Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for February 21, 2026. This compilation covers all important events from India and around the world, sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media. Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. French President Macron’s 3-Day Visit to India (Feb 17–19, 2026)

• What happened: French President Emmanuel Macron undertook a 3-day state visit to India from February 17 to 19, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was Macron’s 4th visit to India.
• Key details:
  • PM Modi and Macron virtually inaugurated the H-125 helicopter assembly line developed jointly by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus at Vemagal, Karnataka.
  • Union Minister Rajnath Singh and French counterpart co-chaired the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru.
  • Both leaders jointly inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai.
  • Macron participated in the AI Impact Summit 2026.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: India-France bilateral relations (GS Paper 2 – International Relations). Defence cooperation, joint manufacturing under Make in India initiative.

2. Indian Navy Hosts IFR 2026, MILAN 2026 & IONS Conclave at Visakhapatnam

• What happened: The Indian Navy hosted three major international naval engagements at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, from February 15–25, 2026.
• Key details:
  • Exercise MILAN 2026 (13th edition) – Theme: “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration” – Biennial multilateral naval exercise in Bay of Bengal.
  • International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 – Theme: “United through Oceans” – Presided over by President Droupadi Murmu on February 18.
  • IONS 9th Conclave 2026 – Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi assumed IONS Chairmanship from Royal Thai Navy. India to lead IONS for 2026–2028 (2nd tenure as Chair since 2008).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Defence & Security (GS Paper 3). India’s maritime strategy, Look East Policy, Indo-Pacific engagement. Key for prelims – names, themes, and leadership details.

3. Amit Shah Launches Vibrant Villages Programme-II in Assam

• What happened: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) at Nathanpur village in Cachar district, Assam, to strengthen border area development.
• Key details:
  • Total outlay: ₹6,839 crore up to FY 2028–29
  • Per village spending: ~₹3 crore
  • Coverage: 1,954 border villages across 15 States and 2 Union Territories
  • States covered: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, UP, and West Bengal.
  • Focus: basic services, sustainable livelihoods, border security, Viksit Bharat@2047.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Government Schemes (GS Paper 2). Border management and development. Frequently asked in prelims – amount, coverage, ministry.

4. Ministry of Power Constitutes Panels for PFC-REC Merger

• What happened: The Ministry of Power (MoP) constituted a 3-member High-Level Committee and a 3-member Working Group on February 19, 2026, to oversee the proposed merger of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC Limited.
• Key details:
  • High-Level Committee: Parminder Chopra (CMD, PFC), Jitendra Srivastava (CMD, REC), and Shashank Mishra (Joint Secretary, MoP) as convenor.
  • Working Group: Headed by Pranav Tayal (Director, MoP) with EDs from PFC and REC.
  • Committee to oversee personnel integration, pay scale harmonisation, and alignment with government objectives.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy – Public sector undertaking reforms. Power sector governance. Part of Union Budget 2026-27 initiatives.

🌍 International Affairs

5. India and Israel Sign MoU to Deepen Defence Industrial Cooperation

• What happened: India and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen defence ties, including joint seminars, industrial programmes, and technology sharing.
• Key details:
  • Agreement formalised during a strategic seminar facilitated by SIBAT (International Defence Cooperation Directorate, Israel MoD) with SIDM and India’s MoD in Tel Aviv.
  • 30 Indian and 26 Israeli defence companies participated in B2B meetings.
  • Indian delegation headed by Ramesh K (DG, SIDM) and Ambassador J P Singh.
  • Discussions focused on Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026, co-development, co-production, and interoperability.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). India-Israel defence ties, bilateral agreements. Key for Group 1 mains – strategic partnerships.

6. India-Pakistan Ceasefire Agreement After Days of Shelling

• What happened: India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire after days of intense shelling along the border. PM Modi addressed the nation regarding the situation.
• Key details:
  • The ceasefire came after a significant escalation period with cross-border strikes.
  • PM Modi’s address was his first since the strikes began.
  • Diplomatic channels were used to de-escalate tensions.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: India’s neighbourhood policy (GS Paper 2). India-Pakistan relations, border security, and diplomacy.

