BIHAR

MARCH 2023

Content

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Budget of Rs 2.61 akh 885 crores Presented in Bihar Assembly ............................................................................ 3

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Ganga Water Supply Scheme and Gayaji Dam got National Award....................................................................... 3

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International Women’s Day Organized in Patna .................................................................................................... 4

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State Sports Awards and Honors Scheme .............................................................................................................. 4

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Khelo India Centers will be Opened in 33 Districts of the State............................................................................. 5

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Bihar’s Second Zoo to be built in Araria ................................................................................................................. 5

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Bihar’s Muzaffarpur Railway Junction Will Become World Class ........................................................................... 6

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Pharmacy Practice Regulation implemented in Bihar ........................................................................................... 6

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Now ‘Sweet Revolution’ in Bihar ............................................................................................................................ 7

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New ROBs will be Built at 63 Places in Bihar .......................................................................................................... 7

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Simulator Machine Made by NIT Patna Student Gets Patent ................................................................................ 8

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Bihar Government’s New Decision regarding Water Conservation ....................................................................... 8

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Planning Area Authority Formed for the Development of 10 Cities of Bihar ......................................................... 9

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Justice K. Vinod Chandran ................................................................................................................................... 10

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Japan will give 5509 Cr. rupees for Patna Metro Project ..................................................................................... 10

Budget of Rs 2.61 akh 885 crores Presented in Bihar Assembly

Why In News?

On February 28, 2023, the state’s Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary presented a budget of Rs 2.61 lakh 885.4 crore for the financial year 2023-24 in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, in which benefits range from youth, women to job professionals and the last person of the people of the state. There has been talk of reaching.

Key points

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Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary claimed that Bihar’s economy has almost tripled in the last 10 years. The state’s gross domestic product was Rs 2.47 lakh crore in 2011-12, which has increased to Rs 6.75 lakh crore in 2022-23.

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Important points of Bihar Budget 2023:

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Bihar government will provide employment to 10 lakh youth. Apart from giving government jobs to the youth, employment will be created by instilling self-reliance and self-confidence in them.

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Sports University is being established in Rajgir to promote sports.

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50 crores will be given for cycle scheme, 100 crores for girl child promotion scheme and 100 crores for dress.

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An arrangement of Rs 60 crore has been made for women empowerment scheme. Apart from this, a provision of Rs 94 crore has been made for the scholarship of 10th pass girl students. On the other hand, an amount of 5540 crore has been earmarked for Patna Medical College.

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A provision of Rs 94.5 crore has been made for those who passed in the first division in the matriculation examination of the Bihar School Examination Board.

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In the Bihar Budget 2023, a provision of Rs 3323 crore has been made for the construction of bypasses in urban areas and in the energy sector.

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There is a plan to promote solar energy in the budget. Provision has been made for 5% exemption in holding tax for those installing water harvesting systems.

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The Bihar government will come up with a new start-up policy to promote innovation. Arrangements have been made in the budget for the construction of many girls’ colleges.

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Similarly, structural reforms will be carried out in police stations. A provision of Rs 155 crore has been made for this.

Ganga Water Supply Scheme and Gayaji Dam got National Award

Why In News?

On March 3, 2023, at a special function organized by the Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP) in Delhi, the Ganga Water Supply Scheme and the Gayaji Dam built on the Falgu River, included in the ambitious schemes of Bihar, were given the National Award by Union Minister RK Singh ‘CBIP Award 2022’ was given.

Key points

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The award for the above two schemes of the Water Resources Department of the Government of Bihar was received by Department Secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal and Engineer-in-Chief, Irrigation Creation Ishwar Chandra Thakur.

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State Water Resources Minister Sanjay Kumar Jha said that both the highly ambitious schemes receiving the prestigious National Award are the result of the unique vision and vision of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. These schemes have also been named ‘Ganga Water Supply Scheme’ and ‘Gayaji Dam’ on the instructions of the Chief Minister.

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He said that for the first time in the country, flood water is being taken to major water-stressed cities of South Bihar and used as drinking water through the Ganga Water Supply Scheme.

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Similarly, eight to ten feet of water is available in Falgu River due to the construction of the country’s largest rubber dam near the world famous Vishnupad temple in Gaya district. Earlier, lakhs of devotees coming to Gaya from all over the country and world for Pind Daan and religious work used to yearn for the water of Falgu River, but last year about 12 lakh devotees who came during Pitra Paksha got a lot of convenience from the abundant water in Falgu.

