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Daily Current Affairs PDF of 20th February 2026

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

IDFC First Bank Introduces FD-Backed ‘Hello Cashback Credit Card’ for First-Time Users

• IDFC First Bank launched ‘Hello Cashback Credit Card’, a Fixed Deposit (FD)-backed credit card aimed at first-time users and individuals with no credit history.
• The card requires no eligibility conditions such as credit score or income proof; customers can avail it by opening a minimum FD of ₹10,000, with the credit limit set at 100% of the FD value.
• It integrates standard credit card functionalities, including contactless payments, Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) conversion options, and enhanced security features.
• The card provides tiered online cashback:
• 3% on the first ₹10,000 of online spending per billing cycle.
• 5% spends beyond ₹10,000.
• 1% cashback on UPI payments made through IDFC FIRST Bank apps.
• The joining fee is ₹1,000, waived until March 31, 2026, and the annual fee is ₹1,000, fully waived on annual spends of ₹2 lakh or more, and 50% waived on ₹1 lakh spends.
• Additional benefits include ₹2 lakh personal accident cover, ₹25,000 purchase protection, and fuel surcharge waivers.

About IDFC First Bank:

• Founded: 2015
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: V. Vaidyanathan
• Tagline : Always You First
• Merger: IDFC Bank merged with Capital First in 2018

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Launch Price Protection Scheme to Help Farmers Hedge Against Price Volatility

• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) launched a Price Protection Scheme to help farmers manage price volatility through put options trading in turmeric, jeera, and dhaniya (coriander).
• Under the scheme, NABARD subsidises premiums for put options for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across seven states.
• Eligible organisations include FPOs promoted by NABARD, Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), NAFED, State Rural Livelihood Missions, and cooperatives.
• The scheme has been launched in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Karnataka.
• In the first phase, the scheme has covered 80 FPOs and 1.34 lakh farmers, with 6,544 tonnes of produce hedged.

About NCDEX :

• NCDEX is a leading commodity exchange in India, facilitating trading of agricultural and non-agricultural commodities through futures and options contracts.
• MD & CEO : Dr. Arun Raste

About NABARD:

• It is an All India Development Financial Institution (DFI) and an apex Supervisory Body for overall supervision of Regional Rural Banks, State Cooperative Banks and District Central Cooperative Banks in India.
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Founded: July 12, 1982 by the Government of India
• Chairman: Shaji K V

Mastercard Conducts India’s First AI-Powered Fully Authenticated Agentic Commerce Transaction at India AI Impact Summit 2026

• Mastercard completed India’s first fully authenticated agentic commerce transaction at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, showcasing AI-led payments.
• The transaction was conducted inside a Large Language Model (LLM)-powered interface, using tokenisation to replace card details with secure digital identifiers, reducing fraud risk.
• The initiative is part of Mastercard’s Agentic Commerce Framework and aligns with its Agent Pay Framework for secure AI-driven payments.
• The demonstration involved Mastercard cards issued by Axis Bank and RBL Bank, with payment processing by Cashfree, Juspay, PayU, and Razorpay.
• Merchant partners included Swiggy/Instamart, Zepto, Vodafone Idea, and Tira, demonstrating ecosystem-wide interoperability.
• The transaction used Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open-source standard for connecting AI applications to external systems.
• Tokenisation replaced sensitive card details with unique digital identifiers, enhancing security during transactions.
• The initiative signals Mastercard’s readiness for AI-led payments in India, one of its fastest-growing markets, and is part of its Asia-Pacific expansion.

Airtel Money Gets Reserve Bank of India Approval to Operate as Type II Non-Deposit NBFC-ICC

• Airtel Money, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, has received a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Type II – Non-Deposit Taking Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (Type II NBFC-ND (ICC)).
• The CoR was issued under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934, bearing Registration No. N-14.03676.
• Being a non-deposit taking NBFC, Airtel Money is prohibited from accepting public deposits, ensuring compliance with RBI prudential norms.
• The company is authorised to engage in credit and investment-related activities, including lending and financial transactions, without soliciting deposits from the public.
• Type II NBFC-ND (ICC) entities are regulated by RBI, do not accept public deposits, but may interact with customers and raise funds from financial institutions.
• Such NBFCs focus on specialised financial operations like microfinance (NBFC-MFI), factoring (NBFC-Factor), or infrastructure financing (NBFC-IDF).
• This registration allows Airtel Money to commence operations as a non-banking financial institution, adhering to conditions prescribed by the RBI.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

National Green Tribunal Clears Great Nicobar Project Worth Rupees 81,000 Crore

• The National Green Tribunal has approved the Rupees 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project, cited its strategic importance while imposed strict environmental safeguards.
• The six-member bench headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava upheld the Environmental Clearance granted in November 2022 and directed strict compliance with all conditions.

