UPSC Daily Current Affairs 27 February 2026: Key News & Analysis

UPSC Daily Current Affairs 27 February 2026 brings you a concise and exam-focused compilation of the most important national and international developments relevant for UPSC Prelims and Mains. Staying updated with daily news is essential for building strong conceptual clarity and improving answer writing. 

In this edition, we cover key updates from polity, economy, environment, international relations, and government schemes. Below, we have provided the important news highlights along with brief analysis to help you understand their relevance for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 preparation in a structured and easy-to-revise format.

Supreme Court and NCERT Textbook Controversy

A recent controversy arose from a Class 8 NCERT social science textbook discussing judiciary challenges, including alleged corruption and significant case backlogs. The Supreme Court viewed this content as an attempt to defame the judiciary, raising critical questions about judicial independence, freedom of speech, and the educational curriculum.

A significant controversy involves a Class 8th NCERT Social Science textbook titled "Exploring Society: India and Beyond." The Supreme Court has taken a stern position on a new chapter within this book, "Role of Judiciary in Our Society."

The chapter includes specific lines deemed controversial:

• A statement suggesting that "Corruption may exist at various levels in the judiciary."

• Mentions of misconduct and unethical behavior that can erode public trust in the judicial system.

• Data on the pendency of cases:

• Supreme Court: Approximately 81,000 pending cases.

• High Courts: Approximately 62 lakh pending cases.

• Lower Courts: Over 4.5 crore pending cases.

The Supreme Court perceived this content as a deliberate attempt to defame the judiciary and present it negatively. In response, the Chief Justice of India initiated suo motu cognizance (proceedings initiated by the court on its own accord, without a formal petition). The Court expressed concern that teaching such material to eighth-grade students could instill a negative perception of the judiciary from a young age. 

Consequently, the Court ordered the seizure of all physical and digital copies of the book. The Prime Minister also commented, stating the chapter was written incorrectly and calling for accountability on its author.

Comparative Perspectives on the Controversy

1. The Argument of Selective Treatment:

Many lawyers and advocates argue that the chapter displays selective treatment. They question why the book focuses exclusively on corruption in the judiciary while not mentioning corruption in other sectors like politics or the bureaucracy. This selectivity has raised questions about a deliberate intent to tarnish the judiciary's image.

2. Two Viewpoints on the Chapter's Content:

• Pro-Judiciary Stance: This viewpoint holds that such content damages the judiciary's reputation and undermines its independence, which is crucial for a democracy.

• Counter-Argument: This viewpoint suggests the chapter, by mentioning real issues like pending cases and isolated instances of corruption, attempts to foster discussion on improving the system, rather than claiming the entire judiciary is corrupt.

Associated Constitutional Questions

The controversy has brought two major constitutional principles into focus:

1. Basic Structure Doctrine: Established in the Kesavananda Bharati case, Judicial Independence is a core, unamendable feature. The question is whether damaging the judiciary's reputation constitutes a violation of this basic structure.

2. Freedom of Speech vs. Contempt of Court: Article 19(1) guarantees freedom of speech, subject to reasonable restrictions, including Contempt of Court. The question is whether publishing such content in a textbook can be considered defamation and, therefore, contempt of court.

Principle of Just Deserts

The Principle of Just Deserts is a theory of justice positing that punishment is a necessary and deserved consequence of a crime. Its central tenet is proportionality: the punishment must be proportional to the severity of the crime committed. A minor crime should receive a lesser punishment, while a major crime, such as murder or large-scale fraud, should receive a more severe punishment.

The justification for punishment is that the offender deserves it for their actions. This principle is rooted in moral responsibility, holding individuals accountable for their choices. It is considered a backward-looking approach because it focuses on retribution for a past act. The philosopher Immanuel Kant was a notable proponent of this form of retributive justice.

Comparative Analysis: Theories of Punishment

The Principle of Just Deserts differs significantly from other theories of punishment, which have different objectives:

Blockchain India Challenge

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), has launched the Blockchain India Challenge. This initiative encourages Indian startups to develop blockchain-based solutions for various government departments. 

Selected startups receive funding and support from MeitY and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to create practical applications. The ultimate aim is to enhance digital governance and improve public service delivery across sectors.

Understanding Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger technology.

• Decentralized: It is not controlled by a single central authority, but distributed among multiple computers (nodes) on a network.

• Distributed Ledger: The record of transactions is copied and spread across the network, rather than being held centrally.

