BPSC Monthly Current Affairs: July 2025 | Monthly Current Affairs BPSC - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Bihar Cabinet Approves Key Schemes

• Initiatives include financial support for youth internships, a pension scheme for artists, and a Rs 882 crore development plan for Punaura Dham, which will transform the region into a major religious tourism hub. 

Key Points
Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana: Youth aged 18–28 years can apply if they have completed skill training or have qualifications from Class 12 to postgraduate level. 

• Monthly stipend during internships: 
  • Rs 4,000 for Class 12 graduates
  • Rs 5,000 for ITI or diploma holders
  • Rs 6,000 for graduates and postgraduates
• Interns working outside their district will receive an extra Rs 2,000/month, and those interning outside Bihar will get an additional Rs 5,000/month, for a maximum of 3 months.
• All financial support will be given via Direct Benefit Transfer.
• The scheme aims to assist 5,000 youth in FY2025–26 and one lakh youth over five years starting from 2026–27.

Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Pension Yojana: A new pension scheme was approved for artists who have worked in classical, visual, or performing arts for at least 10 years. 

• Artists aged 50 and older with an annual income below Rs 1.2 lakh will receive a monthly pension of Rs 3,000.
• This scheme aims to protect Bihar’s cultural heritage.

Punaura Dham Development: The Cabinet allocated Rs 882.87 crore for the development of the Maa Janaki temple at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi. 

• It is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita and will be developed like the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to highlight Mithila’s rich culture and heritage.
• The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation will manage this project.

Factory Employment Rules Amended: The Cabinet approved changes to the Bihar Factory Rules of 1950. 

• Women, except for pregnant and nursing women, can now work in factories deemed hazardous.
• This change aims to expand job opportunities for women in the industrial sector.

Mithila 

• Geographical Boundaries: Mithila, also known as Tirhut or Tirabhukti, is a unique geological and cultural area. 
  • It is bordered by the Mahananda River in the east, Ganges in the south, Gandaki River in the west, and the Himalayan foothills in the north.
  • In India, it includes districts such as Darbhanga, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Vaishali, and parts of Champaran, Bhagalpur, and Munger.
• Language and Identity: The native language is Maithili, spoken by the Maithil people. 
  • The name Mithila is thought to come from a legendary King Miti, symbolizing "soil."
  • The ancient capital of Mithila was Janakpur, located in the Dhanusa district of Nepal.
• Connection with Jainism and Buddhism: Vaishali, in southern Mithila, is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira (599 B.C.), the last Tirthankara of Jainism. 
  • Gautam Buddha is also believed to have spent part of his life in the Mithila region, delivering teachings and engaging with scholars.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: Mithila culture is recognized for its: 
  • Language (Maithili)
  • Paag (traditional headgear)
  • Folk dances and festivals
  • Cuisine
  • Madhubani Paintings: 
    • This vibrant folk painting tradition portrays scenes from Hindu mythology (especially the Ramayana), nature, animals, and social life. 
    • It uses natural dyes and geometric patterns.
    • Madhubani paintings have received GI (Geographical Indication) status for their cultural significance.
• Agricultural Specialty – Mithila Makhana: Makhana, also known as fox nut, is a unique aquatic crop of Mithila. 
  • It is widely cultivated in the wetlands of Bihar and Nepal, especially in the Mithila region.
  • Mithila Makhana has also received a GI tag, emphasizing its economic and cultural value.
    

Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949 

• The Act was challenged due to concerns over religious autonomy and representation in the management of the Mahabodhi Temple.
  

