Current Affairs - February 27, 2026 Current Affairs

West Bengal launched the Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026 to provide ₹1,500 per month to eligible unemployed youth aged 21–40 years through Direct Benefit Transfer into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The scheme offers support for up to five years or until beneficiaries secure employment or self-employment. Announced during the interim budget for 2026–27 and administered by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, it aims to provide interim financial relief amid rising joblessness. With a significant budget allocation and large-scale registrations, the initiative targets lakhs of beneficiaries across the state.

OpenAI appointed Arvind KC as its new Chief People Officer to oversee key human resource functions such as hiring, onboarding, and employee development. His appointment comes at a time when the organisation is experiencing rapid global expansion following the widespread success of ChatGPT and other AI products. Arvind KC brings significant experience from senior leadership roles at major technology companies, including Roblox, Google, Palantir Technologies, and Meta Platforms. His expertise in scaling high-growth technology firms and managing large workforces positions him to support OpenAI’s expanding operations and workforce development strategies.

The Rajasthan Homestay (Paying Guest House) Scheme 2026 was introduced to decentralise tourism and stimulate rural economic growth. The initiative encourages self-employment, particularly among women and small investors, while offering tourists authentic local cultural experiences. The scheme features a fully digital and simplified registration process aligned with Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living priorities. It increases accommodation capacity, removes the mandatory owner-residence requirement, and provides faster approvals, including deemed approval provisions. With silver and gold registration categories and statewide implementation, the scheme broadens participation and strengthens Rajasthan’s rural tourism infrastructure.

To prevent cervical cancer is the primary objective of the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign launched by the Government of India. The initiative targets 14-year-old girls and provides a free single dose of the Gardasil 4 vaccine, which protects against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18 responsible for most cervical cancer cases, as well as types 6 and 11. Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. By focusing on early immunization, the campaign emphasizes preventive healthcare, aiming to significantly reduce future cancer incidence and mortality rates across the country.

February 27 is observed annually as International Polar Bear Day to highlight the urgent need for polar bear conservation and climate action. The date coincides with the critical denning period when polar bear mothers and their newborn cubs remain sheltered in snow dens, making them highly vulnerable. Organised by Polar Bears International, the day focuses on raising awareness about climate change, shrinking Arctic sea ice, and habitat loss. It promotes research, education, and policy advocacy aimed at protecting polar bear populations and ensuring the survival of future generations in the rapidly warming Arctic region.

IIT Hyderabad entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with NMDC’s R&D Centre to promote long-term academic and industry collaboration in mineral and metals research. The partnership integrates NMDC’s practical field expertise with the institute’s academic strength and technological innovation. The collaboration focuses on critical areas such as iron ore beneficiation, green steelmaking technologies, alternate ironmaking processes using indigenous raw materials, and advanced modeling and simulation in mining and metallurgy. This initiative aims to support India’s mineral security, encourage sustainable industrial practices, and enhance self-reliance in strategic materials through research-driven solutions.

Trilochan Pokhrel is being honoured through the renaming of Pakyong Airport in Sikkim in recognition of his significant role in India’s freedom movement. Popularly known as “Gandhi Pokhrel,” he is regarded as Sikkim’s first independence activist and actively participated in major national movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he worked to spread nationalist ideas within Sikkim. The renaming symbolises the state’s effort to preserve its historical legacy and acknowledge local heroes who contributed to India’s independence.

Tomas Martin Etcheverry secured his first ATP Tour title and the biggest victory of his career at the Rio Open ATP 500 event in Brazil. The 26-year-old Argentine defeated Alejandro Tabilo in a hard-fought three-set final, demonstrating resilience after overcoming a rain-delayed schedule and winning two crucial matches on the same day. This triumph marked a breakthrough moment following three previous runner-up finishes. The victory significantly improved his global ranking, pushing him up 18 places to World No. 33 and returning him to the Top 40, strengthening his position ahead of the clay-court season.

Exercise Kalari Leap was conducted as a high-impact joint maritime operation led by the Southern Air Command in coordination with the Armed Forces Special Operations Division and the Indian Coast Guard. The exercise took place in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands, focusing on rapid force projection, precision strikes, and multi-domain coordination in a challenging maritime environment. It aimed to validate operational readiness, enhance interoperability among forces, and strengthen India’s maritime security posture. The operation highlighted the importance of jointness, technological integration, and swift response capabilities in strategically significant island territories.

PhonePe introduced an AI-powered natural language search feature on 20 February 2026, leveraging Microsoft Foundry to enhance user experience within its application. The feature allows users to perform tasks such as payments, recharges, navigation, and transaction tracking through simple voice or text-based commands. By using intent-based queries, the platform transitions from a purely transactional interface to a more intelligent and personalised system. Built on a hybrid on-device and cloud model, the solution ensures data security while improving accessibility, convenience, and discoverability for millions of users across India through a phased rollout.