The Times of India News

In a proactive move to enhance road safety, Transport Secretary Raj Kumar has tasked district officials with pinpointing high-risk accident zones for immediate intervention. Safety upgrades, including foot overbridges and traffic signals, are set to be implemented swiftly. Moreover, he emphasized the crucial role of skilled drivers, instituting mandatory specialized training at IDTR for both government and contract drivers.

In an exciting development for the education sector, Bihar's Education Minister has confirmed that requisitions for TRE-4 teacher appointments will be submitted to the BPSC by January 14. Following the successful recruitment of over 2.

In a major crackdown, Patna police have uncovered an extensive ganja smuggling operation, leading to the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of 84 kg of marijuana worth around Rs1 crore. This gang utilized Patna as a crucial transit point, procuring drugs from the Northeast for distribution to cities like Delhi and Varanasi.

In Patna, a group of recent engineering graduates has initiated a protest against the BPSC's policy regarding the Assistant Engineer exam. They are calling for the elimination of the 25% weightage assigned to contractual experience, claiming that it puts deserving fresh candidates at a disadvantage.

On January 3, Chanakya National Law University will welcome Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the distinguished guest for their annual convocation. He will inspire over 1,100 graduates, including those receiving PhDs and master's degrees, as they embark on their new journeys. Among them, 76 students will be celebrated for their exceptional academic achievements.

In a pivotal meeting in Delhi, Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi engaged with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his advice on progressing the state's development agenda. They delved into the significance of Punaura Dham as a cultural touchstone, the promotion of Makhana farmers welfare, and strategies for fortifying the party's grassroots structure.

In a ceremonial event, the District Magistrate of Gaya proudly presented the 2026 calendar for the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, emphasizing the recent initiatives aimed at enriching the visitor experience. Among these are the newly inaugurated BTMC facility, the implementation of solar power systems, and enhanced accessibility with wider ramps.

In a significant development in Bihar's education sector, Minister Sunil Kumar announced that the appointment of cabinet minister Ashok Choudhary as an assistant professor has been sent back to the Bihar State University Service Commission for further evaluation due to noted inconsistencies.

In a decisive move to strengthen its fight against terrorism, Bihar Police is setting up four new regional offices for its Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Gaya, Motihari, Darbhanga, and Purnia. This expansion is designed to enhance intelligence activities and improve operational capabilities throughout the state, with each office managed by a dedicated deputy SP.

In a captivating winter study tour, ten IAS trainees from the 2025 cohort visited NIPER-Hajipur. Their journey highlighted the pharmaceutical industrys indispensable contributions to public health and national governance. Engaging presentations shed light on regulatory frameworks and socio-economic ramifications, while hands-on lab visits showcased cutting-edge research and innovation.

As 2026 rolls in, Bihar will welcome the New Year shrouded in a blanket of dense fog and a chill in the air. Residents in both northern and south-western districts can expect visibility to be quite limited, with temperatures hovering between a crisp 14-18C during the day and plummeting to 8C at night.

After four long years, the Chausa railway overbridge in Buxar is still a work in progress, exacerbating daily struggles for many residents. Once expected to wrap up much sooner, the expected completion date has now slipped to 2026. Traffic snarls on a precarious narrow detour are causing significant disruptions, particularly affecting students, emergency patients, and local businesses.

In a pivotal move for the agricultural landscape, the Bihar government plans to breathe new life into nine dormant sugar mills, igniting a wave of optimism among farmers in West Champaran and neighboring areas.

On Monday, a thick blanket of fog enveloped Patna, causing a major upheaval in air travel. Multiple flights were canceled, leaving travelers stuck and frustrated. Major airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, had to suspend operations affecting crucial routes to Delhi, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar.

On Monday, travelers faced a challenging day as train services connecting Patna to Kolkata were severely affected. A goods train derailment necessitated track repairs, causing over 12 trains, including the prestigious Vande Bharat and Janshatabdi Express, to be rerouted. Commuters found themselves dealing with longer journeys and considerable delays as vital routes remained obstructed.

In a dark turn of events, the brutal murder case in Bhagalpur has taken a shocking twist with the arrest of the victim's uncle, Santosh Kumar Das, identified as the mastermind behind the crime. Abhishek Kumar, just 28 years old, was reportedly killed and dismembered following a tangled web of blackmail stemming from an illicit affair and financial disagreements.

On Monday, invigorating westerly winds swept through cities including Patna, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, enhancing air quality dramatically. Patna celebrated a milestone, achieving its best AQI this month with readings landing in the 'satisfactory' category.