Key Points

• Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949: This Act regulates the management of the Mahabodhi Temple. 
  • After India’s Independence, it established shared management between Hindus and Buddhists.
  • The Act is crucial for maintaining the temple and its sacred structures, including the Bodhi tree and the Vajrasana.
• Mahabodhi Temple: Built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, it is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and is a significant site for Buddhists worldwide. 
  • It is believed to be the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
  • The temple remained important during the Pala period and was visited by the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang in 629 AD.
  • After the invasion by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 13th century, Buddhism declined in the area.
  • The current temple, built during the 5th–6th centuries CE, is entirely made of bricks.
  • In 1590, a Hindu monk established the Bodh Gaya Math, transferring control of the temple to Hindus.
• Architectural Features: The temple includes various elements such as: 
  • Shikhara
  • Vajrasana (Diamond Throne)
  • Chaitya niches
  • Amalaka
  • Kalasha
  • Sculpted balustrades
  • Images of Buddha
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex: This UNESCO World Heritage site includes a grand temple that is 50 meters tall, the sacred Bodhi tree, the Vajrasana, and six other significant sites related to Buddha’s enlightenment.

Gautama Buddha

• The founder of Buddhism, he was born in 563 BC on Vaisakha Purnima day in Lumbini (now in Nepal). 
  • His father, Suddhodhana, was the king of Kapilvastu, and his mother, Mahamaya, was a princess from the Kollia republic.
  • After his mother died early, he was raised by his stepmother and aunt, Mahaprajapati Gautami.
  • Buddha married Yasodhara, a princess from the Shakya dynasty, and they had a son named Rahul.
  • At 29, he saw four significant sights—an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and an ascetic—which inspired him to leave his royal life to become an ascetic.
  • His first meditation teacher was Alara Kalama, followed by Udraka Ramputra.
  • At 35, after meditating under the Pipal tree in Bodh Gaya for 49 days, he attained Nirvana (enlightenment).
  • He gave his first sermon at Sarnath (Deer Park) to five disciples, called the Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Law).
  • Buddha passed away at 80 years old in 483 BC at Kushinagar, marking his Mahaparinirvana (Final Nirvana).
• Key Figures: Important people in Buddha's life include: 
  • Kanthaka: Buddha’s horse
  • Channa: His charioteer
  • Devadatta: His cousin
  • Sujata: The farmer’s daughter who offered Buddha rice milk at Bodh Gaya
• Other Names: Buddha is known by various names: 
  • Gautama (clan name)
  • Siddhartha (childhood name)
  • Shakyamuni (sage of the Shakya clan)

Bihar’s New Domicile Rule Excludes Non-Residents from Women’s Quota

Why in News?
The Bihar government has set a domicile rule for the existing 35% reservation for women in state government jobs, changing the previous policy that didn’t require domicile status for employment. 

Key Points
About the New Rules:

• Under the new rule, women who do not reside in Bihar can no longer access the 35% quota for government jobs.
• Eligibility for domicile in Bihar includes: 
  • Living in the state for at least three years
  • Owning land or a house in the state
  • For women, being married to a Bihar resident
• A voter ID card is preferred but not mandatory for proving domicile status.

Employment Landscape in Bihar: The public sector in Bihar employs a small portion of the population, with less than 1.57% working in government positions. 

• As of June 2025, there are 36,000 women in the police force and over 2.5 lakh women teachers have been hired since 2007.
• Structural Employment Issues in Bihar: According to a March 2025 report by NITI Aayog, Bihar’s economy is mostly based on agriculture, with: 
  • 49.6% of the workforce in agriculture
  • 5.7% in manufacturing (one of the lowest in India)
  • 26% in services
  • 18.4% in construction
• The demand for domicile-based reservation stems from these economic and employment challenges.

Bihar Youth Commission: The Cabinet has approved the Bihar Youth Commission to tackle youth employment and empowerment. 

• The Commission will consist of one Chairperson, two Vice-Chairpersons, and seven Members, all aged 45 or younger.
• Functions include advising the government on improving education, employment, and skill development for youth and coordinating with departments to: 
  • Promote private sector jobs for youth
  • Protect students and migrant workers
  • Run de-addiction and awareness programs
    

Special Voter Roll Revision in Bihar

Key Points
Constitutional Mandate:

• This action is mandated by Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, which gives the ECI authority over electoral roll preparation and elections.
• Article 326 guarantees voting rights to all citizens of India aged 18 and older.

