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Bihar
   
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New Species of Long-Snouted Vine Snake, Ahaetulla longirostri, Discovered in Bihar and Meghalaya.

A new species of long-snouted vine snake, Ahaetulla longirostri, has been discovered in the states of Bihar and Meghalaya, India. This species is distinguished by its notably elongated snout, a feature that sets it apart from other members of the Ahaetulla genus. Researchers made the discovery during field surveys, identifying the snake's unique morphological traits and ecological role in its habitat. The find adds significant value to the biodiversity knowledge of the region and highlights the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect these lesser-known species and their environments.

         The new species expands the known range of the Ahaetulla genus in India.

          Ahaetulla longirostri highlights the rich herpetofauna diversity in northeastern India.

         
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IAS Officer Amrit Lal Meena Appointed Chief Secretary of Bihar.

IAS officer Amrit Lal Meena has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Bihar. His appointment marks a significant shift in the state’s administrative leadership. Meena, known for his extensive experience in public administration, will assume his new role amidst ongoing efforts to improve governance and implement key policies in Bihar. His prior positions include various high-level roles within the Indian Administrative Service, where he has garnered a reputation for effective management and strategic planning. The appointment is expected to bring a new perspective and drive positive changes in the state’s administrative framework.

         Amrit Lal Meena’s appointment aims to enhance administrative efficiency and policy implementation in Bihar.

          His vast experience is expected to positively influence governance strategies and reform efforts in the state.

         
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Bihar Governor Launches Book on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar by Ashok and Shambhavi Choudhary.

The Governor of Bihar recently launched a new book titled "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar" authored by Ashok and Shambhavi Choudhary. The book explores the life and political journey of Nitish Kumar, a prominent leader in Bihar’s political landscape. The launch event was attended by various dignitaries and provided insights into Kumar's contributions to the state's development and governance. The book aims to shed light on Kumar's role in shaping Bihar's future and his adherence to Gandhian principles. The launch was well-received, reflecting the book's significance in understanding Bihar's contemporary politics.

         The book highlights Nitish Kumar's influence on Bihar's political reforms and development strategies.

          Ashok and Shambhavi Choudhary's work provides a comprehensive analysis of Kumar’s governance and leadership style.

         
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Union Minister G.Kishan Reddy Launches Mineral Exploration Hackathon and National DMF Portal in Hyderabad.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, launched the Mineral Exploration Hackathon in Hyderabad, emphasizing innovative mineral exploration techniques. The event, attended by Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with officials from the Ministry of Mines, state government, and industry, focuses on utilizing AI and ML to analyze geophysical data and integrate various mineral exploration datasets. The goal is to uncover new mineral targets, especially deep-seated ore bodies. During the event, Shri G. Kishan Reddy also launched the National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Portal.

         Aim is to identify new mineral targets, especially deep-seated ore bodies.

          Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, and officials from Ministry of Mines attended.

         
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Manoj Ahuja takes charge as Odisha's chief secretary, CEO Nikunja Bihari Dhal deputed to CMO.

Manoj Ahuja has assumed the role of Odisha's chief secretary, succeeding Nikunja Bihari Dhal, who has been appointed to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) as CEO. This administrative reshuffle marks Ahuja's new leadership in steering Odisha's governmental affairs, while Dhal brings his expertise to the CMO, reflecting strategic placements within the state's administrative framework.

         Manoj Ahuja, a 1990-batch IAS officer of Odisha.

          He would be the first chief secretary of the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha led by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

         
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GST rate rationalisation panel reconstituted with Bihar Deputy CM Chaudhary as convenor.

The GST Council on Friday made public that Group of Ministers to give recommendation on rate rationalisation has been reconstituted with Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Chaudhary as new convenor. Chaudhary will replace Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh Suresh Khanna. The office memorandum, dated February 27 but posted the Council website now, says other members of the reconstituted panel are Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Rajasthan Medical, and Health Services Minister Gajendra Singh. It also includes West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal.

         Chaudhary will replace Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh Suresh Khanna.

          Out of seven members GoM, four are from NDA and three from opposition-ruled States.

         
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Overview of PM Modi's Visit to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from 18th to 19th 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on June 18-19. In Varanasi, he will participate in the PM Kisan Samman Sammelan, issuing certificates to over 30,000 women from self-help groups and releasing the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi, totaling over Rs 20,000 crore to 9.26 crore farmers. He will also attend the Ganga Aarti and visit Kashi Vishwanath temple. In Bihar, Modi will visit the Nalanda ruins and inaugurate Nalanda University's new campus, a "Net Zero" Green Campus, reflecting a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit countries.

