Current Affairs - February 21, 2026 Current Affairs

Ranvir Sachdeva, an eight-year-old tech enthusiast, emerged as the youngest keynote speaker at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. He impressed global CEOs, policymakers, and AI experts by confidently explaining complex artificial intelligence concepts in simple terms. Having started coding at the age of three, he has studied machine learning models and spoken at international forums. During the summit, he also interacted with Google CEO Sundar Pichai and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. His emphasis on inclusive and ethical AI, guided by Indian values, highlighted India’s growing role in shaping responsible global AI development.

L&T Vyoma signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gujarat government during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to study the feasibility of establishing a 250 MW green AI-ready data centre at Dholera Special Investment Region. The proposed ₹25,000 crore project aims to strengthen AI infrastructure, cloud computing capabilities, and sustainable digital ecosystems in the state. The study will evaluate land suitability, infrastructure readiness, availability zones, and sustainability aspects before final execution. The initiative aligns with Gujarat’s IT/ITeS Policy and India’s broader digital transformation and renewable energy goals, targeting operational readiness by 2028.

Harsharan Kaur Trehan was appointed as Director (Commercial) of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), becoming the first woman technocrat to reach board level in the organisation. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in gender representation within India’s public sector utilities. With a career spanning over three decades since joining the erstwhile Punjab State Electricity Board in 1987, she has handled key roles in transmission, substation, hydel, and thermal operations. She also previously served as the first woman Engineer-in-Chief in PSPCL, contributing extensively to regulatory reforms and large-scale procurement management.

International Mother Language Day is observed annually on February 21 to promote multilingualism, cultural diversity, and the preservation of endangered languages. Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 and later adopted by the UN General Assembly, the day highlights the importance of mother-tongue education in improving learning outcomes and fostering inclusion. It also commemorates the Bengali Language Movement of 1952. The observance supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education and aligns with global efforts such as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) to protect linguistic heritage worldwide.

India’s eight core industries recorded a growth rate of 4% in January 2026, reflecting a moderation compared to the revised 4.7% growth in December 2025. The Index of Core Industries, which tracks coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, and electricity, serves as a key indicator of industrial momentum. While sectors like steel and cement continued to show strong performance due to sustained infrastructure and construction activities, others experienced slower growth or contraction. Despite the slowdown in core sectors, overall industrial production remained strong during the period.

Bihar approved the construction of a major international airport at Sonepur in Saran district as part of a landmark infrastructure initiative. The project includes a 4,200-metre runway designed to handle wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380, enabling direct long-haul international flights. Spread over 4,228 acres, the airport aims to enhance connectivity in north Bihar and reduce congestion at Patna’s existing airport. With a land acquisition allocation of ₹1,302 crore and a completion target of 2030, the project is expected to boost trade, tourism, employment, and regional economic development significantly.