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

PM Unveils Development Projects in Bihar

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth ₹ 21,400 crore in Aurangabad district, Bihar. These projects aim to enhance infrastructure, boost local economies, and promote cultural heritage in the region.

Key Highlights

National Highway Projects

• Inauguration of national highway projects exceeding ₹ 18,000 crore.
• Foundation stone laid for a six-lane bridge over the Ganga River, parallel to the existing Jayaprakash Narayan Ganga Setu.

Unity Mall in Patna

• Foundation stone for Unity Mall in Patna, with an investment of over ₹ 200 crore.
• The mall is expected to boost local economy and tourism.

Railway Projects

• Dedication of three railway projects, including the doubling of the Pataliputra-Pahleja line and a new 26-km line between Bandhua and Paimar.

Namami Gange Scheme

• Inauguration of 12 projects worth over ₹ 2,190 crore under the Namami Gange scheme.
• Projects include sewerage treatment plants in Patna, Sonepur, Naugachia, and Chapra.

Smart Prepaid Meters Installed in Bihar

Recently, the North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) achieved significant milestones in the installation of Smart Prepaid Meters (SPMs) in Bihar.

• Fastest Installation: NBPDCL set a record by installing 10 lakh Smart Prepaid Meters in the Muzaffarpur and Motihari Circles in just 14 months.
• Rural Division Saturation: The company also reached a milestone by achieving 100% coverage of households in the Muzaffarpur Urban-2 Division with Smart Prepaid Meters.

What are Prepaid Smart Meters?

• Prepaid Smart Meters are advanced devices used to measure electricity consumption in real-time.
• These meters are connected to the internet, allowing both users and utility companies to monitor electricity usage and receive accurate bills easily.
• One of the key advantages of Prepaid Smart Meters is their remote reading capability, which eliminates the need for manual inspections. This feature makes them highly efficient and convenient for consumers.

Bihar’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions to Increase Fivefold by 2070

According to the 'Climate Resilient and Low-Carbon Development Pathway' report, Bihar's greenhouse gas emissions are projected to rise by 5.2 times by 2070.
This projection comes as India aims to achieve net zero emissions by that year. The report was prepared by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme.

• Background: The Bihar government initiated the process of developing a strategy for climate-resilient and low-carbon development in February 2021.
• Key Findings: Bihar's contribution to national emissions was about 3.3% in 2018, lower than its population share of 8.8%. Emissions had doubled between 2005 and 2013.
• Major Emission Sectors: In 2018, the energy sector was the largest emitter, contributing 69% to total emissions, followed by agriculture, forest and land use (24%), waste management (5%), and industrial processing (2%).
• Future Projections: If current trends continue, emissions are expected to increase 5.2 times by 2070, with the energy sector projected to contribute 93% of total emissions. Other sectors like construction (6%), transport (5%), and industries (5%) will also contribute.
• Power Sector Dominance: The power sector's dominance in emissions is due to reliance on coal for electricity generation. To align with India's net zero target, Bihar needs to avoid opening new thermal power plants after 2030.
• Transition to Clean Energy: Bihar will need to secure long-term clean energy power purchase agreements with renewable energy-rich states. Options like rooftop solar, floating solar, and decentralized renewable energy sources should be considered.
• Electrification of End-Use Sectors: Industries, transport, and real estate sectors need to be electrified to reduce emissions through the use of renewable energy.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• The UNEP is a prominent global authority on environmental issues, founded on June 5, 1972.
• Its primary roles include setting the global environmental agenda, promoting sustainable development within the UN framework, and advocating for global environmental protection.

Net Zero Emission

• Net Zero Emission, also known as carbon neutrality, does not imply reducing emissions to zero.
• It refers to balancing a country’s emissions by absorbing and removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
• Over 70 countries have committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050.
• India has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2070 during the Conference of Parties 26 (COP) summit.

Begusarai: World’s Most Polluted Metropolitan

According to the World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQAir, Begusarai in Bihar has been identified as the most polluted metropolitan area globally.

The report highlights India’s position as the third-highest in air pollution levels among 134 countries, following Bangladesh and Pakistan.

In 2022, India ranked eighth globally in terms of air pollution.

