Daily Current Affairs – February 20, 2026

A new access pass framework for fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone will be launched by Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh. This initiative aims to provide legal, transparent, and sustainable entry for fishers into the EEZ. It will empower traditional fishers and cooperatives to access high-value marine resources.

The centre, to be set up as part of the Rs 60,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme of the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship (MSDE), will impart skills training in aeronautics and defence.

The AI Impact Summit’s expo has been extended by one day, to February 21, so that attendees can visit with more flexible security arrangements, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said

India was the world’s leading producer of sandalwood until the last century, but it was displaced by Australia. What led to this fall, and what does the recent Union Budget’s offering to collaborate with States to revive the sandalwood industry in India mean for farmers? Chetan B.C. explores.

President Donald Trump says he’s directing the Pentagon and other government agencies to identify and release files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs because of “tremendous interest”

U.N. has said the United States owes $2.19 billion to its regular budget, including $767 million for this year, as well as $1.8 billion to a separate budget for the far-flung U.N. peacekeeping operations

Global markets, especially Wall Street, are keenly awaiting the IMF's annual review of U.S. economic policies, due February 25. The assessment will scrutinize fiscal sustainability, trade imbalances, and the dollar's global standing. Elevated U.S. deficits following recent tax cuts are a key focus, potentially impacting interest rates and equity valuations. Investors seek clarity on policy direction and macro risks.

PSU bank stocks have emerged as a standout theme on Dalal Street, powered by strong credit growth, multi-decadal low NPAs and record profits. The combined market cap of 12 state-run lenders has surged by Rs 5.75 lakh crore to Rs 21.35 lakh crore in six months, driving a sharp valuation re-rating that private banks haven’t matched.

User complaints began mounting towards the end of 2025 over involuntary autopay mandates and difficulty cancelling them.

Often, Indian farmers do not realise they are over-applying cheap urea. They often apply it blindly, without knowing the soil parameters—which macro or micro nutrients are deficient. This is a systemic crisis.

Though Kishan’s hitting has been a revelation, most of of his batting colleagues haven’t been as free-spirited; Abhishek has suffered the ignominy of falling for a duck thrice; the co-host’s scores are a tribute to the ability to accelerate in the second half even when the first period has been singularly demanding