State PCS CA Consolidation (Bihar) January 2024.pdf

BIHAR JANUARY 2024 Content z New Tourism Policy................................................................................................................................................. 3 z Approval of Infrastructure Projects......................................................................................................................... 3 z Illegal Sand Mining.................................................................................................................................................. 3 z A Rise in Tiger Numbers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve................................................................................................... 4 z Expansion of Litchi Cultivation Across India............................................................................................................ 6 z Bihar Caste Survey to be Put in Public Domain: SC................................................................................................. 7 z Aadhar Seeding for NREGS Card Holders................................................................................................................ 7 z Procurement of EVs to Boost Bihar’s Electric Mobility........................................................................................... 8 z Rise of Child Marriages............................................................................................................................................ 8 z Study to Analyse Air Pollution in Bihar.................................................................................................................... 9 z Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana................................................................................................................................... 11 z Government to Make Bihar Leader in Startup Sector........................................................................................... 11 z Late Former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur to be Awarded Bharat Ratna................................................................. 12 w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om State PCS CA Consolidation JANUARY 2024 3 New Tourism Policy Approval of Infrastructure Why in News? Projects Recently, the Bihar cabinet approved the Bihar Why in News? Tourism Policy 2023 to attract more investment in the Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the tourism sector. infrastructure projects in Bihar and the North-East worth over Rs.5,500 crore. Key points: ¾ Projects worth Rs.2,486.78 crore for improvement ¾ The policy aims to develop fundamental infrastructure and widening of the 135-km stretch of the national near tourist destinations in the state and also includes highway from Khowai to Harina in Tripura are also approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic provisions for stakeholders. Affairs (CCEA). ¾ The new policy contains several financial incentives Note: The CCEA also approved the Minimum Support Price for investors. These include: (MSP) for copra for 2024. Capital subsidy of 30% for investments up to Rs 10 crore. Key Points 25% for investments up to Rs 50 crore. ¾ A 4.56 km-long six-lane bridge over the Ganga 25% for investments exceeding Rs 50 crore,with connecting Digha and Sonepur in Bihar was approved a maximum limit of Rs 25 crore. by the cabinet. Digha, in Patna district, and Sonepur, in Saran 100% reimbursement of land conversion fee, stamp district, are currently connected by a rail-cum- duty and registration fee. road bridge that can be used by light vehicles only. 80% reimbursement of Goods and Services Tax ¾ According to the Information and Broadcasting Minister, (GST) on commercial operation for up to 5 years. the new bridge would connect north and south 100% reimbursement of electricity tariff for new Bihar, and would allow transport by heavy vehicles. tourism units for 5 years. ¾ The project, which will take 42 months to complete, Hoteliers and tour operators will get a 5% would also improve connectivity for sites of Buddhist pilgrimage like Vaishali. reimbursement of the monthly remuneration paid to tourist guides.The maximum monthly limit for this will be Rs 5000 per guide for up to 2 years. Illegal Sand Mining incentives for green certification, MICE (meetings, Why in News? incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) promotions, are also included in the policy. Recently, Bihar police arrested sand smugglers in a major crackdown against illegal sand mining. ¾ 50% of the subsidy will be paid at the commencement ¾ This operation, near the Sone River, signifies a of commercial operation, 25% after 2 years, and 25% significant step in the ongoing battle against powerful after 5 years. criminal syndicates involved in illicit sand mining ¾ A sum of Rs 62 crore is also sanctioned for the activities. construction of an alternative approach path with sheds and a bus depot near Vishnupad Temple in Gaya. Key Points Famous Tourist Places in Bihar ¾ Initiatives to Prevent Sand Mining in India are Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation Act, 1957 Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya, Vishwa (MMDR Act), 2006 Environment Impact Assessment Shanti Stupa in Rajgir, Nalanda, Ancient city of Patliputra, (EIA), Sustainable Sand Management Guidelines (SSMG) Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve in the West Champaran, 2016 and Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines etc,. for Sand Mining 2020. Note: 4 State PCS CA Consolidation JANUARY 2024 www.d rish t i I A S. c o m ¾ The Sone River, a perennial river in central India, is It merges with the Ganges