Daily Current Affairs- 25th March 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 25th March 2026

Lok Sabha Passes Transgender Amendment Bill 2026

In the News: Parliament passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 — the Lok Sabha cleared it on Tuesday by a voice vote amid an Opposition walkout, and the Rajya Sabha passed it on March 25, 2026, amid demands to refer it to a select committee.

Key Points:

• Key Changes Introduced by the Bill: The Bill redefines the category of transgender persons, removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity, and excludes several socio-cultural identities as well as transmasculine individuals from its ambit.
• New Certification Process: Individuals must apply to the District Magistrate for an official certificate of identity. Certification will now be granted based on recommendations from a designated medical board, headed by a Chief Medical Officer or Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
• Identity Documentation: The amendment allows transgender persons to change their first name in official documents, including birth certificates, based on the identity certificate issued.
• Government's Stand: Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar said the Bill will ensure protection to those who face discrimination due to biological issues, and that transgender welfare boards have been set up in over 30 states. He stated the Bill brings "administrative clarity" and is "a pathway to justice."
• Opposition's Stand: Opposition parties demanded the Bill be sent to a select committee for scrutiny. DMK MP Tiruchi Siva argued the amendments force transgender persons to appear before a medical board, taking away the right to self-identification. TMC MP Saket Gokhale cited that only 32,000 out of 5 lakh transgender persons (as per 2011 Census) have obtained certificates so far, and that 31% of transgender people in India have attempted suicide, with 50% of those being below the age of 20. CPI(M) MP John Brittas noted that a Supreme Court-appointed committee had conveyed to the government not to proceed with the legislation.
• Two Members Resign: Two members of the National Council for Transgender Persons resigned, citing the Bill as "regressive."
• Legal Background — NALSA Judgment (2014): The Supreme Court's NALSA judgment recognised transgender persons as a third gender and established that gender identity is a matter of personal autonomy, requiring no medical intervention. Critics argue the new Bill contradicts this ruling.
• Constitutional Angle: The right to self-identification is considered part of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) of the Constitution.
• Existing Law: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 provides the current legal framework for protection against discrimination, which this Bill seeks to amend.

India Forms 7 Empowered Committees on West Asia Crisis

In the News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of seven empowered groups of officials and experts to assess the impact of the West Asia war on India and take remedial measures across sectors. The announcement was made while addressing the Rajya Sabha.

Key Points:

• Background: Following U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint through which 20% of the world's oil and gas passes — causing a supply squeeze and spike in prices. India imports about 85% of its total oil and gas requirements, making it highly vulnerable.
• Modelled After COVID Response: The seven empowered groups were formed on the lines of a similar inter-ministerial exercise conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Panel 1 – Defence, External Affairs and Public Order: Convenor — Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, with Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Focuses on geopolitical risks, internal security, and diplomatic responses.
• Panel 2 – Economy, Finance and Supply Chains: Convenor — DEA Secretary Anuradha Thakur. Monitors export-import disruptions, supply chain bottlenecks, and financial market stability.
• Panel 3 – Energy Security (Petroleum, LNG and Power): Convenor — Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal. Includes heads of PSUs like ONGC, IOC, and GAIL. Focuses on uninterrupted fuel supply, price volatility, and strategic reserves.
• Panel 4 – Fertilisers and Agriculture Inputs: Convenor — Fertilisers Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra. Addresses disruptions in fertiliser production, which is heavily dependent on energy inputs, to safeguard food security.
• Panel 5 – Prices and Essential Commodities: Convenor — Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare. Tasked with ensuring price stability and availability of essential goods to control inflationary pressures.
• Panel 6 – Transport, Logistics and Trade Routes: Convenor — Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary Vijay Kumar. Covers disruptions in shipping, ports, aviation, railways, and road transport.
• Panel 7 – Information, Communication and Public Engagement: Convenor — I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju. Manages accurate dissemination of information, counters misinformation, and maintains public confidence.
• India's Energy Preparedness: India has diversified crude oil imports from 27 countries to 41 countries. Strategic petroleum reserves exceed 5.3 million tonnes, with work underway to build reserves exceeding 6.5 million tonnes.

Jharkhand Leader Kalpana Soren Gets International Honour

In the News: Kalpana Soren, MLA from Gandey, Jharkhand, and wife of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, was conferred the 'Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award' at the BRICS CCI WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026, held at the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi.

