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

Recent Additions to Ramsar Sites in Bihar

Two wetlands in Bihar, specifically the Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries located in Jamui district, have been officially recognized and added to the global list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This recognition brings the total number of such wetlands in India to 82.

Key Information

• Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries: These sanctuaries are now part of the Ramsar Convention, highlighting their significance as important wetlands.
• Origin: Both bird sanctuaries were primarily developed for irrigation purposes through the construction of the Nakti Dam. They are human-made wetlands.
• Designation as Bird Sanctuaries: In 1984, both sanctuaries were designated as Bird Sanctuaries due to their crucial role as wintering habitats for migratory bird species.
• Bird Species: The wetlands are home to various bird species, including one of the largest congregations of red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) and bar-headed geese (Anser indicus).
• Catchment Area: The catchment area of these wetlands features dry deciduous forests and is surrounded by hills.
• Flora and Fauna: The wetlands provide habitats for over 150 species, including birds, mammals, fish, aquatic plants, reptiles, and amphibians. Notable species include the endangered Indian elephant and vulnerable native catfish.
• Asiatic Waterbird Census 2023: During this census, the Nakti Bird Sanctuary reported the highest number of birds, with 7,844, followed by the Nagi Bird Sanctuary with 6,938 birds.
• World Environment Day: The declaration of these sites as Wetlands of International Importance coincided with World Environment Day on June 5th.

Red-Crested Pochard (Netta rufina)

• Description: The red-crested pochard is a large diving duck known for its distinctive appearance.
• Breeding Habitat: This species breeds in lowland marshes and lakes found in southern Europe, extending its range from the Black Sea region to Central Asia and Mongolia.
• Wintering Habitats: During the winter months, the red-crested pochard migrates to the Indian Subcontinent and Africa.
• Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the red-crested pochard is classified as "Least Concern," indicating that it is not currently facing significant threats.
• CITES: The species is also protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates its trade to ensure its conservation.

Sustainable Development Initiatives in Bihar

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

• Bihar can significantly reduce its GHG emissions from rice and livestock production by adopting three transformative technologies in agriculture.
• These technologies include:
  • Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) for paddy cultivation.
  • Advanced Artificial Insemination for cattle breeding.
  • Anti-methanogenic feed supplements in livestock.
• Research indicates that by implementing these practices, Bihar could reduce emissions by 9.4 to 11.2 metric tons annually without compromising productivity.

Agroclimatic Zones and Emission Reduction Potential

• Bihar’s four agroclimatic zones show varying potential for emissions reduction:
  • Zone-I: North Alluvial Plain
  • Zone-II: North East Alluvial Plain
  • Zone-III A: South East Alluvial Plain
  • Zone-III B: South West Alluvial Plain
• The southwest and northwest zones of Bihar have the highest potential for emissions mitigation through AWD.

‘Harit Dhara’ (HD)

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed an anti-methanogenic feed supplement known as ‘Harit Dhara’ (HD). This supplement can reduce methane emissions from cattle by 17-20% and also increase milk production.

Addressing Malnutrition and Emissions

• Agriculture contributes to 20% of India’s GHG emissions, with Bihar significantly impacted by malnutrition, particularly among young children.
• The Zero-Hunger, Zero-Carbon Food Systems project aims to devise strategies for reducing agricultural emissions in Bihar while maintaining productivity levels.
• By implementing the recommended technologies, Bihar can achieve a balance between reducing GHG emissions and improving agricultural productivity, contributing to both environmental sustainability and food security.

Special Category Status for Bihar

Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, has renewed the state’s appeal for Special Category Status (SCS) from the Central Government. This status is expected to boost the tax revenues Bihar receives from the Centre.

