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

Achievement of Bihar Alcohol Ban

A recent study published in the  Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia  journal highlights the positive impacts of Bihar's alcohol ban implemented in 2016. The research indicates that the ban significantly reduced cases of alcohol consumption, intimate partner violence, and obesity in the state.

Key Points

• International Food Policy Research Institute: Researchers from the Institute, including those from the Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division in the US, examined data from various health and household surveys. Their findings suggest that strict alcohol regulation policies can lead to substantial health benefits for frequent drinkers and victims of intimate partner violence.
• Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016: This legislation, enacted in April 2016, imposed a near-total ban on the manufacture, transport, sale, and consumption of alcohol in Bihar. The strict enforcement of this ban made it a valuable case study for assessing the impact of stringent alcohol restrictions on health and domestic violence outcomes.
• National Family Health Surveys: Data from these surveys (NHFS-3, 4, and 5) indicated a rising trend in alcohol consumption among males in Bihar before the ban. After the implementation of the ban, there was a noticeable decrease in emotional and sexual violence in the state.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) (Article 47): Article 47 of the Constitution emphasizes the state's responsibility to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs harmful to health, except for medicinal purposes. While DPSPs are not legally enforceable, they set aspirational goals for the state to create conditions for the well-being of its citizens.

The Constitution and the Indian state view alcohol as a harmful substance that requires regulation.

Seventh Schedule:

• According to the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, alcohol is a state subject. This means that state legislatures have the authority and responsibility to create laws regarding alcohol, including its production, manufacture, possession, transport, purchase, and sale.
• As a result, laws concerning alcohol vary from state to state, ranging from strict prohibition to allowing private sales.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve

A tigress that was relocated from the Corbett Tiger Reserve to the Rajaji Tiger Reserve has given birth to four cubs, as reported by the Chief Wildlife Warden.

Corbett Tiger Reserve

• The tigress is part of a group of three tigresses that were translocated from the Corbett Tiger Reserve to the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
• Rajaji National Park plays a crucial role as a link to other potential tiger habitats, which include areas in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.
• In the western part of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, four tigers (three females and one male) were translocated in December 2020, January 2021, and May 2023.

Rajaji National Park   

• Location: Haridwar (Uttarakhand), situated along the foothills of the Shivalik range. Rajaji National Park is part of this region.  
• Background: Rajaji National Park was established in 1983 when three sanctuaries in Uttarakhand—Rajaji, Motichur, and Chila—were merged. The park was named after the renowned freedom fighter C. Rajgopalachari, popularly known as “Rajaji.”  
• Tiger Reserve: In 2015, Rajaji National Park was declared a tiger reserve, becoming the 48th tiger reserve in the country.  
• Salient Features:  Flora: The park boasts a diverse range of flora, including broadleaved deciduous forests, riverine vegetation, scrubland, grasslands, and pine forests. Sal (Shorea robusta) is the dominant tree species in the area.  
• Fauna: Rajaji Tiger Reserve is home to over 50 species of mammals, such as tigers, elephants, leopards, Himalayan black bears, sloth bears, jackals, hyenas, spotted deer, sambhar deer, barking deer, nilgai, monkeys, and more than 300 species of birds.   
• Rivers: The Ganga and Song rivers flow through Rajaji National Park, adding to its ecological diversity.   

Bihar Lok Sabha Elections Phase 5

Bihar saw a voter turnout of 52.35% in five constituencies during the fifth phase of the general elections.

• According to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 55.30% in Muzaffarpur, 53.81% in Hajipur, 53.13% in Sitamarhi, 50.46% in Saran, and 49.01% in Madhubani.
• Over 95 lakh voters in these five seats are deciding the fate of 80 candidates at 9,436 polling stations.
• Among these voters, 45.11 lakh are women, 21 lakh are under 29 years old, and 1.26 lakh are in the 18-19 age group.

Lok Sabha (House of the People)

The Lok Sabha is the lower house of Parliament and represents the people of India as a whole.

• Composition: The Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 550 members. Out of these, 530 members represent the States, and 20 members represent the Union Territories.
• Currently, there are 543 members in the Lok Sabha, with 530 members representing the States and 13 members representing the Union Territories.
• Election of Representatives: Members representing the States are directly elected by the people of the States. In Union Territories, members are also directly elected, as per the Union Territories (Direct Election to the House of the People) Act, 1965.
• Function: The Lok Sabha plays a crucial role in selecting the executive, who are responsible for implementing the laws made by Parliament. The executive is often referred to as the government.

