UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 28 February 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 28 February 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 28 February 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Amondawa Tribe

February 28, 2026
Amondawa Tribe

Amondawa Tribe Latest News

The Amondawa tribe in Brazil's Amazon lives without clocks, calendars, or numerical age, organising life by natural cycles and identity changes, as revealed by researchers.

About Amondawa Tribe

  • They are an indigenous community living deep inside Brazil’s Amazon rainforest.
  • They were first contacted by the outside world in 1986.
  • They are about 150 strong, continuing their traditional way of life, hunting, fishing, and farming.
  • They live without any concept of time as understood by modern civilisation.
  • They have no linguistic or cultural equivalent for words such as “time", “week", “month" or “year".
  • The tribe can describe events and their sequence but lacks an abstract concept of time as an independent dimension.
  • Daily life revolves around immediate needs, relationships, and the natural environment rather than abstract schedules.
  • One of the most striking aspects of Amondawa society is the absence of numerical age. 
  • Members of the tribe do not track birthdays or calculate how old they are. 
  • Instead, personal growth is marked through identity changes. 
  • As children mature, they receive new names, and a person may change names several times over the course of a lifetime. 
  • In this system, social identity rather than numerical measurement defines stages of life.

Source: N18

Amondawa Tribe FAQs

Q1: Where does the Amondawa tribe live?

Ans: Deep inside the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

Q2: What are the main traditional occupations of the Amondawa tribe?

Ans: Hunting, fishing, and farming.

Q3: Do the Amondawa people have a modern concept of time?

Ans: No, they do not have a concept of time as understood in modern society.

Q4: Do the Amondawa language and culture have words for week, month, or year?

Ans: No.

Q5: What guides daily life in Amondawa society?

Ans: Immediate needs, relationships, and the natural environment.

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon

February 28, 2026
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Latest News

A recent research paper warns that climate change could lead to the habitat of Western Ghats endemic species such as the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii) and become limited to a few isolated pockets by the end of the century.

About Nilgiri Wood Pigeon

  • It is a species of pigeon endemic to the Western Ghats in India.
  • Appearance: They are best identified in the field by their large size, dark colours and the distinctive checkerboard pattern on their nape.
  • Habitat: It inhabits high-elevation wet evergreen forest, moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, including densely wooded ravines and hollows known as ‘sholas’.
  • It occurs primarily in foothills and mountains, up to 2,250 metres above sea level.
  • Distribution: It is mainly found in regions such as the Nilgiris and Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Isolated populations are also reported from locations such as the Biligirirangan Hills, Nandi Hills, and northern Maharashtra.
  • Diet: They are mainly frugivorous and forage in the canopy of dense hill forests.
  • Threats: These are threatened by hunting, deforestation, agricultural and infrastructure expansion, plantation development and climate change.

Conservation Status of Nilgiri Wood Pigeon

  • IUCN: Least Concern
  • Wild Life Protection Act: Schedule-I

Source: TH

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon?

Ans: Columba elphinstonii

Q2: Which of the following is a habitat of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon?

Ans: Western Ghats

Forest Rights Act Cells

February 28, 2026
Forest Rights Act Cells

Forest Rights Act Cells Latest News

The central government has decided to expand the mandate of Forest Rights Act Cells (FRA cells) to aid the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 such cells at the State- and Union Territory-level.

About Forest Rights Act Cells

  • FRA cells, sanctioned under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA) scheme launched in October 2024.
  • Aim: To provide technical and administrative support without intervening in statutory decision-making.
  • The State Level FRA Cell comprises three hired manpower i.e. Program Coordinator (FRA), IT/Data/ Program Expert, and MIS Assistant (FRA).
  • District /Sub-Divisional Level FRA Cell comprises two hired manpower i.e. Coordinator (FRA) and MIS /FRA Associate.
  • Progress: Till now Tribal Affairs Ministry sanctioned 324 district-level cells in 18 States and UTs, and 17 cells at the State level.
  • Funding: Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Functions of FRA Cell

