State PCS CA Consolidation (Bihar) August 2023 | Monthly Current Affairs BPSC - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Bihar Chief Minister honoured 29 Litterateurs

Why in News?

On July 31, 2023, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Hindi Sevi Samman and Award Distribution Ceremony. He also honoured 29 writers.

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A total of 29 litterateurs for the year 2020-21 and 2021-22 were honoured with angvastram, medals, citations and cheques at the award distribution ceremony organized by the Cabinet Secretariat (Official Language) Department at ‘Lok Samvadash’ at 1 Anne Marg.

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The Chief Minister also honoured Dr. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari with ‘Dr. Rajendra Prasad Shikhar Samman’, Dr. Ashok Kumar with ‘Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Award’, Mrinal Pandey with ‘Jannayak Karpoori Thakur Award’, Dr. Sushila Takbhore with ‘B.P. Mandal Award’ under the Hindi Sevi Samman and Award Scheme for the year 2020-21.

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Apart from this, poet Satyanarayan has been given ‘Nagarjuna Award’, ‘Rashtrakavi Dinkar Award’ to Ramshreshtha Diwana, ‘Phanishwar Nath Renu Award’ to Jabir Hussain, ‘Mahadevi Verma Award’ to Dr. Poonam Singh, ‘Babu Gangasharan Singh Award’ to Dr. K. Vanaja, ‘Vidhakar Kavi Award’ to Prachar Sabha (Hyderabad, Telangana) to South Hindi India, ‘Vidyapati Award’ to Geeta Shree, ‘Mohanlal Mahato ‘Viyogi’ Award to Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sinha Ravi. Bhagwati Prasad Dwivedi was honoured with ‘Bhikhari Thakur Award’, Dr. Chhaya Sinha with ‘Dr. Grierson Award’ and Anant Vijay with ‘Dr. Father Kamil Bulke Award’.

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Under the Hindi Sevi Samman and Puraskar Scheme for the year 2021-22, Madhusudan Anand has been awarded ‘Dr. Rajendra Prasad Shikhar Samman’, Balram has been awarded ‘Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Award’, Dr. Chandra Trikha has received ‘Jannayak Thakur Award’, Dr. Irshad Kamil has received ‘BP Mandal Award’, Bhola Pandit Pranayi has been awarded ‘Nagarjuna Award’, Aniruddha Sinha has been awarded ‘Rashtrakavi Dinkar Award’, Dr. Shahnaz Fatmi has been awarded ‘Phanishwarnath Renu Award’. Dr. Bhavana was honoured with ‘Mahadevi Verma Award’,

Gurmeet Singh with ‘Babu Gangasharan Singh Award’, Assam Rashtrabhasha Prachar Samiti with ‘Vidyakar Kavi Award’, Kavita Prayagraj with ‘Vidyapati Award’, Mahendra Narayan Pankaj with ‘Mohanlal Mahato, Viyogi Award’, Dr. Ashish Kandhve with ‘Dr. Grierson Award’ and Vibha Rani with ‘Dr. Father Kamil Bulke Award’.

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The Chief Minister recommended increasing the minimum amount to be given under various awards from Rs 50,000 to more than Rs 1 lakh at the Hindi Sevi Samman and Award Distribution Ceremony.

Barh NTPC’s 4th Unit started, Bihar started getting 396 MW of Additional Power

Why in News?

On August 1, 2023, commercial power generation has commenced from the second unit of 660 MW of Stage-I of NTPC Barh Super Thermal Power Project. With this, according to the allocation fixed by the central government, 60% i.e. 396 MW of additional power supply has started coming to Bihar from this unit. The remaining power is being given to the States of Jharkhand, Odisha and Sikkim.

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The Executive Director of Barh Project Asit Dutta said that the work on the third and final unit of Barh Stage I is in progress and is likely to be completed by the next year.

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NTPC spokesperson Vishwanath Chandan said that with the commencement of commercial power generation from the second unit of Stage One of the Barh plant, the total power quota received by Bihar from the Barh plant has increased from 1526 MW to 1922 MW.

