Current Affairs – March 16, 2026

{GS2 – MoC} Nationwide Survey to Document India’s Manuscripts **

• Context (TOI): The Ministry of Culture has launched a three-month nationwide survey to map India’s manuscript heritage.

• The survey will identify and document manuscripts across the country to create a comprehensive national database.
• Data collected will be stored in a national digital repository under the Gyan Bharatam Mission.
• Institutional and privately held manuscripts will both be included in the documentation process.
• Manuscripts will be geotagged to support their conservation, preservation, and digitisation.
• State and district committees led by Chief Secretaries and District Magistrates will oversee the survey.
• India is estimated to have around one crore manuscripts, the largest collection in the world.

Gyan Bharatam Mission

• Launched by the Ministry of Culture to preserve, digitise, and disseminate India’s vast manuscript heritage using modern digital technologies.
• It was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.
• Digital Repository: Manuscripts will be digitised and stored in a national digital repository, building on the Kriti Sampada, which already documents 44.07 lakh manuscripts.
• Technology: The mission will use AI tools, Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR), cloud storage, and digital platforms to catalogue and make manuscripts accessible globally.
• Institutional Network: Establishment and strengthening of Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) and Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs) for identification and preservation.
• Foundation: Builds upon the earlier National Mission for Manuscripts launched in 2003.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections} Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026

• Context (TH): The Union government introduced an amendment Bill in Lok Sabha proposing changes to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

Key Provisions of the Amendment Bill

• Identity Omission: The Bill omits Section 4(2) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which affirms a person’s right to self-perceived gender identity.
• Definition Narrowing: The definition of ‘transgender person’ is restricted to –
  1. Socio-cultural identities including kinner, hijra, aravani, jogta, or eunuch.
  2. Specified intersex variations.
  3. Congenital variations in primary sexual traits, external genitalia, chromosomes, or hormones.
  4. Individuals forced to assume a transgender identity through mutilation, castration, or emasculation.
  • The Bill removes trans-man, trans-woman, and genderqueer from the statutory definition.
• Board Verification: A new medical board headed by a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or Deputy CMO will verify transgender identity.
  • District Magistrate (DM) will issue a certificate based on the Medical Board’s recommendation.
• Surgery Revision: Persons undergoing reassignment surgery must obtain a revised gender certificate.
  • Reporting: Medical institutions must report gender-affirming surgery details to the DM.
• Name Change: Certificate holders can change their first name on official documents.
• Council Inclusion: National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) will include State and UT representatives on a rotational basis from the North, South, East, West, and North-East regions.
  • Representatives must hold a rank not below Director and be nominated by the Central Government.
• Penalty Expansion: The Bill introduces graded punishments for serious offences, including life imprisonment for forced mutilation of a minor and up to 14 years for forcing a child into begging.

Significance of the Amendment Bill

• Targeted Welfare: The Bill narrows the definition of “transgender person” to ensure that affirmative action and welfare benefits reach marginalised communities.
• Certification Control: Medical Board reduces the discretionary powers previously exercised by District Magistrates in identity certification.
• Data Planning: Mandatory reporting of gender-affirming surgeries can help build a national database for healthcare and welfare planning.
• Penal Framework: The Bill expands offences and graded punishments to address crimes such as abduction, mutilation, and forced identity.

Concerns about the Amendment Bill

• Constitutional Conflict: Removing Section 4(2) contradicts the Supreme Court’s NALSA judgement (2014), which recognised gender self-identification as a fundamental right under Article 21.
• Medicalisation Risk: Scrutiny by Medical Boards pathologises gender identity and can subject individuals to invasive examinations.
• Privacy Concern: Mandatory reporting of gender-affirming surgeries to the District Magistrate risks violating medical confidentiality and personal privacy.
• Misuse Risk: Broad terms such as “inducement” or “allurement” allow families or police to target NGOs and healthcare providers assisting voluntary gender transition.

Read More > Transgenders in India | 10 Years of NALSA Verdict and Present Status of Transgenders

{GS3 – Envi} Water at the Core of India’s Climate Resilience

• Context (TH): Rising climate stress on monsoons, groundwater, and coastal aquifers is placing water management at the centre of India’s climate resilience strategy.

