Daily Current Affairs - 16th & 17th March 2026
- Kaushal
- 16 hours ago
- 18 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | Fujairah Port Attack & Kharg Island Strike, RRB Reforms & IPO Push, Transgender Persons Amendment Bill 2026, Menstrual Leave Debate in Supreme Court, Supplementary Demands & Economic Stabilisation Fund, FSSAI Food Safety Reforms 2026, Data Centre Expansion & Security Dilemma, IRNSS Atomic Clock Failure, HSV Outbreak, Captive Generating Plant Rules 2026, Phenology & Nor’wester Storms, Great Indian Bustard Conservation, Sujal Gaon ID & PM-KISAN Instalment, Gyan Bharatam Mission, NMDC 50 MT Milestone, Kuki–Hmar Peace Pact, Sangita Kalanidhi Award and more.
Table of Content
INTERNATIONAL
SECURITY / DEFENCE
Fujairah port
UAE’s Fujairah port was attacked in the recent Iran- US-Israel war.
About Fujairah port
A key shipping hub for the Gulf and wider regions, the Port of Fujairah is the only multi-purpose maritime facility on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates.
Strategically located just 70 nautical miles outside the Strait of Hormuz, the Port provides an essential economic link between Europe and Asia, opening the markets of the Indian subcontinent and North East Africa to greater local and international trade.
Other ports in news: Jebel Ali Port (UAE), Haifa Port (Israel), Al‑Faw Port (Iraq), etc.
Kharg Island
The US struck Kharg island considered as Iran’s economic lifeline.
About Kharg Island
Location: Lies in Persian Gulf, north west of Strait of Hormuz off Iran coast.
Iran’s Oil Hub: Approximately 90% of Iran’s oil is exported from the island.
Standing Committee on Finance on Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
The Standing Committee on Finance reviewed the functioning of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). It acknowledged the successful structural consolidation of RRBs.
RRBs have been consolidated from 43 to 28. The consolidation covers 11 States.
The process was carried out in phases.
It was based on recommendations of the Dr. Vyas Committee.
The consolidation aligns with the vision of “One State–One RRB.”
The objective is to create stronger and more viable banking entities.
Key Recommendations
1. Mitigate Sectoral Risks in Education Loans
The Committee highlighted high risk in priority sector education loans.
Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) in this segment stand at 13.8%.
GNPA refers to loans where repayment has been overdue for more than 90 days.
RRBs should leverage the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Education Loans (CGFSEL).
Under CGFSEL, the Central Government provides a guarantee.
The guarantee covers loans up to ₹7.5 lakh.
The scheme applies to loans without collateral security. It also applies without third-party guarantee.
This reduces credit risk for banks.
2. Deploy AI-Driven Technologies
RRBs should deploy AI-based automated Early Warning Signals (EWS).
EWS systems detect potential loan stress at an early stage.
AI-driven systems improve credit risk monitoring.
They enhance asset quality management.
3. Pursue Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
Highly profitable RRBs may be guided toward Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).
An IPO allows a bank to raise capital from the public.
Market listing improves transparency.
It enforces higher standards of corporate governance.
Corporate governance refers to systems ensuring accountability and ethical management.
About Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
RRBs were established in 1975. They were set up on recommendations of the Narasimham Working Group (1975).
They were formalised under the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976.
The objective is to develop the rural economy.
They provide credit to small and marginal farmers.
They serve agricultural labourers.
They support small entrepreneurs and rural artisans.
Shareholding Pattern
The Government of India holds 50% share.
The concerned State Government holds 15% share.
The Sponsor Bank holds 35% share.
Sponsor banks are public sector banks supporting RRB operations.
Regulation and Supervision
RRBs are Scheduled Commercial Banks.
They are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
They are supervised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
NABARD focuses on rural credit and development.
Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Requirement
RRBs must meet a 75% Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target.
PSL refers to lending to specified sectors such as agriculture and MSMEs.
