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

Bihar Sees 18% Increase in Tax Collection for 2023-24

The Commercial Taxes Department in Bihar has reported an impressive increase of 18.13% in tax collection for the financial year 2023-24 compared to the previous year, 2022-23.

Key Highlights

• In March 2023, the department collected Rs 1,058 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST), marking the highest collection in the state over the past seven years.
• The overall revenue for March reached Rs 5,403.15 crore, the highest monthly collection recorded to date.
• For the entire financial year 2023-24, Bihar collected a total of Rs 38,161 crore in GST and other taxes, up from Rs 34,541 crore in 2022-23.

Enforcement Efforts

• The increase in tax collection is attributed to a focused effort on various areas, including the service sector, GST audits, issue-based adjudication, and actions against tax evasion.
• Additionally, suppliers at the panchayat level were brought under the purview of the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST).

About the Directorate of Enforcement (ED)

• The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is a multi-disciplinary organization responsible for investigating offenses related to money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.
• It operates under the Department of Revenue within the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• As a premier financial investigation agency, the ED functions in strict accordance with the Constitution and laws of India.

NABARD Increases Financial Assistance to Bihar

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has provided financial assistance of Rs 10,372.86 crore to Bihar in the 2023-24 financial year. This support includes refinance, direct finance, and grant support and represents a 21% increase from the previous year, marking the highest annual support from NABARD to the state.

Refinance was given for:

• Production Credit
• Investment Credit
• Paddy Procurement Operations

Direct finance was allocated for rural infrastructure projects by the state government. Grant support was provided for various developmental initiatives, including:

• Farmers’ Producer Organisations (FPOs)
• Watershed Development
• Tribal Development
• Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) Computerisation
• Skill and Enterprise Development
• Financial Literacy and Awareness programmes

About NABARD

• NABARD is a development bank focused on the rural sector of India, providing finance for agriculture and rural development.
• Established in 1982 under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981, it operates as a statutory body.
• Headquartered in Mumbai, NABARD plays a crucial role in the development of small industries, cottage industries, and other rural projects.

About Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

• RRBs were established in 1975 to ensure adequate credit for agriculture and rural sectors.
• They combine the cooperative approach of understanding rural issues with the professionalism of a commercial bank.

About Cooperative Banks

• Cooperative banks are financial institutions set up on a cooperative basis to conduct ordinary banking business.
• They are formed by collecting funds through shares, accepting deposits, and granting loans.
• Governed by the Banking Regulations Act, 1949, and the Banking Laws (Co-operative Societies) Act, 1955, they are registered under the Cooperative Societies Act of the respective state or the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
• Cooperative banks are broadly classified into Urban and Rural cooperative banks.

About Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS)

• PACS are grassroots-level cooperative societies that offer short-term credit and other services primarily to farmers.
• They are integral to the cooperative credit structure in India and are undergoing transformation through computerization and diversification of services.

SJVN Collaborates with IIT Patna for Enhanced Tunneling Project Efficiency

Recently, SJVN Limited has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna) to incorporate advanced geological models in SJVN’s tunneling projects. This collaboration aims to significantly reduce time and cost overruns associated with such projects.

One of the primary objectives of this partnership is to develop predictive analytics algorithms that utilize integrated geotechnical data. These algorithms will help in forecasting potential risks and establishing early warning systems specifically designed for tunneling projects. By implementing these proactive measures, SJVN and IIT Patna aim to substantially mitigate delays and cost escalations during project execution.

The MoU focuses on creating innovative methodologies that integrate various geotechnical data sources, including geological surveys, borehole data, geophysical measurements, and monitoring data from SJVN’s projects. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to assess the complex relationship between overburden and deformation, thereby improving the evaluation and design of support systems crucial for tunneling operations.

By leveraging integrated geotechnical data and 3D geological models, SJVN and IIT Patna intend to identify and analyze potential risks and hazards associated with tunneling projects. This partnership is expected to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of tunneling operations undertaken by SJVN.

