February 27, 2026 - Current Affairs

PM Visit to Israel

Context

The Prime Minister paid an official visit to Israel.

Major Outcomes

Both nations elevated their relationship to Special Strategic Partnership.

The Joint Commission on Science and Technology has been elevated to Ministerial level.

Initiative to collaborate in Critical and Emerging Technologies led by National Security Advisors.

AI is Rapidly Transforming India’s Legal Ecosystem

Context

The recently concluded India AI Impact Summit 2026 showcased how AI is rapidly transforming India’s legal ecosystem with AI-powered research tools.

Use of AI in India’s Justice System

In the Supreme Court, High Courts, National Informatics Centre (NIC) AI tools are now assisting various functions such as:

Transcription of oral arguments,

Translation of judgments,

Supreme Court Bans NCERT Chapter on Judicial Corruption

Context

Recently, the Supreme Court of India has imposed a blanket ban on a Class 8 NCERT textbook chapter dealing with corruption in the judiciary, and warned of ‘serious action’ in case of non-compliance.

Observations of the Supreme Court

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant made the following key observations:

The inclusion of the chapter appeared to be a ‘calculated move to undermine the institution’.

It may amount to criminal contempt due to its potential to lower the authority of the judiciary.

India Secures Preferential Access to Two-Thirds of Global Trade Through FTAs

Context

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry said that India now enjoys preferential trade access to nearly two-thirds of global trade through a series of free trade agreements.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

FTAs are arrangements between two or more countries or trading blocs that primarily agree to reduce or eliminate customs tariff and non tariff barriers on substantial trade between them.

They can cover both goods and services. It also addresses issues such as investment, mobility of professionals, and regulatory cooperation.

India uses different terms to denote the scope and depth of trade agreements.

Attracting Talent Positioned Abroad

Context

Recent tightening of U.S. immigration policy has created uncertainty for highly skilled foreign workers, prompting the government to attract its global talent back through targeted initiatives and better opportunities.

India’s Dominance in High-Skill Migration to the U.S.

Indian nationals accounted for nearly 71% of H-1B approvals in FY2024, reflecting overwhelming dependence on this channel for high-skill mobility.

A large proportion of beneficiaries possess advanced degrees, indicating that migration involves highly trained human capital.

The share of master’s degree holders has steadily increased over the decades, demonstrating the rising knowledge intensity of Indian migration.

Industrial Corridors of India

In News

The 2026–27 Union Budget announced an integrated East Coast Industrial Corridor with a key node at Durgapur, creating modern, globally competitive industrial hubs and greenfield investment regions.

Industrial corridors

They are linear development zones that connect major economic centres through an integrated network of roads, railways, ports, and airports.

Industrial corridors play a fundamental role in metamorphosing regional economies by creating environments where industries can operate efficiently, sustainably, and competitively.

News In Short 27-02-2026

In News

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad marking his Martyrdom Day.

About Chandrashekhar Azad

Chandrashekhar Azad was a great Indian freedom fighter and he was born on July 23, 1906 in Badarka village of Unnao district in Uttar Pradesh.

He actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) launched by Mahatma Gandhi.

When produced before a magistrate, he declared his name as “Azad,” father’s name as “Swatantra,” and residence as “Jail.” After being publicly flogged, he adopted the title Azad, meaning “Free,” as his permanent identity.