UPSC Current Affairs 20 February 2026

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Representation of the People's ActGS 1: Population and Associated Issues

SIR in 22 States and U.T.s expected from April: EC, Pg1

Election Commission to conduct Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in 22 States/UTs starting April 2026, coordinating with Census 2027.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Representation of the People's ActGS 1: Population and Associated Issues

SIR in 22 States and U.T.s expected from April: EC, Pg1

Election Commission to conduct Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in 22 States/UTs starting April 2026, coordinating with Census 2027.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 4: Right to Information and Transparency in Government

Privacy, transparency, Pg10

Supreme Court refers challenge to RTI amendment under DPDP Act to Constitution Bench, raising concerns over transparency and citizens' right to information.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 4: Right to Information and Transparency in Government

Privacy, transparency, Pg10

Supreme Court refers challenge to RTI amendment under DPDP Act to Constitution Bench, raising concerns over transparency and citizens' right to information.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Tehran reenters the global geopolitical spotlight, Pg10

Trump seeks new Iran nuclear deal amid rising tensions, echoing Obama's JCPOA efforts, impacting global geopolitics and India's strategic interests.

Tehran reenters the global geopolitical spotlight, Pg10

Trump seeks new Iran nuclear deal amid rising tensions, echoing Obama's JCPOA efforts, impacting global geopolitics and India's strategic interests.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: IT and ComputersGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

How do graphics processing units work?, Pg12

Decoding GPUs: From gaming origins to AI dominance, understand their architecture, applications, energy consumption and Nvidia's market power in AI computing.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: IT and ComputersGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

How do graphics processing units work?, Pg12

Decoding GPUs: From gaming origins to AI dominance, understand their architecture, applications, energy consumption and Nvidia's market power in AI computing.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC slams unchecked freebies, questions ‘appeasement’, Pg14

Supreme Court questions unchecked freebies by states, raising concerns over fiscal responsibility and equitable distribution of resources before elections.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC slams unchecked freebies, questions ‘appeasement’, Pg14

Supreme Court questions unchecked freebies by states, raising concerns over fiscal responsibility and equitable distribution of resources before elections.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

India signs statement condemning Israel’s plan for West Bank, Pg16

India reverses course, joins 100+ nations condemning Israel's West Bank settlement expansion plans amid PM Modi's upcoming visit.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

India signs statement condemning Israel’s plan for West Bank, Pg16

India reverses course, joins 100+ nations condemning Israel's West Bank settlement expansion plans amid PM Modi's upcoming visit.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

SC to hear from May 5 over 250 petitions challenging CAA for discrimination, Pg16

Supreme Court to begin final hearings on May 5 for 250 petitions challenging CAA's discriminatory nature towards religious minorities.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

SC to hear from May 5 over 250 petitions challenging CAA for discrimination, Pg16

Supreme Court to begin final hearings on May 5 for 250 petitions challenging CAA's discriminatory nature towards religious minorities.

GS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Israel, Hamas committed atrocities in Gaza, says UN, Pg18

UN report accuses Israel and Hamas of war crimes and atrocities in Gaza, escalating international tensions and demands for accountability.

GS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Israel, Hamas committed atrocities in Gaza, says UN, Pg18

UN report accuses Israel and Hamas of war crimes and atrocities in Gaza, escalating international tensions and demands for accountability.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Inside the rise of Unitree, glimpse into China’s growing tech ambitions, Pg18

Unitree's robotics surge mirrors China's tech ambition, showcased at New Year gala and AI summit, aiming for 20,000 humanoid sales.

Inside the rise of Unitree, glimpse into China’s growing tech ambitions, Pg18

Unitree's robotics surge mirrors China's tech ambition, showcased at New Year gala and AI summit, aiming for 20,000 humanoid sales.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 4: Ethical Issues in International Relations and FundingGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Fortune and future in AI, not fear... it's for global good: PM, Pg3

PM Modi unveils MANAV vision for AI, advocating ethical AI development and global sharing at India AI Impact Summit.

