State PCS - Bihar (BPSC)

• 25 Nov 2025

Audit of Deo Sun Temple and Umga Temple Complex

Why in News?

The Patna High Court has directed the Bihar Government to conduct a comprehensive health and structural safety audit of the Deo Sun Temple and the Umga Temple Complex in the Aurangabad district to assess their conservation status and prevent further deterioration.

Key Points

• About Deo Sun Temple:
  • It is located in Deo town of Aurangabad district, Bihar, and is one of the most prominent temples in India dedicated to Surya (the Sun God).
  • This temple dates back to the 8th century and is famous for hosting the Chhath Puja, attracting lakhs of devotees.
  • The temple is architecturally unique as its main entrance is oriented towards the West (setting sun), unlike most Hindu temples that face East (rising sun).
  • The temple shows signs of structural stress, erosion, and unmanaged visitor load, prompting court-ordered assessment.

• About Umga Temple Complex:
  • The Umga Temple Complex, located on the Umga hills in Aurangabad district, is known for its Nagara architecture, with several stone temples carved in a distinctive style.
  • Square granite blocks are used to built the magnificent temple, which houses the deities of Lord Ganesha, Sun God and Lord Shiva.
  • Many structures face cracks, vegetation growth, and neglect, raising concerns about long-term stability.

Hayli Gubbi Volcano

Why in News?

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has erupted explosively, sending high-altitude ash plumes thousands of metres up, some of which have drifted into Indian airspace, triggering aviation advisories. 

Key Points

• Hayli Gubbi volcano is located in Afar, northeastern Ethiopia, within the Danakil Depression - one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth.
• The current eruption is significant because the volcano is believed to have erupted after nearly 12,000 years, based on geological evidence from the Afar Rift.
• The Hayli Gubbi eruption highlights the geological volatility of the East African Rift System (EARS) where active volcanism, fissure eruptions, and spreading ridges are common.
  • It is one of the world’s most tectonically active rift systems where the Arabian, Nubian, and Somali plates are diverging.
• The region is characterised by basaltic lava, fissure systems, and frequent seismic activity linked to the continental rifting process.

Volcanic Ash & Aviation Risks

• Volcanic ash is made of tiny, abrasive particles of rock and glass that can melt inside jet engines and cause serious damage.
• Jet engines can stall when ash melts and re-solidifies on turbine blades.