Daily current affairs: 28 February 2026

Long Description : National Science Day is observed annually across India to commemorate Sir C.V. Raman’s discovery of the 'Raman Effect' in 1928, which won him the Nobel Prize. The 2026 theme underscores the pivotal role of women researchers in achieving India's 2047 development goals. During the main event in New Delhi, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the ANRF-Venture Centre Outreach Initiative and the Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster. The day aims to foster scientific temper among youth and showcase indigenous technological advancements in sectors like green hydrogen and biotechnology, aligning with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.

Long Description : In a significant overhaul of national accounts, the National Statistical Office (NSO) transitioned to a new GDP series with 2022-23 as the base year. This 9th base revision incorporates modern datasets from GST, e-vahan, and the Periodic Labour Force Survey to better reflect India’s evolving economic structure and informal sector contributions. Under the revised series, India’s Q3 FY26 growth stood at 7.8%. The revision introduces "double deflation" for manufacturing and agriculture to enhance measurement accuracy. Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran noted that this update aligns India’s methodology with international standards, supporting the journey toward a $4 trillion economy.

Long Description : This pilot project marks a milestone in India's digital public infrastructure. By using CBDC for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), the government aims to ensure leak-proof delivery of food subsidies. The "Digital Food Currency" is a programmable token that can only be used at designated Fair Price Shops, preventing the diversion of funds. This initiative integrates the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) digital rupee with the existing DBT framework. If successful, the model will be scaled nationally to enhance transparency, reduce transaction costs, and provide a secure, digital-first welfare distribution system for millions of beneficiaries.

Long Description : The Rail Tech Policy is designed to engage startups, innovators, and academic institutions in solving operational challenges for Indian Railways. A dedicated RailTech Portal will serve as a one-stop digital platform for submitting and tracking innovation proposals. Simultaneously, the e-RCT system was introduced to digitize the claims process, allowing passengers to file and monitor compensation claims online, thereby reducing litigation delays. These reforms are part of the broader "Gati Shakti" mission, aiming to modernize railway infrastructure through domestic technology, improve safety through AI-based monitoring, and enhance the overall "ease of living" for rail commuters across the country.

Long Description : The Tripura State Innovation Mission (SIM) is a pioneering initiative aimed at creating a robust ecosystem for local entrepreneurs and grassroots inventors. Launched at the Hapania International Exhibition Center, the mission includes the District Innovator Fellowship (DIF), which provides financial and technical mentorship to innovators at the village level. Tripura also announced its upcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy to integrate smart technologies into governance and agriculture. This mission serves as a model for other states to decentralize the national innovation agenda, ensuring that technological growth reaches the "last mile" and contributes to the regional economy.

Long Description : The upgrade to Schedule ‘A’ status reflects NSIC’s consistent financial performance and its expanded role in supporting the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. This re-categorization grants the corporation greater financial autonomy and higher investment powers without requiring prior government approval for specific projects. NSIC plays a critical role in providing marketing, credit, and technology support to small businesses. The move is expected to empower NSIC to scale its operations, enter international markets, and implement larger-scale developmental schemes, thereby strengthening the backbone of the Indian economy and promoting the "Make in India" initiative.

Long Description : This partnership aims to leverage Sweden’s advanced digital infrastructure and India’s vast AI talent pool. The SoI focuses on three key pillars: ethical AI governance, joint R&D in healthcare diagnostics, and green technology solutions for urban mobility. By facilitating exchange programs between Indian startups and Swedish industry leaders, the agreement seeks to build resilient global supply chains for critical minerals and electronics. This collaboration aligns with the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) objectives, emphasizing strategic autonomy in emerging technologies and fostering an innovation-led bilateral relationship that addresses global challenges like climate change and pandemic preparedness.

Long Description : The installation of the Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TTC) station on Cocos Island is a crucial step in ensuring a 360-degree view of the Gaganyaan orbital module. This project is a result of a bilateral agreement between ISRO and the Australian Space Agency (ASA). The station will provide vital tracking support during the mission's ascent phase, where ground visibility is otherwise limited. ISRO is targeting the first uncrewed validation flight (G1) for later in 2026, featuring the Vyommitra humanoid robot. These tracking facilities are essential for astronaut safety, ensuring continuous communication with the crew module during its journey into Low Earth Orbit.