Legal frameworks under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 state that: 

• Section 16 disqualifies non-citizens from being included in electoral rolls.
• Section 19 requires individuals to be at least 18 years old on the qualifying date and an ordinary resident of the constituency.
• Section 20 clarifies that merely owning property in a constituency does not qualify as residency.
• Section 21 allows the ECI to perform special revisions of electoral rolls at any time for valid reasons.

Reasons for Initiating SIR: The ECI has noted significant changes in voter rolls over the past two decades due to urbanization and internal migration. 

• Concerns over duplicate and ineligible voter entries have led to the nationwide SIR, starting with Bihar.
• Bihar last underwent an SIR in 2003 and has been prioritized by the ECI ahead of the November 2025 elections.
• The qualifying date for this revision has been set for July 1, 2025.

Revised Procedure for SIR: Voters enrolled before 2003 only need to submit an extract from the 2003 roll. 

• Voters registered after 2003 must provide additional documents proving their own and their parents' date and place of birth.

Supreme Court’s Observations and Directives: The Supreme Court has noted that the ECI's list of acceptable documents for voter verification is not exhaustive. 

• The Court suggested including Aadhaar cards, Elector’s Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), and Ration cards as valid proof for voter registration in the ongoing SIR.

Jurisdictional Authority of the ECI: The ECI does not have the constitutional or statutory power to determine questions of citizenship. 

• The Ministry of Home Affairs holds the authority to decide citizenship issues.
• The Supreme Court's ruling in Lal Babu Hussein v. Electoral Registration Officer (1995) stated that individuals already on the electoral roll cannot be asked to reprove their citizenship.

Challenges Associated with SIR: The SIR guidelines require more documentation, even where Aadhaar exists, which could exclude many eligible citizens. 

• According to the Representation of the People Act, 1950, only those who are “ordinarily resident” should be included in the electoral roll of a constituency.
• Migrants can register in their current residence if they have permanently moved for work or education.
• The SIR places the entire proof burden on citizens to verify their eligibility.
• A Bihar government survey shows 87% of people have Aadhaar cards, but only 14% possess matriculation certificates and just 2% have passports.
• Excluding Aadhaar from the list of valid documents could disproportionately affect poor and marginalized groups.

Bihar Idea Festival 

Why in News?
The Bihar government launched the ‘Bihar Idea Festival’ portal to promote grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship.

• The initiative invites students, youth, entrepreneurs, and startup teams—even from rural areas—to submit their ideas directly to the government.

Key Points
About the Bihar Idea Festival:

• The initiative aims to collect innovative ideas and practical solutions from across Bihar and offer a strong platform to support and scale them.
•  The portal is mobile-friendly, ensuring that people in remote and rural areas can easily access it. 
•  The government aims to collect at least 10,000 ideas from all 38 districts of Bihar to promote inclusive participation. 
•  A group of experts will evaluate the ideas submitted. 
•  Initially, at least 100 innovative and feasible ideas will be shortlisted. 
•  Those who are shortlisted will qualify for technical and financial support, which includes seed funding of up to Rs 10 lakh under the Startup Bihar Policy. 
•  Winners of the Idea Festival will receive a wild card entry to the seed funding pitch round. 
•  The initiative also focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs, allowing many to become 'Startup Didis', inspired by the JEEViKA program. 

JEEViKA: 

• This is the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project aimed at helping the rural poor in Bihar through social and economic empowerment. 
•  The project was launched in 2006. 
•  It is managed by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS), which is an independent body under the Department of Rural Development, Government of Bihar. 
•  Initially, it was supported by the World Bank and later expanded to include the Livelihoods Restoration component of the Bihar Kosi Flood Recovery Project (BKFRP). 
•  The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) has appointed BRLPS as the State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) for Bihar, to implement NRLM’s strategies aimed at reducing poverty.