PM2.5 Concentration

• Begusarai recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 118.9 micrograms per cubic meter, the highest among all metropolitan areas.
• Delhi has been recognized as the city with the poorest air quality, with PM2.5 levels worsening from 89.1 to 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023.
• Delhi has held the title of the most polluted capital city for four consecutive years since 2018.

World Health Organization (WHO)

• Approximately 1.36 billion people are exposed to PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
• 1.33 billion individuals in India, constituting 96% of the population, face PM2.5 levels surpassing the WHO standard by seven times.

The report is based on data from a global network of air quality monitoring stations and sensors, involving various institutions, organizations, and citizen scientists.

In 2023, the report covered 7,812 locations in 134 countries, an increase from 7,323 locations in 131 countries in 2022.

Key Findings

• Air pollution is a significant global concern, contributing to approximately one in nine deaths worldwide.
• The WHO estimates that air pollution causes seven million premature deaths annually, affecting individuals with various health conditions such as asthma, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and lung disease.
• High levels of PM2.5 pollution can also impact children’s cognitive development, mental health, and worsen existing illnesses.

NABARD Projects Credit Potential for Bihar

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has estimated a credit potential of Rs 2,43,093 crore for Bihar in 2024-25. This projection considers the Reserve Bank of India's guidelines for the priority sector, along with various central and state government policies aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development.

• The State Focus Paper 2024-25 for Bihar, which assesses the credit flow potential for all 38 districts in the state, was presented by the Development Commissioner during NABARD's credit seminar. The total credit flow under the priority sector for the upcoming year is expected to reach Rs 2,43,093 crore.
• There is a need for credit intensification through specific planning for each of the sub-sectors under agriculture in Bihar.
• Credit plays a crucial role in economic development and employment generation in the state.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

• NABARD is a development bank that focuses primarily on the rural sector of India.
• It is the apex banking institution responsible for providing finance for agriculture and rural development.
• NABARD's headquarters is located in Mumbai, which is India's financial capital.
• The bank is responsible for the development of small industries, cottage industries, and other village or rural projects.
• NABARD is a statutory body established in 1982 under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981, by the Indian Parliament.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established on April 1, 1935, following the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• Initially, the RBI's Central Office was in Calcutta, but it was permanently relocated to Mumbai in 1937. This is where the Governor of the RBI sits and where key policies are formulated.
• Although the RBI was originally privately owned, it was nationalized in 1949 and has since been fully owned by the Government of India.

ONGC to Drill Well in Bihar

• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is planning to drill a well in Bihar to explore for oil and gas in the Ganga basin.
• If a commercial discovery is made, it could position Bihar on India's oil map and open up exploration opportunities extending from Bihar to Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
• ONGC has already acquired 3D seismic data covering 300 sq. km in its block in Samastipur and is preparing to drill two exploratory wells, with the first drilling scheduled for 2024.
• Additionally, ONGC plans to drill an exploratory well in another block located in the Ganga basin in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
• The data obtained from the first well will guide ONGC's further exploration plans for the block, including the drilling of the second well.
• Both the Samastipur and Ballia blocks were acquired under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) during the fourth round of bidding a few years ago.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)

• ONGC is a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) owned by the Government of India.
• It was established in 1995 and operates under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• ONGC is the largest producer of crude oil and natural gas in India, contributing approximately 70% of the country's domestic production.

Ganga Basin

• The Ganga River, known as the 'Bhagirathi' in its upper reaches, is fed by the Gangotri Glacier and joined by the Alaknanda River at Devprayag in Uttarakhand.
• The Ganga emerges from the mountains into the plains at Haridwar, where it is joined by several tributaries from the Himalayas, including major rivers like the Yamuna, the Ghaghara, the Gandak, and the Kosi.

Bihar Diwas 2024

Bihar Diwas, celebrated on March 22nd each year, marks the foundation of the state of Bihar. In 2024, it will be 111 years since Bihar was established, making this day significant for the people of Bihar to reflect on their history and celebrate their identity.

• The Bihar government has planned a variety of multicultural events and programs to celebrate the day, aiming to instill pride in the state’s development from the Bengal presidency in 1912 when the British government partitioned the Bengal Province.
• The celebration of Bihar Diwas is filled with joy and enthusiasm as it represents the beginning of Bihar as a distinct state with its own cultural heritage. It provides an opportunity for the people to showcase their history, culture, traditions, and heritage not only in India but also in countries like the United States, Canada, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Britain, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mauritius.