  • To assist in completing the process of recognition of rights.
  • Digitization of records, preparation of plans for IFR and CFR beneficiaries to avail the benefits of Govt. schemes,
  • Assist in convergence of Forest villages to revenue villages, and to create awareness amongst all stakeholders ensuring effective implementation of FRA.
  • Assisting claimants and Gram Sabhas in preparing claim documents.
  • Aiding in collection of necessary evidence and resolutions.
  • Helping in digitisation of land records and tracking claim status.
  • Facilitating conversion of forest habitations into revenue villages

Source: TH

Forest Rights Act Cells FAQs

Q1: Under which scheme are FRA Cells sanctioned?

Ans: Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA)

Q2: What is a key function of FRA Cells?

Ans: Assisting claimants in preparing claim documents

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)

February 28, 2026
Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) Latest News

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA-India) have jointly released comprehensive guidelines for cyber security across the country’s space ecosystem.

About Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)

  • It is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents as and when they occur.
  • It is a functional organisation of the Ministry of Information & Electronics Technology, Government of India.
  • Objective: Securing Indian cyberspace.
  • CERT-In has been operational since January 2004. 
  • The constituency of CERT-In is the Indian cyber community.
  • CERT-In has been designated under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, to serve as the national agency to perform the following functions in the area of cyber security:
    • Collection, analysis, and dissemination of information on cyber incidents.
    • Forecasts and alerts of cybersecurity incidents.
    • Emergency measures for handling cybersecurity incidents.
    • Coordination of cyber incident response activities.
    • Issue guidelines, advisories, vulnerability notes, and white papers relating to information security practices, procedures, prevention, response, and reporting of cyber incidents.
    • Such other functions relating to cyber security as may be prescribed.
  • To perform these functions, CERT-In is empowered to call for information and issue directions to service providers, intermediaries, data centres, body corporates, and any other person. 
  • CERT-In provides services to organizations in the Government, Public, and Private sectors. In addition, CERT-In provides services to individuals and home users as well.
  • CERT-In collaborates with international counterparts to share information regarding emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and malware.
  • CERT-In creates awareness on security issues through dissemination of information on its website (https://www.cert-in.org.in) and operates a 24x7 incidence response help desk. 
  • Disclosure of information will be followed in accordance with Indian Constitutional laws.
  • To ensure effective governance, a Review Committee oversees CERT-In’s operations. This committee includes but is not limited to representatives from various government ministries, such as:
    • Ministry of Law and Justice
    • Department of Telecommunications
    • Ministry of Home Affairs
    • Group Coordinator for Cyber Law and e-Security
  • The committee meets regularly to assess CERT-In’s performance and provide strategic direction.

About Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA-India)

  • The SIA-India is a non-profit body representing India’s space and satellite sector.
  • Its members include satellite operators, manufacturers, startups, academia, and legal firms, working to shape policy and promote global collaboration.

Source: DDN

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) FAQs

Q1: What is the primary role of Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)?

Ans: It is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents.

Q2: Under which ministry does CERT-In function?

Ans: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Q3: Under which section of the IT Act is CERT-In designated as the national cyber security agency?

Ans: Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Q4: Who are the main beneficiaries of CERT-In services?

Ans: Government, public and private sector organizations, as well as individuals and home users.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

February 28, 2026
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation Latest News

Recently, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation moved to fast-track approvals for new medicines by allowing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for laboratory testing to be issued immediately upon receipt of applications.

About Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

  • It is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India for the medical devices industry under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940.
  • Functions: It is responsible for overseeing the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of medical devices in the country. The CDSCO ensures that medical devices comply with safety, quality, and efficacy standards.
  • Nodal Ministry: It works under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
  • Headed By: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is the head of the CDSCO.
  • Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, CDSCO is responsible for,
    • Approval of new drugs; Conduct of clinical trials; Laying down the standards for drugs; Control over the quality of imported drugs in the country; Coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organizations;
  • CDSCO, along with state regulators, is jointly responsible for the grant of licenses for certain specialized categories of critical drugs such as blood and blood products, I. V. Fluids, Vaccine, and Sera.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.

