Bihar

When the history of Bhojpuri cinema is written, ‘Nadiya Ke Paar’ will always hold a special place. Released on October 10, 1982, this film was more than just a blockbuster—it became a cultural phenomenon. Every song from the movie became iconic, and its depiction of rural Bihar resonated deeply with audiences. Now, 43 years later, Patna will witness a special screening of this classic film. A Timeless Musical CharmThe film’s title song, “Kaun disha mein leke chala re batohiya”, sung melodiously by Hemlata and Jaspal Singh, continues to captivate listeners even today. Lyrics such as “Tang karne ka tose naata hai gujriya” are remembered for their simplicity and charm. The movie’s portrayal of village life, social dynamics, playful mischief, and commentary on dowry practices made it an unf...

Sitamarhi, Bihar: A heated dispute between two female teachers at a middle school in Dumra block, Sitamarhi, has escalated into a full-blown controversy, drawing attention across the district. The District Education Officer (DEO), Raghavendra Mani Tripathi, has stepped in, suspending both teachers to restore discipline and set an example. The IncidentThe conflict took place at Middle School, Pokhar Tol, Bariyarpur, involving the headmistress Ahana Gupta and another teacher, Punita Kumari. The dispute reportedly involved allegations of improper conduct, physical altercations, and creating a hostile environment at the school. The confrontation disrupted classes, affecting students’ learning and tarnishing the school’s reputation. Viral Video Adds FuelOn December 13, 2025, a video of th...

Patna, Bihar: The mention of Bhumihar Brahmins in the recent caste census in Bihar has sparked significant debate, prompting objections and review by the government through the Backward Classes Commission. The history of the Bhumihar Brahmins, however, reveals a deeply rooted and culturally rich legacy that predates modern disputes. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati: Scholar and Social ReformerSwami Sahajanand Saraswati, a renowned scholar of Sanskrit, social reformer, and leader of the peasant movement, conducted extensive research into the origins and history of the Bhumihar Brahmin community. His seminal work, Brahmarshi Vansh Vistar, provides a comprehensive account of the community, referencing British-era documents, gazetteers, and census records from 1865 and 1911. Origins of the Ter...

Patna: In a major move to enhance transparency, accountability, and discipline within the Patna police force, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma has launched a comprehensive verification drive targeting nearly 7,000 police constables deployed across the district. To ensure strict monitoring, seven senior officers have been tasked with the responsibility of inspecting approximately 1,000 constables each. The exercise, officially referred to as the “Third Eye” initiative, requires officers to physically visit deployment sites, rather than relying solely on attendance registers or office records. On-Site Physical VerificationThe SSP’s office issued clear instructions emphasizing physical inspection at each posting or deputation location. Officers must confirm tha...

Nawada: Muslim organizations in Bihar have strongly raised their voices following the lynching of Mohammad Athar Hussain in Nawada district. They are demanding compensation for the victim’s family, along with government job support for his wife and educational and healthcare assistance for his children. The demand has also received backing from Imarat-e-Sharia. According to reports, Hussain, a clothing vendor, was brutally attacked on December 5 in Bhatta village. Eyewitnesses stated that his identity was confirmed before the assault by asking for his name. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment on December 12. Demands for Justice and CompensationAddressing a press conference in Phulwarisharif, Mufti Mohammad Saeedul Rahman Qasmi, Nazim of Imarat-e-Sharia, described ...

The Patna High Court has directed the Bihar government to submit detailed and authentic data regarding the export of horticultural produce—particularly mangoes and litchis—from the state. The court sought clarity on the infrastructure developed so far to promote the export of these high-value fruits, which are among Bihar’s key agricultural strengths. A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice and Justice Alok Kumar Pandey passed the order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Maurya Vijay Chandra. The Bench instructed the Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, and the Director of Horticulture to place before the court the actual quantities of mangoes and litchis exported from Bihar during recent agricultural seasons. Court Questions Export Re...

In a major relief for LPG consumers and beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the government has made the biometric e-KYC process simpler, faster, and completely free. Consumers can now complete their LPG subsidy KYC from home using a smartphone, eliminating the need to visit gas agencies or service centers. Under the new system, face authentication–based Aadhaar e-KYC has been enabled, allowing beneficiaries to verify their identity digitally within minutes. This move aims to ensure uninterrupted LPG subsidy benefits while enhancing transparency and preventing misuse. Complete KYC on Mobile, No Agency Visit Required According to official guidelines, LPG consumers can initiate the e-KYC process online by visiting the designated portal or by scanning the QR cod...

A massive number of land mutation (Dakhil-Kharij) applications have been rejected in Patna district, causing widespread concern among raiyats (landholders). According to official data, out of 10.16 lakh online applications submitted so far, more than 3.65 lakh applications—nearly 36 percent—have been rejected, primarily due to incomplete documentation and lack of coordination at the circle (Anchal) office level. Officials report that 6.33 lakh applications have been accepted for disposal, while 17,025 applications (1.67 percent) are still pending. The high rejection rate has left thousands of landowners struggling to get their ownership records updated, an essential requirement for sale, inheritance, loans, and government schemes. Documentation Gaps Major Cause Revenue experts and...

In a landmark judgment with far-reaching implications for cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Patna High Court has overturned the conviction of Pawan Kumar Mandal and ordered his immediate release from jail. The Division Bench comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Dr. Anshuman set aside the lower court’s verdict, laying down crucial guidelines on age determination and the misuse of POCSO provisions in consent-based relationships. The High Court strongly observed that medical examination alone cannot be treated as a conclusive or exclusive basis for determining age, as medical science itself allows a margin of error of one to two years. Relying solely on such approximate assessments, the Court held, is unjust and poses a serious threat to...