near Patna, Bihar. the Ganges’ 2nd-largest southern tributary. ¾ Tributaries include Ghaghar, Johilla, Chhoti Mahanadi, ¾ Originating near Amarkantak Hill in Chhattisgarh, Banas, Gopad, Rihand, Kanhar, and North Koel River. it flows through Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, ¾ Prominent dams include the Bansagar Dam in Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, forming waterfalls at the Madhya Pradesh and the Rihand Dam near Pipri in Amarkantak plateau. Uttar Pradesh. A Rise in Tiger Numbers in ¾ The Bihar government is waiting to obtain NTCA approval for declaring Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as Valmiki Tiger Reserve the state’s second tiger reserve after VTR. Why in News? Key Points Recently, the National Tiger Conservation Authority ¾ A total ban on sand and stone mining inside VTR, and strict restrictions on mining in its eco-sensitive (NTCA) had officially announced the increase in tiger zone, helped increase grassland cover. population in Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR). ¾ An increase in grassland cover thus helps in supporting ¾ It witnessed the growth in the number of big cats the prey population, in turn increasing the chances from 31 (2018) to 54 (2023). of the carnivores’ survival. Note: w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om State PCS CA Consolidation JANUARY 2024 5 ¾ The VTR is the only tiger reserve in Bihar, which ¾ According to the Forest Survey of India Report 2021, forms the easternmost extent of the Himalayan Terai 85.71% of its total area is covered by forest cover. forests in India. ¾ Wild mammals found in the forests of Valmiki Tiger Reserve include tiger, sloth bear, leopard, wild dog, The VTR is located in Bihar’s West Champaran bison, wild boar etc. district, bordering Nepal to its north and Uttar ¾ Rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan and Pradesh to its west. Bhapsa flow through various parts of the reserve. Note: 6 State PCS CA Consolidation JANUARY 2024 www.d rish t i I A S. c o m Expansion of Litchi ¾ Geographical Cultivation: In India, the commercial cultivation was traditionally restricted to the north Cultivation Across India in the foot hills of Himalayas from Tripura to Jammu Why in News? & Kashmir and plains of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The cultivation of Litchi, traditionally restricted to Muzaffarpur, Bihar, has witnessed a significant expansion But due to increased demand and viability, across 19 Indian states, highlighting the Horticulture cultivation has expanded to states like Bihar, boost in India. Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. ¾ This development stems from the efforts of the Bihar alone accounts for nearly 40% of India’s National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) based in litchi production. Bihar is followed by West Bengal Muzaffarpur, Bihar. (12%) and Jharkhand (10%). ¾ Global Production: India ranks as the second largest Key Facts producer of litchi globally, following China. Other ¾ Botanical Classification: Litchi belongs to the significant litchi-producing countries include Thailand, Sapindaceae family and is known for its delicious, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar, and the United juicy, translucent aril or edible flesh. States. ¾ Climatic Requirements: Litchi thrives in sub- Horticulture tropical climates and prefers moist conditions. It grows best in regions with low elevation, up to ¾ About: an altitude of around 800 meters. Horticulture refers to the science, art, and practice of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, and other crops. It encompasses a broad spectrum of activities related to plant cultivation, management, propagation, and improvement for human use and enjoyment. ¾ Initiatives for Horticulture: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): z MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables and other areas. z Under MIDH, Government of India contributes 60% of the total outlay for developmental programmes in all the states (except North Eastern and Himalayan states where GOI ¾ Soil Preference: The ideal soil for litchi cultivation is contributes 90%) & 40% is contributed by deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter. State governments. ¾ Temperature Sensitivity: Litchi is sensitive to extreme Horticulture Cluster Development Programme: temperatures. It does not tolerate temperatures above 40.5 degrees Celsius in summer or freezing z It is a central sector programme aimed at temperatures in winter. growing and developing identified horticulture clusters to make them globally competitive. ¾ Rainfall Impact: Prolonged rain, especially during flowering, can interfere with pollination and affect z Horticulture cluster is a regional/geographical the crop adversely. concentration of targeted horticulture crops. Note: w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om State PCS CA Consolidation JANUARY 2024 7 Bihar Caste Survey to be Put ¾ It is part of the Centre’s directive to states to implement Aadhar-based payment of wages to beneficiaries in Public Domain: SC under the scheme. Why in News? Key Points Recently, the Supreme Court asked the Bihar ¾ The Centre had made AePS (Aadhar enabled Payment government to put the break-up of the caste survey data System) mandatory for all job card holders under in the public domain to enable aggrieved persons to MGNREGS from January 1. challenge the findings. ¾ It means payments as wages to beneficiaries for their work would be made directly into their bank ¾ The advocate appearing on behalf of the Bihar accounts linked and verified through their Aadhar government have said that the data, caste wise is number after due mapping by National Payments already available in the public domain Corporation of India (NCPI). ¾ In Bihar, the total number of job card holders under Key Points MNREGA is 1.80 crore, of which 1.52 crore have their ¾ The panel of justices declined to provide any assistance bank accounts linked with their Aadhar (unique to the petitioners who have contested the caste identification) numbers. survey and the verdict of the Patna High Court that Of these around 96 lakh active workers (who have supports the Bihar government’s decision to carry been working regularly), around 94 lakh have out such a task. their bank accounts linked with Aadhar while ¾ The Bihar Caste Survey, 2023 revealed that Other 79.63 lakh are eligible for payments under AePS. Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward ¾ In the current fiscal year (2023-24), Bihar has generated Classes (EBCs) together constitute 63 % of the state’s 15.64 crore mandays (a day regarded in terms of the total population. amount of work that can be done by one person within this period) so far against the sanctioned 17 crore According to the data released, the state’s total under the scheme, which is meant to provide at least population stood at a little over 13.07 crore, out 100 days of work to unskilled rural workers in a year. of which the EBCs (36%) were the largest social A proposal for grant of another 8 crore mandays segment followed by the OBCs at 27.13%. for work generation in this fiscal would be sent ¾ Since the survey data is out, the authorities have by Bihar to the ministry of rural development. started implementing it in the interim and raised the Aadhar reservation for SCs, STs, OBCs, EBCs, and Economically ¾ It is a 12-digit individual identification number Weaker Sections (EWS) to a total of 75% from the issued by the Unique Identification Authority of existing 50%. India on behalf of the Government of India. The number serves as proof of identity and Aadhar Seeding for NREGS address, anywhere in India. ¾ The Aadhaar number is unique for each individual Card Holders and will remain valid for life time. Establishes identity of individuals on the basis of Why in News? demographic and biometric information. By mid-January 2024, Bihar is expected to complete ¾ It will help the residents to avail various services the process of linking Aadhar cards of all job card holders provided by banking, mobile phone connections and under MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural other Government and Non-Government services Employment Guarantee scheme). in due course. Note: 8 State PCS CA Consolidation JANUARY 2024 www.d rish t i I A S. c o m Procurement of EVs to Boost ¾ Sudhendu Jyoti Sinha, Adviser at NITI Aayog suggested several measures to promote electric mobility, Bihar’s Electric Mobility including implementing aggressive electric mobility initiatives in a few cities and encouraging schools to Why in News? switch to electric buses initially. Recently, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the World Resources Institute (WRI) procurement of two electric cars during the Bihar Electric Vehicle (EV) Conclave and Expo held in Patna. ¾ WRI was created in 1982 in Washington, D.C. It is a non-profit, science and evidence based institution ¾ It is a significant move towards promoting sustainable that carries out rigorous policy research of global and eco-friendly transportation in Bihar. environmental and development issues. Key Points ¾ Its mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity ¾ The event was organised by the Bihar Transport to provide for the needs and aspirations of current Department in collaboration with World Resources and future generations. Institute, India, and the Bihar State Pollution Control Board. NITI Aayog ¾ During his visit, the Chief Minister actively engaged ¾ The NITI Aayog serves as the apex public policy with the showcased EVs, seeking detailed information think tank of the Government of India. about their features and capabilities. ¾ The nodal agency tasked with catalyzing economic He emphasised the environmental benefits of development, and fostering cooperative federalism. EVs and highlighted ongoing efforts to develop Moving away from bargaining federalism through infrastructure for convenient public charging the involvement of State Governments of India facilities. in the economic policy-making process using a He urged the public to explore the advantages bottom-up approach. of EVs, emphasising their role in environmental conservation. ¾ Transport Department Minister Sheela Kumari Rise of Child Marriages inaugurated the conclave and emphasised the Why in News? collective efforts required to achieve a pollution- free State. A recent Lancet study on child marriage in India ¾ According to the Transport Secretary, the share of highlighted an overall decrease in child marriage across EVs among total new vehicle registrations was 7% the country. However, it emphasized that certain states, in 2023, exceeding the national average of 6%. specifically Bihar (16.7%), West Bengal (15.2%), Uttar ¾ With Bihar EV Policy offering purchase incentives and Pradesh (12.5%), and Maharashtra (8.2%), collectively exemption in motor vehicle tax and provisions for contributed to over half of the total headcount burden robust charging infrastructure, the EV penetration in of child marriages in girls. the State is set to meet the target of 15% well within the set timeframe of 2028. Key Points ¾ According to World Resources Institute (WRI) India, ¾ According to the National Family Health Survey 4 Digitalisation of the system can hugely improve the (NFHS 2015-16), 39.1% of women within 20-24 years transport system efficiency in States. are married before 18 years. Demand aggregation can bring about 30% reduction This means 2 out of 5 adolescent girls are married in cost and help scale the adoption of e-buses. off before they complete their higher secondary Open data repositories are critical to improve education. the transport infrastructure as they can help us improve transport infrastructure planning to meet ¾ As per the District Level Household Survey (DLHS-4, growing demand. 