State

Patna: Despite economic challenges, Bihar has witnessed a remarkable surge in vehicle registrations, signaling a new era of mobility across the state. According to the Bihar Economic Survey 2025-26, nearly 1.4 million new vehicles were registered in 2024, accounting for more than 5% of India’s total vehicle sales. Patna alone saw registrations of 166,000 new vehicles. In terms of private vehicle ownership, Bihar ranks seventh in the country, while in commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses, it holds the fifth position nationwide. The surge in registrations generated ₹3,678 crore in revenue for the state government. Two-Wheelers and Cars Lead the BoomThe survey highlights that 1.126 million two-wheelers were registered, along with 77,000 cars, 78,000 taxis, and 45,000 three-wheel...

Patna: Situated in the western part of Patna district, Maner Sharif is a historic Sufi pilgrimage site and a prominent center of spiritual and cultural consciousness in Bihar. The site has a rich history dating back to the medieval period and is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its sweets, architecture, and cultural heritage. Historical BackgroundThe ancient name of Maner was Maniyar Mathan, which local tradition interprets as the “City of Music.” Over time, the suffix “Sharif” was added due to its association with Sufi saints. Maner has witnessed successive historical transformations, reflecting the development of Sufi culture in Bihar. The name “Maner” itself has roots in Egyptian culture, often associated with deities or high-ranking officials. In anci...

Patna: Bihar is set to witness the arrival of high-speed bullet trains, bringing a significant boost to rail travel in the state. The upcoming 704-kilometer high-speed rail corridor will connect Varanasi to Siliguri via Patna, allowing trains to run at speeds of up to 350 km per hour. The journey from Varanasi to Siliguri, which currently takes 14–18 hours, will be completed in just 2 hours and 55 minutes. Key Stops in BiharThe high-speed corridor will link Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Within Bihar, Patna and Katihar will serve as major stops, enabling significant time savings for passengers. Travel time from Varanasi to Patna will reduce to just 50 minutes, while the Patna to Siliguri segment will take approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes. Budget Allocation and Infrastructu...

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while serving as a Member of Parliament from the Samata Party 30 years ago, strongly advocated for a separate quota for OBC women within the Women’s Reservation Bill. He had expressed his concerns in a fiery speech in the Lok Sabha, clarifying that his demand did not reflect opposition to women’s empowerment. Background: Women’s Reservation Bill, 1996On 12 September 1996, the HD Deve Gowda-led government introduced the 81st Constitutional Amendment Bill, aimed at reserving one-third of seats for women in legislatures. The government, a coalition of 13 parties, faced partial agreement on certain provisions, prompting referral of the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chaired by CPI’s Geeta Mukherjee. The 31-member committee included Ni...