This is the current affairs of 27 February 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. The Central Government has implemented a rule that messaging apps will not run on phones without a SIM card. What is this called in technical language?
a. SIM Binding
b. Device Mirroring
c. Cloud Synchronization
d. Airplane Mode Locking
Answer: a. SIM Binding
Meaning of SIM Binding
– Mandatorily linking a messaging app or service (such as WhatsApp) to a specific mobile number/SIM card, so that it works only with that active SIM.
What is the government’s rule?
– This rule has come into effect from March 1, 2026.
– Previously, the Government of India (Department of Telecommunications – DoT) had issued a directive on November 28, 2025, stating that all app-based communication/messaging services that are identified or served by a mobile number must continuously link their users’ accounts to an active SIM card associated with that mobile number. If that SIM card is not present or activated in the device, the service will not work.
Why SIM Binding?
– To ensure proper user identification (Mobile Number Verification)
– To prevent fake accounts and fraud
– To secure OTP-based authentication
– To enable identification based on the number in case of criminal activity
– To make it difficult to create multiple fake accounts
– Many apps map the SIM with IMEI or device ID to verify the genuine user
What will be the impact of the new rule?
– Under the new rules, messaging apps like WhatsApp will not function if there is no SIM card in the phone.
– WhatsApp login on computers will also log out within 6 hours.
– The rule will come into effect from 1 March 2026.
– Users must ensure that the SIM corresponding to their WhatsApp number is inserted in the same phone.
– If the SIM card is removed from the phone, the messaging app may stop working.
What is the stand of tech companies and organizations?
– Industry association IAMAI has warned the government that the rule of logging out every 6 hours will be troublesome for professionals who rely on WhatsApp Web for work.
– It will also create difficulties for families who share a single account.
What action will be taken if companies do not comply?
– According to the Central Government’s order, companies must submit a report within 120 days.
– In case of non-compliance, action will be taken under the Telecommunications Act 2023, Telecom Cyber Security Rules, and other applicable laws.
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2. The Central Government has approved the ‘Urban Challenge Fund’ (UCF) with central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore. What is its objective?
a. To increase agricultural productivity in rural areas
b. Market-based and reform-oriented urban development
c. Modernization of defense infrastructure
d. Expansion of universal health insurance scheme
Answer: b. Market-based and reform-oriented urban development
– In February 2026, the Central Government approved a new urban development program called the “Urban Challenge Fund” (UCF).
– Its objective is to develop market-led and reform-driven urban infrastructure in India’s cities.
– This initiative was proposed by the Finance Minister in Budget 2025-26 and was officially launched a year later by the Central Government.
Total budget and investment target
– Central Assistance: ₹1,00,000 crore
– Total estimated investment: Approximately ₹4,00,000 crore (including market and other sources)
– This means that apart from government assistance, significant investment will come through private investment and loans.
Project duration
– The fund will be implemented from FY 2025-26 to 2030-31.
– It may be extended till 2033-34 if required.
Main objectives
– Improvement in urban infrastructure
– Preparing cities as economic and development hubs
– Attracting private investment and adopting market-based models
– Focus on water, sanitation, and city redevelopment
– Strengthening the financial capacity of urban local bodies
What kind of projects will be undertaken?
– Cities as development hubs
– Creative redevelopment
– Water and sanitation
How will the funding work?
– The government will provide up to 25% of the total project cost, provided at least 50% of the funds come from market sources (such as bank loans, bonds, PPP, etc.).
– The remaining amount will be contributed by urban bodies, states, or external partners.
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3. With how many countries did the Speaker of the Lok Sabha form Parliamentary Friendship Groups?
a. 25
b. 38
c. 56
d. 64
Answer: d. 64
– Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla formed Parliamentary Friendship Groups with 64 countries to strengthen India’s global parliamentary diplomacy.
– This step is not limited to diplomacy but aims to enhance direct dialogue between parliaments.
What are Parliamentary Friendship Groups?
– These are groups through which Indian MPs directly interact with their foreign counterparts, share experiences, and establish trusted dialogue.
– Their objective is to promote inter-parliamentary democratic partnership and strengthen trust and understanding between countries.
Members from ruling and opposition parties
– Each group includes 11 members of the Indian Parliament, including Rajya Sabha MPs.