Long Description : The vaccination campaign is a major public health initiative aimed at reducing the burden of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in India. The drive will be rolled out through schools and government health centers, primarily using the indigenously developed Cervavac vaccine. This move follows recommendations from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and aligns with the global "90-70-90" targets for cervical cancer elimination. By making the vaccine accessible and free of cost, the government aims to ensure long-term health security for young girls, emphasizing preventive healthcare as a cornerstone of the national health policy.

Long Description : Under this new policy, the Collegium will announce the transfer and appointment of a new High Court Chief Justice several weeks before the incumbent retires. This "advance notification" aims to eliminate the administrative vacuum that often occurs between the retirement of one head and the swearing-in of the next. It ensures that the incoming Chief Justice has sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the state’s judicial backlog and administrative priorities. Legal experts believe this move will enhance judicial efficiency, promote institutional stability, and reduce the reliance on "Acting Chief Justices," thereby strengthening the overall High Court administration across India.

Long Description : The visit emphasizes India’s "de-hyphenation" policy, maintaining strong ties with both Israel and Arab nations. Key outcomes include agreements on the joint development of the Barak-8 missile system and cooperation in water management technologies. Discussions also covered the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aims to boost regional connectivity despite West Asian volatility. By positioning India as a pragmatic stakeholder in the region, the visit strengthens bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity and agriculture. This strategic shift reflects India’s growing diplomatic confidence in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes while pursuing national interests in technology and energy security.

Long Description : Scheduled for March 2026, the Asian Boxing Championships serve as a critical qualification pathway for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. The squad was selected after rigorous evaluations at the national camp in Patiala. Lovlina will compete in the 75kg category, while Nikhat Zareen leads the 51kg segment. Other notable inclusions are gold medalists from the Boxam Elite Championship, such as Preeti (54kg) and Sachin (60kg). The Sports Ministry has emphasized that finalists in Olympic weight categories will gain direct entry into future multi-sport events, making this continental championship a high-stakes arena for India's elite boxers.

Long Description : According to the National Sports Development Code, the expressions "India" and "Indian" are reserved exclusively for National Sports Federations (NSFs) recognized by the government. The Ministry sent notices to the DCCI, the Women’s Football Federation of India, and the Indian Body Builders’ Federation, warning that unauthorized use of these names is liable for legal action. The directive aims to prevent public confusion regarding official representation in international events. While the DCCI has informal support from the BCCI, it must obtain official NSF status to continue using the national name, highlighting the government's push for standardized sports governance.

Long Description : The agreement focuses on sustainable water sharing and flood forecasting for rivers like the Manas and Sankosh. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I and 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II projects, which are vital for Bhutan’s export revenue and India’s green energy needs. The new framework also includes technical collaboration for glacier monitoring in the Himalayas to mitigate the risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). This partnership reinforces the unique "Hydro-Diplomacy" between the two neighbors, ensuring energy security and environmental conservation while strengthening the overall strategic "Friendship Treaty" framework.

Long Description : The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has reached a critical juncture. After a convincing 72-run win over Zimbabwe in Chennai, India must now defeat the West Indies in Kolkata. A washout would favor the West Indies due to their superior Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.791, compared to India’s -0.100. The Indian top order, led by Shubman Gill, has shown "fearless" form, but the bowling department faces pressure in this high-stakes clash. The winner of this match is slated to face England in the semifinals, making it the most anticipated match of the tournament's second phase.

Long Description : The report, titled "Mind Health—The Ability to Navigate Life's Challenges," surveyed 100+ countries to assess the mental well-being of different age groups. India’s ranking of 60th suggests a significant gap in the mental health support systems for the youth. The data indicates that rapid urbanization and digital fatigue are major stressors. The report emphasizes that a nation’s economic growth is closely tied to its "Mental Quotient" (MQ). In response, the Indian government is expected to expand its Tele-MANAS helpline and integrate mental health awareness into the National Education Policy (NEP) to improve resilience among students and young professionals.