Bihar's chhapa artisans, skilled in the traditional craft of imprinting metal designs on fabric using thin foil, face economic challenges. Despite their expertise, most artisans work on daily wages outside the wedding season. The article highlights the precarious nature of their livelihood and the historical significance of their craft.

Bihar's chhapa artisans use thin sheets of aluminum to print floral and other designs on fabric, a centuries-old craft requiring high skill. Despite their expertise, these artisans earn a livelihood only during wedding seasons, working as daily wage laborers for the rest of the year.

Chhapa artisans in Bihar, who create intricate designs on fabrics using thin aluminum sheets, face significant economic challenges. Despite the skill and historical significance of their craft, they can only earn a livelihood during wedding seasons, forcing many to seek daily wage labor during other months. The article highlights the precarious financial situation of these artisans and the seasonal nature of their work.

Artisans in Bihar create designs on fabric using thin sheets of gilt, a skill that requires significant expertise and has been passed down for centuries. Despite their craftsmanship, these artisans only find work during the wedding season, and must resort to labor jobs for the rest of the year.

Artisans in Bihar, specializing in the century-old craft of creating metallic designs on fabric using thin aluminum foil, are struggling to sustain their livelihoods. Despite their high level of skill, they face a lack of work outside the wedding season, forcing them to rely on daily wage labor for the rest of the year.

Artisans in Bihar use thin sheets of aluminum to create intricate designs on fabrics, a centuries-old craft. Despite the skill required, this work is seasonal, tied to wedding months, forcing many artisans to take up daily wage labor during the rest of the year. The article highlights the economic challenges faced by these artisans.

Chhapa artisans in Bihar, skilled in creating metal floral designs on clothing using thin aluminum sheets, face economic challenges. Despite the craft's historical significance, it primarily generates income during wedding seasons, leaving artisans to seek daily wage work at other times. The article highlights the artisans' struggle for consistent income and the cultural importance of their craft.

A solitary folk singer, Muslim Khalifa, is keeping the 800-year-old epic of Alha-Udal alive across Bihar, performing at fields, weddings, and household ceremonies. Despite recalling the days of high demand for his performances, he notes a decline in public interest in this ancient tale of two warrior brothers.

Ajay Mahto, a 27-year-old toddy tapper from Samastipur, Bihar, climbs tall toddy trees daily to collect neera, a traditional occupation passed down through generations in his family. Despite the physical challenges and risks, including potential police raids due to prohibition laws, Ajay continues this work to support his family. He earns significantly more during the peak season but faces a substantial drop in income for the rest of the year. Ajay's story highlights the economic struggles and resilience of rural workers in India.

Ajay Mahto, a 27-year-old toddy tapper from Rasulpur village in Bihar's Samastipur district, climbs 40-foot tall toddy trees daily to collect sap. Despite the physical toll and risks, including potential police raids due to prohibition laws, Ajay continues this traditional occupation passed down through generations. He earns a modest income, which peaks during the summer months, and supports his family. Ajay prefers this work over urban labor, valuing the connection to his community and heritage.

The Bihar government has introduced and passed the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in P&S (SC, ST, and OBC) Amendments Bill 2023, increasing the reservation quota from 50% to 65%. The bill allocates 18% for Backward Classes, 25% for Extremely Backward Classes, 20% for Scheduled Castes, and 2% for Scheduled Tribes. The move aims to address socio-economic disparities, but faces potential legal challenges due to the Supreme Court's stance on reservation limits. The BJP, while historically supporting reservation, is in a dilemma due to the caste survey's implications on electoral politics. Key figures like Nitish Kumar, Samrat Choudhary, and Prashant Kishore have voiced their perspectives on the bill's impact and legal validity.

The article delves into the history of caste-based violence in Bihar, focusing on the armed struggle initiated by Dalits against upper-caste landlords in the early 1980s. It highlights the role of CPI (ML)-Liberation in mobilizing Dalits and the subsequent formation of private militias by landlords, leading to numerous massacres. The roots of this conflict trace back to British colonial land revenue policies that entrenched social inequalities. The narrative also touches on the evolution of CPI (ML)-Liberation's strategies and recent criticisms of the party for compromising its ideology.

