The Times of India

Lawmakers in Bihar's legislative council voiced concerns that Jay Prabha Medanta Superspecialty Hospital is reportedly denying treatment to poor patients with Ayushman cards. While the hospital claims to offer services in two departments, legislators urged the government to ensure comprehensive care for the needy, with the Health Minister stating private hospitals cannot be compelled to join the scheme.

The Supreme Court collegium has recommended nine advocates for elevation as judges to the Patna High Court. This move is poised to significantly reduce the backlog of over 2.12 lakh cases, many pending for two decades. The appointments will bolster the court's strength to 46, offering hope for swift justice to countless litigants across Bihar.

Patna Municipal Corporation's empowered committee greenlit 69 development projects, including extensive riverfront beautification, enhanced drinking water infrastructure, and urban upgrades. Key initiatives involve modernizing public facilities, tackling water scarcity with specialized teams, and improving drainage systems. The corporation aims to transform Patna into a clean, organized, and modern metropolis, with swift execution and citizen benefits prioritized.

A 32-year-old inmate's death at Buxar Central Jail has sparked tension and allegations of foul play. Family members claim visible injuries and collusion between jail and police, asserting the deceased was healthy two days prior. While authorities suggest a heart attack, a probe into the suspicious circumstances is underway, with a post-mortem to follow.

Rajgir Zoo Safari and Nature Safari in Nalanda will be closed to visitors on March 3rd and 4th due to the Holi festival. This decision, made for security and administrative reasons, aims to ensure smooth law and order during the celebrations. Tourists are advised to plan their trips accordingly, as operations will resume on March 5th.

Bihar's Special Task Force apprehended notorious criminal Deva Gupta, carrying a Rs 1 lakh bounty, from Patna. Gupta, husband of Motihari mayor Preeti Kumari and an RJD candidate in the 2025 assembly polls, faces charges in 28 serious cases including murder and extortion. His arrest marks a significant success for law enforcement.

Ahead of Swachh Survekshan 2026, Patna Municipal Corporation is launching an intensive training initiative to strengthen solid waste and wastewater management. Bringing together municipal officials, frontline sanitation staff, NGOs, and private partners, the drive is designed to upgrade citywide cleanliness systems, build a more skilled workforce, and promote transparent, well-coordinated service delivery in preparation for the national sanitation assessment.

Tensions flared in Kaimur district when police moved to break up an alleged liquor party, sparking a confrontation with local residents. Villagers reportedly hurled stones, leaving five officers injured. According to police, they opened fire in self-defense after some individuals tried to seize their weapons, and one villager was shot in the process.

Bihars financial management has come under sharp focus after a CAG report flagged revenue arrears of Rs 4,844 crore, including more than Rs 1,400 crore pending for over five years. The report also highlights alarming delays in financial reporting, with utilization certificates worth Rs 92,133 crore still outstanding.

Bihar witnesses a disturbing rise in 'pakadua vivah,' where men and boys are forced into marriage. Recent cases across districts like Samastipur and Patna involve students, teachers, and even minors abducted and wedded under duress. Viral social media videos expose these incidents, prompting urgent calls for stricter laws and swifter police action against perpetrators.

What began as a festive wedding in Buxar descended into chaos when gunshots rang out during the exchange-of-garlands ceremony. The bride, 18-year-old Aarti Kumari, was hit by a bullet on stage, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack by a neighbour nursing unreciprocated feelings. Quickly shifted to Varanasi for treatment, she has since been declared out of danger.