UPSC Daily Current Affairs 13th March 2026
Relevance: Facts for Prelims, GS Paper III – Science & Technology (Space Technology, Satellite Navigation Systems)
For Prelims:
- NavIC, IRNSS, Atomic Clock, IRNSS-1F, NVS-01, NVS-02, GSLV-F15, L1 Frequency, L5 Band, S Band, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS.
For Mains:
- Satellite navigation technology, indigenous atomic clocks, strategic space infrastructure, reliability of satellite constellations, India’s technological self-reliance in space.
Why in News?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the atomic clock onboard the navigation satellite IRNSS-1F stopped functioning on 13 March 2026.
Because atomic clocks are essential for satellite navigation, the failure means IRNSS-1F can no longer provide positioning data, although the satellite will continue to provide broadcast messaging services.
This development raises concerns about the operational capacity of India’s regional navigation system NavIC.
What is NavIC (IRNSS)?
NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India’s regional satellite navigation system.
Key Features
- Official name: Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
- Planned as a 7-satellite constellation.
- Provides navigation coverage over India and up to 1500 km beyond the Indian landmass.
- Designed location accuracy: about 10 metres.
Applications
NavIC supports several civilian and strategic uses:
- Vehicle navigation
- Aviation and maritime navigation
- Mapping and surveying
- Disaster management
- Infrastructure planning
- Military and strategic operations
Since NavIC satellites are placed directly above India, signals are more reliable in difficult terrains such as valleys and forests compared to GPS signals that arrive at an angle.
Role of Atomic Clocks in Navigation Satellites
Atomic clocks are the most critical component of satellite navigation systems.
Trends in State Assembly Elections (1990–2025)
How Satellite Navigation Works
Satellite positioning systems determine location by measuring the time taken by radio signals to travel between satellites and receivers.
Importance of Atomic Clocks
- Provide extremely precise time measurements.
- Even a tiny timing error can lead to large location errors.
- Failure of atomic clocks results in loss of navigation capability.
Thus, functioning atomic clocks are essential for accurate positioning data.
Atomic Clock Failure in IRNSS-1F
The IRNSS-1F satellite, launched in March 2016, had completed its design mission life of 10 years.
On 13 March 2026, its onboard atomic clock stopped functioning.
Consequences
- Satellite lost its ability to provide positioning data.
- It will continue to operate for broadcast messaging services.
This adds to the earlier technical issues faced by the NavIC constellation.
Current Status of NavIC Satellite Constellation
After the 2023 launch of NVS-01, five satellites were providing positioning data:
- IRNSS-1B
- IRNSS-1C
- IRNSS-1F
- IRNSS-1I
- NVS-01 (new generation satellite)
However, with the atomic clock failure in IRNSS-1F, the number of satellites providing positioning data has reduced.
Aging Satellites
Many early satellites are nearing the end of their operational life:
- IRNSS-1A (2013) is almost defunct.
- IRNSS-1B and 1C (2014 launches) have exceeded their mission life.
What Happened to NVS-02?
NVS-02 was the second satellite of the new-generation NavIC series, launched in January 2025 by GSLV-F15 during ISRO’s 100th launch mission.
Although it was successfully placed into a highly elliptical transfer orbit, the satellite failed to reach its final orbit.
Cause of Failure
An investigation found:
- A signal did not reach the pyro valve of the oxidiser line.
- As a result, the engine could not ignite.
- The likely reason was disengagement of connector contacts, preventing completion of the electrical circuit.
Because of this failure, NVS-02 cannot provide positioning services.
Challenges Faced by the NavIC Programme
Atomic Clock Failures
- Several atomic clocks onboard early satellites failed prematurely.
Aging Constellation
- Many satellites launched between 2013 and 2016 are approaching the end of their mission life.
Launch Failure
- The IRNSS-1H mission in 2017 failed when the payload heat shield did not open.
Delay in User Segment Development
A 2018 CAG report highlighted delays in developing navigation receivers.
- Funding of ₹200 crore approved in 2006.
- Actual work began only in 2017, after several satellites had already been launched.
This led to underutilisation of satellite mission life.
Advancements in New-Generation NavIC Satellites
To address earlier problems, ISRO introduced several improvements.
Indigenous Atomic Clock
- India developed its own atomic clock technology after failures in imported clocks.
Longer Mission Life
- New satellites have 12-year design life, compared to 10 years earlier.
