National Science Day 2026: India celebrates National Science Day today, February 28, to commemorate the discovery of the 'Raman Effect' by Sir C.V. Raman. The day highlights the importance of scientific temper and innovation in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.
PM Modi’s Visit to Rajasthan and Gujarat:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ajmer, Rajasthan, to launch and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects exceeding ₹16,680 crore. A significant highlight of the visit was the launch of the National HPV Vaccination Campaign, aimed at providing free vaccines to girls aged 14 to 14 years and 3 months to prevent cervical cancer. Later in the day, the PM traveled to Sanand, Gujarat, to inaugurate the Semiconductor Assembly, Test, and Packaging (ATMP) facility of Micron Semiconductor Technology, a major step toward making India a global semiconductor hub.
Diplomatic Reset with Canada:
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Mumbai for a four-day official visit to India. This visit is seen as a crucial move to reset bilateral ties and double trade between the two nations following a period of diplomatic tension. Carney is scheduled to meet business leaders in Mumbai before heading to New Delhi to meet PM Modi on March 2.
Innovation and Infrastructure:
- India’s First State Innovation Mission (SIM): The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog launched the country's first State Innovation Mission in Tripura to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems.
- Rail Tech Policy: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Rail Tech Policy and the e-Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT). This initiative, part of the "52 Reforms in 52 Weeks" program, aims to digitize and speed up the claims process for passengers.
- UP-Japan MoUs: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹11,000 crore with Japanese companies in Tokyo, focusing on the automobile and electronics sectors.
Defence and Space:
- Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026: The joint military exercise between India and Japan commenced today in Uttarakhand to enhance interoperability in counter-terrorism operations.
- Vikko Sat-1: In a boost to student-led innovation, Class XI students from a government school in Tamil Nadu successfully launched Vikko Sat-1, a 600-gram mini-satellite designed to detect fungal spores in the stratosphere.
Legal and Political Updates:
The CBI has challenged the Delhi trial court order that recently discharged former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and others in the excise policy case, moving the Delhi High Court for a review of the decision.