Pataliputra served as the capital for multiple powerful dynasties including the Nanda, Maurya, and Gupta empires, making it a major center of power in ancient India.

# Sex Ratio in Bihar - Solution

Sex ratio is a demographic indicator that measures the number of females per 1000 males in a population.

Step 1: Understanding Sex Ratio Definition

Sex ratio is calculated as the proportion of females relative to males, expressed per 1000 males to make comparison standardized across regions.

Step 2: Bihar's Demographic Context

According to the Census of India data (2011), Bihar has historically had one of the lowest sex ratios among Indian states due to various socioeconomic factors including gender-biased practices. The sex ratio in Bihar from recent census data stands closest to 918 females per 1000 males, which reflects improvement from earlier decades but remains below the national average of approximately 943 females per 1000 males.

Correct Answer: (B) 918 Female

Bihar amended its Gram Panchayat Act to provide 50% reservation for women in local governance bodies, making it more progressive than the national 33.33% norm.

# Bihar Budget Allocation Analysis (2025-26)

Government budgets allocate funds across various sectors based on constitutional provisions and developmental priorities, with mandatory expenditures like interest and salaries deducted first.

## Step 1: Understanding Mandatory vs Discretionary Expenditure

In any government budget, certain expenses are non-negotiable and must be paid first, including interest on debt and employee salaries. After these mandatory payments are settled, the remaining funds (called "Plan Budget" or discretionary spending) are allocated to various sectors.

## Step 2: Sector-wise Allocation Priority in Bihar

After accounting for mandatory expenses, the Bihar government prioritizes education as the largest sector allocation, consistent with the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009) and constitutional Article 45. This is followed by infrastructure, agriculture, and law & order in descending order of budget allocation.

The correct answer is (A) Education sector, which receives the maximum funds in Bihar's budget after accounting for interest payments and salary expenses.

The 73rd Amendment (1992) strengthened rural local government (Panchayati Raj), while the 74th Amendment strengthened urban local government (Municipal corporations). Both were implemented in Bihar.

Nalanda district was created in 1972 by bifurcating the then-existing Sharif district. It is named after the famous ancient Nalanda University site.

Bihar has East Champaran and West Champaran districts, but there is no district called Central Champaran. The state does not use the 'North Champaran' nomenclature for administrative division.

Bihar has implemented multiple schemes to improve gender ratio, including the national Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme and state-specific initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana and others.

Nalanda University was founded by Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty. It became the most renowned center of Buddhist learning in ancient Asia.

The Ghaghra (also spelled Gogra) River forms a significant portion of the boundary between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.