Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: February 20, 2026
Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources
Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.
Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)
- India AI Impact Summit 2026: PM Modi inaugurated the global event at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- MANAV Vision: India launched the MANAV framework for Ethical and Accessible AI.
- India-France Partnership: Bilateral ties elevated to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership.’
- Reliance AI Bet: Mukesh Ambani announced a ₹10 trillion investment in AI over 7 years.
- CAA Hearing: Supreme Court scheduled the final hearing for CAA pleas on May 5, 2026.
- Waqf Board Stay: Supreme Court stayed the Madras HC order that had paralyzed the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board.
- Ranji Trophy History: Jammu & Kashmir reached their maiden Ranji Trophy final.
- Khelo India Winter Games: Gulmarg prepared for the 2026 edition under the ‘Khelo Bharat Niti.’
- Gaganyaan Update: India and the US discussed uncrewed docking of Gaganyaan with the ISS.
- Ramzan 2026: The holy month of fasting officially commenced across India on February 19.
1. State Affairs
Supreme Court Stays Madras High Court Order on Tamil Nadu Waqf Board
Summary: SC protects Waqf Board functioning despite vacancies in non-Muslim member posts.
On February 19, 2026, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant stayed an interim order of the Madras High Court that had effectively paralyzed the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board. The High Court had previously termed the Board’s functioning ‘prima facie illegal’ because two mandatory non-Muslim members, required under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, had not yet been nominated. Senior advocate P. Wilson, representing the Board, argued that Section 22 of the Waqf (Amendment) Act protects the validity of proceedings despite vacancies. The CJI observed that the ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ must apply to prevent a statutory body from becoming defunct. This ruling ensures that the administrative and religious oversight of Waqf properties in Tamil Nadu continues uninterrupted while the state government completes the nomination process for the remaining three vacant seats out of eleven.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Polity (Statutory Bodies, Doctrine of Necessity) and State Administration.
Gauhati High Court Rebukes Assam Government Over Hasila Beel Evictions
Summary: Court invokes ‘Right to Life’ for 556 families living in inhumane conditions.
The Gauhati High Court on February 19, 2026, issued a stern warning to the Assam government regarding the plight of 556 families evicted from Hasila Beel. The court noted that these families, including children and the elderly, have been living in sub-human conditions on private land without basic amenities since their displacement. The bench emphasized that the ‘Right to Life’ under Article 21 of the Constitution inherently includes the ‘Right to Dignity.’ The state government has been directed to provide immediate temporary relief and present a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. This case highlights the tension between environmental conservation (wetland protection) and human rights in the Northeast.
Exam Angle: Important for Indian Polity (Fundamental Rights — Article 21) and Social Justice.
Himachal Pradesh Notifies New Toll Tax Policy via E-Auction
Summary: State introduces ₹130 flat fee for 12-seater vehicles to boost revenue.
The Government of Himachal Pradesh, through the Commissioner of State Taxes and Excise, officially notified a new toll tax policy on February 19, 2026. Under the new guidelines, 12-seater vehicles will be required to pay a toll of ₹130. The policy introduces a transparent e-auction process for the allotment of toll units for the upcoming financial year, aiming to eliminate local monopolies and increase state exchequer collections. This move is part of the state’s broader fiscal strategy to manage its rising debt while funding infrastructure in high-traffic tourist corridors.
Exam Angle: Relevant for State PSCs and Economy (Public Finance / State Revenue).
2. National Affairs
PM Modi Launches MANAV Vision at India AI Impact Summit 2026
Summary: New framework focuses on Morality, Accountability, and National Data Sovereignty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on February 19, 2026. Addressing a global audience of tech leaders and representatives from 100+ countries, the PM unveiled the ‘MANAV’ vision — an acronym representing Morality, Accountability, National Data Sovereignty, Accessibility, and Valid Systems. He emphasized that AI should be a tool for inclusion rather than a medium for ‘digital colonization.’ The PM issued a global call to ‘Design and Develop in India, Deliver to the World,’ highlighting India’s 1.4 billion people as a diverse data repository for training robust AI models. The summit marks a shift in India’s policy from being a mere consumer of technology to a global architect of ethical AI standards.