🔬 Science & Technology

7. DRDO Successfully Tests Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute in Chandigarh

• What happened: DRDO successfully conducted a qualification-level load test of the drogue parachute for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility in Chandigarh.
• Key details:
  • Test conducted at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
  • Agencies involved: VSSC (ISRO), ADRDE (DRDO), and TBRL teams.
  • Test validated the parachute’s structural strength, safety margins, and reliability for stabilising the crew module.
  • Gaganyaan Mission: Aims to send 3 Indian crew members to LEO at 400 km altitude for 3 days with safe re-entry into the Indian Ocean.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, DRDO achievements. Very important for prelims – mission details, testing agencies.

8. ISRO Prepares for GISAT-1A Launch (Feb 20 – Mar 5 Window)

• What happened: ISRO is preparing for the launch of GISAT-1A (EOS-05) satellite, a replacement for the failed GISAT-1, with a launch window from February 20 to March 5, 2026.
• Key details:
  • GISAT-1A is a geo-imaging satellite for surveillance and disaster management.
  • It replaces GISAT-1 which failed during launch in August 2021.
  • ISRO also has 80 satellites in development pipeline for various applications.
  • NISAR satellite (NASA-ISRO, $1.5 billion) is now delivering operational soil moisture data at 100m resolution every 12 days.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Space Technology (GS Paper 3). ISRO missions, satellite applications. Key for both prelims and mains.

9. Tata Group and OpenAI Partner to Build India’s 1st Large-Scale AI Data Centre

• What happened: Tata Group partnered with OpenAI to establish India’s first large-scale AI-ready data centre under the global Stargate initiative.
• Key details:
  • OpenAI becomes the first customer of TCS HyperVault data centre business.
  • Starting capacity: 100 MW, scalable to 1 GW, powered by green energy.
  • TCS plans to invest up to USD 7 billion for 1 GW capacity in India.
  • Part of the USD 500 billion Stargate global initiative.
  • OpenAI to establish offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru in 2026.
  • TCS becomes the first organisation outside USA to join OpenAI’s certification programme.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology + Economy. AI infrastructure in India, FDI, Digital India initiatives. Important for Group 1 mains on technology policy.

💰 Economy & Banking

10. GIFT City and AJNIFM Sign MoU for FinTech Talent Building

• What happened: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) signed an MoU with Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Key details:
  • MoU facilitates joint PG and executive programmes in International Finance and FinTech.
  • A 5-day Industry Immersion Programme launched for second-year MBA students.
  • GIFT City is India’s only International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
  • AJNIFM is under the Ministry of Finance, based in Faridabad, Haryana.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). GIFT City IFSC, financial services infrastructure. Key fact: India’s only IFSC is in Gujarat.

11. RBI Holds Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%

• What happened: The Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% on February 6, 2026, with a neutral monetary policy stance.
• Key details:
  • Governor: Sanjay Malhotra noted inflation remains benign.
  • RBI has cut rates by a total of 125 basis points since February 2025.
  • US-India trade developments eased pressure – US tariffs on India reduced from ~50% to 18%.
  • Monetary stance retained at “neutral”.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). RBI monetary policy, repo rate, inflation management. One of the most frequently asked topics in competitive exams.

🏏 Sports

12. Pankaj Advani Wins Inaugural Liber Win Champions Cup 2026

• What happened: Padma awardee Pankaj Advani won the inaugural Liber Win Champions Cup 2026 in Bengaluru.
• Key details:
  • Defeated Kamal Chawla 6–3 in the best-of-11 final at KSBA, Bengaluru.
  • Named Liber Win’s Indian Brand Ambassador joining global stars Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Mark Selby.
  • 16 top professional cueists participated in the 3-day event.
  • Kamal Chawla registered the highest break of 140.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of Indian sportspersons. Pankaj Advani – multiple world champion in billiards and snooker.