         During the event, the Prime Minister will grant certificates to more than 30,000 women from self-help groups (SHGs) Krishi Sakhis.

          So far, more than 11 crore eligible farmer families have received benefits of more than Rs. 3.04 lakh crore under PM-KISAN.

         
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Former Bihar deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi dies at 72.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi died on Monday after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 72 years old.In April, Modi revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer six months ago, and would not take part in the party's campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha poll.In a political career spanning over three decades, Modi was an MLA, an MLC, a member of Lok Sabha, and a Rajya Sabha MP. He was the deputy chief minister of Bihar twice – from 2005 to 2013, and from 2017 to 2020.

         Political Stalwart: Sushil Kumar Modi was a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and had a distinguished political career spanning over three decades.

          Service to Bihar: He served as the deputy chief minister of Bihar twice, from 2005 to 2013 and from 2017 to 2020, making significant contributions to the state's governance and development.

          Battle with Cancer: Modi battled cancer for several months, revealing his diagnosis in April and refraining from participating in the BJP's campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
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National Technology Day 11 May,2024: On this day, India successfully tested nuclear bombs in Pokhran.

On May 11, 1998, India marked a significant milestone in its defense and scientific endeavors with the initiation of Operation Shakti, also known as Pokhran II. This operation, led by the government under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, comprised a series of nuclear bomb tests conducted at the Pokhran Test Range. The operation included the detonation of five nuclear devices, classified as Shakti I to Shakti V, with the first being a fusion bomb and the rest fission bombs. This event solidified India's status as a nuclear power and underscored its capability in defense technology. It also emphasized the importance of science and innovation in national security and development.

         India conducted the first test flight of the indigenous aircraft "Hansa-3" in Bangalore on May 11, 1998.

          On the same day, India successfully test-fired the Trishul missile.

          Operation Shakti (Pokhran-II) was initiated on May 11, 1998, marking India's entry into the nuclear club with five detonations, including one fusion bomb and four fission bombs.
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BJP MP from Karnataka's Chamarajanagar and former Union minister V Sreenivasa Prasad passed away at the age of 76 in Bengaluru.

BJP MP from Karnataka's Chamarajanagar and former Union minister V Sreenivasa Prasad passed away at the age of 76 in Bengaluru. On March 18 this year, Prasad announced his retirement from electoral politics. He started his political career with the erstwhile Janata Party in 1976 and joined the Congress in 1979. He also had a stint with the JD(S), JD(U), and the Samata Party before joining the BJP. Prasad served as the Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government from 1999 to 2004. He joined the Congress later, got elected as an MLA in 2013 and became the revenue and religious endowment minister in the Siddaramaiah government.

         

         

         
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SIDBI signed a MOU With Jeevika Bihar & UMED Maharashtra To Extend Prayaas Scheme To State Rural Livelihood Missions.

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in association with Women’s World Banking (WWB) signed an MoU with Jeevika, Bihar State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) & UMED, Maharashtra-SRLM to extend Prayaas scheme to SHG Individual Women through Cluster Level Federations (CLF). This partnership will help in unlocking the potential of Cluster Level Federations and will establish a new and scalable credit distribution ecosystem. SIDBI in the pilot phase will partner 35-40 CLFs across Bihar and Maharashtra with a target of serving affordable credit of up to `2 lakhs to 5,000 Women Entrepreneurs. It is supported by a grant from MetLife Foundation as part of its commitment to fostering inclusive economic mobility for underserved and underrepresented communities.

         

         

         
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NTPC Ltd has shut down its 220 MW Barauni Thermal Power Station Stage 1 in Bihar.

NTPC Ltd has shut down its 220 MW Barauni Thermal Power Station Stage 1 in Bihar. The 220 MW power unit was closed permanently on 31 March 2024. The Barauni Thermal Power Station Stage-I consisted of two units of 110 MW each. The thermal power plant in Begusarai district of Bihar has a total capacity of 720 MW. It comprised two units of 110 MW each and another two units of 250 MW each. NTPC bought the Barauni Thermal Power Station from the Bihar State Power Generation Company in December 2018. At that time, the power plant had two units of 110 MW each and two units of 250 MW each (under construction).

         The plant comprised Stage-I of two units of 110 MW and Stage-II of two units of 250 MW. The Stage-2 of the plant was commissioned in November 2021.

          The project has the coal linkage of Badam Coal Block, which was part of the transfer scheme.

         
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