Daily Current Affairs 22 February 2026 – Complete Exam-Oriented Summary
Daily Current Affairs 22 February 2026: | Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways
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For those who rely on structured revision, reading these updates daily ensures you do not have to cram from Monthly current affairs magazines at the last minute. After reviewing the detailed news analysis, you can test your retention by attempting the Daily current affairs Quiz and MCQs provided at the end of this article. Students looking for offline reading can access the Daily current affairs pdf from our main portal. Let us dive into Todays gk questions and deeply analyze the major events that unfolded on 22 February 2026.
Daily Current Affairs 22 February 2026
1. National Affairs
Prime Minister Inaugurates Meerut Metro and Completes Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor
Why in News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the entire 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation and flagged off the Meerut Metro on 22 February 2026.
Key Details:
- The Prime Minister inaugurated the remaining sections of India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), including the 5 km stretch from Sarai Kale Khan to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, and the 21 km stretch from Meerut South to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.
- The total cost of the dedicated development projects inaugurated in Meerut is approximately Rs 12,930 crore.
- The Namo Bharat trains operate at a design speed of 180 kmph, significantly reducing travel time between Delhi and Meerut.
- Sarai Kale Khan, the originating station, will serve as a multi-modal hub integrating the RRTS, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, and the ISBT.
- The Meerut Metro, operating on the same infrastructure as the RRTS, becomes India’s fastest urban metro system with a maximum operational speed of 120 kmph.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC/State PSC): Highly relevant for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure) and SSC/Railways general awareness. Questions can be framed on the operational speeds, terminal stations, and the executing agency.
Static GK Link:
- Implementing Agency: National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a joint venture of the Government of India and participating state governments.
- Article 246 and the Seventh Schedule: Transport and infrastructure fall under varying lists (Union/State/Concurrent) depending on their inter-state or intra-state nature.
2. State Affairs
Assam Cabinet Approves 3% Job Reservation for Tea Tribes and Adivasi Communities
Why in News:
The Assam State Cabinet officially approved a special 3% reservation in government jobs for the Tea Tribes and Adivasi communities.
Key Details:
- The decision aims to provide equitable employment opportunities and uplift the socio-economic status of these historically marginalized groups.
- The 3% quota will be accommodated within the existing reservation framework of the state to ensure constitutional compliance.
- The Tea Tribes constitute a significant demographic in Assam, primarily brought in as indentured laborers during the British colonial era.
- This policy is expected to enhance their representation in the state administrative and executive machinery.
Exam Relevance (State PSC/SSC/UPSC):
Crucial for Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) and UPSC GS Paper 2 (Social Justice and Vulnerable Sections).
Static GK Link:
- Constitutional Provision: Article 16(4) empowers the State to make provisions for the reservation of appointments or posts in favor of any backward class of citizens not adequately represented in state services.
- Assam Capital: Dispur.
- Assam Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya.
3. International Affairs
India Joins US-Led ‘Pax Silica’ Coalition for Semiconductor Supply Chains
Why in News:
India formally joined the ‘Pax Silica’ coalition, an initiative led by the United States, to secure global supply chains for artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing.
Key Details:
- The coalition is designed to reduce global dependency on a single geographic region for critical electronics manufacturing.
- Member nations will collaborate on research, mineral sourcing, and the development of secure manufacturing ecosystems.
- This move aligns with India’s domestic India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) aimed at making the country a global hub for electronics manufacturing.
- The agreement facilitates technology transfer and joint investments between Indian and American technological sectors.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/Banking):
Important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (International Relations) and GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology).
Static GK Link:
- India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): Launched in 2021 under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
4. Economy & Finance
Reliance Announces Rs 10 Trillion Investment for Sovereign AI Infrastructure
Why in News:
Reliance Industries announced a massive capital outlay of Rs 10 trillion over the next seven years to build India’s sovereign artificial intelligence computing infrastructure.
Key Details:
- The investment will focus on establishing multi-gigawatt AI data centers powered by green energy.
- The initiative will deploy edge-compute layers integrated seamlessly with national telecom networks.