Fortune and future in AI, not fear... it's for global good: PM, Pg3

PM Modi unveils MANAV vision for AI, advocating ethical AI development and global sharing at India AI Impact Summit.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Basics of Cyber SecurityGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Will work with India to test safety, security of AI models: Anthropic CEO, Pg3

Anthropic partners with India to assess AI safety, while Adani emphasizes building sovereign AI infrastructure for national security.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Basics of Cyber SecurityGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Will work with India to test safety, security of AI models: Anthropic CEO, Pg3

Anthropic partners with India to assess AI safety, while Adani emphasizes building sovereign AI infrastructure for national security.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India set to join US-led Pax Silica today on sidelines of summit, Pg3

India joins US-led Pax Silica initiative, strengthening Indo-US ties and aiming to counter China's tech dominance.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India set to join US-led Pax Silica today on sidelines of summit, Pg3

India joins US-led Pax Silica initiative, strengthening Indo-US ties and aiming to counter China's tech dominance.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

India attends Trump's Gaza board meeting as observer, Pg3

India attends Trump's Gaza Board meeting as observer amidst discussions on Gaza reconstruction and international stabilization force, showcasing diplomatic engagement.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

India attends Trump's Gaza board meeting as observer, Pg3

India attends Trump's Gaza Board meeting as observer amidst discussions on Gaza reconstruction and international stabilization force, showcasing diplomatic engagement.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

ISRO's improved fire-detection algo ready for test in rabi harvest season, Pg7

ISRO refines fire-detection algorithm for rabi season to improve stubble burning monitoring accuracy, addressing discrepancies reported by CAQM.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

ISRO's improved fire-detection algo ready for test in rabi harvest season, Pg7

ISRO refines fire-detection algorithm for rabi season to improve stubble burning monitoring accuracy, addressing discrepancies reported by CAQM.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Ambani: RIL, Jio to invest Rs 10 lakh cr, make AI affordable, Pg8

RIL and Jio pledge ₹10 lakh crore investment to democratize AI, build sovereign compute infrastructure, and boost India's AI capabilities.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Ambani: RIL, Jio to invest Rs 10 lakh cr, make AI affordable, Pg8

RIL and Jio pledge ₹10 lakh crore investment to democratize AI, build sovereign compute infrastructure, and boost India's AI capabilities.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

States' capex holds key to growth momentum, Pg11

States' capital expenditure shows promising growth at 12.4% for nine months, crucial for sustaining India's economic momentum.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

States' capex holds key to growth momentum, Pg11

States' capital expenditure shows promising growth at 12.4% for nine months, crucial for sustaining India's economic momentum.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood RelationsGS 1: Post Independence Consolidation and Reorganization

India and BNP are off to a new start, Pg12

India and Bangladesh's BNP forge new ties after election; Modi invites Rahman amid regional strategic shifts.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood RelationsGS 1: Post Independence Consolidation and Reorganization

India and BNP are off to a new start, Pg12

India and Bangladesh's BNP forge new ties after election; Modi invites Rahman amid regional strategic shifts.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Path to resilient, reciprocal India-US ties runs through California, Pg12

California proposes to bridge US-India investment gap, offering strategic partnership in key sectors like AI and clean energy.

Path to resilient, reciprocal India-US ties runs through California, Pg12

California proposes to bridge US-India investment gap, offering strategic partnership in key sectors like AI and clean energy.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

A crucial partner, despite differences, Pg12

India and France elevate ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership', strengthening defense cooperation and Indo-Pacific engagement despite differing geopolitical approaches.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

A crucial partner, despite differences, Pg12

India and France elevate ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership', strengthening defense cooperation and Indo-Pacific engagement despite differing geopolitical approaches.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

DRDO tests Gaganyaan's drogue parachute, Pg13

DRDO successfully tests high-strength drogue parachute for Gaganyaan mission, marking a crucial milestone for India's human spaceflight program.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

DRDO tests Gaganyaan's drogue parachute, Pg13

DRDO successfully tests high-strength drogue parachute for Gaganyaan mission, marking a crucial milestone for India's human spaceflight program.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Time lost in litigation gives Arunachal project 11-year extension of green clearance, Pg15