Key Highlights

• The National Green Tribunal upheld the Environmental Clearance granted in November 2022 and found no valid ground to interfere.
• The tribunal stated that national interest and strategic requirements must be balanced with environmental protection.
• The project will proceed under strict monitoring and legally binding environmental conditions.
• The Great Nicobar Project was conceived by NITI Aayog in 2021 under Maritime Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• It includes an International Container Transshipment Terminal, a greenfield international airport, township development and a 450 megavolt ampere gas and solar based power plant.
• The project aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign transshipment hubs and strengthen its position in global maritime trade.
• The island’s proximity to the Malacca Strait enhances India’s Indo-Pacific maritime security and strategic presence.
• Environmental safeguards mandate protection and scientific translocation of over 16,000 coral colonies and prevention of shoreline erosion.
• Protection measures are required for endangered species such as the Leatherback turtle, Nicobar megapode, saltwater crocodile, robber crab and Nicobar macaque.
• Concerns remain regarding deforestation, seismic vulnerability and the rights of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups such as the Shompen and Nicobarese communities.
• The project area includes ecologically sensitive zones such as Campbell Bay National Park, Galathea Bay National Park and the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which is recognised under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Man and Biosphere Programme.
• Great Nicobar Island is separated from the Andaman group by the Ten Degree Channel, and Indira Point, India’s southernmost point, is located here.

About NGT

• Founded: 18 October 2010
• Headquarters: Copernicus Marg, New Delhi, India
• Formed: 2010
• Parent agency: Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Legal Affairs

Demwe Lower Hydel Project in Arunachal Pradesh Gets Environmental Clearance Extension till 2037

• The 1,750-megawatt Demwe Lower Hydel Project in Arunachal Pradesh has received an 11-year extension of environmental clearance till 2037.
• The approval was granted by the Expert Appraisal Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in January 2026, citing prolonged litigation delays.
• The decision has sparked debate over compliance with earlier rulings of the National Green Tribunal and concerns regarding biodiversity in the Lohit basin.

Key Highlights

• The Demwe Lower Project is a 1,750-megawatt hydel project on the Lohit River spanning Anjaw and Lohit districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It originally received Environmental Clearance in February 2010, which was set to expire in 2020.
• The validity has now been extended till 2037, treating litigation period as a “zero period” as per a 2025 Office Memorandum.
• The project is currently developed by Greenko Demwe Power Limited, which cited delays due to proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal and the National Green Tribunal.
• In 2017, the National Green Tribunal had set aside the Wildlife Clearance and directed reconsideration by the National Board for Wildlife.
• The Wildlife Clearance was reissued in 2018, but concerns remain over whether the extension adequately addresses earlier judicial observations.
• The project involves construction of a 162.12 metre high concrete gravity dam.
• Approximately 1,416 hectares of forest land will be diverted and nearly 1,590 hectares submerged.
• The Lohit basin and the Kamlang Tiger Reserve are habitats for the critically endangered White Bellied Heron.
• The project is located upstream of Parshuram Kund, a major Hindu pilgrimage site.
• Environmentalists have raised concerns that fresh baseline biodiversity studies were not mandated despite a 16-year gap since original clearance.

About Arunachal Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
• Governor: D. Mishra
• Capital: Itanagar
• National Parks: Namdapha National Park, Mouling National Park, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary,
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pakke Tiger Reserve, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• Indian mountaineer Kabak Yano successfully summited Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak in South America and the Western Hemisphere. Towering at 22,831 feet, the climb marks a major milestone in her 7-Summit Mountaineering Expedition.

Losar Festival 2026 Celebrated in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

• The Losar Festival 2026, marking the Tibetan New Year, is being celebrated from 18 to 20 February in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh.
• The festival marks the beginning of the Fire Horse Year as per the Tibetan lunar calendar.
• The presence of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has added spiritual significance to the celebrations.