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The Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), an institution established by the energy and non-conventional every year to the best projects in the field of water resources Central Government, is awarded the ‘CBIP Award’ energy.

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For the ‘CBIP Award 2022 (Water Resources)’, water resources projects across the country have been selected in a total of ten categories. Among these, ‘Ganga Water Supply Scheme’ and ‘Gayaji Dam’, implemented by the Water Resources Department of the Government of Bihar, have been selected in the category of ‘Best Implementation of Water Resources’.

International Women’s Day Organized in Patna

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on March 5, 2023, the Excellence Award Ceremony-2023 of Let’s Inspire Bihar-Gargi Chapter was also organized on International Women’s Day organized at Vidyapati Bhawan, Patna, Bihar, in which 150 women from different fields were honored. Awarded for setting the best example in the society by exemplary role.

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The event also saw some wonderful cultural performances like Jhijhiya and runway walk for the ladies. Apart from this, the best performing members of Let’s Inspire Bihar, who have worked selflessly for the society, were also felicitated.

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Gargi Excellence Awards Mumbai were also given to Bihari women living in Noida, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bengaluru, Delhi and outside the country. Apart from this, Ruhi Singh, who has been Mrs. Kenya from Bihar, Advocate Ilyas Fatima from London, Fashion Designer

Nima Kumar from Bengaluru, Actress Rishika Singh Chandel from Mumbai, Folk Singer Hema Pandey were given Gargi Award.

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During the program, IPS Vikas Vaibhav honored all the women and presented their example in front of the common people in Bihar.

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The main attraction of the event was ‘Anandi’, a play based on the novel written by Bindu Jyoti Jha and directed by Hemant Jha, played by lead actress Mona Jha. Apart from this, stalls of Bihari food items and art-crafts were also set up by women with a view to promote entrepreneurship.

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Let’s Inspire Bihar says that our aim is to uplift the women of the society by giving them a platform so that they can inspire by acting as a changemaker and realize their true potential.

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This honour was given for their remarkable contribution to the women doing better work in various fields including education, equality, entrepreneurship, social service, art culture, sports world, acting, literature, medicine.

State Sports Awards and Honors Scheme

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on March 5, 2023, the Bihar government has made a state sports award and honour scheme to give sports awards to the winning players and coaches of the state in national and international sports competitions.

Key points

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A nine-member selection committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Director General of the State Sports Authority to select the players in the state.

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Under this committee, winners of sports competitions organized by organizations like National Sports Federations, All India Inter-University Sports Board, School Game Federation of India, Sports Authority of India and Paralympic Committee of India will be selected under the sports identified by the International Olympic Committee.

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The medal winners will be felicitated on The National Sports Day on August 29 every year.

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Under the State Sports Awards and Honor Scheme, the gold medal winner in the Olympic Games will get Two crore rupees, the silver medal winner will get One and a half crore rupees and the bronze medal winner will get One crore rupee.

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The gold medal winner in the Asian Games will get Rs 1.5 crore, the silver medal winner will get Rs 1 crore, and the bronze medal winner will get Rs 75 lakh.

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In the official Asian Championships, gold medal winners will get Rs 75 lakh, silver medallists Rs 50 lakh and bronze medallists Rs 30 lakh.

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If there are players from Bihar in the Indian team that wins international cricket, then the state government will also reward them. If there are any players from Bihar in the winning or runner-up Indian team of World Cup or T-20, then the government will give them one and a half and one crore respectively.

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The state government will give one crore and 75 lakhs to the Bihari member of the winning and runner-up team of the Champions Trophy respectively and four lakh, three lakh and two lakhs to the first, second and third place players of the national level national games.

Khelo India Centers will be Opened in 33 Districts of the State

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on March 9, 2023, a provision has been made to open training centers of Khelo India in 33 districts of Bihar to promote sports.

Key points

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In the letter issued by the deputy director of Khelo India, it has been said that a training center will be opened in every district under the Khelo India scheme.

