State PCS

• 03 Aug 2024

Lightning Strike Kills in Bihar

Why in News?

Recently, At least 12 people were killed by lightning strikes in different parts of Bihar. The Chief Minister expressed his condolences over the deaths and announced an ex gratia of 4 lakh each for their families.

• Ex gratia meaning is a payment made out of virtue to individuals by an organization or government for claims and damages.

Key Points

• The Chief minister has asked people to be vigilant and stay at home during thunderstorms.
  • He has also encouraged citizens to adhere to the advisories released by the State Disaster Management Department regarding thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
• According to theBihar Economic Survey report for 2023-2024, the state witnessed 400 deaths related to lightning and thunderstorms in 2022-23 and the highest number of deaths were reported from Gaya (46), Bhojpur (23) and Nawada (21).
  • The state government allocated Rs 430 crore for management of disasters in 2022-23 and of this Rs 285.22 crore went toward local disasters like lightning and drowning.

Lightning

• It is the natural process of "an electrical discharge of very little duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud," accompanied by a bright flash, a loud sound, and occasionally thunderstorms.
• Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is dangerous because it can electrocute people due to its high electric voltage and current. Inter- or intra-cloud lightning is visible and safe.

India to Host Tarang Shakti

Why in News?

According to the sources, India will host the international air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ in two phases, taking place in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan.

Key Points

• It will be the largest international air exercise ever conducted in India, with invitations extended to 51 countries.
• The Indian Air Force has received confirmation from ten countries for participation with their assets and 18 countries as observers.
  • Phase one of the exercise will be conducted at Sulur in Tamil Nadu from August 6 to August 14 and four countries including France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom will participate with their assets.
  • Phase two will be held at Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 1 to 14 and it will see participation from Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, UAE and the USA with their assets.
• F-18, A-18, C-130 aircraft, F-16 aircraft, A-10, KC-130 aircraft, KC-135 aircraft of the Indian Air Force will take part in this exercise.
  • It aims to boost military cooperation and highlight India’s defence industry, supporting the country’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Rare Orchid Species

Why in News?

Recently, Two research associates from the Uttarakhand forest department found a rare orchid species, Calanthe davidii, at Gini Band in Munsyari tehsil of Pithoragarh district.

Key Points

• India is home to 244 orchid species, and Uttarakhand hosts 120 of them, some of which are exceptionally rare.
  • One such rare species is Calanthe davidii, a terrestrial plant that grows in clusters and reaches heights between 40 and 90 centimeters.
    • This species was initially discovered in the Western Himalayas, including Mussoorie and Mayabasti in Uttarakhand, Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh.
    • In Uttarakhand, it was first found in Mussoorie in 1898 and in Champawat in 2002.
    • This species is under threat due to seasonal goat herding activities.
• In response, the Uttarakhand forest research wing has initiated efforts to cultivate the plants in a nursery located in Chamoli district, in order to conserve this species.

No Flood Threat in Mahanadi

Why in News?

According to the government officials there is no fear of flood on the Mahanadi River system.

Key Points

• The Mahanadi River system is the third largest of peninsular India after Godavari and Krishna, and the largest river of Odisha state.
• The catchment area of the river extends to Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Maharashtra.
• Its basin is bounded by the Central India hills on the north, by the Eastern Ghats on the south and east and by the Maikala range in the west.
• Source:
  • It rises from a place near Sihawa, near Raipur in the state of Chhattisgarh to the south of Amarkantak.
• Major Tributaries:
  • The Seonath, the Hasdeo, the Mand and the Ib rivers joins Mahanadi from left whereas the Ong, the Tel and the Jonk joins it from right.
• Mahanadi River Dispute:
  • The Central Government constituted Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal in 2018.
• Major Dams/Projects on Mahanadi:
  • Hirakud Dam is the longest dam of India.
  • Ravishankar Sagar, Dudhawa Reservoir, Sondur Reservoir, Hasdeo Bango and Tandula are other major projects.
• Urban Centres :
  • Three important urban centres in the basin are Raipur, Durg and Cuttack.
• Industries:
  • Mahanadi basin, because of its rich mineral resource and adequate power resource, has a favourable industrial climate.
    • Iron and Steel plant at Bhilai
    • Aluminium factories at Hirakud and Korba
    • Paper mill near Cuttack
    • Cement factory at Sundargarh.
• Other industries based primarily on agricultural produce are sugar and textile mills.
• Mining of coal, iron and manganese are other industrial activities.