27th February 2026

1. Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga – 2026
2. India and Nepal Signs MoU to Strengthen Environmental Cooperation
3. GoI Mandates Sale of E20 Petrol with Minimum RON 95 Nationwide from April 01, 2026
4. TEC Signs MoU with IIT Kharagpur to Jointly Work on Advanced Telecom Research
5. IRFC Secures USD 400 Million ECB from Japan’s SMBC Group & MUFG Bank
6. NSE IX Launches ‘Global Access’ Platform for Indian Retail Investors to Trade Overseas
7. Kempegowda International Airport Signs MoU with Frankfurt Airport to Strengthen Air Cargo Connectivity
8. Mangaluru Airport Wins 2025 Global ASQ Best Arrivals Award for Second Consecutive Year
9. IAS Officer Nidhi Chhibber Given Additional Charge as CEO of NITI Aayog
10. Indian Army Won 6th Edition of Khelo India Winter Games 2026 Team Championship Title in J&K
11. Veteran Indian Steel Industry Executive Jatinder Mehra Passed Away
12. National Protein Day
13. Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangama Presents Rs.32,023 crore Budget for FY27
14. World NGO Day 2026: Why February 27 Matters More Than You Think
15. International Polar Bear Day 2026: Why Protecting Moms & Cubs Matters More Than Ever
16. 95th Martyrdom Day of Chandra Shekhar Azad: The Revolutionary Who Chose Death Over Surrender
17. Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Confirms Baroruchi Mishra as CEO
18. Army Chief Gen Dwivedi Flags Off Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan at National War Memorial
19. Exercise Kalari Leap Underscores India’s Coastal Defense Strength
20. India, Bangladesh Among 40 Nations Hit by Saudi Poultry Ban
21. NBEMS Sets Guinness World Record for AI in Healthcare Livestream
22. India Launches Zero Prize, Paying Big for Tangible Pollution Reduction
23. Haryana to Launch CM Shri Schools on PM Shri Model
24. South Central Railway Launches Smart ‘Rail Parcel App’ for Doorstep Freight Booking
25. Raksha Rajya Mantri Opens Chungthang Lachen Road & Taram Chu Bridge in Sikkim
26. India-Israel Strategic Partnership: UPI Launch & Free Trade Agreement 2026
27. President Murmu Flies ‘Prachand’ in Historic Sortie in India’s Indigenous Combat Helicopter
28. Indian Railways & Indian Army Open Massive Post-Retirement Job Pathways
29. PM Modi To Launch Nationwide Drive HPV Vaccination Campaign On February 2028
30. UIDAI & Google Bring Authorized Aadhaar Centres Directly to Google Maps

National News

Ethanol-Blended Petrol Sale Made Mandatory from April 1, 2026

• What: Government made sale of ethanol-blended petrol mandatory from April 1, 2026, requiring up to 20% ethanol blending with minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 to reduce crude oil imports and lower emissions.
• Tell me more:
  • Research Octane Number (RON) tells how stable fuel is under pressure. A minimum RON of 95 helps stop engine knocking, protects the engine from damage, and keeps performance smooth.
  • India achieved 10% blending in June 2022 and advanced the 20% target to 2025-26. E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.
  • Ethanol is produced from sugarcane, maize and other grains and has a high octane rating of about 108.

Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan Expedition Culminates at National War Memorial

• What: Chief of the Army Staff flagged in the Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan Expedition at National War Memorial, promoting national outreach and highlighting historically significant battlefields and border connectivity.
• Tell me more:
  • The expedition, led by the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery, began on February 3, 2026 from Dwarka, Gujarat, and covered Gujarat and Rajasthan, including the Rann of Kutch and Thar Desert.

India and Israel Elevate Ties to Special Strategic Partnership

• What: India and Israel elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership, expanding cooperation in defence, trade, technology and regional connectivity while reaffirming opposition to terrorism.
• Tell me more:
  • Several agreements were signed in trade, agriculture, energy, cyberspace and digital payments, both sides agreed to work towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, and a new partnership was launched in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and critical minerals.
  • An agreement was reached for use of Unified Payments Interface in Israel.
  • Israel will open manufacturing and restaurant sectors to Indian workers, with over 50,000 expected in five years.
  • Leaders reviewed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and I2U2 cooperation (including India, Israel, the UAE and the United States).
  • India is implementing $170 million development projects for the Palestinian community, with $40 million more planned.

Nationwide HPV Vaccination Campaign Launched to Prevent Cervical Cancer

• What: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign from Ajmer to protect 14-year-old girls from cervical cancer across India.
• Tell me more:
  • All 14-year-old girls will get one free Gardasil-4 vaccine dose at government health centres, hospitals and medical colleges, and vaccination is voluntary but requires written parental consent through the U-WIN platform.