- A major flagship data facility is already under development in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
- The primary objective is to eliminate dependency on foreign cloud infrastructure and safeguard national data sovereignty.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/Banking/SSC):
Relevant for Banking awareness (major corporate investments) and UPSC GS Paper 3 (Economy and Technology).
Static GK Link:
- Reliance Industries Limited (RIL): Founded in 1958 by Dhirubhai Ambani. Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
5. Science & Technology
AIIMS Delhi Hosts Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH)
Why in News:
The Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) was formally inaugurated at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, during the RUSH 2026 meetings.
Key Details:
- The center is a collaborative hub between India and France dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence in healthcare and neuroscience.
- It will focus on clinical decision-support systems, brain health research, and responsible health data usage.
- The collaboration promotes academic exchange and interdisciplinary research between leading scientific minds in both countries.
- It aligns with the national goal of integrating sovereign AI capabilities into the public healthcare infrastructure.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC):
Important for Science and Technology developments (UPSC Prelims) and bilateral tech agreements.
Static GK Link:
- AIIMS New Delhi: Established in 1956 under the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Act.
6. Defence & Security
India-US Joint Special Forces ‘Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026’ to be held in Himachal Pradesh
Why in News:
The 16th edition of the joint Special Forces exercise between India and the United States, ‘Vajra Prahar’, will be conducted at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
Key Details:
- The exercise focuses on deepening defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and improving joint operational readiness.
- Training modules will include counter-terror operations, precision strikes, and intelligence-based missions in simulated combat scenarios.
- The 2026 iteration places a heavy emphasis on the exchange of advanced special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
- It alternates annually between India and the United States.
Exam Relevance (Defence/UPSC/SSC):
Essential for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and UPSC Prelims (Military Exercises).
Static GK Link:
- Special Forces Training School: Located in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
- Other major India-US exercises: Yudh Abhyas (Army), Cope India (Air Force), Malabar (Naval – Multilateral).
7. Environment & Ecology
Mumbai Selected to Host Earthshot Prize 2026
Why in News:
Mumbai has been officially selected to host Prince William’s prestigious Earthshot Prize 2026 during the city’s Climate Week.
Key Details:
- The Earthshot Prize recognizes five global innovators annually, awarding them £1 million each to scale environmental solutions.
- Focus areas include climate change, biodiversity, air pollution, ocean restoration, and waste reduction.
- Hosting the event marks India’s expanding leadership in climate action and green investments.
- The announcement reinforces India’s commitment to long-term sustainability goals.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/State PSC):
Highly relevant for Environment and Ecology current affairs.
Static GK Link:
- Earthshot Prize: Founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2020.
ZSI Lays Foundation for Western Ghats Faunal Repository in Pune
Why in News:
The foundation stone for the Western Ghats Faunal Repository, Museum, and Auditorium was laid at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Western Regional Centre in Pune.
Key Details:
- The foundation was laid by Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director of ZSI.
- The repository will serve as a dedicated hub for conserving and studying the faunal diversity of the Western Ghats.
- The Western Ghats is one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots.
- The museum will facilitate academic research and spread public awareness regarding endemic species.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC):
Important for Geography and Environment sections.
Static GK Link:
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI): Founded on 1 July 1916. Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal. Under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
8. Awards & Honours
Indian Film ‘Boong’ Wins BAFTA for Best Children’s & Family Film
Why in News:
The Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’ made history by winning the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for Best Children’s & Family Film at the 2026 ceremony in London.
Key Details:
- The film is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi.
- It is produced by Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Vikesh Bhutani, and Alan McAlex.
- The win represents a monumental achievement for regional Indian cinema on the global stage.
- Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt presented the award for Best Film Not in the English Language at the same ceremony.
Exam Relevance (SSC/Banking/State PSC):
Crucial for the Awards and Honours section in all objective exams.
Static GK Link:
- BAFTA: British Academy of Film and Television Arts, established in 1947. Headquarters: London, UK.
9. Sports
South Africa Hands India First Defeat at T20 World Cup 2026
Why in News:
South Africa snapped India’s 12-match unbeaten streak, defeating them by 76 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match held in Ahmedabad.
Key Details:
- South Africa posted a target of 187/7, recovering from 20/3, led by David Miller’s strong performance.
- India was dismissed for 111 in 18.5 overs.