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Barh Super Thermal Power Plant is now generating a total of 2640 MW of commercial power through its four units of 660 MW, out of which Bihar has started getting 1922 MW power as per the quota. The construction of the Barh plant has cost more than 21 thousand crore rupees.

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Bihar’s current power allocation from NTPC including six generation plants in Bihar has also increased from 6891 MW (including 300 MW solar power) to 7287 MW.

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It is worth mentioning that two units (Units 4 and 5) of 660 MW of the Barh Super Thermal Power Project of the second stage have been generating electricity since November 15, 2014, and February 18, 2016, respectively, while the first 660 MW unit of Stage One has been generating commercial power since November 2021.

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NTPC Regional Executive Director (East-1), DSGSS Babji said that at present NTPC has a commercial generation capacity of 9730 MW in six projects in Bihar with an investment of about Rs 80 thousand crore, while a capacity of 660 MW is under construction.

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NTPC ensures the supply of more than 90% of Bihar’s average daily power demand, which is around 6,000 to 6,500 MW. With the addition of 660 MW additional generation capacity to the second unit of Stage 1 of the Barh plant, NTPC group’s total installed capacity in the country has crossed 73,024 MW, including 89 power stations including 43 renewable and hydropower projects.

Patna’s 15-year-old student Pranav made Smart Inverter Many Times Cheaper than the market

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on August 3, 2023, Pranav, a student of Patna, has made an inverter with a touch screen many times cheaper than the inverter available in the market at the age of just 15 years.

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According to the information, Pranav got success in the 17th time and the smart inverter was ready.

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The inverter has a touchscreen display. All kinds of indicators are given on the touchscreen display. The most important thing is that this inverter is many times cheaper than the inverter found in the market.

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This inverter can give a backup of up to 3 hours when used with a very high load. Fans, bulbs, iron, and mixers can also run on it.

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Its system is designed in such a way that if there is a short circuit anywhere in the house due to this inverter, then it can automatically cut the power. There is also a bypass switch, which can cut power when overloaded.

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This smart inverter has a book-shaped battery, which is installed in the inverter itself. Its size is 25 cm in length, 18 cm in width and 3 cm in height.

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This battery is a lithium-ion dry cell, which is low cost and low weight. Its efficiency is 92%.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Why in News?

On August 6, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment works of 508 railway stations in the country through video conferencing under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These include 49 railway stations of Bihar.

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It may be noted that in the first phase of this ambitious Amrit Bharat station scheme, a total of 49 railway stations in Bihar will be redeveloped.

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The foundation stone of two stations (Darbhanga and Sakri station) under the Darbhanga parliamentary constituency was laid through the virtual medium of the Prime Minister under the scheme. Darbhanga railway station will be developed as a world class station at a cost of 340 crores and Sakri station will be redeveloped at a cost of 18.9 crores.

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Under this scheme, a six-storey building (G+5) will be constructed in the western direction of the station. On the other hand, a (G+2) i.e. three-storey building will be constructed in the eastern direction, in which state-of-the-art facilities will be provided for the passengers.

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Naugachia railway station of Katihar-Barauni railway section, which is included in 1275 stations across the country, will also be rejuvenated under the Amrit Bharat station scheme. Railway stations of the first phase also include Naugachia, Pirpainti, Kahalgaon, Sultanganj of Bhagalpur.

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It is worth mentioning that modern facilities like wide concourse, foot over bridge, lift, escalator, waiting room, commercial area and retail counter etc. will be provided at these stations to be redeveloped under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

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The plan envisages multimodal transport. Passenger amenities at other minor stations will also be upgraded and will be provided with facilities like widened FOBs, frontage improvements, waiting areas, lifts, escalators etc.