Ajay Mahato, a resident of Samastipur, Bihar, chooses to stay in his village and climb toddy trees for a living, despite the risks involved. The article highlights his dedication and the challenges faced by those who remain in rural areas while many others migrate for work. The story is part of the People's Archive of Rural India, with contributions from Umesh Kumar Ray, Dipanjali Singh, and Shreya Katyayini, and translated by OdishaLIVE.

Ajay Mahato, a 27-year-old toddy tapper from Samastipur, Bihar, climbs 40-foot palm trees daily to extract sap. Despite the physical toll and risks, including a recent fall, Ajay continues this traditional occupation passed down through generations. He earns significantly during the peak season but faces a drastic income drop for the rest of the year. Ajay prefers toddy tapping over construction work in cities, despite the threat of police raids due to Bihar's prohibition laws.

Ajay Mahto, a 27-year-old from the Pasi community in Samastipur, Bihar, climbs 40-feet tall toddy trees daily to extract sap, a traditional occupation passed down through generations. Despite the physical challenges and risks, including potential police raids due to the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, Ajay continues this work to support his family. The article sheds light on the economic and social aspects of toddy extraction, emphasizing the dedication and resilience of individuals like Ajay.

The posthumous Bharat Ratna award to Karpoori Thakur, a prominent socialist leader from Bihar, is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to consolidate votes from the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) ahead of the 2024 general elections. Thakur, known for his contributions to social justice and reservation policies, is being celebrated by the BJP to attract EBC voters, who form a significant portion of Bihar's population. The BJP's efforts also include targeting OBCs through various initiatives and events, aiming to secure a broad voter base across different castes.

In Sheikhpura, Bihar, beauticians like Kanchan Devi are part of a UNFPA and Plan India initiative to educate newlyweds on sexual and reproductive health. This campaign targets Dalit and tribal communities, aiming to improve knowledge on family planning and contraceptive measures. Beauticians, along with Yuva Mitras and ASHAs, provide information and distribute contraceptives, overcoming initial resistance and taboos. The initiative has seen significant success, with increased demand for contraceptives and improved health outcomes. A mobile app has further streamlined contraceptive distribution, making it easier for women to access necessary supplies.

Ajay Mahato, a 27-year-old from Rasulpur village in Samastipur district of Bihar, climbs tall toddy trees daily to tap the sap, a skill he has honed since the age of 15. Belonging to the Pasi community, known traditionally for toddy tapping, Ajay has taken trees on lease from a landlord for an annual fee, allowing him to earn a decent income during the peak season of April-May. However, his earnings drop significantly for the rest of the year. Despite the occupational hazards and the threat of police raids due to Bihar's stringent prohibition laws, Ajay prefers to stay and work in his village, supporting his family with the income from toddy tapping.

Ajay Mahto, a resident of Samastipur district in Bihar, chose to stay in his hometown and earn a living by climbing toddy trees, a job fraught with danger. The article highlights the occupational hazards faced by individuals like Mahto and sheds light on the broader issue of migration from rural areas in search of livelihood. The narrative is supported by contributions from various editors and translators, emphasizing the collaborative effort in documenting rural life and marginalized communities.

The article profiles Ajay Mahato, a 27-year-old toddy tapper from Rasulpur village in Samastipur district, Bihar, who has been climbing palm trees to tap toddy since he was 15. The process involves climbing 40-foot tall trees to collect the sap, which is then sold to wholesalers or directly to customers. Despite the risks involved, including potential police action due to Bihar's prohibition law, Ajay prefers this work over migrating to other states for employment, as it allows him to stay with his family. The article also touches on the physical toll the work takes on his body and the seasonal nature of his income.

Ajay Mahato, a 27-year-old toddy tapper from Rasulpur village in Bihar's Samastipur district, climbs palm trees daily to collect sap, a traditional occupation passed down through generations in his Pasi community. Despite the physical toll and risks, including potential police raids due to the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, Ajay prefers this work over city labor jobs. His earnings peak during the Baisakh season but drop significantly for the rest of the year. Ajay's story underscores the economic challenges and cultural heritage of rural livelihoods in India.