The target applies to outstanding advances.
This is higher than the PSL requirement for other commercial banks.
Overall Significance
The consolidation has strengthened financial viability.
The recommendations aim to improve asset quality and governance.
Technology adoption and capital market access can enhance competitiveness.
The reforms seek to strengthen rural credit delivery and financial inclusion.
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill seeks to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
It aims to strengthen legal protections for transgender persons.
The Bill was introduced by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Key Features of the Bill
1. Revised Definition
The Bill revises the definition of transgender persons.
It includes socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani, and jogta.
It includes biological variations and persons forced to outwardly present a transgender identity.
Forced presentation may occur through mutilation or hormonal procedures.
The Bill excludes purely self-perceived gender identities.
It excludes sexual orientations.
It omits Section 4(2) of the 2019 Act.
Section 4(2) had recognised the right to self-determination of gender identity.
The omission removes automatic legal recognition based solely on self-perception.
2. Verification Authority
The Bill establishes a medical board for verification of transgender identity.
The board will be headed by a Chief Medical Officer or Deputy CMO.
It will assist authorities in identity verification.
Under the 2019 Act, identity certificates were issued by the District Magistrate.
The earlier process did not require medical examination.
The amendment introduces institutional verification.
3. Stronger Penal Provisions
The Bill introduces graded punishments.
It covers offences such as abuse and forced labour.
It includes abduction of transgender persons.
It penalises forcing a transgender identity upon a person.
Penalties may extend up to life imprisonment.
The graded framework differentiates severity of offences.
4. National Council for Transgender Persons
The Bill modifies the composition of the National Council for Transgender Persons.
It ensures representation from States and Union Territories.
Representation will be on a rotational basis.
This aims to improve federal participation.
5. Consequential Changes in Documents
Persons issued a certificate of identity may update official documents.
Official documents include Aadhaar, passport, and educational records.
This ensures legal continuity and administrative recognition.
Significance of the Bill
1. Improved Implementation
The revised definition aims to remove interpretational ambiguities.
It seeks to streamline enforcement of the law.
Clearer provisions may aid administrative authorities.
2. Stronger Legal Safeguards
Graded punishments strengthen deterrence.
They enhance protection against exploitation and violence.
The framework recognises seriousness of targeted crimes.
3. Protection of Bodily Integrity
The Bill penalises forced identity changes.
It penalises bodily harm.
It reinforces dignity and bodily autonomy.
Bodily autonomy is protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Menstrual Leave and Supreme Court’s Observation
The Supreme Court of India (SC) observed that mandatory menstrual leave may be counter-productive to women.
The Court disposed of a writ petition seeking mandatory paid menstrual leave.
The Court welcomed voluntary policies.
It cautioned against making menstrual leave mandatory through legislation.
About Menstrual Leave
Menstrual leave refers to leave granted during menstruation.
It may be paid or unpaid.
It is intended for women experiencing menstrual discomfort.
Such conditions include dysmenorrhea.
Dysmenorrhea refers to severe menstrual cramps.
It also includes conditions like endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a disorder where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
Benefits of Extending Menstrual Leave
1. Addressing Presenteeism
Presenteeism refers to attending work despite illness.
It reduces productivity.
Leave may allow recovery and restore efficiency.
It can improve overall work performance.
2. Alignment with Constitutional and Labour Laws
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 mandates humane working conditions.
Article 42 of the Constitution directs the State to ensure just and humane conditions of work.
Menstrual leave could align with this constitutional directive.
Article 42 forms part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
3. De-stigmatisation of Menstruation
Menstrual leave may reduce social stigma.
It may promote gender equality.
It can encourage open discussion of menstrual health.
It may help address cultural taboos.
Key Issues Highlighted
1. Informal Sector Constraints
Around 88% of India’s workforce is employed in the informal sector.
The informal sector generally lacks structured leave frameworks.
Mandatory leave may not benefit most working women.