Source: TOI

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation FAQs

Q1: Under which ministry does CDSCO function?

Ans: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Q2: What is the primary objective of CDSCO?

Ans: To ensure safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs

Amur Falcon

February 28, 2026
Amur Falcon

Amur Falcon Latest News

Three Amur falcons tagged with satellite transmitters in Manipur are currently spending their winter migration period across three African countries, officials said recently.

About Amur Falcon

  • It is a migratory raptor of the falcon family.
  • Scientific Name: Falco amurensis
  • This falcon is known by a few other names, such as Eastern Red-footed Falcon, Eastern Red-footed Kestrel, Manchurian Falcon, and Red-legged Falcon.

Amur Falcon Distribution

  • They breed in southeastern Siberia and Northern China and migrate long distances in large flocks to winter in Southern and East Africa.
  • Along the way, large numbers pass through India, with the biggest congregations seen in the northeastern states.
  • It undertakes the longest regular overwater passage of any raptor.

Amur Falcon Features

  • It is an average-sized falcon, with a wingspan of 63–71 cm and weighing about 120 g. 
  • The male and female are distinctly different. 
  • The male is a dark, sooty grey, with brownish-red thighs and vent. 
  • When flying, a white lining of the male’s wings stands out against the sooty grey. 
  • The female has a pattern common among many falcon species, with a dark spotted chest and vent against a white background and a darker, grey back. 
  • A distinctive feature of both the male and the female is the orange of the eye-ring, beak base (the cere) and feet. 
  • As in many birds of prey, the male is smaller than the female.
  • In addition to speed and strength, these birds are known to have keen eyesight for detecting prey from a distance or during flight.

Amur Falcon Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List.

Source: IT

Amur Falcon FAQs

Q1: What type of bird is the Amur Falcon?

Ans: A migratory raptor belonging to the falcon family.

Q2: What is the scientific name of the Amur Falcon?

Ans: Falco amurensis.

Q3: Where does the Amur Falcon breed?

Ans: In southeastern Siberia and northern China.

Q4: Where does the Amur Falcon migrate to during winter?

Ans: Southern and East Africa.

Q5: Which country lies along the migration route of large numbers of Amur Falcons?

Ans: India.

Meningococcal Infection

February 28, 2026
Meningococcal Infection

Meningococcal Infection Latest News

Recently, the Meghalaya government issued an advisory urging people to avoid crowded places and follow health protocols after a meningococcal infection scare.

About Meningococcal Infection

  • Meningococcal infection is a severe, rapidly progressing disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitides.
  • It leads to life-threatening meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain) or meningococcemia (blood poisoning).
  • It infects meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed.
  • Transmission
    • People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit).
    • Generally, it takes close or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. 
    • They are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.
  • Symptoms: It includes high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and a non-blanching rash.
  • Treatment: It is treated with antibiotics. Other treatments may be needed, including:
    • Help with breathing, such as oxygen therapy.
    • Drugs to treat low blood pressure.
    • Ways to treat damaged or dead skin, including surgeries.

Source: TH

Meningococcal Infection FAQs

Q1: What is the primary cause of Meningococcal Infection?

Ans: Neisseria meningitidis

Q2: Which age group is most susceptible to Meningococcal Infection?

Ans: Adolescents and young adults

Very Short-Range Air Defence System

February 28, 2026
Very Short-Range Air Defence System

Very Short-Range Air Defence System Latest News

Recently, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three successive flight-trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

About Very Short-Range Air Defence System

  • It is a Man Portable Air Defence system.
  • It is designed and developed indigenously by Research Center Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Development cum Production Partners.

