentals.

East Central Railway's RPF has earned the prestigious Railway Board Security Shield for 2025, recognized as the best among all zonal railways. This accolade highlights their exceptional work in protecting railway property and ensuring passenger safety, particularly for women and children. Their efforts led to solving numerous crime cases, including narcotics trafficking and human trafficking, with significant arrests and rescues.

Buxar railway station is undergoing a significant upgrade, costing approximately Rs30 lakh, to transform it into a major junction. The project includes adding two new 650-meter platforms, enhancing train handling capacity, and modernizing tracks with ballastless technology. A new bypass line is also being constructed to improve connectivity, ensuring better passenger facilities and managing rising train traffic.

Police in West Champaran have arrested a man and his brother for allegedly killing his wife over an affair. The husband, Ranjeet Ram, confessed to the crime after his father-in-law reported his daughter missing. The couple reportedly argued about her phone calls with her brother-in-law, leading to her death. Her decomposed body was found hidden along an embankment.

Left parties in Bihar protested the Centre's new VB-G-RAM-G program, viewing it as an attempt to dismantle MGNREGA. They argue MGNREGA, a vital job guarantee scheme, is being undermined by the current government. Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also voiced strong opposition, signaling a political battle over the future of rural employment initiatives.

IIBM Patna's cultural club, Jashniva, hosted 'Bells and Beginnings,' a vibrant Christmas and New Year celebration. The event featured a lamp lighting ceremony, followed by an energetic karaoke battle, games, and dance performances. Dignitaries lauded students' creativity and spontaneity. Aradhya and Rajnandani clinched the karaoke competition, adding to the festive cheer.

Congress criticizes the central government's proposed MGNREGA overhaul, alleging it aims to dismantle the scheme by shifting financial burdens to states. They claim the Modi government is diluting the program, established by the UPA to ensure rural employment and prevent hunger. The BJP counters, stating the scheme is being effectively implemented with enhanced transparency and aims to depoliticize welfare initiatives.

Bihar witnesses a significant drop in major crimes like murder, dacoity, and riots in 2025, attributed to enhanced policing. Left Wing Extremism violence has ceased, with Maoist-infested districts now at zero. Police have made substantial arrests and seized numerous firearms, bolstering state security and reducing communal tensions.

Patna and surrounding areas saw a brief respite from fog on Monday as the sun appeared after four days. Despite weak sunlight, chilly winds persisted, with Gaya experiencing severe cold day conditions. Dense fog is expected to continue across the state, impacting visibility and temperatures, though daytime warmth may slightly increase before nighttime lows drop further.

Patna is alive with creativity, yet its performing arts scene is at a crossroads: how to transform open mic nights from casual practice into lucrative performances. Among a passionate youth community, there's a notable hesitance from audiences to invest in the art, with social media clout often taking precedence over genuine artistic endeavor.

Patliputra University is gearing up to launch the first-semester postgraduate examinations for the 2025-27 cohort from January 5-9 at nine designated centres. A massive turnout of around 10,000 students is anticipated.