13. IPC Lifts Ban on Russia & Belarus for Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics

• What happened: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) lifted the ban on Russia and Belarus athletes for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics (March 6–15, 2026, Italy).
• Key details:
  • Athletes can compete under national flags and have national anthems played.
  • Russia allocated 6 quota slots; Belarus allocated 4 quota slots.
  • First return of Russia’s flag at Winter Paralympics since 2014.
  • Ruling applies only to Winter Paralympics, not the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Sports. IPC decisions, Winter Paralympic Games. Key: Venue – Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

📋 Government Schemes & Programs

14. Gujarat Budget 2026-27: ₹4.08 Lakh Crore Outlay

• What happened: Gujarat Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai presented the state budget for 2026-27 with a total outlay of ₹4,08,053 crore on February 18, 2026.
• Key details:
  • 10.2% increase over 2025-26 budget.
  • Roads & Connectivity: ₹10,008 crore
  • Urban Infrastructure (SJMSVY): ₹16,116 crore
  • Rural Roads (MGSY): ₹5,600 crore
  • Education: ₹63,184 crore
  • Health: ₹25,403 crore
  • Agriculture: ₹24,022 crore
• Why it matters for TNPSC: State budgets and financial planning (GS Paper 3). Comparison with Tamil Nadu budget. Key for Group 1 – state financial policies.

15. Assam CM Launches PMS Portal for Venture Schools

• What happened: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Provincialization Management System (PMS) portal on February 18, 2026, at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Guwahati.
• Key details:
  • Digital platform to streamline provincialization of venture educational institutions.
  • Under the Assam Education Act, 2017 (amended 2025).
  • Applies to institutions established before January 1, 2006.
  • Covers LP schools, UP/ME schools, High schools, Higher Secondary schools, and Venture Degree Colleges.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Education policy and governance. Digital transformation in education administration. Compare with TN education reforms.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

16. Vice-President Releases Book on Sree Narayana Guru by Shashi Tharoor

• What happened: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan released the book ‘The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru’ authored by MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor at India International Centre, New Delhi.
• Key details:
  • Publisher: Aleph Book Company.
  • Book covers the biography of Sree Narayana Guru, 19th-century Kerala spiritual leader and social reformer.
  • Core philosophy: ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God for humankind’
  • Founded the SNDP Yogam in 1903 for socio-economic upliftment.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Books & Authors, Social Reform Movement (GS Paper 1). Sree Narayana Guru’s reform movement in Kerala – very important for TNPSC history section.

17. World Day of Social Justice 2026 – February 20

• What happened: The United Nations World Day of Social Justice was observed on February 20, 2026.
• Key details:
  • 2026 Theme: “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice”
  • Established by UNGA Resolution A/RES/62/10 on November 26, 2007.
  • First observed: February 20, 2009.
  • India event organised by Department of Social Justice & Empowerment with NLU, Dwarka, Delhi.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Important Days (frequently asked in prelims). UN observances, social justice themes. Note: Feb 20 – World Day of Social Justice.

📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)

Test your knowledge with these questions based on today’s current affairs:

Q1. What was the theme of the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 held at Visakhapatnam?

(a) Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration
(b) United through Oceans
(c) Secure Seas, Prosperous Nations
(d) Maritime Security for All

Q2. What is the total financial allocation for the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II)?

(a) ₹3,500 crore
(b) ₹5,000 crore
(c) ₹6,839 crore
(d) ₹8,200 crore

Q3. Which organisation assumed the Chairmanship of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in February 2026?

(a) Royal Thai Navy
(b) Indian Navy
(c) US Navy
(d) Royal Australian Navy

Q4. Tata Group’s partnership with OpenAI for AI data centres is part of which global initiative?

(a) Digital India Mission
(b) AI for All Initiative
(c) Stargate Initiative
(d) Project Artemis

Q5. What was the theme of World Day of Social Justice 2026?

(a) Building a Future of Justice
(b) Closing the Inequalities Gap
(c) Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice
(d) Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment

Q6. DRDO’s drogue parachute test for Gaganyaan was conducted at which facility?

(a) Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
(b) Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh
(c) Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur
(d) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

Q7. Pankaj Advani won the Liber Win Champions Cup 2026 by defeating whom in the final?

(a) Laxman Rawat
(b) Sourav Kothari
(c) Kamal Chawla
(d) Aditya Mehta

Q8. What is India’s only International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)?

(a) Mumbai International Finance Centre
(b) GIFT City, Gujarat
(c) Hyderabad Financial District
(d) Chennai International Financial Hub

Q9. What is the RBI’s current repo rate as of February 2026?

(a) 5.00%
(b) 5.25%
(c) 5.50%
(d) 6.00%

Q10. The book ‘The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism’ is about which social reformer?

(a) Swami Vivekananda
(b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(c) Sree Narayana Guru
(d) Jyotirao Phule