Arunachal's 1750 MW Demwe project receives 11-year green clearance extension despite environmental concerns and litigation history.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Time lost in litigation gives Arunachal project 11-year extension of green clearance, Pg15

Arunachal's 1750 MW Demwe project receives 11-year green clearance extension despite environmental concerns and litigation history.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Production of rare-earth magnets by yr-end: Govt, Pg16

India to commence rare-earth magnet production by year-end, aiming to reduce reliance on China dominated supply chains.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Production of rare-earth magnets by yr-end: Govt, Pg16

India to commence rare-earth magnet production by year-end, aiming to reduce reliance on China dominated supply chains.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Indians' love for gold is weighing on the economy, Pg17

Gold ETF inflows surge to ₹24,040 crore in January, tripling gold imports and widening India's trade deficit.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Indians' love for gold is weighing on the economy, Pg17

Gold ETF inflows surge to ₹24,040 crore in January, tripling gold imports and widening India's trade deficit.

News Analysis

SIR in 22 States and U.T.s expected from April: EC, Pg1

SIR in 22 States and U.T.s expected from April: EC, Pg1

Privacy, transparency, Pg10

Privacy, transparency, Pg10

Tehran reenters the global geopolitical spotlight, Pg10

Tehran reenters the global geopolitical spotlight, Pg10

How do graphics processing units work?, Pg12

How do graphics processing units work?, Pg12

SC slams unchecked freebies, questions ‘appeasement’, Pg14

SC slams unchecked freebies, questions ‘appeasement’, Pg14

India signs statement condemning Israel’s plan for West Bank, Pg16

India signs statement condemning Israel’s plan for West Bank, Pg16

SC to hear from May 5 over 250 petitions challenging CAA for discrimination, Pg16

SC to hear from May 5 over 250 petitions challenging CAA for discrimination, Pg16

Israel, Hamas committed atrocities in Gaza, says UN, Pg18

Israel, Hamas committed atrocities in Gaza, says UN, Pg18

Inside the rise of Unitree, glimpse into China’s growing tech ambitions, Pg18

Inside the rise of Unitree, glimpse into China’s growing tech ambitions, Pg18

Fortune and future in AI, not fear... it's for global good: PM, Pg3

Fortune and future in AI, not fear... it's for global good: PM, Pg3

Will work with India to test safety, security of AI models: Anthropic CEO, Pg3

Will work with India to test safety, security of AI models: Anthropic CEO, Pg3

India set to join US-led Pax Silica today on sidelines of summit, Pg3

India set to join US-led Pax Silica today on sidelines of summit, Pg3

India attends Trump's Gaza board meeting as observer, Pg3

India attends Trump's Gaza board meeting as observer, Pg3

ISRO's improved fire-detection algo ready for test in rabi harvest season, Pg7

ISRO's improved fire-detection algo ready for test in rabi harvest season, Pg7

Ambani: RIL, Jio to invest Rs 10 lakh cr, make AI affordable, Pg8

Ambani: RIL, Jio to invest Rs 10 lakh cr, make AI affordable, Pg8

States' capex holds key to growth momentum, Pg11

States' capex holds key to growth momentum, Pg11

India and BNP are off to a new start, Pg12

India and BNP are off to a new start, Pg12

Path to resilient, reciprocal India-US ties runs through California, Pg12

Path to resilient, reciprocal India-US ties runs through California, Pg12

A crucial partner, despite differences, Pg12

A crucial partner, despite differences, Pg12

DRDO tests Gaganyaan's drogue parachute, Pg13

DRDO tests Gaganyaan's drogue parachute, Pg13

Time lost in litigation gives Arunachal project 11-year extension of green clearance, Pg15

Time lost in litigation gives Arunachal project 11-year extension of green clearance, Pg15

Production of rare-earth magnets by yr-end: Govt, Pg16

Production of rare-earth magnets by yr-end: Govt, Pg16

Indians' love for gold is weighing on the economy, Pg17

Indians' love for gold is weighing on the economy, Pg17

More News Analysis

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