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Sports Class and Training Centre-

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Wushu - Indoor Stadium, Pataliputra Complex, Patna

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Athletics: Saraswati Niwas, Manjhola, Muzaffarpur, New Stadium, Fazal Ganj, Sasaram Patel Field, Samastipur, Kosi High School Playground, Birpur, Supaul, Nehru Stadium, Laheriasarai, Darbhanga

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Badminton - Collectorate Campus, Araria, Saharsa

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Kho-Kho - RHMTB High School Barari, Bhagalpur, Purani Bazar Ward-12 Surajpur, Lakhisarai , Indoor Stadium, Munger

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Rugby - Kaptia, Nalanda

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Wrestling - Kuwaridi Bhor, Gopalganj, Indoor Stadium Aurangabad

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Archery - Veer Kunwar Singh Stadium, Ara, Kharari, Gaya.

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Kabaddi - Minta Sports Complex, Makdumpur, Sheikhpura, Ward-16 Rampur Parori, Sitamarhi, High School Aman, Parasbigha, Jehanabad, BP Mandal Indoor Stadium, Madhepura, Mahatma Gandhi High School, Bihat Begusarai, Berhampur, Buxar

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Football - Maharaja Stadium, Bettiah, Jagjivan Stadium, Bhabhua, Laxmipur, Sitopur, Siwan

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Hockey - Kosi College Khagaria, Sri Krishna Singh Stadium, Jamui, Goraul Hockey Ground, Vaishali Weightlifting Katihar

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Table Tennis - Watson School, Madhubani, Talwar baazi - Khel Bhawan Shah Vyamshala, Motihari

Bihar’s Second Zoo to be built in Araria

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on March 10, 2023, the master plan to build the second zoo of the state in Raniganj block of Araria district of Bihar will be sent to the Central Zoo Authority (Central Zoo Authority). The Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is preparing for this.

Key points

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It is known that the master plan to build the second zoo of the state was approved by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during the state wildlife meeting in August 2020.

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The proposal was sent to the Central Zoo Authority after the Chief Minister approved it in the state wildlife

meeting. Since then, continuous talks between the department and the Central Zoo Authority have been going on. The department has prepared to answer the questions asked by the authority about the proposal.

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According to the information, the area of the proposed zoo in Raniganj of Araria district is spread over about 289 acres. This place is close to Nepal and West Bengal. In such a situation, different types of birds keep coming there.

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Migratory birds are seen in the months of October and March every year due to abundance of ponds in the area of the proposed zoo. The climate of this place is likely to be favourable for lions, tigers, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, deer and other animals. For this reason, the department has decided to develop it as a zoo.

Bihar’s Muzaffarpur Railway Junction Will Become World Class

Why In News?

On March 12, 2023, Rail Land Development Authority’s Joint General Manager P.R. Singh said that the railway junction at Muzaffarpur, the major city after state capital Patna, will be made world-class.

Key points

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Joint General Manager of Rail Land Development Authority P.R. Singh said that this work of making Muzaffarpur railway junction world class will be done in two phases. The work of the first phase will be completed in 2024.

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He informed that all types of modern services will be restored for the convenience of passengers at the railway junction of Smart City Muzaffarpur. Special care will be taken of passenger safety. There will be airport-like facilities at the railway junction. Muzaffarpur Junction will become the best junction in North Bihar.

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According to the information, apart from air concourse, combined terminal, separate buildings will be ready for entry and exit passengers multi-story parking.

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Under phase II, the project will be completed by September 2025. With this, Muzaffarpur Junction will be seen in a new look.

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The Joint General Manager said that a total of Rs 446 crore will be spent on the development of the station. Passenger amenities will be developed at the junction like the airport. For this, elevated roads, escalators, elevators, ticket and engineering terminals and market complexes will be constructed.

Pharmacy Practice Regulation implemented in Bihar

Why In News?

On 15 March 2023, newly elected member of Bihar State Pharmacy Council Arjesh Raj Srivastava said that like other states of the country, Pharmacy Practice Regulation-2015 has been implemented in Bihar. Bihar has become the fourth state in the country to implement pharmacy practice regulation.

Key points

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The state health department has informed the Patna High Court about the implementation of pharmacy practice regulation. With its implementation, now the way has also been cleared for the opening of pharma clinics in Bihar. With the opening of this clinic, the vendors in the dispensary will be able to charge a fee for giving information about medicines.

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It is known that the Health Department has recently issued an order to ensure compliance with all the provisions of pharmacy practice regulation 2015 and amendment 2021. This law is currently applicable in three states of the country – Kerala, Karnataka and Delhi.

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The regulation was notified in the Gazette of India on January 16, 2015.