Exam Angle: Crucial for Science & Tech, Governance (Digital India), and International Summits.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2230090®=3&lang=1
Supreme Court Schedules Final Hearing for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Pleas
Summary: Seven-year-old legal challenge set for final disposal starting May 5, 2026.
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant announced on February 19, 2026, that it will commence the final hearing of over 200 petitions challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, on May 5, 2026. The court has allocated a strict timeline, aiming to conclude proceedings by May 12, 2026. The petitions, filed by various groups including the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and several civil society activists, argue that the Act violates the secular fabric of the Constitution by making religion a criterion for citizenship. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, maintained that the government has the sovereign power to grant citizenship. The court specifically noted it would first hear general petitions before moving to state-specific concerns regarding Assam and Tripura. This development is a milestone in one of India’s most significant constitutional litigations.
Exam Angle: High relevance for Polity (Citizenship, Constitutional Validity, Article 14).
Indian Railways Revises Vande Bharat Schedule for Firozpur Cantt–Delhi Route
Summary: Northern Railway optimizes semi-high-speed train timing for passenger convenience.
The Northern Railway zone announced a revised operational schedule for the Firozpur Cantt–Delhi Vande Bharat Express on February 19, 2026. This train, originally flagged off by PM Modi in November 2025, serves as a crucial link for the border regions of Punjab with the national capital. The revision aims to reduce travel time by 15 minutes and improve punctuality based on data from the first three months of operation. The Vande Bharat project remains a centerpiece of India’s Gati Shakti initiative, focusing on indigenous semi-high-speed rail technology.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Infrastructure, Economy (Railways), and Current Developments.
3. International Affairs
India and France Elevate Ties to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’
Summary: Expansion covers defence, technology, and Indian Ocean security.
During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit for the AI Impact Summit on February 19, 2026, India and France formally elevated their bilateral relationship to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership.’ This new designation goes beyond the 1998 strategic partnership, focusing on co-development of military hardware and enhanced cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. A key focus is the security of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), with both nations agreeing to coordinate maritime domain awareness. The agreement also includes a roadmap for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the nuclear energy sector. This move solidifies France’s position as India’s most reliable Western ally and a critical partner in the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative.
Exam Angle: Significant for International Relations (Bilateral Ties), Defence, and Indo-Pacific Strategy.
India Set to Join US-Led ‘Pax Silica’ Strategic Bloc
Summary: Formal induction expected to secure semiconductor supply chains.
Reports emerged from the sidelines of the AI Summit on February 19, 2026, that India is poised to formally join the ‘Pax Silica’ initiative. This US-led strategic bloc aims to create a secure and resilient global semiconductor and high-tech supply chain, specifically designed to reduce reliance on non-aligned geopolitical actors. Membership would grant India better access to advanced chip-making equipment and R&D collaborations. This development aligns with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and the iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) framework. ‘Pax Silica’ represents the new era of techno-diplomacy where technology standards and hardware manufacturing capacity define global power dynamics.
Exam Angle: Important for International Relations (India–US), Science & Tech Policy, and Supply Chain Resilience.
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/economy
Sanae Takaichi Reappointed as Japan’s Prime Minister
Summary: Continuity in Indo-Pacific policy expected under re-elected leadership.
On February 19, 2026, Sanae Takaichi was officially reappointed as Prime Minister of Japan following a successful vote in the Diet (Japan’s parliament). Her reappointment is significant for India as she has been a vocal supporter of the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ and the QUAD alliance. In her initial statement, she emphasized deepening economic security and technological cooperation with like-minded partners in the Global South. PM Narendra Modi extended his congratulations, highlighting the shared values of democracy and the rule of law. The political stability of Japan is a key factor in the regional security architecture and the execution of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project — commonly known as the Bullet Train project.
Exam Angle: Relevant for International Relations and Global Leaders.
4. Economy & Finance
Reliance to Invest ₹10 Trillion in Artificial Intelligence by 2032
Summary: Mukesh Ambani targets ‘Sovereign Compute Infrastructure’ for India.
Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit on February 19, 2026, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced a massive ₹10 trillion (approximately $110 billion) investment plan over the next seven years (by 2032). The primary goal is to lower the cost of ‘intelligence’ for Indian consumers and build a massive sovereign compute infrastructure. Ambani emphasized that Jio would lead the deployment of AI solutions across healthcare, education, and agriculture, ensuring that Indian data stays within Indian borders. This is the largest single private-sector commitment to AI in India’s history.
Exam Angle: Crucial for Economy (Investment), Corporate Governance, and Digital Infrastructure.
Indian Currency and Debt Markets Closed for Local Holiday
Summary: Rupee holds steady at ₹90.67 against the US Dollar prior to market break.
The Indian rupee and government bond markets remained closed on February 19, 2026, on account of a regional holiday. Before the closure, the rupee had ended flat at ₹90.6675 against the US Dollar, supported by intermittent interventions from state-run banks. The benchmark 10-year bond yield stood at 6.6780%. Market participants are currently focusing on the US Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes and the upcoming domestic GDP data releases.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Banking Awareness and Economy (Monetary Markets).
NSO Panel Proposes New GDP Series with Granular Consumption Tracking
Summary: National Statistics Office aims to modernize data for better policy targeting.
On February 19, 2026, the National Statistics Office (NSO) released a panel report proposing a fundamental shift in the GDP calculation series. The proposal introduces more granular categories to track the ‘consumption basket,’ reflecting the changing expenditure patterns of the Indian middle class — including higher spending on services, digital goods, and healthcare. This move is intended to make GDP data more representative of the post-pandemic economy. The new series is expected to provide policymakers with better tools to tackle inflation and plan fiscal policy effectively.
Exam Angle: Important for Economy (National Income, GDP Methodology).
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/economy
5. Sports
Jammu & Kashmir Scripts History; Reaches Maiden Ranji Trophy Final
Summary: Historic victory marks a new era for cricket in the Union Territory.
In a landmark achievement for domestic cricket, the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) team secured a spot in their first-ever Ranji Trophy final on February 19, 2026. This victory comes after decades of participation in India’s premier first-class cricket tournament, reflecting the growth of sports infrastructure and talent in the Union Territory. The team’s journey has been widely lauded as a symbol of resilience and a ‘new dawn’ for J&K sports. PM Modi and several former cricketers offered congratulations for this historic feat.
Exam Angle: Relevant for National Sports News and Regional Achievements.
Gulmarg Ready for Khelo India Winter Games 2026
Summary: ‘Khelo Bharat Niti’ to boost sports tourism in J&K from February 23.
Preparations for the Gulmarg leg of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 were finalized on February 19, 2026. The games, scheduled to run from February 23–26, will serve as a practical application of the ‘Khelo Bharat Niti’ launched last year. The policy aims to use sports as a catalyst for economic development, specifically targeting sports tourism. Gulmarg has seen a surge in bookings, with athletes from across India arriving for disciplines like alpine skiing and snowboarding. This event is critical for showcasing J&K as a world-class winter sports destination.
Exam Angle: Important for Government Schemes (Khelo India) and Regional Economy.
T20 World Cup: UAE vs South Africa — Dhruv Parashar Leads UAE Attack
Summary: Rising competitiveness of associate nations highlighted in global clash.
During the ICC T20 World Cup clash on February 19, 2026, the UAE cricket team, led by pacer Dhruv Parashar’s disciplined bowling attack, put up a spirited fight against South Africa. Although South Africa ultimately secured the win, the match highlighted the narrowing gap between associate nations and Full ICC Members. Parashar’s performance has drawn international attention, marking a successful tournament campaign for the emerging UAE side.
Exam Angle: Relevant for International Sports Updates and ICC Events.
6. Science, Technology & Environment
India and US Discuss Gaganyaan Docking with International Space Station
Summary: Working group meets to plan uncrewed docking mission.
The 9th working group meeting between ISRO and NASA concluded on February 19, 2026, with a focus on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. The two agencies are exploring a plan for an uncrewed Gaganyaan capsule to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) later in 2026 or early 2027. This collaboration involves technical alignment of docking systems and communication protocols. Achieving docking capability is a critical step toward India’s future plans of building its own space station — the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS). This development reflects the deepening India–US space cooperation under the iCET framework.
Exam Angle: High relevance for Science & Tech (Space Exploration, ISRO).
