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Bihar, National and International Current Affairs

Eight examination-relevant topics covering Bihar health infrastructure, apprenticeship and employability, marine biodiversity, judiciary, school AI education, sugarcane investment, Bihar exports and wildlife conservation.

6 August 2026 • Prelims + BPSC Focus
Bihar Health and Governance

1. Bihar Cabinet Approves PPP Model for 16 Medical Institutions

The Bihar Cabinet approved operation of 16 government medical institutions, including one dental college and hospital, under a public-private partnership model.

16Medical institutions
4Already operational
12Under construction
PwCTransaction adviser
  • The four operational institutions named are Jannayak Karpoori Thakur Medical College and Hospital, Madhepura; Vardhman Institute of Medical Sciences, Pawapuri; Government Medical College and Hospital, Purnea; and Nalanda Dental College and Hospital, Rahui.
  • The transcript lists 12 under-construction institutions across Samastipur, Saran, Madhubani, Vaishali, Bhojpur, Buxar, Siwan, Begusarai, Sitamarhi, Jamui, Munger and Supaul.
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was approved as transaction adviser for implementing the PPP arrangement.
  • Under the described PPP approach, private participation may provide professional hospital management, modern medical equipment, technical expertise, maintenance, operational services and more efficient deployment of human resources, while government retains regulatory oversight.

Other Cabinet Decisions Mentioned

19 Special Courts

Additional exclusive special courts under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were approved in 19 districts, along with 171 non-gazetted posts.

Kendriya Vidyalaya

Government land at Piprakothi in East Champaran was allotted on a 30-year lease for establishment and operation of a Kendriya Vidyalaya.

AMRUT Water Supply

Urban water-supply projects were approved for Jamalpur and Munger under AMRUT; the transcript mentions about ₹12 crore for Jamalpur and ₹177 crore for Munger.

Sports Science Centre

A Sports Science Centre was approved at the State Sports Academy campus in Rajgir for scientific training, injury prevention and rehabilitation support.

Bihar Current Affairs MCQ

Question 1 • Select the correct answer

Question 1

With reference to the Bihar Cabinet decision on medical institutions under the PPP model, consider the following statements:

  1. A total of 16 government medical institutions will be operated under the PPP model.
  2. These institutions include 12 operational institutions and four institutions under construction.
  3. PwC has been approved as the transaction adviser.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Score: 0/1
Employment and Skill Development

2. National Apprenticeship Training Scheme Target Raised for FY 2026–27

The Union Government increased the apprenticeship target under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme by about 40% for financial year 2026–27.

6 lakhFY 2026–27 target
4.28 lakhPrevious target stated
₹1,250 croreBudget allocation
40%Quality benchmark

The scheme is presented as a way to address youth unemployment, improve employability and reduce the mismatch between academic qualifications and industry requirements through practical, industry-oriented training.

  • NATS is implemented under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
  • It provides on-the-job training to graduates, diploma holders and vocational students.
  • A new quality benchmark requires at least 40% of apprentices to rate the training provided by the concerned industry as good or above.
  • The purpose of the benchmark is to improve training quality, increase accountability and ensure meaningful practical exposure rather than merely meeting numerical targets.
  • The transcript also mentions the Prime Minister Internship Scheme, Employment Linked Incentive Scheme and other skill-development and industry-aligned training initiatives as part of the wider employability strategy.

National Current Affairs MCQ

Question 2 • Select the correct answer

Question 2

With reference to the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme, consider the following statements:

  1. NATS is implemented under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
  2. The apprenticeship target for FY 2026–27 has been raised to 6 lakh trainees.
  3. Under the new quality benchmark, at least 40% of apprentices must rate their training as good or above.
  4. The scheme is available exclusively to engineering graduates.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Score: 0/1
Environment and Marine Biodiversity

3. New Seahorse Species Identified from the Indian Ocean

A Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies-led international research team identified a new spiny or thorny seahorse species named Hippocampus amanda-vincentae.

5 Aug 2026Publication date stated
150+ yearsTaxonomic confusion
5 speciesKerala coast count stated
TuticorinSpecimen source stated

The discovery is described as resolving a long-standing taxonomic confusion in which several Indian Ocean seahorses had been classified as the thorny seahorse Hippocampus histrix.