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It is known that Mukesh Kumar, a pharmacist from Bihar, approached the Patna High Court to implement this regulation. When the decision did not come in favour from here, he pleaded with the Supreme Court. Finally, the Supreme Court directed the Patna

High Court to see whether the Pharmacy Practice Regulation is being followed in Bihar this sequence, the state government issued an order to implement pharmacy practice regulation.

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Newly elected member of Bihar State Pharmacy Council Arjesh Raj Srivastava said that as soon as this central legislation came into effect, the Bihar Pharmacist Cadre Rules have become ineffective. The implementation of pharmacy practice regulation has paved the way for the formation of a pharmacy directorate.

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In the Pharmacy Practice Regulation, the posts of pharmacist, senior pharmacist, chief pharmacist and drug information pharmacist will be created. Also, purpose, duty, supervision, proper storage, management, distribution, proper use, patient care, review evaluation guidelines have been given for qualification, of these various posts.

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The workplace of the posts created under this will also be decided. According to experts, strict adherence to this regulation will help realise the vision of a healthy Bihar.

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Pharmacists for pharmacy practice are divided into four groups (community pharmacists, hospital pharmacists, drug information pharmacists and clinical pharmacists) according to their field of work.

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According to Section 5, the State Pharmacy Council can check the sites of drug manufacturing and distribution in the state. Whether pharmacists are employed at the site of manufacture and distribution of medicines or not, it has to be reported to the State and Central Pharmacy Council through the Registrar of the Council. This will also curb the illegal drug trade.

Now ‘Sweet Revolution’ in Bihar

Why In News

According to information received from the media on March 20, 2023, the central government has selected 17 districts of the state to promote sweet revolution (honey production) in Bihar.

Key Points

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They have been selected under the National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission. The first installment of the amount is also being sent to these districts for the implementation of the scheme. The Center has sanctioned 1.30 crore as the first instalment.

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Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Darbhanga, East Champaran, West Champaran, Jamui, Kishanganj, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Purnea, Rohtas, Samastipur, Saran, Sitamarhi and Vaishali districts have been selected. Here the central and state government will work jointly for the success of honey mission i.e., Sweet Revolution.

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In beekeeping, priority will be given to women’s groups, Jeevika and wage fed in the state. 30 percent of the share will be women. This will also benefit Jeevika Didis. Women’s groups, farmer groups, cooperative societies will be encouraged for this by giving grants.

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Apart from promoting beekeeping, women will be given technical support and necessary training. Cultivation of flowering plants will be promoted in the beekeeping area. The amount sanctioned by the central government will be spent in this.

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The annual action plan has been prepared by the state government. The District Horticulture Development Committee has been given the responsibility of selecting the farmers’ group.

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The purpose of this scheme is to bring sweet revolution. To achieve the goal of Madhu revolution and beekeeping, honey production and other products will be promoted in a scientific manner. It will also help in providing employment to agricultural and non-agricultural families.

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It is known that honey is produced on a large scale in Bihar. About fifty thousand people of the state are associated with it. Bihar’s honey is in high demand not only in the country but also abroad (America, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Morocco). The national beekeeping and city mission will benefit the beekeepers here.

New ROBs will be Built at 63 Places in Bihar

Why in News?

On 21 March 2023, Bihar’s Revenue, Land Reforms and Sugarcane Industry Minister Alok Mehta announced the construction of new Railway Over Bridges (ROBs) at 63 places in the state during the discussion on the income-expenditure for the financial year 2023-24.

Key Points

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Minister Alok Mehta informed that an MoU will be signed between Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited and Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited for ROB.

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He informed that GAD approval and DPR are being prepared. At present, 47 out of the proposed ROBs of Railways have been approved by GAD. Out of this, Railways has given permission for 13 ROBs on DPR. In this sequence, ROB will be constructed between Dalsingh Sarai and Nasriganj in Samastipur Railway Division.

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On this occasion, Minister Alok Mehta announced new projects for 2023-24-

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11.50 km Long Six Lane from JP Ganga Path from Digha to Sherpur - Rs 3100 crore.

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River front development and beautification on the way from Digha to AN Sinha - Rs.500 crore.

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25.60 km Long Four Lane Green Field Scheme from Nursarai to Silav in the route of Karota-Telmar road - Rs 862 crore.

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Flood protection in Raghopur Diyara area and construction of internal roads in the area – Rs 1600 crore.

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Construction of Dengrahighat bridge over Koshi river - Rs.415 crore.

