Current Affairs 20 March 2026

IIT Guwahati researchers create a dual-purpose material for hydrogen fuel and desalination.

• IIT Guwahati researchers have developed a material that helps in clean energy production and water desalination.
• The material uses MXenes, which are known for their high electrical conductivity.
• The team designed ultra-thin, ribbon-like structures to improve efficiency by increasing surface area and charge transport.
• Ruthenium atoms were added to enhance the material's catalytic performance.

The government has introduced the Online Gaming Act 2025 to ban money-based games.

• Gaming Act 2025: Bans all online money games, including games of chance and skill.
• Financial & Marketing Restrictions: Prohibits financial transactions and advertising related to prohibited games.
• Penalties:
• Offering prohibited games: Up to 3 years imprisonment, ₹1 Crore fine.
• Repeat offenses: 3-5 years imprisonment, ₹1-2 Crore fine.
• Advertising: Up to 2 years imprisonment, ₹50 Lakhs fine.
• Regulatory Authority: Establishes the Online Gaming Authority of India for oversight.

The Ministry of AYUSH has launched the "Yoga 365 Campaign" to encourage daily yoga practice.

• Yoga 365 Campaign: Launched to make yoga a daily habit across India.
• Launch Event: Unveiled at Yoga Mahotsav–2026 in New Delhi, marking the 100-day countdown to International Day of Yoga 2026.
• Awareness: 95% awareness in rural areas, 96% in urban areas.
• Partnerships: Collaboration with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and Habuild for digital outreach.

GSI has designated "Kalinjar Fort Hill" as a "National Geo-Heritage Site".

• Kalinjar Fort Hill in Uttar Pradesh declared a National Geo-Heritage Site by GSI.
• Geological Highlight: Eparchaean Unconformity — 2.5-billion-year-old granite overlain by 1.2-billion-year-old sandstone.
• Historical Significance: Strategically located, built with local stone, linked to Neelkanth Mahadev temple, ruled by ancient dynasties.
• Tourism Impact: Expected to boost geo-tourism; ₹12 crore approved for heritage development.

India and Indonesia collaborate to restore the "Prambanan Temple Complex".

• India and Indonesia partner to restore the 9th-century Prambanan Temple.
• Anastylosis method will reassemble original stones; new stones used only if needed.
• Pilot project planned for a few ancillary temples.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site; restoration preserves cultural landscape and nearby temples.
• Technology: Digital imaging and AI to aid reconstruction.