Additional Frequency Band
New NavIC satellites transmit signals in:
- L1 band
- L5 band
- S band
The L1 frequency improves compatibility with GPS and allows NavIC to be used in:
- Smartphones
- Wearable devices
- Low-power navigation chips
Global Navigation Satellite Systems
Four major global navigation systems operate worldwide:
| Navigation System | Country/Region |
| GPS | United States |
| GLONASS | Russia |
| Galileo | European Union |
| BeiDou | China |
Regional Navigation Systems
| System | Country |
| NavIC | India |
| Quasi-Zenith Satellite System | Japan |
Global systems typically have 20+ satellites in medium-earth orbit (~20,000 km), while regional systems such as NavIC use fewer satellites in geosynchronous orbits (~35,000 km).
Importance of NavIC for India
Strategic Independence
- Reduces reliance on foreign navigation systems like GPS.
Defence Applications
- Provides reliable navigation for military operations and missile guidance.
Transportation
- Used in railways, aviation, shipping and vehicle navigation.
Disaster Management
- Supports early warning systems and emergency communication.
Civilian Applications
- Increasingly integrated into smartphones and navigation devices.
Conclusion
The failure of the atomic clock on IRNSS-1F highlights the technical challenges facing India’s NavIC navigation system. However, ISRO’s efforts to develop indigenous atomic clocks, launch new-generation satellites, and improve signal compatibility demonstrate India’s commitment to building a reliable and independent navigation infrastructure. Strengthening the NavIC constellation will be essential for enhancing India’s strategic autonomy in space technology.
UPSC PYQ
Q. GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) I, II and III
b) II and III only
c) I only
d) I and II only
Answer: d)
Explanation
About GAGAN
- GAGAN (GPS-Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) is India’s Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).
- Developed jointly by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Airports Authority of India.
- It improves the accuracy of signals from Global Positioning System using ground reference stations and geostationary satellites.
Statement I: Correct
- GAGAN enhances accuracy, integrity, and reliability of GPS signals.
- Helps aircraft navigation during approach and landing.
Statement II: Correct
- Improves Air Traffic Management (ATM) by providing precise position information.
- Enables safer and more efficient routing of aircraft.
Statement III: Incorrect
- GAGAN is not limited to aviation.
- Other applications include:
- Marine navigation
- Land transportation
- Precision agriculture
- Disaster management
- Surveying and mapping
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), consider the following statements:
- NavIC is India’s regional satellite navigation system designed to provide positioning services over India and about 1500 km beyond it.
- Atomic clocks onboard satellites are used to measure the precise time taken by signals for location calculations.
- NavIC satellites are placed mainly in Medium Earth Orbit similar to GPS satellites.
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Relevance: Relevance: GS Paper II – Polity and Governance / Social Justice
For Prelims:
- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Crime in India Report 2023, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989, Article 15, Article 17, Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955, Social Boycott, Untouchability
For Mains:
- Caste-based discrimination in public spaces, Social exclusion and spatial segregation, Implementation challenges of anti-atrocity laws, Role of institutions in protecting marginalized communities, Constitutional safeguards for equality and dignity
Why in News?
Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Crime in India Report 2023 highlights a rising number of cases where Scheduled Castes (SCs) were denied access to public spaces under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Out of 180 such cases reported across India, 173 cases were recorded in Uttar Pradesh, indicating a significant regional concentration of this form of caste-based discrimination.
NCRB Data on Denial of Access to Public Spaces
The NCRB began separately recording the crime category “Prevent or deny or obstruct usage of public place or passage” under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in 2017.
Key findings from the Crime in India 2023 report include:
- 180 cases of denial of access to public spaces for Scheduled Castes were recorded nationwide.
- 173 cases occurred in Uttar Pradesh alone.
- Remaining cases were reported from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
This data suggests a significant concentration of cases in a single State.
Trends Since 2017
The category of denial of access to public spaces was introduced in 2017 as part of NCRB’s effort to improve classification of crimes under the SC/ST Act.
In the first year (2017):
- Only 12 cases were recorded across the country.
- These were distributed among States such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
- Uttar Pradesh reported zero cases under this category in 2017.
However, from 2018 onwards, the number of reported cases increased steadily.
Concentration of Cases in Uttar Pradesh
A striking feature of the NCRB data is the dominant share of cases reported from Uttar Pradesh.
Key trends include:
- 2018: Uttar Pradesh accounted for about 68% of cases reported nationwide.
- 2019: The share increased to around 80%.
- 2022: Over 98% of such cases were reported from Uttar Pradesh.
In 2022, India recorded 305 cases, of which 300 cases were from Uttar Pradesh.
According to the National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), this rise reflects persistent caste-based spatial segregation and discrimination in rural areas.
Denial of Public Spaces as Social Exclusion
Denial of access to public spaces often occurs in rural areas where traditional caste hierarchies influence social relations.
