The Times of India

In a significant legal move, the Patna High Court has summoned 42 MLAs from Bihar over serious allegations of electoral misconduct and alleged inconsistencies in their sworn affidavits. This action follows petitions lodged by rival candidates contesting the electoral wins of these incumbents.

In a surprising twist, the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) has called on the BJP to reinstate its leader, Upendra Kushwaha, in the Rajya Sabha. With the upcoming vacancies of five seats in April, RLM is optimistic about Kushwaha's reintegration, lauding his impactful leadership.

In a dogged pursuit of justice, the CBI has ramped up its investigation into the tragic case of an 18-year-old NEET aspirant who was allegedly raped and killed. This marks the agency's third visit to Jehanabad, where they are meticulously interviewing her family and working to recover a significant cellphone that could shed light on the case.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Nawada Police have arrested three suspects, including a young minor, linked to the horrific gang rape and murder of a 47-year-old woman. Authorities reported her lifeless body was found in a remote field on February 16th.

As Ramzan unfolded in Patna's Sabzibagh, the air was filled with energy. Local shops adorned their shelves with an abundance of bakarkhanis, dates, and fresh fruits, while bakeries worked overtime to meet the demand.

The renovation of Patna Museum is on the brink of its grand unveiling, as it revitalizes its historic buildings with authentic materials, reflecting their original beauty. Visitors can already explore new galleries and a state-of-the-art theatre, enhancing the cultural experience.

In a bid to strengthen the foundation of sports at the grassroots level, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit called on the sports department to enhance monitoring through the installation of CCTV cameras and the creation of well-structured sports clubs. He advocated for fostering public-private partnerships to ensure transparency in the procurement of sports equipment.

Tragedy struck in Khagaria district when a couple, Rupesh Kumar and Manas Devi, made a heartbreaking decision to jump into the Bagmati river from Dumri Ghat bridge amidst a heated argument. Bystanders reported that they jumped from different sides of the bridge, plunging into the waters below.

During a recent engagement in Nalanda, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju spotlighted the importance of fostering inclusive growth for minority communities. He introduced transformative tools like the PMJVK monitoring app and enhanced digital services for Haj pilgrimage. Rijiju articulated the vision for a prosperous India by 2047, emphasizing that progress must encompass all demographics.

In a shocking turn of events in Muzaffarpur, a wedding caterer was taken into custody following accusations of assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The horrifying incident took place on Tuesday night, when the victim was said to have been enticed into a remote hut. After several hours, she bravely shared her ordeal with family members, prompting swift law enforcement action.

In a recent crackdown on illegal encroachments and traffic violations, Patna officials have successfully confiscated over Rs 2.25 crore in fines and dismantled 1,402 unauthorized structures. District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M has made it clear that stringent measures will be taken to tackle unauthorized occupations that obstruct traffic on major routes.

In a troubling prelude to the PUSU elections, Patna University's Minto Hostel was the scene of chaos, resulting in the arrest of eight students for intoxication and violent clashes. In response, the university has ramped up security measures across campus to diffuse the rising tensions between competing factions.

In a festive boost for travelers, the railways have introduced nine extra special trains, adding to the previously announced 20. These services are designed to ease the holiday hustle, linking bustling cities like Pune, Mumbai, Danapur, Samastipur, Raxaul, Saharsa, Sriganganagar, Ahmedabad, Darbhanga, and Patna. Expect enhanced connectivity just in time for the Holi celebrations!

In a tragic turn of events, Tejnandan Rai, a former Army serviceman, lost his life in Patna due to a shooting linked to a land disagreement. The 45-year-old had been actively involved in the construction of his property, purchased in 2005, when he was ambushed by unidentified gunmen.

In an ambitious move, Bihar's Education Minister unveiled a recruitment campaign targeting 45,000 schoolteachers along with 7,000 specialized educators devoted to uplifting disabled students. The state has also secured the largest education budget in the country.