Key Points:

• Award: Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award, presented by the Women Empowerment Vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI).
• Venue: Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, during the BRICS CCI WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026.
• Reason for Honour: Recognised for her efforts in advancing women-led development, grassroots empowerment, and inclusive growth, particularly in rural and tribal areas of Jharkhand.
• Key Highlights from Her Address: She stated the award belongs to every woman contributing to society. She highlighted the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local enterprises in strengthening women's economic independence. She also referenced her visit to London, where she interacted with students from Jharkhand studying at institutions such as Oxford University.
• About BRICS CCI WE Summit: The BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women Empowerment Summit serves as a global platform to discuss women's leadership and development. The 2026 edition was attended by prominent personalities including Meenakshi Lekhi, Raksha Khadse, Abhishek Singh (NIC Director General), Shabana Azmi, Bhumi Pednekar, and several international delegates.
• CM Hemant Soren's Reaction: Chief Minister Hemant Soren congratulated Kalpana Soren via X, calling the honour a global recognition of "Nari Shakti" (Women's Power) and terming it an inspiration for countless women.
• About Kalpana Soren: She is the MLA from Gandey constituency in Jharkhand and wife of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Philippines Declares Energy Emergency Amid Iran Conflict

In the News: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national energy emergency in response to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, citing the "imminent danger" posed to the country's energy supply as fuel prices more than doubled since hostilities began on February 28.

Key Points:

• Trigger: The U.S.-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, disrupted global energy supply chains, causing diesel and petrol prices in the Philippines to more than double.
• Fuel Supply Status: As of the declaration, the Philippines had approximately 45 days of fuel supply remaining based on current consumption levels.
• Emergency Declaration: Valid for one year, it authorises the government to directly procure fuel, pay advance contract amounts, and act against hoarding, profiteering, and manipulation of petroleum supplies.
• First Country: The Philippines became the first country to declare a national energy emergency in the context of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
• Oil Procurement Efforts: The government is working to procure 1 million barrels of oil from countries within and outside Southeast Asia and is seeking U.S. exemptions to potentially purchase oil from sanctioned countries, including Iran and Venezuela.
• New Tax Law: Marcos signed a law allowing temporary suspension or reduction of excise tax on petroleum products when the average Dubai crude oil price reaches or exceeds $80 per barrel for a month.
• Government Relief Measures: A 5,000 peso ($83) subsidy was announced for motorcycle taxi and public transport workers. Free bus rides were provided to students and workers in some cities. A four-day work week was implemented for civil servants to conserve fuel.
• Transport Strike: Transport union coalition Piston led a two-day strike from March 27, demanding scrapping of fuel taxes, rollback of oil prices, state price controls, and higher wages.

Iran’s Ceasefire Conditions After Trump’s 5-Day Halt

In the News: Iran rejected a 15-point ceasefire proposal backed by the Trump administration and issued a counterproposal with five conditions to end the ongoing war, which began on February 28 with the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Key Points:

• Background of the Conflict: The U.S. and Israel launched the war on February 28, 2026, following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other Iranian leaders. A second round of nuclear negotiations was held in Geneva on February 27, a day before strikes began, which were deemed progressive but resulted in no deal.
• Trump's 15-Point Ceasefire Proposal: The U.S. proposed a ceasefire offering sanctions relief in exchange for Iran abandoning its nuclear programme, a conditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and rollbacks on Iran's missile capabilities.
• Iran's Five Conditions to End the War: Tehran demanded a complete end to U.S. and Israeli "aggression," a guarantee against recurrence of war, payment of war damages and reparations, an end to the war across all fronts including all resistance groups, and full Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran's Military Actions: Tehran continued striking targets in the region, hitting Kuwait International Airport and other Persian Gulf targets. Iran's Revolutionary Guards also launched fresh attacks on Tel Aviv, Kiryat Shmona in Israel, and U.S. bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain.
• Israel's Retaliation: Israel struck the Iranian capital Tehran on March 26, targeting infrastructure across the city. Strikes reportedly hit a residential area, with rescuers searching through rubble.
• U.S. Military Posture: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the U.S. was close to meeting the core objectives of "Operation Epic Fury", focused on decimating Iran's navy and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon is also preparing to deploy approximately 2,000 troops from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.