Examples include restrictions on access to:
- Temples
- Village pathways
- Water sources such as wells and tanks
- Community facilities
- Cremation grounds
Despite modernization and legal protections, some communities continue to view the presence of Scheduled Caste individuals in shared spaces as violating notions of ritual purity and social hierarchy.
Such practices represent continuing forms of untouchability, which are constitutionally prohibited.
Underlying Reasons for Denial of Public Spaces
Caste-Based Spatial Segregation
Many villages still maintain informal caste-based settlement patterns, where dominant castes control key public spaces and resources.
This can result in:
- Restrictions on entry to certain public areas
- Social boycott or intimidation
- Segregated access to community facilities
Dominance of Local Power Structures
Local social hierarchies often reinforce discriminatory practices.
Several factors contribute to this:
- Land ownership patterns, where dominant castes control agricultural land.
- Economic dependence of marginalized communities on dominant groups.
- Influence of informal caste councils and traditional authority structures.
These factors allow dominant groups to enforce exclusion through intimidation or social pressure.
Weak Enforcement of Anti-Atrocity Laws
Although the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 criminalizes denial of access to public spaces, implementation challenges remain.
Common issues include:
- Delays in First Information Report (FIR) registration
- Inadequate police investigation
- Low conviction rates in atrocity cases
These gaps weaken the deterrent effect of the law and allow discriminatory practices to persist.
Limited Awareness of Legal Rights
Many marginalized communities lack awareness of their legal protections.
Consequently:
- Victims may hesitate to report discrimination.
- Access to legal remedies may be limited.
- Institutional redress mechanisms remain underutilized.
Improving legal literacy and awareness is therefore crucial.
Legal and Institutional Protections
India’s constitutional and legal framework includes several safeguards against caste-based discrimination.
Article 15
Prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth and guarantees equal access to public spaces.
Article 17
Abolishes untouchability and declares its practice in any form to be a punishable offense.
Article 21
Guarantees the right to life with dignity, interpreted by courts to include freedom from social discrimination.
SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
Criminalizes acts such as:
- Denial of entry to public places
- Prevention of access to water sources
- Social boycott and humiliation of SC/ST communities
Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955
Provides additional legal safeguards against practices arising from untouchability.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Monitors safeguards for Scheduled Caste communities and investigates complaints related to discrimination.
Steps to Democratize Public Spaces
Experts suggest several measures to reduce caste-based exclusion.
Promote Spatial Justice
Public facilities such as Panchayat Bhavans, Anganwadis, water sources, and ration shops should be located in neutral or SC-dominated areas to ensure equal access.
Strengthen Social Audits
Gram Sabha social audits can help identify and address instances of untouchability or spatial exclusion.
Ensure Official Accountability
Strict enforcement of Section 4 of the SC/ST Act, which penalizes public officials who fail to perform duties such as registering complaints.
Establish Special Courts
District-level exclusive special courts can speed up trials in atrocity cases.
Promote Social Awareness
Public campaigns inspired by the ideas of B.R. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, and Periyar E.V. Ramasamy can promote anti-caste values and constitutional morality.
Conclusion
The denial of access to public spaces for Scheduled Castes reflects the persistence of caste hierarchies and social exclusion in parts of India. While legal protections exist, gaps in enforcement, social norms, and power structures continue to sustain discriminatory practices.
Addressing this challenge requires strong law enforcement, greater legal awareness, social reform, and sustained commitment to constitutional values of equality and dignity
UPSC PYQ
Q. Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination?
A. Right against Exploitation
B. Right to Freedom
C. Right to Constitutional Remedies
D. Right to Equality
Correct: D
Explanation
Right to Equality. Under the Indian Constitution, the Right to Equality is a cluster of fundamental rights spanning from Articles 14 to 18. Specifically, Article 17 expressly abolishes “Untouchability” and forbids its practice in any form, making it a punishable offense.
The classification is as follows:
- Right to Equality (Articles 14–18): Includes Article 17, which protects individuals from discrimination based on untouchability.
- Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24): Deals with human trafficking and forced labor, not caste-based social exclusion.
- Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22): Covers liberties like speech and movement.
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Provides the mechanism to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of rights but is not the substantive right itself.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), consider the following statements:
I. NCSC is a constitutional body under Article 338.
II. The 89th Constitutional Amendment separated the SC and ST Commissions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. I only
B. II only
C. Both I and II
D. Neither I nor II
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Statement I – Correct: The NCSC is a Constitutional Body established under Article 338 of the Constitution of India.
- Statement II – Correct: The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 split the earlier combined commission into:
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) under Article 338
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) under Article 338A
Additional Information:
- Initially, Article 338 provided for a Special Officer for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- The 65th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1990 replaced the one-member system with a multi-member commission.
- The NCSC submits its report annually to the President on the working of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes.