The demand for SCS is driven by several factors:

• Low Per Capita Income: Bihar’s per capita income is approximately ₹60,000, one of the lowest in India.
• Human Development Indicators: The state falls behind the national average in various human development metrics.
• Fiscal Challenges: Bihar’s fiscal situation has been worsened by the bifurcation of the state, which led to industries relocating to Jharkhand, a lack of sufficient water resources for irrigation, and frequent natural disasters.
• Poverty Levels: A caste-based survey in 2022 revealed that nearly one-third of Bihar’s population lives below the poverty line.
• In 2023, the Bihar government projected that obtaining Special Category Status could provide an additional ₹2.5 lakh crore over five years, benefiting 94 lakh poor families in the state.
• Historically, Bihar, along with Uttar Pradesh, faced slow growth and high poverty due to poor rule of law, which deterred investments crucial for economic growth. However, Bihar has recently emerged as one of the fastest-growing states in India, improving its per capita income and overall economic size significantly.
• Economic Growth: In 2022-23, Bihar’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 10.6%, surpassing the national average of 7.2%. Furthermore, Bihar’s real per capita income increased by 9.4% in 2023.
• Special Category Status (SCS): SCS is a designation given by the Centre to certain states to aid their development, considering their geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. This classification was established in 1969 based on the recommendations of the Fifth Finance Commission.

Factors for Granting Special Category Status (SCS) to a State

• Hilly and Difficult Terrain
• Low Population Density and/or Significant Tribal Population
• Strategic Location along International Borders
• Economic and Infrastructural Backwardness
• Non-Viable State Finances

14th Finance Commission

• The 14th Finance Commission eliminated the concept of 'special category status' for states, with the exception of the Northeastern states and three hill states.

States with Special Status

• The states that continue to receive special status include:
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Assam
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Manipur
• Meghalaya
• Mizoram
• Nagaland
• Sikkim
• Tripura
• Uttarakhand

Drug Trafficking

Two women alleged to be smugglers were arrested with over 26 kg of cannabis near the Tripura-Mizoram border.

Legal Framework: NDPS Act, 1985

• The women were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
• This Act prohibits various activities related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including production, possession, sale, purchase, transportation, storage, and consumption.
• The Act also established the National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse to support its implementation.

Definition of Drug Trafficking

• Drug trafficking involves the illegal trade of drugs, including cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of illicit substances.
• It includes a range of activities related to drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and synthetic drugs.

Nature of Drug Trafficking

• Drug trafficking is carried out by criminal organizations operating across borders, regions, and continents.

Cannabis Overview

• Definition : Cannabis refers to various psychoactive products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant.
• Prevalence : Cannabis is the most widely cultivated, trafficked, and abused illicit drug globally.
• Plant Characteristics : Most cannabis species are dioecious, meaning they have distinct male and female plants. Unpollinated female plants are used to produce hashish.
• Psychoactive Component : The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis is Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

NEET Leak Controversy

Background of NEET

• The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) is the qualifying examination for MBBS and BDS programs in Indian medical and dental colleges.
• NEET was previously known as the All-India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) and was introduced in 2013 by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
• The National Testing Agency (NTA) now conducts NEET. NTA is an autonomous organization established to conduct entrance examinations for higher education institutions in India.

Recent Developments

• The controversy surrounding the leak of the NEET Undergraduate exam paper has intensified, leading to protests demanding a re-test and a thorough investigation.
• The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) revealed that NEET aspirants in Bihar allegedly paid up to ₹30 lakh for leaked exam papers.
• The Supreme Court is currently hearing several petitions related to the NEET examination, although it has not yet stayed the counseling process for admissions based on NEET results.

Implications

• The unfolding NEET scandal highlights serious issues within the examination system in India.
• It underscores the urgent need for reform and accountability in the conduct of entrance examinations to ensure fairness and transparency.

Nalanda University

The Prime Minister of India is set to inaugurate the new campus of Nalanda University located in Rajgir, Bihar.