2. Structural Workplace Concerns
The leave proposal assumes workplaces lack menstrual-friendly facilities.
Such facilities include restrooms and heating provisions.
The Court suggested that improving infrastructure may be preferable.
3. Impact on Employment Prospects
Mandatory leave could make women less attractive to employers.
Employers already comply with maternity benefits and crèche provisions.
Additional obligations may influence hiring decisions.
This could adversely affect women’s career prospects.
4. Reinforcement of Gender Stereotypes
Mandatory leave may reinforce perceptions of reduced productivity.
It may strengthen discriminatory hiring practices.
The Court cautioned against unintended consequences.
Existing Menstrual Leave Policies
India
There is no national law mandating menstrual leave.
Bihar was the first state to introduce menstrual leave in 1992.
Kerala introduced a policy in 2023.
Odisha adopted a policy in 2024.
Karnataka introduced a policy in 2024.
Global Context
Countries such as Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea have menstrual leave provisions.
Ireland and Italy also have related policies.
Private Sector Initiatives
Companies such as Zomato have adopted menstrual leave policies.
Swiggy has similar provisions.
Supplementary Demands of Grants
Lok Sabha approved the second batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants (2025-26) and Finance Minister proposed the Economic Stabilisation Fund (ESF).
ESF, with total outlay of Rs one lakh crore would help India respond to recent global crisis, unanticipated supply chain disruptions, etc.
About Supplementary Demand for Grants
Meaning: Required when amount authorised by Parliament through Appropriation Act for a particular service for current financial year is insufficient.
Laid by President before both Houses of Parliament and is passed before end of Financial year.
Mentioned under Article 115 of Constitution.
Major Food Safety Reforms Notified
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026.
The reforms aim to improve ease of doing business in the food sector.
The amendments modify the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
They are issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The changes are based on recommendations of a high-level committee on non-financial regulatory reforms.
The committee was constituted by NITI Aayog.
Key Provisions of the Reforms
1. Perpetual Validity
The reforms introduce perpetual validity for registrations and licences issued by FSSAI.
Perpetual validity removes the requirement of repeated renewals.
This reduces compliance burden for food businesses.
2. Increased Turnover Threshold
The annual turnover limit for basic registration has been increased.
Businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore now require only basic registration.
Earlier, the threshold was ₹12 lakh.
This expands simplified compliance to a larger number of small businesses.
3. Licensing Categories
Businesses with turnover up to ₹50 crore will fall under State licensing.
Businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore will require Central licensing.
State licensing is handled at the state authority level.
Central licensing is granted by FSSAI headquarters.
4. Regulation of Street Vendors
Vendors registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act will be automatically registered with FSSAI.
This ensures regulatory integration.
It reduces duplication of registration processes.
Food Safety Regulatory Framework in India
1. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
The Act is the overarching legislation governing food safety in India.
It established FSSAI in 2008 as the primary food safety authority.
The administrative ministry is the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
2. Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011
These regulations prescribe labelling requirements for packaged food.
They define standards for food additives.
They lay down microbiological requirements.
They provide operational compliance norms for food businesses.
3. Standard-Setting Mechanism
Food safety standards are developed by FSSAI’s Scientific Committee.
Scientific Panels assist in technical evaluation.
These bodies form the principal arms of standard development.
4. Other Initiatives
The Food Safety Connect mobile app enables grievance redressal and reporting.
The Eat Right India initiative promotes safe and healthy food practices.
These initiatives complement regulatory reforms.
Overall Significance
The reforms simplify licensing structures.
They reduce regulatory friction for small and medium enterprises.
They integrate street vendors into formal food safety compliance.
They balance ease of doing business with public health safeguards.
Security Dilemma
Amid the ongoing Iran-Israel-US war, experts argue that Tehran may emerge from this even more determined to weaponise its nuclear capability to deter future attacks, igniting security dilemma among rival powers.
