1 National Science Day
National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28th to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by the great physicist Sir C.V. Raman. For this groundbreaking discovery , Sir Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930. Science communication activities on various themes are organized across the country on National Science Day. This year’s theme is ” Women in Science: Catalysts for a Developed India .” This theme connects scientific advancements with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation and recognizes the role of women researchers and innovators.
2 The Centre has stopped the process of fortification of rice under the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
The Central Government has reviewed the implementation of rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes of the Government of India . Based on this review, it has been decided to temporarily suspend the process of rice fortification under PMGKAY and related schemes until alternative methods are found to deliver nutrients to beneficiaries . The government commissioned IIT Kharagpur to conduct a study to assess the shelf life of fortified rice kernels (FRK) and fortified rice (FR) under realistic storage conditions in various agro-climatic zones across the country . The report concluded that factors such as moisture content, storage conditions, temperature, relative humidity, and packaging material significantly influence the stability and shelf life of FRK and FR. Prolonged storage and regular handling are likely to lead to micronutrient degradation and reduced shelf life. This reduction is reducing the actual shelf life and, consequently, limiting the achievement of the set nutritional targets. Depending on the volume of procurement and annual offtake, rice generally remains in storage for two to three years.
3 America’s OpenAI said it had signed a deal with the US Department of War.
OpenAI, a US artificial intelligence research organization, said it has reached an agreement with the US Department of War . Under this agreement, OpenAI’s AI models will be used with security measures in the US defense agency’s confidential network. This agreement comes after US President Donald Trump blacklisted the AI company Anthropic . OpenAI’s Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman said in a social media post that the agreement includes provisions prohibiting mass surveillance.
4 Saundla becomes Maharashtra’s ‘caste-free’ village
Saundla (about 350 km from Mumbai) took a historic step on February 5, 2026, declaring itself a “ caste-free village .” A unanimous resolution passed by the Gram Sabha determined that asking, publicizing, or discriminating on the basis of caste would not be acceptable in the village. The initiative was led by Sarpanch Sharad Argade , whose aim is to ensure that caste “ remains confined to papers only, not in social behavior. ” The resolution was passed at a special Gram Sabha held in Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) district. The resolution clearly stated that there would be no discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, creed, or color in the village.
5 DBT completes 40 years; Dr Jitendra Singh launches ‘SUJVIKA’ AI-driven biotech data portal
On the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched an AI-based biotech product data portal called “ SUJVIKA .” The portal was developed in collaboration with the industry partner , the Association of Biotechnology-Led Enterprises (ABLE) . The event was held at the Civil Services Officers Institute (CSOI) in Chanakyapuri , New Delhi . SUJVIKA is a trade statistics digital intelligence platform that provides structured and authenticated data related to the import of biotech products. The portal provides sector-wise information on biochemical products, data on industrial enzymes and other biotech imports, analysis of high-value and high-volume imports, assessment of import dependence, and support for indigenization and research and development (R&D) planning. Its objective is to promote domestic biomanufacturing through public-private partnerships and strengthen evidence-based policymaking.
6 Indian Army successfully test-fires Strela-10 missile
The Indian Army ‘s Konark Corps successfully conducted a precision test of the Strela-10 short-range air defense missile system at the Pokhran Field Firing Range , achieving a direct hit on a high-speed, low-altitude aerial target. The exercise aimed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats, such as enemy fighter aircraft, helicopters, and advancing suicide drones . The system is mounted on a tracked, armored MT-LB vehicle, allowing it to operate effectively at high speeds over rough terrain, sand dunes, and paved roads. Unlike radar-based systems, the Strela-10 utilizes infrared seeker technology. It locks on to the heat signatures emitted by the engines of enemy aircraft or drones. The system typically operates within an effective engagement range of 6 to 10 kilometers, providing a “mobile fortress” of protection for advancing tanks and infantry units. While the Strela-10 remains a key asset, India is also advancing indigenous capabilities in parallel. DRDO is developing an indigenous fourth-generation VSHORADS with a range of approximately 6 km to increase self-reliance.
7 DRDO conducts 3 successful flight tests of Extremely Short Range Air Defence System from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three flight tests of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur off the Odisha coast . The Defence Ministry said these tests were conducted to re-validate the capability of the high-speed missile system to fly at different speeds, ranges and altitudes. During the flight tests, the missiles destroyed high-speed aerial targets under various threat scenarios.
