Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 28 February, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
28 February, 2026

National Affairs

1. INS Anjadip Commissioned

Source: TOI

Why in News?

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Anjadip, the fourth indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at Chennai Port.

Key Details

• Commissioned by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.
• Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) at Kattupalli.
• Length: 77 metres.
• Named after the historic Anjadip Island near Karwar.

Capabilities and Features

• Designed to detect, track and neutralise enemy submarines in coastal and shallow waters.
• Equipped with:
  • Shallow-water sonars
  • Lightweight torpedoes
  • Anti-submarine rockets
  • Advanced combat management system
• Suitable for:
  • Coastal surveillance
  • Low-intensity maritime operations
  • Search and rescue missions

2. Rail Tech Policy

Source: TOI

Why in News?

The Ministry of Railways launched the Rail Tech Policy along with a dedicated Rail Tech Portal. The initiative aims to involve startups and innovators in solving railway challenges through technology.

About Rail Tech Policy

• A technology-driven innovation framework of Indian Railways.
• Provides a structured platform for startups, industry, researchers, and innovators to develop and test technological solutions for railway operations.

Ministry: Ministry of Railways, Government of India.

Objectives

• Transform Indian Railways into a technology-enabled and innovation-led transport system.
• Promote adoption of:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Automation
  • Data analytics
  • Digital systems
• Improve safety, maintenance, and operational efficiency.

Key Features

Rail Tech Portal

• 24×7 digital platform inviting innovative ideas and solutions.
• Facilitates proposal submission, evaluation, and pilot implementation.

Innovation Challenges

Focus on emerging technological solutions such as:

• AI-based monitoring systems
• Drone-based rail inspection
• Rail stress and track monitoring
• Sensor-based predictive maintenance

Safety Priority

• Highest priority given to startup solutions related to railway safety.

3. ASTraM – Actionable Intelligence for Sustainable Traffic Management

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Former Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof visited the Bengaluru Traffic Management Centre to study the ASTraM system, which has drawn global attention for its AI-based traffic prediction and management capabilities.

About ASTraM

• An AI-driven big data platform for macro-level traffic management.
• Provides city authorities with real-time, integrated situational awareness of traffic conditions.
• Goes beyond GPS navigation by enabling predictive and strategic traffic control.

Developed By

• Bengaluru Traffic Police in collaboration with Arcadis, a Dutch design and consultancy firm.

Objective

• Shift traffic management from a reactive approach to a proactive, data-driven system.
• Reduce congestion and improve road safety.
• Enable faster and automated incident detection and response.

4. India’s Young Adults Rank 60th in Global Mental Health Report

Source: IE

In February 2026, US-based NGO Sapien Labs released its report titled
“Global Mind Health in 2025: Mind Health – The Ability to Navigate Life’s Challenges and Function Productively.”

India’s Ranking

• Youth (18–34 years):
  • Rank: 60th out of 84 countries
  • Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) Score: 33
• Older Adults (55+ years):
  • Rank: 49th globally
  • MHQ Score: 96

Observation: Older Indians perform significantly better in mental health indicators compared to young adults.

About the Global Mind Health 2025 Report

Methodology

Countries are ranked using the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), which measures:

• Emotional capacity
• Social functioning
• Cognitive abilities
• Physical well-being

Global Findings

• Global Average MHQ Score: 66
• Adults 55+ years:
  • Average MHQ: 101
  • Nearly 10% face clinically major mental health challenges
• Youth (18–34 years):
  • Average MHQ: 36
  • 41% experience clinically major mental health issues

Top Performing Countries

Youth (18–34 years)

1. Ghana
2. Nigeria
3. Kenya and Zimbabwe

Adults (55+ years)

1. Indonesia
2. El Salvador
3. Ghana and Mexico

5. India’s First State Innovation Mission (SIM) Launched in Tripura

Source: PIB

Context:

Launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science & Technology.

• Venue: Hapania International Exhibition Center, Agartala, Tripura.
• Northeast described as the “New Engine of India’s Growth.”

About State Innovation Mission (SIM)

• First State-level innovation mission in India.
• Part of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0.
• Implemented under NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission (SSM).
• Purpose:
  • Build strong and inclusive innovation ecosystems in States and UTs.
  • Align innovation with national priorities and local capabilities.
  • Provide long-term institutional support for innovation-led development.