Key Highlights

• Losar Festival 2026 is being observed from 18 to 20 February in McLeod Ganj, the headquarters of the Tibetan exile community in India.
• The festival marks the beginning of the Fire Horse Year, which occurs once in 60 years in the Tibetan zodiac cycle.
• In Tibetan astrology, the Fire Horse symbolizes strength, energy, passion and transformation.
• Monasteries are conducting special prayer sessions, and devotees are offering prayers for peace, prosperity and freedom for Tibet.
• Families are cleaning homes, decorating monasteries and preparing khapse, a traditional deep-fried Tibetan sweet dish.
• Devotees are praying for the long life of the Dalai Lama and global peace.
• Cultural programmes, traditional attire and community gatherings are being organised across McLeod Ganj.
• Losar is celebrated by Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhist communities in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, usually falling in February or March based on the lunar calendar.
• In India, major celebrations take place in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Sikkim.
• The festival symbolises purification, renewal and the beginning of a new zodiac year.

RECENT NEWS

• The Government of India has approved the establishment of two MSME Technology Centres in Himachal Pradesh. These centres will be set up at Pandoga in Una district and Parwanoo in Solan district. Each centre will be developed at a cost of about ₹10 crore. 

Mumbai Climate Week 2026 Inaugurated in Maharashtra

• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first Mumbai Climate Week at the Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra, Mumbai.
• The three-day global conclave aims to promote actionable climate solutions, renewable energy expansion and sustainable transition strategies, particularly for the Global South.
• The event is organised by Project Mumbai in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra and supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Key Highlights

• The first edition of Mumbai Climate Week is a three-day event concluding on 19 February 2026.
• The core theme focuses on practical and actionable climate solutions with emphasis on urban resilience and renewable energy expansion.
• Special attention is given to climate challenges faced by the Global South.
• Union Minister Prahlad Joshi announced the installation of one lakh additional solar pumps in Maharashtra under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Scheme to strengthen agricultural energy security.
• The inauguration was attended by dignitaries including Pankaja Munde, Ritu Tawde and Sanjay Mukherjee.
• The event extends beyond the convention centre to include community-based and campus-level climate engagement activities across Mumbai.

About Maharashtra:

• Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Mumbai
• National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Chandoli National Park, Gugamal National Park, Navegaon National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

India–France Year of Innovation 2026 Launched During President Emmanuel Macron’s Visit to India

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron launched the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 during the three-day visit of the French President to India from 17–19 February 2026.
• The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, defence, digital technology, and the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the deep strategic partnership between the two countries.

Key Highlights:

• The India–France Year of Innovation 2026 seeks to institutionalise collaboration among start-ups, researchers, and technology leaders of both countries.
• It builds upon the India–France Strategic Partnership established in 1998.
• Focus areas include Artificial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure, emerging technologies, and joint research and development programmes.
• Both leaders participated in the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit and reaffirmed cooperation for ethical, safe, and human-centric Artificial Intelligence governance.
• The initiative aims to bridge the global Artificial Intelligence divide and promote digital capacity-building for developing nations.
• Defence cooperation remains a key pillar, with India’s Defence Acquisition Council approving the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation.
• Out of 114 aircraft, 18 will be delivered in flyaway condition, while the remaining aircraft will be manufactured in India.
• India currently operates 36 Rafale aircraft in the Indian Air Force and has ordered 26 naval variants for the Indian Navy, enhancing air combat capability and defence industrial cooperation.
• The initiative strengthens cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, where France is a resident power due to overseas territories such as Réunion Island.
• France reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Tarique Rahman Sworn In as Bangladesh’s 11th PM After 2026 Poll Victory of Bangladesh Nationalist Party

• Tarique Rahman, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh after the 2026 General Elections.
• He became the first Prime Minister after the July Revolution, marking a major political transition in Bangladesh.
• His swearing-in ended the 18-month Interim Administration led by Muhammad Yunus, who served as Chief Adviser from August 2024 to February 2026.
• Muhammad Yunus resigned on 16 February 2026, paving the way for the formation of the elected government.
• The Oath-Taking Ceremony was held at Bangabhaban, Dhaka, the Presidential Palace of Bangladesh.
• The oath of office was administered by Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh.
• Along with the Prime Minister, 25 Cabinet Ministers and 24 State Ministers also took oath.
• In the 13th Parliamentary Elections 2026, the BNP and its Allies won 212 out of 299 seats, securing a landslide mandate.
• The elections recorded a Voter Turnout of 59.44%.
• Jamaat-e-Islami Alliance secured 77 seats, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) won 6 seats.
• Independent Candidates claimed 7 seats in the parliamentary polls.
• The swearing-in marked a constitutional transfer of power and restoration of a democratically elected government in Bangladesh.