Centrality of Water in India’s Climate Vulnerability

• Monsoon Dependence: Reliance on the southwest monsoon for ~80% of annual rainfall increases climate vulnerability under shifting weather patterns.
• Flood-Drought Paradox: The infrastructural incapacity to store ~90% of annual rainfall leads to both monsoon flooding and droughts during dry seasons.
• Groundwater Collapse: Excessive groundwater extraction, accounting for ~25% of global usage, undermines long-term agricultural sustainability in semi-arid regions.
• Agricultural Exposure: Erratic rainfall patterns directly threaten the food security of India’s ~52% rain-fed net sown area.
• Coastal Salinity: Accelerating saltwater intrusion depletes freshwater reserves for ~170 million residents across coastal states like Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Systemic Risks to India’s Water Resilience

• Urban Concretisation: Unregulated urban expansion destroys natural wetland sinks, increasing flash flood risks in major Indian cities.
• MSP Trap: Minimum Support Price (MSP) policies for water-intensive crops like paddy accelerate groundwater depletion in already stressed aquifer regions.
• Irrigation Inefficiency: Outdated flood irrigation practices keep India’s agricultural water-use efficiency at only ~38%.
• Finance Gap: India currently secures only ~5% of the required adaptation finance against the ~$1 trillion climate finance target.
• Infrastructure Decay: Ageing infrastructure across more than 200 dams poses a risk of structural failure during extreme rainfall events.

Initiatives for Water Governance

• Jal Shakti Ministry: Fragmented water-related departments consolidated into the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019 to promote integrated water stewardship.
• Water Vision 2047: Aims for a water-secure nation by 2047 through the “5P” mantra: Political will, Public financing, Partnerships, Public participation, and Persuasion.
• NAQUIM 2.0: Generates granular groundwater data supporting village-level actionable aquifer management planning.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: Promotes demand-side groundwater management through community participation across seven water-stressed states.
• Mission Amrit Sarovar: Targets rejuvenation of 75 water bodies per district, each covering at least one acre with native tree plantations.

Read More> Water Crisis in India

{GS3 – S&T} Atomic Clock Failure Weakens NavIC Navigation System **

• Context (TH): The atomic clock onboard IRNSS-1F has failed after completing its 10-year design life, affecting the functioning of NavIC, India’s navigation system.

• The number of satellites providing navigation services in NavIC has dropped from four to three, weakening the system’s capability.

Atomic Clocks

• An Atomic Clock is an extremely precise clock that measures time based on the natural vibrations (frequency) of atoms, usually cesium or rubidium.
• Working Principle: It keeps time by measuring the microwave frequency emitted when electrons in atoms change energy levels.
• Accuracy: Atomic clocks are the most accurate time-keeping devices, losing or gaining less than one second in millions of years.
• Use in Satellites: They are essential in navigation systems like NavIC and Global Positioning System (GPS) to provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services.

About NavIC

• NavIC stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation; earlier known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.
• It is India’s indigenous regional satellite navigation system developed by ISRO to provide accurate positioning and timing services.
• ISRO started work on the IRNSS program in 1999 after the Kargil war, where Indian defence forces could not use US-owned GPS systems.
• Launch Period: The first-generation satellites were launched between 2013 and 2018.
• Coverage Area: Provides navigation services over India and up to about 1,500 km beyond its borders.
• Satellite Constellation: Consists of a constellation of navigation satellites placed in geostationary and geosynchronous orbits.
• At least four operational satellites are required to provide reliable Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services.
• Applications: Used for navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking, fleet management, mapping, and timing services.

Second-Generation NavIC Satellites (NVS Series)

• NVS series satellites are being developed by ISRO to replace aging & malfunctioning satellites of NavIC.
• Indigenous Atomic Clocks: The NVS series will carry indigenously developed rubidium atomic clocks.
• First Satellite – NVS-01: The first satellite of the series, NVS-01, was successfully launched in May 2023 and hosts an indigenous rubidium atomic clock.
• Objective: The new satellites aim to restore full operational capability, improve navigation accuracy, and ensure the long-term sustainability of India’s regional navigation system.