Other Key Launches in Tripura

• T-NEST (Tripura: Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups)
  • First premier incubation and innovation hub of Tripura.
  • Focus on startup promotion and entrepreneurship development.
• District Innovator Fellowship (DIF)
  • Among India’s first district-level innovation fellowship programmes.
  • Identifies grassroots innovators and supports them through structured lifecycle mentoring.
• Upcoming AI Policy
  • Tripura announced plans to introduce a state Artificial Intelligence policy.

Banking/Finance

1. New GDP Series (Base Year FY23)

Source: IE

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has revised India’s national accounts. GDP base year shifted from 2011–12 to 2022–23 to improve accuracy and align with global statistical standards.

What is GDP Base Year?

• A base year is a reference year used to calculate Real GDP by removing inflation effects.
• It reflects a year with relatively stable prices and economic structure.
• Helps measure actual growth in output and production, not just price changes.

New Base Year

• Earlier base year: 2011–12
• Revised base year: 2022–23 (FY23)
• Updated periodically to align with the System of National Accounts (SNA).

Objective of the Revision

• Reflect modern economic structure and consumption patterns.
• Capture growth of digital economy and new industries.
• Improve measurement of informal and gig sectors.
• Align with global statistical best practices.

Key Methodological Changes

Advanced Inflation Adjustment (Deflation)

• Number of price indicators increased significantly (approx. 180 → 600).
• Sector-specific price indices replace broad economy-wide deflators.
• Double deflation introduced in manufacturing and agriculture:
  • Inputs and outputs deflated separately.
  • Prevents raw material price changes from appearing as production growth.

Better Measurement of Informal & Household Sector

• Uses updated annual data instead of outdated proxies.
• Data sources include:
  • Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprise (ASUSE)
  • Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
• Explicit tracking of gig and platform workers.

Integration of Big Data & Administrative Sources

• GST data used to verify corporate activity and regional output.
• e-Vahan data for transport sector estimation.
• Public Finance Management System (PFMS) for real-time government spending.

Improved Structural Consistency

• Supply and Use Tables (SUT) reconcile production and expenditure estimates.
• Reduces statistical discrepancies in GDP calculations.

Refined Consumption Estimation

• Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) estimated using:
  • Survey data
  • Commodity flow approach
  • Production data
• Based on global COICOP 2018 classification.

Improved Quarterly Estimates

• Proportional Denton method used to smooth quarterly data.
• Removes artificial spikes in short-term growth numbers.

2. New GDP Series Upgrades FY26 Growth to 7.6%

Source: TOI

Why in News?

The Government released Second Advance Estimates of GDP based on the new national accounts series. India’s GDP growth for FY 2025–26 is now estimated at 7.6%, higher than earlier projections.

Key Highlights:

• FY 2025–26 GDP growth revised to 7.6%.
• Earlier First Advance Estimate (January): 7.4% (based on old series).
• New GDP series includes:
  • Updated base year: 2022–23 (earlier 2011–12).
  • Improved methodologies.
  • Additional data sources for better accuracy and granularity.

Revisions to Previous Years

• FY 2023–24 growth revised down:
  • From 9.2% (old series) → 7.2% (new series)
• FY 2024–25 growth revised up:
  • From 6.5% → 7.1%

Nominal GDP Impact

• Nominal GDP (size of the economy) revised downward for 2023–26.
• This may worsen key fiscal indicators such as:
  • Fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio
  • Debt-to-GDP ratio

3. MSME Ministry Upgrades NSIC to Schedule ‘A’ Category CPSE

Source: PIB

Why in News?

• The Ministry of MSME has upgraded the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) to Schedule ‘A’ status from Schedule ‘B’.
• The move recognises NSIC’s consistent “Excellent” performance and growing operational scale.

About Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)

• Companies in which the Central Government holds 51% or more equity.
• Operate in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, finance, energy, and services.

Governing Framework

• Incorporation:
  • Companies Act, 2013 (or earlier 1956 Act), or
  • Established as statutory corporations through Acts of Parliament.
• Administrative Authority:
  • Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance.