About Bangladesh :

• Capital : Dhaka
• Currency : Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indigenous Cadet Training Ship ‘Krishna’ Launched by Indian Navy at L&T Kattupalli Shipyard Near Chennai

• The first indigenously designed and built Cadet Training Ship (CTS) ‘Krishna (Yard 18003)’ of the Indian Navy was launched at Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipbuilding facility, Kattupalli near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• The ship was launched by Anupama Chauhan, President of Defence Wives Welfare Association (DWWA), in the presence of General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

Key Highlights :

• CTS Krishna is the first of three Cadet Training Ships being constructed by M/s L&T Shipyard under a contract signed with the Ministry of Defence on 07 March 2023.
• The ship is named after River Krishna, the third longest river in India, following Naval naming traditions.
• Key Specifications: The ship is 122 metres long, has a displacement of 4,700 tonnes, a maximum speed of nearly 20 knots, and an endurance of about 60 days at sea.
• Crew Capacity: The vessel will accommodate 20 Officers, 150 Sailors, and 200 Cadets.
• Primary Role: To provide basic sea training to Naval Cadets, including seamanship, navigation drills, ship handling, and onboard life exposure.
• The ships will also train Officer Cadets (including women) and Cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries after their shore-based basic training.
• Secondary Roles include Hospital Ship services, Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and Search and Rescue (SAR)
• The ship has been indigenously designed and built, marking a major step in the Indian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding programme.
• The project supports the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India
• Formal delivery of CTS Krishna to the Indian Navy is planned by the end of 2026.
• The launch ceremony was attended by senior naval officials including Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu and Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, along with leadership from L&T Shipbuilding.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Holds Talks with ASEAN Navy Chiefs in Visakhapatnam

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacted with visiting Navy Chiefs and Naval delegations from nine ASEAN member states in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on February 19, 2026.
• The meeting highlighted India’s commitment to its Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
• Shri Rajnath Singh welcomed the growing participation of ASEAN navies in MILAN, which has expanded from four foreign navies in 1995 to 74 nations in 2026, marking its largest-ever edition.
• Importance of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) – Conclave of Chiefs and the International Fleet Review 2026 was emphasised for fostering trust and operational familiarity among Indo-Pacific partners.
• The discussions focused on the Sea Phase of MILAN 2026, including complex maritime drills such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW), air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.
• ASEAN was described as a central pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, with shared security forming the foundation of regional prosperity.
• India’s defence technology ecosystem and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives were highlighted, showcasing INS Vikrant and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers as symbols of India’s transformation into a Builder’s Navy.
• ASEAN delegates recognised India’s role as a first responder in the region and supported expanding joint initiatives via the ASEAN-India Defence Think-Tank Interaction and programs for young naval officers.
• The interaction concluded with a shared commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, guided by Camaraderie, Cooperation, and Collaboration, the official theme of MILAN 2026.

First-Ever United Nations Fellowship on Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Held by Indian Army in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

• The Indian Army (IA) is hosting the first-ever United Nations (UN) Fellowship Training Programme on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Control for the Asia-Pacific region from 16 February to 6 March 2026.
• The event is being held at the Military College of Materials Management (MCMM), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (MP).
• This marks the first time the programme is being held in Asia.
• The training is organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) through its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD).
• The programme is conducted under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• Delegates from 13 countries (including nations like Australia, Bangladesh, Philippines, and Thailand) across the Asia-Pacific region are participating in the event.
• The programme focuses on strengthening technical and operational skills related to small arms control.
• It supports the implementation of UN frameworks such as the UN Programme of Action (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).
• The initiative aims to enhance regional cooperation, improve tracing systems, and promote responsible stockpile management of weapons.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India Approves Hinduja Leyland Finance Merger with NDL Ventures

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed merger of Hinduja Leyland Finance Limited (HLFL) with NDL Ventures Limited (NDL).
• The merger aims to consolidate and integrate the businesses of Hinduja Leyland Finance Limited into NDL Ventures Limited.
• NDL Ventures Limited (NDL) currently has no active business operations (following the demerger of its media business).
• Hinduja Leyland Finance Limited (HLFL) is an NBFC-Asset Finance Company focused on providing small-ticket loans to urban and semi-urban retail customers.
• HLFL’s financing portfolio includes:Two-wheelers and three-wheelers, Medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCVs), Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and small commercial vehicles (SCVs), Cars and multi-utility vehicles.
• HLFL also provides loans against property, home loans, and affordable housing loans, catering to diverse financial needs.

