State PCS - Bihar (BPSC)

• 07 May 2026

Rajgir Zoo Safari-Based Animation ‘The Wild Call’ Wins Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2026

Why in News? 

The animated film “The Wild Call”, inspired by Rajgir Zoo Safari in Bihar, has been honoured as the Best Animation Film at the 16th Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival 2026. 

Key Points 

• Award: The Wild Call received the Best Animation Film award at the 16th Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival 2026, which recognises excellence in Indian and independent cinema.
  • The film, produced by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bihar, was directed by Naveendh S. Fareed and Azharuddin Sulaiman. 
  • The film’s music was composed by Ghibran Vaibodha, enhancing its overall immersive experience.
  • The project was overseen by Gopal Singh, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, and Ramasundar M, Director of the safari.  
• Theme: It highlights themes such as climate change, habitat conservation, and human–wildlife coexistence.  
• Technology: It is an advanced 180-degree immersive animation project designed to provide a realistic wildlife viewing experience and enhance environmental awareness. 
• Promoting Eco-Tourism: The film showcases Rajgir Zoo Safari as a modern eco-tourism destination, promoting Bihar’s efforts in wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism. 

Read More: Dadasaheb Phalke, Rajgir Zoo Safari

Vietnam President To Lam Visits Bodh Gaya in Bihar

Why in News? 

The President of Vietnam, To Lam, visited Gaya in Bihar as part of his three-day State Visit to India in May 2026. 

Key Points 

• Arrival: To Lam arrived in Gaya (Bihar) marking the beginning of his official State Visit to India. 
  • During his visit, he travelled to Bodh Gaya and offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple, a key Buddhist pilgrimage site. 
• Significance: The visit highlights the cultural and civilisational ties between India and Vietnam, particularly through shared Buddhist heritage. 
• First Visit as President: This is To Lam’s first State Visit to India after assuming office as President of Vietnam in 2026. 
• Mahabodhi Temple:
  • Emperor Ashoka is believed to have revered the Bodhi Tree and constructed the Mahabodhi Temple in the 3rd century BCE. 
  • The site commemorates the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree. 
  • It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. 

Read More: Mahabodhi Temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site

India’s First Barrier-Less Toll System Launched in Gujarat

Why in News?

India has launched its first barrier-less tolling system based on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology in Gujarat, marking a major shift in highway toll collection. 

Key Points 

• System: India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less toll system has been operationalised on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of NH-48 in Gujarat. 
  • The system removes toll booths and physical barriers, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping at highway speeds. 
• Technology Used: It uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag integration for automatic toll deduction. 
• Objective: The system aims to reduce congestion, cut travel time, improve fuel efficiency, and lower emissions on busy highway corridors. 
  • The barrier-less system will improve “Ease of Living” and promote “Ease of Doing Business” by facilitating quicker movement of passengers and goods. 
• Institutional Role: The initiative is implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 

Read More: Ease of Doing Business, NHAI

Two Indian Journalists Win Prestigious Pulitzer Prize

Why in News?

Indian journalists Anand RK and Suparna Sharma have won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category for their project “trAPPed”, produced with Natalie Obiko Pearson for Bloomberg.

Key Points

• Award-Winning Project: The project “trAPPed” highlights the growing menace of digital surveillance, cyber fraud, and “digital arrest” scams in India.
  • It narrates the story of an Indian neurologist allegedly trapped through her phone by cybercriminals using intimidation and surveillance tactics.
  • The Pulitzer Board described it as a “riveting account” that effectively combines visual storytelling and investigative journalism to expose emerging technology-driven crimes.
• Global Recognition of Indian Journalism: The award underlines the increasing international recognition of Indian investigative and visual journalism.
• Focus on Cybercrime: It highlights the global challenge posed by digital scams, online surveillance, and cyber fraud networks.
• Rise of Visual Storytelling: The project showcases how graphic narratives and illustrated reporting can simplify complex technological and social issues.
• Press Freedom & Investigative Journalism: The award reinforces the importance of independent journalism in exposing emerging threats in the digital age.

Read More: Pulitzer Prize