BPSC (Bihar) - MCQ Practice Questions

Bihar's prosperity during the Mauryan period was built on abundant iron ore deposits, fertile agricultural land for crops like rice and wheat, and their trade across India.

The Gajapati Kingdom had military and political interactions with Bihar-based kingdoms, involving both alliances and territorial conflicts during the medieval period.

Magadha's significance lay in its fertile Gangetic plains and strategic location, which made it a political and economic powerhouse in ancient India.

Chandragupta Maurya, with the help of Chanakya, defeated the Nanda Dynasty around 322 BCE and established the Mauryan Empire with Pataliputra as its capital.

Kumaragupta I (415-455 CE) was a major patron of Nalanda University and greatly expanded its facilities and reputation during the Gupta period.

Alauddin Hussain Shah (1493-1519) of the Bengal Sultanate expanded his territory significantly and had control over parts of Bihar during his reign.

Chanakya served as the chief minister and strategist in the Magadhan kingdom under Chandragupta Maurya, helping establish the Mauryan Empire.

The Tripitaka (Three Baskets) are the primary scriptures of Buddhism, written in Pali language. They contain extensive references to Bihar's ancient kingdoms and Buddhist history, particularly related to Buddha's life and teachings.

Article 315 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of Public Service Commissions for the Union and the States. The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is constituted under this article to conduct competitive examinations for recruitment to state civil services.

Soil samples are tested every 2 years under the Soil Health Card scheme to monitor soil nutrient status and provide recommendations.

The Mukhyamantri Beej Anudan Yojana is a Bihar government scheme providing subsidized seeds and agricultural inputs to farmers.

A mini cluster under PMKSY-AIBP requires a minimum coverage area of 50 hectares for irrigation development.

PKVY provides a subsidy of ₹50,000 per hectare over 3 years for conversion to organic farming practices.

Zero Budget Natural Farming promotes traditional farming methods using natural inputs like cow dung, plant residue, and minimal external inputs.

# Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) - Unit Cost of Assistance

The PM-KMY is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for small and marginal farmers that requires monthly contributions based on age, with the government matching the contribution.

Step 1: Understanding the Scheme Structure

The PM-KMY operates on a matching contribution basis where farmers between 18-40 years contribute a monthly amount, and the Government of India contributes an equal amount to a pension fund.

Step 2: Age-Based Contribution Slabs

For farmers aged 18-40 years, the monthly contribution ranges from ₹55 to ₹200 per month depending on the exact age. A younger farmer pays lower contributions (₹55 at age 18), while contributions increase gradually with age, reaching ₹200 per month at age 40.

The unit cost of assistance under PM-KMY for age 18-40 is ₹55-₹200 per month.

Answer: (A) ₹55-200 per month

PMKSY focuses on irrigation infrastructure and efficiency through its three main components: Per Drop More Crop, AIBP, and Groundwater Management. Direct Benefit Transfer is not a component of PMKSY.

PMFBY specifically aims to provide crop insurance at affordable premiums (1.5-5.5% depending on crop type) and standardized sum insured across the country.

PMFBY covers food crops (cereals, pulses) and oilseeds. Ornamental plants and flowers are horticulture crops typically not covered under this scheme.

# NMSA Sub-Missions Solution

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is a government initiative in India designed to promote sustainable farming practices through multiple coordinated sub-missions.

Step 1: Understanding NMSA Structure

NMSA was launched by the Government of India to address the challenges of agriculture sustainability by dividing its objectives into distinct operational sub-missions, each focusing on different aspects of agricultural development.

Step 2: The Four Sub-Missions of NMSA

The four main sub-missions are:

1. Soil Health Management (SHM) — focuses on soil testing and nutrient management

2. Precision Farming (PF) — promotes efficient resource use through modern technology

3. Rainfed Area Development (RAD) — develops agriculture in water-scarce regions

4. Krishonnati Yojana — supports crop production enhancement through improved practices

The correct answer is (C) Four.

Uttar Pradesh is the second-largest sugarcane producing state in India after Maharashtra, contributing significantly to the national sugarcane production.