The Times of India News

With the New Year just around the corner, Patna's cyber police are on high alert, warning citizens about potential scams hiding behind festive cheer. Fraudsters may send cheerful 'Happy New Year' wishes loaded with dubious links or Android packages, cleverly disguised as exclusive deals or fun animated images.

In a focused effort to enforce prohibition laws, Patna district is stepping up its game. Officials are encouraged to fast-track confiscation efforts, expedite liquor destruction processes, and ensure stern convictions. A firm stance against the land, liquor, and sand mafias has been declared, with resolving land conflicts taking precedence.

In a shocking incident in Patna's Saksohra region, Gorelal Yadav was ambushed by three assailants on motorbikes, sustaining critical injuries from multiple gunshots. The attack occurred as he was returning home from his farm accompanied by his brother-in-law.

An investigation is now in progress after four members of the GRP allegedly swiped 1 kg of gold biscuits, worth Rs1.44 crore, from a bullion trader's team. This bizarre incident took place near Koderma station while they were en route to Jaipur with the precious cargo.

In an exciting development for Bihar's agricultural sector, the cooperative minister unveiled ambitious plans to breathe new life into the defunct sugar mills of Sakri and Raiyam. This restoration effort is a cornerstone of the state's 'Saat Nischay-3' initiative, which seeks to rejuvenate nine aging sugar mills and introduce 25 modern facilities.

In a startling turn of events, the Special Vigilance Unit has detained Jeetendra Prasad, a panchayat secretary in Ara, under suspicion of soliciting a bribe of Rs10,000. The charge stems from his demand to hasten the issuance of a crucial birth certificate for a womans mother-in-law, a process that had already stalled for four months due to bureaucratic delays.

In a tragic incident in Saran district, a young woman reportedly lost her life due to dowry demands, sparking outrage among the local community. Her husband and in-laws attempted to perform a swift cremation, but vigilant villagers alerted the authorities just in time.

In a remarkable evolution, Bihar's Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) are emerging as essential community service hubs. They are rolling out a range of online solutions alongside Jan Aushadhi Kendras to enhance member benefits. With a robust membership of over 1.38 crore, PACS are also gearing up to introduce 'Tarkari' outlets dedicated to fresh fruits and vegetables.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a ropeway trial in Rohtas ended in disaster, prompting Bihar's Road Construction Minister to take swift action. Two engineers have been suspended, and the construction agency responsible is now on the blacklist.

Bihar welcomed a moment of warmth as the winter chill eased slightly under a gentle haze, although foggy mornings persisted. Despite this brief thaw, several districts remained in the tight grip of severe cold, with Rajgir recording the lowest temperature.

In light of the chilling cold wave sweeping through Bihar, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit has urged officials to bolster monitoring in high-traffic areas and provide sufficient bonfires for those in need. Meanwhile, the DGP has raised concerns about a potential surge in drug and biker gang activities, calling for heightened police presence at pilgrimage sites.

In a bold move to enhance administrative efficiency, the Bihar government has reshuffled 18 senior IAS officers, redefining key positions within the state. Vinay Kumar steps into the crucial role of Principal Secretary for Urban Development and Housing, while Sanjeev Hans, recently cleared of corruption allegations, has been appointed as Additional Member of the Board of Revenue.

At a recent meeting, BJP's national working president Nitin Nabin called upon the Ram Navami celebration committee in Patna to kick off their preparations for the sacred festivities set to commence on March 26. With deep ties to the Shri Shri Ramnavami Shobha Yatra Abhinandan Samiti, Nabin highlighted the significance of the yatra in promoting unity and discipline among communities.

As we approach the dawn of 2026, Patna is transforming into a festive wonderland, ready to usher in the New Year with exuberance. Expect a myriad of options, from grand parties decked with dazzling fireworks to cozy cafe gatherings stuffed with warmth and laughter.

In a remarkable feat, the Patna Municipal Corporation has surpassed a monumental Rs 63 crore in collections from property tax and solid waste management fees. This accomplishment stems from an aggressive tax initiative, with a significant shift toward online payment methods.

In a commendable stride towards public safety, the Bettiah police have triumphantly completed 'Operation Muskaan', returning 35 mobile phonesvalued at over Rs 10 lakhto their rightful owners. Since the operation kicked off in January, a total of 365 devices, worth Rs 53 lakh, have been reclaimed.

