State PCS - Bihar (BPSC)

• 11 Aug 2025

Bihar Vriksh Suraksha Diwas

Why in News? 

On the occasion of Rakshabandhan 2025 (09th August), Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar celebrated ‘Bihar Vriksh Suraksha Diwas’ (Tree Protection Day) at Rajdhani Vatika, Patna, by tying a rakhi to a tree and planting saplings.  

Key Points 

• ‘Bihar Vriksh Suraksha Diwas’ was launched on 13th August 2012 by CM Nitish Kumar to coincide with Rakshabandhan.  
• Its objectives include: 
  • Promoting public awareness on environmental protection. 
  • Encouraging tree conservation and large-scale plantation. 
  • Mitigating climate change impacts. 
  • Supporting greenery expansion and eco-tourism in the state. 
• The government is also promoting large-scale tree plantation, eco-tourism, and wildlife conservation through schemes like Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali and public awareness campaigns.

India Women Won Bronze at Asia U-20 Rugby

Why in News? 

The Asia Rugby Under-20 Sevens Championship 2025 concluded at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Bihar, with the Indian women's team winning the bronze medal by beating Uzbekistan. China defeated Hong Kong in the men's final to claim the championship title. 

• The tournament, held for the first time in Bihar, showcased exceptional rugby talent from across Asia. 

Asia Rugby U-20 Sevens Championship Results  

• Men's Category: 
  • Hong Kong (Gold) beat Sri Lanka (Silver) 
  • Malaysia (Bronze) beat China  
• Women's Category: 
  • China (Gold) beat Hong Kong (Silver) 
  • India (Bronze) beat Uzbekistan 
• India: Bronze medal in women's category 
  • The Indian team included four players from Bihar – Gudia Kumari, Anshu Kumari, Alpana Kumari, and Aarti Kumari. 

Tournament 

• The official mascot of the Asia Rugby Under-20 Sevens Championship 2025 was 'Ashoka', a rabbit. 
• Featured 192 players from nine Asian nations, along with 32 coaches/support staff and 50 technical officials. 
  • Nations included China, Hong Kong, UAE, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Nepal, and host India. 
• The championship featured 40 matches over two days. 

Rugby Sevens vs Traditional Rugby 

Aspect	Rugby Sevens	Traditional Rugby
Team Size	7 players per team	15 players per team
Game Duration	Two 7-minute halves (14 minutes total)	Two 40-minute halves (80 minutes total)
Gameplay Effect	More open space = faster gameplay	More players = slower-paced gameplay
Tournament Format	Multiple matches per day, 2-3 day tournaments	Single matches, longer competition periods

Asia Rugby  

• Asia Rugby (formerly Asian Rugby Football Union - ARFU) 
• Founded: 1968 by 8 charter nations 
• Current Members: 36 member unions across Asia 
• Governing Body: Regional Association of World Rugby 
  • Asia Rugby Championship (ARC): Established in 1969.