Daily Current Affairs 27 February 2026: Analytical Coverage for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Defence Exams
The Daily Current Affairs of 27 February 2026 feature critical developments including the 7th National Protein Day, Meghalaya Budget FY 2026–27, MSP hike for Raw Jute, India–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, major defence exercises such as Dharma Guardian and Kalari Leap, and key banking and governance reforms. These updates have strong relevance for Polity, Economy, International Relations, Social Justice, Agriculture, Internal Security, and Science & Technology segments of UPSC Prelims & Mains, as well as SSC, Banking, RBI, Insurance, Railways and State PSC examinations. Aspirants must analyse these events not merely as news items but as evolving components of India’s policy and institutional architecture.
Jump to section
- Introduction (Context & Why in News)
- Background and Evolution
- Key Developments (Current Event Explained)
- Constitutional / Legal / Institutional Angle
- Economic, Social & Geopolitical Impact
- Data & Facts Table
- Government Initiatives / Related Schemes
- Challenges & Way Forward (UPSC Mains Focus)
- Prelims-Oriented Key Facts
- One-Liner Revision Notes
- Possible UPSC Mains Questions
Introduction (Context & Why in News)
The developments of 27 February 2026 highlight India’s multi-dimensional governance landscape, ranging from public health awareness (National Protein Day) and state fiscal policy (Meghalaya Budget FY27) to agricultural pricing reforms (MSP for Raw Jute) and strategic defence cooperation (India–Japan Exercise Dharma Guardian). Simultaneously, international engagements such as the India–Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations and Saudi Arabia’s poultry import ban underline the interconnected nature of trade and biosecurity.
For aspirants preparing through the Daily Current Affairs section, it is crucial to integrate such updates with static concepts in Polity, Economy, Agriculture, Health, and International Relations, supported by revision via Daily Current Affairs Free Quizzes.
Background and Evolution
National Protein Day & Nutrition Policy
National Protein Day, observed on 27 February, was initiated in 2020 under the “Right to Protein (RTP)” Campaign led by the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC). The observance reflects India’s broader policy concern regarding protein-energy malnutrition, especially among children and women.
The initiative complements national schemes such as:
- Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) launched in 2018.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN).
Thus, National Protein Day connects public awareness with constitutional goals under Article 47 (Directive Principles of State Policy), which directs the State to raise nutrition and public health standards.
Meghalaya Budget FY 2026–27: Fiscal Federalism in Practice
The presentation of a ₹32,023 crore Budget by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma represents a significant case study in cooperative federalism and sub-national fiscal consolidation. The projected fiscal deficit of 3.5% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) aligns with norms under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) framework.
The seven-fold rise in Capital Expenditure (CapEx) since 2017–18 signals infrastructure-led growth, echoing the Union Government’s emphasis on CapEx as a multiplier for economic expansion.
MSP for Raw Jute: Agricultural Price Support Policy
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹5,925 per quintal for Raw Jute (TD-3 grade) for Marketing Season 2026–27. This ensures a 61.8% return over production cost, aligning with the 2018 Budget principle of fixing MSP at 1.5 times the cost of production.
The policy is operationalised through the Jute Corporation of India (JCI), reinforcing state intervention in agricultural markets under the broader framework of Price Support Operations.
Key Developments (Current Event Explained)
India–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
India and Israel commenced the first round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) from 23–26 February 2026. Bilateral trade stood at USD 3.62 billion (FY25).
The FTA discussions cover:
- Trade in Goods & Services
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures
- Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
- Rules of Origin
The agreement reflects India’s evolving trade strategy under “Make in India” and supply chain diversification.
Defence & Strategic Exercises
India conducted multiple strategic exercises:
- Dharma Guardian 2026 – India–Japan joint military drill in Uttarakhand.
- Kalari Leap – Indian Air Force (IAF) maritime exercise in Lakshadweep & Minicoy.
- Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan Expedition – 3,400 km military heritage expedition.
These exercises demonstrate India’s focus on maritime security, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and joint force interoperability.
