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Kalinjar Fort Area Declared National Geo‑Heritage Site in UP
Why in News?
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has officially declared the hill region surrounding Kalinjar Fort in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh as a National Geo‑Heritage Site.
Key Points
- Location: The site lies in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh and is part of the Vindhya mountain range, known for its ancient rock formations.
- Geological Significance: Features the Eparchaean Unconformity, where 2.5 billion-year-old Bundelkhand granite is overlain by 1.2 billion-year-old Kaimur sandstone, crucial for studying Earth’s early history.
- Historical and Cultural Heritage:
- Dynasties Ruled: The fort was ruled by several dynasties including the Guptas, Vardhanas, Chandelas, Mughals, Marathas, and the British.
- Chandela Architecture: The Chandela rulers significantly developed the fort and used the epithet of “Kalanjaradhipati”.
- Important Temple: The fort houses the famous Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by Chandela ruler Paramaditya Dev.
- Mythological Significance: According to legend, Lord Shiva consumed the poison from the Samudra Manthan at Kalinjar, which is why the temple is called Neelkanth (blue-throated).
- Key Monuments: Hanuman Gate, Lal Darwaza, Ganesh Gate, Raja Aman Singh Palace, Rani Mahal, Patal Ganga, and Sita Kund.
- Sher Shah Suri died in 1545 during the siege of Kalinjar Fort.
- Tourism Potential: Heritage tag is expected to boost tourism and attract researchers, students, and geology enthusiasts.
- The site is likely to be developed as part of a broader tourism circuit linking Kalinjar, Khajuraho and Chitrakoot.
| Read More: Geological Survey of India (GSI), National Geo‑Heritage Site |
National Current Affairs Switch to Hindi
BPCL Launched India’s First LPG ATM in Gurugram
Why in News?
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has launched India’s first 24×7 LPG ATM in Gurugram, Haryana as a pilot program.
Key Points
- Features: Provides 10 kg composite cylinders that are half the weight of traditional iron cylinders, making them easier to handle.
- Capacity: Dispenses a cylinder within 2–3 minutes and can store around 10 cylinders at a time.
- Technology: Equipped with sensors that alert the nearest gas agency when stock is low for timely refilling.
- Target Users: Initially available to BPCL customers in Gurugram.
- The service aims to reduce dependency on delivery wait times and improve customer convenience, especially during off‑hours.
- Future Potential: If successful, BPCL plans to replicate this LPG ATM model in other cities and residential complexes.
| Read More: Socio-Ecological Impact of LPG Price Escalation |