• East Asia Summit (EAS) : The university is a collaborative effort between India and various countries, aimed at fostering education and research.
• ‘Net Zero’ Campus : The new campus is designed to be environmentally sustainable. It features a solar power plant, facilities for treating domestic and drinking water, a water recycling plant, and extensive water bodies covering 100 acres. These initiatives are part of the university's commitment to being self-sustainable and eco-friendly.
• Historical Significance : The original Nalanda University, established approximately 1600 years ago, is regarded as one of the world's first residential universities. Its ruins have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring the historical and cultural importance of the site.

East Asia Summit (EAS)

• Establishment : The EAS was formed in 2005 as an initiative led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
• Purpose : It serves as a forum for discussing political, security, and economic issues of strategic significance in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Principles : The EAS operates on principles such as openness, inclusiveness, respect for international law, and ASEAN centrality. ASEAN plays a central role in driving the agenda of the EAS.

Patna High Court Nullifies Bihar’s Quota Enhancement

The Patna High Court has invalidated the Bihar government’s decision to increase the reservation quota for backward classes, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes from 50% to 65% in government jobs and higher educational institutions.

• Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services Amendment Bill, 2023 : The court’s ruling pertains to this bill which aimed to raise the reservation percentage.
• Fundamental Rights Violation : The court found that the quota increase violated fundamental rights to equality enshrined in Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Indian Constitution.
• Indira Sawhney vs Union of India Case : The amendments were deemed violative of the Supreme Court’s verdict in this case, which set a maximum ceiling of 50% for reservations.
• Creamy Layer and Initial Appointments : The concept of ‘creamy layer’ and the provision that reservations for backward classes should be limited to initial appointments, not promotions, were reinforced by this judgment.

Fundamental Rights

• Article 14: Equality Before Law : Ensures no person is denied equality before the law or equal protection of the laws in India, applicable to all persons within the territory.
• Article 15: Prohibition of Discrimination : Prohibits discrimination against citizens on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 16: Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment : Provides for equality of opportunity in public employment for all citizens.

Bridge Collapse in Bihar

• An under-construction bridge in Bihar's East Champaran district has collapsed, marking the third such incident in the state within a week.
• The bridge, measuring 16 meters in length and located over a canal in the Ghorasahan block, was being constructed by the Rural Works Department (RWD) at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore.
• Officials have initiated a departmental inquiry into the matter, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue and promising strict actions against those responsible.
• This incident follows similar collapses in Siwan and Araria districts earlier in the week.

Bihar Cancels Contracts Awarded During Mahagathbandhan Regime

• The Bihar government has recently annulled 350 contracts worth Rs 826 crore, which were awarded by the previous 'Mahagathbandhan' administration for rural drinking water supply.
• The cancellation was prompted by irregularities in the contractor selection process, as identified by an inquiry from the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).
• Banka district recorded the highest number of cancelled contracts, with 106 related to rural water supply systems, followed by Jamui, Lakhisarai, Aurangabad, and Ara.
• Officials from various departments, including health, road construction, urban development, and rural works, have been directed to reassess decisions made by the former grand alliance government in the state.
• The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) is responsible for ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, playing a vital role in enhancing public health and well-being.

Bihar to Introduce Stringent Law Against Exam Paper Leaks

• Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Chaudhary, has announced the government's intention to implement a stringent law to combat exam paper leaks.
• The new legislation, named the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, will be introduced in the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature.
• The central government has already notified the Act, which aims to prevent unfair practices in public examinations and common entrance tests across the country.
• Key features of the Act include:
• Definition of offences related to unfair means, such as paper leaks and collusion with service providers.
• Strict penalties, including a minimum jail term of 3-5 years and fines up to Rs. 1 crore.
• Liability of service providers engaged for exam conduct with fines up to Rs 1 crore and bans on their involvement in public exams.
• Empowerment of police officers to investigate offences under the Act.
• The National Testing Agency (NTA) will oversee a wide range of central government recruitment exams, including those conducted by UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, and others.