8 NBEMS sets Guinness World Record for AI in Healthcare livestream
The National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has set a Guinness World Records for the highest viewership for a live stream on YouTube on the topic “ Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare .” The record was achieved through an AI-based national training program for registered medical practitioners across the country. The initiative was conducted entirely online and saw record-breaking participation across India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also acknowledged the achievement, calling it a significant step towards the digital transformation of medical education and the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare training.
9 India launches ‘Zero Prize’
India has announced its first-ever results-based environmental award, the Zero Prize , which aims to recognize initiatives that have proven reductions in air, water, and land pollution . Launched in New Delhi, the award has a total corpus of ₹5 crore , with ₹1 crore awarded in each of three categories . Unlike traditional awards, the Zero Prize directly links financial incentives to independently verified environmental outcomes. This initiative is being considered an important and innovative step towards climate accountability and measurable environmental improvement in India.
10 Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq: Declaration of ‘open war’ between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Pakistan has launched a major cross-border military operation , dubbed ” Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq, ” sharply escalating tensions with Afghanistan . The operation began in the early hours of February 26, 2026 , when Islamabad accused the Afghan Taliban of initiating “unprovoked firing” in several sensitive areas along the border. Pakistani officials described it as a decisive response to months of escalating hostilities and cross-border militant activity. Reports indicate airstrikes were carried out in several Afghan cities, including Kabul, while both countries traded sharp accusations. This incident is considered one of the most serious confrontations between the two neighboring countries in recent years. Operation “Ghazab Lil-Haq” (meaning: “Wrath for Justice”), launched by Pakistan, is a comprehensive military operation being conducted against alleged Afghan Taliban bases.
11 Jammu and Kashmir won their first Ranji Trophy
Jammu and Kashmir has won the Ranji Trophy cricket title for the first time . Based on their first-innings lead in the match against Karnataka, the match ended in a draw. Aqib Nabi was named Player of the Series. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and legendary cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh also congratulated the team. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a cash prize of ₹2 crore for the players and support staff . Jammu and Kashmir first participated in the Ranji Trophy in 1959-60 . Sixty-seven years have passed since then, and the team has yet to win a title. In the match played at the KSCA Cricket Stadium in Hubballi , Jammu and Kashmir defeated the eight-time champion Karnataka cricket team based on a massive first-innings lead of 291 runs. The team performed brilliantly under the leadership of captain Paras Dogra.
12 International Polar Bear Day 2026
International Polar Bear Day is celebrated every year on February 27th . The day is dedicated to raising awareness of the impact of climate change and the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice on polar bears. The event is organized by Polar Bears International (PBI), a leading global organization working to conserve the Arctic region and polar bears.
13 World NGO Day 2026
World NGO Day is celebrated worldwide every year on February 27th . This day provides an international platform for the contributions of organizations working across diverse sectors and continents. Each year, the day highlights the collective efforts of organizations working on issues such as social inequality, poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and sustainable development. In 2026, a special emphasis is being placed on awareness and advocacy to understand how NGOs contribute to long-term global progress.
14 Eminent sociologist Professor T K Oommen passes away
Renowned sociologist T.K. Oommen passed away on February 26, 2026 , at the age of 88. He breathed his last in Gurugram. Oommen, a professor emeritus at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), was widely respected for his profound research on social justice, pluralism, identity, and social change . T.K. Oommen gave a new direction to Indian sociology. He believed that sociology should not be limited to theoretical discussions but should engage with real social challenges. One of his important works was based on the Bhoodan movement led by Vinoba Bhave. His doctoral research, “ Charisma, Stability, and Change: An Analysis of the Bhoodan Gramdan Movement in India, ” highlights the transformative potential of grassroots social movements. This study established him as a scholar who combined theory and real-life experiences. His book, “ Understanding Security: A New Perspective, ” offered a new approach to understanding communal violence and ethnic conflicts.
15 Steel magnate Jatinder Mehra passes away at 86
India’s steel industry has lost one of its most respected leaders. Jatinder Mehra , Vice Chairman of the Metals & Mining Division of the Essar Group and former head of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) , passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 86. In a career spanning over six decades, he shaped India’s steel growth story through large industrial projects, operational excellence, and visionary leadership. His contributions played a key role in elevating the country’s steel sector to global competitiveness.