Current Affairs – 21 February 2026

1. Government Launches Digital Agriculture Mission 2.0

The Government of India has launched Digital Agriculture Mission 2.0 to modernize farming through technology. The aim is to help farmers increase income and reduce costs.

Under this mission:

• Farmers will receive weather alerts and crop advice through mobile apps.

• Satellite technology will monitor crop health.

• A national digital database of farmers will be created.

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) will become faster and more transparent.

The mission focuses mainly on small and marginal farmers. By using data and artificial intelligence, farmers will get better guidance about irrigation, fertilizers, and crop insurance.

This initiative is expected to improve productivity and make Indian agriculture more technology-driven.

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2. Reserve Bank of India Releases Financial Stability Report

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its latest Financial Stability Report (FSR) on 21 February 2026.

Important points from the report:

• Indian banks are financially strong.

• Non-performing assets (NPAs) have reduced further.

• Credit growth in MSME and retail sectors remains steady.

• Digital payments continue to rise across the country.

The RBI also warned about global risks such as rising oil prices and international economic uncertainty.

The report highlights that India’s banking system is stable compared to many global economies. This topic is very important for banking and UPSC aspirants.

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3. India Signs Renewable Energy Agreement with Germany

India signed a major renewable energy partnership with Germany to boost clean energy development.

Key features of the agreement:

• Germany will provide technical and financial assistance.

• Joint research will be done on green hydrogen.

• Solar and wind power capacity will be expanded.

• Skill development programs will be introduced.

India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. This agreement supports India’s climate goals and strengthens bilateral relations.

This step also shows India’s commitment to fighting climate change.

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4. Indian Space Research Organisation Successfully Tests Reusable Launch Vehicle

ISRO successfully conducted another test of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV).

This mission is important because reusable rockets reduce the cost of launching satellites. The vehicle can return safely after completing its mission.

Benefits of the RLV program:

• Lower space mission costs.

• Better support for commercial satellite launches.

• Preparation for future space station projects.

India is now among a few countries developing reusable space technology. This strengthens India’s position in the global space industry.

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5. Supreme Court of India Delivers Major Judgment on Data Privacy

The Supreme Court of India delivered a significant judgment related to digital data protection.

The Court ruled that:

• Citizens have full rights over their personal data.

• Companies must take clear consent before using data.

• Data breaches must be reported quickly.

• Strict penalties will be imposed for violations.

This decision strengthens digital privacy laws in India and protects citizens in the online world.

Data protection is becoming increasingly important in today’s digital economy.

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6. Indian Army Conducts “Suraksha Shakti 2026” Exercise

The Indian Army conducted a large military exercise named “Suraksha Shakti 2026.”

Objectives of the exercise:

• Improve combat readiness.

• Test modern weapons systems.

• Strengthen coordination between Army and Air Force.

• Practice advanced warfare strategies.

Such exercises help maintain national security and ensure that the armed forces are prepared for any situation.

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7. India’s GDP Growth Forecast Revised to 7.4%

The Ministry of Finance announced that India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 has been revised upward to 7.4%.

Reasons behind growth:

• Strong manufacturing output.

• Increase in exports.

• Growth in the digital economy.

• Large government spending on infrastructure.

India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. However, global risks such as inflation and oil price volatility remain concerns.

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8. International Mother Language Day Observed

21 February is observed as International Mother Language Day every year.

The day promotes:

• Linguistic diversity.

• Multilingual education.

• Preservation of local languages.

India, being a country with many languages, celebrates this day widely. Schools and colleges organize cultural events to promote regional languages.

Protecting mother languages helps preserve culture and identity.

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9. India women’s national cricket team Wins ICC Women’s T20 Series

The India women’s national cricket team won the latest T20 international series.

Highlights of the series:

• Excellent batting performances.

• Strong bowling attack in the final match.

• Young players delivered match-winning performances.

This victory boosts confidence ahead of upcoming global tournaments. Women’s cricket in India continues to grow rapidly.

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10. Global Oil Prices Rise Due to Middle East Tensions

Global crude oil prices increased sharply due to rising tensions in the Middle East.

Impact on India:

• Possible rise in petrol and diesel prices.

• Increased transportation costs.

• Pressure on inflation.

Since India imports a large amount of crude oil, global price changes directly affect the economy.

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11. Update on New Education Policy Implementation

The Education Ministry shared updates on the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP).

Key developments:

• Skill-based education introduced in more states.

• Expansion of digital classrooms.

• Greater focus on regional languages.

• Internship programs added at school level.

The aim is to make education more practical and employment-oriented.

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12. World Sustainable Development Summit 2026 Begins in New Delhi

The World Sustainable Development Summit 2026 began in New Delhi with participation from global leaders and environmental experts.

Main focus areas:

• Climate change.

• Renewable energy.

• Sustainable urban development.

• Green finance.

India highlighted its progress in solar energy and electric vehicles.

Such global events help countries collaborate and find solutions for environmental challenges.