The Times of India

The Government Engineering College in Buxar celebrated World Water Day with a vibrant event focused on water conservation. With the support of the NCC, students delved into the essential nature of water and their role in protecting it. Embracing the theme 'Every Drop Counts', the event featured inspiring lectures, dynamic discussions, and an initiative to promote conservation practices.

As the Class XII results approach, Bihar's talented youth are gearing up for their next academic adventure. Renowned institutions such as IIT Patna, NIT Patna, AIIMS Patna, CNLU, and NIFT Patna have laid out their admission timelines for July.

In a passionate plea, over 300 health professionals are calling on the Union Health Minister to take a second look at the decision to shut down Bihar's Social Mobilization Network (SM-Net). This crucial initiative, which significantly bolsters immunization, maternal health, and Covid-19 vaccination efforts, is facing closure as UNICEF wraps up its leadership.

As Bihar Diwas is celebrated, President Droupadi Murmu and Governor Syed Ata Hasnain conveyed heartfelt greetings, emphasizing the state's profound heritage. Murmu praised the indomitable spirit and potential of Biharis, believing they will play a pivotal role in advancing the nation. Meanwhile, Governor Hasnain called for a united dedication to nurturing the state's comprehensive progress while honoring its illustrious past.

In a heartfelt three-page letter, Prime Minister Modi commended Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his exemplary governance and the remarkable changes in the state. The message underscored the contributions from the central government towards Bihar's progress while acknowledging the significant influence Biharis have made on the global stage.

In a recent address, Bihar BJP leader Sanjay Saraogi celebrated PM Narendra Modi's remarkable 8,931 days dedicated to public service, referring to it as 'karmyog.' He emphasized the transformation of Bihar under Modi's guidance since 2014, pointing to significant advancements in infrastructure and various welfare initiatives.

In response to devastating weather conditions, Bihar's Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav has mandated an immediate assessment of the crop losses inflicted by recent severe winds, torrential rain, and hailstorms. The standing rabi crops, winter maize, and blooming fruit flowers across 19 northern districts have taken a significant hit.

During her recent address, Union Minister Raksha Khadse praised the strides made in enhancing rural sports infrastructure in Bihar through MGNREGA initiatives. She unveiled the Centre's ambitious vision to expand this successful model across the nation with the launch of the VB-G RAM G scheme.

East Central Railway General Manager Chhatrasal Singh undertook a crucial two-day inspection of vital north Bihar routes, including Mokama to Loukha Bazar. He assessed infrastructure development, particularly Amrit Bharat stations, and reviewed railway stations, bridges, tracks, and safety mechanisms.

A shocking incident in Patna's Jakkanpur area saw a 35-year-old woman fatally stabbed by a neighbour, Raja, late Saturday. Her 17-year-old daughter was also injured while trying to protect her mother. Police suspect the motive stems from unrequited affection, as the accused was reportedly barred from visiting the home.

Patna Zoo is gearing up for Chaiti Chhath, offering devotees an alternative to Ganga ghats with its cleaned and prepared lake. Special arrangements include temporary ghats, water treatment, and enhanced safety measures for both visitors and animals. Free entry is available on March 24th after 2 PM and March 25th from 3 AM.

Patna's Iskcon hosted 'Amrit Utsav 2026', a spiritual gathering celebrating chanting, dancing, and feasting. Senior leaders inaugurated the event, which featured devotional music, discourses on Srila Prabhupada's teachings, and the distribution of prasad. A play, Ajamil, captivated the audience, fostering spiritual awareness and Vedic traditions among diverse attendees.

Chaiti Chhath commenced with 'nahay-khay' rituals, marking a four-day celebration of gratitude towards nature and the sun. Devotees took holy dips in the Ganga, preparing 'maha-prasad' with strict purity. The festival, observed with family togetherness and traditional songs, concludes on March 25 with morning 'arghya', promising prosperity and well-being.

Patna administration gears up for Ram Navami on March 27 with a focus on crowd management and law and order. Officials inspected key areas, planning strategic deployment of personnel and traffic diversions due to metro work. The plan includes barricaded queues, enhanced civic amenities, medical support, and CCTV surveillance for a smooth festival experience.

Bihar Diwas celebrations unfolded across districts with vibrant events like marathons, cultural shows, and sports. Buxar's Run for Fit marathon saw enthusiastic participation, while Sitamarhi planned a three-day festival including sanitation drives and competitions. Ara's Veer Kunwar Singh Stadium buzzed with sports and performances, highlighting the state's heritage and development.

Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the larger conspiracy case related to the Delhi riots of 2020, reached his ancestral village Kako after six years to attend his younger brother Muzzammil Imam's wedding and spend time with his ailing mother. The Imam arrived here following a 10-day interim bail by a Delhi Court.

JD(U) spokespersons met Nishant Kumar, son of CM Nitish Kumar, fueling speculation about an organizational shift. Nishant, seen as heir apparent, discussed the party's future direction and role. The meeting, attended by senior leaders, aimed to foster optimism and strengthen the JD(U) family under his evolving leadership.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is urged to unveil a statue of late Maharaja Kamal Singh during his March 25 visit to Buxar. The life-size bronze statue, installed in Dumraon over four years ago, awaits official inauguration.

West Asia's conflict is hitting Bihar's food businesses hard, causing a severe LPG cylinder shortage and price hikes. Eateries are switching to coal, tandoors, and induction stoves, leading to longer cooking times and altered menus. Some are even focusing on gas-saving South Indian dishes to cope with the crisis.

Bihar's probe agencies are uncovering a disturbing trend of officials amassing wealth through corruption. Recent raids revealed overflowing safes and assets far exceeding known incomes. From engineers to department officials, significant cash, property, and valuables have been seized, highlighting a systemic issue of power exploitation and illicit wealth accumulation across the state.

The CBI summoned the maternal uncle and hospital CMD of a deceased NEET student for questioning in Patna. The student was found unconscious in a hostel and later died. Her lawyer alleges the investigation is biased, with pressure on the family to accept suicide. Villagers in Jehanabad protested a recent CBI visit, citing repeated questioning without results.

The Vikramshila Setu bridge, a vital link in Bihar, is showing alarming signs of structural damage. Protective walls around its pillars are collapsing, indicating distress. This critical bridge faces relentless traffic, pushing it to its limits. While authorities manage congestion, the visible damage to pillar protections demands urgent attention.

This Saturday, Dumraon will come alive with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Mahotsav, a vibrant tribute to the legendary shehnai maestro on his birth anniversary.

In a significant bust, the Bhojpur police have arrested five individuals linked to a bike theft operation spanning multiple districts. The successful crackdown, coordinated by SDPO Raj Kumar Shah alongside SHO Devraj Rai, has led to the recovery of five stolen motorcycles.