State PCS - Bihar (BPSC)

• 02 Feb 2026

Two New Wetlands Added to India’s Ramsar List

Why in News? 

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced  the addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar List, ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026.  

Key Points 

• New Ramsar Sites: Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat have been included in India’s Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance. 
  • India’s Ramsar network has grown from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites in 2026. 
• Patna Bird Sanctuary: Patna Bird Sanctuary is one of the smallest protected bird sanctuaries and is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). 
• Chhari-Dhand Wetland: A seasonal saline wetland in the Rann of Kutch region, crucial for migratory waterfowl and desert biodiversity.  
  • It is Gujarat’s fifth Ramsar site after Nalsarovar, Thol, Khijadiya and Wadhwana. 
• Importance: The newly added sites support hundreds of migratory and resident bird species and host wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes, besides endangered bird species.  
• Significance: Inclusion in the Ramsar list reflects international recognition of India’s commitment to wetland conservation and sustainable management under globally accepted frameworks.  
• Ramsar Convention: It is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran. 
  • India became a signatory on 1 February 1982. 
• World Wetlands Day 2026: It is observed on 2 February. 
  • Theme: Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage

Read More: World Wetlands Day, Ramsar sites, Ramsar Convention, Migratory birds 

PAIMANA Portal Launched by MoSPI

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has operationalised PAIMANA — a new web-based monitoring portal for Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above. 

Key Points 

• PAIMANA: It stands for Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring & Analytics for Nation-building and is a centralized digital platform to monitor large infrastructure projects. 
  • It has replaced the earlier OCMS-2006 (Online Computerised Monitoring System) to improve real-time tracking and analytics. 
• Integration: PAIMANA is integrated with the DPIIT’s Integrated Project Monitoring Portal using APIs (Application Programming Interface), enabling automatic data flow and reducing manual data entry. 
  • The integration follows the principle of “one data, one entry” to standardise project reporting and minimise errors. 
• Project Coverage: As of December 2025, a total of 1,392 ongoing central sector infrastructure projects have been onboarded on the PAIMANA portal.  
• Sectoral Spread: Projects span key sectors including Transport & Logistics, Railways, Coal, Power, Housing & Urban Affairs, Water Resources, Telecommunications, Health & Family Welfare, etc.  
• Features: The portal offers interactive dashboards, advanced analytics, role-based access, automated reports and query modules for better oversight and decision-making. 
• Objective: To enhance transparency, data quality and timely implementation of major infrastructure projects, supporting nation-building and economic growth. 

Read More:  Digital platform, Economic growth, DPIIT 

Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage List

Why in News? 

India has submitted the nomination dossier of Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges—titled “Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape”—to UNESCO. 

Key Points 

• Nomination Submitted: India’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, handed over the nomination dossier to the Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre. 
  • Heritage Value: The nomination highlights the cultural, ecological and technological significance of the living root bridges, emphasizing traditional ecological stewardship and generational knowledge. 
• Location: The bridges are mainly located across the southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya. 
• Cultural Significance: These bridges are bio-engineered structures created and maintained by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities. 
  • Symbolizing a deep harmony between people, nature, and traditional knowledge. 
• Global Recognition: If approved, the site will receive UNESCO World Heritage status, bringing global recognition and boosting conservation efforts and sustainable tourism.

Read More: UNESCO, World Heritage Sites,  Living Root Bridges,  Sustainable tourism 

US Museum to Return Three Ancient Bronze Sculptures Stolen from Tamil Nadu to India

Why in News?

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art announced it would return three ancient bronze sculptures to India. The decision follows a multi-year provenance investigation which confirmed the artefacts were illegally removed from temples in Tamil Nadu.

Key Points: 

• Repatriated Sculptures: The three relics are masterpieces of South Indian bronze casting, originally used as sacred procession icons in temple rituals:  
  • Shiva Nataraja: A Chola-period masterpiece dating to circa 990 CE. 
  • Somaskanda: A 12th-century Chola bronze depicting Shiva with his wife Parvati and son Skanda. 
  • Saint Sundarar with Paravai: A 16th-century Vijayanagar-period bronze depicting the Tamil saint and his wife.  
• Identification: The sculptures' original locations were confirmed using rare 1950s photographs from the French Institute of Pondicherry archives. 
• Original Sites:The Shiva Nataraja was stolen from the Sri Bhava Aushadesvara Temple in Thanjavur district. 
  • The Somaskanda was traced to the Visvanatha Swamy Temple in Alathur village, Thiruvarur district. 
  • The Saint Sundarar sculpture originated from a Shiva temple in Veerasolapuram village, Kallakurichi district. 
• Museum’s Ethical Commitment:The Smithsonian museum cited its ethical stewardship and transparency policies, including its Shared Stewardship and Ethical Returns Policy, as the basis for agreeing to repatriate the sculptures. 
• Cultural heritage restoration: Return of sacred temple bronzes strengthens India’s efforts to reclaim its artistic lineage and religious history. 

Read More: Chola-period, Vijayanagar, Shiva Nataraja 

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Tops Times B-School Ranking 2026

Why in News?

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has secured the first position in the Times B-School Ranking 2026, consolidating its status as one of India’s leading management institutions with a distinctive focus on international trade and global business education. 

Key Points:

• IIFT: Established in 1963 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. 
  • Status: It is a Deemed-to-be University with campuses in Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada, and GIFT City. 
  • Core Focus: Offers flagship MBA programs, executive education, and doctoral research specifically tailored for international business. 
• SRM University AP (Paari School of Business): Ranked No. 1 in the Top Emerging B-School category.    
• Significance of Ranking:The Times B-School Ranking 2026 assesses business schools across parameters such as academic excellence, employability outcomes, industry engagement, curriculum relevance and reputation. 
  • Leadership Role: IIFT’s first-place finish reflects its strength in international business education and its role in preparing future leaders for global trade dynamics. 
• Strategic Growth: The achievement is attributed to the institute's expanded global orientation, academic rigor, and the launch of new initiatives like its offshore campus in Dubai. 
• Vision 2047: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal emphasized that the institute’s excellence aligns with the national goal of Viksit Bharat, nurturing professionals capable of driving India to become a global trade powerhouse.  

Read More:  Viksit Bharat 

Captain Hansja Sharma Becomes First Woman Pilot of Rudra Armed Helicopter

Why in News?

Captain Hansja Sharma has created history by becoming the first woman pilot in the Indian Army to be qualified to fly the Rudra Armed Helicopter — a highly advanced, weaponised helicopter used in frontline combat roles.

Key Points: 

• Historical First: While women have been flying transport and utility helicopters (like Cheetah and Chetak), Captain Sharma is the first to transition to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-WSI) Rudra, a dedicated attack platform. 
• Rudra Armed Helicopter: The Rudra is an armed variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).  
  • Equipped with a 20mm turret gun, 70mm rockets, and anti-tank guided missiles. 
  • Designed for Close Air Support (CAS) and high-altitude warfare. 
• Gender Neutrality in Combat: This follows the 2021 decision to allow women into the Army Aviation Corps as pilots. Previously, women were restricted to ground duties or non-combat flying. 
• Modernization of the Aviation Corps: The induction of skilled pilots like Captain Sharma into the Rudra fleet enhances the operational readiness of the Army’s "eyes and ears" in the sky. 
• Indigenous Power: Operating the Rudra showcases the synergy between human excellence and the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative in defense manufacturing.