The Kosi River, known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar,' causes annual floods that devastate the lives of residents within its embankments. Despite government efforts and significant expenditure on flood management, the affected population continues to suffer from economic losses, lack of basic facilities, and ineffective relief measures. Historical decisions to build embankments have trapped many families in flood-prone areas, leading to repeated displacement and hardship. The article highlights the personal struggles of individuals like Priyanka Kumari and the broader systemic failures, including the ineffectiveness of the Kosi Victims Development Authority and the lack of media attention to the ongoing crisis.

The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, released caste census data on Gandhi Jayanti, revealing significant demographic details that are expected to reshape the political landscape. The data shows that backward classes (BCs) and extremely backward castes (EBCs) form the majority, while upper castes constitute 15.52% of the population. The release has sparked political strategies among major parties, including the RJD, JDU, and BJP, with implications for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The data also highlights the socio-political dynamics within the Muslim community, challenging the notion of a monolithic Muslim vote bank. The socio-economic data, yet to be released, is anticipated to further influence state and national politics.

Magahi betel leaf farmers in Bihar are facing severe challenges due to extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves and heavy rains, which have significantly impacted their crops. Despite the geographical indication (GI) tag awarded to Magahi betel leaves, farmers receive minimal support from the government. The article highlights the personal struggles of farmers like Karuna Devi and Sunil Chaurasia, who have suffered crop losses and are now working as laborers in other farms. Environmental scientists note changes in weather patterns, attributing them to climate change. The farmers' resilience and traditional farming methods are emphasized, but the lack of adequate compensation and support remains a critical issue.

Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, Bihar, is revered as the birthplace of Sita, where locals worship her and treat Ram as a son-in-law. The temple, part of the Ramayana circuit, emphasizes Sita's significance over Ram. Cultural practices and songs in the region often mock Ram, reflecting a unique local perspective. The BJP's political strategies in Bihar, focusing on Ram rather than Sita, have not significantly altered the state's caste-based voting patterns. Communal violence has increased, with the National Crime Records Bureau reporting high incidents in recent years. Locals express disappointment with the central government's lack of promotion for Sita.

In February 2022, a rumor about a man winning 20 lakh rupees through a mobile game led to a widespread scam in a village in Bihar. Villagers, mostly from the marginalized Musahar community, invested their hard-earned money in the Smile Rancher app, which promised daily returns for buying virtual animals. The app, which operated like a pyramid scheme, eventually became inaccessible, causing significant financial losses. Bhishma Pratap, a local youth, is accused of spreading the rumor and facilitating the scam. The scam extended beyond Bihar to Assam, affecting many. Despite the losses, no police complaints have been registered. The implicated company, Sewing SKY India Pvt Limited, has not responded to inquiries.

In the 2020 Bihar assembly elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav shifted the focus from traditional religious and caste issues to unemployment, promising one million jobs. This strategy forced the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to address unemployment in their manifesto, although they continued to emphasize religious issues. The RJD's approach resonated with voters concerned about job creation, leading to significant electoral gains. The election highlighted changing voter priorities, with a growing emphasis on development and good governance over religious and caste-based politics.

The article discusses the plight of migrant workers from Bihar who returned home during the COVID-19 lockdown, highlighting the challenges they faced due to inadequate government support and poor execution of employment schemes. Despite initial promises from the Bihar government to provide local employment through skill mapping, many workers like Paswan and Kailash Ravidas had to return to other states for work. The article also features success stories like that of Pramod Baitha, who managed to establish a local business with some support. Experts criticize the government's efforts as incomplete and half-hearted, while data reveals significant gaps in the implementation of promised initiatives.

Bihar has decided not to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) due to insufficient teachers and delayed sessions. The decision has sparked a debate, with some supporting the move citing lack of infrastructure and others criticizing it as a political maneuver that could harm the state's education system. Key figures like Chandrashekhar and Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar have expressed differing views on the policy's impact, while organizations like the BJP and educationalists have criticized the state government's decision. The discussion also touches on the broader implications for Bihar's alignment with national educational standards and funding.

The article discusses the proliferation of illegal gun factories in Bihar, India, highlighting a recent police raid that uncovered an illegal firearm manufacturing unit in a village. Despite the historical significance of legal gun factories in Munger, the illegal arms trade has expanded across the state due to stringent licensing laws and outdated technology in legal factories. The National Crime Records Bureau reports a significant number of illegal arms seizures in Bihar, with the illegal trade being driven by high demand and ease of manufacturing. The article underscores the need for policy changes and alternative livelihood opportunities to curb the illegal arms trade.