In a major step forward for aspiring driver constables, the Bihar police have announced that 15,516 candidates have made the cut after a competitive written exam. These hopefuls are now gearing up for the physical efficiency test, where they will compete for one of the 4,361 available posts.

In a proactive move to enhance road safety, Transport Secretary Raj Kumar has tasked district officials with pinpointing high-risk accident zones for immediate intervention. Safety upgrades, including foot overbridges and traffic signals, are set to be implemented swiftly. Moreover, he emphasized the crucial role of skilled drivers, instituting mandatory specialized training at IDTR for both government and contract drivers.

In an exciting development for the education sector, Bihar's Education Minister has confirmed that requisitions for TRE-4 teacher appointments will be submitted to the BPSC by January 14. Following the successful recruitment of over 2.

In a major crackdown, Patna police have uncovered an extensive ganja smuggling operation, leading to the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of 84 kg of marijuana worth around Rs1 crore. This gang utilized Patna as a crucial transit point, procuring drugs from the Northeast for distribution to cities like Delhi and Varanasi.

In Patna, a group of recent engineering graduates has initiated a protest against the BPSC's policy regarding the Assistant Engineer exam. They are calling for the elimination of the 25% weightage assigned to contractual experience, claiming that it puts deserving fresh candidates at a disadvantage.

On January 3, Chanakya National Law University will welcome Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the distinguished guest for their annual convocation. He will inspire over 1,100 graduates, including those receiving PhDs and master's degrees, as they embark on their new journeys. Among them, 76 students will be celebrated for their exceptional academic achievements.

In a pivotal meeting in Delhi, Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi engaged with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his advice on progressing the state's development agenda. They delved into the significance of Punaura Dham as a cultural touchstone, the promotion of Makhana farmers welfare, and strategies for fortifying the party's grassroots structure.

In a ceremonial event, the District Magistrate of Gaya proudly presented the 2026 calendar for the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, emphasizing the recent initiatives aimed at enriching the visitor experience. Among these are the newly inaugurated BTMC facility, the implementation of solar power systems, and enhanced accessibility with wider ramps.

In a significant development in Bihar's education sector, Minister Sunil Kumar announced that the appointment of cabinet minister Ashok Choudhary as an assistant professor has been sent back to the Bihar State University Service Commission for further evaluation due to noted inconsistencies.

In a decisive move to strengthen its fight against terrorism, Bihar Police is setting up four new regional offices for its Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Gaya, Motihari, Darbhanga, and Purnia. This expansion is designed to enhance intelligence activities and improve operational capabilities throughout the state, with each office managed by a dedicated deputy SP.

In a captivating winter study tour, ten IAS trainees from the 2025 cohort visited NIPER-Hajipur. Their journey highlighted the pharmaceutical industrys indispensable contributions to public health and national governance. Engaging presentations shed light on regulatory frameworks and socio-economic ramifications, while hands-on lab visits showcased cutting-edge research and innovation.

As 2026 rolls in, Bihar will welcome the New Year shrouded in a blanket of dense fog and a chill in the air. Residents in both northern and south-western districts can expect visibility to be quite limited, with temperatures hovering between a crisp 14-18C during the day and plummeting to 8C at night.

After four long years, the Chausa railway overbridge in Buxar is still a work in progress, exacerbating daily struggles for many residents. Once expected to wrap up much sooner, the expected completion date has now slipped to 2026. Traffic snarls on a precarious narrow detour are causing significant disruptions, particularly affecting students, emergency patients, and local businesses.

In a pivotal move for the agricultural landscape, the Bihar government plans to breathe new life into nine dormant sugar mills, igniting a wave of optimism among farmers in West Champaran and neighboring areas.

On Monday, a thick blanket of fog enveloped Patna, causing a major upheaval in air travel. Multiple flights were canceled, leaving travelers stuck and frustrated. Major airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, had to suspend operations affecting crucial routes to Delhi, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar.

On Monday, travelers faced a challenging day as train services connecting Patna to Kolkata were severely affected. A goods train derailment necessitated track repairs, causing over 12 trains, including the prestigious Vande Bharat and Janshatabdi Express, to be rerouted. Commuters found themselves dealing with longer journeys and considerable delays as vital routes remained obstructed.

In a dark turn of events, the brutal murder case in Bhagalpur has taken a shocking twist with the arrest of the victim's uncle, Santosh Kumar Das, identified as the mastermind behind the crime. Abhishek Kumar, just 28 years old, was reportedly killed and dismembered following a tangled web of blackmail stemming from an illicit affair and financial disagreements.