News
Patna / The Times of India
To combat the chilling winter nights, Patna Municipal Corporation has launched over 25 rain baseras equipped with 953 beds, providing essential warmth and shelter for the homeless and laborers. These facilities, including designated shelters for women, are strategically located near transportation hubs.
A local LJP (RV) leader and village head, Kamlesh Rai, has been arrested in Sasaram for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor. The girl, who went missing on her way to coaching, was later found. Police invoked the POCSO Act after a medical examination and recording her statement. Investigations are ongoing.
A cohort of 35 Vietnamese travelers found themselves in a gripping 24-hour struggle at Gaya Airport when their IndiGo flight to Delhi was unexpectedly cancelled. Left without lodging or financial recourse, they garnered support from kind-hearted locals and volunteers.
A major IndiGo technical glitch crippled operations at Patna airport, leading to 26 flight cancellations and over a thousand stranded passengers. Fares on other airlines skyrocketed to nearly Rs 90,000. Passengers faced immense difficulty reaching IndiGo for assistance, highlighting severe customer service issues amidst the widespread disruption.
In the Bihar Legislative Council, a stormy session unfolded as members clashed over a supplementary budget of Rs 92,000 crore and a new Rs 10,000 assistance scheme for women. The opposition dismissed the budget as extravagant and labeled the women's scheme an 'election gimmick,' raising concerns about effective use of the funds.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed officials to ensure a smooth paddy procurement process for the 2025-26 kharif season, emphasizing farmer convenience and vigilance against disruptions. The government is providing full support. The procurement period is set from November 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, with a target of 36.85 lakh metric tons.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the 41st Patna Book Fair at Gandhi Maidan, running until December 16. Organized by CRD, the event boasts over 200 stalls and 300 programs, this year dedicated to Awadhesh Preet with a 'Wellness A Way of Life' theme.
Bihar's budget for FY 2025-26 has surged past Rs 3.16 lakh crore, a significant leap from Rs 24,000 crore during the RJD era. Finance Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav credited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's knowledge, technique and integrity for this growth, countering opposition claims of financial mismanagement and highlighting past scams.
A tragic case of mistaken identity led to the fatal shooting of BPSC teacher Shivani Verma in Araria. Hired to eliminate her husband's alleged girlfriend, two shooters mistakenly targeted Verma, who shared a similar commute. Police have arrested the main conspirator and the shooters, recovering crucial evidence. The investigation revealed the victim had no connection to the intended target.
Bihar Police is making strides toward a safer environment for women and girls with the rollout of the 'Abhaya Brigade' throughout all districts. This proactive squad, including capable women officers, will survey school surroundings and marketplace hotspots, taking immediate action against any offenders they encounter.
Tej Pratap Yadav, a leader of Janshakti Janata Dal and former Bihar minister, has filed an FIR against retired IPS officer Amitabh Kumar Das. Yadav alleges Das has repeatedly broadcast false, baseless and highly offensive remarks about his personal and family life on YouTube, aiming to defame him.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Saran district community is mourning the loss of two young livesa 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, both from the same village. Tragically, they were discovered at the boy's home, having taken their own lives using a dupatta, while their families were away.
In a dramatic twist during Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's speech, technical glitches with the microphones caused quite a stir. In response, Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar called for an urgent high-level meeting. Officials from the building construction department committed to holding those responsible accountable and discussed implementing immediate alternative solutions.
In Bodh Gaya, a wedding celebration took an unexpected turn when a lack of rasgullas ignited a fierce altercation between the families. The groom's relatives argue that the dessert shortage was the trigger for the uproar, while the bride's family insists that unresolved dowry negotiations were the real cause, leading to injuries and a stalled ceremony.
After a period of unrest, junior doctors at Patna Medical College and Hospital have returned to their duties, prompted by the administration's commitment to establish a security committee and bolster police presence on campus. This resolution comes in the wake of an alleged incident of abuse against a female resident doctor.
In a recent assembly session, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lauded Prime Minister Modi for his support, encouraging MLAs to show appreciation. When the opposition hesitated to acknowledge this, Kumar humorously reminisced about his past political partnerships, particularly his exit from the RJD.
In a sweeping operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed raids across Nalanda, Bihar, as part of a crackdown on illegal arms trafficking. These searches focused on properties associated with a major ammunition bust from six months ago, revealing a complex interstate network.
In a remarkable show of unity, 74-year-old veteran JD(U) leader Narendra Narayan Yadav has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Representing Alamnagar for the eighth time, Yadav brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as pro-tem speaker and in various ministerial roles including law and panchayati raj.
In a heartbreaking incident on NH-107, a government vehicle's reckless speed led to a devastating collision with a motorbike, resulting in the tragic loss of a mother and her son. The father, gravely injured, is currently in the hospital. The family was headed to a joyous wedding celebration when their lives were abruptly shattered.
In a heated assembly session, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary found himself in the crosshairs of opposition criticism due to the state's aggressive demolition campaigns. Labeled as the 'bulldozer' by rivals, he stood firm, asserting that the demolitions were in strict compliance with judicial orders aimed at curbing illegal encroachments.
In a heartwarming decision, the Patna High Court has facilitated the reunion of a married couple, granting a woman the freedom to join her husband after her parents reportedly held her against her will. Emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy as outlined in a Supreme Court ruling, the court mandated her release and instructed the police to ensure their safety.
In a landmark decision, the Patna High Court has ruled that the Bihar state government must compensate a man with Rs 1.10 lakh after he faced undue harassment from a district magistrate's externment order.
In a bold initiative, the NDA government of Bihar is setting its sights on creating employment opportunities for 10 million young people over the next five years. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan praised the state's unwavering dedication to strengthening law and order, championing women's empowerment, and advancing infrastructure projects, reflecting the remarkable transformation since 2005.
Introducing a groundbreaking 3.2-km, three-lane bridge over the Ganga, forging a seamless link between Buxar and Bharauli. With an investment of Rs368 crore, this infrastructure marvel will alleviate traffic woes and strengthen the economic fabric of both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh by connecting the Buxar-Patna highway to the Purvanchal Expressway, leading to more efficient travel and logistics.

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