– There is broad participation, with MPs from almost all major political parties included.
– Several groups are also led by opposition MPs.
– Senior leaders such as Shashi Tharoor, P. Chidambaram, Manish Tewari (Congress); Akhilesh Yadav and Ram Gopal Yadav (Samajwadi Party); Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM); Abhishek Banerjee (Trinamool Congress); and Sanjay Singh (AAP) are included.
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4. To prevent which type of cancer did the Health Ministry launch a nationwide HPV vaccination program?
a. Breast cancer
b. Lung cancer
c. Skin cancer
d. Cervical cancer
Answer: d. Cervical cancer (Every year, 11.5 million girls turning 14 will be vaccinated.)
– Every year, 11.5 million girls turning 14 will receive the vaccine.
HPV and cervical cancer
– HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common virus.
– There are more than 200 types, about 40 of which spread through sexual contact. Not all HPV types are dangerous.
– Type 16 and Type 18 are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases.
– The Government of India will administer the Gardasil vaccine covering Types 16 and 18, along with Types 6 and 11.
How does HPV spread?
– Mainly through sexual contact
– Through skin-to-skin contact
– The cervix is the lower and narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. In simple terms, it is the portion between the uterus and the vagina.
Cervical cancer in India
– Second or third most common cancer among women
– Around 75,000–80,000 new cases every year
– More than 40,000 deaths annually
– Lack of screening in rural areas is a major issue
Symptoms
– Abnormal vaginal bleeding
– Bleeding after intercourse
– Foul-smelling discharge, pelvic pain
How does HPV cause cancer?
– High-risk HPV (such as Types 16 and 18) integrates its DNA into the host cell’s DNA, disrupting normal cell control mechanisms.
– HPV produces two key proteins: E6 and E7.
– The E6 protein inactivates the tumor suppressor gene p53, which normally repairs damaged DNA or destroys damaged cells (apoptosis). E6 prevents the cell from dying.
– The E7 protein inactivates another protective gene, Rb (retinoblastoma protein), which regulates cell division. As a result, cells begin to divide uncontrollably.
– DNA damage accumulates, cells do not die, cell division continues, and abnormal cells build up.
– Gradually, these cells spread into surrounding tissues in the cervix, leading to cervical cancer.
– HPV Types 6 and 11 can also cause warts on various parts of the skin, including the reproductive organs.
How does the HPV vaccine work?
– It trains the body to produce antibodies in advance.
– It provides protection against future infection and prevents the cancer process from starting.
When is the vaccine most effective?
– Between 9–14 years of age
– Before sexual contact
– Which age group will be vaccinated in India?
– Every year, all girls turning 14 (about 11.5 million) will receive one free dose of the vaccine.
– This is the age at which the HPV vaccine provides maximum preventive benefit before potential exposure to the virus.
Cost in the market
– The vaccine costs between ₹5,000–10,000 in the market.
– Despite being largely preventable through vaccination and early screening, cervical cancer remains a heavy burden on women and families.
– Due to its high cost, the vaccine was previously out of reach for many people.
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5. After how many years was the National Round Table Conference of the Election Commission of India and State Election Commissions held in Delhi?
a. 2
b. 17
c. 21
d. 27
Answer: d. 27 (The round table meeting was held at Bharat Mandapam on 24 February 2026.)
– The Election Commission of India (ECI) organized a National Round Table Conference of ECI and State Election Commissioners (SECs) on 24 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
– The conference was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
– This meeting between the central and state commissions was held after a gap of 27 years.
– The ECI proposed coordination with State Election Commissions to standardize electoral processes across the country.
– Discussions included sharing technological solutions such as EVMs, ECINET, and exchange of voter lists.
– ECI and SECs will work together to harmonize laws related to Panchayat and municipal elections with those governing Parliament and State Assembly elections.
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6. Who became the first captain to score a century in the T20 World Cup?
a. Salman Agha (Pakistan)
b. Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka)
c. Harry Brook (England)
d. Suryakumar Yadav (India)
Answer: c. Harry Brook (England)
Note – Earlier, players had scored centuries in T20s, but no captain had done so in the T20 World Cup.
– On 24 February 2026, a Super-8 match between Pakistan and England was played at Pallekele Stadium, Sri Lanka.