Simulator Machine Made by NIT Patna Student Gets Patent

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on March 23, 2023, the simulator machine made by Dr. Hilol Chakraborty, PhD student of NIT Patna, which will identify the moisture in the construction material of the road on the basis of the sample of the material, has got the patent.

Key Points

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According to PhD student Dr. Hilol Chakraborty, the simulator machine will help to identify, which material should be mixed with bitumen so that the road does not deteriorate quickly due to water or high heat or high pressure.

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This machine will tell how and how much cement or other materials should be mixed with bitumen depending on weather, pressure of vehicles and rocky places.

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It is known that Dr. Hilol Chakraborty, PhD student of NIT Patna, has invented the simulator machine after four years of research.

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NIT Dean Prof. Sanjeev Sinha said that due to floods in many areas of North Bihar, the road gets damaged every year. Due to this people have to face trouble. With the help of this machine, the roads will not deteriorate quickly, because the roads will be constructed after finding out the reasons for this.

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He said that this is the first machine for testing road construction material based on the new technology and it has been made at a very low cost.

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Now an agreement has to be made with any company or government for commercial use of the simulator machine. Billions of rupees are lost every year due to water and other reasons. While using this technique, the roads will not deteriorate quickly.

Simulator machine made by Dr. Hilol Chakraborty

Bihar Government’s New Decision regarding Water Conservation

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on March 26, 2023, to increase the groundwater level in the premises of 2865 Government Girls Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools of Bihar, the Education Department has decided to give an amount of Rs 20.80 crore to 2865 schools.

Key Points:

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The State Education Department has decided that under the ‘Jan-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan’, the rainwater in the school premises will be saved as groundwater

through a rainwater harvesting system. Keeping the groundwater balanced through rainwater harvesting, the school hand pump-tube well will always be kept, so that the girls do not have to leave the school premises for drinking water.

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Apart from drinking water in schools, the availability of proper water will also ensure the cleanliness of toilets.

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The Bihar Education Project has prepared an estimate and decided that out of Rs 20.80 crore, each school will be given Rs 80,000. With this amount, physical infrastructure for rainwater harvesting will be created.

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2865 such schools are to be selected for rainwater harvesting, where at least three thousand square feet of land is available for the construction of the physical structure.

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Before spending this amount, it will be ensured that there is no duplication of the scheme and waste of funds in any way. The utilization certificate of the amount spent will have to be made available to the Bihar Education Project.

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Apart from this, monitoring of this work at the school level will be done by the concerned school committee, District Education Officer, Bihar Education Project Director, and Secondary Director.

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The Urban Development and Housing Department has set a target of renovating around 2800 public wells, ponds, and puddles in the next two years, i.e. by 2024-25. Along with this, preparations are also being made to make about two thousand soakers near the public fountain. Regarding this, in the current financial year 2022-23, the department has given administrative approval for a total plan of more than Rs 62.93 crore for 38 municipal bodies under Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali.

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According to the information received from the Urban Development Department, the department has set a target of renovating 618 public wells in 2023-24 and 551 in 2024-25. Similarly, in these two years, 365 and 318 ponds and ponds will be renovated respectively while 650 and 632 soakers will be made.

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Apart from this, the department has also decided to get rainwater harvesting work done in about 183 buildings owned by the civic body. The process of marking the area is going on for this.

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In order to encourage ‘Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan’, the department has made it mandatory to arrange rainwater harvesting systems in buildings constructed on all types of plots or under construction in building by-laws.

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Along with this, under the Bihar Municipal Property Tax Rules, 2013, a provision has been made for the exemption of five percent in the holding tax for the plots constructed for rainwater harvesting.

Planning Area Authority Formed for the Development of 10 Cities of Bihar

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on March 28, 2023, the Urban Development and Housing Department of Bihar has notified the Planning Area Authority (Planning Area Authority) of ten new expanded cities, including Nawada, Madhepura, Bhagalpur, Jehanabad, Gopalganj, Banka, Sonpur, Sheikhpura, Supaul and Arwal.

Key points

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In each planning area authority of the newly expanded cities, the DM president of the concerned district, while the chief executive officer of the concerned planning area authority has been made member secretary.

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Apart from these, Deputy Development Commissioner of the concerned district, Additional Collector (Revenue), Executive Engineer related to Road Construction, PHED and Rural Works Department, Executive Engineer of the municipal body coming under the concerned area, The main city investors and regional investment organizations or their representatives and persons with special knowledge or practical experience of city investment have been made ex-officio members of the Authority.

