BPSC Monthly Current Affairs: November 2024 | Monthly Current Affairs BPSC - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Bihar's Health Infrastructure: A Critical Assessment

Why in News?

The Bihar government has come under fire for its inadequate healthcare system, as highlighted in the Audit Report on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services (2016-2022) by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

This report was presented during the ongoing winter session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, drawing attention to significant deficiencies in the state's healthcare framework.

Key Points

1. Human Resource Shortages

• Bihar is facing a critical shortage of personnel in key health departments, with a 49% vacancy rate in essential areas such as the Directorate of Health Services, State Drug Controller, Food Safety Wing, and Medical Colleges and Hospitals (MCHs).
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a ratio of one allopathic doctor per 1,000 people. However, Bihar has only one doctor for every 2,148 people, indicating a shortfall of 66,775 doctors.
• The state also faces severe shortages of staff nurses and paramedics, with vacancy rates ranging from 18% to 90% in different districts.
• Recruitment for over 13,000 healthcare posts remains pending as of January 2022.

2. Infrastructure and Facility Gaps

• None of the four Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) inspected had operational Operation Theatres (OT), violating Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).
• The provision of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets to pregnant women was alarmingly low, with only 1% to 67% receiving the full course in the facilities checked.
• Maternal death reviews were inadequately conducted, with only one review out of 24 reported cases during the audit period.
• Diagnostic facilities were lacking, with 19% to 100% of required services absent in 68 healthcare facilities.

3. Drug and Equipment Shortages

• Essential drugs were missing in a significant number of Outpatient Departments (OPDs) and Inpatient Departments (IPDs), with shortages ranging from 21% to 83%.
• Medical colleges reported drug shortages of 45% to 68% due to non-supply in fiscal years 2019-21.

4. Budget Utilization and Policy Deficiencies

• Bihar utilized only 69% of the allocated healthcare budget of Rs 69,790.83 crore between FYs 2016-17 and 2021-22, leaving Rs 21,743.04 crore unspent.
• Healthcare expenditure as a percentage of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ranged from 1.33% to 1.73%, and against the state budget, it ranged from 3.31% to 4.41%.
• The state lacked a comprehensive health policy aligned with the National Health Policy 2017, which is crucial for addressing infrastructure and equipment deficiencies.

5. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Performance

• Bihar scored 66 out of 100 in the NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index Report for 2020-21 under SDG-3 (health sector).
• However, the state’s performance on critical health indicators such as Maternal Mortality Rate, Neonatal Mortality, and Total Fertility Rate was significantly below SDG targets and national averages.

Comptroller and Auditor General

• The CAG of India, as per Article 148 of the Constitution, heads the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IAAD) and is responsible for safeguarding the public purse and overseeing the financial system at both central and state levels.
• The CAG is considered a key pillar of India’s democratic system, alongside the Supreme Court, Election Commission, and Union Public Service Commission.
• The CAG is appointed by the President of India and serves a term of six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The CAG can only be removed by the President following a constitutional procedure, ensuring the officeholder's independence.

Yuva Sangam

Why in News?

Under the Yuva Sangam initiative, 44 delegates from Bihar have begun their journey to Karnataka, while 50 delegates from Andhra Pradesh are heading to Uttar Pradesh.

About Yuva Sangam:

• Yuva Sangam is a flagship program launched by the Ministry of Education in 2023.
• The initiative aims to strengthen connections among youth across different States and Union Territories.
• It promotes the idea of unity in diversity by fostering cultural immersion, knowledge sharing, and meaningful interactions.
• Participants, aged 18 to 30, include students, volunteers, and young professionals from various backgrounds.
• A total of 4,795 youth have participated in 114 tours across various phases.

Phase V of Yuva Sangam:

• For Phase V, twenty eminent institutions across India have been selected to participate.
• Participants from these institutions will visit their paired states or Union Territories, led by the nodal Higher Education Institutes (HEIs).

Key Areas of Exposure:

• During the Yuva Sangam tours, participants will receive exposure in five broad areas known as the 5 Ps:
  • Paryatan (Tourism)
  • Parampara (Traditions)
  • Pragati (Development)
  • Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect)
  • Prodyogiki (Technology)
• The tours last for 5-7 days, excluding travel days.