In May, Mukesh Kumar and others were deceived by a scam promising easy money for rating and reviewing hotels. The National Cyber Crime Helpline received numerous complaints about similar frauds. The Bihar cyber police arrested six individuals involved in the scam, which operated by luring victims through messaging apps and demanding increasing amounts of money. The investigation traced the fraudsters through bank accounts, leading to multiple arrests. The scam affected victims across India, with significant financial losses reported.

Chhapa artisans in Bihar use centuries-old skills to print metal designs on fabric, primarily earning during wedding seasons. Despite the high skill involved, they often resort to daily wage labor for sustenance. The article highlights the economic struggles and the traditional craftsmanship of these marginalized communities.

In Bihar, witch hunting remains a culturally sanctioned form of violence against women, with numerous cases of women being brutally attacked and killed under accusations of witchcraft. Despite laws against witch hunting, enforcement is weak, and the police and administration often fail to take effective action. The State Women’s Rights Commission is nearly non-functional, and the Nitish Kumar government’s claims of working on women’s empowerment are questioned. Victims and their families, like Das and Kiran Devi, continue to struggle for justice and financial stability amidst systemic failures.

Mohammed Asghar, a chhapa karigar in Bihar, practices a traditional block-printing craft using aluminium foil to create festive designs on cloth. Despite the cultural significance of chhapa clothes in Muslim weddings, the demand for this craft is declining, and artisans like Asghar and Pappu face economic challenges. The craft, which has historical roots in the Magadha region, is struggling due to high costs and low margins, leading many artisans to seek alternative employment. The article highlights the cultural heritage and economic struggles of chhapa artisans in Bihar.

Lalu Prasad Yadav's appearance at a book discussion in Patna emphasized the Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) commitment to social justice and secularism, signaling his continued influence in the party's future politics. His political career, marked by advocacy for OBCs, backward classes, and Muslims, included implementing Mandal Commission recommendations and stopping Lal Krishna Advani's Rath Yatra in 1990. The RJD, now led by Tejashwi Yadav, demands a caste-based census, a stance opposed by the BJP. Lalu's role is deemed crucial for the 2024 elections by senior RJD members.

A solitary folk singer in Bihar passionately performs the Alha-Udal songs, an 800-year-old tradition centered on the valor of two warriors. Despite a decline in public interest, the singer continues to keep this cultural heritage alive. The article highlights the singer's dedication and the diminishing audience for this ancient musical form.

A rural singer in Bihar passionately keeps the 800-year-old story of Alha-Udal alive by performing it at fields, weddings, and house events across the state. Despite a decline in interest, the singer continues to share the tale of the two warriors. The article highlights the efforts of Umesh Kumar Ray, a freelance journalist and PARI Fellow, along with contributions from Devesh, a poet and journalist, and Shaoni Sarkar, a freelance journalist. The translation was done by Rajasangeethan, a Chennai-based writer and journalist.

In Bihar, the last generation of Muslim Khalifa singers continues to perform the Alha-Udal epic at fields, weddings, and domestic events. Once indispensable to programs, their audience's interest in the nearly 800-year-old epic has significantly waned. Umesh Kumar Ray, a freelance journalist and PARI Fellow, reports on this cultural decline. The article also credits Devesh and Shaoni Sarkar as editors and Kamaljit Kaur as the translator.

The Alha-Udal epic, once widely sung in fields, weddings, and household events across Bihar, is now fading due to a lack of audience. This 800-year-old poetic tradition, centered on a pair of warrior brothers, is kept alive by a Muslim Khalifa, who is the last link in this singing tradition.

In various parts of Bihar, the epic tale of Alha-Udal (Rudal) is being spread through the solo performances of a singer at fields, weddings, and domestic events. The singer's narrative revives the once-celebrated esteem of these heroes, while also noting that people today are not as captivated by the 800-year-old musical saga.

Extreme weather conditions in Bihar, including severe heatwaves and heavy rainfall, have devastated the Magahi Paan crops, causing significant financial losses for local farmers. The article highlights the struggles of farmers like Karuna Devi and Sunil Chaurasia, who are now forced to work as laborers in other fields. Despite the Magahi Paan receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, farmers have not seen any substantial benefits or government support. Experts like Professor Pradhan Parth Sarathi note the changing climate patterns in the region, further complicating the farmers' plight.