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The Planning Area Authority will be responsible for preparing, implementing and taking other regulatory action along with the master plan for the extended area. The authority will also pass the map for any kind of construction in the area related to this.

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It is known that the department had notified these 10 plan areas about two months ago by connecting the surrounding rural areas including the concerned body. Now with the formation of the authority, the development of these areas will accelerate.

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It is noteworthy that 33 Planning Area Authorities are already notified in the state. The total number of 10 new planning areas has increased to 43 after the authority was notified.

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According to officials, with the functional planning area authority, the urbanization of the concerned area will be accelerated, and commercial and residential activities will increase in them.

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This committee formed under the chairmanship of DM will first conduct a survey and prepare the master plan of the area. Then it will promote the elements of urbanization according to the characteristics of the area. Under this, the selected big schemes will be recommended to the state government so that the necessary amount can be arranged for it.

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these 43 new cities of the state Planning authorities have been set up in, under which Ara, Araria, Aurangabad, Bagha, Begusarai, Bettiah, Bhabhua, Biharsharif, Bodh Gaya, Buxar, Chhapra, Darbhanga, Dehri Forbesganj, Gaya, Hajipur, Jamui, Katihar, Khagaria, Kishanganj, Lakhisarai, Madhubani, Motihari, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Purnea, Rajgir, Saharsa, Sasaram, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Siwan, Nawada, Madhepura, Bhagalpur, Jehanabad, Gopalganj, Banka, Sonepur, Sheikhpura, Supaul and Arwal districts.

Justice K. Vinod Chandran

Why in News?

On 29 March 2023, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Justice K. Vinod Chandran as Chief Justice of Patna High Court. On 26 April 2025, Justice K. Vinod Chandran will retire.

Key Points:

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It is known that earlier Justice K. Vinod Chandran was the senior most judge of the Kerala High Court. After the promotion of former Chief Justice Sanjay Karol, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of Patna High Court.

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Significantly, Justice Sanjay Karol has been appointed as judge of the Supreme Court. In the month of December last year, the names of 3 Chief Justices, two judges were recommended for the post of Supreme Court Judges. The then Chief Justice of Patna High Court Sanjay Karol is also among them. Because of this the post of Chief Justice of Patna High Court was vacant.

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It is noteworthy that Justice K. Vinod Chandran became a judge in the Kerala High Court in the month of November 2011.

Japan will give 5509 Cr. rupees for Patna Metro Project

Why in News?

An agreement has been signed between Rajat Kumar Mishra,Additional Secretary,Economic Affairs Department, Ministry of Finance, and Suzuki Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to India, in New Delhi on 29 March 2023, under which the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will give Rs 5,509 crore for the metro rail project being built in Patna, the capital of Bihar.

Key Points:

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It is noteworthy that this MoU was signed with Arunish Chawla (IAS), Managing Director of Patna Metro Rail Development (PMRC) and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Urban Development and Housing Department (UDHD).

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The project aims to ease the growth in traffic demand in Bihar’s capital Patna by building new Metro Corridors 1 and 2 thereby improving the urban environment and growing the economy as well as climate change through urban development focused on public transport contributions.

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The project will contribute to the achievement of SDG goals 8, 9, 11 and 13.

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As per the plan, JICA will appoint consultants to provide consultancy services (including construction supervision) for the Patna Metro Rail Project by June 2023.

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The preliminary procurement package for international competition on project construction will be launched in June 2023. The loan amount has been sanctioned for a repayment period of 10 years with a grace period of 30 years.

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Patna Metro’s 14.05 km Corridor-2 will connect Patna Railway Junction to Patna Junction (interchange with Corridor-12), New Interstate Bus Terminal with 1 station at Akashvani, Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Patna University, Moin-Ul-Haq Stadium, Rajendra Nagar, Malahi Pakdi, Khemni Chak (interchange), Bhoothnath, Zero Mile and New ISBT.

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Out of these, a 5 km stretch with 6 stations will be isolated and the remaining 8 km stretch will be made underground with 7 stations.

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The estimated cost of the Patna Metro Rail Project

is Rs 13,365.77 crore. The project is expected to be commissioned by the year 2028.

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Patna Metro will have its depot at Bairia, Sampatchak near Patliputra Bus Terminal.

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