The Times of India

In a significant move towards greater governmental transparency, Bihar is set to install CCTV cameras across its 537 block offices, with an investment of Rs 1.25 lakh earmarked for each location. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha has championed this initiative, which is expected to bolster accountability within local administration.

In a significant stride for public health, Bihar's health minister revealed that 91 health centers have earned recognition for excellence through NQAS and LaQshya certifications. This forward-thinking initiative is designed to enhance not just infrastructure, but also the quality of care patients receive, especially in rural areas.

Patna is on a transformative journey towards sustainable waste management, with plans to eliminate 20 lakh metric tonnes of outdated waste by May 2026. The city is currently employing an innovative biomining technique that categorizes waste into valuable resources like fuel, bio-soil, and inert materials.

In a swift operation early Wednesday, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) agents near the India-Nepal border in Madhubani district thwarted a major attempt to smuggle illegal Nepali liquor. Thanks to a reliable tip-off, the team managed to arrest two Indian smugglers and seize a staggering 1,845 liters of illicit liquor, alongside 22 motorcycles and various smuggling tools.

In a heart-wrenching incident in Patna's Bikram locality, a vehicle careened into a canal, tragically taking the lives of a beloved couple, Jitendra Kumar and Malti Devi. Remarkably, two other passengers managed to escape the water-logged car.

Bihar has proudly proclaimed itself free of Maoist influence, marking a significant milestone with the surrender of former high-ranking operative Suresh Koda. With a hefty bounty of Rs 3 lakh on his head, Koda, a member of the Special Area Committee, brought forth a stockpile of weapons as he stepped into the light after 25 years in hiding.

The Patna High Court has expressed grave concerns over the state of mental health services in Bihar, particularly for those abandoned and suffering from mental illnesses. In response to a troubling report regarding the state's only government-run mental health facility, the court has called upon top officials from both state and central authorities to address the issue.

In a startling turn of events, Bihar's prohibition law, which has been in place for a decade, is under scrutiny once again, this time from unexpected political allies. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi raised his voice against the law, shedding light on how it disproportionately affects the marginalized and leads to substantial revenue losses.

In Patna, the education department is revolutionizing the PM Poshan Scheme, successfully extending its reach to 3,017 schools. This initiative is paired with inclusive education training that has empowered over 5,000 teachers and parents, fostering a supportive learning environment.

In a heated session at the Bihar Assembly, RJD MLAs clamored for an ambitious 85% reservation cap, but the Speaker swiftly dismissed their adjournment motion. Meanwhile, discussions turned somber as the Deputy CM hinted at potential policy changes concerning the transport of deceased migrant workers.

Bihar's countryside is gearing up for transformation, thanks to the impressive network of 1.19 lakh km of roads and 2,884 bridges established over the past twenty years. The state government is committed to improving access for all, channeling resources into expanding all-weather roads to benefit even the most remote villages and underserved areas.

In a heartbreaking incident in West Champaran, an 18-year-old's life was tragically cut short when his motorcycle collided with a tractor near the narrow Motipur bridge, propelling him and a friend into the canal below. This devastating event ignited protests among local residents, who passionately called for a wider bridge to prevent future tragedies.

In a shocking turn of events, 55-year-old Santosh Seth lost his life in a violent altercation in Turha Toli, Buxar. What began as a disagreement with a local vegetable seller escalated into chaos on Tuesday night, leading to a brutal attack involving bricks and stones.

In a significant diplomatic gathering in Patna, Nilesh M Desai, the Director of ISRO's Space Applications Centre, engaged with Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The two leaders exchanged tokens of appreciationa memento from Desai and a bouquet from Kumar.

Patna High Court has dismissed the plea of 20 assistant professors at Mirza Ghalib College, Gaya, upholding their termination. The appointments, made in 2021, were found to have gross anomalies and a flawed selection committee, violating Bihar State Universities Act. The court emphasized that minority rights do not permit maladministration.

In a candid appeal, RLM MLA Madhav Anand, a supporter of Bihar's ruling NDA, has called for a fresh examination of the states liquor prohibition law, which has been in place for ten years. He pointed out that despite the ban, alcohol remains accessible, and drug use is on the rise among the youth.

In a historic courtroom first, a Patna judge ruled on the roadside regarding a decade-and-a-half old bank fraud case. The elder defendant, Jai Narayan Singh, 95, confessed his misdeeds from the comfort of his car. The judge imposed a nominal fine of Rs 2,000, taking into account that the accused had already settled his Rs 4 lakh loan.

East Central Railway has significantly bolstered security for Holi, anticipating an extra 15-20 lakh passengers. The Railway Protection Force, in collaboration with the Government Railway Police, is implementing robust crowd management, round-the-clock surveillance at vulnerable points, and deploying quick response teams. Special attention is given to women's safety and preventing touting to ensure a secure travel experience for all.

In a detailed probe, the police in Patna are delving into the mysterious death of an Intermediate student found near AIIMS Golambar. To shed light on the incident, the Forensic Science Lab team staged a chilling experiment where dummies were dropped from a five-storey height.

Elderly pension recipients in Madhepura's Murliganj block were shocked to find themselves officially declared deceased on government records. Beneficiaries, denied payments for months, discovered this error when inquiring at the block office. Local residents suspect corruption, alleging that individuals who refused bribes were wrongly removed from the pension rolls after being falsely marked as 'dead' without proper checks.

Mark your calendars! Patna is gearing up for the grand Mahila Udyami Phagunotsav 2026, taking place from February 19-23 at the iconic Gyan Bhawan. This vibrant festival will celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship, featuring over 225 talented women artisans from around India.

In Jehanabad, the family of a NEET student is engulfed in anxiety as they receive alarming death threats, despite the presence of constant police protection. A chilling new note suggests dire consequences for their son unless they comply, echoing a similar warning from the previous week

Malaysia's Sunyatee International Foundation is making strides in restoring ancient Indian sutras, translating texts like the Gita and Buddha philosophy from palm leaves. Led by IIT-Kharagpur alumnus Lim Siow Jin, the initiative aims to showcase India's historical writing prowess. The project, which began in 2022, also focuses on mental wellness and health for underprivileged communities through meditation and nutrition programs.

In a significant expansion effort, Punjab & Sind Bank has opened a brand new zonal office in Patna, Bihar, strategically positioned to manage its diverse portfolio of 43 branches across Bihar and Jharkhand. The inauguration was gracefully conducted by Executive Director Rajeeva at the prestigious Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan.

In a proactive move to enhance Bihar's industrial landscape, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and a team of ministers engaged with Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to delve into the challenges of ethanol procurement and the state's energy infrastructure.

In an ambitious step towards enhancing housing infrastructure, Bihar's Rural Development Minister revealed that the state is awaiting central approval for the construction of 1.04 crore pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha has mandated stringent new measures for urban development projects, emphasizing timely completion, high quality, and transparency. Live video monitoring from offices will replace physical inspections, bolstered by two special flying squad teams for surprise checks.

In a bold move to address wildlife challenges, Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar announced an increase in licensed hunters to 400, complemented by a streamlined application process aimed at combating the troublesome 'ghorparas.

Bhagalpur collectorate faced a scare Tuesday after a bomb threat email, purportedly from LTTE and Pakistan's ISI, claimed RDX devices were planted. The premises were evacuated for a thorough security sweep. Bizarre demands were made, including renaming a road and ending EWS reservations.