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These stations of Bihar will be rejuvenated-

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Anugrah Narayan Road (Aurangabad), Lakhminia, Salona (Begusarai), Kahalgaon, Naugachia, Pirpainti, Sultanganj (Bhagalpur), Arrah, Bihiya (Bhojpur), Dumraon, Raghurnathpur (Buxar), Darbhanga

Junction (Darbhanga), Gaya Junction, Paharpur ( Gaya), Jamui, Simtalla (Jamui), Jehanabad, Bhabua Road, Durgauti, Kudra (Kaimur (Bhabhua)), Barsoi Junction (Katihar), Khagaria Junction, Mansi (Khagaria), Kishanganj, Thakurganj (Kishanganj), Jaynagar , Madhubani, Sankri (Mudhubani), Jamalpur Junction (Munger), Dholi, Muzaffarpur Junction, Ramdayalu Nagar (Muzaffarpur), Bihar Sharif, Rajgir (Nalanda), Narkatiaganj Junction, Sugauli (West Champaran), Bakhtiyarpur, Badh, Fatuha, Taregna ( Patna), BapuDham Motihari (East Champaran), Banmankhi (Purnia), Rohtas, Sasaram (Rohtas), Saharsa (Saharsa), Dalsingh Sarai, Samastipur, Sonpur Junction (Saran), Sitamarhi and Hajipur Junction ( Vaishali).

The Book ‘Nitish Kumar in Parliament’ was released

Why in News?

On August 4, 2023, the book ‘Nitish Kumar in Parliament’ was released at the Jagjivan Ram Institute of Parliamentary Studies and Political Research, Patna.

Key Points:

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The book has been edited by sociologist Jagannarayan Singh Yadav and published by Sahitya Sansad Prakashan, Delhi.

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This book is a collection of speeches given by Nitish Kumar on various issues in Parliament during his tenure as MP and Union Minister from 1989 to 2005.

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This book is in five sections – The name of the first section of the book is Krishi Pradhan Bharat. In this, there is a compilation of statements made by Nitish in Parliament regarding agriculture. The name of the second section is Indian Railways, it has five speeches given by Nitish about Railways. The name of the third section is Developing India, in which Nitish Kumar’s vision about the country is given.

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The name of the fourth section is Indian Society, in which the mention made by Nitish Kumar about the condition of different classes is mentioned. The last and fifth section is Indian Polity. In this, Nitish Kumar has mentioned about the political situation in his speeches.

Water Resources Minister inaugurated ‘Anti Erosion Schemes’

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on August 7, 2023, Bihar’s Water Resources Minister Sanjay Kumar Jha has launched the scheme ‘Anti Erosion Schemes’ at Sangam Dham Trimuhani in Katihar district and Lavani in Darbhanga district at a cost of six crore rupees in Jeebach-Kamala River.

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On this occasion, the Water Resources Minister said that this anti-erosion work would greatly benefit the people of the area. Had this plan not been completed, many houses in this village could have been submerged in the river during the time of flood.

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He said that the state government is running several schemes to get rid of the people from floods and drought. Under this, for the first time, through the Western Kosi Canal Scheme, irrigation facilities have been started for the people of Manigachi and Benipur with canal water.

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Work is also being done by the Water Resources Department to solve the problems like sliding down the water level. The work of bringing water into the river and reviving the dead Kamla River is going on. This will maintain the water level.

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It is known that floods come from Nepal in Bihar. If the dam would have been built in Nepal, Bihar would have got rid of floods permanently, as well as electricity would have been produced, for this a treaty has also been signed between the two countries.

Indo-Japan Center of Excellence (CoE)

Why in News?

Indo-Japan Center of Excellence (CoE) inaugurated by Prof. T.N. Singh, Director, IIT Patna and Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) on August 6, 2023, on 15th Foundation Day of IIT Patna, Bihar.

Key Points:

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Indo-Japan CoE (Nihon no Hako) will help to institutionalize and promote MSMEs. This center will reduce the distance between innovation, technology, trade-business, agricultural enterprise, and education between Bihar and Japan.

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IIT Patna Director Prof. T.N. Singh said that this center will become a meeting place of manpower of Bihar and technology of Japan. Japan is the world leader in technology and innovation. Institutes of Bihar will sign MoU with Japan for development in the academic field.

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A hub will be created to promote cooperation and exchange of knowledge with educational institutions. There is immense potential of MSMEs in Bihar. The entrepreneurs here would like to set up MSMEs. The Government and entrepreneurs of Japan will make them available through the Technical Cooperation Center.

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Bihar has immense possibilities in agriculture, education, small industries, dairy etc. Bihar will be developed as an investment hub for Japan.

