BPSC Monthly Current Affairs: January 2024 | Monthly Current Affairs BPSC - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Bihar Tourism Policy 2023

Background: The Bihar cabinet has approved the Bihar Tourism Policy 2023 with the aim of attracting more investments in the tourism sector.

Objectives: The policy focuses on developing essential infrastructure around tourist destinations in Bihar and includes various provisions to support stakeholders in the tourism sector.

• Capital Subsidies: Investors can receive capital subsidies of 30% for investments up to Rs 10 crore, 25% for investments up to Rs 50 crore, and 25% for investments exceeding Rs 50 crore, with a maximum limit of Rs 25 crore.
• Reimbursement of Fees: The policy offers 100% reimbursement of land conversion fee, stamp duty, and registration fee.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST): Investors can receive 80% reimbursement on GST for commercial operations for up to 5 years.
• Electricity Tariff: The policy includes 100% reimbursement of electricity tariff for new tourism units for 5 years.
• Tourist Guide Remuneration: There is a 5% reimbursement of the monthly remuneration paid to tourist guides, with a maximum limit of Rs 5000 per guide for up to 2 years.

Additional Incentives: The policy also offers incentives for green certification and promotions related to MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions). The subsidy will be disbursed in three phases: 50% at the commencement of commercial operation, 25% after 2 years, and 25% after 5 years.

Development Projects

• A funding of Rs 62 crore has been approved for the development of an alternative approach path, along with sheds and a bus depot, in proximity to the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya.

Famous Tourist Places in Bihar

1. Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya

2. Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve in West Champaran

3. Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir

4. Ancient city of Nalanda

5. Ancient city of Patliputra

Approval of Infrastructure Projects

Recently, the Union Cabinet has given the green light to infrastructure projects in Bihar and the North-East region, amounting to over Rs. 5,500 crore.

• A notable project involves the construction of a 4.56 km-long six-lane bridge over the Ganga River, linking Digha in Patna district and Sonepur in Saran district. This bridge will facilitate heavy vehicle transport and enhance connectivity between north and south Bihar. It will replace the existing rail-cum-road bridge, which is currently restricted to light vehicles, and is expected to be completed within 42 months.
• The new bridge will also improve access to significant sites, including Buddhist pilgrimage locations like Vaishali. Additionally, projects worth Rs. 2,486.78 crore for the improvement and widening of a 135-km stretch of national highway from Khowai to Harina in Tripura were also approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
• The CCEA also sanctioned the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the year 2024.

Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining

Recently, the Bihar police made significant arrests of sand smugglers along the Sone River, marking a crucial step in combating illegal sand mining activities. This operation targets powerful criminal syndicates involved in the illicit extraction of sand, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enforce regulations against such practices.

The Sone River, a major perennial river in central India, is the second-largest southern tributary of the Ganges. It originates near the Amarkantak Hill in Chhattisgarh and flows through the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar before merging with the Ganges near Patna, Bihar.

The river is fed by several tributaries, including the Ghaghar, Johilla, Chhoti Mahanadi, Banas, Gopad, Rihand, Kanhar, and North Koel rivers. Notable dams on the Sone River include the Bansagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh and the Rihand Dam near Pipri in Uttar Pradesh.

To address the issue of illegal sand mining, various initiatives and guidelines have been implemented in India, such as the Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation Act, the Environment Impact Assessment, and the Sustainable Sand Management Guidelines. These measures aim to regulate and manage sand mining activities sustainably, ensuring environmental protection and compliance with legal frameworks.

Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation Act

Environment Impact Assessment

Sustainable Sand Management Guidelines

A Rise in Tiger Numbers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has reported a significant increase in the tiger population in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), Bihar, with numbers rising from 31 in 2018 to 54 in 2023.
• The Bihar government is seeking NTCA approval to designate Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s second tiger reserve, following VTR.
• A complete ban on sand and stone mining within VTR, along with strict mining restrictions in its eco-sensitive zone, has contributed to the growth of grassland cover.
• The increase in grassland cover supports a higher prey population, which in turn enhances the survival prospects of carnivores like tigers.
• VTR is the only tiger reserve in Bihar and marks the easternmost extent of the Himalayan Terai forests in India.
• Located in Bihar’s West Champaran district, VTR borders Nepal to the north and Uttar Pradesh to the west.
• According to the Forest Survey of India Report 2021, 85.71% of VTR’s total area is covered by forest.
• The reserve is home to various wild mammals, including tigers, sloth bears, leopards, wild dogs, bison, and wild boars.
• Several rivers, including the Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan, and Bhapsa, flow through different parts of the reserve.

