Bihar

• 25 Feb 2025

Development Projects Inaugurated in Nalanda

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister of Bihar inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of a total of 263 development projects worth Rs 820.72 crore in  Nalanda during his Pragati Yatra . 

Key Points  

• Major inaugurations and foundation stone laying 
  • These development projects include the inauguration of 177 projects worth Rs 361.66 crore and the laying of the foundation stone of 86 projects worth Rs 459.05 crore.  
  • The major projects are as follows:  
  • Inauguration of pond and library: During this, he inaugurated the pond, beautiful park and air-conditioned digital library built under the Amrit Sarovar Yojana in Naanand village of Silav block . 
  • Samajik Utthan Park : Constructed at a cost of Rs 19-22 lakh, instructions to keep it clean 
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana : Handed over newly constructed houses (with electricity, water and gardening facilities) to 12 Mahadalit families 
  • Providing financial support to Jeevika sisters. 
  • Rajgir Kund Complex : Inauguration of the newly constructed Yatri Vishram Bhawan 
  • Benar-Saksohra Road : Widening and Strengthening  
  • Fish Hatchery : Inspected 
  • Local playground : inspection, players provided with blazer balls and sports kits 
  • Interaction with beneficiaries of Samajik Bhavan, Work Shed and Child Welfare Scheme 
• Future Projects 
  • Construction of Dinosaur Park in Rajgir 
  • Panchane Irrigation Scheme : Restoration and Development 
  • Establishment of Agricultural Research Center in Sarmera 

Nalanda district  

• Introduction: 
  • Nalanda is a major district of Bihar whose headquarters is Bihar Sharif . Its area is 2,355 square kilometers (909 sq mi). 
• Historical Significance: 
  • Nalanda is world famous for its ancient history.  
  • The remains of the world's oldest Nalanda University are still located here. 
  • Buddha and Mahavira stayed at Nalanda several times. 
  • Mahavira attained salvation in Pavapuri (Nalanda) . 
  • Shariputra , the chief disciple of Buddha, was born in Nalanda . 
  • The famous Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang spent a year here in the 7th century. 
• Tourist Spots: 
  • Ruins of Nalanda University 
  • Nalanda Museum 
  • Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall 
  • Rajgir (Hot water springs – Brahmakund, Saraswati Kund, Langate Kund) 
  • Pavapuri (place of Mahavira's nirvana) 
  • Bodh Gaya and Gaya (Major centers of Buddhism) 
• Major rivers: 
  • Falgu 
  • Charm 

Printing of Counterfeit Indian Currency

Why in News? 

On 21 February 2025, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested seven modules involved in printing Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN). 

Key Points  

• About the issue: 
  • Continuing its crackdown against modules involved in printing Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) and import of security papers, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted simultaneous searches at 11 locations in Maharashtra, Haryana, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Bihar . 
  • In this operation, seven modules active in printing FICN were arrested. 
  • Earlier also on February 8, 2025, the DRI had arrested two persons in Ghazipur and Bengaluru who were found to be importers of papers with embedded security thread bearing the words 'RBI' and 'India' ('Security Papers'). 
  • The team seized fake currency notes of Rs 50 and Rs 100 denominations and several machinery/equipment. 
• Impact: 
• Damage to the economy 
• The circulation of counterfeit currency could lead to inflation and economic instability . 
• Mixing of real and fake currency can cause chaos in the banking system . 
• Escalation of crime  
• Fake notes are used for black money and illegal activities , which may lead to increase in terrorist activities.  
• The trade of fake notes is linked to cross-border smuggling and other illegal activities 

 Directorate of Revenue Intelligence 

• It is India's premier anti-smuggling intelligence, investigation and operations agency . 
• Apart from this, this agency works to stop the smuggling of goods including drugs, gold, diamonds, electronics, foreign currency, and counterfeit Indian currency.  
• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence functions under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs in the Department of Revenue , Ministry of Finance , Government of India. 

Security Officers Appointed to Help Women

Why in News? 

The Bihar government has decided to appoint 140 full-time 'protection officers ' in the state to provide more effective assistance to women affected by domestic violence .  

Key Points  

• About the issue:  
  • The Social Welfare Department has decided to create a separate cadre under which security officers will be appointed at the sub-division, district and state levels.  
• Objective: 
  • To effectively deal with the rising cases of domestic violence. 
  • To provide protection to women from domestic violence and ensure protection of the rights granted to them by the Constitution. 
• Level of placement: 
  • Security officers will be appointed at the sub-division, district, and state levels. 
  • A total of 140 security officers will be appointed : 
    • 101 at sub-division level 
    • 38 at district level 
    • 1 State Level Security Officer. 
• Responsibilities of the Security Officer: 
  • To protect the rights of women under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 . 
  • To assist the Magistrate in his duties. 
  • To get the physical injuries of the victim, the woman medically examined and send the report to the concerned police station and magistrate. 
  • Ensuring compliance of economic relief orders under Section 20 of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. 

 Domestic Violence Act, 2005  

• Introduction:  
  • This is an important law to prevent domestic violence against women and provide them legal protection.  
• Objective: 
  • The purpose of this Act is to protect women from violence in their homes or any other private place and to provide them protection of their rights. 
  • Different types of domestic violence:  
    • Physical violence: 
      • This includes physically hurting the woman. 
      • Example: Slapping, pushing, hitting, etc. 
    • Sexual violence: 
      • This includes misdeeds like sexual harassment or rape of a woman. 
      • Example: Forced intercourse, other sexual offences. 
    • Emotional abuse: 
      • This includes harming the woman’s mental state and self-esteem. 
      • Example: Insulting, betraying, intimidating, or making the woman feel mentally weak. 
    • Social and economic control: 
      • This includes isolating the woman from her family and friends, socially isolating her, or confining her against her will.