2015-16), child marriage in the intervention areas Ease of financing is another critical component that of CRY-supported projects in Bihar, Supaul had the can help States in creating an enabling marketplace highest percentage of child marriage, followed by for public transportation. Begusarai, Jamui, Samastipur and Gaya districts. Note: w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om State PCS CA Consolidation JANUARY 2024 9 ¾ As the latest Census (2011) data reveals, there are Key Points over 13 million adolescent girls who are married ¾ The study will be conducted by the Indian Institute between 10 to 19 years of age. of Technology (Delhi and Patna) along with the Bihar A startling 3.8 million adolescent girls in India have State Pollution Control Board. children, of which 1.4 million had two or more The study will identify the “seasonal mass children, even before completing adolescence. concentration level of PM2.5 and PM10 in ambient A brief analysis of their education profile reveals air” of the extended urban areas of both cities. that 39% of girls who were illiterate had begun PM 2.5 and PM 10 are minute particles present in child bearing, compared to 26% who were literate, the air, and exposure to these is harmful to health. proving that even a little education goes a long ¾ Real-time source apportionment studies help identify way in empowering girls. factors, such as vehicles, dust, biomass burning, and ¾ To address the issue of child marriage on a sustainable emissions from industries, responsible for an increase basis, the need of the hour is to ensure inter- in air pollution in an area departmental convergence where schools,Integrated ¾ The Institute of Environment and Sustainable Child Development Scheme (ICDS), and panchayati-raj Development, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is institutions need to play a pivotal role. already conducting the study in the Bihar capital and ¾ Following the mandate of Integrated Child Protection it is expected to be completed by September 2024. Scheme, formation and strengthening of Child ¾ The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Protection Committees at the Gram Panchayat and Climate Change launched the National Clean Air block level needs immediate attention, and these Programme (NCAP), which proposed strategies to units would have to be accountable to address issues reduce air pollution. related to child marriage. The NCAP identified 122 non-attainment cities NFHS-4 that violate the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). ¾ In addition to the 29 states, NFHS-4 included all six ¾ Apart from conducting emission inventory, carrying union territories for the first time and provided capacity and source apportionment of particulate estimates of most indicators at the district level matter, experts will also collect data on the contribution for all 640 districts in the country as per the 2011 of river bed material (soil) and source of road dust. census. ¾ Covering of construction materials during ¾ The survey covered a range of health-related transportation, mandatory green shields for building issues, including fertility, infant and child mortality, construction, development of green belts, promotion maternal and child health, perinatal mortality, of e-vehicles and use of environment-friendly fuel, adolescent reproductive health, high-risk sexual stringent checking of vehicle emission and use of behaviour, safe injections, tuberculosis, and malaria, smog guns are some of the steps that are being taken non-communicable diseases, domestic violence, by the authorities concerned in the state. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) knowledge, ¾ The Indo-Gangetic plain faces massive aerosol loading, and attitudes toward people living with HIV. which is also one of the reasons for air pollution in several cities. Study to Analyse Air Pollution Aerosol is defined as a suspension system of solid or liquid particles in a gas. in Bihar National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Why in News? ¾ NAAQs are the standards for ambient air quality with reference to various identified pollutants Recently, the Bihar government has decided to notified by the Central Pollution Control Board conduct a real-time apportionment study in Muzaffarpur (CPCB) under the Air (Prevention and Control of and Gaya to identify sources of air pollution. Pollution) Act, 1981. ¾ The decision was taken because Muzaffarpur, Gaya List of pollutants under NAAQS: PM10, PM2.5, and the state capital Patna are among the 122 non- SO2, NO2, CO, NH3, Ozone, Lead, Benzene, attainment cities in terms of air pollution trends. Benzo-Pyrene, Arsenic and Nickel. Note: 10 State PCS CA Consolidation JANUARY 2024 www.d rish t i I A S. c o m Note: w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om State PCS CA Consolidation JANUARY 2024 11 Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana Government to Make Bihar Why in News? Leader in Startup Sector Recently, the Bihar government has approved a Why in News? scheme to provide financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each to over 9.4 million poor families to create self-employment According to the State industry minister Samir Kumar opportunities. Mahaseth, the government was working on a mission to make Bihar a leader in the field of startups. Key Points ¾ The approval to the “Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana” Key Points (Bihar small entrepreneur scheme) was among the ¾ According to the minister at the Bihar Startup Awards 18 proposals of different departments approved 2024 event at Adhiveshan Bhawan on the occasion during the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister of National Startup Day (16th January), Bihar will Nitish Kumar. grow as its startup sector grows. The scheme, which will continue for five years, ¾ At the event awards were presented to several startups aims to provide job opportunities to over 9.4 active in the state including: million poor families, whose monthly income is Medivisor Pvt Ltd received the Best Startup of less than ₹6,000 a month. the Year award, Ved Prabha Aerospace Pvt Ltd. The state industries department will implement the scheme, and beneficiaries will be selected emerged first runner-up, and Biro Power Pvt Ltd through a computerised randomisation process. second runner-up in this category. ¾ At least one member of the poor families will be ¾ Awards were also given in various categories, including provided grant up to ₹2 lakh in three installments to women’s leadership, agriculture, information set up and run small industrial or processing units, technology, e-commerce, electric vehicles and such as handicraft, textile, saloon, eateries, among Educational technology. 63 types of units. ¾ Under the Bihar Startup Policy to the entrepreneurs: ¾ The cabinet approved an estimated annual expenditure Interest-free seed funding of up to Rs 10 lakh is of ₹9.79 crore: provided to budding entrepreneurs for a period To expand the ambit of financial aid being provided of ten years. to students from Extremely Backward Classes A 5% higher amount is allocated as seed funding (EBCs) families preparing for civil services (mains) to startups initiated by women, and 15% more exams. for startups led by scheduled castes/scheduled EBC students preparing for other tests such as tribes and differently-abled individuals. recruitment and competitive exams among others, will also get a one-time financial grant ranging A grant of up to Rs 3 lakh is given to individuals from ₹75,000 to ₹30,000. participating in acceleration programs. If investments are received from registered entities Note: and angel investors, matching loans of up to Rs ¾ Recently, the Bihar government released the socio-economic data in the state assembly, after 50 lakh are also provided. releasing the caste survey report. National Startup Day The data showed 9,433,312 families (or 34.13%) ¾ It is observed annually on 16th January to appreciate of the total 27,628,995 families in the state are and promote the Indian Startup Ecosystem. economically poor. ¾ Startup India initiative was launched on 16th January, Of the poor families, 3.31 million families 2016, with a vision to cultivate innovation, support belong to the EBCs, 2.47 million from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), 2.34 million from startups, and stimulate investments. the Scheduled Castes (SCs), 1.08 million from ¾ It encompasses initiatives like the Seed Fund the general category and 201,000 families from scheme and Credit Guarantee Scheme, further Scheduled Tribes (STs). aiding startups. Note: 12 State PCS CA Consolidation JANUARY 2024 www.d rish t i I A S. c o m ¾ India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem for ¾ He was associated with multiple political parties startups globally as of 31st May 2023. throughout his career. India ranks 2nd in innovation quality with top ¾ He began his political journey with the Praja Socialist positions in the quality of scientific publications Party and later aligned himself with the Janata and the quality of its universities among middle- Party during his first term as the chief minister of income economies. Bihar from 1977 to 1979. Subsequently, he became affiliated with the Janata Dal. Late Former Bihar CM ¾ He passed away in February 1988. Karpoori Thakur to be Awarded Bharat Ratna Why in News? Late former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur will be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour. Key Points ¾ This prestigious recognition is a testament to Karpoori Thakur’s enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalised and a loyal, reliable, and hard-working supporter of equality and empowerment. ¾ His unwavering commitment to uplift the downtrodden and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on India’s socio-political fabric. This award not only honours his remarkable contributions but also inspires the society to continue his mission of creating a more just and equitable society. Karpoori Thakur Bharat Ratna ¾ He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar twice, ¾ It is the highest civilian award of the country. It and was known for championing the cause of the is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/ backward classes. performance of the highest order in any field of ¾ His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by various human endeavour. pro-poor initiatives, including the implementation ¾ It is treated on a different footing from Padma Award. of land reforms and policies aimed at empowering The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made the underprivileged. by the Prime Minister to the President of India. ¾ Popularly known as Jan Nayak (people’s hero), he was widely respected for his integrity and dedication ¾ The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to the welfare of the common people. to a maximum of three in a particular year. Note: Key Points Details Summary Key Points Details Summary

State PCS CA Consolidation (Bihar) January 2024.pdf

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