UIDAI Partners with Google to Display Aadhaar Centres on Google Maps

• Unique Identification Authority of India partnered with Google to display authorised Aadhaar enrolment and update centres on Google Maps, improving public access to identity services.

State News

Meghalaya Presents Rs 32,023 Crore Budget for 2026-27 with 3.5% Fiscal Deficit

• Meghalaya Chief Minister presented a Rs 32,023 crore budget for 2026-27, projecting a fiscal deficit of 3.5% of Gross State Domestic Product while maintaining fiscal prudence without introducing new taxes.

Haryana to Launch CM Shri Schools on Lines of PM SHRI Scheme

• What: Haryana government announced that CM Shri Schools will be started on the lines of PM SHRI Schools, following Central Board of Secondary Education pattern to promote quality education under National Education Policy-2020.
• Tell me more:
  • Haryana reserved 25% entry-level seats in private schools for Economically Weaker Sections and Disadvantaged Groups under Right to Education Act.
  • Annual family income for eligibility under Right to Education Act must be below Rs 1.80 lakh.
  • PM SHRI scheme was launched in September 2022 as a centrally sponsored initiative to develop model schools showcasing components of National Education Policy-2020.

Border Roads Organisation Restores Chungthang–Lachen Road and Taram Chu Bridge in North Sikkim

• What: Raksha Rajya Mantri inaugurated restored Chungthang–Lachen road and 400 ft Bailey Suspension Taram Chu Bridge in North Sikkim.
• Tell me more:
  • The restored road and bridge improve connectivity in North Sikkim, support local residents and security agencies, boost regional economic activities, and strengthen infrastructure development in line with the Atmanirbhar Sikkim-Viksit Bharat Vision.

International News

India, Bangladesh Among 40 Nations Hit by Saudi Poultry Ban

• Saudi Arabia announced a complete suspension of poultry meat and table egg imports from 40 countries, including India, to safeguard public health against bird flu and other animal diseases.

Banking and Economy

Indian Railway Finance Corporation Raises $400 Million External Commercial Borrowing

• What: Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC) raised a Japanese Yen-equivalent 400 million US dollar External Commercial Borrowing to finance railway-linked projects and support infrastructure expansion.
• Tell me more:
  • This means IRFC borrowed foreign money for five years to fund railway projects, lower its overall borrowing cost, and build stronger links with global financial markets without giving any assets as security.
  • External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) means a company borrows money from foreign lenders. The five-year loan, linked to TONAR, is IRFC’s second overseas borrowing this fiscal after a $300 million raise in December 2025.
  • Tokyo Overnight Average Rate (TONAR) is a Japanese interest rate used as a benchmark to decide how much interest will be paid on the loan.

NSE International Exchange Launches Global Investment Platform

• What: NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) launched a new platform from GIFT City that allows Indian retail investors and Non-Resident Indians to invest in foreign shares under Liberalised Remittance Scheme rules.
• Tell me more:
  • First, an investor completes the online Know Your Customer process using DigiLocker, Aadhaar and Permanent Account Number.
  • Then, money is sent in Indian rupees, which is converted into US dollars.
  • Under Liberalised Remittance Scheme rules, up to $2.5 lakh can be invested abroad each year.
  • The investor can then buy United States shares, even small portions of expensive ones, without opening a demat account.
  • Only stocks, debt instruments and Exchange Traded Funds are allowed, and the platform is regulated by International Financial Services Centres Authority.

Defence News

Indian Air Force Conducts Joint Maritime Exercise Kalari Leap in Lakshadweep

• Southern Air Command of Indian Air Force conducted joint maritime exercise Kalari Leap in Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago to validate rapid force projection and integrated operations in complex maritime environments.

President Flies in Indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand in Jaisalmer

• What: President Droupadi Murmu became the first President to fly as co-pilot in indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter Prachand in Jaisalmer, highlighting India’s defence self-reliance and border security commitment.
• Tell me more:
  • The flight lasted about 25 minutes over Vayu Shakti exercise area and nuclear test site.
  • Another Prachand helicopter flew in formation with Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh.

Indian Railways and Indian Army Launch Framework for Veteran Employment

• What: Indian Railways and Indian Army introduced a Framework of Cooperation to expand post-retirement employment opportunities for Agniveers and ex-servicemen, supporting smoother transition to civilian careers.
• Tell me more:
  • The framework provides job reservations and contract roles for ex-servicemen and ex-agniveers in Indian Railways, supports smoother transition to civilian careers, fills railway vacancies, and strengthens long-term collaboration and national infrastructure support.

Awards

Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga 2026

• What: Ministry of Ayush invited applications for Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga 2026 to recognise individuals and institutions promoting Yoga at national and international levels, encouraging global outreach and innovation.
• Tell me more:
  • The felicitation ceremony will coincide with the International Yoga Conference.
  • Applications must be submitted through the National Awards Portal from February 21 to March 21, 2026, and four awards will be given under two categories: Individuals and Institutions, two awards in each category.
  • Each awardee will receive a Trophy, Certificate and Rs. 25 lakh cash award, with a minimum age of 30 years and at least 10 years of outstanding service required under the Individual category.