About Security Dilemma
Definition: It refers to a situation in which actions taken by a state to increase its own security unintentionally threaten other states, prompting them to respond with similar measures.
This creates a vicious cycle of mistrust, arms buildup, and potential conflict.
Origin: John Herz introduced in his 1950 article ‘Idealist Internationalism and the Security Dilemma’. Herbert Butterfield and Robert Jervis have contributed to its development.
It falls within the realist tradition of international relations.
Reason: It arises because of anarchy in international system, uncertainty of intentions and power of perception.
Expansion of Data Centre Capacity in India
India’s data centre capacity has increased from about 375 MW in 2020 to around 1500 MW in 2025.
This reflects a four-fold expansion within five years.
Major data centre hubs include Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Noida, and Jamnagar.
These cities serve as key digital infrastructure clusters.
What is a Data Centre?
A data centre is a dedicated secure facility.
It houses computing and networking equipment in a centralized location.
It enables collection of large volumes of data.
It facilitates storage of digital information.
It allows processing and distribution of data.
It enables user access to stored data.
Applications such as digital payments depend on data centres.
Cloud storage services operate through data centres.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems process data within data centres.
Significance of Data Centres
1. Backbone of the Digital Economy
Data centres support online banking systems.
They enable digital payment infrastructure.
They ensure reliable storage and processing of financial data.
They support e-governance and digital public services.
2. Enabling Emerging Technologies
They provide infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI refers to systems that simulate human intelligence.
They support the Internet of Things (IoT).
IoT refers to interconnected smart devices exchanging data.
They enable big data analytics.
They facilitate rollout of 5G technology.
5G is the fifth-generation mobile communication standard.
3. Strengthening Data Security
Domestic data centres support data localisation policies.
Data localisation refers to storing data within national borders.
They reduce dependence on foreign digital infrastructure.
They enhance protection of sensitive information.
4. Employment Generation
Data centres generate skilled IT jobs.
They create employment in cybersecurity.
They require expertise in infrastructure management.
They support ancillary services such as cooling and power management.
Key Challenges
High operational costs arise due to heavy power consumption.
Continuous cooling requirements increase energy demand.
Infrastructure maintenance adds to expenses.
Cybersecurity risks threaten sensitive digital systems.
Growing cyberattacks require robust security mechanisms.
There is a shortage of skilled professionals.
Specialised expertise in cloud and data management remains limited.
Regulatory approvals involve land acquisition procedures.
Environmental clearances add to project complexity.
Initiatives to Promote Data Centre Ecosystem
The Draft Data Centre Policy (2020) aims to promote domestic manufacturing.
It encourages production of data centre-related equipment.
Data centres with more than 5 MW IT load have been granted infrastructure status.
Infrastructure status improves access to long-term financing.
India’s first hyperscale data centre, Yotta D1, has been set up in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
A hyperscale data centre refers to a large facility designed to scale rapidly.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended a Data Centre Incentivization Scheme (DCIS).
TRAI also proposed Data Centre Economic Zones (DCEZs).
These measures aim to position India as a global digital infrastructure hub.
Atomic Clock aboard IRNSS-1F Stopped Functioning
The atomic clock onboard IRNSS-1F has stopped functioning.
IRNSS-1F was launched in 2016.
It is the sixth satellite of the seven-satellite constellation forming the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
The satellite carried a highly accurate Rubidium Atomic Clock.
The atomic clock is a critical payload component.
It ensures precise timing for navigation services.
About Atomic Clock
An atomic clock is an ultra-precise timekeeping device.
It is space-hardened to function in extreme space conditions.
It measures time by monitoring resonant frequency of atomic transitions.
Resonant frequency refers to the precise natural vibration rate of atoms.
Common elements used include cesium, rubidium, and hydrogen.
An atomic clock works like a conventional clock.
However, its time base depends on atomic properties.
When an atom absorbs energy, it moves to a higher energy state. It then returns to a lower energy state.
During this transition, it emits energy at a precise frequency.