Bihar Start-up Policy  

•  The state government introduced the Bihar Startup Policy in 2016 to create a clear and independent environment for start-ups using funding, promotion, and policy support. 
•  This policy was later revised and became known as the Bihar Start-up Policy 2017. 
•  A special Start-up Trust was established with an initial fund of Rs 500 crore, which acts as the main organization to carry out the policy. 
•  The Bihar Start-up Policy 2022 was approved to make the start-up ecosystem more inclusive and focused on young people. 
•  The goal is to widen its reach, speed up implementation, and make Bihar a top choice for start-ups by utilizing the skills of local talent. 
• Key Objectives:
  •  Promote inclusive growth by creating a friendly environment for start-ups. 
  •  Use the abilities of local youth to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the state. 
• The government plans to: 
  •  Develop new start-up incubators and improve existing ones. 
  •  Create shared facilities and coworking spaces to assist start-ups in various locations across the state. 
• To foster a spirit of entrepreneurship, the policy supports: 
  • Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) and Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centres (EFCs). 
  •  Adding entrepreneurship education in schools, universities, MOOCs, and through internships.

Bihar’s Free Electricity and Solar Power Initiative

Why in News?
The Bihar government has announced plans to provide 125 units of free electricity to 1.67 crore families and install solar power plants over the next three years with consumer consent.

Key Points
Key Highlights of the Announcement

• Free Electricity Scheme: Starting from August 1, 2025, 1.67 crore families in Bihar will receive up to 125 units of free electricity, providing significant financial relief to domestic consumers.
• Financial Impact: The state government will cover the cost of providing free electricity, estimated to add approximately ₹3,375 crore to the state exchequer. A total subsidy of around ₹19,370 crore will be required for this initiative.
• Solar Power Plant Installations: Over the next three years, with the consent of domestic consumers, the state government plans to install solar power plants on rooftops and at nearby public spaces, aiming to reduce dependency on conventional electricity sources.
• Financial Support for Poor Families: The Bihar government will fully cover the cost of installing solar power plants for extremely poor families under the ongoing Kutir Jyoti scheme. For other consumers, the government will provide financial assistance to install solar power plants.
• Target for Solar Energy Production: It is projected that up to 10,000 megawatts of solar energy will be generated in the state over the next three years, significantly enhancing Bihar’s renewable energy capacity.

About Kutir Jyoti Scheme

• Objective: The Kutir Jyoti Scheme aims to improve the quality of life for rural families living below the poverty line (BPL) by providing them with access to electricity.
• Target Beneficiaries: The scheme focuses on BPL households in rural areas, including those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other marginalized communities.
• Implementation: Launched in 1988-89 as a centrally financed program, the scheme extends single-point light connections to eligible households, ensuring they have access to basic lighting facilities.

Polling Station Rationalisation in Bihar

Why in News?
Bihar has taken a significant step by becoming the first state in India to ensure that all polling stations have fewer than 1,200 electors. This change aims to improve voter convenience and make the electoral process more accessible.

• This move aligns with a broader push by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to rationalize polling stations nationwide, particularly in the context of upcoming Assembly elections and the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan.

Key Points 
About Polling Station Rationalisation

• Revised Elector Cap: The maximum number of electors per polling station has been reduced from 1,500 to 1,200. This change aims to decrease voter congestion and was implemented following the 2025 State Instructional Representation (SIR) order.
• Increase in Polling Stations: Bihar has added 12,817 new polling stations, bringing the total to 90,712. This expansion ensures that all booths are within 2 kilometers of voters, significantly improving accessibility, particularly in rural areas.
• Inclusive Voter Registration Drive: Electoral officers in Bihar conducted extensive consultations with 12 political parties and shared lists of electors with pending forms and those not found at their registered addresses. This effort aimed to improve voter registration and address discrepancies.
• Draft Electoral Roll Timeline: The Draft Electoral Rolls are set to be published on 1 August 2025. After publication, voters will have a month to submit claims, objections, or corrections, in line with the SIR order.

