20 MARCH 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS Paper-1: Indian History / Art & Culture

⭐ Kalinjar Fort

⭐ Why in the News

The hill region around Kalinjar Fort in Banda (Uttar Pradesh) has recently been

declared a National Geo-Heritage Site by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

⭐ Location & Setting

• Located in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh.

• Situated atop an isolated hill, surrounded by the Vindhya Range and the Ken River.

⭐ Nature & Significance

• Considered one of the oldest and most formidable forts in India.

• Due to its strategic location, it has been a site of numerous battles across ancient,

medieval, and modern periods.

⭐ Historical Background

➤ Early Origins

• The fort’s history dates back over 1500 years.

• Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of a fortification during the Gupta

period (4th–6th century CE).

➤Chandela Period

• Came under the Chandela dynasty (9th–13th century).

• Served as one of their important capitals.

• Developed as both a military stronghold and a religious centre.

➤Medieval Conflicts

• Several rulers, including Mahmud of Ghazni, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and Humayun,

attempted to capture the fort but failed.

➤Mughal & Later Rule

• In 1569, Akbar captured the fort and later granted it to Birba

GS Paper-1: Indian Culture / Art & Culture (World Heritage)

⭐ Prambanan Temple

⭐ Why in the News

India and Indonesia have recently collaborated on the restoration of the Prambanan

Temple complex located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, southern Java.

⭐ Location & Identity

• Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, situated in Sleman,

Yogyakarta (Java).

• Locally known as Roro Jonggrang, meaning “Temple of the Slender Virgin”.

⭐ Historical Background

• Built in the 9th century CE.

• Constructed under the patronage of the Sanjaya dynasty, a Hindu ruling power in

central Java.

• The complex remained buried for centuries and was later rediscovered and restored in

the 19th century.

• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

⭐ Religious Significance

• Dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti:

• Shiva

• Vishnu

• Brahma

⭐ Architectural Features

• Reflects a blend of indigenous Javanese styles and South Indian temple

architecture, especially the Pallava influence.

GS Paper-3: Environment / Biodiversity

⭐ Butis bargabhimae

⭐ Why in the News

Researchers in West Bengal have recently discovered a new estuarine fish species,

Butis bargabhimae.

⭐ Nature of the Species

• Butis bargabhimae is a newly identified fish species that inhabits estuarine (brackish

water) ecosystems.

⭐ Discovery & Location

• The species was recorded from the Rupnarayan River, a tributary of the Hooghly

River, near Tamluk in West Bengal.

⭐ Taxonomic Classification

• It belongs to the Butidae family,

commonly known as gudgeon gobies.

• Members of this family are typically

found in brackish water zones where rivers meet the sea.

⭐ Distinguishing Features

• Unlike related species, it has distinct interorbital scales between the eyes.

• Possesses additional auxiliary scales across the body.

• Displays unique light and dark band patterns on its pectoral fins, distinguishing it

from similar species.

⭐ Etymology

• The species is named in honour of Goddess Bargabhima, reflecting her cultural and

religious significance in the Tamluk region of West Bengal.