State PCS - Bihar (BPSC)

• 11 Apr 2025

Lightning as a Phenomenon

Why in News? 

Severe weather conditions in Bihar led to multiple casualties, with lives lost due to lightning strikes and storm-related incidents. 

 Key Points 

• About Lightning: 
  • Lightning is a powerful and visible electrical phenomenon that takes place when there is a buildup of electrical charges within clouds and between clouds and the ground. 
    • The discharge of this electrical energy results in a brilliant flash of light and a rapid expansion of air, creating the characteristic thunder that accompanies lightning. 
    • Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is dangerous because it can electrocute people due to its high electric voltage and current. 
  • Strikes Earth’s Surface: 
    • The Earth is a good conductor of electricity. While electrically neutral, it is relatively positively charged compared to the middle layer of the cloud. As a result, an estimated 20-25% of the current flow is directed towards the Earth. 
      • It is this current flow that results in damage to life and property. 
    • Lightning has a greater probability of striking raised objects on the ground, such as trees or buildings. 
      • Lightning Conductor is a device used to protect buildings from the effect of lightning. A metallic rod, taller than the building, is installed in the walls of the building during its construction. 
    • The most lightning activity on Earth is seen on the shore of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. 
      • At the place where the Catatumbo river falls into Lake Maracaibo, an average 260 storm days occur every year, and October sees 28 lightning flashes every minute - a phenomenon referred to as the Beacon of Maracaibo or the Everlasting Storm. 
  • India ranks among the five countries worldwide with an early warning system for lightning. 
  • The system provides forecasts ranging from five days to as close as three hours before the occurrence of lightning.  
• Geographical Distribution in India: 
  • Lightning frequency is highest in northeastern states and West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar. 
    • However, the number of lightning-related deaths is higher in central Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. 
  • Bihar is one of the most vulnerable states to lightning strikes, with a significant number of deaths reported annually. 
    • According to the Bihar Economic Survey (2024-25) report, Bihar witnessed 275 lightning or thunderstorm-related deaths in 2023 

Mahavir Jayanti 2025

Why in News? 

On 10th April 2025, the 2625th birth anniversary of Jainism's Tirthankara Lord Mahavir Swami Ji was celebrated in Bihar. 

Key Points 

• About Mahavir Jayanti: 
  • Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most sacred festivals in the Jain community. 
  • This day marks the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira , the 24th or last Tirthankara and successor of Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara . 
  • According to Jain texts, He was born on the 13th day of the Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month . 
    • According to the Gregorian calendar, Mahavir Jayanti is usually celebrated in the month of March or April. 
  • A procession is taken out with the idol of Lord Mahavira which is called Rath Yatra . 
  • While reciting sthavanas or Jain prayers, the idols of the deities are given a ceremonial bath called abhishekam . 
• About Lord Mahavira: 
  • Lord Mahavir Swami left an indelible mark on humanity through his profound spiritual practices and teachings . 
  • Lord Mahavira's name in his childhood was Vardhamana which means 'the one who grows'. 
  • During his twelve years of spiritual practice, Lord Mahavira demonstrated four extraordinary qualities : 
    • Intense and uninterrupted meditation: His unbroken meditation helped him achieve profound insights. 
    • Severe penance: He endured extreme physical suffering to purify his soul. 
    • Tolerance of pain: Mahavira Swami demonstrated amazing tolerance. 
    • Best Balance: His inner balance remained stable. 
  • On the tenth day of Vaisakha , Mahavira's journey reached a decisive moment. 
  • To these 5 teachings, Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity) was added by Mahavira.