OpenAI Partners with 7 Indian Institutes for AI Research
Summary: IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, and IIM Ahmedabad among the primary collaborators.
On February 19, 2026, OpenAI announced a landmark partnership with seven leading Indian academic institutions, including IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, and IIM Ahmedabad. The collaboration focuses on advancing research in Large Language Models (LLMs) for Indian languages and developing safety standards for AI deployment in the Global South. This initiative aligns with the government’s IndiaAI mission to build a robust local ecosystem for frontier technologies. By involving IIMs, the partnership also aims to study the economic and management implications of AI in Indian industries.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Science & Tech (AI) and Education Policy.
Mumbai Climate Week Announces 1,000+ Urban Resilience Projects
Summary: 23 MoUs signed to address food systems and energy transition.
The inaugural Mumbai Climate Week concluded on February 19, 2026, with the announcement of over 1,000 urban climate projects. Delegates from 30 countries participated in signing 23 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on energy transition and resilient food systems for megacities. A major outcome was the ‘Mumbai Declaration on Urban Resilience,’ which provides a roadmap for coastal cities to mitigate rising sea levels and extreme heat events. This event places Mumbai at the forefront of urban climate action in the Global South.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Environment (Climate Change, Urban Planning) and India’s COP commitments.
7. Others
Ramzan 2026 Commences Across India Following Moon Sighting
Summary: The fasting month begins; PM Modi extends greetings for peace and harmony.
The holy month of Ramzan began in India on February 19, 2026, after the crescent moon was sighted in various parts of the country. The Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Mosque and other religious leaders officially announced the start of the 30-day fasting period. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation, praying for the well-being of all citizens and emphasizing the values of harmony and brotherhood. The month will culminate with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr in March 2026.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Art & Culture and Social Harmony.
IIT Madras Director Emphasizes ‘People-Centric’ AI Solutions
Summary: Focus on ethical AI during India AI Impact Summit.
During a special session at the India AI Impact Summit on February 19, 2026, the Director of IIT Madras highlighted the institution’s commitment to developing AI that prioritizes human welfare. The address focused on ‘Safe and Trusted AI’ initiatives being incubated at the IIT Madras Research Park. The Director argued that AI models in India must be culturally sensitive and linguistically diverse to be truly effective. This academic perspective reinforces the government’s MANAV vision and underscores the role of premier technical institutes in setting ethical benchmarks for emerging technologies.
Exam Angle: Important for Education, Ethics in Technology, and Science & Tech.
Sarvam AI Showcases 22-Language Solution at Global Summit
Summary: Indigenous startup demonstrates tech reaching every citizen in India.
On February 19, 2026, at the India AI Impact Summit, the Indian startup Sarvam AI showcased a cutting-edge platform providing AI solutions in all 22 official Indian languages. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the initiative, stating it perfectly aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by ensuring technology is accessible to everyone, regardless of linguistic barriers. This development is seen as a major step toward democratizing digital tools for MSMEs and rural populations. For exams, Sarvam AI serves as a prime example of the Startup India success story and the push for linguistic inclusion in the digital economy.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Science & Tech, Economy (Startups), and Digital Inclusion.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2230496
Quick Revision Toolkit — Core Recall Points
1. National & State Governance
- SC Stays Madras HC Order on Tamil Nadu Waqf Board: Supreme Court applied the ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ to prevent a statutory body from becoming defunct due to unfilled vacancies mandated by the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
- Significance: Tests knowledge of Statutory Bodies, Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, and the Doctrine of Necessity in Administrative Law.
- MANAV Vision Launched at India AI Impact Summit 2026: PM Modi unveiled the MANAV (Morality, Accountability, National Data Sovereignty, Accessibility, Valid Systems) framework for Ethical AI at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on February 19, 2026.
- Significance: Crucial for Science & Tech (AI Policy), Digital India, and International Summits.
- Supreme Court — CAA Final Hearing: SC bench led by CJI Surya Kant scheduled the final hearing of 200+ CAA petitions for May 5–12, 2026.
- Significance: Critical for Polity — Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, Article 14 (Right to Equality), and Constitutional Validity.
- Gauhati HC Rebukes Assam Govt — Hasila Beel Evictions: Court invoked Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity) for 556 displaced families living in sub-human conditions.