In Bihar, India, scammers have been exploiting the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) to commit financial fraud by cloning fingerprints. Victims like Urmila Kumari have lost significant sums of money, and the police have formed a special investigating team to tackle the issue. The AePS, launched in 2014 to facilitate banking in rural areas, has become a tool for fraudsters who use cloned Aadhaar card numbers and fingerprints to deceive villagers. Despite arrests and the recovery of cloned thumb impressions, the full extent of the fraud is unknown, as many victims lack the means to detect unauthorized transactions promptly. Cybersecurity experts recommend avoiding the use of Aadhaar cards as identity proof when not mandatory and call for multi-factor authentication to enhance security.

Extreme weather conditions in Bihar, including scorching heat and heavy rainfall, have severely impacted the cultivation of Magahi Paan, a traditional crop. Farmers like Karuna Devi and Sunil Chaurasia have faced significant losses, forcing them to work as laborers in other fields. Despite receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017, the farmers have not seen any substantial benefits or government support. The article underscores the challenges posed by climate change and the lack of effective agricultural policies to support marginalized communities.

The article discusses the rise of Mandal versus Kamandal politics in Bihar, focusing on the role of Lalu Prasad Yadav in promoting social justice and secularism. It recounts the Sitamarhi riots of 1992 and Lalu's decisive actions to control the situation. The narrative also covers Lalu's background, his rise to power with the support of OBCs and Dalits, and the impact of the Mandal Commission's recommendations on Bihar's politics. The BJP's strategic response to these developments and its growing influence in Bihar are also examined.

Over 22.5 million people in Bihar have escaped multidimensional poverty, with significant improvements in nutrition, maternal health, schooling, sanitation, and access to drinking water, electricity, and banking services. While the BJP credits increased central funding during the NDA government for these advancements, a local economist emphasizes that despite progress, Bihar remains a backward state with slow industrialization, low agricultural production, and ongoing distress migration.

In Jehanabad district, Musahars are disproportionately targeted in prohibition cases, leading to costly legal battles that burden entire families. The article sheds light on the systemic marginalization and legal struggles faced by this community.

The marginalized Musahar community in Jehanabad district is being wrongfully implicated in prohibition-related cases, leading to significant legal expenses borne by the accused's families.

In Jehanabad district, marginalized Musahars are disproportionately targeted in cases related to prohibition. The ensuing legal battles are costly and burdensome for entire families.

In Jehanabad district, the Musahar community, considered marginalized, faces severe consequences under the prohibition law. The ongoing legal process is costly and burdens the entire family.

In Jehanabad district, marginalized Musahar communities are being targeted under prohibition laws. The ensuing legal battles are costly, burdening entire families. The article highlights the social and economic challenges faced by these communities due to the enforcement of these laws.

Nitish Kumar is playing a pivotal role in uniting opposition parties against the BJP, with a focus on social justice. Despite his history of shifting alliances, he appears committed to the Mahagathbandhan until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The article discusses his political maneuvers, the challenges within the opposition, and his potential national ambitions. Analysts believe his experience and acceptance among various parties make him a key figure in the opposition alliance, though naming a single leader to head the alliance remains contentious.

A severe heatwave in Bihar has led to numerous deaths, with official figures underreporting the actual toll. The state has been experiencing extreme temperatures due to westerly winds and the impact of cyclone Biparjoy. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings, but the government's data collection and response have been criticized as inadequate. Many victims are not officially counted due to the lack of post-mortem reports. The heatwave has significantly impacted daily life, with many people seeking treatment from both government and informal healthcare providers.

Extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves and heavy rains, have severely impacted Magahi betel farming in Bihar, causing significant crop losses and financial distress for farmers. Despite the GI status awarded to Magahi betel, farmers receive little support from the government. The article highlights the challenges faced by farmers like Karuna Devi, Sunil Chaurasia, and Ajay Prasad Chaurasia, who struggle to cope with the changing climate and its effects on their livelihoods. Scientific perspectives suggest that climate change is altering weather patterns in the region, exacerbating the difficulties for traditional betel farmers.