- During the match, Jasprit Bumrah became India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cups, surpassing previous records to reach 33 scalps.
- The match was a repeat of the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
Exam Relevance (SSC/Banking/Railways):
Sports current affairs, particularly regarding records broken (Jasprit Bumrah).
Static GK Link:
- ICC Headquarters: Dubai, UAE. Founded in 1909.
- Narendra Modi Stadium: Located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat; it is the largest cricket stadium in the world.
10. Important Institutions & Agreements
WFP and FCI Sign MoU for Global Humanitarian Operations
Why in News:
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Key Details:
- Under the MoU, FCI will supply 2,00,000 metric tonnes of rice annually to the WFP.
- The rice will be utilized for global humanitarian operations and emergency relief in vulnerable regions.
- This collaboration aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
- It elevates India’s role as a primary contributor to global food security.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/Banking):
Significant for International Organizations and Economy.
Static GK Link:
- World Food Programme (WFP): Founded in 1961. Headquarters: Rome, Italy. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
- Food Corporation of India (FCI): Founded in 1965 under the Food Corporations Act 1964. Headquarters: New Delhi.
IMPORTANT ONE-LINERS
- Meerut Metro was officially inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi, achieving a maximum operational speed of 120 kmph.
- The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar between India and the US will be conducted in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
- Reliance Industries announced a Rs 10 trillion investment over seven years to build sovereign AI computing infrastructure in India.
- The Assam Cabinet approved a 3% job reservation specifically targeting Tea Tribes and Adivasi communities.
- The Earthshot Prize 2026 will be hosted in Mumbai, India, to recognize global environmental innovations.
- The Manipuri film ‘Boong’, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, won the 2026 BAFTA for Best Children’s & Family Film.
- The UN World Food Programme partnered with India’s FCI for an annual supply of 2 lakh metric tonnes of rice.
- India joined the US-led ‘Pax Silica’ coalition to secure global semiconductor and AI supply chains.
- Jasprit Bumrah became India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cups with 33 wickets during the match against South Africa.
- The foundation stone for the Western Ghats Faunal Repository was laid by ZSI in Pune.
- AIIMS New Delhi hosted the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) to advance medical research.
- India officially condemned cross-border airstrikes conducted by Pakistan into Afghan territory.
- The 7th edition of the Marathi-Malayali Ethnic Fest 2026 was held at the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai.
- A massive blizzard forced a complete citywide travel ban ordered by Mayor Zohran Mamdani in New York City, USA.
- The Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, spanning 82 kilometers, became fully operational.
MCQs
Q1. Which city has been selected to host Prince William’s Earthshot Prize 2026?
A) New Delhi
B) Bengaluru
C) Mumbai
D) Chennai
Correct Answer: C) Mumbai
Explanation: Mumbai will host the Earthshot Prize 2026 during Climate Week, reflecting India’s growing role in global climate dialogue and green investments.
Q2. The Assam state cabinet recently approved what percentage of reservation for Tea Tribes and Adivasi communities in government jobs?
A) 2%
B) 3%
C) 5%
D) 7%
Correct Answer: B) 3%
Explanation: The Assam Cabinet approved a 3% job reservation to uplift the historically marginalized Tea Tribes and Adivasi communities.
Q3. The 16th edition of the Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Vajra Prahar 2026’ is taking place between India and which country?
A) France
B) United Kingdom
C) Russia
D) United States
Correct Answer: D) United States
Explanation: Vajra Prahar is an annual bilateral Special Forces exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army. The 2026 edition is being held in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
Q4. Which Indian film won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 2026 BAFTA Awards?
A) Boong
B) Two Sisters
C) The Village
D) Himalayan Tale
Correct Answer: A) Boong
Explanation: ‘Boong’, a Manipuri-language film directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, won the BAFTA award for Best Children’s & Family Film.
Q5. Under a recent 5-year MoU, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will supply 2 lakh metric tonnes of rice annually to which UN agency?
A) UNICEF
B) World Health Organization (WHO)
C) World Food Programme (WFP)
D) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Correct Answer: C) World Food Programme (WFP)
Explanation: The WFP and FCI signed an agreement to ensure steady food supplies for global humanitarian operations and emergency relief.
