Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (28th February 2026)

National News

PM Modi to Inaugurate ₹20,000 Crore Micron Semiconductor Plant in Sanand

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s first semiconductor ATMP plant by Micron Technology in Sanand on 28 February 2026.
• The ₹22,516 crore facility will assemble, test, mark, and package DRAM, NAND flash memory, and SSD products, marking a major milestone in India’s semiconductor manufacturing journey.
• The plant is expected to create around 5,000 direct jobs and support both domestic and global markets, especially amid rising AI-driven demand for advanced memory solutions.
• By handling post-fabrication processes for chips sourced from Micron’s global units, the Sanand facility strengthens India’s electronics ecosystem and advances its ambition to become a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain.

From Separate Wells to Shared Meals: How Soundala Became Maharashtra’s ‘Caste-Free’ Village

• About 350 km from Mumbai, Soundala village in Maharashtra declared itself a “caste-free village” on 5 February 2026 through a unanimous gram sabha resolution.
• Located in Ahilyanagar district, the village resolved not to ask or publicise caste, ensured equal access to temples, schools, crematoriums, and water sources, and banned caste-based slurs or boycotts. Led by Sarpanch Sharad Argade, the motto guiding the reform is “My caste is humanity.”
• The initiative builds on years of gradual change, from ending segregated wells to promoting shared meals and festivals.
• Additional reforms include fines for abusive language, support for widow remarriage, educational aid for girls, and structured study hours, reinforcing social equality and community harmony.

UN Road Safety Fund Launched Road Safety Financing Project in India

• The United Nations Road Safety Fund launched a Sustainable Road Safety Financing Project in India on 24 February 2026 in New Delhi, during the visit of UN Special Envoy Jean Todt.
• The initiative aims to help India develop a long-term national strategy for stable and innovative road safety funding.
• Implemented with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, state governments, WHO, UNICEF, and Save LIFE Foundation, the project promotes tools such as road safety bonds, dedicated taxes, and public-private partnerships.
• It aligns with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, supporting efforts to significantly reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.

PM Narendra Modi Launches Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive in Ajmer

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide HPV vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls in Ajmer on 28 February 2026 to prevent cervical cancer caused by the Human Papillomavirus.
• The initiative focuses on early immunization, expanding vaccine access, and reducing long-term disease burden among women across India.
• During the visit, projects worth ₹16,680 crore were inaugurated and launched, covering highways, drinking water, irrigation, energy transmission, and industrial infrastructure.
• Major highlights include expressway connectivity, drinking water schemes, and renewable energy-linked transmission systems aimed at strengthening Rajasthan’s growth, logistics efficiency, water security, and power infrastructure.

State News

Three Major Inland Waterways Projects Opened on Brahmaputra in Dibrugarh

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated three key infrastructure projects on National Waterway 2 along the Brahmaputra in Assam to boost inland trade and connectivity.
• The projects include the Bogibeel and Dhubri Customs and Immigration Complexes and the renovated Inland Waterways Authority of India heritage building in Dibrugarh.
• These facilities will strengthen cargo movement, tourism, and cross-border trade under the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, enhancing Assam’s role as a regional trade gateway.
• The initiative supports the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promoting cost-effective waterways transport and economic growth in the Northeast.

Mount Abu Renamed Aburaj! Rajasthan Changes 3 Historic City Names – Here’s Why

• The Government of Rajasthan has announced that Mount Abu will now be officially known as Aburaj, as declared by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma in the State Assembly.
• Alongside this, Kaman has been renamed Kamvan and Jahazpur as Yagyapur, aiming to restore their historical and cultural identities.
• The government stated that official records, documents, and public signage will be updated to reflect the new names.
• The move seeks to honour regional heritage, revive traditional associations, and strengthen cultural pride across Rajasthan.