Expansion of Litchi Cultivation Across India

• Litchi cultivation, once limited to Muzaffarpur in Bihar, has expanded to 19 Indian states, showcasing a boost in horticulture across the country.
• This expansion is the result of efforts by the National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) in Muzaffarpur.
• Litchi belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is known for its sweet, juicy, and translucent edible flesh. The fruit thrives in subtropical climates with moist conditions, ideally at low elevations up to 800 meters.
• Deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter is preferred for litchi cultivation. Litchi is sensitive to extreme temperatures, not tolerating heat above 40.5 degrees Celsius or freezing conditions. Prolonged rainfall during flowering can disrupt pollination and negatively impact the crop.
• Commercial cultivation was traditionally limited to the northern regions of India, including the Himalayas and plains of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. However, due to rising demand, cultivation has spread to states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, with Bihar producing nearly 40% of India’s litchi.
• India is the second-largest producer of litchi globally, after China, with other significant producers including Thailand, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar, and the United States.

Horticulture in India

Horticulture in India plays a crucial role in the country's economy and food security. With diverse climatic conditions ranging from tropical to temperate, India is suitable for growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and other horticultural crops. The sector has seen significant growth due to various government initiatives aimed at improving productivity, quality, and market access for horticultural products.

Initiatives for Horticulture

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): MIDH is a central scheme focused on the holistic development of the horticulture sector, including fruits, vegetables, and more. The funding structure varies by region, with the central government covering 60% of costs in most states and 90% in North Eastern and Himalayan states.

Horticulture Cluster Development Programme: This program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specific horticulture clusters, promoting regional concentration of targeted crops to boost global competitiveness.

Procurement of Electric Vehicles (EVs) to Boost Bihar’s Electric Mobility

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Procurement: Bihar is taking significant steps towards promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation by procuring Electric Vehicles (EVs). During the Bihar Conclave and Expo in Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the purchase of two electric cars, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing electric mobility infrastructure.
• Engagement with EVs: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar actively interacted with various electric vehicles showcased at the event, seeking detailed information about their features and capabilities. This demonstrates the government’s interest in understanding and promoting electric vehicles for public use.
• Infrastructure Development: The Chief Minister emphasized ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure for convenient public charging facilities for electric vehicles. This is crucial for encouraging the adoption of EVs among the public.
• Public Awareness: There is a strong emphasis on raising public awareness about the advantages of electric vehicles, particularly their role in environmental conservation. The government is urging the public to explore and consider the benefits of switching to EVs.
• EV Adoption in Bihar: The share of electric vehicles among total new vehicle registrations in Bihar reached 7% in 2023, surpassing the national average of 6%. The Bihar EV Policy, which offers purchase incentives and exemptions in motor vehicle tax, is expected to further boost EV penetration in the state.
• Digitalisation and Demand Aggregation: The World Resources Institute (WRI) highlighted the importance of digitalisation in improving transport system efficiency in states. Demand aggregation can significantly reduce costs and help scale the adoption of e-buses.
• Open Data Repositories and Financing: Open data repositories are crucial for improving transport infrastructure planning to meet growing demand. Ease of financing is also essential for creating an enabling marketplace for public transportation.

Rise of Child Marriages

A recent study published in The Lancet focusing on child marriage in India revealed an overall decline in the practice nationwide. However, it pointed out that specific states, namely Bihar (16.7%), West Bengal (15.2%), Uttar Pradesh (12.5%), and Maharashtra (8.2%), were responsible for more than half of the total child marriage cases involving girls.

• 39.1% of women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18
• 2 out of 5 adolescent girls
• The District Level Household Survey (DLHS-4, 2015-16) highlighted that intervention areas of CRY-supported projects in Bihar, such as Supaul, Begusarai, Jamui, Samastipur, and Gaya districts, had the highest percentages of child marriage.
• The latest Census data (2011) revealed over 13 million adolescent girls married between the ages of 10 to 19, with a concerning 3.8 million already having children, including 1.4 million with two or more children before reaching adulthood. The analysis of their education levels showed that 39% of illiterate girls had begun childbearing, compared to 26% of literate girls, highlighting the importance of education in empowering girls.
• To tackle the issue of child marriage sustainably, there is a pressing need for interdepartmental convergence involving schools, panchayati-raj institutions, and child protection schemes. The formation and strengthening of Child Protection Committees at the Gram Panchayat and block levels, as mandated by the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), require immediate attention. These committees would be responsible for addressing child marriage issues and ensuring accountability at the local level.

Introduction

• The Indo-Gangetic Plain is severely impacted by high levels of aerosols, which contribute significantly to air pollution across various cities in this region. Aerosols consist of tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in a gas, and their presence in the atmosphere can degrade air quality.
• To monitor and regulate air quality, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has established the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These standards, set under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, aim to safeguard ambient air quality from various pollutants.
• The pollutants covered under the NAAQS include PM10 and PM2.5 (particulate matter of different sizes), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3), ozone (O3), lead, benzene, benzo-pyrene, arsenic, and nickel.

Air Pollutants

1. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

• Origin: Sulphur Dioxide is primarily released from the combustion of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas.
• Environmental Impact: When SO2 reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere, it forms sulfuric acid, contributing to acid rain.
• Health Impact: Exposure to sulphur dioxide can lead to various respiratory issues, including bronchitis, asthma, and other lung-related problems.