This frequency acts as a reference signal for time measurement.
Atomic clocks gain or lose only one second in about 100 million years.
Conventional quartz clocks may gain or lose one second within a few days.
Atomic clocks generally have a lifespan of 10–15 years. This roughly matches the operational life of satellites.
About IRNSS – Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)
The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is an independent regional navigation system.
It is developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
IRNSS is also known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).
The satellite constellation consists of seven satellites.
It is supported by a network of ground stations.
Three satellites are placed in Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
A GEO satellite remains fixed relative to a point on Earth.
Four satellites are placed in Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO).
A GSO satellite follows Earth’s rotation but may appear to trace a figure-eight pattern.
NavIC provides accurate position information to users in India.
Its primary service area extends up to 1500 km beyond India’s boundaries.
It offers Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users.
It provides Restricted Service (RS) for strategic and authorised users.
The atomic clock is central to maintaining navigation accuracy in such systems.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Seven dead, 92 inmates infected with herpes virus at overcrowded Jalpaiguri correctional home in West Bengal.
About Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Also known as Herpes, HSV is a common viral infection causing painful blisters or ulcers on the mouth or genitals.
Treatable but not curable as the virus remains in the body lifelong.
Types of HSV
HSV type 1: Mainly causes oral herpes (cold sores) around the mouth, spread through oral contact, saliva, or skin contact and can also cause genital herpes via oral-genital contact.
HSV type 2: Primarily causes genital herpes, spread through sexual contact with infected skin, sores, or fluids.
Rare Transmission: Mother to baby during childbirth (neonatal herpes).
Captive Generating Plant
Ministry of Power notifies Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026 amending Electricity Rules, 2005 for ease of doing business.
The amendments provide a clear ownership definition to include subsidiaries that own the Captive Generating Plant.
About Captive Generating Plant
Definition: Power Plant established by companies mainly for their own consumption. They are considered captive if:
More than 51% of the electricity is used for own consumption
Aggregate ownership of plant is more than 26%
Origin: Electricity Act, 2003 and is also recognised by National Electricity Policy, 2005.
Significance: Supports industrial growth by mitigating supply constraints and electricity cost volatility.
Phenology
Unusually warm late winter and early spring in India are altering the behaviour of plants and animals.
Scientists attribute these changes to shifts in seasonal cycles.
About Phenology
Phenology refers to the timing of seasonal biological events.
These events include flowering of plants.
They include breeding of animals and migration patterns of species.
Phenological patterns are closely linked to climate conditions.
Climate change is altering these natural cycles.
Rising temperatures are advancing seasonal events.
Such shifts can create ecological mismatches.
An ecological mismatch occurs when interacting species become out of sync.
This affects survival and reproduction.
Observed Changes and Examples
In the Kashmir Himalayan region, plants are flowering 20–25 days earlier than usual.
This early flowering disrupts synchronisation with pollinators.
Pollinators such as bees depend on flowering cycles for nectar.
The mismatch threatens long-term bee populations.
Bird species are experiencing habitat stress.
Breeding cycles of birds are being disrupted.
Hawk eagles are reported as one such example.
Reptiles are also affected by temperature changes.
Amphibians such as frogs are taking refuge in caves.
Frogs have permeable skin.
Permeable skin makes them highly sensitive to environmental conditions.
Elevated temperatures increase physiological stress.
Ecological Significance
Phenological shifts affect food chains.
They disrupt plant–pollinator relationships.
They alter predator–prey dynamics.
They can reduce biodiversity over time.
Monitoring phenology helps assess climate change impacts.
It serves as an early indicator of ecosystem stress.
Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
Project GIB enters fourth year of its captive breeding programme with tally of 70 birds in captivity.
About GIB
Habitat: Agro-grassland bird endemic to Indian Subcontinent, mainly Rajasthan with some population in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Characteristics: Omnivorous; belongs to the family Otididae, exhibits sexual dimorphism; male possesses a conspicuous gular pouch that plays a vital role in mating display.