International News

UAE Launches World’s First Sovereign Financial Cloud with AI: A New Era for Secure Digital Finance

• The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has launched the Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure (SFCSI), described as the world’s first sovereign financial cloud.
• Announced on 27 February 2026, the AI-powered platform keeps critical banking data within national borders, strengthening regulatory oversight and cybersecurity. It was developed in partnership with Core42, a subsidiary of G42.
• The infrastructure integrates data sovereignty, unified multi-cloud management, and embedded AI for real-time fraud detection and predictive risk analysis.
• By reducing reliance on foreign cloud providers, the UAE enhances digital sovereignty while positioning itself as a global leader in secure, AI-driven financial systems.

UN Approves First Carbon Credits Under Paris Agreement: Big Climate Shift or Greenwashing Risk?

• The United Nations has approved the first carbon credits under the Paris Agreement’s carbon market mechanism, originating from a clean cooking project in Myanmar that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and protects forests.
• These credits allow countries like South Korea to offset emissions while supporting climate goals and public health by promoting efficient cookstoves.
• Finalized under COP29 rules in Azerbaijan, the mechanism marks the operational start of cross-border carbon trading, though experts caution about greenwashing risks without strict oversight.
• This historic approval is expected to mobilize significant climate finance for developing countries while advancing global emissions reduction efforts.

Economy News

India’s GDP Growth Slows to 7.8% in Q3FY26 Under New GDP Series

• India’s GDP growth moderated to 7.8% in Q3FY26 from 8.4% in Q2, according to data released on 27 February 2026 under the new 2022–23 base year series by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
• Real GDP rose to ₹84.54 trillion in Q3, while nominal GDP grew 8.9% year-on-year to ₹90.91 trillion, indicating steady momentum despite global uncertainties.
• For FY26, growth has been revised upward to 7.6%, higher than 7.1% in FY25. Real GVA is projected to grow 7.7%, supported by strong manufacturing and services performance.
• Healthy private consumption and investment growth above 7% further reinforce India’s resilience, maintaining its position among the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

India’s Fiscal Deficit Hits ₹9.8 Trillion, 63% of FY26 Target by January: CGA

• India’s fiscal deficit stood at ₹9.8 trillion, or 63% of the FY26 target, by end-January 2026, according to data released by the Controller General of Accounts.
• This marks an improvement from 74.5% utilisation during the same period last year, indicating stronger fiscal management. The Centre has set a fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP (₹15.58 trillion) for 2025-26.
• Total receipts reached ₹27.08 trillion (79.5% of the Revised Estimate), supported by robust tax revenues, while expenditure stood at ₹36.9 trillion (74.3% of RE).
• Higher tax devolution to states and controlled spending signal progress toward fiscal consolidation, though final-quarter expenditure pressures remain significant.

India’s Forex Reserves Fall $2.11 Billion to $723.61 Billion: RBI

• India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $2.11 billion to $723.608 billion for the week ending February 20, 2026, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India.
• The fall was mainly due to a drop in foreign currency assets (FCA), driven by global currency market fluctuations and valuation changes in non-dollar assets such as the euro, yen, and pound.
• Forex reserves comprise foreign currency assets, gold reserves, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and India’s reserve position with the IMF. Despite the weekly decline, reserves remain above $723 billion, providing strong external buffers.
• Robust reserves help manage exchange rate volatility, support imports and debt payments, and reinforce investor confidence in India’s macroeconomic stability.

Defense News

What Does ‘Anjadip’ Mean? Inside the Naming of the Navy’s New Warship Commissioned

• The Indian Navy commissioned INS Anjadip on 27 February 2026 at Chennai Port, with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi presiding over the ceremony.
• Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, it is the third vessel under the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project aimed at strengthening coastal defence.
• Nicknamed the “Dolphin Hunter,” INS Anjadip is equipped with hull-mounted sonar “Abhay,” lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and advanced acoustic detection systems to track submarines in shallow waters.
• Named after Anjadip Island near Karwar, the 77-metre vessel features water-jet propulsion, 25-knot speed, and high manoeuvrability, significantly enhancing India’s near-shore maritime security capabilities.