Kanwar Lake

• Ramsar Site: Kanwar Lake, also known as Kabartal Jheel, is a Ramsar site and Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake. It is Bihar’s only Ramsar site, recognized for its ecological significance.
• Formation: The lake is a residual oxbow lake formed due to the meandering of the Gandak River, a tributary of the Ganga. Oxbow lakes are crescent-shaped lakes that form alongside winding rivers due to erosion and sediment deposition.
• Migratory Birds: The wetland is a crucial stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, supporting 58 species of migratory waterbirds that use the site to rest and refuel during their long journeys.
• Fish Biodiversity: Kanwar Lake is home to over 50 species of fish, contributing to the region’s fish biodiversity.
• Critically Endangered Species: The site hosts five critically endangered species, including three vultures—the red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture, and Indian vulture—and two waterbirds, the sociable lapwing and Baer’s pochard. These species are at risk due to habitat loss and other human activities.
• Threats: The lake faces significant threats from water management activities such as drainage, water abstraction, damming, and canalization. These activities disrupt the natural water flow and habitat, threatening the survival of the lake and its biodiversity.
• Need for Restoration: There is a strong belief that with government initiatives for restoration, Kanwar Lake can regain its former glory. Restoring the lake could transform it into a significant tourist destination, providing new job opportunities for local residents and enhancing the region’s ecological health.

Bihar Lok Sabha Elections 2024

• Bihar witnessed a voter turnout of over 54% in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, covering five constituencies.
• The highest polling percentage was recorded in Begusarai at 58.40%, followed by Samastipur at 58.10%, Darbhanga at 56.63%, Ujiarpur at 56%, and Munger at 55%.
• A total of 55 candidates were in the running, with over 95.85 lakh voters casting their votes across 5,398 polling stations.

Facts and Figures by Election Commission of India (ECI)

• The Lok Sabha Election 2024 is scheduled to take place in seven phases.
• A total of 96.8 crore electors are expected to participate in the election.
• There are 1.8 crore first-time voters and 19.47 crore voters aged between 20-29 years.
• In 12 states, the number of female voters is higher than that of male voters.
• Over 85 lakh first-time female voters will be participating in the 2024 general election.
• This election will be the first general election following significant events such as the abolition of Article 370, the construction of the Temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019.
• Legislative Assembly elections in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim will be held concurrently with the general election, along with by-elections for 35 seats across 16 states.
• The results of the 2024 general elections, also known as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, will be announced on June 4, 2024.

Bihar Environment Secretary Addresses Jakarta Futures Forum

The Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Bihar recently participated in the Jakarta Futures Forum in Indonesia to highlight the efforts being made in India and Bihar to promote renewable sources of energy.

Milestones in Renewable Energy

• India achieved 40% of its electric-generation capacity from non-fossil fuels by November 2021, surpassing its commitment made at the United Nations’ Conference of Parties (COP) 21 during the Paris Summit.
• Bihar is leading the way by developing a Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Development Pathway, being the first state in India to do so.

Forum Highlights

• The forum included a panel discussion on "International Cooperation for Facilitating a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition," featuring experts from various sectors. 
• The Secretary of Bihar emphasized the importance of international collaboration, especially in supporting developing countries and addressing the needs of workers and communities affected by the energy transition.

India's Renewable Energy Status

• India ranks fourth globally in renewable energy installed capacity (including large hydro), fourth in wind power capacity, and fifth in solar power capacity.
• The country is committed to achieving 50% of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, energy independence by 2047, and net-zero emissions by 2070.

Bihar's Climate Initiatives

• Bihar has implemented various programs to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with national objectives.
• The Jal Jeevan Hariyali Mission, a flagship program in Bihar, aims to rejuvenate water bodies, promote biodiversity conservation, and enhance green cover.
• The Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) is working on an updated Renewable Energy Policy-2024.
• The state is also finalizing the Bihar State Action Plan on Climate Change, which advocates for energy transition and climate resilience.

Jakarta Futures Forum: Blue Horizons, Green Growth 2024

• The Jakarta Futures Forum, hosted by the Embassy of India in Jakarta in collaboration with various organizations, aims to foster a meaningful and inclusive future for India and Indonesia. 
• The success of this initiative reflects the potential for collective efforts and innovative solutions to create a fairer and more equitable world, with inclusion being a key focus in the agendas of both countries.

Boycott of 2024 Elections by Villagers in Bihar

The Kosi River and Its Impact

• The Kosi River, known for its heavy silt and sand deposits, is a trans-boundary river flowing through Tibet, Nepal, and India.
• Originating in Tibet, it drains a large part of Nepal before entering the Gangetic plains in India.
• In Bihar, the Kosi branches into several distributaries before joining the Ganges, earning the nickname “Sorrow of Bihar” due to its devastating annual floods.

Khokhanaha Village's Struggles

• Khokhanaha village in Supaul’s Kosi region has faced severe hardships due to the Kosi River's flooding and shifting course.
• A few years ago, the river caused extensive damage to the village, and more recently, it isolated Khokhanaha and four other villages, turning them into an island between two Kosi streams.
• Despite being only five kilometers from Supaul, it now takes an entire day for residents to travel there for basic necessities.

Government Neglect and Recurring Floods

• Residents of Khokhanaha and neighboring villages feel abandoned by the government, facing recurring floods that devastate their lives and livelihoods.
• They receive little to no compensation for their losses, and there are inadequate measures to control the river's flooding.
• Essential services such as electricity and healthcare are also severely lacking in these areas.

Election Boycott

• In protest against the neglect from all political parties and the government, Khokhanaha village boycotted the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the 2020 Bihar Assembly polls.
• This trend of refusing to vote is continuing into the 2024 elections, as residents express their anger and frustration over the lack of government initiative to address their suffering.