Known locally as Godawan in Rajasthan,
Threat: Hunting, collision with high tension wires, etc.
Protection Status
IUCN: Critically Endangered
Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972: Schedule I
CITES: Appendix I
Under Species recovery programme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats.
National Chambal Sanctuary
Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance to Protect Gharials in National Chambal Sanctuary.
About National Chambal Sanctuary
Location & Area: ~5,400 sq km riverine stretch along the Chambal River across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
It is the first and only tri-state riverine protected area in India.
Established: 1979 for conservation of riverine biodiversity.
Significance: Major habitat of the critically endangered Gharial.
Chambal remains one of India’s least-polluted perennial rivers supporting rich aquatic biodiversity.
Other Fauna: Ganges River Dolphin, Red-crowned Roofed Turtle, other freshwater turtles and migratory birds.
Nor’wester
Nor’wester-induced strong winds and heavy rainfall have caused disruption in Odisha.
These storms are seasonal pre-monsoon phenomena.
About Nor’wester
Nor’westers are severe thunderstorms.
They originate over eastern and north-eastern parts of India.
They occur during the pre-monsoon season.
The pre-monsoon season extends from March to May.
They are characterised by sudden and intense weather activity.
Nor’westers produce heavy showers. They generate intense lightning and thunder.
They may cause hailstorms and can trigger dust storms. They produce strong squalls.
A squall refers to a sudden violent gust of wind.
They may cause downbursts.
A downburst is a strong downward wind system from a thunderstorm.
In rare cases, they may even generate tornadoes.
Regional Names
In West Bengal, Nor’westers are called Kalbaisakhi.
Kalbaisakhi means a calamity occurring in the month of Baisakh.
Baisakh is a month in the traditional Bengali calendar.
In Assam, Nor’westers are known as Bordoisila or Bardoli Chheerha.
Agricultural Significance
These storms are beneficial for agriculture.
They provide pre-monsoon moisture to crops.
They support tea cultivation.
They benefit jute farming.
They help rice cultivation.
Despite their destructive potential, they play an important ecological and agrarian role.
Sujal Gaon ID
Union Minister of Jal Shakti Launched Sujal Gaon ID.
About Sujal Gaon ID
Launched by: Ministry of Jal Shakti under Jal Jeevan Mission.
Nature: Unique digital ID for mapping rural piped water supply schemes.
Purpose: Enables source-to-tap digital mapping of rural drinking water infrastructure.
Platform: Linked with Sujalam Bharat national digital architecture.
Significance: Improves monitoring, transparency, accountability and supports universal Har Ghar Jal coverage by 2028.
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
Prime Minister releases 22nd instalment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to farmers across nation.
About PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Launch Year: 2019
Type: Central Sector Scheme
Objective: Supplement financial needs of landholding farmers.
Key Features:
Benefit: ₹6000 per year in 3 equal instalments of ₹2000 each to Landholding farmer families (husband, wife, minor children) directly to their bank accounts.
Excluded Beneficiaries: All Institutional Land holders; families having holders of constitutional posts, government employees, tax payers, professionals like doctors, engineers, etc.
Identification: Done by State Governments/UTs.
Nationwide Survey to Map India’s Manuscript Heritage
The Ministry of Culture has launched a nationwide survey to map India’s manuscript heritage.
The survey aims to identify manuscripts across the country.
It seeks to create a national digital repository.
The repository will be hosted on the portal of the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM).
A manuscript is a handwritten composition.
It may be written on paper, bark, cloth, metal, palm leaf, or other material.
It must be at least seventy-five years old.
It must possess significant scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
Significance of Mapping Manuscripts
1. Cultural Revitalisation
Manuscripts preserve cultural diversity.
They help recognise India’s civilisational heritage.
They safeguard linguistic diversity.
They strengthen India’s global cultural connections.
The Gilgit Manuscripts are among the oldest manuscripts found in India.
