BPSC (Bihar) - MCQ Practice Questions

Bihar faces multiple challenges including fragmented landholdings (average farm size ~0.6 hectares), seasonal flooding in northern plains, and limited irrigation infrastructure affecting scheme implementation.

Wheat is a rabi (winter) season crop grown in Bihar from October to March. Rice is a kharif crop, while maize and cotton are also kharif crops.

Bihar relies heavily on rivers (Ganga, Brahmaputra) and canal systems for irrigation. The Indo-Gangetic Plain provides extensive water resources through these natural channels.

Urea (nitrogen-based fertilizer) is the most widely used chemical fertilizer in Bihar due to its effectiveness for rice and wheat cultivation and government subsidy.

PMFBY provides crop insurance coverage for one agricultural year (kharif or rabi season) at a time. Farmers must enroll annually for continuous coverage.

Intercropping is the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crops on the same field to maximize land use and reduce pest incidence. Crop rotation involves sequential planting of different crops.

Drip irrigation reduces fertilizer runoff by delivering water and nutrients directly to plant roots. It conserves water, reduces weeds, and improves yields - making option B the only non-benefit.

Calculation: Pure nitrogen = 50 kg × ($\frac{46}{100}$) = 50 × 0.46 = 23 kg of pure nitrogen per hectare. This is important for meeting nitrogen requirements in rice-wheat cropping systems.

Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) located at Pusa in Bihar is the premier agricultural research institution for the state, conducting research on crops suited to Bihar's agro-climatic conditions.

Iron deficiency chlorosis shows interveinal yellowing (chlorosis) while veins remain green. This is common in alkaline soils and requires iron-chelate application. Other deficiencies show different symptoms.

MSP is implemented through dual mechanisms: APMC acts as market regulator ensuring fair pricing, and FCI undertakes government procurement at MSP for crops like rice and wheat in Bihar.

Calculation: Required increase = [(50-40)/40] × 100 = ($\frac{10}{40}$) × 100 = 25%. This requires improved agricultural practices, quality seeds, and optimal fertilizer management.

IPM follows a hierarchical approach: first monitor crop health, then use preventive measures, implement cultural practices, and use chemical pesticides only as a last resort to minimize environmental impact.

Goa became India's first state to achieve 100% household water supply coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission in 2024, making it the first 'Har Ghar Jal' certified state.

# Historical Partition of Bihar and Orissa

The British colonial administration partitioned the combined presidency into separate provinces based on administrative efficiency and regional identity.

Step 1: Understanding the Original Configuration

Before independence, Bihar and Orissa were administratively combined as a single province under British rule. This unified region had diverse geography, languages, and cultural identities that justified eventual separation.

Step 2: The Separation Date

On 1 April 1936, the British colonial government officially separated Bihar from Orissa, creating two distinct provinces. This administrative division recognized Orissa's distinct Odia linguistic and cultural identity, while Bihar remained with its Hindi-speaking majority population.

The correct answer is (B) 1 April 1936. This partition occurred during the British Raj, well before Indian independence in 1947, and established Bihar as a separate administrative unit with its own governance structure.

According to the 2021 Census data, Bihar's literacy rate is approximately 63.8%, which is below the national average of 74.4%.

# India's Hypersonic Missile Test in 2024

This question tests knowledge of India's recent defense achievements and missile development programs.

Step 1: Understanding Hypersonic Missile Technology

Hypersonic missiles are weapons that travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), making them extremely difficult to detect and intercept using conventional defense systems.

Step 2: India's 2024 Milestone

In 2024, India successfully conducted tests of its long-range hypersonic missile system, marking a significant advancement in indigenous defense capabilities. This development positions India among a select group of nations with hypersonic weapons technology, joining countries like Russia, China, and the United States. The successful test demonstrated India's progress in aeronautical engineering and strategic weapons development.

The correct answer is (B) long-range hypersonic missile — representing India's latest generation of hypersonic weapons technology tested in 2024.

Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport) in Telangana topped the Global Cleanest Airport survey in 2024 for maintaining highest hygiene standards.

Nitish Kumar continued as Chief Minister of Bihar after the 2024 elections, leading the NDA coalition government in the state.

India ranked 37th in the Global Innovation Index 2024, showing improvement in its innovation ecosystem and technological advancement.