Collaborative Effort:

• Yuva Sangam is organized through a ‘Whole of Government’ approach, with support from multiple Ministries, Departments, and State Governments.
• Key stakeholders include the Ministries of Home Affairs, Culture, Tourism, Youth Affairs & Sports, Information & Broadcasting, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), and Railways.

Bihar to Host Khelo India Youth Games & Para Games in 2025

Why in News?

Bihar will be the host for the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) and the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) in 2025.

Khelo India Youth Games:

• KIYG is a national-level sports competition in India designed for school and college students.
• It is part of the Khelo India initiative, which aims to promote sports culture and identify talent at the grassroots level.
• The Games are held annually, usually in January or February.
• The previous editions have taken place in Delhi, Pune, Guwahati, Panchkula, and Bhopal.
• Format: KIYG features two categories: under-17 school students and under-21 college students.
• It operates on a team championship basis, where individual or team medals contribute to the overall medal tally of their respective state or Union Territory (UT).
• The state or UT with the highest gold medal count at the end of the event is declared the winner.

Khelo India Para Games:

• KIPG is focused on empowering para athletes in India.
• It is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the Sports Authority of India, and other bodies as part of the broader Khelo India Initiative.

Sports Infrastructure in Bihar:

• Bihar has 38 Khelo India Centres and one Khelo India State Centre of Excellence, providing facilities for athletes at various levels.
• There are also three Sports Authority of India Training Centres in the state to cater to its sporting needs.

NHRC Takes Suo Motu on Food Poisoning Report

Why in News?

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken Suo Motu cognizance of a media report regarding food poisoning incidents at a shelter home in Patna, leading to fatalities. The shelter home is funded by the Bihar government’s Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Human Rights Violation Concern: 

• The NHRC noted that the media report raises serious concerns about human rights violations affecting the victims. 
• The authorities of the shelter home are legally obligated to provide adequate care to the inmates as their custodians.

Notice to Bihar Government: The NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Bihar, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. The report should include:

• The health status of the victims.
• Information on any compensation provided to the victims or their families.
• Steps taken or proposed to prevent such incidents in the future.

Unhygienic Conditions at the Shelter Home:. media report indicated that during an inspection, authorities found unhygienic conditions at the Shelter Home. The report also highlighted that proper hygiene was not being maintained during food preparation at the shelter.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

• Rights Protection: The NHRC safeguards rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity as guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and international covenants enforceable by Indian courts.
• Establishment: The NHRC was established on 12th October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993, and amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2006, and Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019.
• Conformity with Paris Principles: The NHRC was established in accordance with the Paris Principles, adopted for promoting and protecting human rights.

Inactivity at India’s First Dolphin Research Centre

Why in News? 

The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Bihar, dedicated to dolphin conservation, is facing operational challenges months after its inauguration due to insufficient advanced equipment and skilled personnel.

Inauguration and Current State:

• The NDRC, situated near Patna and inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister on March 4, 2024, is currently non-functional, characterized by neglect and locked glass doors.

Impact on Dolphin Conservation:

• The delay in operationalizing the NDRC has significantly hindered crucial research on Gangetic dolphins, which are India’s national aquatic animal.
• RK Sinha, known as the “Dolphin Man of India” and the proponent of the NDRC 15 years ago, has expressed disappointment over the lack of progress at the centre.

Official Assurance:

• The Chief Wildlife Warden of Bihar Forest has assured that the NDRC will commence operations within the financial year 2024-25.
• The centre’s objectives include dolphin conservation, studying their behaviour and habitat, and training fishermen to protect dolphins during fishing activities.

Strategic Location and Importance:

• Covering an area of 4,400 square metres, the NDRC is strategically located on the Patna University campus near the Ganga River, facilitating direct observation of dolphins in their natural habitat.

Conservation Challenges:

• Bihar, home to half of India’s 3,000 Gangetic dolphins, is facing significant threats to dolphin habitats due to activities such as construction and pollution.
• The National Green Tribunal has recently raised concerns about the threat posed by bridge debris in Bhagalpur to the dolphin population.

Significance of Gangetic Dolphins:

• Gangetic dolphins, which are endangered, rely on echolocation to navigate their environment as they are blind. This technique is vital for their survival and plays a crucial role in the river ecosystem.
• Echolocation involves using reflected sound to locate objects and is also used by other animals like bats.
• These dolphins are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and guidelines set by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• They thrive in deep waters with minimal currents, which are essential for their habitat.