  • The species was identified using morphological examination and molecular/DNA analysis.
  • The transcript states that the specimen used in the study was located from fishery bycatch at Tuticorin Fisheries Harbour in Tamil Nadu by lead researcher Shalu Kannan.
  • The new species was named in honour of marine biologist Amanda Vincent.
  • The transcript gives its family as Syngnathidae and genus as Hippocampus.
  • It distinguishes three lineages/species discussed in the narration: Hippocampus amanda-vincentae for the Indian Ocean lineage, Hippocampus histrix as primarily Pacific, and Hippocampus jayakari in the north-western Indian Ocean.
Transcript Detail: The narration says the specimen was found at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu while the identifying research team was led by Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies.

Environment Current Affairs MCQ

Question 3 • Select the correct answer

Question 3

With reference to the newly identified seahorse species Hippocampus amanda-vincentae, consider the following statements:

  1. It was identified through morphological examination and DNA analysis.
  2. It was earlier confused with Hippocampus histrix.
  3. It has been named in honour of marine biologist Amanda Vincent.
  4. The seahorse belongs to the family Syngnathidae.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Score: 0/1
Polity and Judiciary

4. Supreme Court Sanctioned Strength Raised from 34 to 38 Judges

The transcript states that Parliament passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges including the Chief Justice of India.

38Total strength including CJI
37 + CJIOther judges plus CJI
16 May 2026Effect date stated
Article 124Constitutional basis for Court composition
  • The bill amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
  • The transcript says the Rajya Sabha passed it by voice vote on 5 August 2026 after passage by the Lok Sabha, and that it replaced the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026.
  • It is described in the transcript as being treated as a Money Bill, with reference to Article 110 and expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
  • The narration recalls key Money Bill rules: introduction only in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha may make recommendations and return it within 14 days, the Speaker certifies whether a bill is a Money Bill, and there is no joint sitting in case of disagreement.
  • The stated policy reason is the gap between new cases instituted and cases disposed of, alongside the demands of larger constitutional benches.
  • Article 124(1) is explained as providing for a Supreme Court consisting of the Chief Justice of India and such number of other judges as Parliament may prescribe by law.
Transcript Boundary: This section reproduces the constitutional and legislative framing exactly as presented in the supplied transcript; no external verification has been added.

Polity Current Affairs MCQ

Question 4 • Select the correct answer

Question 4

With reference to the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, consider the following statements:

  1. It increases the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges including the Chief Justice of India.
  2. It was passed as a Money Bill.
  3. The Rajya Sabha can reject or directly amend such a bill.
  4. There is no provision for a joint sitting of Parliament in case of disagreement over a Money Bill.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Score: 0/1
Education and Artificial Intelligence

5. CBSE to Launch 30-30 Eklavya Online Series

The Central Board of Secondary Education will launch the 30-30 Eklavya Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence online series from 15 August.

15 AugLaunch date
8 episodesTotal sessions
4 PMBroadcast time stated
Class 6+Direct participants
  • The series is organised by CBSE in collaboration with the Centre for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar.
  • The inaugural episode is on 15 August; the remaining seven episodes are described as being broadcast every Sunday at around 4 PM.
  • The live sessions are in Hindi, with English subtitles to be provided later.
  • Registration is mandatory but free. The transcript says participants completing the assignment must pay ₹200 plus applicable taxes to obtain a certificate.
  • Direct participation is described for students of Class 6 and above along with teachers, while the broader initiative is said to develop awareness of AI and computational thinking among students from Classes 3 to 8.
  • Key learning goals include logical thinking, problem-solving, pattern recognition, understanding AI in daily life, critical thinking, inquiry-based learning and application-oriented learning.

Education Current Affairs MCQ

Question 5 • Select the correct answer

Question 5

With reference to the CBSE 30-30 Eklavya online series, consider the following statements:

  1. The programme focuses on artificial intelligence and computational thinking.
  2. It is being organised in collaboration with the Centre for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar.
  3. The series consists of eight online sessions.
  4. Registration and certification are both completely free.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Score: 0/1
Bihar Industry and Investment

6. Bihar Sugarcane Investment Promotion Portal Launched

The Bihar Government launched the Sugarcane Investment Promotion Portal as a single-window digital platform to facilitate investment in sugarcane-based industries.

