Daily Current Affairs Brief: February 21, 2026

Authored By: K Shiva

1. International Current Affairs

US Supreme Court Halts Trump’s Tariffs: In a landmark 6-3 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs are illegal, stating that the power to impose taxes and tariffs belongs solely to Congress, not the Executive Branch.

Trump Announces Backup 10% Tariff: Following the court ruling, President Trump announced a temporary 10% global tariff for 150 days under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to replace the stricken duties.

US Considering Iran Strike: President Trump confirmed he is considering a "limited military strike" to pressure Iran into a new deal regarding its nuclear program.

International AI Safety Report Released: During the India AI Impact Summit, Yoshua Bengio launched a report warning that general-purpose AI could automate a wide range of cognitive tasks and currently possesses dangerous capabilities that require scientific evaluation.

Paramount-Warner Bros Deal: Paramount has reportedly received Department of Justice (DoJ) approval for its deal with Warner Bros, marking a significant shift in the global media landscape.

2. National Current Affairs

India Joins Pax Silica Alliance: India has become the 12th signatory to "Pax Silica," a US-led strategic tech alliance focused on securing AI and tech supply chains and reducing dependence on China for critical minerals.

India-US Interim Trade Pact: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the interim trade agreement between India and the US is finalized and expected to be operational in April 2026.

Electoral Roll Revision in West Bengal: The Supreme Court has deployed judicial officers in West Bengal to oversee the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls due to a "trust deficit" between the state government and the Election Commission.

Simultaneous Polls Discussion: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chairperson, P.P. Chaudhary, stated that simultaneous elections are necessary for economic stability, though the current Bill has several infirmities.

Vibrant Villages Programme Phase II: Home Minister Amit Shah launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme in Assam, extending the border development initiative to India's borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.

3. Science & Technology

Micron Semiconductor Production: Micron’s semiconductor facility in Sanand, Gujarat, is scheduled to begin commercial production on February 28, 2026.

HCL-Foxconn Semiconductor Unit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for North India’s first semiconductor unit, a ₹3,700+ crore joint venture between HCL and Foxconn in Uttar Pradesh.

SMS-less UPI Signup: The NPCI is developing a new "silent mobile verification" system for UPI signups that will eliminate the need for SIM-based encrypted SMS, expected to rollout over the next 12 to 18 months.

AI for Critical Infrastructure: Bharti Airtel and Zscaler launched an AI and Cyber Threat Research Centre in India specifically focused on protecting sectors like banking, telecom, and power from digital threats.

Qualcomm-Tata Electronics Partnership: Tata Electronics joined Qualcomm's global network to manufacture advanced automotive modules in India, including digital cockpits and intelligent vehicle systems.

4. States Current Affairs

Andhra Pradesh Quantum-AI Hub: The AP government signed seven MoUs at the AI Summit, including a partnership with IBM to train 100,000 youths and another with IIT Madras for an AI Tutor in schools, to develop Amaravati as a "Quantum Valley".

Delhi Government One-Year Report: CM Rekha Gupta released a 44-page report card marking the BJP government's first year, highlighting the rollout of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi and infrastructure projects like the Sarai Kale Khan RRTS station.

Gujarat Marriage Norm Changes: The Gujarat government has proposed amendments to marriage registration rules requiring couples to inform their parents before registering a union to prevent "deception".

Maharashtra Ladki Bahin Yojana: Concerns have been raised in Maharashtra as new e-verification norms have reportedly affected over 21,500 beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana.

Assam Flood-Free Mission: Home Minister Amit Shah committed to making Assam free of floods and "infiltrators," highlighting that 24,000 km of roads have been upgraded in the state over the last decade.

5. District & Local News

Delhi High Court on Civic Rights: The Delhi High Court ruled that placing public urinals and open garbage bins right next to residential homes violates the "Right to Life" under Article 21, ordering the MCD to remove such a nuisance in Old Delhi.

Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor: The entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is set to be inaugurated this Sunday, with a non-stop Namo Bharat train recently completing the Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut trip in just 40 minutes.

Godavari Pushkaralu Anti-Pollution Plans: Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu detailed measures to prevent pollution in the Godavari river ahead of the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu festival.

Adulteration Probe at TTD: The AP government has formed a one-man panel led by retired IAS officer Dinesh Kumar to probe the alleged supply of adulterated ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Aqua Tanks in Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary: Despite demolition drives, illegal aquaculture tanks have reportedly reappeared across 5,000 acres in the Kolleru Lake area.

6. Sports & Games

T20 World Cup Begins: The "Super Eight" stage has commenced with New Zealand taking on Pakistan.

Delhi Open Tennis: Second seed Rei Sakamoto of Japan advanced to the men's singles semifinals after defeating Italy's Federico Cina.

New Race Walking Distances: The 13th Indian Open race walk in Chandigarh will feature new 21km and 42km distances, replacing the traditional 20km and 35km routes as per updated World Athletics norms.

DP World Players Championship: Om Prakash Chouhan recorded a one-stroke victory in Kolkata, marking his 12th professional win.

Indian Women's Hockey: In the absence of captain Harmanpreet, senior midfielder Hardik is leading the team with a positive mindset for their opener against Spain.

7. Cinema & Entertainment

Eric Dane Passes Away: Actor Eric Dane, famous for his role as "McSteamy" in Grey's Anatomy, has died at the age of 53 following a battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.

A.R. Rahman Song Credit: The Supreme Court disposed of an appeal after A.R. Rahman agreed to give credit to Janine Danar Bandhu for his "Veera Raja Veera" song within five weeks.

Streaming "Premium" Tiers: Platforms like Zomato, Amazon Prime, and Swiggy are moving toward "premium-within-premium" models, offering faster delivery and ad-free viewing for additional fees.

8. General Knowledge Points

Article 21 & Environment: The Delhi High Court reaffirmed that a hygienic environment is an integral aspect of the "Right to Life" under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

Constitutional Taxing Power: The US Supreme Court highlighted a constitutional principle that the taxing power (including tariffs) is vested in the Legislature (Congress) and not the Executive Branch.

PMLA and Ancestral Property: The Delhi High Court ruled that ancestral property is not immune from attachment in proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) if it is linked to proceeds of crime

Sanskrit in Croatia: Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic noted that Sanskrit has been taught at the university level in Croatia since 1876.

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR): This nodal institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences is currently inviting medical doctors for the 46th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica.

9. Do You Know?

Oral Cancer Risk: A study by Tata Memorial Centre found that quitting tobacco for a decade can reduce the risk of oral cavity cancer by 61% for smokers and 42% for chewers.

AI Vulnerability Detection: AI agents have shown the capability to identify up to 77% of vulnerabilities in real software, highlighting both defensive potential and security risks.

Curling Origins: Often called "chess on ice," curling originated in Scotland in the 16th century and will be a key event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

10. Job & Educational Topics

FSSAI Chairperson: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has invited applications for the post of Chairperson in the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Delhi Education Reforms: The Delhi government passed the "Fee Transparency Act" to regulate arbitrary fee hikes in private schools.

JNU Controversy: JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit faced protests following remarks about the "victim card" in the context of caste-based discrimination.

Job Openings:

NCPOR: Medical doctors on contract for Antarctic research stations.

NHRC: Applications invited for the post of Registrar (Law) on a deputation basis.

NEIAH: Advertisement for the post of Director at the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy.

11. Day Special: February 21, 2026

Ramzan Friday Prayers: Thousands of devotees offered prayers at Delhi's Jama Masjid on the first Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan.

Delhi Government Anniversary: February 20 marked the completion of one year of the current BJP-led government in Delhi, following their return to power after a 27-year gap.