The Times of India

In a significant diplomatic gathering in Patna, Nilesh M Desai, the Director of ISRO's Space Applications Centre, engaged with Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The two leaders exchanged tokens of appreciationa memento from Desai and a bouquet from Kumar.

Patna High Court has dismissed the plea of 20 assistant professors at Mirza Ghalib College, Gaya, upholding their termination. The appointments, made in 2021, were found to have gross anomalies and a flawed selection committee, violating Bihar State Universities Act. The court emphasized that minority rights do not permit maladministration.

In a candid appeal, RLM MLA Madhav Anand, a supporter of Bihar's ruling NDA, has called for a fresh examination of the states liquor prohibition law, which has been in place for ten years. He pointed out that despite the ban, alcohol remains accessible, and drug use is on the rise among the youth.

In a historic courtroom first, a Patna judge ruled on the roadside regarding a decade-and-a-half old bank fraud case. The elder defendant, Jai Narayan Singh, 95, confessed his misdeeds from the comfort of his car. The judge imposed a nominal fine of Rs 2,000, taking into account that the accused had already settled his Rs 4 lakh loan.

East Central Railway has significantly bolstered security for Holi, anticipating an extra 15-20 lakh passengers. The Railway Protection Force, in collaboration with the Government Railway Police, is implementing robust crowd management, round-the-clock surveillance at vulnerable points, and deploying quick response teams. Special attention is given to women's safety and preventing touting to ensure a secure travel experience for all.

In a detailed probe, the police in Patna are delving into the mysterious death of an Intermediate student found near AIIMS Golambar. To shed light on the incident, the Forensic Science Lab team staged a chilling experiment where dummies were dropped from a five-storey height.

Elderly pension recipients in Madhepura's Murliganj block were shocked to find themselves officially declared deceased on government records. Beneficiaries, denied payments for months, discovered this error when inquiring at the block office. Local residents suspect corruption, alleging that individuals who refused bribes were wrongly removed from the pension rolls after being falsely marked as 'dead' without proper checks.

Mark your calendars! Patna is gearing up for the grand Mahila Udyami Phagunotsav 2026, taking place from February 19-23 at the iconic Gyan Bhawan. This vibrant festival will celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship, featuring over 225 talented women artisans from around India.

In Jehanabad, the family of a NEET student is engulfed in anxiety as they receive alarming death threats, despite the presence of constant police protection. A chilling new note suggests dire consequences for their son unless they comply, echoing a similar warning from the previous week

Malaysia's Sunyatee International Foundation is making strides in restoring ancient Indian sutras, translating texts like the Gita and Buddha philosophy from palm leaves. Led by IIT-Kharagpur alumnus Lim Siow Jin, the initiative aims to showcase India's historical writing prowess. The project, which began in 2022, also focuses on mental wellness and health for underprivileged communities through meditation and nutrition programs.

In a significant expansion effort, Punjab & Sind Bank has opened a brand new zonal office in Patna, Bihar, strategically positioned to manage its diverse portfolio of 43 branches across Bihar and Jharkhand. The inauguration was gracefully conducted by Executive Director Rajeeva at the prestigious Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan.

In a proactive move to enhance Bihar's industrial landscape, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and a team of ministers engaged with Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to delve into the challenges of ethanol procurement and the state's energy infrastructure.

In an ambitious step towards enhancing housing infrastructure, Bihar's Rural Development Minister revealed that the state is awaiting central approval for the construction of 1.04 crore pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha has mandated stringent new measures for urban development projects, emphasizing timely completion, high quality, and transparency. Live video monitoring from offices will replace physical inspections, bolstered by two special flying squad teams for surprise checks.

In a bold move to address wildlife challenges, Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar announced an increase in licensed hunters to 400, complemented by a streamlined application process aimed at combating the troublesome 'ghorparas.

Bhagalpur collectorate faced a scare Tuesday after a bomb threat email, purportedly from LTTE and Pakistan's ISI, claimed RDX devices were planted. The premises were evacuated for a thorough security sweep. Bizarre demands were made, including renaming a road and ending EWS reservations.

In a shocking turn of events, the Saharsa police have successfully solved the tragic murder case of Rajesh Kumar, whose headless remains were discovered beside the Sursar River. Authorities have uncovered a sinister plot orchestrated by his girlfriend's brother, Birbal, alongside an accomplice named Darshan, who conspired together to bring about this heinous crime.

