The Times of India

In a move to bolster public health and safety, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister has unveiled a program that provides free emergency medical assistance up to Rs 1.5 lakh for victims of road accidents, available at state trauma centers.

On Sunday, a 14-member delegation led by Nguyen Manh Cuong, Vietnam's Foreign Minister, made a significant visit to the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya. This visit was pivotal in laying out detailed plans for the forthcoming arrival of Vietnam's President and his wife on May 7.

During an informative session at a medical symposium in Patna, specialists raised alarms about the increasing incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures in the senior population. The conversations delved into cutting-edge surgical solutions for spinal injuries and age-related ailments, underscoring the importance of identifying issues early and customizing treatment plans.

A 35-year-old police constable, Vikas Kumar, tragically passed away from a heart attack while undergoing training at Rajgir's Police Training Centre. He experienced chest pain during training and collapsed en route to a private hospital in Nawada, where he was pronounced dead. Kumar, a father of two, joined the force in 2011.

In a striking rebuttal, Tejashwi Yadav addressed CM Samrat Choudhary's remarks regarding the women's reservation bill, emphasizing that the opposition stands firmly behind it. However, he did not shy away from pointing fingers at the BJP, alleging that they are leveraging the bill to advance their own political interests through delimitation.

In a heart-wrenching case from Nalanda district, Bihar, a tragic domestic violence incident unfolded when a man, reportedly intoxicated, fatally assaulted his wife after she refused to finance his drinking habits. The victim, Rakhi Kumari, a young mother married since 2020, is survived by her two small children.

In a moment of uncertainty for JD(U), Nishant Kumar stepped up to reassure party loyalists and the community, confidently declaring, My father and I are committed to this cause. He called for unity and trust in JD(U), while showcasing Nitish Kumar's accomplishments in development.

In a significant move to enhance educational experiences, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has instructed authorities to develop an educational tour circuit for schoolchildren. This circuit will connect important sites in Patna, including the iconic Bapu Tower, the informative Bihar Museum, and the interactive Science City.

Bihar's long-standing liquor ban brings a complex mix of outcomes. On one hand, it has contributed to better public health and a notable decline in domestic abuse rates. On the flip side, the state grapples with economic setbacks and a booming black market for alcohol. Enforcement remains a daunting challenge, with overcrowded courts and incidents of harmful counterfeit drinks.

In a significant push towards cleaner urban living, Patna Municipal Corporation is dedicating Rs 69 crore to establish six modern garbage transfer stations. Set to handle 1,650 tonnes of waste each day, these facilities will effectively compact waste, thus curbing open dumping and facilitating smoother transport to disposal sites.

In Nalanda district, the alarming rise in violence against women has reached a critical point. A tragic shooting has claimed the life of a 16-year-old student, while a woman has reportedly been murdered by her husband and two others have sustained life-threatening injuries during a separate shooting incident.

Prepare for a chaotic commute in Patna this Monday as the BJP's Aakrosh March takes center stage at Gandhi Maidan. This rally, aimed at voicing discontent over the opposition's approach to the women's reservation bill, will attract participants from every corner of Bihar.

At CNLU's global summit, specialists underscored the importance of generating knowledge and safeguarding intellectual property, showcasing how human talent drives innovation forward. Simultaneously, the Jesus and Mary Academy honored Dr. Ambedkar's legacy through an empowering 'Jagriti Abhiyan,' motivating students to embrace his ideals of equality and social upliftment.

In a tragic turn of events, the lifeless body of a 13-year-old, Bhola Kumar, was found bearing injuries just outside his residence in Barah village, Patna. Initially reported missing on Saturday evening, Bhola's father suspects illicit activity, with theories of strangulation surfacing.

In a chilling twist of events, the body of an 18-year-old woman was exhumed in Samastipur, Bihar, just over a month after her untimely demise. Her family has raised serious concerns, alleging foul play related to dowry disputes. Initially categorized as a suicide, her father insists that her in-laws are responsible for her tragic death.

Chaos ensued in Pasahara village, Buxar, when Suraj Nat, a 27-year-old local, ascended a towering 60-meter electricity pylon amidst a heated argument over finances. Swift action from the authorities, including cutting off power to the line, created a safe environment for negotiations. After an hour of tense discussions, emergency responders successfully coaxed Nat down, preventing a dire situation from escalating.

In a passionate address, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed his outrage over the opposition's thwarting of the women's reservation bill, deeming it a 'dark stain on democracy.' He accused political adversaries, particularly Congress and RJD, of undermining the progress of women, vowing to hold them accountable at the polls.

A 17-year-old girl from Sheikhpura was allegedly raped in Patna after being lured with promises of a zoo and metro visit. The 35-year-old accused, a Nalanda native with a prior liquor smuggling conviction, was arrested and remanded to jail. The victim, a Class 12 student, was assaulted on April 13-14. Investigations are ongoing, with medical reports awaited.

A dispute over a thresher turned deadly in Bihar's Sheikhpura district, claiming two lives. Cousins Puna Yadav and Premranjan Yadav were killed in a violent clash between rival groups in Akauna village. Gunfire erupted after an argument escalated, leading to the fatal shootings. Police have detained five individuals and deployed forces to maintain order.