• Blocks and Chains: Transactions are recorded in "blocks." Each new block is cryptographically linked to the previous one, forming a secure "chain."

• Immutability: To alter data in one block, all subsequent blocks in the chain would have to be changed, an action the rest of the network would reject. This makes data highly resistant to modification.

• Transparency & Security: The technology offers high transparency and accountability, using encryption to secure transactions.

Applications extend beyond cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to banking systems, supply chain management, and voting.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a common type of herpes virus that infects humans. A key characteristic is that once a person is infected, it remains dormant in their body for life.

Prevalence and Symptoms:

• Up to 95% of the global population is infected with EBV at some point.

• Most infections are asymptomatic or result in very mild symptoms like fever, sore throat, and fatigue. Many people are unaware they carry the virus.

• The virus poses a greater risk to individuals with a compromised immune system, such as organ transplant recipients.

Recent Scientific Developments:

Currently, there is no vaccine for EBV. However, recent USA research identified a potential prevention pathway. Scientists discovered that monoclonal antibodies found in mice are effective in preventing EBV infection.

• What are Monoclonal Antibodies? These are laboratory-produced proteins designed to function like natural antibodies. They enhance the immune system by targeting specific harmful cells or pathogens.

• Mechanism of Action: The identified antibodies target two specific proteins on the surface of the Epstein-Barr virus:

1. GP350: The protein the virus uses to attach to human cells.

2. GP42: The protein that enables the virus to enter the human cell after attachment.

By targeting both proteins, these monoclonal antibodies effectively block the virus from entering body cells, potentially preventing infection. This discovery is a promising step toward a future EBV vaccine.

Milan 2026 Maritime Exercise

Milan is a major multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy, held biennially.

• History: Launched in 1995 under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, it began with four participating navies: Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

• Growth: The exercise has grown substantially. The most recent (13th) edition, off the Visakhapatnam coast, saw participation from over 70 countries, including the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

• Strategic Alignment: Milan aligns with India’s key maritime foreign policy doctrines:

• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)

• MAHASAGAR (Maritime Association for Holistic Advancement and Security for All in the Region)

The exercise fosters cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Navy and friendly foreign navies.

TERI's World Sustainable Development Summit

The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) is a major annual international event focusing on global issues of sustainable development. It serves as a platform for world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and business representatives to collaborate on climate action and sustainable practices.

• History: Initiated in 2001 as the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit, the 2026 event marks its 25th edition.

• Organizer: The summit is organized annually by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute).

• About TERI: Established in 1974 with headquarters in New Delhi, TERI is a research institute working on energy, environment, and sustainable development issues. Its focus areas include renewable energy, climate policy, sustainable agriculture, green buildings, and water resource management.

Prime Minister Modi Receives 'Speaker of the Knesset' Medal

During a visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the 'Speaker of the Knesset' Medal.

• Significance: He is the first foreign leader to receive this prestigious medal. The Knesset is the Israeli Parliament. The medal is the highest honor the parliament bestows upon a leader.

• Reason: The award recognized his significant contributions to strengthening India-Israel relations across various sectors, including defense, agriculture, water management, and technology.

This highlights India's growing role in West Asia. PM Modi has previously received several other countries' highest civilian awards, including the Order of Zayed (UAE, 2019), Order of St. Andrew the Apostle (Russia), King Abdulaziz Sash (Saudi Arabia), Order of the Nile (Egypt), Legion of Merit (USA), Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (France), and Order of Fiji (Fiji).

Important Constitutional and Historical Facts

This section covers factual points related to the Indian Constitution and modern history.

1. Addition of Languages to the 8th Schedule

The Constitution initially had 18 languages in the 8th Schedule and now contains 22. Key amendments that added languages are:

• 21st Amendment (1967): Added Sindhi.

• 71st Amendment (1992): Added Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali.

• 92nd Amendment (2003): Added Bodo, Dongri, Maithili, and Santhali.

• 96th Amendment: Renamed "Oriya" to "Odia".

2. Important Parts of the Constitution

• Part IX-A: Deals with The Municipalities (added by the 74th Amendment Act, 1992).

• Part XVIII: Contains Emergency Provisions (Articles 352-360).

• Part XX: Pertains to the Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368).

3. Miscellaneous Historical Facts

• UN-Habitat: Was established in New York.

• Exercise Vajra Prahar: A joint military exercise between India and the USA.

• Haripura Session of Congress: This session was presided over by Subhas Chandra Bose.