News of The Day – 21 Feb 2026

The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• About SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion).
• Centrally sponsored skill development scheme.
• Audit concerns over fund utilisation & outcome measurement.
• Highlights role of parliamentary financial oversight under Article 151 (CAG reports).

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Expansion of Vibrant Villages Programme in border areas.
• Focus on infrastructure, connectivity & livelihood generation.
• Counters border migration & strengthens strategic presence.
• Important for northern & northeastern frontier security.

(GS-2: IR)

• UN investigation flags mass atrocities in El-Fasher, Darfur.
• Violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
• Raises issue of Responsibility to Protect (R2P).
• About El-Fasher

(GS-3: Economy)

• About Export Promotion Mission
• Measures aim to boost merchandise & services exports.
• Focus on MSME support, logistics efficiency & trade facilitation.
• Linked to Foreign Trade Policy 2023 & $1 trillion export target.
• Strengthens integration into global value chains.

• ‘Pax Silica’ is a U.S.-led strategic tech partnership.
• Aims to secure semiconductor supply chains & reduce dependence on China.
• Focus on AI hardware, rare earths & trusted technology networks.
• Complements India’s Semiconductor Mission & strategic tech diplomacy.

( GS-3: Economy)

• The Supreme Court of the United States invalidates tariff measures imposed during Donald Trump presidency.
• Raises questions on executive trade powers.
• Possible refund claims & WTO implications.
• Impacts global trade flows & India–US trade relations.

(GS-3: Science & Tech)

• About Zinc-Ion Batteries
• Use aqueous electrolytes; safer & cost-effective.
• Alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
• Abundant zinc availability reduces import dependence.
• Suitable for grid storage & renewable integration.

• Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Madras developed a precise microfluidic-based diagnostic method to measure blood clotting time.
• Improves early detection of haemophilia, thrombosis & coagulation disorders.
• Potential for affordable point-of-care diagnostics.

• About Gaganyaan Drogue parachute
• Ensures safe crew module deceleration & stability during re-entry.
• Critical milestone for India’s first human spaceflight mission.

(GS-3: Environment)

• Bela Gram declared net-zero through renewable energy, waste management & afforestation.
• Carbon neutrality via solar power & sustainable agriculture.
• Model for climate-resilient rural development.
• Aligns with India’s Panchamrit & Net Zero 2070 commitments.

(GS-3: Environment)

• About IEA State of Energy Innovation 2026
• A report by the International Energy Agency highlights trends in clean energy R&D.
• Emphasis on batteries, hydrogen & CCUS.
• Innovation gaps in Global South financing.
• Relevant to India’s energy transition & climate targets.