Patna, Nov. 14: The feats of state residents Sushil Kumar and Anil Kumar Sinha at Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has sparked a new interest among youngsters — buying books on general knowledge and current affairs.

At the ongoing book fair at Gandhi Maidan, stalls selling such books are witnessing a mad rush of students.

Recently, Motihari resident Sushil bagged the jackpot amount of Rs 5 crore at KBC , followed by another contestant from Bihar, Anil, who became the second crorepati at the popular game show.

Organisers of the fair said the biggest demand was of books on literature. However, demand for books on general knowledge and current affairs come a close second.

Stalls of Upkar Prakashan and Ramesh Publishing House have been witnessing a huge rush of youths, mostly college students, who are keen on buying books on general knowledge.

Vikash Singh, a sales executive of Upkar Prakashan, said: “Books on general knowledge and current affairs sell like hot cakes every year. However, this year, the demand has soared compared to last year. Thanks to KBC, which has seen two winners from the state.”

This year, Upkar Prakashan has brought One Week GK, which is in great demand among students. The book, priced at Rs 170, contains questions, along with their answers, asked in various competitive examinations for the past 15 years.

Moreover, a book on Indian economy and polity, too, is in great demand. Sudhir Ranjan, a graduation student at College of Commerce, said: “I have come to buy books on general knowledge. At book fair, we can get a variety of books on a particular topic under one roof.”

Ranjan added that both Sushil and Anil have proved that students of Bihar have better knowledge of current affairs and it could beachieved through regular practise.

Brijmohan Dubey, a friend of Sudhir who had come to the fair, said: “The type of questions Sushil handled at the game show proved that it requires a thorough command over general knowledge. Amitabh Bachchan’s final question to Sushil on KBC — Which foreign colonial power left India after selling off the Nicobar Island to the British in 1868? — was tough. But Sushil’s correct answer showed that he had done his homework.”

An official with the Ramesh Publishing House, which also sells competitive books, said apart from the Sushil and Anil factor, competitive examinations, in the coming six months also pushed the sale of books on general knowledge. Next in line is the Teacher Eligibility Test, which will be conducted shortly.