1. Sitamarhi Waste-to-Wealth Model
Why in News
The Sitamarhi district initiative received attention after the Prime Minister referred to the use of discarded single-use plastic for manufacturing durable benches.
The Sitamarhi Waste-to-Wealth Model converts collected single-use plastic into useful public furniture such as benches and bench-desks. According to the supplied material, nearly 40 kg of discarded plastic is used to manufacture one bench.
The recycled furniture is described as strong, durable, economical and environment-friendly. It can be installed in government schools, parks, panchayat buildings and other public places. The initiative demonstrates how local solid waste can be converted into an economically useful public asset.
Circular Economy Link
The model follows the 3R principle—Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. A traditional linear economy generally follows the sequence take–make–use–dispose, whereas a circular economy seeks to minimise waste and maximise the useful life of resources.
Institutional Support
- Swachh Bharat Mission–Gramin
- Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan
- Rural Development Department, Government of Bihar
- Local bodies and district administration
Related Bihar Example: Sukhet Model
The Sukhet Model of Madhubani uses cattle dung and organic household waste to produce vermicompost. Participating households receive financial support linked to LPG cylinder refilling. Both models illustrate the conversion of waste into useful products or economic value.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Single-use plastic is recycled into benches and bench-desks.
- Around 40 kg of plastic is used for one bench.
- The initiative supports solid-waste management and the circular economy.
- The Sukhet Model is associated with Madhubani district and vermicompost.
2. Bihar Satellite Township Project
Why in News
Bihar has proposed the development of 12 satellite townships. Social Impact Assessment is to precede land acquisition in the first phase.
A satellite township is a planned settlement located near a major city. It remains geographically distinct but is economically and functionally connected to the main city through roads, railways and public transport.
In the first phase, Social Impact Assessment is proposed for four townships—Pataliputra, Hariharnathpuram, Magadh and Tirhut. Land acquisition is to begin only after completion of the social survey and preparation of the assessment report.
Why Social Impact Assessment Matters
The assessment examines the likely impact of acquisition on affected families, livelihoods, agriculture, natural resources, community institutions, housing, displacement and vulnerable groups. Its objective is to create a transparent framework for compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement and to reduce future legal and social disputes.
Development Sequence
- Social survey and impact assessment
- Land acquisition
- Development of the core area
- Expansion into the wider special planning area
- Full-scale township development
Proposed Urban Infrastructure
Internal roads, drainage, electricity, drinking water, sewerage, public transport, residential and commercial plots, schools, hospitals and public institutions are expected to form the basic urban infrastructure.
The supplied material also refers to a ₹1 lakh crore memorandum of understanding with HUDCO for financing urban development initiatives.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Bihar proposes 12 satellite townships.
- Social Impact Assessment will precede land acquisition.
- The core area will be developed before the wider planning area.
- Planned drainage, transport and public services are central to the project.
3. Bihar Mission Gold for the 2032 Olympics
Why in News
The Bihar State Sports Authority has begun a long-term talent-development programme aimed at preparing potential medal contenders for the 2032 Summer Olympics.
Mission Gold is a long-term sports development initiative designed to identify talented children at an early age and provide them with sustained, scientific training for national and international competition.
Under the programme, 40 young athletes in the age group of 12–15 years are to be selected. The group will include 20 boys and 20 girls. Former Olympian and Dronacharya Award recipient Sanjeev Singh is expected to lead the training programme.
Core Objectives
- Early identification of sporting talent
- Continuous coaching and performance monitoring
- Scientific and technical support
- Long-term investment in potential Olympic medal contenders
2032 Summer Olympics
The 2032 Summer Olympics will be hosted by Brisbane, Australia. Brisbane will become the third Australian city to host the Summer Olympics after Melbourne and Sydney.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Implementing institution: Bihar State Sports Authority.
- Target group: 40 athletes aged 12–15 years.
- Equal participation: 20 boys and 20 girls.
- 2032 Olympic host city: Brisbane, Australia.
4. Bihar Diara Development Scheme
Why in News
The Bihar government has highlighted a scheme to support farmers cultivating flood-prone riverine land affected by recurring sand and silt deposition.
Diara land refers to low-lying riverine tracts formed along riverbanks or between river channels through the deposition of sand, silt and alluvium. These areas are fertile in parts but remain highly vulnerable to floods, erosion and fresh sand deposition.
