The Times of India
Elections 2026Patna / The Times of India
Scheduled to launch by March 2027, Digha Ghat will host Bihar's inaugural gas-based crematorium, a collaborative effort between Patna Municipal Corporation and Isha Outreach. This innovative facility will primarily utilize LPG for cremation purposes, while thoughtfully incorporating limited wood usage to honor longstanding traditions.
Vendors displaced from J P Ganga Path face a prolonged wait for a designated vending zone, with the Patna Municipal Corporation missing its deadline. The promised facility near Digha roundabout remains incomplete, forcing vendors to operate in unsanitary conditions. Rising LPG prices further impact livelihoods, pushing some to seek daily wage work or switch to coal.
In a bid to tackle the urgent issues plaguing Bihar, CPI(ML) state secretary Kunal is calling on partners of the Grand Alliance to unite for a series of protests. These demonstrations will shed light on the escalating LPG crisis, the alarming rise in violence against women, and the burdensome hikes in electricity tariffs.
Passengers aboard the Satyagrah Express were left in disbelief when droplets of alcohol began to seep from the overhead compartment. Investigating officers from the railway police unearthed 15-20 bottles cleverly stashed within the roof of coach S-4, just as the train approached Kaptanganj. The trains swift momentum unfortunately compromised some of the bottles, thereby exposing the illicit smuggling operation.
In light of the devastating stampede that resulted in nine casualties, the Nalanda district authorities are taking decisive action by eliminating illegal structures surrounding the Maa Sheetla Mata Temple. Using bulldozers, they are clearing roadside vendors to enhance accessibility and manage crowds more effectively.
As banners emerge once more heralding Nishant Kumar as the 'future CM' of Bihar, the political landscape vibrates with chatter of succession. With Nitish Kumar eyeing a move to the Rajya Sabha, the spotlight is increasingly on his son, Nishant.
In a strategic move to enhance transportation infrastructure, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted a thorough evaluation of the ongoing construction of the Danapur-Bihta Elevated Corridor and the adjacent Bihta airport. This elevated corridor promises to become the longest in East India, designed to streamline access to the new airport.
In a shocking turn of events in Patna, law enforcement has detained three suspects, including a man posing as a lawyer, for allegedly abducting and assaulting a young man in a blackmail scheme involving explicit videos. The victim was deceived into visiting an office under the pretense of correcting his Aadhaar card.
In an inspiring address, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan encouraged MGCU students to prioritize 'Nation First' while steering clear of substance abuse. He invoked Gandhiji's principles of non-violence, urging students to embody these ideals in their online interactions. The historical legacy of Champaran and Bihars cultural wealth were spotlighted, prompting students to harness technology for the benefit of the nation.
During his recent visit to the legendary Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan paid a heartfelt tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, underscoring the site's vital role in the Champaran Satyagraha.
Patna's District Magistrate has ordered a significant upgrade for Patliputra Bus Terminal, focusing on passenger amenities and traffic flow. Key directives include clearing encroachments, removing abandoned vehicles, and acquiring more land for infrastructure. A multi-departmental team will tackle debris dumping, while unauthorized operators face penalties. Enhanced security and improved facilities are top priorities.
Seven girls, including six minors, were rescued from brothels in Forbesganj during a late-night raid. Over 30 individuals, including alleged traffickers and customers, were arrested. The girls, trafficked from various locations, endured horrific conditions. This operation is part of a larger state initiative to combat exploitation.
On Friday, a catastrophic blaze destroyed vast swathes of farmland in four villages of Bhojpur district, engulfing around 500 acres of nearly ripe wheat crops. Fire crews fought valiantly against the inferno for hours, with early investigations pointing to high-tension wires as the potential ignition source.
Authorities apprehended Manohar Kumar Sharma in Kishanganj for allegedly creating counterfeit Aadhaar cards using forged documents. A raid at a grocery store uncovered a laptop, scanners, and a printer used in the operation. Sharma is reportedly linked to a larger syndicate involved in this illegal activity. An FIR has been filed, and he was presented in court.