History of Categorisation

• Introduced in 1965 following recommendations of the Committee on Top Posts.
• Purpose: Create hierarchy among CPSEs for:
  • Pay scale determination
  • Board-level executive ranking
  • Governance structure

Four Schedules of CPSEs

Schedule A

• Highest tier.
• Large enterprises with major national and strategic importance.

Schedule B

• Mid-sized enterprises.

Schedule C

• Smaller enterprises or niche operations.

Schedule D

• Smallest tier; often for newly established CPSEs.

Basis of Categorisation

Quantitative Criteria

• Investment
• Capital employed
• Net sales
• Profit before tax
• Number of employees
  (Performance assessed over last five years)

Qualitative Criteria

• National importance
• Technological complexity
• Strategic significance
• Expansion potential

Implications of Schedule ‘A’ Status

• Higher Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) pay scales for CMD and Directors.
• Stronger board structure.
• Greater operational and strategic recognition.
• Enhanced institutional stature.

Agriculture

1. Women’s Role in Agriculture Shifting from Drudgery to Systematic Work

Source: TH

Why in News?

At the 5th Agri and Commodity Summit in New Delhi, the Agriculture Secretary highlighted that women’s role in agriculture is evolving from manual labour to more organised and systematic participation.

Key Observations

• Women’s participation in agriculture is becoming more structured and professional.
• Changes in land ownership laws across many states have enabled more women to own agricultural land.
• Increasing number of women joining Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
• Women constitute nearly 50% of the rural agricultural workforce.

Structural Challenges

• Many women still lack formal recognition as farmers.
• Around 50–70% of women farmers do not hold land titles in their names.
• Limited access to markets, finance, and value-chain opportunities.
• Need for improved basic amenities and institutional support.

Economic Role of Women

• Women play a crucial role in dairying, which has grown larger in value than grains and pulses.
• Strong involvement in nutrition, food security, and household welfare.
• Increasing contribution through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural entrepreneurship.

Policy and Institutional Suggestions

• Formal recognition of women as farmers.
• Greater access to land ownership and financial services.
• Support for women to move up the agricultural value chain.
• Better market linkages and structured support for SHGs.

Facts To Remember

1. Fiscal deficit at 63% of full-year target: CGA

The Centre’s fiscal deficit at the end of January stood at ₹9.8 lakh crore, or 63% of the annual budget target for 2025-26, compared with 74.5% in the year-ago period, government data released on Friday showed.

2. Rail Tech Policy and e-RCT System Launched by Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Rail Tech Policy and full digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal under the ‘52 Reforms in 52 Weeks’ initiative.
The policy aims to promote innovation by engaging startups, industry, and research institutions in railway technology.
A dedicated RailTech Portal will enable end-to-end digital proposal submission.
Indian Railways will fund up to 50% of development costs and support large-scale adoption of successful solutions.

3. India’s First State Innovation Mission Launched in Tripura

Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched India’s first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura under Atal Innovation Mission 2.0.
The mission aims to build inclusive and state-specific innovation ecosystems across states and UTs.
It will support startups, grassroots innovators, and research-driven development.
The initiative also aligns with strengthening innovation capacity in the Northeast region.

4. NSIC Upgraded to Schedule ‘A’ CPSE by MoMSME

The Ministry of MSME upgraded National Small Industries Corporation from Schedule ‘B’ to Schedule ‘A’ CPSE status in February 2026.
The upgrade provides greater financial and operational autonomy to support MSMEs.
NSIC plays a key role in credit facilitation, marketing support, and enterprise development.
The move recognises its strong performance and contribution to the MSME ecosystem.

5. India–Sweden Sign SoI to Strengthen AI and Digital Cooperation

India AI Mission signed a Statement of Intent with Business Sweden at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
The partnership will promote responsible AI development and deployment.
Both countries will launch the Sweden-India Technology and AI Corridor (SITAC) programme.
It will enhance collaboration among governments, startups, academia, and industries.

6. NMDC and IIT Hyderabad Sign MoU for Indigenous Mining Technologies

NMDC Limited signed an MoU with IIT Hyderabad to boost research in mining and metallurgical technologies.
The collaboration focuses on green steelmaking, iron ore beneficiation, and Mining 4.0 solutions.
It will promote AI, IoT, autonomous vehicles, and drone-based mining systems.
The initiative supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable mining development.