They strengthen India’s Buddhist diplomacy.
They connect India with East Asian countries.
2. Reviving Indian Knowledge Systems
Manuscripts contain indigenous knowledge.
They preserve traditions of Ayurveda.
They document Yoga practices.
They include early scientific treatises.
The Bakhshali Manuscript dates to the 3rd–4th century AD.
It contains references to the early use of zero.
Mapping supports rediscovery of such knowledge systems.
3. Curbing Intellectual Piracy
Mapping creates official documentation of manuscripts.
It helps prevent smuggling of undocumented artefacts.
It protects traditional knowledge from exploitation.
It strengthens heritage security mechanisms.
About Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM)
The Gyan Bharatam Mission is a national initiative.
It aims to preserve India’s manuscript heritage.
It focuses on digitisation and dissemination.
It is implemented by the Ministry of Culture.
It is a Central Sector Scheme.
It is a restructured version of the National Mission for Manuscripts launched in 2003.
Five Pillars of GBM
The first pillar is mapping and recording manuscripts.
The second pillar is conservation of manuscripts.
The third pillar is digitisation and protection.
The fourth pillar is decoding ancient manuscripts.
The fifth pillar is studying and sharing manuscript knowledge.
Other Initiatives for Manuscript Preservation
Gyan-Setu is a national AI Innovation Challenge.
It encourages startups and students to use AI for digitisation.
The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 regulates export of antiquities.
It prohibits export of manuscripts over 75 years old except by the Central Government.
India participates in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
This register preserves documentary heritage globally.
Entries from India include manuscripts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Natyashastra.
The survey represents a systematic effort to safeguard India’s intellectual and cultural legacy.
Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Initiative
Ministry of Communications inaugurated Samriddhi Kendra under Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Initiative.
About Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Initiative
Under: Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
The initiative is in pilot phase which will be implemented in 3 villages.
It leverages the high-speed broadband under BharatNet to transform digital connectivity into an integrated platform for delivery of services in rural areas.
Under it, Samriddhi Kendra has been conceptualised as a single-window rural service hub bringing together healthcare, education, etc and e-governance support at one location.
National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)
Navratna NMDC has become the first mining company in India to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore in a single financial year.
About NMDC
Incorporated in 1958 as a CPSE (Central Public Sector Enterprise).
NMDC is India’s largest producer of iron ore.
Apart from iron ore it also explores various minerals e.g. copper, limestone etc.
Ministry: Ministry of steel
Also, NMDC is the only organised producer of diamond in India from its Majhgawan mine at Panna, Madhya Pradesh.
HQ: Hyderabad
Kuki and Hmar Communities
Assam government signed memorandums of settlement with Kuki and Hmar militant groups.
It includes groups such as the United Kukigam Defence Army and the Kuki Revolutionary Army, among others.
About Kukis
The Kukis belong to the Tibeto-Burman ethnic group.
Spread: Mainly resides in the Lushai Hills of Manipur but also found in all north eastern states (except Arunachal Pradesh), Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
Traditional Kuki society is centred around the village hereditary chief, known as the 'Haosa'.
About Hmar tribe
Hmar (meaning north) are a specific ethnic group within the larger Kuki-Zo umbrella.
Spread: They live mostly in the hills of south Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and also found in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Carnatic music
Recently, a Carnatic musician is named for Sangita Kalanidhi award 2026.
Sangita Kalanidhi award conferred by the Music Academy, Chennai, is considered the highest accolade in the field of Carnatic music.
About Carnatic music
It is the classical music tradition of South India and one of the two main systems of Indian classical music, the other being Hindustani music.
It is primarily devotional in nature.
Instruments: Veena, violin, flute, nadaswaram, mridangam, ghatam, kanjira and morsing.
Compositions: kriti, keertanam, varnam, padam, jaavali etc.
kriti is the most important of the melodic group of compositions.
Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shastri are known as the trinity of carnatic music
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