Tuesday, July 7

Bihar

Bihar Introduces 7-Year Warranty on Urban Roads: New Government Policy Aims for Long-Lasting Quality
Bihar, State

Bihar Introduces 7-Year Warranty on Urban Roads: New Government Policy Aims for Long-Lasting Quality

Patna: The Bihar government is set to implement a new policy ensuring long-term quality of urban roads. Under the new rule, contractors and agencies responsible for road construction and maintenance will be required to maintain the quality of roads for seven years. As part of this ambitious plan, nearly 19,000 kilometers of state highways and major district roads across Bihar will come under the maintenance scheme. The Public Works Department (PWD) has allocated approximately ₹23,000 crore for this project. Agencies failing to meet quality standards may face up to 40% deduction in their payment. Cabinet Approval SoonThe proposal for the new policy, based on the OPRMC-3 (Long-Term Performance-Based Road Maintenance Model), will soon be sent for cabinet approval. Under this plan, 19,36...
Bihar: Tight Grip on Revenue Department as IAS Officer CK Anil Takes Charge
Bihar, Politics, State

Bihar: Tight Grip on Revenue Department as IAS Officer CK Anil Takes Charge

Patna, Bihar: Following recent IAS transfers in Bihar, political corridors are abuzz with discussions about the renewed control exerted by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over his administration. The appointment of CK Anil as Principal Secretary of the Revenue and Land Reforms Department has intensified speculation that the CM’s “keen oversight” is now directed toward the department’s minister, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha. Historical Frictions ResurfaceThe relationship between CM Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha has often seen public and political friction. Sinha, who once made headlines for his statements during assembly debates about honoring former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision, has previously faced scrutiny over his statements and actions. Politica...
Bihar Railways Activates High-Tech Safety Systems Amid Fog and Cold
Bihar, State

Bihar Railways Activates High-Tech Safety Systems Amid Fog and Cold

Patna, Bihar: With plummeting temperatures and dense fog expected across Bihar, the Railways have activated their advanced winter safety systems to ensure passenger safety and smooth operations. The Eastern Central Railway (ECR) has launched an extensive winter safety campaign from Monday, particularly targeting fog-prone sections under the Danapur Division, where visibility has deteriorated significantly. Enhanced Safety Measures for Cold and FogAccording to Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of ECR, nearly 40% of stations under the Danapur Division fall in areas susceptible to dense fog. In response, safety protocols have been strengthened. A GPS-based winter safety system has been deployed, providing locomotive pilots with real-time alerts on upcoming signals, s...
Bihar Braces for Intense Cold as December Arrives
Bihar, State

Bihar Braces for Intense Cold as December Arrives

Patna, Bihar: Bihar has started experiencing the full impact of winter, with the state witnessing a sharp drop in temperatures at the very beginning of December. While daytime temperatures remain moderately warm, nights have grown distinctly chilly, prompting residents to rely on quilts and blankets for warmth. According to updates from the Patna Meteorological Centre, the coming days are expected to bring cold mornings and evenings, accompanied by light to moderate fog in some areas and strong western winds. Additionally, due to the influence of Cyclone Ditva, partial cloud cover is likely across the state. Cold Spell to Continue for the WeekIn Patna and surrounding cities, partly cloudy skies were observed, with daytime temperatures ranging between 27°C and 28°C. The state is likel...
Patna Administration Cracks Down on Encroachments: ₹59,800 Collected, FIRs in the Pipeline
Bihar, State

Patna Administration Cracks Down on Encroachments: ₹59,800 Collected, FIRs in the Pipeline

Patna, Bihar: In a strong show of administrative action, the Patna district administration, under the directives of DM Tyagarajan S.M., launched a city-wide anti-encroachment drive at the start of December. The operation led to the removal of numerous temporary structures along public roads, and fines amounting to ₹59,800 were collected from violators. The drive targeted street vendors, wooden counters, and makeshift setups occupying public spaces, aiming to ensure smooth traffic flow and free access to public areas. The operation saw participation from multiple agencies, including the District Administration, Patna Municipal Corporation, Traffic Police, Transport Department, Revenue Department, PWD, Health, Fire Department, Bridge Construction Corporation, Telecommunications, Forest De...
Blood at a Wedding: Teacher Killed in Celebratory Firing; 3 Arrested, 3 on the Run
Bihar, State