– England captain Harry Brook scored 100 runs off 51 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes.
– He became the first captain in tournament history to score a century.
– Previously, West Indies’ Chris Gayle had the highest score of 98 in 2010.
– Brook also became the fourth batsman to score a century in a T20 World Cup run chase.
– He is also the third England player to score centuries in all three formats, after Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan.
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7. Which topic did the Supreme Court ban from NCERT’s Class 8 Social Science book?
a. Corruption in the executive
b. Remarks about God
c. Corruption in the judiciary
d. Discussion on inflation
Answer: c. Corruption in the judiciary
– The Supreme Court imposed a ban on the NCERT Class 8 Social Science book that included the topic “Corruption in the Judiciary.”
– The Court ordered a complete ban on printing and distribution, and directed that all print and digital copies be seized and removed from public access.
– The CJI said it appeared to be a deep and deliberate conspiracy to defame the judiciary. Strict action would be taken against those responsible, and the matter would be thoroughly investigated. Contempt proceedings against NCERT could also be initiated.
What is the issue?
– NCERT released its new textbook “Exploring Society: India and Beyond Part 2” on 23 February 2026.
– The book is scheduled for use from the 2026–27 academic session.
– Under the chapter “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society,” content related to corruption in the judiciary was added, leading to controversy.
What was written in the book?
– The quote “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
– Data on pending cases: Around 81,000 cases pending in the Supreme Court
– Around 6.24 million cases pending in High Courts
– Around 47 million cases pending in district and subordinate courts
– It also mentioned that corruption and indiscipline within the judiciary affect public trust.
Mention of former CJI B.R. Gavai
– The book referred to former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, who in July 2025 said that corruption and misconduct within the judiciary harm public trust.
– He stated that rebuilding trust requires swift, decisive, and transparent action, and that transparency and accountability are democratic virtues.
Book no longer available
– After the CJI’s remarks, the book is no longer available on the NCERT website.
– Offline sales were stopped from 24 February 2026.
– No official statement has yet been issued by NCERT.
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8. When is World NGO Day observed?
a. 25 February
b. 26 February
c. 27 February
d. 28 February
Answer: c. 27 February
Theme 2026
– Restoring Dignity Through Inclusion
– World NGO Day is observed every year on 27 February.
– Its objective is to raise awareness about the contribution of NGOs in society.
– The United Nations, European Union, and international organizations declared this day in 2014.
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9. Who was elected as the interim President by the Peruvian Parliament after the removal of impeached former President Jose Jarry?
a. Susana Higuchi
b. Alberto Fujimori
c. Keiko Fujimori
d. Jose Maria Balcazar
Answer: d. Jose Maria Balcazar
– Former President Jose Jarry was facing impeachment over corruption charges.
– Balcazar was elected interim President through a live televised vote by Peru’s Congress on 18 February 2026.
– As the head of Congress, Balcazar automatically assumed the office of interim President.
– The 83-year-old lawyer and former judge became Peru’s eighth President since 2016.
– He will lead the country until his successor takes office on 28 July after the presidential elections scheduled for 12 April.
– In the past ten years, four Peruvian presidents have faced impeachment, two resigned to avoid similar situations, and only one completed the full term.
Peru
– Capital: Lima
– Prime Minister: Hernando de Soto
– Population: 34.9 million
– Language: Spanish
– Currency: Sol
– Neighboring countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile
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10. Projects from which two countries received the highest “Award of Distinction” at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards?
a. Japan
b. China
c. Russia
d. Both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b
– Japan’s Iwami Ginzan Library and China’s Sihang Warehouse were selected for the award.
Iwami Ginzan Library
– Located near a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oda City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan.
– It was redeveloped from a former merchant’s house (built before 1800) into a unique community library.
– Features mine-tunnel-like bookshelves, a cozy café, co-working space, and a children’s play pool.
– Open mainly from April to November (weekends) and also on weekdays.
Sihang Warehouse
– Located in major cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Yiwu, and Shanghai.
– These centers manage logistics for e-commerce and international trade using WMS software.
– Include private warehouses and public warehouses operated by 3PL providers.
– Essential for smooth goods management from China, especially for Amazon FBA sellers and international traders.
UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards
– Established to recognize outstanding efforts in conserving built heritage in the Asia-Pacific region.
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