About CCI:

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act of 2002.
• Founded: October 14, 2003
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Chairperson: Ravneet Kaur

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Reliance Consumer Products Establishes Majority Stake Joint Venture with Nigeria’s Tropical General Investments Group

• Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) signed a definitive agreement to form a majority-owned Joint Venture (JV) with Tropical General Investments Group (TGI Group), Nigeria.
• The partnership marks a key milestone in RCPL’s Global Expansion Strategy and is subject to customary regulatory and legal approvals.
• Under the JV, RCPL will introduce a wide range of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) products in Nigeria by leveraging TGI Group’s manufacturing capabilities and distribution network.
• The move aims at strengthening RCPL’s international presence through strategic collaboration in the African FMCG market.
• TGI Group, established in 1980, is a Lagos-based multinational conglomerate operating across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in multiple sectors.
• RCPL, incorporated in 2022, is the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).
• Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) reported revenue of USD 125.3 billion in FY 2024–25.
• The Joint Venture signifies growing India–Nigeria business cooperation in the consumer goods sector.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

India–France Sign Joint Declaration of Intent on Critical Minerals Cooperation

• India and France signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Critical Minerals Cooperation during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron held bilateral talks in Mumbai and agreed to enhance cooperation in critical and rare earth minerals to strengthen supply chain resilience for the green and digital economy.

Key Highlights

• India and France agreed to collaborate in exploration, extraction, processing and recycling of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
• The partnership aims to build diversified and resilient supply chains for sectors such as clean energy, electric vehicles, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
• Both sides decided to establish a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies.
• A Letter of Intent was signed between India’s Department of Science and Technology and France’s National Centre for Scientific Research to set up a Centre on Advanced Materials.
• The initiative expands the scope of the India–France Strategic Partnership established in 1998 into advanced materials research and industrial innovation.
• During broader discussions, both leaders expressed concern over the Russia–Ukraine conflict and supported peaceful resolution through dialogue in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
• They reaffirmed commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region and strengthened cooperation under the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Tejaswin Shankar Wins Gold at Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026

• India’s Tejaswin Shankar clinched a historic gold medal at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships held in Tianjin, China.
• He won the men’s heptathlon event with a record-breaking performance, marking India’s only gold medal at the championship.

Key Highlights

• Tejaswin Shankar won Gold Medal in Men’s Heptathlon with 5,993 points.
• He created a new National Indoor Record with this performance.
• He surpassed his earlier best of 5,650 points set in 2021 in the United States of America.
• The Gold Medal was India’s only Gold Medal at the championship.
• The Heptathlon consists of seven track and field events conducted over two days.
• India finished the championship with a total of five medals and secured sixth position in the overall standings.
• Other Indian medal winners:
• Pooja – Silver Medal in High Jump
• Tajinderpal Singh Toor – Silver Medal in Shot Put
• Ancy Sojan – Bronze Medal in Long Jump
• Host nation China topped the medal table with 34 medals including 10 Gold, 11 Silver and 13 Bronze medals.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Renowned Documentary Filmmaker Frederick Wiseman Passed away at 96 in Massachusetts

• Renowned American documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman passed away at the age of 96 in Massachusetts,United States of America (USA).

About Frederick Wiseman :

• He was born on January 1, 1930, in Boston, Massachusetts.
• Frederick Wiseman was widely regarded as a master of observational filmmaking (often associated with Direct Cinema).
• Over a career spanning more than five decades, he directed 40+ documentaries.
• His films primarily focused on institutions such as schools, hospitals, courts, libraries, police departments, and cultural organizations.
• His notable documentaries include “Titicut Follies,” “High School,” “Welfare,” “Juvenile Court,” “Boxing Gym,” “La Danse,” “Central Park,” and “Crazy Horse.”
• He also directed “The Last Letter” (2002) and "A Couple" (2022), which were his fiction feature films.
• In 2016, he received an Honorary Academy Award (Oscar) from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his extraordinary contribution to documentary filmmaking.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day Observed on 20 February 2026

• Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day is observed on 20 February to mark the granting of statehood to Arunachal Pradesh in 1987.
• The state is strategically important in the North-Eastern region of India due to its geographical and geopolitical position.