2. Ozone (O3)

• Formation: Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning it is not emitted directly but is formed from other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight.
• Health Impact: Ozone exposure can irritate the eyes and respiratory mucous membranes, trigger asthma attacks, and lead to other respiratory problems.

3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

• Sources: Nitrogen dioxide is released from road transport, industrial activities, and energy production.
• Environmental Impact: NO2 plays a role in the formation of ozone and particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere.
• Health Impact: Exposure to nitrogen dioxide is linked to chronic lung diseases and various respiratory problems.

4. Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Sources: Carbon monoxide is generated from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials, such as gasoline, natural gas, and wood.
• Health Impact: CO can cause fatigue, confusion, and dizziness by interfering with the blood's ability to transport oxygen to the brain, potentially leading to serious health issues.

5. Ammonia (NH3)

• Sources: Ammonia is produced during the metabolism of amino acids and other nitrogen-containing compounds.
• Health Impact: Exposure to ammonia can cause immediate burning sensations in the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. High levels of exposure can result in more severe health effects, including blindness and lung damage.

Lead (Pb)

• Sources: Lead is released as a waste product when extracting metals like silver, platinum, and iron from their ores.
• Impact: Lead exposure can lead to anemia, weakness, and damage to the kidneys and brain.

Particulate Matter (PM)

• PM10: Inhalable particles with diameters of 10 micrometers or smaller.
• PM2.5: Fine inhalable particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, emitted from sources like construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, and fires.
• Impact: Exposure to particulate matter can lead to irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, and decreased lung function.

Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana

The Bihar government has recently launched the “Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana” to provide financial support to low-income families for self-employment opportunities.

• Financial Support: Eligible families can receive up to ₹2 lakh in three installments to establish small industrial or processing units.
• Eligible Units: Beneficiaries can choose from 63 types of units, such as handicrafts, textiles, salons, and food stalls.
• Target Audience: The scheme aims to assist over 9.4 million poor families with a monthly income of less than ₹6,000.
• Implementation: The state industries department will manage the scheme, and beneficiaries will be selected through a computerized randomization process.

Cabinet Approvals: During the cabinet meeting, other proposals were approved, including financial aid for students from Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) preparing for civil services and competitive exams.

Caste Survey Data: The Bihar government released socio-economic data showing that 34.13% of families in the state are economically poor, with specific figures for different categories, including EBCs, SCs, STs, and the general category.

Government Aims to Position Bihar as a Leader in the Startup Sector

Startups

Bihar's government, led by State Industry Minister Samir Kumar Mahaseth, is dedicated to making the state a leader in the startup sector. At the Bihar Startup Awards 2024, which celebrated National Startup Day on January 16th, the minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to developing and enhancing Bihar's startup ecosystem.

Awards and Recognitions

• At the Bihar Startup Awards 2024, Medivisor Pvt Ltd was honored as the Best Startup of the Year, with Ved Prabha Aerospace Pvt Ltd and Biro Power Pvt Ltd receiving recognition as the first and second runners-up, respectively.
• Awards were also presented in various categories, including women’s leadership, agriculture, information technology, e-commerce, electric vehicles, and educational technology.

Bihar Startup Policy

• The Bihar Startup Policy provides several incentives to entrepreneurs, such as interest-free seed funding of up to Rs 10 lakh for ten years.
• Additional funding incentives include 5% more for women-led startups and 15% more for those led by scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and differently-abled individuals.
• Grants of up to Rs 3 lakh are available for individuals joining acceleration programs.
• Matching loans of up to Rs 50 lakh are offered for investments from registered entities and angel investors.

Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur

• Bharat Ratna Award: Karpoori Thakur, the late Chief Minister of Bihar, is set to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, posthumously.
• Recognition of Efforts: This award recognizes Thakur’s tireless efforts for the marginalized and his commitment to equality and empowerment.
• Impactful Leadership: Thakur’s dedication to uplifting the downtrodden and his visionary leadership have had a significant impact on India’s socio-political landscape.
• Inspiration for Society: The award not only honors Thakur’s contributions but also serves as an inspiration for society to continue his mission for a just and equitable society.
• Thakur’s Tenure and Initiatives: During his tenure as Chief Minister, Thakur implemented various pro-poor initiatives, including land reforms and policies aimed at empowering the underprivileged.
• Political Journey: Thakur was associated with several political parties throughout his career, starting with the Praja Socialist Party, later aligning with the Janata Party, and eventually the Janata Dal.
• Passing and Legacy: Thakur passed away in February 1988, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and dedication to the welfare of the common people.
• Bharat Ratna Award: The Bharat Ratna is awarded for exceptional service in any field of human endeavor, based on recommendations made by the Prime Minister to the President of India.
• Award Limitations: The number of Bharat Ratna awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.