{Prelims – Geo} Nor’wester

• Context (TN): A Nor’wester storm recently struck Odisha, causing casualties & infrastructure damage.

• A Nor’wester is a severe, localised thunderstorm that occurs during the pre-monsoon season (March to May) in eastern and northeastern India.
• Local Names: It is known as Kalbaisakhi in Bengal and Bordoisila in Assam.
• Formation: Intense daytime heating over the Chhotanagpur Plateau creates low pressure; this draws warm, moist air from Bay of Bengal that collides with cooler northwesterly air.
• Key Features: It brings violent squalls, heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and occasional hailstorms.
• Agricultural Benefit: Its pre-monsoon showers support summer crops like tea, jute, and rice cultivation.

Read More > Norwesters

{Prelims – MoJS} Sujal Gaon ID

• Context (PIB): The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched Sujal Gaon ID to digitally map rural piped water supply schemes.

• Sujal Gaon ID is a scheme-based, unique digital ID assigned to every rural piped drinking water supply scheme under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
• Digital Mapping: It enables complete digital mapping of rural water supply infrastructure and assets across villages.
• The initiative brings all rural drinking water schemes onto a single national digital platform for better governance and management.
• Each Sujal Gaon ID is linked with Sujalam Bharat ID, which integrates infrastructure ID and service area ID to map the entire source-to-tap water supply chain.
• Coverage: About 1.64 lakh Sujal Gaon IDs have been created across 31 States and Union Territories.

{Prelims – S&T} Acrylonitrile

• Context (TH): A new experiment shows Acrylonitrile does not form cell-like membranes in the methane-ethane lakes of Titan, challenging earlier theories about possible life there.

• Organic Compound: Acrylonitrile is a colourless, volatile, and flammable organic compound with the chemical formula C₃H₃N.
• Presence in Space: Scientists have detected acrylonitrile in the atmosphere of Titan, the largest moon of Saturn.
• Industrial Use: It is mainly used as a raw material in the production of plastics, synthetic rubber, and acrylic fibers.
• Production Method: It is typically produced through the ammoxidation of propylene, known as the Sohio process.
• Astrobiology Relevance: It was previously hypothesized that acrylonitrile could form cell-like membranes (azotosomes) in Titan’s methane lakes, suggesting a potential basis for non-water-based life.

{Prelims – Species} Conservation Breeding Programme of Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

• Context (TOI): Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has reached 70 birds in captivity under its conservation breeding programme.

• Launch: Rajasthan government launched Project GIB in 2013 to prevent the extinction of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
• Objective: The breeding programme aims to create a genetically diverse captive insurance population for future reintroduction into the wild.
• Breeding Centres: It operates two breeding centres near Desert National Park, Jaisalmer — Ramdevra Conservation Breeding Centre and Sam (Sudasari) Satellite Centre.
• Agencies: Wildlife Institute of India, the Rajasthan Forest Department, and the MoEFCC jointly oversee the programme.
  • International Fund for Houbara Conservation in Abu Dhabi provides technical assistance.

About Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps)

• Great Indian Bustard is a large, terrestrial bird and one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
• It is the largest among the four bustard species found in India – MacQueen’s Bustard, Lesser Florican, Bengal Florican, and Great Indian Bustard.
• Appearance: The species has a tall, ostrich-like build with long bare legs and a distinct black crown contrasting with a pale neck and head.
• Behaviour: It is primarily terrestrial and diurnal, spending most of its time on the ground.
• Habitat: It prefers arid and semi-arid grasslands, open scrub, and low-intensity agricultural landscapes, while avoiding dense forests and heavily irrigated farmland.
• Distribution: GIB is largely restricted to the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, with small, fragmented populations in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Diet: It is an opportunistic omnivore feeding on insects, small reptiles, rodents, and seeds.
• Reproduction: The species is a slow breeder. Females typically lay one egg every 1 to 2 years directly on the ground.
• Ecological Role: It serves as both indicator species and umbrella species for grassland ecosystems.
• Key Threats: Collisions with high-voltage power lines, habitat degradation, predation by feral dogs.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Critically Endangered; CITES: Appendix I; WPA: Schedule I
• It is the state bird of Rajasthan.