In a recent statement, Dipendra Singh Huda, a prominent Congress leader, raised alarms for farmers in Bihar regarding an impending US trade agreement. He fears this deal might jeopardize their livelihoods, particularly in maize and fruit farming.

In a bold move, RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav is calling for the annulment of the 2025 Bihar assembly election results, accusing the Election Commission of failing its role as an impartial overseer. He alleges that the ruling NDA secured victory through bribery and manipulation, referencing the Supreme Court's clear disapproval of election 'gifts and freebies.

In a significant move towards greater governmental transparency, Bihar is set to install CCTV cameras across its 537 block offices, with an investment of Rs 1.25 lakh earmarked for each location. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha has championed this initiative, which is expected to bolster accountability within local administration.

In a significant stride for public health, Bihar's health minister revealed that 91 health centers have earned recognition for excellence through NQAS and LaQshya certifications. This forward-thinking initiative is designed to enhance not just infrastructure, but also the quality of care patients receive, especially in rural areas.

Patna is on a transformative journey towards sustainable waste management, with plans to eliminate 20 lakh metric tonnes of outdated waste by May 2026. The city is currently employing an innovative biomining technique that categorizes waste into valuable resources like fuel, bio-soil, and inert materials.

In a swift operation early Wednesday, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) agents near the India-Nepal border in Madhubani district thwarted a major attempt to smuggle illegal Nepali liquor. Thanks to a reliable tip-off, the team managed to arrest two Indian smugglers and seize a staggering 1,845 liters of illicit liquor, alongside 22 motorcycles and various smuggling tools.

In a heart-wrenching incident in Patna's Bikram locality, a vehicle careened into a canal, tragically taking the lives of a beloved couple, Jitendra Kumar and Malti Devi. Remarkably, two other passengers managed to escape the water-logged car.

Bihar has proudly proclaimed itself free of Maoist influence, marking a significant milestone with the surrender of former high-ranking operative Suresh Koda. With a hefty bounty of Rs 3 lakh on his head, Koda, a member of the Special Area Committee, brought forth a stockpile of weapons as he stepped into the light after 25 years in hiding.

The Patna High Court has expressed grave concerns over the state of mental health services in Bihar, particularly for those abandoned and suffering from mental illnesses. In response to a troubling report regarding the state's only government-run mental health facility, the court has called upon top officials from both state and central authorities to address the issue.

In a startling turn of events, Bihar's prohibition law, which has been in place for a decade, is under scrutiny once again, this time from unexpected political allies. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi raised his voice against the law, shedding light on how it disproportionately affects the marginalized and leads to substantial revenue losses.

In Patna, the education department is revolutionizing the PM Poshan Scheme, successfully extending its reach to 3,017 schools. This initiative is paired with inclusive education training that has empowered over 5,000 teachers and parents, fostering a supportive learning environment.

In a heated session at the Bihar Assembly, RJD MLAs clamored for an ambitious 85% reservation cap, but the Speaker swiftly dismissed their adjournment motion. Meanwhile, discussions turned somber as the Deputy CM hinted at potential policy changes concerning the transport of deceased migrant workers.

Bihar's countryside is gearing up for transformation, thanks to the impressive network of 1.19 lakh km of roads and 2,884 bridges established over the past twenty years. The state government is committed to improving access for all, channeling resources into expanding all-weather roads to benefit even the most remote villages and underserved areas.

In a heartbreaking incident in West Champaran, an 18-year-old's life was tragically cut short when his motorcycle collided with a tractor near the narrow Motipur bridge, propelling him and a friend into the canal below. This devastating event ignited protests among local residents, who passionately called for a wider bridge to prevent future tragedies.

In a shocking turn of events, 55-year-old Santosh Seth lost his life in a violent altercation in Turha Toli, Buxar. What began as a disagreement with a local vegetable seller escalated into chaos on Tuesday night, leading to a brutal attack involving bricks and stones.

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.