Constitutional / Legal / Institutional Angle
Several institutional mechanisms are visible across the day’s developments:
- Article 47 – Nutrition & public health (National Protein Day).
- FRBM Act, 2003 – Fiscal discipline (Meghalaya Budget).
- Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1952 – ESIC welfare framework.
- Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 – Good Samaritan protections under the Rah-Veer Scheme.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – Regulatory approval of banking appointments (Slice Small Finance Bank).
- Asian Development Bank (ADB) – Multilateral development financing institution headquartered in Mandaluyong, Philippines.
Economic, Social & Geopolitical Impact
The MSP hike strengthens rural incomes, particularly in jute-producing states such as West Bengal and Assam, contributing to agricultural stability. The Meghalaya Budget’s infrastructure push could generate employment and stimulate regional economic integration in the North-East.
On the international front, Saudi Arabia’s poultry import ban due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) underscores biosecurity’s trade implications. Meanwhile, the India–Israel FTA negotiations may enhance high-tech collaboration, especially in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and agriculture technology.
Defence exercises like Dharma Guardian reinforce India’s Indo-Pacific partnerships, aligning with its broader strategic vision under Act East Policy.
Data & Facts Table
| Topic | Key Data |
|---|---|
| National Protein Day | 27 February (since 2020) |
| Meghalaya Budget FY27 | ₹32,023 crore |
| Fiscal Deficit | 3.5% of GSDP |
| MSP Raw Jute 2026–27 | ₹5,925/quintal |
| India–Israel Trade (FY25) | USD 3.62 billion |
| ADB Housing Finance Deal | USD 108 million |
| ESIC Beneficiaries | 15+ crore |
Government Initiatives / Related Schemes
- Poshan Abhiyaan (2018) – Ministry of Women & Child Development.
- PM POSHAN Scheme – Nutritional support in schools.
- Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) – Health coverage for vulnerable populations.
- MSP Framework (C2+50% formula) – Agricultural price support mechanism.
- Make in India Initiative (2014) – Industrial promotion & trade diversification.
For static reinforcement, aspirants should refer to Static GK for Competitive Exams and compile notes alongside Monthly Current Affairs.
Challenges & Way Forward (UPSC Mains Focus)
Despite MSP hikes, agricultural reforms must address procurement efficiency and market linkages. State budgets like Meghalaya’s require sustainable revenue mobilisation to avoid debt stress. Nutrition awareness campaigns must translate into behavioural dietary change, especially in rural and low-income regions.
Strategically, India must balance trade liberalisation through FTAs with domestic industry protection. Defence exercises should be complemented with indigenous defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Prelims-Oriented Key Facts
- National Protein Day – 27 February.
- MSP for Raw Jute 2026–27 – ₹5,925/quintal.
- Meghalaya FY27 Budget – ₹32,023 crore.
- India–Israel FTA talks began February 2026.
- ADB headquartered in Mandaluyong, Philippines.
- ESIC established under 1952 Act.
One-Liner Revision Notes
- 27 February marks National Protein Day.
- RTP campaign launched in 2020.
- Meghalaya fiscal deficit projected at 3.5% of GSDP.
- MSP ensures 61.8% return over cost.
- India–Israel trade stood at USD 3.62 billion in FY25.
- ADB signed USD 108 million housing finance deal.
- Dharma Guardian is India–Japan annual exercise.
- Kalari Leap conducted in Lakshadweep.
- ESIC serves over 15 crore beneficiaries.
- Saudi Arabia banned poultry imports due to HPAI.
Possible UPSC Mains Questions
- Discuss the significance of MSP reforms in ensuring agricultural income stability.
- Examine the role of defence exercises in strengthening India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
- Evaluate the importance of state budgets in India’s federal fiscal structure.
For sustained preparation, aspirants should combine Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Current Affairs revisions along with tracking Latest Government Jobs Notifications to stay aligned with examination trends across UPSC, SSC, Banking, RBI, Railways and Defence services.
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