{Prelims – Diseases} Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

• Context (TH): An outbreak of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in an overcrowded correctional facility in West Bengal has caused several deaths.

• HSV is a highly contagious DNA virus that causes lifelong, often asymptomatic infection, herpes.
• Latency: The virus stays within nerve cells called ganglia and reactivates periodically.
• Types:
  • HSV-1 mainly causes oral herpes and spreads through saliva or close contact, but it is increasingly causing genital herpes infections.
  • HSV-2 mainly causes genital herpes and is transmitted through sexual contact.
• Complications: Active infections cause painful blisters or ulcers. Severe cases may result in meningitis, encephalitis, and a higher risk of HIV.
• Treatment: There is currently no cure, but antiviral drugs like Acyclovir reduce severity and outbreaks.
• Disease Burden: WHO estimates 64% of people under 50 carry HSV-1, and over 13% of adults aged 15–49 carry HSV-2.
  • In India, about 10% of adults carry HSV-2, while HSV-1 affects nearly 48% to 67% of the population.

{Prelims – S&T} Rockwell B-1B Lancer Bomber Aircraft *

• Context (IE): The U.S. Air Force has deployed Rockwell B-1B Lancer bombers under Operation Epic Fury to carry out strikes on Iranian targets.
• Rockwell B-1B Lancer, nicknamed “Bone” (from “B-One”), is a long-range, supersonic heavy bomber operated by the United States Air Force.
• Role Shift: Originally built for Cold War nuclear strikes, it is now primarily used for conventional precision-strike missions.
• Performance: It can carry up to 75,000 pounds of payload & achieve a maximum speed of Mach 1.25.
• Range Extension: In-flight aerial refuelling enables the B-1B to perform near-global intercontinental strikes without landing.
• Wing Design: Its variable-sweep wings can adjust from 15° to 67.5° for high-altitude cruising and low-level penetration.

{Prelims – S&T} Sejjil Ballistic Missile *

• Context (N18): Iran reportedly launched the Sejjil ballistic missile for the first time against Israeli and U.S. bases in the Middle East.
• Missile Type: Sejjil, also known as Ashura, is a two-stage solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed by Iran.
• Range Speed: It has an operational range of 2,500 kilometres and can reach speeds of up to Mach 13.
• Nickname: The missile is nicknamed the “dancing missile” for its ability to manoeuvre at high altitudes and evade air-defence systems.
• Mobility: Its road-mobile design and solid propellant system reduce launch preparation time.

{Prelims – In News} GI-tagged Joha Rice

• Context (NOA): Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) recently exported 25 MT of GI-tagged Joha Rice to the UK and Italy.

• Joha Rice is a short-grain, aromatic winter paddy native to the Brahmaputra Valley, Assam.
• GI Status: It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.
• Unique Feature: Contains a balanced amount of Omega-6 (linoleic) and Omega-3 (linolenic) fatty acids, supporting heart health. Studies also link Joha Rice with anti-diabetic properties.

Read More > Seventeen Products received GI Tag | GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger

{Prelims – PIN} Kharg Island *

• Context (TH | IE): U.S. airstrikes targeted military facilities on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf.

About Kharg Island

• Location: Kharg Island is a small coral island in Persian Gulf, located about 50 km off the coast of Iran.
• Oil Export Hub: It is Iran’s primary oil export terminal, handling around 90% of the country’s crude oil exports.
• Energy Infrastructure: The island hosts large oil storage tanks, pipelines, and export terminals, connected to major Iranian oil fields.
• Pipeline: Oil from major Iranian fields such as Ahvaz, Marun, and Gachsaran is transported to Kharg Island through pipelines.
• Deep-Water Advantage: Unlike much of Iran’s shallow coastline, Kharg Island has deep waters, allowing very large crude carriers (VLCCs) to dock easily.
• Strategic Importance: Due to its central role in Iran’s oil exports, any disruption at Kharg Island can significantly impact global oil supply and prices.
• Historical Importance: Previously a trading and pearl-diving centre; fortified by the Dutch in the 18^th century and briefly occupied by the British in the 19^th century.