26 MARCH 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS Paper-1: Geography

⭐ Litani River

⭐ Why in the News

Recent Israeli airstrikes have damaged the Qasmiyah Bridge, a key crossing over the

Litani River along Lebanon’s southern coastal highway.

⭐ Location & Importance

• The Litani River is one of the major rivers of Lebanon.

⭐ Origin & Course

• Originates from a low watershed west of Baalbek.

• Flows southwest through the Bekaa Valley, located between the Lebanon and Anti-

Lebanon mountain ranges.

• Near Marjayoun, the river takes a sharp westward turn.

• Cuts through a deep gorge (up to ~275 metres) across the Lebanon Mountains.

• Finally drains into the Mediterranean Sea south of Sidon.

⭐ Tributaries

• Important tributaries include:

• Berdawni River

• Chtoura River

• Qib Elias River

⭐ Dams

• Major dams on the river:

• El Wauroun Dam

• Qaraoun Dam

• Albert Naqash Dam

GS Paper-3: Environment / Species in News

⭐ Monarch Butterfly

⭐ Why in the News

Recent observations show a 64% increase in the population of monarch butterflies in

their overwintering forests in Mexico during the 2025–26 season.

⭐ Scientific Identity

• Scientific name: Danaus plexippus

• The name is derived from Greek, symbolising “sleepy transformation” (linked to

metamorphosis).

⭐ Physical Features

➤ Wing Characteristics

• Adults have two pairs of bright

orange-red wings with:

• Black veins

• White spots along the margins

➤ Sexual Dimorphism

• Males are slightly larger than females.

• Males can be identified by distinct black spots along wing veins.

⭐ Distribution & Habitat

• Found across:

• North America

• Central & South America

• Australia

• Hawaii

• India (introduced populations)

• Occupies diverse habitats such as:

• Gardens

• Agricultural lands

• Managed corridors

• Natural and restored ecosystems

GS Paper-3: Environment / Species in News

⭐ Chhapgarus ngankeeae

⭐ Why in the News

Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species

of marine crab in the mangrove ecosystems of Goa, named Chhapgarus ngankeeae.

⭐ Nature of the Species

• It is a recently identified marine crab species.

⭐ Naming

• Named in honour of Dr. Ngan Kee Ng, a noted marine biologist from the National

University of Singapore.

⭐ Habitat

• Found in muddy intertidal zones within mangrove forests along India’s western

coast.

⭐ Key Characteristics

➤ Size & Appearance

• A small-sized crab, measuring around

1.6 cm across.

• Possesses a squarish, brown shell

covered with fine hair.

➤ Morphological Features

• Males have a relatively

narrow abdomen (pleon).

• The second and third abdominal segments are equal in width.

• The telson (tailpiece) is as wide as it is long.