₹70 croreBase capital grant stated
100%Net SGST reimbursement stated
5 yearsSGST benefit period stated
₹1Token land amount stated

The portal was inaugurated by Bihar Sugarcane Industry Minister Sanjay Kumar and is described as being developed by the Sugarcane Industries Department, Government of Bihar.

  • It supports investors interested in establishment, modernisation or expansion of sugar mills, ethanol units, distilleries, power-generation units, compressed biogas plants and other sugarcane-based industrial units.
  • Services mentioned include information on eligible incentives, project-specific benefits, district-wise land availability, online land application, query and grievance submission, departmental assistance, project monitoring and subsidy-claim processing.
  • For a new sugar mill, the transcript states a base capital grant of up to ₹70 crore.
  • Eligible units may receive 100% reimbursement of net SGST for five years.
  • Land may be provided at a token amount of ₹1 subject to prescribed conditions, and the transcript also mentions reimbursement of stamp duty, registration fee and land-conversion fee.
  • Other support mentioned includes capital subsidy, interest assistance and project-linked incentives.

Bihar Economy MCQ

Question 6 • Select the correct answer

Question 6

With reference to the Bihar Sugarcane Investment Promotion Portal, consider the following statements:

  1. It functions as a single-window digital platform for investment in sugarcane-based industries.
  2. It covers projects related to sugar mills, ethanol, distilleries, power generation and compressed biogas.
  3. New sugar mills may receive a base capital grant of up to ₹70 crore.
  4. Eligible units may receive 100% reimbursement of net SGST for 10 years.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Score: 0/1
Bihar MSME and Exports

7. Bihar MSMEs Promote Makhana and Katarni Rice in Vietnam

Ten MSMEs from Bihar participated in the India–Vietnam Trade Promotion and Networking Programme in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing agricultural and processed food products.

10 MSMEsFrom Bihar
Ho Chi Minh CityEvent location
TPCIOrganising institution
MakhanaKey showcased product
  • The programme was organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India, with Bihar's Industries Department described as the nodal department.
  • The primary objective was export promotion and international market linkages for Bihar-based MSMEs.
  • Major showcased products included makhana and Katarni rice, along with sattu, millet-based products, honey, spices, herbal tea, magaj and processed products.
  • The transcript says Vietnamese buyers and importers showed particular interest in makhana, Katarni rice, millet products, honey, spices and sattu.
  • The initiative is presented as a way to connect Bihar's traditional and value-added products with international markets.

Bihar Current Affairs MCQ

Question 7 • Select the correct answer

Question 7

With reference to Bihar's participation in the India–Vietnam Trade Promotion and Networking Programme, consider the following statements:

  1. The programme was organised in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
  2. Ten MSMEs from Bihar participated in the programme.
  3. The event was organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India.
  4. Only unprocessed agricultural products were displayed.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Score: 0/1
Environment and Wildlife Conservation

8. Meghalaya Launches Mission Clouded Leopard

The Government of Meghalaya launched Mission Clouded Leopard, a flagship conservation programme dedicated to protecting the state's animal, the clouded leopard.

4 Aug 2026Launch date
Neofelis nebulosaScientific name
VulnerableIUCN status stated
Appendix ICITES listing stated
  • The initiative was launched by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on 4 August 2026, observed in the transcript as International Clouded Leopard Day.
  • The implementing department is the Meghalaya Forest and Environment Department, guided by a Meghalaya Clouded Leopard Action Plan described as under preparation.
  • Mission components include habitat protection and restoration, scientific research, long-term population monitoring, stronger anti-poaching measures, ecological connectivity, capacity building of frontline forest personnel, community participation, public awareness and collaboration with neighbouring north-eastern states.
  • The transcript gives the conservation status as IUCN Vulnerable, Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and CITES Appendix I.
  • Important Meghalaya landscapes mentioned include Balpakram, Nokrek, Baghmara and other community-managed forest areas outside formally protected areas.
  • A preliminary assessment mentioned in the transcript identified 21 clouded leopards in the Balpakram landscape.

Environment Current Affairs MCQ

Question 8 • Select the correct answer

Question 8

With reference to Meghalaya's Mission Clouded Leopard, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a dedicated conservation programme for Meghalaya's state animal.
  2. The scientific name of the clouded leopard is Neofelis nebulosa.
  3. A preliminary assessment identified 21 clouded leopards in the Balpakram landscape.
  4. The clouded leopard is listed in Appendix II of CITES.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Score: 0/1
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