The Bihar Diara Development Scheme aims to restore agricultural activity on flood-affected land, encourage suitable crops, improve irrigation and reduce the vulnerability of farmers.
Main Objectives
- Bring temporarily uncultivable land back into productive use
- Promote crops suited to sandy and newly deposited alluvial soils
- Improve irrigation facilities in riverine areas
- Encourage crop diversification and increase farm income
Financial Assistance
Eligible farmers may receive financial assistance of up to 50% of the prescribed cost per hectare, subject to crop-wise norms. Assistance is also proposed for boring up to 100 feet and for PVC pipes, with a maximum support of ₹9,000 per unit. Payments are to be transferred through banking channels such as DBT/RTGS.
Suitable Crops
Watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, groundnut, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, okra, peas and pointed gourd are among the crops suited to these soils. Such short-duration crops can provide quick seasonal income after floodwater recedes.
The supplied material lists around 30 districts under the scheme, including Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, East and West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Khagaria, Saharsa, Supaul, Purnea, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Munger, Begusarai, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saran and others.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Diara land is formed by riverine deposition of sand, silt and alluvium.
- The scheme supports cultivation on flood-affected riverine land.
- Eligible farmers may receive up to 50% assistance per hectare.
- PVC pipe assistance is capped at ₹9,000 per unit.
5. Rohtas–Kaimur Eco-Tourism and Durgavati Pumped Storage Project
Why in News
The Bihar State Board for Wildlife reviewed proposals related to wildlife conservation, green energy, eco-tourism and sustainable development in the Rohtas–Kaimur region.
The Bihar government has discussed the development of eco-tourism facilities in the Rohtas–Kaimur region, alongside a proposed 2,600 MW Durgavati Pumped Storage Project.
Bihar State Board for Wildlife
The State Board for Wildlife is a statutory body constituted under Section 6 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It advises the state government on wildlife conservation, protected areas and projects that may affect forests and habitats. The Chief Minister serves as its chairperson.
How Pumped Storage Works
A pumped-storage plant uses two reservoirs at different elevations. During low-demand periods, surplus electricity pumps water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. During peak demand, water is released through turbines to generate electricity. The system therefore functions like a large water-based battery.
Potential Benefits
- Supports peak-hour electricity demand
- Improves grid stability and reliability
- Facilitates integration of solar and wind energy
- Reduces dependence on costly peak-time power purchases
- Creates employment during construction and operation
Eco-Tourism Plan
Proposed facilities include accommodation, restaurants, trekking routes, adventure activities, water-based recreation, tourist information, safety infrastructure and improved connectivity. The plan is expected to use a public–private partnership model.
Kesaria Stupa
The meeting also referred to coordination between the Archaeological Survey of India and the Bihar government for conservation and development of Kesaria Stupa in East Champaran, an important Buddhist heritage site.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Durgavati Pumped Storage Project: proposed capacity of 2,600 MW.
- Pumped storage uses upper and lower reservoirs.
- Eco-tourism development is proposed through PPP participation.
- The State Board for Wildlife is constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
6. India Wins Youth Hockey 5s Asian Championship
Why in News
India defeated Pakistan in the final of the Youth Hockey 5s Asian Championship 2026, while Bihar’s Sawan Kumar featured as goalkeeper.
India won the gold medal in the inaugural Youth Hockey 5s Asian Championship 2026 held in Muscat, Oman. The tournament took place from 20 to 25 July 2026.
India defeated Pakistan 3–1 in the final. Patna’s Sawan Kumar represented India as goalkeeper and was reported as one of the standout performers of the final.
What is Hockey 5s?
Hockey 5s is a faster, compact form of hockey. Each team fields a maximum of five players, including the goalkeeper, on the playing surface at one time.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Venue: Muscat, Oman.
- India defeated Pakistan 3–1 in the final.
- Sawan Kumar of Bihar played as goalkeeper.
- Hockey 5s has five players per team on the field, including the goalkeeper.
7. Bihar Five-Year Skill Development Roadmap
Why in News
Bihar has prepared a five-year roadmap to provide industry-relevant skill training to around 50 lakh young people.
The roadmap aims to train approximately 50 lakh youth between 2026–27 and 2030–31. A total of 16 government departments are expected to participate, with additional support from reputed private companies.
Training Targets
The first-year target for 2026–27 is stated as about 4.65 lakh trainees, followed by larger annual targets in subsequent years. Training will be delivered through both central and state schemes.
