Bihar

Motihari, February 21, 2026: Breaking traditional farming norms, Prayag Dev Singh, a progressive farmer from Sagar Churarman village in Kotwa block, East Champaran, has successfully cultivated black potatoes—dubbed ‘black gold’—in his fields using seeds imported from the United States. The black potatoes are notably larger and heavier than regular varieties, earning Singh acclaim across the district. While many rural farmers in Bihar continue to rely on conventional methods, often yielding only subsistence-level income, some innovators like Singh are proving that experimenting with new crops can be highly rewarding. Singh’s bold decision to grow black potatoes has not only transformed his fortunes but also set a new example of agricultural innovation in the region. Seeds Imported fro...

Patna, February 21, 2026: In a significant diplomatic and technological engagement, the United Kingdom’s Artificial Intelligence Minister Kanishk Narayan met with Sanjay Kumar Jha, National Working President and Rajya Sabha MP of Janata Dal (United), at his residence in Patna on Saturday morning. The meeting highlighted Bihar’s growing prominence in the field of artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Welcoming the UK Minister in traditional style, Jha honored Narayan with a Mithila Paag and shawl, symbolizing cultural pride and respect. “It Feels Good to Return to Bihar” Speaking after the meeting, Kanishk Narayan expressed deep emotional and professional satisfaction at returning to his birthplace after more than two decades. “It feels truly wonderful to be in Bihar. ...

Patna | February 21, 2026: With the festival of Holi fast approaching, the railways have announced the operation of 21 special trains from Patna, Pataliputra and other stations under the Danapur Division to ease the heavy passenger rush. Thousands of migrant workers and professionals residing in other states travel back to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during the festival season, often facing difficulties in securing confirmed tickets. To address the surge in demand, the railways have introduced special services on key routes, ensuring smoother travel for passengers heading home to celebrate the festival of colors. According to Abhinav Siddharth, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Danapur Division, special arrangements have also been made at major stations to handle the additional...

Patna, Bihar: In a landmark development, Bihar police announced that the surrender of top Maoist operative Suresh Koda, also known as Mustakeem, marks the state as officially “Naxal-free.” Koda, a resident of Paisra village in Munger district, carried a bounty of ₹3 lakh and was a key member of a lethal Naxal platoon. According to a statement from the police headquarters late Wednesday, Koda had over 60 cases registered against him, including several under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He surrendered to the Special Task Force (STF) in Munger along with three assault rifles—including an AK-47 and an AK-56—two INSAS rifles, 505 rounds of ammunition, magazines, and some cash. Koda will now benefit from the state’s “Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Scheme,” which provides ...

Bihar has once again demonstrated its technological capabilities, this time in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with innovations aimed at improving governance and electoral processes. The state’s initiatives, showcased at the India AI Impact Expo 2026, have captured the attention of policymakers and technology experts from across the country. At Hall No. 5 of the Expo, the Bihar Pavilion displayed a collaboration between the Bihar State Election Commission, Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD), Gaya, and the Bihar GenNext Lab, presenting a vision of digital democracy and smart governance. Attending the launch were Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, Sandeep Poundrik, and other senior officials. ...

Patna: Bihar’s famed “Love Guru,” retired Patna University professor Matuknath Choudhary, is once again in the news, this time for a new chapter in his love life. Known across India for his controversial romance with student Julie in 2006, Choudhary, now 72, has shared a story of budding affection with a mysterious woman he calls his “Janu.” A Curious Love ExchangeChoudhary posted on Facebook about a unique interaction with the woman, who expressed love for him—but on unusual terms. She asked him to read her literary works and provide detailed feedback, sparking a conversation about whether their connection was love or duty. Choudhary wrote, “I wondered, is this love or a duty? Love should be reciprocated naturally, not through a transaction. I told her I could not comply with such term...

Patna: In a significant political development, the Patna High Court has issued notices to Bihar Assembly Speaker Dr. Prem Kumar and 41 other MLAs, seeking their responses in a petition alleging false information in election affidavits. Both ruling and opposition party legislators are included among the total 42 MLAs, with Energy Minister Vijendra Prasad Yadav also among those summoned. Court Seeks ResponsesThe notice was issued in response to a petition claiming irregularities and misleading information in the election affidavits submitted by the legislators during the Bihar Assembly elections. The High Court has directed all 42 MLAs to respond within the stipulated time, emphasizing the seriousness of the case. The development has created a stir in Bihar’s political corridors. List ...

Patna: Bihar, once gripped by the fear of Naxal insurgency, has officially been declared Naxal-free in 2026. During the 1980s and 1990s, entire districts in the state were under the shadow of armed Naxalite groups. Residents avoided going out after dusk, and even the police hesitated to enter areas where Naxals ran parallel administrations. Today, Bihar celebrates a new dawn, free from decades of ‘Red Terror’. The End of an EraThe final chapter of this violent period came to a close in Munger when hardcore Naxal Suresh Koda, alias Mustaqeem, with a reward of ₹3 lakh on his head, surrendered to security forces. Koda’s surrender marks not just the capitulation of a criminal, but the symbolic end of nearly five decades of Naxal insurgency in Bihar. Origins of Naxalism in BiharNaxalism i...

Sitamarhi: In a strong administrative crackdown against the misuse of licensed firearms, Sitamarhi District Magistrate Richi Pandey has cancelled the arms licences of two influential individuals accused of openly displaying weapons and creating fear among the public. The action has gained significant attention across the district, as such strict measures against powerful individuals are rarely seen. Officials stated that the decision was taken following a detailed report submitted by Sitamarhi Superintendent of Police Amit Ranjan. Former Minister’s Nephew Faces Major Action One of the licence holders whose firearm permit has been cancelled is Shadab Ahmad Khan, a resident of Mehsaul Chowk in Sitamarhi city. Khan is the nephew of late Mohammad Shahid Ali Khan, a former Cabinet Mini...