Historical Habitat:

• The Ganges river dolphin, identified in 1801, historically inhabited the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• In India, their presence has been recorded in rivers such as the Ghagra, Kosi, Gandak, Chambal, and Yamuna, as well as in the mainstream Ganga River and its tributaries like the Rupnarayan and others.

Rajgir to Host Men’s Hockey Asia Cup

Why in News?

According to the officials, theRajgir Sports Complex will be hosting the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup in 2025. Scheduled from 27th August to 7th September, the event will also be a qualifying event for the World Cup, 2026.

Preparation for Hosting a Men’s Event:

• Following the success of the women’s six-nation event, Bihar is gearing up to host the prestigious Asia Cup men’s tournament.
• The Asia Cup, a qualifying event for the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, is expected to draw larger crowds and increased interest.

The Men’s Hockey Asia Cup

Asian Hockey Federation
It is an event held annually by the since 2011 with India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and Chinaparticipating in the inaugural tournament.

• The Asian Hockey Federation is the governing body for hockey in Asia.
• It has 33 member associations and it is affiliated to the
• The Asia Cup is an eight-team tournament, with the winner securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

150th Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated a commemorative stamp and coin in Bihar's Jamui district to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a tribal icon and freedom fighter.

Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Celebration:

• In 2021, the Centre designated November 15, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
• The 2024 celebration marks the beginning of year-long festivities for the 150th anniversary of Munda's birth.

Various Projects and Initiatives:

• The Prime Minister launched and laid the foundation for multiple tribal welfare projects exceeding Rs 6,640 crore.
• He also inaugurated two tribal freedom fighter museums and tribal research institutes.

Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Yojana

• Originally called PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA), this scheme aims to implement existing initiatives in 63,000 Scheduled Tribe-majority villages.
• The initiative, named after Birsa Munda, addresses gaps in social infrastructure, livelihood, and other critical areas through 25 interventions by 17 different Ministries and Departments.

Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)

• Launched on November 15, 2023, PM-JANMAN focuses on improving the socio-economic welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with state governments and PVTG communities.
• It covers various sectors such as safe housing, clean drinking water, healthcare, education, nutrition, connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Van Dhan Vikas Kendras

• The plan includes establishing Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for trading in forest produce, setting up off-grid solar power systems for 1 lakh households, and installing solar street lights.
• The scheme aims to enhance the quality of life and well-being of PVTGs by addressing their discrimination and exclusion, while also recognizing their unique contributions to national and global development.

Exhibition Honoring Tribal Legacy:

• The Prime Minister also visited an exhibition honoring the legacy of Birsa Munda and other tribal freedom fighters.
• The exhibition features artwork from Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) students and literature on Birsa Munda's life, along with displays highlighting tribal history and achievements.

Prime Minister Inaugurates Various Development Projects in Bihar

Why in News?

Prime Minister Modi recently launched the foundation stone for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in Darbhanga, Bihar, along with other projects totaling Rs 12,100 crore.

AIIMS, Darbhanga Project:

• A new AIIMS is being developed in Darbhanga, with an investment of ₹1264 crore over 187 acres in Sobhan. It is scheduled to be completed within three years.
• This will be Bihar’s second AIIMS, aimed at strengthening the state's healthcare infrastructure.
• The facility will include a super-specialty hospital, an AYUSH block, a medical and nursing college, along with a night shelter and residential facilities for staff.
• It aims to deliver advanced tertiary healthcare services to the people of Bihar and nearby states.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras:

• The Prime Minister will inaugurate 18 Jan Aushadhi Kendras at railway stations across the country to boost access to affordable medicines.
• These centers focus on encouraging the use of generic drugs to lower the cost of medical treatment for travelers.
• The initiative was introduced to ensure affordable, quality medicines, especially for economically weaker sections, and was later relaunched as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) in September 2015.

National Highway Development:

• The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for multiple highway projects worth ₹5,070 crore.
• Among these is the four-lane Galgalia-Araria stretch on NH-327E, which will serve as an alternate route from Araria to West Bengal.

Railway Infrastructure Projects

• Railway projects totaling over ₹1,740 crore will be launched, which include gauge conversion works and the construction of a bypass line to help reduce traffic congestion.

MEMU Train Services:

• New Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains will begin operating in the Jhanjharpur–Laukaha Bazar section, improving access to employment and education for nearby residents.

• A MEMU is a type of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) designed for short- and medium-distance travel.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Sector Initiatives:

• The Prime Minister will launch projects worth over ₹4,020 crore in the petroleum and natural gas sector.

• This includes a City Gas Distribution network in five Bihar districts — Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar, developed by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.

• Additionally, the foundation stone for a bitumen-manufacturing unit at the Barauni refinery has been laid to help reduce reliance on imports.

Development of Integrated Manufacturing Cluster in Gaya

Why in News?

Recently, the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) and the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) signed the State Support Agreement (SSA) and Shareholder Agreement (SHA) to establish an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Gaya.

• The project aims to blend industrial growth with Gaya's cultural heritage, aligning with the vision of "Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi."
• Gaya, known for its pilgrimage and heritage tourism, will host the IMC, which is expected to generate approximately 1,09,185 jobs with a project cost of Rs 1,339 crore.

Industrial Growth and Employment Generation

• The IMC in Gaya is expected to significantly boost local economic growth by generating around 1,09,185 jobs.
• Targeted industries within the cluster include:
• Building materials
• Agri-food processing
• Leather goods
• Garments
• Furniture
• Handloom and handicrafts
• Engineering and fabrications
• Medical equipment

Strategic Connectivity and Access

• IMC Gaya will offer strategic connectivity through:
• National Highways
• Gaya Junction (railway station)
• Upcoming New Paharpur Railway Station
• Key airports include:
• Gaya International Airport
• Patna International Airport
• Ranchi Airport
• Proximity to major ports and inland terminals such as:
• Haldia Port
• Gaighat in Patna
• Ramnagar in Varanasi

Planned Infrastructure and Facilities

• Planned facilities within IMC Gaya include:
• Skill development center
• Fire station
• Administrative office
• Parking and commercial space
• Planned infrastructure includes:
• Common Effluent Treatment Plant
• Sewage Treatment Plant
• Solid Waste Management
• Water Treatment Plant
• Stormwater drainage
• Green landscaping

Economic Vision

• The IMC Gaya project aligns with the "Make in India" vision, aiming to drive economic growth and create extensive employment opportunities.
• It strengthens Bihar's role as an industrial hub in Eastern India, contributing to regional development and industrialization.

Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC)

• The Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor is a key economic corridor covering Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
• The corridor extends from Amritsar in Punjab to Dankuni in West Bengal, spanning a length of 1,839 kilometers.
• The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor serves as the backbone of this economic corridor, facilitating efficient freight movement and supporting industrial activities.

Rajgir Sports Complex

Why in News?
Rajgir Sports Complex is set to host the Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, 2024 from 11th to 20th November, 2024 in Rajgir, Bihar.

Facilities and Features:

• Rajgir Sports Complex, built at a cost of around Rs 740 crores, is one of India’s largest and most advanced sports complexes, designed to be self-sufficient.
• The complex will host 25 sports, including hockey, football, kabaddi, volleyball, swimming, and wrestling, all meeting international standards.
• The hockey arena, the first to be completed, can seat 8,000-10,000 spectators and features a playing field identical to the one used in Paris.

Architectural Style:

• The Bihar government opted for brick and stone for the complex’s office buildings, residential facilities, and sports venues, giving it a grand, traditional appearance.
• The design pays homage to Bihar’s ancient Nalanda University, a renowned center of learning, with murals reflecting this theme in the hockey arena’s changing rooms.

Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy Overview:

• The Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy is a biennial international field hockey competition featuring the top six women’s national teams from the Asian Hockey Federation.
• South Korea holds the record for the most titles, having won the tournament three times. India and Japan have each won the tournament twice.

Chhath Puja

Why in News? 

Chhath Puja, a four-day festival honoring the Sun, involves rigorous fasting and offerings to Usha (the rising Sun) and Pratyusha (the setting Sun) while standing in water.

• Origin and Beliefs: Chhath is believed to be an ancient tradition rooted in nature worship, as seen in the Ramayana and Mahabharata where figures like Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Draupadi, and Karna performed rituals for the Sun.
• Rituals: The festival starts on the sixth day of Kartik Shukla Paksha and includes various rituals over four days, such as taking a ceremonial bath, fasting, and making offerings to the Sun.
• Underlying Message: Chhath conveys the idea of equality before God, the sacredness of nature, and the cyclical nature of life, symbolized by the setting Sun's promise of a new dawn.

Cat Snake Spotted in Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Why in News? 

The common cat snake (Boiga trigonata), a rare and minimally venomous species, was recently discovered in Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve.