Farmers in Bihar's Magadh region are facing severe challenges due to extreme weather conditions, including intense heatwaves and heavy rainfall, which have devastated the cultivation of Magahi Paan. Despite their efforts and investments, many farmers have suffered significant financial losses and are forced to work as laborers in other fields. The article highlights the lack of adequate support from the Bihar government and the changing climate patterns affecting agriculture in the region.

Farmers in Bihar's Nawada district are struggling with the devastating effects of extreme weather on their Magahi Paan crops. Intense heatwaves and erratic rainfall have led to significant crop losses, forcing many farmers into debt and labor work in others' fields. Despite the GI tag for Magahi Paan, farmers receive minimal support from the government, and climate change continues to exacerbate their challenges. The article highlights the personal stories of farmers like Karuna Devi and Sunil Chaurasia, who face financial hardships and uncertainty due to the changing climate.

In Bihar Sharif, miscreants set fire to a 113-year-old madrasa and a library containing over 4,000 books, causing significant cultural and educational loss.

In Bihar Sharif, a 113-year-old madrasa and its library containing over 4,000 books were destroyed by arsonists.

In Nalanda, Bihar, a 113-year-old madrasa and its library containing over 4,500 books were set ablaze by rioters. The incident highlights the ongoing communal violence and its impact on educational institutions.

The Patna High Court has ordered the Bihar government to halt its caste-based census, questioning the state's authority to conduct such a survey without proper legislation. Petitioners argued that only the Central Government has the authority to carry out a census, and the court found merit in their arguments. The court directed the state to secure the collected data until a final decision is made. The decision has sparked criticism from the BJP, with Bihar BJP chief Samrat Chaudhary calling it a failure of the Nitish Kumar government. The project is seen by political analysts as an attempt to revive the Mandal moment of the 90s.

Muslim Khalifa, a folk singer from Samastipur, Bihar, has dedicated nearly five decades to singing the epic folklore of 12th-century warriors Alha and Udal. Despite the decline in interest and income from this traditional art form, Khalifa continues to perform during harvest and wedding seasons. He laments the lack of interest from younger generations, including his own children, in preserving this cultural heritage. The article highlights Khalifa's personal struggles, the historical significance of the Alha-Udal saga, and the changing landscape of folk music in rural India.

Mukesh Ram, a laborer from Mohammadpur village in Bihar, died after consuming poisonous alcohol, leaving his wife Prabhavati Devi and their four children in dire straits. The Bihar Police sealed their home, accusing Mukesh of selling alcohol, which Prabhavati denies. The article criticizes the Bihar Government's alcohol prohibition law, which has led to numerous deaths and hardships for poor families. Prabhavati now struggles to make ends meet, working as a laborer and relying on minimal government support.

Mukesh Ram, a construction laborer from Bihar, died after consuming spurious liquor, leaving his wife Prabhabati Devi and their four children in dire straits. Upon returning home with her husband's body, Prabhabati found their house sealed by the police, who accused Mukesh of selling alcohol. Prabhabati denies these allegations and struggles to provide for her family, working as an agricultural laborer and relying on a small government-provided shop. The article underscores the harsh impact of prohibition laws and the lack of adequate support for families affected by such tragedies.

Mukesh Ram, a construction worker, returned to his village in Bihar for Diwali but soon fell ill and died. His widow, Prabhavati Devi, faced further hardship when their home was sealed by police, who accused Mukesh of selling illegal alcohol. The article highlights the severe impact of Bihar's alcohol prohibition laws on marginalized communities, with Prabhavati struggling to support her children amidst poverty and debt. Despite receiving some government aid, the support was insufficient, leaving the family in dire straits.

Mukesh Ram, a laborer from Bihar, died under mysterious circumstances after returning home for the Chhath festival. His widow, Prabhavati, faces severe hardships as their house was sealed by the police, who accused Mukesh of selling alcohol. The article highlights the impact of Bihar's alcohol prohibition laws on marginalized communities, with Prabhavati struggling to support her children amidst poverty and lack of government assistance. The narrative underscores the broader social issues and the plight of families affected by the prohibition.