- Significance: Important for Fundamental Rights (Article 21) and Social Justice.
- Himachal Pradesh New Toll Tax Policy: State introduced a ₹130 flat toll fee for 12-seater vehicles via an e-auction process for FY 2026–27.
- Significance: Relevant for State PSC exams, Public Finance, and Digital Governance in Revenue Management.
2. Economy & Finance
- Reliance AI Investment: Mukesh Ambani announced India’s largest-ever private AI investment — ₹10 trillion over 7 years — to build Sovereign Compute Infrastructure via Jio.
- Significance: Key for Economy (Private Investment, Digital Infrastructure) and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
- Indian Rupee — Market Holiday: Rupee closed flat at ₹90.6675/USD; 10-year bond yield at 6.6780% before markets closed for the regional holiday.
- Significance: Relevant for Banking Awareness and Monetary Markets — tracking key exchange rate and bond yield figures.
- NSO Proposes New GDP Calculation Series: The National Statistics Office panel recommended more granular consumption-basket categories to modernize GDP data for post-pandemic India.
- Significance: Important for Economy — National Income Accounting, GDP Methodology, and base year revisions.
3. International Relations & Defence
- India–France ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’: India and France elevated bilateral ties during President Macron’s visit, adding co-development of military hardware, Indian Ocean maritime security, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to the 1998 framework.
- Significance: Focus on Strategic Defence Partnership, Indo-Pacific strategy, and Nuclear Energy cooperation.
- India to Join US-Led ‘Pax Silica’ Bloc: India is set to formally join this US-led semiconductor supply chain security initiative, aligned with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and iCET framework.
- Significance: Key for India–US Relations, Techno-Diplomacy, and Supply Chain Resilience.
- Sanae Takaichi Reappointed as Japan’s Prime Minister: Takaichi was re-elected by the Diet on February 19, 2026, signaling continuity in Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific and QUAD policies.
- Significance: Track current world leaders — Japan’s PM has direct bearing on QUAD dynamics and the India–Japan MAHSR (Bullet Train) project.
4. Science, Environment & Sports
- Gaganyaan–ISS Docking Discussions (ISRO–NASA): The 9th ISRO–NASA working group meeting explored plans for an uncrewed Gaganyaan capsule to dock with the ISS in 2026 or early 2027, a critical step toward India’s own space station (Bharatiya Antariksha Station).
- Significance: India’s Space Programme, ISRO–NASA cooperation under iCET, and technological self-reliance.
- OpenAI Partners with 7 Indian Institutes: OpenAI signed partnerships with IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIM Ahmedabad, and four other leading institutions to develop LLMs for Indian languages and AI safety standards.
- Significance: Important for AI Policy, IndiaAI Mission, and Education–Industry collaboration.
- Mumbai Climate Week — Mumbai Declaration on Urban Resilience: Inaugural event concluded with 1,000+ urban climate projects and 23 MoUs signed by delegates from 30 countries, focused on energy transition and coastal city resilience.
- Significance: Urban Environmental Governance, India’s COP commitments, and climate adaptation strategies.
- Sarvam AI — 22-Language AI Platform: Indian startup Sarvam AI showcased AI solutions across all 22 official Indian languages at the AI Summit, praised by Home Minister Amit Shah.
- Significance: Startup India success story, Digital Inclusion, and linguistic diversity in AI.
- J&K Reaches Maiden Ranji Trophy Final: Jammu & Kashmir qualified for their first-ever Ranji Trophy final on February 19, 2026 — a historic landmark in Indian domestic cricket.
- Significance: National Sports News — decentralization of cricketing excellence in India.
- Khelo India Winter Games 2026 — Gulmarg (Feb 23–26): Gulmarg to host KIWG 2026 under the newly launched ‘Khelo Bharat Niti,’ promoting sports tourism in J&K.
- Significance: Government flagship schemes — Khelo India initiative for grassroots talent and regional economic development.
- Ramzan 2026 Begins — February 19: The holy month of Ramzan commenced across India after moon sighting. Eid-ul-Fitr expected in March 2026.
- Significance: Art, Culture & Religion — awareness of important dates and national calendar events.
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