The Times of India

In an inspiring move for community empowerment, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi inaugurated the Sansad Jan Udyam Khel Mahotsav in Gaya, celebrating a blend of sports, youth-driven initiatives, and entrepreneurial creativity.

In a harrowing turn of events in Beldariya village, Nalanda, the life of 31-year-old Sonamanti Devi was tragically cut short by her husband, Lalu Chauhan. What began as a disagreement regarding her attendance at a neighbor's puja spiraled into a fatal confrontation. Authorities have since apprehended Lalu and are delving deeper into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.

In a tragic turn of events, Somiya Kumari, just five years old, was found murdered in a field in Purnia district on Monday. The little girl had attended a joyous wedding the day before. This gruesome act has shattered the peace of the village, prompting local authorities to initiate an urgent investigation and gather vital forensic clues.

In response to the escalating traffic troubles along pivotal routes such as Buxar Golambar to Purana Bhojpur and from Dumraon town to the block office, the Buxar administration is stepping up its game.

In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, twenty-two Asian social media influencers recently journeyed to the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group, hailing from various nations, immersed themselves in the serene atmosphere and stunning architecture of this historical landmark.

On Monday, a scorching heatwave struck Buxar's Kanehari High School, resulting in ten students faintinga troubling repeat of a similar incident just days prior. In response, school authorities rushed to implement an early closure and mandated that local officials guarantee a supply of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and fix any broken hand pumps to combat the extreme temperatures.

In an ambitious move, Bihar is set to elevate iconic locations such as Bodh Gaya and Vaishali into premier global attractions. Inspired by the success of Gujarats Statue of Unity and the pilgrimage haven of Vaishno Devi, the state is bestowing industry status upon tourism.

During her address at Nalanda University, ICCR Director General K Nandini Singla underscored the expanding cultural ties that position India as a key player on the global stage. She pointed out how India's approach to soft power, illustrated by initiatives such as Vaccine Maitri and the universal appeal of yoga, fosters a rich exchange of philosophies and traditions.

In a passionate address, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary took a strong stand against Congress and RJD for their resistance to the Women's Reservation Bill. He accused opposition leaders of nepotism, suggesting they favor their own families over true representation, while Prime Minister Modi is on the frontline promoting women's rights across the country.

In the heart of Patna, tensions escalated as the 'Jan-Aakrosh Mahila Padyatra' unfolded at Gandhi Maidan, igniting fiery debates post the women's reservation bill's failure. Critics from opposition factions slammed the ruling party for allegedly weaponizing state resources against dissent while demonstrating hypocrisy in managing protest venues.

In a display of political fervor, the rival alliances NDA and INDIA bloc staged simultaneous rallies in Ara, coinciding with the filing of nominations for the Bhojpur-Buxar legislative council byelection. As Kanhaiya Prasad of the NDA prepares to face off against Sonu Kumar Rai representing the INDIA bloc, supporters gathered in droves.

Bihar's long-standing ban on alcohol now confronts a harsh truth, with more than 360 fatalities attributed to hooch, including the devastating incidents in Saran and Siwan. Despite law enforcement efforts resulting in numerous arrests, the shadow of illicit liquor remains pervasive, underscored by the latest tragedies in East Champaran.

In a decisive move, the Bihar government has called on various agencies to ramp up efforts on four key infrastructure undertakings, which include two significant irrigation projects and the construction of two vital Ganga bridges.

In a bold address, Tejashwi Yadav of RJD raised serious concerns about the performance of the NDA government during its initial five-month tenure, calling out its perceived absence of real action and clear vision. He expressed skepticism regarding the capabilities of the new Chief Minister and suggested that the administration operates under external influence.

In a surprising turn of events, Bihar's urban development department has rescinded its prior directive that limited subordinate staff to only one competitive exam throughout their careers. The original intention was to enhance workplace productivity, but after careful evaluation, the government has decided to lift this restriction.

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.