Q6. India recently joined the ‘Pax Silica’ coalition. What is the primary focus of this coalition?
A) Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific
B) Semiconductor and AI supply chains
C) Global vaccine distribution
D) Space exploration and satellite sharing
Correct Answer: B) Semiconductor and AI supply chains
Explanation: ‘Pax Silica’ is a US-led coalition aimed at building secure, diversified, and resilient supply chains for semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
Q7. Which company announced a Rs 10 trillion investment over seven years to build India’s sovereign AI infrastructure?
A) Tata Consultancy Services
B) Adani Group
C) Infosys
D) Reliance Industries
Correct Answer: D) Reliance Industries
Explanation: Reliance Industries announced this massive investment to develop sovereign AI compute infrastructure, including multi-gigawatt data centers in Jamnagar.
Q8. The foundation stone for the Western Ghats Faunal Repository, Museum, and Auditorium was recently laid in which city?
A) Kochi
B) Pune
C) Bengaluru
D) Thiruvananthapuram
Correct Answer: B) Pune
Explanation: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) laid the foundation stone for this repository at its Western Regional Centre in Pune.
Q9. Who became India’s highest wicket-taker in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history during the match against South Africa in 2026?
A) Ravichandran Ashwin
B) Bhuvneshwar Kumar
C) Jasprit Bumrah
D) Arshdeep Singh
Correct Answer: C) Jasprit Bumrah
Explanation: Jasprit Bumrah achieved 33 total wickets in T20 World Cups, surpassing previous records during the match in Ahmedabad.
Q10. The Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) was inaugurated at which premier Indian medical institution?
A) AIIMS New Delhi
B) JIPMER Puducherry
C) PGIMER Chandigarh
D) CMC Vellore
Correct Answer: A) AIIMS New Delhi
Explanation: AIIMS New Delhi hosted the inauguration of IF-CAIH, an initiative to foster AI applications in health, neuroscience, and data usage between India and France.
CONCLUSION
Consistency is the ultimate key to conquering competitive exams. The detailed breakdown of Todays Current Affairs provided above ensures you are well-equipped with the factual and analytical depth required by the changing exam patterns. While daily reading builds your knowledge base, revising them actively through practice is mandatory. We highly recommend reviewing these notes and taking our structured tests to gauge your preparation. For a more comprehensive look at past events, do not forget to refer to our Monthly current affairs compilation.
To make your learning seamless and accessible anywhere, download the Daily current affairs pdf directly from the portal. Keep engaging with the Daily current affairs Quiz to reinforce your memory. Stay focused, revise systematically, and let your preparation speak through your results.
FAQs
Where can I download Daily current affairs pdf?
You can download the PDF version of our daily updates directly from our website’s study material section. A dedicated link is provided at the bottom of every daily news article for easy offline access.
How to prepare Daily current affairs for UPSC/SSC?
For UPSC, focus on the ‘Why in News’ and ‘Key Details’ to build analytical depth, paying special attention to policy, environment, and international relations. For SSC, memorize the facts, names, dates, and static GK links provided in the daily updates.
Are Daily current affairs MCQs enough for exam preparation?
While MCQs are excellent for testing your memory and identifying weak spots, they must be paired with descriptive reading. Read the detailed news summaries first to understand the context, then solve the MCQs to reinforce retention.
How are Monthly current affairs different from daily updates?
Daily updates provide immediate, in-depth analysis of events as they happen, ensuring you miss nothing. Monthly compilations serve as a consolidated revision tool that groups major events categorically for quick pre-exam brushing.
How to practice with Daily current affairs Quiz?
Attempt the quiz strictly after reading the day’s compilation. Set a timer to simulate exam conditions, review the detailed explanations for any incorrect answers, and note down tricky facts in a separate revision notebook.
Do I need to memorize the Static GK Links provided?
Yes. Modern competitive exams frequently ask static questions derived directly from current events. Memorizing organization headquarters, founding years, and constitutional articles linked to the news will give you a significant advantage.
Can I rely solely on Todays gk questions for banking exams?
Banking exams heavily prioritize recent economic, financial, and banking awareness. Our updates cover these extensively, but you should also continuously revise the last six months of financial news before your main examination.
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