About Common Cat Snake

• Also Known As: Indian gamma snake
• Family: Colubridae
• Found In: South Asia, particularly the Indian Subcontinent
• Habitat: Dense and open forests, rocky hills, and scrub jungles
• Hiding Spots: Tree holes, crevices, and dense vegetation at low to moderate heights

Features:

• Thin, long body with smooth, non-glossy scales
• Greyish-brown dorsal side with light zig-zag patterns; whitish belly with tiny spots
• Triangular head with a distinct Y-pattern on top
• Large golden eyes with vertical pupils

Venom Characteristics:

• Mildly venomous, poses no significant threat to humans
• Impacts small animals

Lifespan: 12-20 years

Diet: Primarily small vertebrates

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR)

• Located in West Champaran district of Bihar, VTR borders Nepal to the north and Uttar Pradesh to the west. It is the only tiger reserve in the state.
• The reserve lies in the Gangetic plains bio-geographic zone, featuring vegetation that combines the Bhabar and Terai regions.
• It is home to various wild animals, including tigers, sloth bears, leopards, wild dogs, bisons, wild boars, and more.
• Several rivers, such as Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan, and Bhapsa, run through different parts of the reserve.

Maithili's Journey for Classical Status

Why in News? 
According to the sources, Maithili was not granted classical status, despite recurring demands, as the Bihar government did not formally submit the proposal.

What is Classical Status?

• Classical status is a recognition given to languages with a rich literary heritage and significant historical importance.
• Maithili, spoken by millions, has a deep-rooted literary tradition, but it has faced challenges in gaining this prestigious status.

Why Maithili Missed Out

• Despite strong support and demands, Maithili was not granted classical status because the Bihar government did not formally submit the necessary proposal.

The Recommendation Process

• Classical status is recommended by a committee of linguistics experts, including representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, and is chaired by the president of the committee.
• After the committee's recommendation, the Union Cabinet must approve it, followed by a gazette notification.

Technicalities of the Maithili Proposal

• The Maithili Sahitya Sansthan in Patna prepared a proposal for Maithili's classical status.
• However, the Bihar government did not forward this proposal to the Union Home Ministry, which was a crucial step in the process.

Cultural and Linguistic Significance of Maithili

• According to the 2011 census, there are approximately 12 million Maithili speakers in India.
• Maithili has been recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution since 2003.
• It is an optional subject in the Union Public Service Commission exam and gained official language status in Jharkhand in 2018.
• The language is predominantly spoken in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Nepal.

Political Support for Maithili's Status

• The Janata Dal (United) party has been a strong advocate for Maithili's classical status.
• They emphasize Maithili's 1,300-year literary heritage and its continuous evolution as reasons for deserving classical recognition.

Recent Recognitions of Classical Language Status

• In October 2024, languages such as Assamese and Bengali were granted classical status, following proposals from their respective state governments.
• Earlier, languages like Sanskrit, Pali, and Prakrit were considered, with only Sanskrit being recognized in 2005.

Benefits of Classical Language Status

• Languages recognized as classical receive support from the Ministry of Education.
• This includes two annual awards to honor distinguished scholars, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for dedicated studies, and the setting up of professional academic chairs at central universities.

Maithili Language

• Maithili is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in Bihar, part of the eastern sub-group.
• It is closely related to Bhojpuri and Magadhi.
• The language is believed to have evolved from the Magadhan Prakrit.
• During the medieval period, Maithili was the literary language of eastern India.
• The language gained prominence in literature in the 14th century, thanks to poet Vidyapati, who played a crucial role in establishing its literary significance.
• In 2003, Maithili was accorded Constitutional status and became one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Demise of Bihar’s Folk Icon

Key Points 

• Sharda Sinha, fondly known as Bihar Kokila, was a celebrated Indian folk singer who made immense contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi music.
• She played a crucial role in popularizing Bihar’s traditional music, bringing it to a broader audience across India and beyond.

Awards and Recognition:

• In 2018, Sharda Sinha was honored with the Padma Bhushan award in recognition of her substantial contributions to Indian folk music.

About Chhath Festival:

• Chhath is a festival celebrated six days after Diwali, primarily in the regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
• The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and Shashti Devi, commonly known as Chhathi Maiya.
• Chhath involves various religious rituals and holds significant cultural importance in the communities where it is celebrated.