Implications for Electoral Management

• Impact on One Nation, One Election (ONOE): The rationalization of voter caps will have logistical implications for ONOE, particularly regarding the requirement for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), and polling personnel for simultaneous elections.
• Judicial Intervention and Reform: Supreme Court petition in December 2024 called for a return to the 1,200-voter cap, highlighting issues of long queues and voter apathy. The Election Commission's reform aligns with the Court's concerns about voter fatigue and inefficiencies under the previous 1,500-voter cap.
• Historical Evolution of Booth Size Norms:
  • Pre-2009: 1,200 electors per station (standard).
  • Post-EVMs (2009): Raised to 1,500.
  • During COVID: Reduced to 1,000–1,200.
  • 2024 General Elections: Returned to 1,500.
  • Post-2025 SIR: Back to 1,200 nationwide, starting with Bihar.

Importance of the Reform

• Model for Other States: The Election Commission of India (ECI) praised Bihar’s initiative as an example for other States and Union Territories (UTs). To implement this cap nationwide before the upcoming elections, over 3 lakh new booths may be necessary.
• Increased Administrative and Financial Burden: This change will escalate the costs of election infrastructure, leading to a higher demand for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), and additional personnel.
• Strengthening Electoral Democracy: The aim of these changes is to improve the quality of voter participation, minimize disenfranchisement, and ensure that every eligible voter is registered and able to vote conveniently.

Ajay Seth Takes Over as Chairman of IRDAI

Why in News?
Ajay Seth, the former Secretary of Finance and Economic Affairs, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). He succeeds Debasish Panda, whose term ended in March 2025.

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved this appointment, which is for a three-year term or until Seth turns 65, whichever comes first.

Key Points
About IRDAI

• About: IRDAI, founded in 1999, is a regulatory body created with the aim of protecting the interests of insurance customers.
  • It is a statutory body under the IRDAI Act, 1999, and is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance. 
  • It regulates and sees to the development of the insurance industry while monitoring insurance-related activities. 
  • The powers and functions of the Authority are laid down in the IRDAI Act, 1999 and Insurance Act, 1938. 
• Chairman and Members of Authority: According to Section 4 of the IRDAI Act, 1999, the Authority is composed of ten members, including a Chairman, five whole-time members, and four part-time members, all of whom are appointed by the Government.

Bihar Patrakar Samman Scheme

​Key Points

• About: Under BPSS, the monthly pension has been increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000.
  • Death Benefits: In the event of a pensioner’s death, the dependents or spouse will now receive Rs 10,000 per month, up from the previous Rs 3,000.
  • Recognition of Journalists: The scheme acknowledges the crucial role of journalists as the fourth pillar of democracy and reaffirms the state’s commitment to their dignity after retirement.
• Eligibility Criteria for Journalists Under BPSS:
  • Residency: The applicant must be a resident of Bihar.
  • Experience: Retired journalists with a minimum of 20 years of experience in journalism are eligible.
  • Age: Applicants must be at least 60 years old to qualify for the benefits.
  • Recognition: Journalists must be recognized by the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), and the certificate must be verified by the State Government.

Vipul Pancholi Appointed Chief Justice of Patna HC

Why in News?
Justice Vipul M. Pancholi was sworn in as the 45th Chief Justice of the Patna High Court (HC) at the Raj Bhavan in Patna, with Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administering the oath of office.

• He succeeded Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran, who was elevated to the Supreme Court of India.
• Earlier, Justice Vipul served as an advocate in the Gujarat High Court and as a judge of both the Gujarat High Court and the Patna High Court.

