State PCS - Bihar (BPSC)

• 04 Nov 2025

Gogabeel Lake Declared India’s 94th Ramsar Site

Why in News?

India has added Gogabeel Lake in Katihar district, Bihar, to the list of Ramsar sites, officially becoming the 94th Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971). The recognition underscores India’s growing leadership in wetland conservation and its commitment to sustainable ecological management.

Key Points

• Gogabeel Lake is an oxbow lake situated between the Ganga and Mahananda rivers in Katihar district, Bihar.
• It is Bihar’s first community reserve and functions as a floodplain wetland, naturally linking with both rivers during the monsoon.
• Gogabeel is now Bihar’s sixth Ramsar site, joining others such as Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel among others.
  • Ecological Importance:
  • Serves as a major habitat for migratory birds and a breeding ground for aquatic species.
  • Supports rich biodiversity, including aquatic flora, fish, and wetland-dependent species.
  • Plays a key role in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and climate regulation in the Gangetic plains.
• India’s Global Standing:
  • With 94 Ramsar sites, India ranks third globally after the United Kingdom (176) and Mexico (144) and first in Asia.
  • Over 67 new wetlands have been added in the last 11 years, covering more than 13.6 lakh hectares of protected wetland area.
    

Ramsar Convention

• Signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, the Convention is an intergovernmental treaty for conserving and using wetlands sustainably.
• It currently has 172 member countries and over 2,500 designated sites worldwide.

First Export of Fortified Rice Kernel from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica

Why in News?

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), has facilitated the first-ever export consignment of 12 metric tonnes of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica. 

Key Points

• About the Export:
  • The 12 MT consignment of FRK was shipped from Chhattisgarh, marking the state’s first international export of fortified rice products.
  • It establishes Chhattisgarh as an emerging hub for fortified and value-added rice exports.
    
• About Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK):
  • FRK is made by blending rice flour with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
  • These enriched granules are extruded and molded into rice-like grains, then blended with regular rice in specific proportions (commonly 1:100) to enhance nutrition.
    

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)

• Establishment: Created in 1986 under the APEDA Act, an act of Parliament.
• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
• Mandate:
  • Promotes export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products such as rice, meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and organic items.
  • Provides financial assistance, training, certification, and export facilitation to stakeholders.
  • Functions as the nodal body for India’s participation in international agri-food exhibitions.
    

Fortified Rice Mission (FRM)

• Launch: Announced during the Union Budget 2021–22 and formally rolled out by the Government of India.
  
• Implementing Ministries: Department of Food & Public Distribution and Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
• Objective:
  • To provide fortified rice through all government food schemes by 2026, including:
    • Public Distribution System (PDS)
    • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
    • PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
  • To address hidden hunger caused by micronutrient deficiencies (iron, folic acid, vitamin B12).

India Women Win 2025 World Cup

Why in News?

India’s women’s cricket team created history by clinching their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title after defeating South Africa in the final. 

Key Details

• India’s Journey:
  • India had previously reached the finals in 2005 and 2017, losing to Australia and England, respectively.
  • India thus became the fourth team to win the Women’s World Cup (under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur), after Australia, England, and New Zealand.
• About the Tournament:
  • The 2025 tournament was the 13th edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup. It is held after a gap of 4 years.
  • India and Sri Lanka hosted a total of 8 teams.

  • Winners of last 4 editions:

    • 2013: Australia
    • 2017: England
    • 2022: Australia
    • 2025: India
• Key Highlights of the 2025 Final:
  • Coach (India): Amol Muzumdar
  • Captain (South Africa): Laura Wolvaardt
  • Player of the Match: Shafali Verma 
  • Player of the Tournament: Deepti Sharma
• Awards:
  • ICC declared a prize-money kitty of USD 4.48 million (≈ ₹ 39 crore) for the champions. 
  • The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of ₹ 51 crore for the Indian women’s team after their win.