7. Ministry of Culture Signs MoU with FICCI for Cultural & Creative Economy

The Ministry of Culture signed an MoU with FICCI to develop a national strategy for the Cultural and Creative Economy.
The agreement aims to integrate culture with economic policy and promote entrepreneurship.
It will enhance global market access and employment opportunities for artists and artisans.
The collaboration covers sectors like crafts, media, design, tourism, and heritage.

8. UIDAI Partners with Google to Show Verified Aadhaar Centres on Maps

UIDAI collaborated with Google to display authorised Aadhaar Centres on Google Maps.
The initiative will improve accessibility and transparency in Aadhaar services.
Over 60,000 Aadhaar Centres, including Aadhaar Seva Kendras, will be covered in phases.
It will also enable service details, feedback, and future appointment booking features.

9. India’s Young Adults Rank 60th in Global Mind Health Report 2025

Sapien Labs’ Global Mind Health Report 2025 ranked India’s young adults (18–34) 60th out of 84 countries.
India recorded a Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) score of 33 among youth.
Older adults (55+) performed better with a higher global ranking.
The report highlights growing mental health challenges among young populations worldwide.

10. Børge Brende Resigns as WEF President and CEO

Børge Brende resigned as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum in February 2026.
Alois Zwinggi was appointed as the interim President and CEO.
Brende had led the WEF since 2017 with a focus on global economic cooperation.
He is a former Norwegian Foreign Minister and diplomat.

11. RBI Approves SBI MF to Acquire Up to 9.99% Stake in RBL Bank and Bandhan Bank

The Reserve Bank of India approved SBI Mutual Fund to acquire up to 9.99% stake in RBL Bank and Bandhan Bank.
The acquisition must be completed within one year and comply with regulatory norms.
Fresh approval will be required if the stake falls below 5% and is raised again.
The move ensures transparent ownership and financial stability in the banking sector.

12. Facebook Overseas Acquires 30% Stake in REIL

Facebook Overseas acquired a 30% stake in Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited (REIL) for Rs.256.6 crore.
REIL focuses on enterprise Artificial Intelligence solutions and digital infrastructure.
Reliance Intelligence will retain 70% ownership after the transaction.
The deal was disclosed under SEBI’s listing regulations.

13. Veteran CPI Leader R. Nallakannu Passed Away

Veteran communist leader R. Nallakannu passed away at the age of 101 in Chennai.
He was a freedom struggle participant and a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India.
He strongly advocated for farmers’ rights, land reforms, and social justice.
His legacy includes decades of grassroots activism and public service.

14. World NGO Day 2026 Observed on 27 February

World NGO Day is observed globally on 27 February to recognise the role of NGOs in social welfare and development.
The 2026 observance marked the 13th edition of the global event.
It highlights contributions of non-profits in human rights, inclusion, and sustainability.
The day was founded in 2009 and first celebrated globally in 2014.

15. Rare Disease Day 2026 Observed on 28 February

Rare Disease Day is observed annually on the last day of February to raise awareness about rare conditions.
The 2026 theme is “More than you can imagine: the realities behind rare diseases”.
The campaign promotes research, healthcare access, and policy support.
It was first launched in 2008 by EURORDIS and is now observed in over 100 countries.

15. Chhattisgarh Presents ₹1.72 Lakh Crore Budget for FY27

Finance Minister O. P. Chaudhary presented the ₹1.72 lakh crore FY27 Budget in the state assembly.
The budget focuses on Bastar development, education, agriculture, and industry.
Capital expenditure is estimated at ₹26,500 crore with a fiscal deficit of 2.87% of GSDP.
Social sector received the highest allocation with emphasis on inclusive growth.

16. Sikkim Renames Pakyong Airport After Trilochan Pokhrel

Pakyong Airport will be renamed after freedom fighter Trilochan Pokhrel.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in February 2026.
Pokhrel, known as ‘Gandhi Pokhrel’, contributed to India’s freedom movement.
The airport was inaugurated in 2018 as India’s 100th operational airport.

17. Delhi Launches ‘CM Jansunwai Portal’ for Grievance Redressal

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launched the CM Jansunwai Portal to strengthen public grievance redressal.
The platform centralises complaints across departments with digital tracking.
Citizens can submit grievances via portal, app, helpline, and offline channels.
It features a three-tier mechanism for faster resolution and transparency.