Key Facts About Patna High Court

• Creation: The Patna High Court was established in 1912 following a proclamation by the Governor-General of India, which granted Bihar and Orissa the status of a separate province.
• Foundation:The foundation stone of the Patna High Court building was laid on December 1, 1913, by Lord Hardinge, the Viceroy and Governor-General of India.
  • The first Chief Justice of the Patna High Court was Sir Edward Maynard Des Champs Chamier (March 1916- October 1917).
• Post-Independence Jurisdiction:After India became a republic in 1950, the jurisdiction of the Patna High Court was extended to allow it to issue writs under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution.
  • The first Chief Justice of the Patna High Court in independent India was Sir Clifford Monmohan Agarwala (January 1948- January 1950)

Composition & Appointment of High Court Judges

• Composition: Each High Court is made up of a Chief Justice and other judges as decided by the President of India.
  • The President determines the number of judges in a High Court based on its workload.
• Appointment of High Court Judges: Judges are appointed by the President under Article 217 of the Constitution.
  • The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President after consulting the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the concerned state.
  • For appointing other judges, the Chief Justice of the High Court is also consulted.
  • In the case of a common High Court for multiple states, the President consults the Governors of all the concerned states.
  • The oath of office for a High Court judge is administered by the Governor of the respective state.
• Qualifications of Judges: To be eligible for appointment as a judge of a High Court, a person must meet the following qualifications:
  • Be a citizen of India.
  • Have held a judicial office in India for ten years, or
  • Have been an advocate in a High Court (or multiple High Courts in succession) for ten years.
• Minimum Age: The Constitution does not specify a minimum age for appointment as a judge of a High Court.
• Tenure of Judges: High Court judge can hold office until the age of 62 years.

High Courts in India

• Position: The High Court is situated below the Supreme Court and above subordinate courts in India’s judicial hierarchy.
  • The High Court is the highest judicial body in the state (total 25 High Courts in India). 
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • High Court for each State: Article 214 of the Constitution provides for a High Court for each state.
  • Common High Courts: Article 231 allows Parliament to establish a common High Court for two or more states or for two or more states and a Union Territory.
  • Jurisdiction: The territorial jurisdiction of a High Court is co-terminus with the state’s territory. In the case of a common High Court, jurisdiction is co-terminus with the territories of the concerned states and Union Territories.
  • Articles 214 to 231: These articles deal with the organization, independence, jurisdiction, powers, and procedures of High Courts.

Satish Prasad Singh: Bihar's Chief Minister with the Briefest Tenure

Why in News?
As Bihar approaches the 2025 Assembly Elections, there is a renewed interest in the state's political history and its leaders. Among these leaders, Satish Prasad Singh, who was the sixth Chief Minister of Bihar, stands out for having the shortest tenure in this role, serving for only 4 days.

Key Points

• Shortest Tenure as Chief Minister: Satish Prasad Singh made history by serving as Bihar's Chief Minister for just four days, from January 28, 1968, to February 1, 1968.
• Political Instability: His brief term was characterized by political instability, as he was appointed as a temporary Chief Minister before the eventual rise of B.P. Mandal.
• Political Beginnings: Born in Khagaria, Satish Prasad Singh was profoundly influenced by socialist ideals from a young age. His political career was driven by a commitment to social justice and the welfare of farmers.

Longest-serving Chief Minister

• Nitish Kumar is the longest-serving Chief Minister in Bihar's history, with over 18 years in office (as of 2025). He surpassed the previous record set by Sri Krishna Sinha, who served for 17 years and 52 days.
  • Longest Continuous Term: Sri Krishna Sinha still holds the record for the longest continuous term as Chief Minister, serving for 14 years and 314 days without interruption.
  • Nitish Kumar ’s longest continuous term: 8 years and 239 days (2005-2014, with a brief interruption by Jitan Ram Manjhi).
• CM Who Has Taken Maximum Number of Oaths: Nitish Kumar holds the record for taking the maximum number of oaths as Chief Minister, having been sworn in 9 times.
• President’s Rule: Bihar has experienced President’s Rule 8 times since its formation as a state, with a total of 37 terms including these periods of President’s Rule.

Note:

• Under the Government of India Act 1935, the heads of provincial governments in British India were officially designated as “Prime Ministers” or “Premiers” (not Chief Ministers).
• Mohammad Yunus (1 April 1937 – 19 July 1937) was the first Prime Minister of Bihar Province, serving for 109 days under the Muslim Independent Party. Notably, he was the first person to take the oath as ‘Prime Minister’ in all of British India.

