People, Positions and Obituaries · 1 April 2026

Nitish Kumar announces ex gratia after Nalanda temple stampede.

Exam-focused facts from the 1 April 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Eight women died in the stampede at Maa Sheetla Mandir in Maghra village, Nalanda district, Bihar.
  • The incident occurred during Tuesday morning prayers when overcrowding and inadequate security triggered the stampede.
  • Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sanctioned Rs 6 lakh ex gratia for each deceased’s next of kin, comprising Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
  • Bihar Sharif Assistant Superintendent of Police Noorul Haque confirmed the death toll and stated that rescue operations were underway.

View this story in the full daily briefing

Earlier coverage selected by topic similarity to help connect developments over time.

Ram Navami 2026 to be observed on 26 and 27 March

Ram Navami, also known as Shri Ram Janmotsav, marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival coincides with the final day of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri fast.