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The Indo-Japan CoE (Nihon no Hako) will help enhance institutional cooperation at the institutional and SME levels. With this, there will be cooperation in the government, institutions, business of India and Japan.

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Representatives from Japan who reached on this occasion said that the people of both the countries have historical friendly relations and they respect each other, but language has become a wall between the two countries. To overcome this, a Japanese language training program is being started by IIT Patna and Masayume India.

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The JLPT will operate under the Ministry of Education (Mombusho), Japan, in accordance with the rules for testing Japanese language skills. The first batch will start on 17th August. Government-accredited Japanese language instructors will train the students. Detailed information related to this will be uploaded soon on the website of IIT Patna (https://www.Aiitp.ac.in/).

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Main objectives of setting up CoE:

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Educational institutions for cooperation in the academic field and creation of hubs to promote exchange of knowledge.

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To develop Bihar as an investment hub for Japan.

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Presenting Japan as a good option for the youth migrating from Bihar for jobs.

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Promotion of new startups, incubation, new research, cooperatives, joint ventures, etc.

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Regarding the launch of the CoE, Prof. (Dr.) T.N. Singh, Director, IIT Patna, said that such relations between two countries create new opportunities for the exchange of technology and knowledge. Establishment of CoE also gives rise to new employment opportunities, which is very important for the development of India.

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It is known that relations between Bihar and Japan have been very strong in terms of cultural & religious tourism. By increasing cooperation in technical and academic fields, we are further deepening old relations. The touch of the soil of Bodh Gaya is considered the biggest achievement of life in our culture.

Seal on 9 Agendas in Bihar Cabinet

Why in News?

On August 8, 2023, an important meeting of the state cabinet was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at the Chief Secretariat building in Patna, the capital of Bihar, in which a total of nine agendas were approved.

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The nine agendas include schemes of Industries Department, Labour Resources Department, Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department, Urban Development & Housing Department etc.

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Recruitment will be done in the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department: In the meeting, approval has been given for the restoration of Scientific Officer in Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department. This officer will conduct the work in the office of Bihar State Biodiversity Council. In this, approval has been given to appoint an officer on a contract basis.

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Approval for setting up of ITIs at Saran-Vaishali: Approval was given for setting up of ITIs at Garkha in Saran district and Raghopur in Vaishali under the scheme of setting up of new Industrial Training Institutes. For this, the cabinet has also approved the creation of a total of 86 posts. Also, an allocation of Rs 468 crore has been approved for this in the financial year 2023-24.

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Cabinet approves amendment of Bihar State Migrant Workers Accident Grant Scheme: The Cabinet has approved the agenda for amendment of Rule 5, 5A

and 5B of the Bihar State Migrant Workers Accident Grant Scheme Rules, 2008. As a result, the Bihar State Migrant Workers Accident Grant Scheme Rules 2023 will be implemented.

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Financial incentive clearance to Dadaji Snacks: In the cabinet meeting, Patna’s M/s Dadaji Snacks Pvt. Ltd. has been approved for financial incentive clearance in the light of the rules of Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Rules, 2016.

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Approval for financial incentives for AFP Manufacturing: The Cabinet approved the clearance of financial incentives from Haripur to M/s AFP Manufacturing Company Private Limited in view of the rules of Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Rules 2016.

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Rs 409 crore approved for the development of industrial areas: In the financial year 2023-24, Rs 409 crore will be spent for the development of industrial areas in the state. In this, approval has been given to withdraw and spend one hundred and fifty crores as the first supplement.

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Approval to Draft Agreement of National Urban Livelihoods Mission: The draft agreement on transfer of livelihoods for creating social awareness and implementation of institutional development component under National Urban Livelihood Mission has been approved.

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Amount approved for installation of STP with the help of World Bank: In the cabinet meeting, approval of Rs 98.59 crore has been given to work on the plan to install STP with the help of World Bank in Karmali Chak zone of Patna city. In this, the central share of 62 crores and the state will have 30 percent share, i.e., 36 crores of state share.