Complete List of Bihar Chief Ministers (1947-2025)

Bihar’s Sitakund Mela Gets Official Management

Key Points

• Historical and Cultural Significance:The Sitakund Mela takes place annually from Maghi Purnima (around late January or February) to Phalgun Purnima (usually in March), drawing millions of devotees from Munger and neighboring districts. 
  • Additionally, about 5,000 foreign tourists visit the temple each year for worship and tourism.
• Religious Importance of Sitakund: Situated along the banks of the Ganga River, Sitakund is believed to be the location where Mata Sita underwent her Agni Pariksha (fire test). 
  • The site features five sacred kunds (pools), including one with continuously flowing hot water, symbolizing the test of Sita’s purity, while the other four kunds contain cold water.
• Mela Management and Development:With the oversight of the Bihar State Mela Authority, the fair is expected to benefit from improved organization, infrastructure, and management. 
  • These fairs not only showcase Bihar’s rich cultural heritage but also create employment opportunities for local communities.

Bihar to Form 'State Safai Karmachari Commission'

• The commission will also oversee the implementation of various welfare schemes and work towards safeguarding the rights of these workers.

Key Points

• Composition of the Commission:
  • The commission will be made up of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and five members, including a woman and a transgender person.
  • This inclusive structure is designed to address the concerns of marginalized groups involved in sanitation work.
• Key Functions and Goals:
  • The commission will offer recommendations on the rights and welfare of sanitation workers.
  • It will advise the government on policy matters and review and implement welfare schemes aimed at benefiting these workers.
  • Additionally, the commission will play a crucial role in integrating sanitation workers into the social and economic mainstream.
• Jurisdiction of the Commission:
  • An estimated 4 lakh sanitation workers employed in various urban local bodies, panchayats, and other areas across Bihar will fall under the commission's jurisdiction.
  • Bihar is home to over 260 urban local bodies, including 19 municipal corporations and more than 8000 panchayats, where a significant number of sanitation workers are engaged in cleanliness and sanitation efforts.

Establishment of Dairy and Milk Powder Plants in Bihar

Key Points

• New Dairy Plants and Milk Powder Units:The three dairy plants, with a combined capacity of 5 lakh litres per day, will be established in Darbhanga, Wazirganj (Gaya), and Gopalganj.
  • The two milk powder manufacturing plants, each with a capacity of 30 metric tonnes per day, will be set up in Dehri-on-Sone (Rohtas) and Sitamarhi.
  • These plants aim to meet the growing demand for milk products and provide employment in local areas.
• Dairy Industry’s Contribution:Dairy Industry’s Role in Agricultural Growth: The state government emphasized the importance of dairying as a key contributor to the state’s GDP and the need for improved breeds of milch cattle
  • The new dairy units will also help in cooperative extension and improve the quality of milk.
• Finance of Project: The plants will be financed through loans from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation (COMFED)

Sectoral Contributions in Bihar’s GDP

• According to Niti Aayog, Bihar's real GSDP has increased at an average rate of 5.0% from 2012-13 to 2021-22, which is lower than the national average growth rate of 5.6% during the same time. 
•  Over the last thirty years, Bihar's share of the national GDP in nominal terms has dropped from 3.6% in 1990-91 to 2.8% in 2021-22. 
•  In 2021-22, Bihar's nominal per capita income was just 30% of the national average per capita income. 
•  The services sector contributes the most to the GSVA at 57.1%, followed by agriculture at 24.3%, and industry at 17.2%. 
•  The contribution of the agricultural sector to the total GSVA (in nominal terms) was 24.9% in the fiscal year 2021-22. 
•  From 2013-14 to 2022-23, the growth rates for the state's sectors were 6.4% for services, 8.6% for industry, and 2.6% for agriculture.