Prelims Current Affairs includes National Science Day, Rare Disease Day, Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga 2026, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), Speaker of the Knesset Medal, Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026 & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

IMPORTANT DAY

1. NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY

Celebrated in India on 28 February

Aim : to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.

• Historical Basis: Discovery of Raman Effect in 1928
• Scientist: Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman
• Award Recognition: Nobel Prize in Physics (1930)
• Significance: Promotes scientific awareness and research culture

IMPORTANT DAY

2.  RARE DISEASE DAY

Observed globally on the last day of February

• Aim : to raise awareness about rare diseases and related healthcare challenges.
• Significance: Encourages policy support, research, and improved treatment access.

AWARDS

3. PRIME MINISTER’S AWARDS FOR YOGA 2026

Current Context: The Ministry of Ayush invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga 2026 to recognise excellence and leadership in Yoga promotion.

ABOUT PRIME MINISTER’S YOGA AWARDS

• Organised By: Ministry of Ayush
• Objective: Honour outstanding contributions in Yoga
• Coverage: National and international level recognition
• Focus Areas: Innovation, research, training, community outreach

AWARD CATEGORIES

• Categories: Individuals and Institutions
• Award Components: Trophy, certificate, and cash prize
• Prize Amount: Rupees Twenty-Five Lakh per awardee

ORGANISATION

4. NATIONAL BOARD OF EXAMINATIONS IN MEDICAL SCIENCES (NBEMS)

Current Context: National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences achieved a Guinness World Record for the highest viewership of an Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare livestream.

ABOUT THE RECORD

• Organisation: National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences
• Platform: YouTube livestream session
• Achievement: Highest number of viewers for Artificial Intelligence lesson
• Participants: Registered medical practitioners

TRAINING INITIATIVE

• Programme Focus: Artificial Intelligence applications in healthcare
• Key Topics: Diagnostics, clinical decisions, patient monitoring
• Significance: Expands digital medical education and technology adoption

AWARDS

5.  SPEAKER OF THE KNESSET MEDAL

Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Speaker of the Knesset Medal during his visit to Jerusalem.

ABOUT THE HONOUR

• Country: Israel
• Award: Speaker of the Knesset Medal
• Conferred By: Speaker of Knesset
• Significance: Israel’s highest parliamentary honour
• Distinction: First global leader to receive the medal

IMPORTANCE

• Recognition Basis: Strengthening India–Israel relations
• Cooperation Areas: Defence, agriculture, cybersecurity, innovation

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

• Milestone Year: Relations elevated in 2017
• Historic Fact: First visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel
• Additional Recognition: Modi previously awarded Grand Collar of the State of Palestine

SCHEME

6. BANGLAR YUVA SATHI SCHEME 2026

Current Context: West Bengal launched the Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026 to provide financial support to unemployed youth.

ABOUT BANGLAR YUVA SATHI SCHEME

• State: West Bengal
• Announced By: State Government
• Launch Date: 1 April 2026
• Benefit: Monthly allowance of Rupees One Thousand Five Hundred
• Target Group: Educated unemployed youth

OBJECTIVE

• Purpose: Provide temporary financial assistance
• Focus: Support youth during job search period

APPLICATION DETAILS

• Application Period: Mid-February to late February 2026
• Registration Mode: Online and local camps
• Disbursement Start: From launch date
• Significance: Addresses youth unemployment and income security

REPORT

7. INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHIC COMMISSION (IOC)

Current Context: The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO released the Integrated Ocean Carbon Research Report 2026.

ABOUT INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHIC COMMISSION

• Parent Body: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• Objective: Promote international cooperation in ocean research and capacity-building
• Members: 152 countries (India is a member)
• Secretariat: Paris, France

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF IOC REPORT 2026

• Ocean as Carbon Sink: Oceans absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gases
• Solubility Pump: Cold ocean waters absorb carbon dioxide and store it in deep ocean layers
• Land–Ocean–Ice Exchange: Carbon exchange occurs between oceans, rivers and melting ice, affecting global carbon cycle
• Significance: Highlights role of oceans in climate regulation

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