Daily Current Affairs — 28 February 2026
4 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
16th Finance Commission (FC): Push to Urban Local Governments
Context Recently, the 16th Finance Commission (FC) report, tabled in Parliament, has significantly enhanced the share of grants to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), signalling a structural shift in India’s fiscal federalism in favour of urban governance. Key Highlights of the 16th FC For ULBs Increased Share for Urban Local Bodies: Share of grants to ULBs increased to 45%; (36% in 15th FC, 26% in 13th FC). Sharp Rise in Absolute Allocation: Recommended grants to ULBs: ₹3.56 lakh crore; More than double
India Bhutan Cooperation on HydroPower Projects
Context India and Bhutan have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership in water resources management and hydropower development during a high level visit by an Indian delegation to Bhutan. India-Bhutan Hydropower Relations Early Cooperation: Indo–Bhutan hydropower cooperation began in 1961 with the signing of the Jaldhaka agreement. The Jaldhaka project is located on the Indian side of the border in West Bengal, and most of the power generated was exported to southern Bhutan.
Casebook on AI and Gender Empowerment
Context The Casebook on AI and Gender Empowerment was launched at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. About Developed By: IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in partnership with UN Women and supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD). The casebook brings together 23 real-world AI solutions from across the Global South that demonstrate measurable impact on gender equality and womens empowerment.
New GDP Series Upgrades FY26 Growth to 7.6%
Context According to the new series, the gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to grow at 7.6% during the current fiscal. About The new series has revised downward the growth for 2023-24 to 7.2% from the 9.2% estimated in the old series, and has revised upward the growth for 2024-25 to 7.1% from the earlier estimate of 6.5%. The base year for GDP Estimates has been revised from 2011–12 to 2022–23 to better reflect India’s evolving economic structure.