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Rs 542 crore approved for subway from Patna Museum to Bihar Museum: In the meeting, the revised estimate (revised estimate) of the subway construction plan to connect Bihar Museum with Patna Museum has been approved, which is now of Rs 542 crore.

Bihar’s 6 teachers nominated for National Teacher Award 2023

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on August 9, 2023, 6 teachers have been nominated/ selected from Bihar for the National Teacher Award 2023.

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The teachers nominated by the state include Anil Kumar Singh, Head Teacher of Adarsh Balika 10+2 Higher Secondary School at Ramgarh in Kaimur district, Arjun Kumar Saha, a teacher of Utkramrit Middle School at Madhepura in Katihar district, and Dwijendra Kumar, Head Teacher of Middle School Madhuban at Bangahan Bazar in Sitamarhi district.

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Among these teachers nominated by the state, Anil Kumar Singh, Head Teacher of Adarsh Balika 10+2 Higher Secondary School, Ramgarh, Kaimur district, Arjun Kumar Saha, Teacher of Utkramrit Middle School, Madhepura, Katihar district, head teacher, Madhuban Middle School, Bangawan Bazar, Sitamarhi district. Teacher Dwijendra Kumar is included.

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Apart from these, Kumari Guddi, a teacher at Singhia 10+2 High School in Kishanganj district, Sangeeta Kumari, a teacher of 10+2 High School Malmal in Kaluahi of Madhubani district and Umesh Kumar Yadav, headmaster of Hariharpur Middle School in Vaishali district, are included.

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According to the information, 152 teachers from different states have been nominated from all over the country for the National Teacher Award. Out of these, probably 42 teachers are to be selected for the National Award.

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Six nominated teachers of Bihar answered the questions of the 4-member National Jury for the National Teacher Award 2023. The jury members found the nominated teachers to live up to the test of their objective questions.

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The teachers from Bihar also impressed the jury with their innovative ideas for the betterment of education. The teachers also gave their own presentations.

National Medal to 21 Policemen of Bihar

Why is News?

On the eve of Independence Day on August 14, 2023, the Union Home Ministry announced awards to be given to police personnel from across the country, including 21 police personnel, including two senior officers of Bihar Police.

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Among the 21 police personnel, two police officers will be awarded police medals for gallantry, two police officers will be awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and 17 police officers and personnel will be awarded Police Medal for meritorious service.

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These include Director General of Police, Training Preeta Verma and Director General of Police (BSAP) Amarendra Kumar Ambedkar for distinguished service.

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The two police officials who will be awarded the Gallantry Award for gallantry for gunning down Naxals are Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar (currently Superintendent of Police, Madhubani) and Police Under-Inspector Aniruddh Kumar posted in Lakhisarai.

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Among the 17 police personnel who received the Police Medal for meritorious service are Madhepura Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar, Katihar Railway Superintendent of Police Sanjay Bharti, Sonpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anjani Kumar, Chhapra Sub-Divisional Police Officer Santosh Kumar, Patna Additional Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar, Samastipur Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Sanjay Kumar Pandey. Inspector Virendra Kumar Medhavi, Police Inspector Virendra Kumar Medhavi, CID Sub-Inspector Binnur Rajak, Police Under Inspector Ghulam Mustafa in Patna SSP’s office, CID Police Under Inspector Md. Istkhar Khan, Havildar Angad Singh Yadav of Dumraon

(Buxar), Rahul Kumar, Assistant Sub-Inspector of CID, Indra Kamal Jha, Assistant Sub-Inspector of Prohibition Unit, STF, Patna’s Havaldar Vijay Kumar Singh, Nalanda District Force constable Amarendra Kumar Mishra, CID, Constable Rahul Kumar of Patna and Constable Shambhu Kumar of Munger district force.

2 Rail Projects related to Bihar got approval

Why is News?

On August 16, 2023, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a total of 7 projects of the Ministry of Railways at an estimated cost of about Rs 32,500 crore with 100 percent funding from the Central Government, including 2 projects in Bihar.

Key Points:

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The proposals for these multi-tracking projects will facilitate ease of operation and reduce congestion, thereby enabling necessary infrastructure development on the congested sections of Indian Railways.

