The Times of India

Residents of Patna are in an uproar over phantom deliveries and illegitimate refill records from gas distributors amid a dire LPG shortage. Many consumers are receiving notifications of cylinders supposedly delivered, only to find their tanks still empty, raising alarms about potential black-market activities and diversion.

In a shocking turn of events, Bhojpur district mourns the untimely loss of 18-year-old Sumit Kumar Pandey. Just hours before his much-anticipated Class XI final exam, the young student was tragically found shot near his home. His grandfather expressed disbelief, noting that there were no apparent conflicts within the community.

In a bid to tackle kala-azar, Madhubani district has launched its inaugural indoor residual spray campaign. Focused on villages with historical cases, specially trained teams are applying insecticides to walls to eradicate sand flies that carry the disease. The community is encouraged to stay alert for any symptoms and to seek medical assistance promptly to help prevent further outbreaks.

In a harrowing incident late Sunday night, a family residing in the Beur police station area of Patna became victims of a terrifying home invasion. Six armed intruders, utilizing a ladder to reach their secluded house, held the family at gunpoint and made off with over Rs 2 lakh in cash and jewelry.

Patliputra University is set to revolutionize its assessment approach by introducing OMR-based examinations for its skill-oriented and value-added courses beginning in April 2026. This initiative is aligned with the NEP-2020 framework, emphasizing innovative evaluation methods and enhancing skill development. The university is committed to swift and transparent assessments, building on the recent rollout of its four-year degree program.

Loyola Montessori School proudly celebrated Graduation Day, marking a vital turning point in the students' educational journeys. Meanwhile, Xavier University, Patna, held its Annual Day 2026, recognizing outstanding student accomplishments and a commitment to academic excellence. In a gesture of community spirit, G D Goenka Public School, Gaya, hosted a heartfelt Dawat-e-iftaar, promoting togetherness and cultural understanding among its members.

In 2026, Patna came alive with the electrifying Fit India Carnival, hosted by SAI to promote a culture of fitness and enthusiasm for sports. Athletes dazzled spectators with thrilling displays in taekwondo, wushu, and yoga, while local sports associations transformed the streets into bustling arenas of activity.

The SBI Patna Marathon 2026 witnessed an inspiring turnout of over 10,000 participants, rallying around the powerful theme of 'Run for a Drug-Free Bihar.' This impactful event sought to raise awareness about substance abuse while advocating for a healthier lifestyle.

In a promising development for Bihar's agricultural sector, investors from the SNJ Group in Tamil Nadu recently visited the historic Marhaura sugar mill, which has remained dormant since the late 90s. This visit reflects the state governments ambitious 'Saat Nischay-3' initiative aimed at revitalizing this century-old facility.

A joyous wedding celebration in Aurangabad, Bihar turned into a nightmare as the roof of a house caved in during the jaimala ceremony. Tragically, two lives were lost and approximately ten guests sustained injuries when the structure buckled under the weight of the attendees.

In a remarkable turn of events, Patna police have successfully located a 15-year-old boy who had been reported missing from Uttar Pradesh. Initially thought to be a kidnapping case, the boy revealed he had traveled to Patna with friends, only to find himself held against his will.

In a troubling incident in Kishanganj, a 16-year-old girl was allegedly targeted by a 28-year-old man on her way to school. Lured by false promises of marriage, she was assaulted in a cornfield and threatened into silence.

In a dramatic turn of events, Gaya police nabbed Vikas Kumar Yadav for allegedly fabricating an AI-generated image that featured a controversial portrayal of CM Nitish Kumar's son alongside a female legislator. The edited photograph went viral on social media, igniting a flurry of discussions before it was swiftly taken down.

In Gaya, a deepening LPG crisis shakes social structures as households make tough decisions. Moms now scramble for ingredients to whip up meals while sacrificing their afternoon tea moments. A retired IPS officer, longing for modern cooking solutions, eyes induction stoves, but his maid stands her ground against coal ovens.

In Patna, migrant workers are grappling with a severe LPG shortage, turning to firewood and unregulated fuels for their cooking needs. The situation is compounded by lengthy queues and inflated black market prices, pushing essential items beyond their reach.

Amid concerns of catering services being disrupted by an LPG shortage stemming from the unrest in West Asia, passengers embarking on long-distance trains from Bihar are increasingly opting to bring their own home-cooked meals.

Residents of Patna recently encountered considerable challenges when trying to secure domestic LPG cylinders. An overwhelming surge on digital booking platforms and IVRS lines resulted in prolonged waiting times and lines at local distribution centers. Several users experienced system glitches and the disappointment of undelivered cylinders, even after receiving notifications, leading to widespread irritation among the community.

In a surprising turn of events, chaos unfolded moments before Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's helicopter touched down in Begusarai. A wayward bull managed to penetrate the secured area, making its way to the helipad. Guards found themselves in a frantic attempt to corral the animal, with some even escaping the scene.

At the recent ISOPARB conference in Patna, top health professionals highlighted the pivotal role of quick decision-making and attentive care in the critical moments following childbirth. The concept of the 'golden hour' was underscored as vital to establishing a healthy start for newborns.

In a distressing incident from Bhojpur district, a private school educator has been taken into custody under the POCSO Act following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a 13-year-old boy. The report surfaced after the child bravely confided in his parents about inappropriate touching and physical harm.

In a significant move for regional growth, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled development initiatives totaling over Rs 530 crore in Begusarai and Sheikhpura. The launch featured the inauguration of a state-of-the-art bottling plant from Reliance Industries in Begusarai, alongside the distribution of loans aimed at empowering self-help groups.

At the Bihar Museum in Patna, a distinguished gathering of scholars addressed the topic of 'Buddhist heritage, culture, and sustainability.' The panel underscored Buddhism's resilience as a vital part of India's rich history, enhancing its global influence, particularly for Bihar.

In a significant crackdown, authorities in East Champaran have recovered 36 gas cylindersboth for domestic and commercial usefrom an abandoned cement warehouse in Patahi block. This operation, which was initiated by SDM Mangala Kumari, saw BDO Anil Kumar collaborating with local police.