Bihar's development achievements need stronger national branding, CM Samrat Choudhary urged. He directed the information department to effectively showcase the state's progress and governance initiatives. Officials were also tasked with identifying government land for revenue generation and improving tourist information at heritage sites. The CM emphasized technology, including AI, for real-time government work monitoring.

A heritage walk in Patna, organized by INTACH, highlighted the city's rich architectural past. Retired professor Wasi Ahmad shared insights into the 400-year-old Patna College structure, emphasizing the need for conservation. Discussions also covered the importance of formally classifying heritage sites to ensure their preservation for future generations. The event drew artists, students, and residents.

Patna Municipal Corporation has kicked off the 2026-27 fiscal year with a strong Rs30 crore in stamp duty revenue by mid-April, driven by property registrations. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, with funds earmarked for crucial urban infrastructure development and maintenance. Residents can avail a 5% rebate on property tax paid by June 30, 2026.

West Champaran police successfully rescued two minor girls from an alleged trafficking ring in Chautarwa, arresting two individuals. The accused reportedly lured the children with financial promises to work in an orchestra. Authorities are actively pursuing 'Naya Savera' to dismantle such networks, ensuring strict action against exploiters. Further investigations are ongoing.

Governor Syed Ata Hasnain urged DMI graduates to become transformational leaders, driving social change for national development. He emphasized that true success lies beyond classroom learning, requiring strong listening skills, embracing challenges, and patience. The convocation celebrated 50 graduates, with speakers highlighting DMI's commitment to innovation and the crucial role its alumni will play in rural development.

Bihar Congress has launched a statewide digital membership drive, 'Srijan Saathi Jansampark Abhiyan,' allowing individuals aged 18 and above to join. Simultaneously, a three-day training camp, 'Sarvodaya Sankalp Shivir,' is underway for 40 selected workers, focusing on Gandhian principles. These trained individuals will later be deployed to district and block units across the state.

District Magistrate Sahila urged immediate preservation of Buxar's historical heritage and rare manuscripts under the Gyan Bharatam Mission. This national initiative aims to revive India's knowledge tradition by digitizing and making ancient documents accessible. A 100-150 year old handwritten manuscript on Tantra, astrology, and mantra shastra, written in Braj Hindi and Devanagari, was highlighted for its historical and spiritual significance.

Nalanda district magistrate Kundan Kumar reviewed renovation progress at Brahmakund temple complex for the upcoming Malmas Mela, scheduled May 17-June 15. Emphasizing its religious and tourism significance, officials were directed to ensure a clean, safe, and appealing environment. Special arrangements for pilgrims, including enhanced facilities and crowd management, are being finalized to prevent any inconvenience during the auspicious triennial fair.

Bihar farmers are set to benefit as the Centre approves procurement of masur, chana, and mustard at Minimum Support Prices. Lentil procurement has already begun, with gram and mustard to follow. These initiatives aim to boost farmer income and significantly increase crop production and acreage in the state over the next five years, supported by a new seed production strategy.

Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav have been upgraded to Z-category security. This decision follows a review of their existing arrangements, ensuring a dedicated team of armed personnel. The move comes after former CM Nitish Kumar was recently granted Z-plus security.

Exciting news for aspiring high school students in Bihar! The secondary education directorate has announced that model schools across all state blocks are now accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Admission to Grade 9 will be determined by merit, based on scores from the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship exam, requiring a minimum cut-off of 50%.

In a passionate response, BJP and JD(U) leaders called out opposition parties for their inability to support the Constitution (131st) Amendment Bill, which aimed to secure 33% of legislative seats for women.

In a proactive move, Patna's District Magistrate conducted an in-depth review of traffic management and anti-encroachment initiatives. With over 2 crore gathered in fines, a significant portion attributed to traffic and encroachment violations, officials have been directed to pinpoint areas of congestion, ensure that all CCTV systems are operational, and remove blockages on critical thoroughfares.

In a recent declaration, Bihar's new Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, has reaffirmed the state's stringent liquor ban, emphasizing its historical importance and the backing it receives from key figures like Nitish Kumar and PM Modi.

In a significant transition, JD(U) figurehead Nitish Kumar plans to shift to his new residence in Patna next week. Accompanied by his son, he recently toured the 7, Circular Road bungalow. Additionally, Kumar is to receive a Type 8 bungalow in the prestigious Sunehri Bagh locality of Delhi.

Patna's Census 2027 self-enumeration phase has begun, with citizens able to submit data online until May 1, 2026. The house listing and housing census follows in May 2026. Extensive training for enumerators is underway, utilizing a mobile app for digital data collection. Over 14,000 personnel are involved in this crucial exercise for policy formulation.

Amid rising debates, Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar reaffirmed that the states prohibition policy will stand strong, pointing to its successful impacts despite growing calls for its dismissal. He also brushed aside rumors of divides within the ruling coalition surrounding the new Chief Minister's selection, stressing a united front.

With Nitish Kumar transitioning to the Rajya Sabha, the JD(U) is poised to choose a new leader for its legislative party on April 20. While many have anticipated that Nishant Kumar would take the mantle, his focus has been on enhancing the party's organizational framework.

In an effort to prepare for the monsoon season, the Patna Municipal Corporation has intensified its focus on sanitation and drainage management. Zonal inspectors are now under strict orders to maintain accountability for waste disposal efforts, which include utilizing an online portal to clear construction debris and conducting proactive night operations.