About SJVN Limited

• SJVN Limited is an Indian public sector undertaking engaged in hydroelectric power generation and transmission.
• The company was established in 1988 as the Nathpa Jhakri Power Corporation, a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Centre Aims for 7-fold Increase in Wheat Procurement from Non-traditional States

The Centre has announced ambitious plans to boost wheat procurement from non-traditional states, specifically targeting Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. The goal is to achieve a seven-fold increase in procurement, setting a target of 50 lakh tonnes for the 2024-25 season.

In the previous season (2023-24), these states contributed only 6.7 lakh tonnes to the central wheat reserve. To address this, the Union Food Ministry has decided to procure 16% of the total wheat procurement target, which is set at 310 lakh tonnes for 2024-25.

Wheat Procurement Agencies

• The primary agency for wheat procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the Food Corporation of India (FCI), along with state agencies.
• The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) have also been included in the procurement targets, with each agency set to procure 5 lakh tonnes in 2024.

Wheat MSP and Welfare Schemes

• The MSP for wheat has been fixed at Rs 2,275 per quintal for 2024.
• Increased procurement from non-traditional states is expected to help restore wheat allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and other welfare schemes.

Measures to Strengthen Wheat Procurement

• To enhance wheat procurement in non-traditional states, several measures have been implemented:
• Extension of Procurement Window: The procurement window has been extended to April, allowing more time for farmers to sell their wheat.
• Dedicated Farmer Helpline: A helpline has been established to address procurement-related queries from farmers.
• Timely MSP Transfer: The government aims to ensure that MSP payments are transferred to farmers’ bank accounts within 48 hours.
• Streamlined Procurement Process: Efforts have been made to smoothen banking-related issues and integrate farmers’ bank accounts with the procurement system.
• Opening More Procurement Centres: Additional procurement centres are being opened, focusing on production hotspots. Mobile procurement centres are also being set up.
• Central Control Room: A control room has been established at the FCI headquarters in Delhi for real-time monitoring of procurement activities.

Current Procurement Status

As of now, six lakh tonnes of wheat have already been procured this year from states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar.

The government imposed a ban on wheat exports in May 2022 to enhance domestic availability and control prices. For the 2023-24 period, wheat production is projected to reach a record 112 million tonnes, up from 110 million tonnes in 2022, according to the agriculture ministry.

National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED)

• NAFED is the apex organization of marketing cooperatives for agricultural produce in India.
• It was founded on 2nd October 1958 and is registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002.
• NAFED has become one of the largest procurement and marketing agencies for agricultural products in India.

Vice President Urges Young Professionals for India’s 2047 Goal

Recently, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar urged young professionals to be part of the endeavour of making India a developed country by 2047.

Bodh Gaya in Bihar

Mahabodhi Temple

• The Maha Bodhi Temple is one of the four sacred sites associated with the life of Lord Buddha, particularly related to his attainment of Enlightenment (Bodhi).
• The other three sites are: Lumbini (Buddha's Birth) in Nepal, Sarnath (Buddha's First Sermon) in Uttar Pradesh, and Kushinagar (Buddha's death) in Uttar Pradesh.
• The original temple structure was built by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. However, it was completely reconstructed in brick during the late Gupta period. The current temple structure dates back to the 5th or 6th century.
• In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the Maha Bodhi Temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002.

Vision India@2047

• Vision India@2047 is a project launched by NITI Aayog, the premier policy think tank of the Indian government.
• The initiative aims to create a comprehensive blueprint for India’s development over the next 25 years, focusing on making India a global leader in innovation and technology, a model for human development and social welfare, and a champion of environmental sustainability.

Patwa Toli: The Village of IITians in Bihar

In Bihar, there is a village called Patwa Toli that has become famous as the ‘IIT factory’ because it consistently produces over a dozen IITians every year.

