The Times of India

Bihar's NDA partners lauded the Union Budget, highlighting its significant allocation of over Rs 1.62 lakh crore for the state's industrial development. This includes substantial tax devolution and grants-in-aid, alongside interest-free loans for capital expenditure. Leaders emphasized the budget's focus on inclusive growth, women's empowerment, and fulfilling the needs of common citizens, envisioning a developed India.

Bihar Congress has launched an exciting initiative, 'Kshitiz', seeking dynamic individuals to join as spokespersons, publicity coordinators, and researchers. State president Rajesh Ram emphasizes a fair selection process aimed at finding candidates who genuinely resonate with the party's values and community engagement.

The Bihar State Finance Commission has unveiled its new official website, encouraging the public to submit their financial insights. Chairman Ashok Kumar Chaudhary emphasized that the commission will evaluate finances at both panchayat and urban local body levels, aiming to propose reforms to enhance their fiscal health.

CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya has called for sustained protests against the Bihar government's ulldozer terror and alleged anti-people policies. He criticized the Nitish regime for failing land reforms and targeting the poor with demolition drives, while also pointing to voter list deletions, corporate land grabs, and rising crime.

In a swift operation, officers from West Champaran nabbed a drug trafficker named Mohammad Ashad while he was navigating the banks of the Pandai river on his motorcycle, successfully confiscating 2.53 kg of hashish. The arrest stemmed from an anonymous tip-off, prompting the police to act quickly.

Bihar receives a significant Rs10,379 crore for rail infrastructure in 2026-27, aiming to boost connectivity, safety, and passenger experience. Over Rs1 lakh crore is currently invested in state projects, including 98 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and 802 new works. Bihar leads in Vande Bharat operations, enhancing its role in national trade.

In an unexpected turn of events, a man masquerading as an IAS officer was caught red-handed in Saran district, thanks to the keen eye of the District Magistrate. After interacting with high-ranking officials, including the SSP, his glaring gaps in administrative knowledge raised alarms.

In a heartbreaking incident in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, a family's internal strife erupted over a cellphone, resulting in the tragic loss of a 14-year-old boy. Reports suggest that the boy's 20-year-old brother, struggling with addiction, fatally attacked him with a stick after being denied access to the phone.

A Patna High Court judge has ordered a halt to the Munger University Vice-Chancellor's salary until a former financial advisor receives his two-month salary arrears and pending allowances. The court expressed strong displeasure over a two-year delay in settling the claims of Brajendra Narain Das, who satisfactorily completed his tenure. The VC's office has been urged to expedite the payment.

Bihar is gearing up to transform its healthcare landscape with the introduction of 50-bed Ayush hospitals across seven districts by 2026-27. During a capacity-building workshop for Ayush practitioners, Health Minister Mangal Pandey highlighted the initiatives focus on enhancing skills and broadening access to holistic wellness services.

Patna is on the brink of a maritime transformation with a cutting-edge ship repair center planned for a hefty investment of Rs243 crore, promising to streamline waterway transport and eliminate the need for expensive repair trips to Kolkata.

During a recent gathering, Director P K Jain of NIT-Patna called on architects to step outside conventional roles, embracing their potential as job creators and architects of the nations progress.

A tragic incident unfolded on the Ara-Buxar highway, where a car collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the loss of three young lives and leaving another in critical condition. Eyewitnesses claim the truck driver escaped immediately after the crash.

In a proactive move, District Magistrate Sahila convened a meeting to assess the final touches on a significant revenue and e-measurement initiative in Buxar, scheduled to run from January 26 until March 31. Officials were urged to compile detailed reports focusing on issues like land availability, wetlands, and encroachments without delay.

In an impressive turnaround, Bihar's economy celebrated a remarkable 13.1% growth rate in FY 2024-25, eclipsing the national average. The state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) continues to reflect a trajectory above the nation's trends, largely fueled by enhanced investments and a focus on developing human resources.

Bihar is experiencing an economic renaissance, as sectors like construction, manufacturing, and services take the lead over traditional agriculture. However, the agricultural sector still plays a crucial role, thanks to enhanced support for farmers and a surge in the production of essential crops and livestock.

In Bihar, the escalating dog bite epidemic is sending shockwaves through communities, with an astonishing average of 776 dog bites reported daily. The latest Economic Survey indicates that the state has recorded over 283,000 incidents during the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a sharp increase from last year.

Bihar's NDA administration is embarking on an ambitious five-year plan to elevate per capita income and boost job prospects through its comprehensive 'Saat Nischay-part 3' initiative. By leveraging past achievements, the state is on track to generate one crore job opportunities within government sectors and beyond.

In a significant ruling, the Patna High Court has turned down a father's request for an independent judicial inquiry into the enigmatic death of his child, a medical aspirant. The court emphasized that the state's move to involve the CBI in the investigation negates the need for high court oversight at this moment.

In an unprecedented move, jailed JD(U) MLA Anant Singh was granted court approval to take his oath as an MLA while serving time for a murder charge. Despite his incarceration, Singh has been elected for a sixth term from Mokama. The ceremony will see him escorted from Beur jail, although he must return immediately afterward.