Blood at a Wedding: Teacher Killed in Celebratory Firing; 3 Arrested, 3 on the Run

Rohtas, Bihar – A joyous wedding ceremony turned tragic in Rohtas district when celebratory gunfire claimed the life of a teacher during the jaimala ritual. The incident occurred in Thenua village under Shivsagar police jurisdiction. The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old Nandan Kumar Singh, a resident of Chihullar village in Itarhi, Buxar district, who was serving as a teacher. Incident Details According to police, the unfortunate event took place late Sunday night, around 1 a.m., while Nandan Kumar Singh had attended his maternal cousin’s wedding in Thenua village. Superintendent of Police (SP) Roshan Kumar confirmed that following a post-mortem, the body was handed over to the family. Weapons and Vehicle Seized; Arrests Made Authorities have arrested three individua...
Deputy CM Effect”: Police Clamp Down on Illegal Businesses in Banka, Assets Poised for Seizure
Bihar, State

Deputy CM Effect”: Police Clamp Down on Illegal Businesses in Banka, Assets Poised for Seizure

Banka, Bihar – Following the formation of the new government in Bihar and strict directives from Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, police across the state have begun a stringent crackdown on crime and illegal businesses. In line with this drive, authorities in Banka district have intensified action against mafia elements involved in illegal sand mining, liquor trade, and other criminal activities, amassing substantial wealth through illicit means. Action Initiated Against 16 Mafia Members SP Upendra Nath Verma stated that there will be zero tolerance for criminals in the district. Sixteen individuals engaged in long-standing illegal activities have been identified, and departmental action has been initiated against them. Charges have already been filed in court against four of ...
Bihar Congress Pins Election Loss on ₹10,000 Scheme; Calls It “Bribe
Bihar, State

Bihar Congress Pins Election Loss on ₹10,000 Scheme; Calls It “Bribe

Patna: After the disappointing performance of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, party leaders are looking for reasons behind the defeat. Senior Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan has claimed that the Bihar government’s decision to distribute ₹10,000 each to 1 million women was the primary factor behind the coalition’s poor showing. Khan termed the cash transfer as “bribery” and questioned the Election Commission’s inaction. ₹10,000 Cash Transfers Led to Congress Loss?The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retained power in Bihar, winning 202 out of 243 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan secured only 41 seats, including six for Congress. Shakeel Ahmed Khan alleged, “The Election Commission must explain why it remained silent when the NDA government distr...
Banka: Married Woman Found Dead, Son’s Statement Provides Key Lead
Bihar, State

Banka: Married Woman Found Dead, Son’s Statement Provides Key Lead

Banka (Bihar): In a shocking incident in Srinathpur village of Banka district, the body of a married woman was found under suspicious circumstances on Monday evening. The woman, identified as Neetu Kumari (28), wife of Umesh Sah, had visible injuries around her neck, raising initial suspicions of strangulation. Local residents first spotted the body in an open field and immediately informed the police. Upon arrival, the police cordoned off the area and began a preliminary investigation. The gruesome discovery sent waves of shock throughout the village, with several residents gathering at the scene. Son Alleges Father’s InvolvementThe investigation took a critical turn when the deceased’s son, Ashish Kumar, accused his father, Umesh Sah, of the murder. He alleged that frequent domesti...
Bihar Minister Invites Osama Shahab, Son of Former Strongman Shahabuddin, to His Home
Bihar, State

Bihar Minister Invites Osama Shahab, Son of Former Strongman Shahabuddin, to His Home

Patna: A cordial moment at the Bihar Assembly captured political attention on the first day of the winter session. Minister Jama Khan of the Nitish Kumar government warmly greeted RJD MLA Osama Shahab, son of the former strongman and ex-MP Shahabuddin, who had just taken oath as a member of the legislative assembly. As Osama Shahab was about to leave the assembly premises in his car, Minister Jama Khan personally approached him and shook hands warmly. In an unexpected gesture of goodwill, Khan referred to Osama as his “younger brother” and invited him to his home, signaling a spirit of political camaraderie. “Everyone Is Like a Brother”When asked by reporters, Jama Khan clarified that there was no controversy in the gesture. “He is a member of the assembly, and I consider him like a ...