Features of Very Short-Range Air Defence System

  • It is short-range, lightweight and portable surface-to-air missiles that can be fired by individuals or small groups to destroy aircraft or helicopters. 
  • Range: They have a maximum range of 8 kilometres and can engage targets at altitudes of 4.5 km. 
  • The missile incorporates many novel technologies including a miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, which have been successfully proven during the tests. 
    • The RCS is responsible for attitude control and steering by the use of thrusters and is also capable of providing small amounts of thrust in any desired direction or combination of directions.
  • The missile system has the capability to meet the needs of all the three branches of the Armed Forces, viz. Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Source: PIB

Very Short-Range Air Defence System FAQs

Q1: What is the primary purpose of a Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system?

Ans: Defending against short-range aerial threats

Q2: VSHORAD systems typically engage targets at ranges of?

Ans: They have a maximum range of 8 kilometres.

Pangong Lake

February 28, 2026
Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake Latest News

Ladakh has created history by successfully conducting its maiden 21-km trail running event in sub-zero temperature at 13,862 feet high Pangong Tso, which was registered in Guinness world record as the world's highest frozen lake half marathon.

About Pangong Lake

  • Pangong Lake, also known as Pangong Tso, is an endorheic (hydrologically landlocked) lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m (14,270 ft).
  • It is situated in eastern Ladakh, extending into the China (Tibet region).
  • It derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”.
  • It is one of the world’s highest brackish water lakes.
  • The lake is 134 km long and almost 5 km wide at its broadest point, with one-third of it lying in India and the other two-thirds in China. 
  • It is famed for its colour changing water, from blue to red and green.
  • During winter, the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water. 
  • The lake is also a breeding ground for different types of birds during the summer season.
  • Bar-headed geese, Brahminy ducks, black-necked cranes and seagulls are commonly spotted here.
  • It is not part of the Indus River basin area and is geographically a separate landlocked river basin.
  • It is in disputed territory. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) passes through the lake.

Source: NDTV

Pangong Lake FAQs

Q1: What type of lake is Pangong Tso?

Ans: An endorheic (landlocked) brackish water lake.

Q2: At what altitude is Pangong Tso located?

Ans: About 4,350 meters above sea level.

Q3: In which region of India is Pangong Tso situated?

Ans: Ladakh.

Q4: Pangong Tso extends into which country beyond India?

Ans: China (Tibet region).

Q5: What proportion of Pangong Tso lies within India?

Ans: About one-third.

Exercise Vayu Shakti-26

February 28, 2026
Exercise Vayu Shakti-26

Exercise Vayu Shakti-26 Latest News

The Indian Air Force recently conducted Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran field firing range near Jaisalmer.

About Exercise Vayu Shakti-26

  • It was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Pokhran air-to-ground range, near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
  • The event was last held in February 2024.
  • The exercise showcased the operational preparedness, tactical capabilities, and combat efficiency of the IAF.
  • Guided by the core values of “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek,” the exercise was aimed to reassure the nation by reaffirming the IAF’s role as a key component of India’s national security architecture.
  • It showcased the air force's capability to execute complex, integrated air operations within a dynamic and realistic battlefield environment.
  • Over 130 aircraft participated in the day-and-night exercise, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C-130J, C-295, C-17, the indigenous advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and light combat helicopter (LCH) Prachand.
  • The exercise also featured advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer, and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS).
  • For the first time, Exercise Vayushakti was executed along a defined operational storyline, transforming into a simulated live combat theatre. 
  • The exercise seamlessly integrated offensive air strikes, air defence operations, special forces missions and humanitarian assistance.

Source: HT

Exercise Vayu Shakti-26 FAQs

Q1: Which organization conducts Exercise Vayu Shakti?

Ans: Indian Air Force (IAF).

Q2: Where was Exercise Vayu Shakti-26 conducted?

Ans: At the Pokhran Field Firing Range near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Q3: What is the primary objective of Exercise Vayu Shakti?

Ans: To demonstrate operational preparedness, tactical capability, and combat efficiency of the IAF.

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