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These projects covering 35 districts of 9 States, namely Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal will augment the existing network of Indian Railways by 2339 km. Apart from this, employment of 7.06 crore man-days will be available to the people of the states.

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These are essential routes for transportation of various commodities like foodgrains, fertilizers, coal, cement, fly-ash, iron and finished steel, clinker, crude oil, limestone, edible oil etc. The capacity addition works will result in transportation of additional 200 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) of freight. Being an environment-friendly and energy efficient mode of transport, railways will help achieve climate goals and reduce the country’s logistics costs.

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89.264 km of existing Gorakhpur Cantonment (Valmiki Nagar single line section) in Uttar Pradesh and 6.676 km of Bihar (West Champaran) will be doubled.

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An 854-metre-long bridge will also be built over the Gandak river on the same route. This track with 12 stations will pass through the Nepal border. After the doubling of this track, 15 additional freight trains will be run on this route.

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The length of the Son Nagar-Andal multi-tracking project will be 375 km. It is an extension of the Ludhiana-Sonnagar section, which includes 132.57 km in Bihar (Gaya, Aurangabad), 201.608 km in Jharkhand (Dhanbad, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Koderma) and 40.35 km in West Bengal (West Burdwan).

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These projects are the result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity, which has been made possible by integrated planning. These will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services.

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These projects are in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of New India, which will make the people of the region ‘self-reliant’ by creating a multi-tasking workforce in the region and increase their employment/self-employment opportunities.

Agriculture Department’s Tableau got 1st place

Why is News?

On August 15, 2023, on the occasion of Independence Day, 13 tableaux were exhibited at the ceremony held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, in which the tableau of the Agriculture Department got the first rank.

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On the occasion of Independence Day, many attracti ve tableaux of different departments were taken out. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saluted the parade. All the department’s tableaux were giving different messages.

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Department of Art, Culture & Youth and Jeevika jointly got the second position and Urban Development & Housing Department and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department jointly got the third place.

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People also liked the tableau of the Information Public Relations Department. This tableau received a lot of appreciation.

NTPC’s 660 MW Super Thermal Power Project at Barh in Bihar dedicated to the nation

Why is News?

On August 18, 2023 Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K. Singh dedicated to the nation the 660 MW unit of Barh Super Thermal Power Project at Barh in Bihar.

Key Points:

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The inaugurated 660 MW unit is Unit-II of Phase-I of the project. The commissioning of this unit will prove to be another milestone in the government’s effort to provide reliable and affordable power to the nation.

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Barh Super Thermal Power Project is a 3GW supercritical coal-based power station, which is being developed by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Barh, Bihar.

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The power plant will have a total of five coal-based power generation units of 660 MW capacity.

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The mega power project is being developed in two phases. Phase I comprises 3 units for a total installed capacity of 1,980 MW and Phase II comprises 2 units for a total installed capacity of 1,320 MW.

Foundation stone laid for expansion of Power Grid sub-station at Lakhisarai

Why is News?

On August 18, 2023, Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K. Singh laid the foundation stone for the expansion of POWERGRID’s 400/132 KV Lakhisarai sub-station at Lakhisarai in Bihar.

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This sub-station has been constructed by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID). It is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

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As part of the project, 220 KV GIS will be constructed with installation of 2 transformers of 500 MVA capacity in the existing sub-station premises.

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Union Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister R.K. Singh said the expansion of the power grid substation at Lakhisarai would significantly improve the availability of power in the region. This will benefit the entire Bihar.

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The expansion of the substation at Lakhisarai will improve the availability of electricity in Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Munger and Jamui districts and also ease the supply of power to meet the future energy demand.

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The installation of state-of-the-art GIS technology of 220 kV voltage level at Lakhisarai sub-station will further strengthen the connectivity of the region to the national grid. The provision of uninterrupted power supply will also lead to industrial and commercial development of the region.

Agreement between Bihar Tourism Department & Inland Waterways Authority of India

Why in News?

On August 22, 2023, an agreement has been signed with the Tourism Department and the Inland Waterways Authority of India to promote river cruise tourism in Bihar.