In the early hours of Monday, Madhepura became the scene of a shocking incident as masked gunmen on a motorcycle rained bullets on the home of a local LPG supplier. This brazen act of violence took place just after midnight, leaving the neighborhood in a state of fear and disbelief.

Bihar's industries minister stated the state government has requested the Centre to increase its ethanol purchase quota, as factories are struggling with reduced buying limits. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary will discuss the issue in Delhi, amidst concerns from MLAs about potential factory closures and job losses.

A young life was tragically cut short on the MadhubaniRampatti NH when a reckless bus collided with 25-year-old Om Prakash Sahu's motorcycle near Ranti village. The impact was devastating and he was pronounced dead at the scene. While the bus driver vanished into the night, locals managed to detain the bus helper, sparking outrage among the community.

A groundbreaking study by researchers at CUSB has revealed key spots vital for the revival of the Falgu River, a revered site in Gaya. Merging advanced technology with age-old knowledge, they stress the importance of community engagement in sustainable restoration efforts.

In a thrilling showcase of talent, Kolkata's WBNUJS triumphed at the national moot court competition held at CNLU, walking away with Rs50,000 and coveted internship opportunities. Bengaluru's NLSIU impressive performance earned them the runner-up title along with Rs40,000.

As the countdown to secondary examinations begins in Buxar, local authorities have set in motion a comprehensive security and logistical framework. With 25,489 students expected across 30 designated centers, district officials are implementing stringent measures, including the deployment of multiple magistrates and a two-tier inspection process.

In an impressive blend of governance and academia, Ashok Choudhary, the Rural Work Development Minister of Bihar, has taken a new step in his career as he secures a position as an assistant professor in Political Science at A N College in Patna.

In a tragic turn of events at Gaya Junction on Monday afternoon, two lives were lost when Saryu Prasad and Mohd Khalid Alam made a fateful attempt to board the moving Mahabodhi Express. In the chaos of passengers vying for limited seats, the two men fell between the train and the platform, suffering fatal injuries from the train's momentum.

Bihar's health minister announced the appointment of 14,060 auxiliary nurse midwives within 15 days, adding to the 7,468 already appointed. The state's health budget of Rs 21,270.41 crore for 2026-27 was passed, with plans to upgrade primary health centers and district hospitals to specialty facilities.

In a tragic incident, an unauthorized firecracker factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, exploded, resulting in the death of seven individuals and leaving four others in critical condition. The majority of the victims were from East Champaran district in Bihar.

Darshan Kumar, an undertrial prisoner, tragically passed away while being transported to a hospital from Chanawe Mandal Jail in Gopalganj due to a sudden decline in his health. Accused of liquor smuggling, he had previously sustained injuries in an accident.

Patna's Marine Drive has undergone a transformation, now a serene stretch of the riverfront after the removal of street vendors. While some locals miss the lively food stalls that filled the area with flavor and excitement, others celebrate the newfound tranquility and cleaner surroundings.

During a recent meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana enthusiastically recounted their transformational journeys. Women such as Chandu Bharti and Shabeena Khatoon shared how the financial support they received was the key to launching their own businesses, acquiring livestock, and laying the groundwork for future aspirations.

Bihar is on the brink of a transformative journey with an anticipated billion-dollar boost from the Asian Development Bank. Key discussions are targeting vital sectors, including agriculture, urban development, renewable energy, and vocational training.

Exciting news for Muzaffarpur! The airport is poised for a significant enhancement with a Rs43.13 crore investment aimed at revamping its runway and airside facilities. Falling under the governments UDAN initiative, this upgrade seeks to improve regional connectivity, lessen dependence on other airports, and invigorate both tourism and local job markets.

In a somber reenactment, the Patna police are piecing together the events surrounding the tragic fall of a 16-year-old Class XI student from a five-storey building. Witnesses reported seeing her enter a coaching centre, shadowed by two young men.

In Patna, the Bihar Congress kicked off its innovative 'Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan', a strategic initiative designed to enhance party cohesion and empower local activists. Key figures highlighted the importance of solidarity, advocating for social equality and a clear process for choosing leaders.

The appointment of a new vice-chancellor at Magadh University is stalled, as a conflict arises between state law and UGC guidelines regarding the search committee's makeup. Meanwhile, the existing VC is operating under a consent clause, mandating that crucial decisions get prior approval, leading to frustrations among the academic community.