Mangaluru International Airport Wins ACI World 2025 ASQ Award for Arrivals

• What: Mangaluru International Airport won Airports Council International World 2025 Airport Service Quality Award for Best Airport at Arrivals globally, marking its second consecutive win and recognising excellence in passenger arrival experience.
• Tell me more:
  • The award will be presented in Istanbul, Türkiye, during Airports Council International World Airport Experience Summit from August 31 to September 4.
  • A total of 195 awards will be presented to 100 airports across categories.
  • Passengers gave high ratings for immigration, baggage, cleanliness and comfort, and based on this feedback, the airport was chosen among six best airports globally for arrivals due to improved processes and services.

National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences Sets Guinness World Record for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Lesson

• What: National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences achieved Guinness World Records recognition for most viewers of an Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare live lesson, showing digital innovation in medical education.
• Tell me more:
  • NBEMS is an autonomous body under Union Health Ministry. NBEMS aims to advance competency-based learning and improve healthcare quality.

Zero Prize Launched as India’s First Results-Based Environmental Award

• What: Zero Prize was announced as India’s first national results-based environmental award, linking financial rewards to independently verified reductions in air, water and land pollution.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiative is convened by the School of Policy and Governance.
  • The prize aligns with National Clean Air Programme, National Mission for Clean Ganga and Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
  • The total corpus is Rs 5 crore, with Rs 1 crore each awarded in the Air, Water and Land categories.

Important Days

India’s National Protein Day – February 27

World NGO Day 2026 – February 27

International Polar Bear Day – February 27

• It is also celebrated as National Polar Bear Day.

95th martyrdom day of Chandra Shekhar Azad – February 27

• He was born on July 23, 1906 in Bhabhra village, present-day Madhya Pradesh. He died on February 27, 1931 in a gunfight at present-day Chandra Shekhar Azad Park in Allahabad.
• He joined Hindustan Republican Association, later Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. He participated in the Kakori Train Action and worked with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru.

Sports

Army Retains 6th Khelo India Winter Games Championship in Gulmarg

• What: Army retained the Khelo India Winter Games team championship in Gulmarg by winning nine gold medals, while Himachal Pradesh finished runners-up and Jammu and Kashmir secured its first gold.
• Tell me more:

Memorandum of Understanding

India and Nepal Sign MoU on Environmental and Biodiversity Cooperation

• India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi to strengthen cooperation in environmental conservation, forest management and climate change, aiming to protect shared ecosystems and biodiversity.

TEC and IIT Kharagpur Sign MoU for Advanced Telecom Research and Standards

• What: Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), signed an MoU with IIT-Kharagpur to collaborate on advanced telecom research and global standardisation for future networks.
• Tell me more:
  • This partnership will help develop India-specific telecom standards, boost indigenous research, reduce import dependence, strengthen secure communication systems, and increase India’s role in global telecom standard-setting platforms.

Kempegowda International Airport Signs MoU with Frankfurt Airport to Boost Cargo Connectivity

• What: Kempegowda International Airport, operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Frankfurt Airport to enhance cargo connectivity between South India and Europe through integrated and data-led trade corridors.
• Tell me more:
  • This partnership links Bengaluru and Frankfurt airports to improve cargo movement between India and Europe by using data, digital systems, shared standards and faster handling for high-value and time-sensitive goods.

South Central Railway Launches Rail Parcel App and Signs MoU with IIM Bangalore

• What: South Central Railway launched a next-generation Rail Parcel App to provide digital end-to-end freight services and signed an MoU with Indian Institute of Management Bangalore to study freight logistics.
• Tell me more:
  • The Rail Parcel App was launched at Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad.
  • The MoU aims to identify infrastructure gaps and enhance rail-based logistics to support 3,000 million tonnes cargo loading target by 2030.
  • The Rail Parcel App is India’s first digital e-marketplace for rail-based parcel services, launched by South Central Railway (SCR). It enables seamless door-to-door parcel booking, pickup, rail transport, and delivery via a mobile app, eliminating paperwork and station queues.

Appointments

Nidhi Chhibber Given Additional Charge as Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog

• Nidhi Chhibber, Director General of Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office, was given additional charge as Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog after completion of BVR Subrahmanyam’s three-year term.

Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Approves New MD and CEO

• Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Limited approved appointment of Baroruchi Mishra as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from April 1, 2026.

Miscellaneous

Steel Industry Veteran Jatinder Mehra Passes Away at 86

• Jatinder Mehra, Vice Chairman of Metals and Mining Division at Essar Group and a veteran of India’s steel industry, passed away at 86.
• He served as Executive Director at Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and later as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL).

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