Key Points

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Two ships named Ro Pax Vessel with a capacity of 300 tourists each will run in Patna and Bhagalpur. Both the sailing vessels will be new centers of attraction in terms of cruise tourist facilities in the state.

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sailing Vessel MV Swami Paramhans will operate from Digha Ghat to Kangan Ghat in Patna.

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The tourist cruise will visit all the Ghats of Patna from Kanganghat and will also be able to visit Takht Sri Hariminder Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.

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On the other hand, MV Rajendra Prasad ferry will operate between Vikramshila (Dolphin Century) via Kahalgaon, Sultanganj, Bateshwar place in Bhagalpur.

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This vessel is about 15 km. and it will take a tour of the Ganges Ghats of Patna and Bhagalpur at the speed of every hour. After a successful trial, its commercial program will be inaugurated by the deputy Chief minister in the coming days.

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Bihar Tourism Development Corporation has also issued the list of fare of the vessel. Common people will have to pay Rs 300 to travel by boat for 45 minutes.

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The fare for 1 hour package booking has been fixed at Rs 30000, 2 hours Rs 50000, 4 hours Rs 100000, 6 hours Rs 125000 and 8 hours Rs 150000.

Country’s Largest Exam Center ‘Bapu Pariksha Parisar’ Inaugurated in Patna

Why In News?

On August 23, 2023, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the country’s largest examination center ‘Bapu Pariksha Parisar’ at Kumhrar, Patna.

Key Points:

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This center is efficient in organizing online and offline exams for around 16 to 20 thousand students (about the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden). Along with this, the Chief Minister also planted saplings in the ‘Bapu Pariksha Parisar’.

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To make the examination system more excellent, ‘Bapu Pariksha Parisar’ has been constructed on about six acres in Kumhrar area at a cost of Rs 281.11 crore.

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The Chief Minister also started free coaching for the meritorious students of Bihar Board for the preparation of engineering and medical entrance examinations.

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Bihar School Examination Board has started a free residential coaching program in Patna division and free non-residential coaching program in the remaining eight divisional headquarters.

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Arrangements have been made regarding this test center’s sophisticated facilities so that there won’t be any issues with the administration of different exams.

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On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched various schemes of Bihar School Examination Board through remote.

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The Chief Minister also launched the action plan of the second phase. In the second phase, examination halls will be established in 29 districts and Vajragriha in 38 districts of the state. Online examination centers-cum-computer training centers will be set up for computer-based examination in all the nine divisions of the state.

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A single window system will be arranged for all the services of Bihar School Examination Board. GIS based online affiliation and inspection system will be arranged for new intermediate and matriculation level educational institutions.

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There will be artificial intelligence-based form filling process and artificial based data sanitization in all the examinations of Bihar School Examination Board.

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There will be arrangement of RFID based security and tracking system in all the examinations of Bihar School Examination Board.

4 Farmers & 2 Farmer Groups from Bihar Selected for Genome Savior Award

Why is News?

According to information received from the media on August 24, 2023, 4 farmers and 2 farmer groups from Bihar have been selected for the Genome Saviour Award. These farmers will be felicitated by the Union Agriculture Ministry on September 12 in Delhi.

Key Points:

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It is counted among the best awards for farmers. All these farmers and farmer groups are associated with Bihar Agricultural University.

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The award carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh each to two farmer groups and Rs 1 lakh each to four farmers. Along with this, they will be given certificates and commendation medal. This award is being given to the farmers associated with Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) for the first time.

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In this, a farmer group award will be given to ‘Bhagalpur Katarani Paddy Growers Association’ of Bhagalpur. This association is being given to preserve the traditional variety of Katarani paddy and its properties.

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At the same time, ‘The Litchi Growers Association of Bihar’ of Muzaffarpur will be given the award to preserve the variety of royal litchi

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This litchi growers association has been working for the conservation of Shahi Litchi for many years, due to which it has got a special identity.

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At the same time, four farmers will be honoured individually, in which Arjun Mandal of Jamui district will be given for medicinal plants. They have more than 100 species of medicinal plants.

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Arjun Singh of Rohtas district is being given the award for the Pumpkin named ‘Sweta’ and ‘Natki Paddy’. The specialty of Natki Paddy is that it gives good yield even in low rainfall and its rice is digestible.

