The Times of India

Ahead of Swachh Survekshan 2026, Patna Municipal Corporation is launching an intensive training initiative to strengthen solid waste and wastewater management. Bringing together municipal officials, frontline sanitation staff, NGOs, and private partners, the drive is designed to upgrade citywide cleanliness systems, build a more skilled workforce, and promote transparent, well-coordinated service delivery in preparation for the national sanitation assessment.

Tensions flared in Kaimur district when police moved to break up an alleged liquor party, sparking a confrontation with local residents. Villagers reportedly hurled stones, leaving five officers injured. According to police, they opened fire in self-defense after some individuals tried to seize their weapons, and one villager was shot in the process.

Bihars financial management has come under sharp focus after a CAG report flagged revenue arrears of Rs 4,844 crore, including more than Rs 1,400 crore pending for over five years. The report also highlights alarming delays in financial reporting, with utilization certificates worth Rs 92,133 crore still outstanding.

Bihar witnesses a disturbing rise in 'pakadua vivah,' where men and boys are forced into marriage. Recent cases across districts like Samastipur and Patna involve students, teachers, and even minors abducted and wedded under duress. Viral social media videos expose these incidents, prompting urgent calls for stricter laws and swifter police action against perpetrators.

What began as a festive wedding in Buxar descended into chaos when gunshots rang out during the exchange-of-garlands ceremony. The bride, 18-year-old Aarti Kumari, was hit by a bullet on stage, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack by a neighbour nursing unreciprocated feelings. Quickly shifted to Varanasi for treatment, she has since been declared out of danger.

Police said the victim, Saurabh Kumar, was called out of his home by the accused and later gunned down. One of his friends has been taken into custody for questioning

In a push to make its roads safer, Bihar has announced a large-scale initiative to paint close to 14,000 new zebra crossings by April 30. These will be concentrated around accident-prone stretches, schools, and busy marketplaces, with the goal of sharply cutting pedestrian deaths. Officials say the campaign will also stress respect for pedestrian rights and stricter compliance from drivers.

The initiative also envisages a broader religious and cultural revival programme, with a focus on households and youths in the 18-25 age group

Union home minister Amit Shah visited Kishanganj to review security along the India-Nepal border. He met with officials to enhance monitoring systems, intelligence sharing and coordination between central forces and state administration. Shah also discussed organizational strategy with BJP leaders, and will visit Araria to inaugurate a border outpost and assess the Vibrant Villages Programme.

Magadh University is set to embark on its inaugural archaeological excavation at Dubba, an area known for its layered Buddhist and Brahmanical heritage. Scheduled to commence in March, the project will explore potential monasteries, stupas, and temple complexes while immersing students in hands-on archaeological fieldwork.

India will conduct its next full census in 2027, starting with a house listing and building enumeration drive from May 2 to May 31, 2026. Citizens will have the option to complete their details online through a self-enumeration portal between April 17 and May 1, 2026, before the main population count takes place from February 2 to February 28, 2027.

An 18-year-old bride was shot during her varmala ceremony in Buxar district by a masked assailant. The victim, Aarti Kumari, identified her alleged attacker as a neighbor with whom she had a one-sided relationship. She is currently on a ventilator in critical condition in Varanasi.

Grief engulfed Manika village as the mortal remains of Dr. Vikas Kumar Gupta, who died in an air ambulance crash in Jharkhand, were brought home. The beloved Ranchi Sadar Hospital doctor, lauded by the Prime Minister for his dedicated Covid-19 service, received heartfelt tributes from villagers and colleagues alike.