The Times of India
Elections 2026Patna / The Times of India
Two sisters in Saran district performed their mother's last rites after she died of tuberculosis, as relatives and villagers refused to help due to fear of infection. The sisters, Mausam and Roushan Kumari, faced societal barriers as women performing traditionally male rituals, with Mausam lighting the pyre.
Bhojpur police apprehended three youths for the alleged kidnapping and murder of Intermediate student Sunny Kumar. The victim was reportedly strangled and his body found in a water pit. Authorities believe the motive stemmed from abusive social media comments made by Sunny against the girlfriend of his cousin. The girl's boyfriend and his associates are accused.
In a proactive move to elevate Patna's infrastructure, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted a thorough review of several ongoing projects. Notable highlights included the expansive widening of Nehru Path and significant drainage enhancements.
Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha engaged with citizens in Darbhanga, addressing numerous land dispute complaints. He highlighted ongoing public dialogues across the state aimed at resolving long-standing land issues. Sinha clarified that police cannot intervene in property possession or construction disputes, emphasizing the revenue department and courts' roles. Janata Darbars will now occur at circle offices weekly.
Exciting news for commuters traveling between Patna and Hajipur! The new four-lane bridge, designed to run alongside the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, is making remarkable progress. With about 60% of its 5.5 km length already completed, the bridge is set to be fully operational by early 2027.
A newly allotted government bungalow, formerly occupied by ex-MLA Tej Pratap Yadav, has been declared uninhabitable by SC and ST welfare minister Lakhendra Kumar Raushan. He reported the M26 Strand Road residence lacks basic amenities like fans and lights, with a damaged roof. The building construction department has been alerted to the poor condition.
Purnia Airport is riding high on a wave of success, having welcomed over one hundred thousand passengers by January 31, 2026, since its grand opening in September 2025. Key upgrades, including ample car parking, a sleek new four-lane access road, and an expanding apron area, are enhancing travel experiences.
Nyaya Mitras in Aurangabad held a peaceful protest demanding a higher honorarium for their 18 years of service in resolving village disputes. A delegation submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister via the District Magistrate, highlighting their unchanged remuneration and widespread discontent. The administration assured the memorandum would be forwarded for action.
In a heartbreaking incident in Masaurhi, Patna, 22-year-old Rohit Kumar lost his life after a stabbing near the local vegetable market. Lured by a group of young men, he was viciously attacked and left for dead. Despite immediate medical attention, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
In a bold move, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has called for a CBI investigation into the tragic murder and sexual assault of a NEET aspirant in Patna. The victim's family, losing trust in the local police, has urged for a central probe.
Gaya, a vibrant urban center, is suffocated by relentless traffic jams, a direct consequence of its outdated infrastructure lacking proper traffic signals. Commuters endure daily frustrations, while a long-awaited initiative to introduce electronic signals languishes in bureaucratic limbo.
Bihar Cricket Association has inked a 498 crore deal to build an international-standard cricket complex at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna. Awarded to Shivansh Infrastructure Development Pvt Ltd, the project will feature a 40,000-spectator capacity stadium, a five-star hotel, player hostels, and other world-class facilities, aiming for completion within two years.
On Martyrs' Day, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi and the valiant freedom fighters at Gandhi Ghat, a ceremony conducted with utmost state honors. Concurrently, Congress leaders, spearheaded by state president Rajesh Ram, gathered at Sadaquat Ashram, advocating for a revival of Gandhi's principles in contemporary society.
The Central University of South Bihar organized a dynamic educational tour tailored for aspiring rural youth and women farmers, focusing on innovative agricultural strategies. This initiative aimed to elevate productivity and earnings through modern farming methods, holistic systems, and complementary ventures such as animal husbandry and apiculture.
Amid the turmoil of the pandemic, security guard Kumar Vinay found his heart heavy as he witnessed the daily loss of life in a Patna hospital. Inspired by the suffering around him, he decided to dedicate his modest earnings to feeding 21 people in need each day.
In a poignant display of defiance, Dalit villagers in Vaishali district, Bihar, paid their last respects to a 91-year-old woman on a public road after being reportedly barred from the local cremation grounds. The family, frustrated by the barriers posed by encroaching constructions, chose to honor her memory along the side of the street.
In a heartbreaking incident in Muzaffarpur, a devastating accident claimed the lives of a junior engineer and a power company worker when their vehicle veered off course and plunged into the Vaishali canal. Eyewitnesses reported that the car was moving at a high speed and crashed through the bridge railing in the early hours of Friday.
Kicking off on Monday, Bihar's Intermediate exams are set to see a massive turnout of over 13 lakh students across 1,762 centres. Patna district, a hub of academic determination, will host 73,963 aspiring scholars. To ensure a fair testing environment, stringent security protocols have been established, including thorough frisking, CCTV monitoring, and a 200-meter buffer zone.
On February 7, the Bihar Assembly will celebrate its foundation day with the honored presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan. This occasion serves as a highlight of the upcoming budget session, which kicks off on February 2, with Governor Arif Mohammed Khan formally opening the discussions.
In a spirited public hearing, residents of Bhagalpur's Pirpainti block have shown enthusiastic approval for the Adani Group's plan to build a 2400MW ultra super critical thermal power plant. Community leaders and locals voiced their optimism, highlighting the potential for economic growth, job opportunities, and overall development in Bihar.
In Bettiah, four teachers at Vipin Higher Secondary School have been put on hold after it was found they marked their attendance but failed to show up for work. District education officials stumbled upon this during unannounced visits, especially alarming due to the school's strategic location right across the collectorate.

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