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Dilip Kumar Singh of Sasaram district will be given the award for the conservation of tomatoes named ‘Gulgushan’. This tomato has more medicinal properties than other tomato varieties.

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Satyadev Singh of Munger district will be given the award for the conservation of ‘Titua Masur’. The specialty of this variety is that it has high immunity.

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Dr. Satyendra, Nodal Officer of BAU’s PGVFRA (Plant Varieties Protection and Farmers’ Rights Authority) cell, said that this award is given to farmers for their encouragement for the conservation of plants with a particular variety or old species, which have a high qualitative value.

3 Teachers of Bihar to get National Teacher Award

Why is News?

According to information received from the media on August 27, 2023, the Central Government has announced the best teachers of the country under the National Teacher Award 2023. Under this, three teachers from Bihar have been included in the list of best teachers in the country.

Key Points:

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More than 100 teachers from all states across the country participated in the presentation for the 2023 National Teacher Awards.

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50 teachers of the country have been selected for this award by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

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According to the information, a list of 6 teachers from Bihar was sent to the Central Government, in which three teachers were selected as the best teachers.

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Anil Kumar Singh, a teacher of Adarsh Girls Senior Secondary School, Ramgarh, Dwijendra Kumar Suman, a teacher of Middle School Madhuban in Sitamarhi, and Kumari Guddi, a teacher of High School Singhia in Kishanganj, have been selected.

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The selected teachers will be honoured with the National Teachers’ Award by President Draupadi Murmu on the occasion of Teachers’ Day on September 5.

Sushil Modi and Vivek Thakur were made the Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee

Why is News?

According to information received from the media on August 29, 2023, Bihar Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Modi has been made the chairman of the Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice and BJP MP Vivek Thakur has been made the Chairman of the Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports.

Key Points:

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The Rajya Sabha Chairman, in consultation with the Lok Sabha Speaker, has reconstituted eight department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees falling under the administrative jurisdiction of the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

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In this, many Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs coming from Bihar have been given space. Two MPs from

Bihar, Sushil Kumar Modi and Vivek Thakur, have been given the responsibility of chairing two of the eight parliamentary standing committees.

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At the same time, LJP Ram Vilas President Chirag Paswan has been made a member of the industry committee.

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At present, there are 24 Department-related Standing Committees. Each of these committees has 31 members, of which 21 are from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha. In such a situation, now eight DRSCs have been restructured.

20 teachers selected for State Education Award

Why is News?

On August 30, 2023, Bihar State Education Department has selected 20 teachers from the state for the State Teacher Award.

Key Points:

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will honour selected teachers in Patna on September 5, Teachers’ Day.

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Teachers selected for the State Teacher Award-

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Arjun Saha (Higher Secondary School, Katihar), Umesh Kumar Yadav (Government Middle School Harihpur, Vaishali), Rajeev Kumar (Higher Secondary School Mohania Kaimur), Manish Kumar (Buxar Plus Two School Simri), Kaushal Kishore (Aurangabad Middle School Basdiha), Prithvi Singh (Vaishali), Shafuzman (Higher Secondary School Jahangirpur), Sanjay Kumar (Rohtas Dehri Middle School Shivganj), Sanjay Kumar Poddar (Ruchiyahi Higher Secondary School, Begusarai), Vaidyanath Rajak (Primary School Maldaha, Samastipur), Suresh Kumar Singh (Urdu Middle School, Bagahi, Bhojpur), Anil Kumar (RPCJS School), Anoop Niranjan (Bubna Higher Secondary School, Samastipur), Subir Banerjee (Deaf Girls’ School, Patna).

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Teachers selected for State Teacher Award-

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Sangeeta (High School, Malmal Madhubani), Pushpa Kumari (Middle School Laxmisagar Darbhanga), Poonam (Rohtas Girls Higher Secondary School), Dr. Poonam Sinha (Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Patna ), Neetu Shahi (Primary School Patna), Priyanka Kumari (Galaitol Middle School, Sitamarhi), Swarnalata (Girls Middle School, Ahmedabad, Katihar).