DRDO Successfully Tests VSHORADS Missile: DRDO’s Indigenous Air Defence System Ready for Induction

• India successfully conducted three consecutive flight trials of the indigenous VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) missile on 27 February 2026 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
• Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and led by Research Centre Imarat, the man-portable system is designed to neutralise low-flying aircraft, helicopters, drones, and other high-speed aerial threats.
• The missile intercepted targets at varying speeds, ranges, and altitudes, meeting all operational parameters under deployment conditions.
• The successful trials confirm its readiness for induction into the armed forces. VSHORADS will strengthen India’s short-range, layered air defence network and boost indigenous defence capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026: Indian Air Force Unleashes Firepower Near Pakistan Border

• The Indian Air Force showcased its combat capability during Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in the Thar desert near the India–Pakistan border.
• The large-scale day-to-night exercise was witnessed by President Droupadi Murmu and featured realistic battlefield simulations, precision strikes, and integrated air defence operations.
• Frontline fighters including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Jaguar, and Mirage 2000 conducted coordinated strikes on simulated enemy targets such as runways, bunkers, radar stations, and terror camps.
• Helicopters like the Apache and Mi-17V5 supported ground missions, while the Akash surface-to-air missile system demonstrated India’s indigenous air defence strength and multi-platform combat coordination.

Sports News

Wankhede Honours Ravi Shastri Names Stand After Former India Captain

• The Mumbai Cricket Association has approved naming a stand at Wankhede Stadium after former India captain Ravi Shastri.
• The Level 1 Stand below the Press Box will bear his name following the Apex Council meeting on 27 February 2026, recognising his contributions as an all-rounder, captain, head coach, and commentator.
• Additionally, stadium gates will honour Mumbai cricket legends Dilip Sardesai (Gate 3), Eknath Solkar (Gate 6), and Diana Edulji (Gate 5). The move celebrates Mumbai’s rich cricketing heritage and strengthens the historic legacy of Wankhede Stadium.

Important Days News

National Science Day 2026: Honouring the Raman Effect and Theme For 2026

• India observes National Science Day 2026 on 28 February to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by C. V. Raman in 1928.
• This breakthrough, which explained how light scatters when passing through transparent materials, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Asian Nobel laureate in science.
• The 2026 theme, “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat,” celebrates the crucial role of women scientists in advancing research, innovation, and leadership in STEM, contributing to India’s vision of becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.
• National Science Day is marked with science exhibitions, seminars, quizzes, workshops, and awards across schools, colleges, and research institutions, including the Raman Research Institute, promoting scientific awareness and inspiring innovation among citizens.

Historic Glory! Jammu & Kashmir Win Ranji Trophy in Maiden Final After 67 Years

• Jammu and Kashmir cricket team created history by winning the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 in their maiden final appearance at the KSCA Cricket Stadium.
• They defeated the Karnataka cricket team by securing a massive 291-run first-innings lead after posting 584 runs, eventually bowling Karnataka out for 293 despite resistance from Mayank Agarwal.
• Led by captain Paras Dogra, with standout performances from Shubham Pundir (century) and Aquib Nabi Dar (five-wicket haul), J&K became only the 10th team in 92 years to win the Ranji Trophy in their debut final joining elite sides like Bombay (1934–35) and Vidarbha (2017–18).

Obituaries News

T.K. Oommen Passes Away at 88: A Pillar of Modern Indian Sociology Is No More

• Eminent sociologist T.K. Oommen passed away on 26 February 2026 in Gurugram at the age of 88.
• A Professor Emeritus at Jawaharlal Nehru University, he was regarded as a leading architect of modern Indian sociology, known for his work on social justice, pluralism, identity, and social transformation.
• His landmark study of the Bhoodan Movement led by Vinoba Bhave established his reputation as a scholar connecting theory with grassroots realities.
• A former President of the International Sociological Association and recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2008), Prof. Oommen authored nearly 20 books, shaping debates on state, ethnicity, civil society, and national integration in India.

Current Affairs Today | 28 February 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam