17 March 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

Nationwide Survey to Document India’s Manuscripts

Why in News

The Ministry of Culture has launched a three-month nationwide survey to map and document India’s vast manuscript heritage, aiming to create a comprehensive national database.

Key Features of the Survey

1. Comprehensive Documentation:

• The survey will identify and record manuscripts across India, including Institutional collections and Privately held manuscripts

2. National Digital Database:

• All collected data will be stored in a central digital repository under the Gyan Bharatam Mission.

3. Geotagging:

• Manuscripts will be geotagged, enabling Better tracking and preservation and Efficient conservation planning

4. Administrative Oversight:

• Implementation will be monitored by State-level committees led by Chief Secretaries and District-level committees led by District Magistrates

India’s Manuscript Wealth

1. Largest Collection in the World

• India is estimated to possess around 1 crore (10 million) manuscripts, the largest manuscript collection globally.

2. Knowledge Value

• These manuscripts contain Historical records, Scientific knowledge, Philosophical and literary works, Traditional knowledge systems

Gyan Bharatam Mission

1. Launch:

• Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 by the Ministry of Culture.

2. Foundation:

• The mission builds upon the earlier National Mission for Manuscripts, launched in 2003.

3. Objective:

• To preserve, digitise, and globally disseminate India’s manuscript heritage using modern technologies.

Key Components of the Mission

1. Digital Repository:

• Manuscripts will be digitised and stored in a national database.
• Builds upon Kriti Sampada, which already documents over 44.07 lakh manuscripts.

2. Advanced Technology Integration:

• The mission will use Artificial Intelligence, Handwritten Text Recognition, Cloud storage and digital platforms to Catalogue manuscripts, Improve accessibility, Enable global research use.

3. Institutional Network:

• Strengthening and expansion of Manuscript Resource Centres and Manuscript Conservation Centres
• These centres will support Identification, Preservation, Restoration of manuscripts

What are Manuscripts?

1. Definition:

• Manuscripts are handwritten documents created before the printing era.

2. Materials Used:

• They were written on Palm leaves, Birch bark, Cloth, Paper, Metal plates

Significance

1. Cultural Preservation:

• Safeguards India’s civilisational and intellectual heritage.

2. Knowledge Dissemination:

• Enables global access to traditional knowledge systems.

3. Digital Transformation:

• Promotes digitisation and use of advanced technologies in heritage conservation.

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026

Why in News

The Union Government introduced the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, proposing significant changes to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

Key Provisions of the Amendment Bill

1. Removal of Self-Identification Clause:

• The Bill omits Section 4(2) of the 2019 Act.
• This section earlier recognised a person’s right to self-perceived gender identity.

2. Narrowing the Definition of “Transgender Person”:

The definition is restricted to:

• Socio-cultural identities: kinner, hijra, aravani, jogta, eunuch
• Specified intersex variations
• Congenital variations in sexual traits (genitalia, chromosomes, hormones)
• Persons forced into transgender identity through mutilation/castration

Removed categories: Trans-man, Trans-woman, Genderqueer

3. Medical Board-Based Certification:

• A Medical Board led by a Chief Medical Officer (CMO)/Deputy CMO will Verify transgender identity
• The District Magistrate will Issue a certificate based on the Board’s recommendation

4. Revision after Surgery:

• Individuals undergoing gender reassignment surgery must Apply for a revised gender certificate

5. Mandatory Reporting:

• Medical institutions must Report gender-affirming surgeries to the District Magistrate

6. Name Change Provision:

• Certificate holders can Change their first name in official documents

7. National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP):

• Include State and UT representatives. Representation will be rotational across regions
• Members must be Director rank or above, nominated by the Centre

8. Expanded Penal Provisions:

• Introduction of graded punishments Life imprisonment for forced mutilation of minors up to 14 years imprisonment for forcing children into begging

Significance of the Amendment

1. Targeted Welfare:

• Narrow definition aims to ensure benefits reach the most marginalised communities.

2. Certification Reform:

• Introduction of Medical Boards reduces discretionary power of District Magistrates.

3. Data-Driven Policy:

• Mandatory reporting enables creation of a national database for Healthcare planning and Welfare schemes

4. Stronger Penal Framework:

• Addresses serious crimes like Mutilation, Abduction and Forced identity

Concerns and Criticism

1. Constitutional Conflict:

• The removal of self-identification contradicts the landmark NALSA v. Union of India (2014) judgment.
• The judgment recognised gender identity as a fundamental right under Article 21.

2. Medicalisation of Identity:

• Requiring Medical Board verification may Pathologise gender identity and Subject individuals to invasive scrutiny

3. Privacy Concerns:

• Mandatory reporting of surgeries may Violate medical confidentiality and undermine personal privacy rights

4. Risk of Misuse:

• Broad terms like “inducement” or “allurement” could be used against NGOs and healthcare providers and restrict voluntary gender transition support

Atomic Clock Failure Weakens NavIC Navigation System

Why in News

The atomic clock onboard IRNSS-1F has failed after completing its design life, reducing the operational strength of India’s navigation system NavIC.

The number of functional satellites has dropped from four to three, weakening navigation capability.

Atomic Clocks

1. What is an Atomic Clock?

• An Atomic Clock is an ultra-precise timekeeping device that uses the natural vibration frequency of atoms (typically cesium or rubidium).

2. Working Principle:

• Measures microwave radiation frequency emitted when electrons shift between energy levels.

3. Accuracy:

• Extremely precise — may lose or gain less than one second over millions of years.

4. Role in Navigation:

• Essential for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services in NavIC and Global Positioning System.

Even nanosecond-level errors can lead to significant positional inaccuracies.

About NavIC

• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India’s indigenous regional navigation satellite system, developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) programme was initiated after the Kargil War (1999), when India lacked access to foreign GPS for defence use.
• First-generation satellites launched between 2013 and 2018.
• Coverage Area: Covers India (Up to 1,500 km beyond its borders)
• Satellite Constellation: Consists of satellites placed in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO)
• Minimum Requirement: At least four operational satellites are required for reliable PNT services.
• Applications: Navigation (land, sea, air), Disaster management, Vehicle tracking & fleet management, Mapping and surveying, Precise timing services (banking, telecom)

Impact of Atomic Clock Failure

1. Reduced Satellite Availability:

• Operational satellites reduced to three, below the required threshold.

2. System Weakening:

• Leads to Reduced navigation accuracy, Limited service reliability and Possible disruptions in civil and defence applications

Second-Generation NavIC (NVS Series)

1. Purpose:

• Replace aging and malfunctioning satellites and restore system capability.

2. Indigenous Technology:

• Equipped with indigenously developed rubidium atomic clocks, reducing reliance on imports.

First Satellite: NVS-01

• NVS-01 was launched in May 2023.
• Carries an indigenous atomic clock, marking a major technological milestone.

Significance

1. Strategic Autonomy:

• Ensures independent navigation capability, crucial for defence and national security.

2. Technological Advancement:

• Development of indigenous atomic clocks strengthens India’s space capabilities.

3. Future Reliability:

• NVS series will Restore full operational strength, improve accuracy and ensure long-term sustainability of NavIC

Sujal Gaon ID

Why in News

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched Sujal Gaon ID, a digital initiative to map and manage rural piped water supply schemes across India under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.

What is Sujal Gaon ID?

1. Definition:

• Sujal Gaon ID is a unique, scheme-based digital identifier assigned to every rural piped drinking water supply scheme.

2. Objective:

• To create a comprehensive digital record of rural water infrastructure and improve governance, monitoring, and service delivery.

3. Coverage:

• Approximately 1.64 lakh Sujal Gaon IDs have been generated.
• Implemented across 31 States and Union Territories of India.

Key Features

1. Digital Mapping of Water Infrastructure:

• Enables end-to-end digital mapping of Water sources, Pipelines, Storage systems and Distribution networks

2. Unified National Platform:

• Brings all rural water supply schemes onto a single national digital platform, ensuring Better coordination, Real-time monitoring and Data-driven decision-making

3. Integration with Sujalam Bharat ID:

• Each Sujal Gaon ID is linked to Sujalam Bharat ID.
• Purpose of Integration: Combines Infrastructure ID and Service Area ID

This enables mapping of the entire “source-to-tap” water supply chain.

4. Source-to-Tap Tracking:

• Tracks the complete journey of water from Source (river/groundwater), Treatment and storage and Final household delivery

Significance

1. Improved Water Governance:

• Enhances transparency, accountability, and efficiency in rural water supply management.

2. Data-Driven Planning:

• Helps in Identifying gaps, Planning infrastructure upgrades and Ensuring equitable water distribution

3. Strengthening Jal Jeevan Mission:

• Supports the objective of Jal Jeevan Mission: Providing functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to all rural households.

4. Digital India Integration:

• Aligns with broader goals of digital governance and smart infrastructure management.

Rockwell B-1B Lancer Bomber Aircraft

Why in News

The United States Air Force has deployed the Rockwell B-1B Lancer under Operation Epic Fury to conduct strikes on Iranian targets.

About B-1B Lancer

Overview

• The Rockwell B-1B Lancer, nicknamed “Bone” (from “B-One”), is a long-range, supersonic heavy bomber.
• Developed during the Cold War era.

Key Features

1. Role Evolution:

• Originally: Designed for nuclear strike missions.
• Now: Primarily used for conventional precision strikes, enhancing flexibility in modern warfare.

2. Performance:

• Maximum Speed: Up to Mach 1.25 (supersonic).
• Payload Capacity: Around 75,000 pounds, one of the highest among bombers.

3. Long-Range Strike Capability:

Equipped with in-flight aerial refuelling, enabling:

• Intercontinental missions
• Near global strike capability without landing

4. Variable-Sweep Wing Design:

Wings can adjust between 15° to 67.5°:

• Low sweep (15°): Efficient high-altitude cruising
• High sweep (67.5°): High-speed, low-level penetration

This design allows the aircraft to adapt to different mission profiles.

Sejjil Ballistic Missile

Why in News

Iran reportedly used the Sejjil ballistic missile (also called Ashura) against Israeli and U.S. bases in the Middle East.

About Sejjil Missile

Classification

1. Type:

• Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM)

2. Stages:

• Two-stage missile

3. Fuel:

• Solid propellant

Key Features

1. Range and Speed:

• Range: ~2,500 km
• Speed: Up to Mach 13

Enables rapid long-distance strike capability across the region.

2. Solid-Fuel Advantage:

• Uses solid fuel, unlike older liquid-fuel missiles Faster launch readiness, Reduced preparation time, Better survivability during conflict

3. Mobility:

• Road-mobile launcher system can be transported and launched from multiple locations and harder to detect and target

4. Maneuverability:

• Nicknamed the “dancing missile” due to Ability to maneuver at high altitudes and Increased chances of evading missile defence systems

Kharg Island

Why in News

Kharg Island—Iran’s main oil export hub—was reportedly targeted in U.S. airstrikes, heightening tensions in the Persian Gulf region.

About Kharg Island

Location

• A small coral island situated about 50 km off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf.

Key Features

1. Iran’s Primary Oil Export Hub:

• Handles nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. Makes it the lifeline of Iran’s oil economy.

2. Energy Infrastructure:

• Houses Massive oil storage tanks, Export terminals and Extensive pipeline networks
• Connected Oil Fields: Linked to major fields such as Ahvaz, Marun and Gachsaran

3. Deep-Water Advantage:

• Unlike much of Iran’s shallow coastline, Kharg Island has deep waters enables docking of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and facilitates large-scale oil exports efficiently

Strategic Importance

1. Global Energy Security:

• Any disruption at Kharg Island can Impact global oil supply and Trigger oil price volatility

2. Geopolitical Sensitivity:

• Its location in the Persian Gulf makes it a critical chokepoint in regional conflicts.

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