• This village, situated in Gaya, has a remarkable number of IIT qualifiers, with nearly every household having at least one engineer.
• One of the key factors behind this success is an organization called Vriksha, which has been offering free coaching for the JEE Main exam since 2013.
• Vriksha is funded by IIT graduates and provides students with engineering books and online classes taught by renowned educators.
• To assist financially disadvantaged students, Vriksh Veda Chain has established a library model that offers free education through online classes conducted by volunteer teachers from Delhi and Mumbai.
• The journey of IIT qualifiers from Patwa Toli began in 1991, sparking a wave of aspirations within the village. Initially known as the ‘Manchester of Bihar’ for its history of cloth weaving, Patwa Toli has now rightfully earned the title of the ‘village of IITians’ due to its outstanding educational accomplishments.
• With a rich history of producing engineers and medical professionals, Patwa Toli stands as a powerful example of how education and community support can transform lives and create a legacy of excellence.

Kesariya Stupa

The Kesariya Stupa, located in Kesariya, about 110 kilometers from Patna in the East Champaran district of Bihar, holds the title of the largest Buddhist stupa in the world.

• The stupa's origins can be traced back to the 3rd century BCE during the time of Emperor Ashoka. The remains of a capital from an Ashoka pillar found at the site suggest its historical significance. However, the current structure dates to the Gupta Dynasty, between 200 AD and 750 AD, possibly linked to the 4th-century ruler Raja Chakravarti.
• There are indications that the stupa mound may have been inaugurated during the Buddha's lifetime, resembling the stupa described by the Licchavis of Vaishali, built to house the Buddha's alms bowl.
• Throughout history, Kesaria was governed by the Mauryas and the Licchavis, with the Kushan dynasty (AD 30 to AD 375) contributing to its ancient heritage. The discovery of gold coins bearing the seal of Emperor Kanishka further established Kesaria's historical significance.
• The stupa gained attention in the early 19th century when Colonel Mackenzie discovered it in 1814. Subsequent excavations by General Cunningham in 1861-62 and a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) led by K.K. Muhammad in 1998 properly explored the site, revealing its rich history.

Bihar's Absence in Manufacturing on the Stock Exchange

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) boasts over 66.5 lakh registered investors. Despite being the third most populous state in India, Bihar has no manufacturing units listed on this stock exchange.

• Data from the BSE indicates that while Bihar represents only 2.65% of registered investors, it has seen a growth of over 10% in the last quarter and more than 47% in 2023.
• Before Bihar and Jharkhand were separated, the region had a diverse economy that included agriculture, consumer industries, minerals, and manufacturing. However, after the split, Bihar became mainly dependent on agriculture and consumer industries, significantly altering its economic landscape.
• The lack of a strong manufacturing sector and limited resources has made it difficult for Bihar to compete nationally.

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)

• In 2023, the Bihar government organized the Bihar Business Connect summit in Patna to attract industry, resulting in Rs 50,500-crore investment proposals.
• The government highlighted opportunities in sectors such as Textiles, Leathers, IT/ITeS & ESDM, Food Processing, and Hospitality & Tourism.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Bihar faces negative stereotypes and misconceptions that deter potential investors.
• To improve its image, the state can conduct roadshows, awareness campaigns, and leverage platforms like CII.

Stock Market Overview

• Stock markets facilitate the buying and selling of equity shares in public corporations, playing a vital role in a free-market economy.
• In India, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) are the two primary stock exchanges.

Role of SEBI

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates the securities market in India, setting the legal framework and overseeing market participants.
• SEBI's authority, granted by the Securities Contracts Regulation Act (SCRA) of 1956, includes the recognition and regulation of stock and commodity exchanges, a role previously held by the Union government.

Poll Timing in Bihar Amid Heatwave

• The Election Commission of India has extended the voting period by two hours in specific areas of four parliamentary constituencies in Bihar due to the ongoing heatwave.
• This decision aims to enhance voter participation, especially following a lower turnout during the initial polling on April 19.

Heatwaves in India

• Heatwaves are extended periods of extremely high temperatures that can have harmful effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. India, being a tropical nation, is especially susceptible to heatwaves, which have been occurring more frequently and with greater intensity in recent years.