In Mokama, an exhilarating wrestling extravaganza dubbed 'Mahadangal' unfolded in celebration of the legendary Vivek Singh. The event, orchestrated by Anant Singh, a JD(U) MLA and former opponent in the ring, drew in thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
A shocking incident unfolded at a private hospital in Saran, Bihar, where an 11-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted by a compounder. The accused, Monu Kumar, was apprehended by police shortly after the crime. Authorities have sealed the hospital for evidence collection and initiated a swift investigation under stringent laws, including the Pocso Act, promising a speedy trial.
Devastation hits East Champaran, with five lives lost due to the consumption of tainted alcohol. Nine individuals are currently in the hospital, while others have already been discharged. The dangerous brew was reportedly ingested in the areas of Turkauliya and Raghunathpur between Tuesday and Wednesday.
A devastating fire ravaged nearly 300 bighas of wheat crops in Gaya's Naili village, impacting around 200 families. Strong winds fueled the rapid spread, overwhelming villagers' efforts to extinguish the blaze. While fire tenders arrived, the damage was extensive. Authorities are investigating the cause and will provide compensation under disaster management provisions.
In a shocking turn of events, Bada Bazar in Darbhanga became the scene of a daring day-time robbery as a gang of four masked gunmen burst into a jewellery store. They made away with an astonishing hauljewels valued at Rs 2 crore and an additional Rs 25 lakh in cash.
Two fires erupted at Patna Medical College and Hospital on Friday, causing damage to documents and equipment. The first incident, in the pathology department, was attributed to a short circuit. A second fire occurred in the old gynaecology ward, possibly due to shifting materials. Fortunately, no patients or staff were harmed in either event, and patient care remained uninterrupted.
In Bihar, the Congress party is facing a storm over its latest appointment of 53 District Committee leaders. Many members are voicing concerns about insufficient representation for backward and extremely backward communities, suggesting that the new appointments heavily favor upper castes.
A railway employee, Pramod Kumar, was found shot dead on a roadside in Samastipur district on Friday morning. He was returning home from duty when unidentified assailants attacked him. While police suspect robbery, the victim's family points to a land dispute involving relatives. The incident has sparked protests, with locals blocking roads.
In a bold demonstration on Friday, Bihar Congress voiced its frustration over the unavailability of LPG cylinders and soaring energy costs. State leader Rajesh Ram pointed fingers at Prime Minister Modi, attributing these financial burdens to ineffective economic policies. The party committed to relentless efforts aimed at securing fair prices and ensuring all families have access to LPG fuel.
Bihar is emerging as a hotbed for filmmakers, fueled by its innovative Film Promotion Policy 2024. With generous financial support, the state has given the green light to 45 film projects, 39 of which have wrapped up since July. This exciting development attracts productions in multiple languages, bringing to life Bihar's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes throughout the nation.
In a landmark ruling, the Begusarai court has imposed life sentences on Rani Kumari and her accomplice, Mohd Sajjad, for the chilling murder of Rani's husband, Maheshwar Rai. The couple was convicted of strangling Rai in their rural home in Fafaut village back in January 2024.
In a proactive move for urban development, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reviewed pivotal infrastructure ventures in Patna, spotlighting Patliputra Park alongside essential road and drainage enhancements. He pressed officials for swift execution, aiming to optimize both foot traffic and vehicle flow. These undertakings are set to uplift western Patnas connectivity and aesthetics, easing transit towards Danapur and beyond.
In an impressive financial feat, Bihar's commercial taxes department has recorded an unprecedented tax collection of Rs 43,324 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a commendable 4.09% rise compared to last year. This surge, particularly in GST revenue, highlights Bihar's economical prowess, outstripping the national growth average.
In a robust response to flooding concerns, the Bihar government has earmarked a staggering Rs 1,117 crore for 384 flood protection initiatives throughout the state. Among these, Rs 340 crore is dedicated to five pivotal schemes, including crucial anti-erosion strategies and a protective ring bund for AIIMS Darbhanga.
In an ambitious move, the Bihar government is channeling Rs 1,117 crore into 384 flood protection initiatives statewide. Among these, a substantial Rs 340 crore will be dedicated to five essential projects, featuring critical anti-erosion strategies and the construction of a protective ring bund around AIIMS Darbhanga.

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