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

Bihar Business Connect 2024

Bihar Business Connect 2024 is an investor summit organized by the Bihar government to highlight the state’s economic and business potential. The summit is newsworthy because it reflects Bihar’s efforts to attract investments and showcase its improving business environment.

Key Points of the Summit

• Objective : The main goal of the summit is to attract investments in various sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. Bihar aims to present itself as a conducive environment for business growth.
• Government Initiatives : The Bihar government has implemented key policies and reforms to improve the ease of doing business. These include tax incentives, infrastructure upgrades, and skill development programs to create a favorable climate for investors.
• Networking Platform : The event serves as a platform for networking among industry leaders, government officials, and global investors. It aims to enhance collaboration opportunities within Bihar’s economy.
• Sectoral Focus : The summit emphasizes sectors like renewable energy, information technology, tourism, and agri-business. This focus aligns with the state’s plans to diversify and strengthen its economic landscape.

Hooch Tragedy in Bihar

A recent incident of hooch (illicit liquor) in Bihar has resulted in the death of eight individuals, highlighting the grave dangers associated with the consumption of spurious alcohol.

• Process of Hooch Formation : Hooch, often referred to as illicit or spurious liquor, is generally produced by fermenting and distilling inexpensive raw materials such as molasses or grains. In some cases, hazardous chemicals like methanol are added to accelerate production or enhance potency. Methanol, even in small quantities, can lead to severe poisoning.
• Contributing Factors : Despite stringent prohibition laws, the illegal liquor trade persists in Bihar due to inadequate enforcement and high demand for alcohol. Public health experts emphasize the necessity for improved regulation and stricter policing to curb the sale of toxic alcoholic beverages.
• Prohibition Laws in Bihar : Bihar has implemented a complete ban on alcohol since 2016 under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016. However, weaknesses in enforcement and existing loopholes facilitate the illegal trade of alcohol. The law prescribes severe penalties for individuals involved in the production and distribution of illicit liquor, including substantial fines and imprisonment.
• Understanding Methanol : Methanol, chemically known as CH  ₃  OH, is a simple alcohol molecule composed of one carbon atom, three hydrogen atoms, and one hydroxyl group (OH). In India, methanol is regulated under Schedule I of the Manufacture, Storage, and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989. The quality of methanol is determined following the Indian Standard IS 517. Industrially, methanol is produced by synthesizing carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of copper and zinc oxide catalysts, usually at pressures of 50-100 atm and temperatures around 250°C. Historically, methanol was also obtained through the destructive distillation of wood, a practice known since ancient times, including in ancient Egypt.
• Industrial Applications of Methanol : Methanol is a vital precursor in the production of acetic acid, formaldehyde, and various aromatic hydrocarbons. Due to its chemical properties, methanol is extensively used as a solvent, antifreeze, and in various industrial processes.
• Impact of Methanol on Human Health : Metabolic Acidosis : In the body, methanol is metabolized into toxic byproducts, primarily formic acid, which disrupts the blood's pH balance, leading to metabolic acidosis. This condition makes the blood more acidic, impairing its functionality.
• Cellular Oxygen Deprivation : Formic acid interferes with cytochrome oxidase, an enzyme essential for cellular respiration, hindering cells' ability to utilize oxygen. This leads to lactic acid buildup and exacerbates acidosis. 
• Vision Impairment : Methanol can cause damage to the optic nerve and retina, resulting in methanol-induced optic neuropathy, which may lead to permanent vision impairments, including blindness. 
• Brain Damage : Methanol exposure can cause cerebral edema (fluid accumulation in the brain) and hemorrhage (bleeding), potentially resulting in coma and death.

Demand for Maithili as a Classical Language

Recently, the Janata Dal (United) party in Bihar has officially requested the Indian government to grant classical language status to Maithili. This demand comes after the inclusion of several other languages in this prestigious category.

• Languages Recently Recognized: The central government has recently bestowed classical language status upon languages such as Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese. Previously, languages like Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia were recognized as classical languages.
• Historical Context of Maithili: Maithili boasts a literary history spanning approximately 1,300 years. The state of Bihar has been advocating for its classification as a classical language. An expert committee formed by the government had made 11 recommendations in August 2018, including the proposal to include Maithili among classical languages.
• Understanding Indian Classical Languages: Indian classical languages, referred to as “Semmozhi,” are those with a long-standing history and a rich literary heritage. Currently, eleven languages are recognized as classical languages in India.

Recognized Classical Languages: The following languages have been recognized as classical languages in India:

• Tamil (2004)
• Sanskrit (2005)
• Telugu (2008)
• Kannada (2008)
• Malayalam (2013)
• Odia (2014)
• Marathi (2024)
• Bengali (2024)
• Pali (2024)
• Prakrit (2024)
• Assamese (2024)

Significance of Classical Language Status: According to a government resolution dated November 1, 2004, classical languages hold significant importance. This includes the establishment of annual international awards for scholars of classical Indian languages, the creation of Centers of Excellence for Classical Language Studies, and the establishment of professional chairs for distinguished scholars in classical languages by the University Grants Commission, starting with central universities.