Criteria for Declaring Heat Waves in India

• For Plains: Heatwaves are not considered until the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C.
• For Hilly Regions: Heatwaves are not considered until the maximum temperature reaches at least 30°C.
• When the normal maximum temperature is ≤ 40°C:
  • An increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal is classified as a heatwave.
  • An increase of 7°C or more is classified as a severe heatwave.
• When the normal maximum temperature is > 40°C:
  • An increase of 4°C to 5°C from the normal is classified as a heatwave.
  • An increase of 6°C or more is classified as a severe heatwave.
• Regardless of the normal maximum temperature: A heatwave is declared if the actual maximum temperature reaches 45°C or more.

Child Trafficking in India

• In a recent incident, 95 children were rescued by the Uttar Pradesh Child Commission while being transported illegally from Bihar to Uttar Pradesh.
• These children, aged between 4 to 12 years, were reportedly being taken to other states to be placed in madrasas, where donations would be collected based on their religion. This practice is a violation of the Constitution.
• The incident has raised serious concerns about child trafficking and the right to education. According to the Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, every child in India has the right to education, and it is compulsory for them to attend school.
• The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was established in 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. Its mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programs, and administrative mechanisms are in line with the Child Rights perspective as outlined in the Constitution of India and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
• Child trafficking manifests in various forms, including domestic labor, forced child labor in different industries, and illegal activities such as begging, organ trade, and commercial sexual exploitation.
• According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), an average of eight children fall victim to trafficking every day in India, with cases involving forced labor, begging, and sexual exploitation. The reported cases have shown a concerning trend over the years, highlighting the severity of the issue.

Bihar: Districts Most Affected by Lightning-Related Deaths

A recent study has highlighted the districts in Bihar that are most at risk from lightning-related fatalities. The districts of Sheohar, Banka, Kaimur, and Kishanganj have been identified as having the highest casualty rates per million population due to this natural hazard.

Overview of the Study

• The research analyzed data from the years 2017 to 2022, during which a total of 1,624 people lost their lives and 286 were injured as a result of lightning strikes.
• The majority of these incidents, nearly all the fatalities, occurred in rural areas. A significant 76.8% of the casualties and injuries happened between 12:30 pm and 6:30 pm.

Gender and Age Vulnerability

• The study also looked at the gender distribution of the victims, finding that out of 1,577 identified deaths, 1,131 (71%) were men.
• Rural men, particularly those aged 11-15 years and 41-45 years, were found to be especially vulnerable to lightning strikes.

Annual Averages and Comparisons

• On average, Bihar experienced 271 deaths and 57.2 injuries per year due to lightning during the study period.
• The state’s annual casualty rate of 2.65 per million people was slightly higher than the national average of 2.55.

Peak Periods for Lightning Strikes

• The research identified the months from May to September as the peak period for lightning strikes, with June and July alone accounting for 58.8% of lightning-related deaths.
• This increase during June and July is attributed to the monsoonal current and the interaction of easterly and westerly winds.

Comparison with Other States

• Bihar is ranked among the top three states in India for lightning-related casualties, alongside Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• The state is prone to thunderstorms and lightning activity due to the convergence of warm, dry air from northwest India and moist air from the Bay of Bengal, which creates favorable conditions for the development of deep convective clouds.

North West Bihar: Low Strikes, High Casualties

• In North West Bihar, while the frequency of lightning strikes is lower, the casualty rate is higher.
• This area is less urbanized and has a lower density of shelters around farm areas, which, along with socio-economic factors, influences the impact of such natural hazards.

Variability of Lightning Threats

• The threat level from lightning strikes is not consistent across different regions. It is influenced by topography, elevation, and local meteorological conditions.
• The eastern region experiences higher lightning frequency due to greater moisture incursion.

Importance for Policymakers

• Identifying vulnerability and hotspot areas is crucial for policymakers to develop effective mitigation strategies.

Understanding Westerly Winds

• Origin and Movement: Westerly winds originate from the subtropical high-pressure belts and move toward the subpolar low-pressure belts. They prevail between 35° to 60° latitudes.
• Seasonal Intensity: While these winds are a permanent feature, they are more intense during the winter months.
• Characteristics: Westerly winds transport warm and moist air toward the poles.
• Formation of Fronts: These winds contribute to the formation of fronts along the subpolar low-pressure zones.
• Impact on Cyclones: Westerly winds play a role in transporting cyclones toward the western margins.