Major Programmes Mentioned
- PM Vishwakarma
- Kushal Yuva Programme
- Domain skilling
- Industry-linked technical training
- Entrepreneurship development
- Emerging technologies, green economy and circular economy programmes
Focus Areas
Artificial intelligence, drone technology, software coding, green jobs, circular-economy activities, domain-specific technical skills, entrepreneurship and self-employment are among the priority areas.
The roadmap also proposes skill training during school education and expansion of foreign-language training from Patna to divisional headquarters and later to all districts.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Target: around 50 lakh youth over five years.
- Implementation: 16 government departments.
- Largest scheme-wise target in the supplied material: PM Vishwakarma.
- Focus includes AI, drones, coding, green jobs and entrepreneurship.
8. PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Progress in Patna
Why in News
Rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana are expanding in the Patna electricity supply area.
The supplied report states that rooftop solar systems have been installed on approximately 8,600 houses in the Patna electricity supply area, producing nearly 45 lakh units of electricity per month.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central sector scheme administered by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. It aims to install grid-connected rooftop solar systems in one crore residential households and enable participating households to save on electricity expenditure through solar generation.
Central Financial Assistance
- Support for a 1 kW residential rooftop system
- Higher support for a 2 kW system
- Maximum central subsidy of ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW or more, subject to applicable rules
How Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Works
- Solar panels generate direct-current electricity.
- An inverter converts it into alternating current.
- The household consumes solar electricity first.
- Surplus electricity may be exported to the grid through a net meter.
- When solar generation is insufficient, electricity is imported from the grid.
A net meter records both electricity imported from and exported to the grid.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Central sector scheme under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
- Target: rooftop solar for one crore households.
- Maximum central subsidy mentioned: ₹78,000.
- Net metering records both import and export of electricity.
9. Proposed Ayurveda Gurukulam and Pre-Ayurveda Programme
Why in News
A proposal discussed during the centenary celebration of Government Ayurvedic College, Patna seeks to connect Ayurveda education with a residential gurukul-style system.
The proposed structure envisages entry after Class 10 into a two-year Pre-Ayurveda Programme, followed by professional Ayurveda education and a compulsory rotating internship. The supplied material describes the overall pathway as a seven-year residential programme.
Gurukul-Based Learning
The gurukul model emphasises close teacher–student interaction, personalised guidance by experienced vaidyas, study of classical texts, clinical observation, medicinal preparation, discipline, ethics, lifestyle and Sanskrit terminology.
National Commission for Indian System of Medicine
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) is a statutory regulatory body created under the NCISM Act, 2020. It functions under the Ministry of Ayush and regulates Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa systems of medicine.
Its responsibilities include setting standards for medical education, assessing institutions, recognising qualifications, maintaining professional standards and regulating ethical practice.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Proposed entry after Class 10.
- Pre-Ayurveda Programme duration: two years.
- NCISM functions under the Ministry of Ayush.
- NCISM regulates Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa.
10. NIT Patna International Workshop on Climate Change
Why in News
The Department of Architecture and Planning, NIT Patna organised a five-day international workshop on climate change from 27 to 31 July 2026.
The workshop focused on climate change, environment and Earth-system dynamics, with emphasis on science, risk, resilience and sustainable-development solutions.
Key Themes
- Climate science
- Climate risk
- Climate resilience
- Mitigation and adaptation
- Sustainable development
Climate risk is shaped by the interaction of hazard, exposure and vulnerability. Climate-change mitigation seeks to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions or enhance sinks, while adaptation aims to reduce the harmful effects of climate impacts.
Sustainable Development Goal 13 relates to Climate Action. The supplied material also refers to Bihar’s State Action Plan on Climate Change under the title “Building Resilience through Development.”
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Workshop dates: 27–31 July 2026.
- Venue: NIT Patna.
- Climate risk depends on hazard, exposure and vulnerability.
- SDG 13 concerns Climate Action.
11. Village-Wise Sugarcane Acreage Survey in Bihar
Why in News
The Sugarcane Industries Department has initiated a state-wide survey to determine village-wise area under sugarcane cultivation and identify expansion potential.
The survey aims to identify villages currently cultivating sugarcane, measure the area and varieties under cultivation, track decline over the previous three years, identify farmers who discontinued cultivation and locate new areas with expansion potential.
Technology Used
The exercise uses GPS-based measurement and app-based data collection. The digital database is expected to record farmer details, field location, area, variety, mill area and cultivation status over previous years.