Key Highlights

• Arunachal Pradesh attained full statehood on 20 February 1987, becoming the 24th state of India.
• It functioned as a Union Territory from 1972 until 1987 before being granted statehood.
• The state is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is the largest state in North-East India by area.
• It shares international borders with China, Bhutan and Myanmar, and domestic borders with Assam and Nagaland.
• During British administration, the region was organised as the North Eastern Frontier Tracts between 1912 and 1913.
• In 1914, the McMahon Line was drawn between British India and Tibet, later becoming a major factor in the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
• The North-Eastern region is popularly known as the Seven Sisters, a term referring to seven contiguous states of the region.
• Arunachal Pradesh holds strategic relevance due to its location near sensitive international boundaries.

World Day of Social Justice Observed on 20 February

• The World Day of Social Justice is annually observed on 20 February to promote efforts toward poverty eradication, full employment and social integration.
• It is a global observance and not a public holiday.
• The day has been observed since 2009 following its proclamation by the United Nations on 26 November 2007.

Key Highlights

• World Day of Social Justice is observed every year on 20 February to promote social justice, equality and inclusive development.
• The day emphasises poverty eradication, full employment and decent work, and social integration.
• The foundation of the observance lies in the World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1995, where over one hundred world leaders adopted the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action for Social Development.
• The declaration was reviewed by Member States in New York in 2005, reaffirming commitment to social development and equitable societies.
• The International Labour Organization, established on 29 October 1919, played a key role in promoting the observance of 20 February as World Day of Social Justice.
• The International Labour Organization adopted the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization at the International Labour Conference on 10 June 2008.
• The declaration is guided by the Philadelphia Declaration of 1944 and the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of 1998.
• Social development is defined as promoting social justice, solidarity, harmony and equality within and among nations.
• Governments are encouraged to build strong frameworks to ensure a society for all, focusing on equal job opportunities, equitable income distribution and greater access to resources.

Daily CA One- Liner: February 20^th

• The National Green Tribunal has approved the Rupees 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project, cited its strategic importance while imposed strict environmental safeguards
• The 1,750-megawatt Demwe Lower Hydel Project in Arunachal Pradesh has received an 11-year extension of environmental clearance till 2037
• The Losar Festival 2026, marking the Tibetan New Year, is being celebrated from 18 to 20 February in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first Mumbai Climate Week at the Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra, Mumbai
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron launched the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 during the three-day visit of the French President to India from 17–19 February 2026
• India and France signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Critical Minerals Cooperation during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India
• India’s Tejaswin Shankar clinched a historic gold medal at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships held in Tianjin, China
• Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day is observed on 20 February to mark the granting of statehood to Arunachal Pradesh in 1987
• The World Day of Social Justice is annually observed on 20 February to promote efforts toward poverty eradication, full employment and social integration.
• IDFC First Bank launched ‘Hello Cashback Credit Card’, a Fixed Deposit (FD)-backed credit card aimed at first-time users and individuals with no credit history.
• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) launched a Price Protection Scheme to help farmers manage price volatility through put options trading in turmeric, jeera, and dhaniya (coriander).
• Mastercard completed India’s first fully authenticated agentic commerce transaction at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, showcasing AI-led payments.
• Airtel Money, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, has received a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Type II – Non-Deposit Taking Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (Type II NBFC-ND (ICC)).
• Tarique Rahman, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh after the 2026 General Elections.
• The first indigenously designed and built Cadet Training Ship (CTS) ‘Krishna (Yard 18003)’ of the Indian Navy was launched at Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipbuilding facility, Kattupalli near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacted with visiting Navy Chiefs and Naval delegations from nine ASEAN member states in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on February 19, 2026.
• The Indian Army (IA) is hosting the first-ever United Nations (UN) Fellowship Training Programme on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Control for the Asia-Pacific region from 16 February to 6 March 2026.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed merger of Hinduja Leyland Finance Limited (HLFL) with NDL Ventures Limited (NDL).
• Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) signed a definitive agreement to form a majority-owned Joint Venture (JV) with Tropical General Investments Group (TGI Group), Nigeria.
• Renowned American documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman passed away at the age of 96 in Massachusetts,United States of America (USA).