Violence erupted during Ram Navami celebrations in Bihar's Nalanda, resulting in one death and several injuries. Section 144 was imposed, and internet services were suspended. Schools were closed following a blast in Sasaram. The violence included the burning of Madrasa Azizia and vandalism of a masjid. The exact cause of the violence remains unclear, but it involved forced religious chanting and inadequate police presence. Local BJP MLA Dr. Sunil Kumar criticized the police response. Similar incidents occurred last year in Bihar during Ram Navami processions.

A devastating arson attack on the 113-year-old Madrasa Azizia in Bihar Sharif during a Ram Navami procession led to the destruction of its library and valuable manuscripts. The incident, which occurred on March 31, 2023, left the madrasa's caretaker, Mohan Bahadur Buddha, jobless and in despair. The attack is part of a broader pattern of communal violence in the region, with significant damage to local businesses and religious sites. The madrasa, established by Bibi Sogra in 1896, has been a vital educational institution, and its loss is deeply felt by the community.

On March 31, 2023, the 113-year-old Madrasa Azizia in Biharsharif was set on fire by communal rioters during the Ram Navami procession, resulting in the destruction of thousands of books, including rare handwritten texts. The incident left the madrasa's security guard, Mohan Bahadur Budha, unemployed and the community in shock. The madrasa, founded by Bibi Soghra in 1896, has been a significant educational and cultural institution. Despite the area's history of communal harmony, the recent violence has deeply affected the local community and the madrasa's legacy.

Misinformation spread through fake WhatsApp videos has caused panic among Bihari migrant workers in Tamil Nadu, leading many to return to Bihar. The videos, which falsely depicted violence against Bihari migrants, were amplified by social media platforms and local news outlets, creating an atmosphere of fear. Investigations by the Bihar Police's Economic Offenses Unit have led to arrests and legal actions against individuals and media outlets accused of spreading these rumors. Despite the panic, many workers reported not experiencing any violence firsthand, highlighting the impact of misinformation on public perception and behavior.

Basant Bind, a daily wage agricultural worker from Bihar, was wrongfully arrested under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, for allegedly possessing liquor. Despite his pleas and lack of evidence, he was charged and faced a lengthy legal battle. The article highlights the disproportionate impact of the prohibition law on marginalized communities, particularly the Musahar community, and criticizes the harsh enforcement by the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Department. It also sheds light on the struggles of Seeta Devi, whose husband faced similar wrongful charges, and the broader social and economic challenges faced by these communities.

Basant Bind, a daily wage worker from Jehanabad district, Bihar, was wrongfully arrested under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, despite no evidence of liquor possession. His case highlights the plight of marginalized communities, particularly the Musahar, who face frequent wrongful arrests and lack legal resources. The article also covers the story of Seeta Devi, whose husband was similarly wrongfully imprisoned, causing severe financial and emotional distress. The LAW Foundation provides legal aid to such disadvantaged communities, but the enforcement of the Prohibition Act remains controversial and criticized for its impact on the poor.

The article explores the multifaceted perceptions of Ram among the people of Sitamarhi, highlighting his roles as a god, warrior, and relative. It emphasizes the cultural significance of his marriage to Sita and criticizes the political exploitation of the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram'. The narrative underscores the belief that Ram's identity is incomplete without Sita, advocating for the combined reverence of 'Sita-Ram'.

Bihar is experiencing a decline in its dense forests due to infrastructure development and forest land diversion. Despite the state's Hariyali Mission and other afforestation initiatives, the green cover is decreasing, with significant forest areas being converted for non-forest uses. The Bihar government claims to be taking steps to protect forests, but environmentalists argue that these efforts are insufficient and cannot compensate for the loss of natural forests. The article highlights the challenges and criticisms faced by the government in balancing development and environmental conservation.

In the high-profile Begusarai constituency of Bihar, BJP candidate Giriraj Singh is leading while CPI candidate Kanhaiya Kumar is trailing. Kumar, a former president of JNUSU, gained national attention in 2016 and has since been a popular figure in Begusarai. He is contesting against Singh, a BJP minister and a member of the Bhumihar caste, and Tanveer Hasan of the RJD. Despite early reports of Kumar leading, the mood in Begusarai turned somber as Singh's lead widened. The BJP camp is upbeat, attributing their lead to the achievements of the Narendra Modi government. The article provides a snapshot of the local sentiment and the political dynamics in Begusarai during the counting of votes.