18 MARCH 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS Paper-1: History (Medieval India)

⭐ Gajapati Empire

⭐ Why in the News

A medieval Telugu inscription associated with the Gajapati rulers of Odisha has recently been discovered on a stone pillar at the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

⭐ Nature of the Empire

• The Gajapati Empire was a medieval Hindu dynasty that originated in Odisha.

• It flourished roughly between 1434 and 1541 CE.

⭐ Origin and Foundation

• The Gajapati dynasty emerged after the decline of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

• It was founded by Kapilendra Deva of the Suryavamsa lineage following the death of the last Eastern Ganga ruler, Bhanu Deva IV.

⭐ Territorial Extent

• At its peak in the 15th century, the empire extended from the Ganges region near Hooghly in the north to the Kaveri River in the south.

⭐ Cultural Contributions

• The Gajapati rulers were great patrons of art, architecture, and literature.

• Their legacy is reflected in monuments such as the Sun Temple at Konark, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

GS Paper-3: Science & Technology / Energy

⭐ Dimethyl Ether (DME)

⭐ Why in the News

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – National Chemical Laboratory, in collaboration with an engineering partner, is working to scale up Dimethyl Ether (DME) technology for industrial-level deployment.

⭐ Nature of the Fuel

• Dimethyl Ether (DME) is a synthetically produced fuel that can act as a clean alternative to diesel in specially designed compression ignition engines.

⭐ Key Properties

• DME has a high cetane number, ensuring efficient ignition in diesel-type engines.

• Under normal conditions, it exists as a colourless gas.

• It burns cleanly, emitting very low levels of soot, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter.

• Its thermal efficiency is comparable to conventional fuels, making it a practical substitute.

⭐ Suitability as an Alternative Fuel

• DME has strong potential as an alternative fuel, provided compatible engine modifications are available.

• It can be adapted for use in diesel engines widely used in agriculture and transport sectors in India.

⭐ Applications

• DME is extensively used in the chemical industry and also functions as an aerosol propellant.

• It is further utilised in the manufacturing of chemicals such as dyes and plastics.

GS Paper-3: Science & Technology / Internal Security

⭐ Alprazolam

⭐ Why in the News

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently busted an illegal manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh involved in the production of Alprazolam.

⭐ Nature of the Drug

• Alprazolam is classified as a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

⭐ Drug Class

• Alprazolam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs, commonly used as tranquilizers.

• Benzodiazepines act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, reducing brain activity and inducing relaxation.

⭐ Mechanism of Action

• Alprazolam enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key neurotransmitter that suppresses excessive neural activity and promotes a calming effect.

⭐ Medical Uses

• It is widely prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and anxiety linked with depression.