Criteria for Declaring a Language as Classical: The criteria set by the Ministry of Culture for declaring a language as classical include:

• Age of the Language: The language must have a documented history or early texts ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 years old.
• Cultural Value: The language should possess ancient literature that its speakers consider part of their cultural heritage.
• Originality: The literary heritage must be original and not borrowed from other languages.
• Discontinuity: There should be a clear distinction between the classical language and its modern forms, indicating a potential discontinuity in its development.

Other Provisions to Promote Language

Eighth Schedule: To encourage the continued development, enhancement, and promotion of the language. The 8th Schedule consists of 22 languages:

• Assamese
• Bengali
• Gujarati
• Hindi
• Kannada
• Kashmiri
• Konkani
• Malayalam
• Manipuri
• Marathi
• Nepali
• Oriya
• Punjabi
• Sanskrit
• Sindhi
• Tamil
• Telugu
• Urdu
• Bodo
• Santhali
• Maithili
• Dogri

Articles:

• Article 344 (1): This article provides for the constitution of a Commission by the President five years after the commencement of the Constitution to promote the progressive use of Hindi.
• Article 351: This article states that it is the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language.

Efforts to Promote Languages:

• Project ASMITA: This project aims to produce 22,000 books in various Indian languages within a span of five years.
• New Education Policy (NEP): The NEP aims to transform Sanskrit universities into multidisciplinary institutions, thereby promoting the language and its studies.
• Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL): The CIIL works towards the promotion and preservation of four classical languages: Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia.

Progress in Basic Indicators by Bihar

Recently, the CEO of NITI Aayog praised Bihar for its progress in essential areas like education, health, and governance.

• Advancements in Education and Health: Bihar is showing significant improvement in fundamental indicators such as education and health and is expected to align with national standards within a few years.
• Transformation of Aspirational Blocks: Enhanced governance and service delivery are converting aspirational blocks into models of inspiration.
• AI Implementation in Governance: Bihar has become the first state in India to deploy an AI-driven decision support system aimed at assisting policymakers and mid-career officers.
• Initiatives by BIPARD: The Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD) is launching three state-of-the-art laboratories focused on data-driven governance, simulation-based training, and collaborative policy development.

Overview of New Labs at BIPARD

• Gen Next Lab: This laboratory will utilize secure artificial intelligence to educate administrators on data-driven decision-making, predictive analysis, and the optimization of governance processes.
• Niti Shala Lab: An immersive learning facility that employs advanced simulation technologies, allowing trainees to engage with real-world scenarios to improve their governance capabilities.
• Viksit Chintan Kaksh: A collaborative workspace designed for state officers to strategize and discuss critical policy decisions, equipped with tools for communication and data sharing to facilitate policy consensus and governance reforms.

NITI Aayog: Background and Objectives

• Background: The Planning Commission was succeeded by NITI Aayog on January 1, 2015, focusing on a 'Bottom-Up' approach to realize the vision of Maximum Governance with Minimum Government, reflecting the principle of 'Cooperative Federalism.'
• Composition:Chairperson: The Prime Minister. Vice-Chairperson: Appointed by the Prime Minister. Governing Council: Includes Chief Ministers of all states and Lt. Governors of Union Territories. Regional Council: Addresses specific regional issues, comprising Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors, chaired by the Prime Minister or his nominee. Ad-hoc Membership: Two members from leading research institutions on a rotational basis. Ex-Officio Membership: Up to four members from the Union council of ministers, nominated by the Prime Minister. Chief Executive Officer: Appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed term, at the level of Secretary to the Government of India. Special Invitees: Experts and specialists with domain knowledge, nominated by the Prime Minister.
• Objectives: To promote cooperative federalism through continuous support initiatives and mechanisms with the States, acknowledging that strong States contribute to a strong nation.

Logo and Mascot Unveiled for Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, 2024

• Overview: The logo and mascot for the upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, 2024 were recently unveiled by the Chief Minister of Bihar. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from November 11 to November 20, 2024.
• Mascot - “Gudiya”: The mascot, named “Gudiya,” is a term of endearment for young girls in Bihar. Inspiration: Gudiya is inspired by the endangered house sparrow, symbolizing resilience, strength, and Bihar’s natural heritage. Representation: The mascot’s bold posture and confident expression embody the determination and athleticism of the players, promoting empowerment and raising awareness for endangered species protection.
• Logo Design: Symbol: The logo prominently features the Bodhi Tree, a symbol of growth and resilience deeply rooted in Bihar’s spiritual heritage. Athlete’s Journey: The intertwining branches of the Bodhi Tree represent the journey of an athlete, connecting their past and future. This also highlights Bihar’s emerging role in the international sports arena.
• Promoting Women’s Empowerment and Sports Infrastructure: Alignment: The tournament and its symbolic elements align with Bihar’s mission to promote women’s empowerment and enhance the state’s sports infrastructure. Global Attention: Hosting such prestigious international events brings global attention to Bihar, creating new opportunities for local talent and fostering sports development in the region.
• About the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy: Overview: The Women’s Asian Champions Trophy is a biennial international field hockey competition. Participants: It features the top six women’s national teams from member associations of the Asian Hockey Federation. Historical Context: South Korea holds the record for the most titles, having won the tournament three times. India and Japan have each secured the championship twice.