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Patna / The Times of India
Patna Municipal Corporation offers a significant relief, waiving all interest and penalties on property tax dues until March 31, 2026. Property owners can now settle outstanding taxes by paying only the principal amount in a single installment. This one-time settlement scheme applies to all property types and even those with pending legal cases, provided they withdraw them.
In a bid to maintain order during the Bihar Assembly's winter session from December 1-5, Patna officials have implemented stringent regulations. All forms of assembly, protests, and possession of weapons are strictly restricted in specified zones to facilitate uninterrupted legislative activities. Authorized officials will be exempt from these rules, while those who breach them will be subject to legal consequences.
Nalanda University hosted an international conference on Dharma and global ethics, drawing scholars and policymakers from across the globe. Discussions centered on civilisational wisdom, sustainability, and contemporary moral challenges. Experts highlighted the relevance of Indian knowledge traditions for ethical leadership and fostering global cooperation, emphasizing compassion and interdependence for collective well-being.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar disbursed Rs 10,000 each to 10 lakh women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, totaling Rs 1,000 crore. This initiative, aimed at empowering women and boosting livelihoods, has now reached 1.56 crore Jeevika Didis. The CM highlighted the government's long-standing commitment to women's empowerment through reservations and self-help group formation.
In a bold stride towards modernization, the Bihar Assembly has introduced cutting-edge electronic display boards, allowing MLAs to instantly access government responses. This significant upgrade coincides with the inaugural session of the 18th Assembly, which boasts a vibrant roster of 243 representatives.
Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar shocked many with his impromptu morning visit to the state secretariat, where he meticulously checked on departmental attendance and performance metrics. With a focus on instilling a strong work ethic, he appealed to officials to embody punctuality and commitment, as he stressed that discipline and attentiveness are key.
On its 25th foundation day, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) took the opportunity to celebrate its successful electoral journey. In a virtual address, party leader Chirag Paswan took a stand against the RJD, calling out their divisive tactics and emphasizing his party's commitment to empowering women and youth.
The allegations of vote manipulation by opposition parties in Bihar have been thoroughly dismissed by the Election Commission. They confirmed that no requests for EVM verification were logged, and the routine VVPAT audits showed alignment with the official counts.
Patna has launched a two-week family planning campaign, deploying 48 'Sarthi chariots' e-rickshaws to spread awareness and provide contraceptive services. This initiative, part of Mission Parivar Vikas, aims to stabilize population growth and improve the district's Human Development Index. Targets include over 3,000 sterilization procedures.
During a recent visit to the newly revamped emergency unit at PMCH, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar evaluated the state-of-the-art medical facilities, which include an advanced modular OT and an enhanced ICU. He prioritized the swift completion and safety measures for the air ambulance section, marking a significant stride towards modernizing healthcare in the region.
While on her way to drop her son off at school in Kankarbagh, Patna, a woman fell victim to a brazen robbery committed by two assailants riding a motorcycle. The stolen gold chain, worth Rs 1.5 lakh, adds to the alarming trend of recent chain-snatchings in the area.
Bihar has witnessed the demolition of homes by bulldozers, triggering a political uproar. Critics in the opposition are calling it Hitler Raj, emphasizing the emotional toll on affected families, including a bride-to-be whose wedding has abruptly been upheaved. The ruling BJP stands firm, portraying the demolitions as necessary governance, with little regard for the freezing conditions or the electoral calendar.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a mother tragically passed away during a post-delivery transfusion at an unregistered hospital, prompting a firm directive from the Patna High Court. The court has mandated that Bihar's health department must establish stricter regulations for smaller healthcare facilities.
In a bold move to tackle the city's traffic woes, Patna's Divisional Commissioner has initiated a rigorous campaign against traffic infringements and illegal encroachments. All old vehicles, roadside repair shops, and cars awaiting buyers must be cleared by the deadline of December 1st, with hefty fines for those who fail to comply.
In the heart of Delhi, Congress leaders convened to reflect on their disheartening defeat in the Bihar elections. They identified the government's Rs 10,000 financial package for women as a significant turning point, drawing women voters and their families towards the opposition.
In a harrowing case from Araria, a mother's horrifying act of violence has led to her death sentence for the murder of her young daughter. The court branded this tragedy as one of the 'rarest of the rare' after she committed the heinous crime of poisoning and nearly decapitating the innocent girl to keep her silence about an extramarital affair.
In the Bihar elections of 2025, successful candidates captured the approval of a mere one-third of the electorate, achieving an average of 32.01% support. Notably, while the elected MLAs averaged 47.61% of the votes cast, most triumphed with less than half of the total votes.
In a thought-provoking address, former South African Constitutional Court justice Zakeria Yacoob asserted that no constitution holds absolute superiority, advocating for a principle of equality that overshadows individual liberties in the historical context of apartheid. He critically remarked that while the right to housing exists, it doesn't equate to actual provision of homes.
Bodh Gaya is set to welcome an immense flow of devotion as it prepares for the 20th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony. Anticipating over 20,000 attendees from 10 different countries, this grand event will take place from December 2-12 at the revered Mahabodhi Mahavihara. Throughout the celebration, monks and followers will join in harmony to recite ancient Buddhist scriptures.
In a dramatic twist in Bihar's political landscape, Rabri Devi's family and RJD officials are standing firm in their refusal to leave her current bungalow, despite the government's provisions for a new residence. The state president of the RJD has voiced concerns that this decision stems from deep-seated political rivalry.
In the heart of Patna, law enforcement faces a daunting challenge as they try to piece together the plot behind the assassination of property dealer Ashrafi Rai. Eyewitnesses have pinpointed two gunmen, but justice took a grim turn when a mob exacted their own punishment, killing the shooters on the spot.

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