Prominent Indian-Americans Honoured on ‘Bihar Diwas’ in New York

On the occasion of ‘Bihar Diwas’ in New York, four distinguished members of the Indian-American community from Bihar were recognized for their exceptional achievements and contributions.

• The honorees included:Dr. Kris Singh, Founder and CEO of Holtec International Amit Choudhary, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro Dr. Dinesh Ranjan, Founder of PRAN Medical Group Abhinave Atul, Director at Nutrivet Farmcare
• They received the ‘Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman’ at a special event organized by the Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Bihar Foundation USA, East Coast Chapter, and the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA).
• The event featured messages from Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and was attended by various members of the Bihar diaspora. It showcased the state’s progress, tourism, cultural heritage, and famous cuisine.
• Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA), established in 1976, aims to unite people from Bihar and Jharkhand in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, fostering social and cultural connections.

Cancellation of Auction for 13 Crucial Mineral Blocks by the Central Government

The Central Government has called off the auction for 13 out of 20 blocks in the initial round of critical mineral bids due to a lackluster response from bidders.

Details of the Cancelled Blocks

• The cancelled mineral blocks are spread across several states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
• These blocks contain essential minerals such as glauconite, nickel, chromium, platinum group elements (PGE), and potash.

Understanding Platinum Group Elements (PGE)

• The platinum group elements include metals like platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. These metals share similar physical and chemical properties and are often found together in nature.

List of Critical Minerals

• In June 2023, the government identified 30 minerals deemed critical for the country, including antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, graphite, hafnium, indium, lithium, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, platinum group elements, phosphorous, and potash.
• Additionally, Rare Earth Elements (REE) such as rhenium, silicon, strontium, tantalum, tellurium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zirconium, selenium, and cadmium were also included in this list.

Importance of Critical Minerals

• Critical minerals are vital for economic development and national security. Their unavailability or concentration in specific geographical locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities and disruptions.
• The identification of critical minerals is a dynamic process that can change over time due to advancements in technology, market dynamics, and geopolitical factors. Different countries may have unique lists of critical minerals based on their specific needs and priorities.

The expert committee under the Ministry of Mines has identified a set of 30 critical minerals for India, reflecting the country’s needs and priorities in this area.

Overview of the India Employment Report 2024

• The India Employment Report 2024, released by the Institute for Human Development and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), presents an analysis of employment conditions in India.
• The report indicates that the “Employment Condition Index ” has improved from 2004-05 to 2021-22, although certain states like Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh have consistently remained at the bottom.
• Conversely, states like Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat have maintained a top position throughout this period.

Components of the Employment Condition Index

• The index is based on seven labour market outcome indicators, which include:
• Percentage of workers employed in regular formal work.
• Percentage of casual labourers.
• Percentage of self-employed workers below the poverty line.
• Work participation rate.
• Average monthly earnings of casual labourers.
• Unemployment rate of secondary and above-educated youth.
• Youth not in employment, education, or training.

Key Concerns Raised in the Report

• The report highlights several concerns regarding employment conditions, such as:
• The slow transition to non-farm employment has reversed.
• The increase in self-employment and unpaid family work is largely driven by women.
• Youth employment is of poorer quality compared to adult employment.
• Wages and earnings are either stagnant or declining.

Employment Quality in India

• The report reveals that almost 82% of the workforce is engaged in the informal sector, with nearly 90% informally employed.
• There is a notable increase in self-employment and unpaid family work, particularly among women.

Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

• The female LFPR in India is among the lowest globally.
• Between 2000 and 2019, female LFPR declined by 14.4% points, while male LFPR declined by 8.1% points.
• However, from 2019 to 2022, female LFPR increased by 8.3% points, compared to a 1.7% point increase for male LFPR.

Structural Transformation of Employment

• The share of agriculture in total employment decreased to around 42% in 2019 from 60% in 2000.
• This decline was primarily absorbed by the construction and services sectors, with their share in total employment increasing to 32% in 2019 from 23% in 2000.