In Vriti Tola village, Bettiah, an air of fear settled over the community Saturday night when police uncovered suspicious explosive materials, including tubular objects and detonators. The items were reportedly tossed into the yard of a local resident by unidentified individuals. Authorities quickly secured the perimeter and initiated a technical analysis to ascertain the nature of the explosives.

In the tranquil backdrop of Raghunandanpur village, a heartbreaking incident shattered the peace as 30-year-old Suman Kumari lost her life in a terrifying shooting. She was on her way to visit family, accompanied by her husband and daughter, when tragedy struck.

Business moguls in Bihar have shared a patchwork of responses to the Union Budget for 2026-27. Enthusiasm surrounded the government's initiatives aimed at boosting MSMEs, youth employment, and infrastructure development. However, a prevailing sentiment of dismay emerged as many leaders felt the budget fell short of addressing the unique developmental challenges faced by Bihar.

A tragic road accident on NH-30 in Patna claimed six lives, including two children, when a speeding truck collided head-on with an autorickshaw. The victims, returning from a religious festival, were all residents of Ara. The collision, occurring early Sunday, resulted in severe damage and scattered belongings. Police have arrested the truck driver.

A 10-year-old girl in Supaul district was allegedly raped by her tutor, Akram Alam, on January 24. The accused reportedly locked the child in a room and silenced her screams. The incident surfaced after the girl complained of a stomach ache and confided in her mother. An FIR has been registered, and police are actively searching for the absconding tutor.

During Bihar's budget session, a fresh wave of leadership has emerged with 13 new MLAs from the Magadh region stepping into the spotlight. Among them, the newcomers from Tekari, Atri, Gurua, and Sherghati are set to navigate a landscape brimming with public demand and expectations.

A 20-year-old nursing student, Priyanshu Kumar, was discovered deceased in Begusarai, with his motorcycle and three empty cartridges found nearby. Police are investigating the incident, examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence. The victim, who had recently returned home after exams, was described as polite by his family. The motive remains unclear.

The industrial community in Bihar has voiced its discontent with the Union Budget, feeling overlooked as it lacks tailored initiatives for the state. Although the overall effects on the nation appear favorable, the absence of specific local measures contrasts sharply with the targeted programs from the previous year.

Tragedy struck on NH-33 as three devotees from Sheikhpura district lost their lives in a road accident while en route to Mokama for a holy dip on Maghi Purnima. Their overloaded autorickshaw was struck by a speeding truck. Two died instantly, while a third succumbed to injuries later. Two others are critically injured.

In a recent statement, RJD MP Sudhakar Singh from Buxar expressed his discontent with the Union Budget, arguing that Bihar has been sidelined in the aftermath of the elections.

At the vibrant Army Public School, Danapur Cantt, the atmosphere was electric during the 'Bharat Hai Hum' Sports Day, an event pulsating with national pride and athletic excellence. Brigadier Rakesh Kumar Borah officially opened the festivities, inspiring everyone with his emphasis on the core values of sportsmanship.

Tragedy struck in Jamui district as a speeding truck collided with an e-rickshaw carrying devotees to the Ganga for a holy dip. One woman died instantly, and six others, including the driver, were critically injured. The truck driver fled the scene. Local authorities are actively searching for the absconding driver and investigating the incident.

A 31-year-old woman, Aarti Devi, was allegedly murdered by her husband, Mithlesh Yadav, in Nalanda district. Reports indicate frequent domestic disputes, with the husband reportedly returning home drunk and strangling Aarti to death before fleeing. The accused, recently released on bail, is now being sought by police after the body was discovered. Investigations are ongoing.

In the aftermath of the recent Union Budget announcement, economic analysts and business leaders in Bihar have voiced their dissatisfaction, lamenting the lack of vibrant initiatives or tailored investments for the state. Unlike previous fiscal plans that were often designed with electoral incentives in mind, this budget appears to overlook Bihar's unique challenges.

Tragedy struck Buxar as four individuals, including an SSB jawan, perished in a horrific road accident on Sunday. Traveling to Ramrekha Ghat for a holy dip and wedding invitations, their car, hampered by dense fog, first collided with a truck.

A 25-year-old woman's body, identified as Maroon Khatoon, was discovered stuffed in a suitcase near Sasaram's Station Road market. Her family from Uttar Pradesh identified her and alleged murder by her husband, citing marital disputes and his alleged affair. Police are investigating, suspecting the murder occurred elsewhere before the body was dumped. Evidence collection and technical analysis are underway.

In a spirited show of support, Bihar's NDA leaders praised the newly unveiled Union Budget, marking its emphasis on infrastructure and manufacturing as pivotal for realizing a developed India by 2047.

Two sisters in Saran district performed their mother's last rites after she died of tuberculosis, as relatives and villagers refused to help due to fear of infection. The sisters, Mausam and Roushan Kumari, faced societal barriers as women performing traditionally male rituals, with Mausam lighting the pyre.