No-Cane and Low-Cane Areas
Areas with very limited sugarcane cultivation—described in the supplied material as less than five acres—are to be identified as low-cane or no-cane areas for targeted intervention.
Role of Sugar Mills
Sugar mills are expected to identify low-cane villages, motivate farmers, prepare digital identification records, coordinate with the department and ensure adequate cane availability for nearby mills.
A three-year roadmap is also proposed for expanding sugarcane acreage in areas such as East Champaran and Darbhanga.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Survey uses GPS and app-based data collection.
- Village-wise data will cover farmers, fields, varieties and acreage.
- Sugar mills have been assigned a role in acreage expansion.
- A three-year roadmap is proposed for selected regions.
12. Kabar Tal Wetland Conservation Concern
Why in News
The National Green Tribunal has taken note of ecological deterioration at Kabar Tal caused by encroachment, sedimentation and fragmentation.
Kabar Tal, also known as Kanwar Lake, is located in Begusarai district, Bihar. It is a natural floodplain wetland and an oxbow-lake system associated with the Burhi Gandak river system.
An oxbow lake is a curved or horseshoe-shaped water body formed when a river meander becomes cut off from the main channel.
Conservation Importance
Wetlands support biodiversity, fish, aquatic vegetation and migratory birds. They also provide flood moderation, groundwater recharge and livelihood benefits. Encroachment, sedimentation, reduced water spread and fragmentation can severely weaken these ecological functions.
Protected Status
- Notified as a bird sanctuary in 1989
- Designated a Ramsar Site in 2020
- Area mentioned in the supplied material: about 6,211 hectares
Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands. India became a contracting party in 1982.
The National Green Tribunal was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Location: Begusarai district.
- Type: floodplain wetland and oxbow-lake system.
- Ramsar designation: 2020.
- NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
13. Bihar Specialised Universities Act, 2026
Why in News
The Bihar Legislature approved a framework under which the Chief Minister will serve as Chancellor of specialised universities established under the Act.
Under the Bihar Specialised Universities Act, 2026, the Chief Minister of Bihar is to serve as Chancellor of specialised universities created under the legislation. The Chancellor will preside over convocations and exercise powers relating to institutional governance and policy.
This arrangement differs from conventional state universities, where the Governor generally serves as Chancellor.
Proposed Universities
- Shaheed Jubba Sahni University of Architecture and Engineering — Muzaffarpur
- Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee University of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science — Bhagalpur
Existing Specialised Universities Mentioned
- Bihar Engineering University, Patna
- Bihar University of Health Sciences, Patna
- Bihar Sports University, Rajgir
The 2026 framework extends a Chief-Minister-as-Chancellor governance model to newly created specialised universities.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Chief Minister will serve as Chancellor of universities created under the Act.
- The Governor generally remains Chancellor of conventional state universities.
- AI and Computer Science university is proposed in Bhagalpur.
- Architecture and Engineering university is proposed in Muzaffarpur.
14. Bihar Investment, Industry and Employment Roadmap
Why in News
After announcing policies and legislative measures during its first 100 days, the Bihar government has shifted emphasis towards implementation, investment, industrial growth and employment.
The roadmap seeks to position Bihar as an emerging industrial and investment hub in eastern India. Its implementation focus includes industry, investment, digitalisation and citizen-centric governance.
Ease of Doing Business 2.0
The proposed framework aims to make procedures for establishing and operating industries simpler, digital, transparent, time-bound and investor-friendly.
Major Objectives
- Attract domestic and external investment
- Accelerate establishment of industries
- Generate large-scale employment
- Promote local entrepreneurship and start-ups
- Strengthen MSMEs
- Encourage green industries and electric mobility
- Make administrative approvals faster and more transparent
Employment Strategy
Employment generation is linked with new industrial projects, MSME expansion, start-up promotion, electric-vehicle manufacturing, charging networks, battery recycling, local entrepreneurship and rapid execution of approved projects.
The central test of success will be the number of operational enterprises and sustainable jobs created, rather than the value of investment announcements alone.
BPSC Prelims Quick Facts
- Ease of Doing Business 2.0 focuses on simpler and time-bound approvals.
- MSMEs, start-ups and local entrepreneurship are central to employment generation.
- EV manufacturing, charging infrastructure and battery recycling are priority areas.
- The roadmap seeks private investment and is not restricted to public-sector projects.