Economic Aspects - 2 - BPSC (Bihar) MCQ

Bihar ranks second in jute production in India, with major production centers in Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj, and Katihar. The Jute Park in Maranga, Purnea, operates under the PPP model, with an investment of ₹42.36 crore. This park has significantly contributed to the state's economy by providing direct employment to 500 people and indirect employment to 1,000 others.

The British established the first successful sugar mill in Bihar in 1903 at Marhaura, located in Saran district. This marked the beginning of the sugar industry in Bihar, which later became one of the major industries in the state.

Bhagalpur is famously known as the "Silk City" due to its rich history of silk production. The silk industry in Bhagalpur specializes in producing tussar, mulberry, and eri silk, and the district remains a key hub for India's silk exports.

The Barauni Oil Refinery, established in 1964, is located in Begusarai district. It processes crude oil from Assam (via a pipeline) and imports crude oil from countries such as Algeria, Iraq, and Malaysia. This refinery plays a critical role in Bihar's industrial economy.

The first Bhojpuri film, Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chhadhaibo, was released in 1963 and is considered a milestone in the Bhojpuri film industry. It was produced by Vishwanath Shahabadi and highlighted the potential of regional cinema.

The jute industry in Bihar is concentrated in the North-East region, particularly in Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj, and Katihar. These districts produce a wide range of jute products, contributing significantly to the state's economy.

The Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop, established in 1862, is located in the Munger district of Bihar. It is India's first full-fledged railway workshop and played a key role in the development of railway infrastructure.

The Bihar Start-up Policy, 2017 aims to foster innovation-led entrepreneurship by creating a supportive ecosystem for start-ups. The policy also includes a ₹500 crore venture capital fund to provide financial assistance and technical support to budding entrepreneurs.

Under the Mukhyamantri Tasar Development Project, Arjun and Asan trees are planted in specific districts for tasar silk cultivation. These trees provide the necessary habitat for silkworms. Tasar silk production is concentrated in several districts, including Bhagalpur, Munger, and Gaya.

The Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, 2016, prioritizes the development of agro-based industries, especially the food processing sector. It aims to reduce wastage of perishable commodities and increase farmers' incomes while providing an ecosystem conducive to industrial growth.

Bihar is the sole producer of pyrite in India, contributing about 94% of the country’s production. Pyrite is primarily used in the production of sulfuric acid and has extensive industrial applications, such as in fertilizers, chemicals, and rayon industries. Major deposits of pyrite are found in Amjhor (Rohtas district) and the Sone valley.

According to the Geological Survey of India, Bihar holds 57% of the country's gold deposits, primarily located in Jamui, Nalanda, and Gaya districts. The Kabutra and Nakia hills in Rajgir and the Sono block of Jamui district are notable gold-producing regions.

The Vindhyan rock group in Bihar contains significant non-metallic minerals like mica, quartz, china clay, and slate. These rocks are located in districts like Nawada, Jamui, Rohtas, and Aurangabad. While Vindhyan rocks primarily contain non-metallic minerals, traces of metallic minerals are also present in other regions.

The Kahalgaon Super Thermal Power Station, located in the Bhagalpur district, has a total installed capacity of 2340 MW. It was commissioned in 1979 and became operational in 1992, sourcing its coal from neighboring Jharkhand.

The Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) was reorganized in 2012 under the Bihar State Electricity Reforms Transfer Scheme, leading to the creation of several companies, including the Bihar State Power Transmission Company Limited (BSPTCL). BSPTCL is tasked with transmitting electricity across the state and maintaining an efficient intra-state transmission system.