Daily Current Affairs (20th February 2026) for Competitive Exams: Key Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking
The Daily Current Affairs of 20th February 2026 covers major updates in banking, defence, international relations, environment, sports and important days. Key highlights include IDFC First Bank’s FD-backed credit card launch, Great Nicobar Project clearance, India–France Innovation Year 2026, and Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day. This article is curated for UPSC, SSC, IBPS, Banking, RBI, Railways, Defence and State PSC aspirants with exam-focused explanations and revision tables.
Jump to section
- Introduction
- 1️⃣ IDFC First Bank Launches FD-Backed “Hello Cashback Credit Card”
- 2️⃣ NABARD & NCDEX Launch Price Protection Scheme
- 3️⃣ Airtel Money Gets RBI Approval as NBFC-ICC
- 4️⃣ Great Nicobar Project Gets NGT Approval
- 5️⃣ Demwe Lower Hydel Project Extension
- 6️⃣ India–France Year of Innovation 2026
- 7️⃣ India–France Critical Minerals Cooperation
- 8️⃣ Indigenous Cadet Training Ship ‘Krishna’ Launched
- 9️⃣ UN Fellowship on Small Arms Hosted in India
- 🔟 Tejaswin Shankar Wins Gold
- Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day – 20 February
- World Day of Social Justice – 20 February
Introduction
Staying updated with Daily Current Affairs is essential for success in competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, IBPS PO & Clerk, RBI Grade B, Railways, Defence and State PSCs.
The news of 20th February 2026 covers developments in banking reforms, environmental clearances, Indo-Pacific diplomacy, defence modernization, international cooperation, sports achievements, and important national days.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS – BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS
1️⃣ IDFC First Bank Launches FD-Backed “Hello Cashback Credit Card”
Why in News?
IDFC First Bank introduced an FD-backed credit card aimed at first-time users and individuals without credit history.
Key Highlights
- Minimum Fixed Deposit (FD): ₹10,000
- Credit Limit: 100% of FD value
- No income proof or credit score required
- 3% cashback on first ₹10,000 online spends
- 5% cashback beyond ₹10,000
- 1% cashback on UPI payments via IDFC app
- Joining fee waived till March 31, 2026
Significance
- Promotes financial inclusion
- Helps build credit score for new users
- Encourages digital and UPI payments
About IDFC First Bank
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| MD & CEO | V. Vaidyanathan |
| Tagline | Always You First |
2️⃣ NABARD & NCDEX Launch Price Protection Scheme
Full Forms
- NABARD – National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
- NCDEX – National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange
Objective
To help farmers hedge against price volatility using put options in turmeric, jeera and dhaniya.
Key Facts
- Covers 80 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
- 1.34 lakh farmers benefited
- Launched in 7 states
- 6,544 tonnes produce hedged
Exam Significance
- Links with agricultural reforms & derivatives markets
- Important for IBPS, NABARD Grade A/B exams
3️⃣ Airtel Money Gets RBI Approval as NBFC-ICC
Full Form
NBFC-ICC – Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company
Key Points
- Approved under Section 45-IA of RBI Act, 1934
- Cannot accept public deposits
- Can engage in lending & financial services
Impact
- Expands fintech ecosystem
- Strengthens digital lending market
CURRENT AFFAIRS – NATIONAL & ENVIRONMENT
4️⃣ Great Nicobar Project Gets NGT Approval
Full Form
NGT – National Green Tribunal
Project Cost
₹81,000 Crore
Components
- International Container Transshipment Terminal
- Greenfield Airport
- Power Plant
- Township Development
Environmental Concerns
- 16,000 coral colonies translocation
- Protection of Leatherback Turtle
- Located near Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
Importance
- Boosts maritime security near Malacca Strait
- Enhances Indo-Pacific strategy
5️⃣ Demwe Lower Hydel Project Extension
- Capacity: 1,750 MW
- River: Lohit River (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Clearance extended till 2037
Concerns
- Wildlife clearance issues
- Impact on Kamlang Tiger Reserve
CURRENT AFFAIRS – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
6️⃣ India–France Year of Innovation 2026
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Focus Areas
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Defence Cooperation
- Digital Public Infrastructure
- Indo-Pacific Strategy
Defence Update
- 114 Rafale fighter aircraft procurement approved
- Manufactured by Dassault Aviation
7️⃣ India–France Critical Minerals Cooperation
Objective
- Strengthen supply chains for EVs, semiconductors & clean energy
Institutions Involved
| Indian Side | French Side |
|---|---|
| Dept. of Science & Technology | CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research) |
CURRENT AFFAIRS – DEFENCE
8️⃣ Indigenous Cadet Training Ship ‘Krishna’ Launched
- Built at L&T Kattupalli Shipyard
- Length: 122 meters
- Displacement: 4,700 tonnes
- Endurance: 60 days
Roles
- Naval cadet training
- Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Search & Rescue (SAR)
9️⃣ UN Fellowship on Small Arms Hosted in India
- Held in Jabalpur
- Organized by UNODA
- Participants from 13 Asia-Pacific countries
Significance
- Strengthens regional arms control cooperation
CURRENT AFFAIRS – SPORTS
🔟 Tejaswin Shankar Wins Gold
- Event: Asian Indoor Athletics Championship
- Location: Tianjin, China
- Event: Men’s Heptathlon
- Points: 5,993 (National Record)
India finished with 5 medals overall.
CURRENT AFFAIRS – IMPORTANT DAYS
Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day – 20 February
- Statehood: 1987
- 24th State of India
- Borders China, Bhutan & Myanmar
World Day of Social Justice – 20 February
- Observed since 2009
- Promotes equality & employment
- Proclaimed by United Nations
📌 One-Liner Revision Points
- IDFC First Bank launched FD-backed Hello Cashback Credit Card.
- NABARD & NCDEX launched Price Protection Scheme for farmers.
- Airtel Money received RBI approval as NBFC-ICC.
- NGT approved ₹81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project.
- Demwe Lower Hydel Project clearance extended till 2037.
- India–France Year of Innovation 2026 launched.
- Indigenous CTS ‘Krishna’ launched at L&T Shipyard.
- Tejaswin Shankar won Gold in Asian Indoor Championship.
- Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day observed on 20 Feb.
- World Day of Social Justice observed on 20 February.
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