For the upcoming New Year festivities, Patna has ramped up safety measures by assigning over 125 magistrates and police personnel, augmented by armed forces. The strategy includes comprehensive patrolling, vigilant monitoring of social media platforms, and a crackdown on motorcycle gangs. Quick response teams, ambulances, and river patrol units are strategically located throughout the city.

In a tragic and shocking turn of events, a family from Saran district is devastated, alleging that their daughter, a dedicated auxiliary nurse midwife, was the victim of a heinous crime at the hands of her nursing home employer and staff. The family claims her body was callously discarded on the railway tracks to hide the evidence of the crime.

In a shocking turn of events, Lakhan Yadav, a former Maoist commander, was gunned down by unknown attackers during a local festivity in Jamui district. After securing bail from his arrest in 2020 for Maoist affiliations, he seemed to be enjoying a quieter chapter in life.

On Sunday, chaos unfolded on the bustling Jasidih-Jhajha railway line as eight freight train wagons derailed near Jamui, causing a standstill of train operations. The vital Howrah-Patna-Delhi corridor was completely blocked, stranding countless travelers in its wake.

A woman, declared murdered seven years ago by her father over dowry, has reappeared alive with her daughter. Manju Kumari, who had reportedly disappeared from her marital home, resurfaced at her parents' residence. She claims she left voluntarily, remarried in Ahmedabad, and refutes her father's murder allegations, stating she was 'fed up with her in-laws'.

In a significant crackdown, Patna Police are poised to question Saurabh Dwivedi, who is believed to be the orchestrator of a staggering Rs 55 crore ATM and cyber fraud operation. This complex criminal syndicate employed advanced ATM manipulation techniques along with online gaming deceptions to exploit numerous victims.

In a vibrant display of commitment to Munger's development, Bihar's Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary has introduced a scenic boat ride at Kharagpur Lake. This initiative is expected to elevate international tourism while creating job opportunities for locals.

In a shocking incident during Prakash Parv celebrations, a Sikh woman from Punjab, Uttam Preet Kaur, was the victim of a brutal attack in Patna City. While accompanying her aunt, the two were ambushed by two assailants who stole their cash and mobile phone. Kaur bravely resisted, sustaining injuries in the process.

Bihar is preparing for an extended blanket of dense fog and chilly days lasting until January 3rd, particularly impacting the northern and southwestern regions. Although there may be a slight uptick in temperatures, locals are turning to hearty meals and age-old remedies to stay warm. The early winter chill has ignited a spike in demand for cozy winter apparel.

As New Year's Day approaches, Patna's popular attractions are bracing for an influx of visitors with upgraded amenities and revised entry prices. Expect to pay more at Patna Zoo, Eco Park, and various parks, as some areas may be off-limits to streamline visitor movement.

Rajendra Sarovar, once the pride of Khagaria, is poised for a revitalizing transformation with a budget of Rs 9.50 crore. This serene locale, where families strolled and friends gathered for boating adventures, had lost its charm over time.

In a significant development, three CPI (Maoist) members, including two with Rs 3 lakh bounties, surrendered to Bihar police in Munger. They laid down arms and pledged to join mainstream society. This move is a major blow to Maoist activities in the region. The government offers substantial incentives and rehabilitation packages for surrendering militants.

Patna Zoo is implementing extensive measures to shield its animals from the biting cold. Heaters, UV lights, and insulating straw are being deployed across enclosures. Special diets, including immunity boosters like Chyawanprash for primates and honey for bears, are provided. Elephants receive oil massages, while reptiles get blankets and heating pads.

Tragedy struck Nawada's Triloki Bigha village as a man and his grandson succumbed to suffocation from a charcoal heater. Three other family members remain critically ill after being found unconscious in their room. Neighbours alerted by the prolonged silence broke down the door to discover the grim scene. The deceased were identified as Shri Yadav and his grandson Ashish Kumar.

Police in Motihari have busted an oil tanker cutting racket near the India-Nepal border, arresting five individuals. Authorities seized over 9,600 litres of diesel and chemicals used to adulterate fuel, which was then sold as petrol in border villages. The gang, operating for an extended period, often colluded with drivers. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the kingpin.

Rail traffic on the crucial HowrahPatnaDelhi route faced significant disruption late Saturday night after eight wagons of a goods train derailed in Bihar's Jamui district. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The incident, occurring between Lahabon and Simultala stations, affected approximately two dozen trains overnight. Restoration efforts are currently underway.