Daily Current Affairs (22 & 23 February 2026) for Government Exams: Key Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & More
The Daily Current Affairs of 22 & 23 February 2026 cover major updates in MSME exports, AI & semiconductor supply chains, banking reforms, defence preparedness, important days, and key state infrastructure projects. These updates are highly relevant for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSC exams.
Jump to section
Introduction
The Current Affairs of 22 & 23 February 2026 highlight significant developments in export promotion, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor supply chains, financial reforms, defence testing, and major state infrastructure projects.
These updates are crucial for Government Exam aspirants as they cover policy decisions, international collaborations, economic indices, and important days frequently asked in UPSC, SSC CGL, IBPS PO/Clerk, RBI, Railways, and State PSC examinations.
For more updates, visit our 👉 Daily Current Affairs section and practice through Daily Current Affairs Free Quizzes.
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Union Minister Piyush Goyal Launches 7 Additional Interventions under Export Promotion Mission (EPM)
In February 2026, Union Minister Piyush Goyal (Ministry of Commerce & Industry – MoC&I) launched 7 new interventions under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to boost MSME exports.
Background
The Export Promotion Mission aims to enhance India’s global trade competitiveness and support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Key Highlights
- 10 out of 11 proposed EPM interventions are now operational.
- Two Pillars introduced:
- Niryat Protsahan
- Niryat Disha
Table: New Interventions under EPM
| Pillar | Intervention | Full Form |
|---|---|---|
| Niryat Protsahan | ATI | Alternative Trade Instruments |
| CAE | Credit Assistance for E-Commerce Exporters | |
| EEO | Emerging Export Opportunities | |
| Niryat Disha | TRACE | Trade Regulations, Accreditation & Compliance Enablement |
| FLOW | Facilitating Logistics, Overseas Warehousing & Fulfilment | |
| LIFT | Logistics Interventions for Freight & Transport | |
| INSIGHT | Integrated Support for Trade Intelligence & Facilitation |
Significance
- Strengthens MSME export ecosystem.
- Enhances logistics and compliance support.
- Improves India’s global competitiveness.
India Joins Pax Silica – US-led AI & Semiconductor Coalition
India became the 12th member of Pax Silica, a USA-led strategic coalition focused on AI infrastructure and semiconductor supply chains.
Background
- Launched on 12 December 2025 in Washington DC.
- Founding members include USA, Japan, UK, Israel, Australia, etc.
India’s Strategic Contributions
- 2-nanometre chip design capability.
- 10 semiconductor plants under development.
- 8.52 million tonnes of rare earth reserves.
- Alignment with:
- National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)
- India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
Importance for Exams
- Reduces dependence on China for Rare Earth Elements (REE).
- Strengthens technological sovereignty.
50 Years of Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
The Government of India marked the Golden Jubilee of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.
Key Provisions
- Abolished bonded labour system.
- Cancelled bonded debts.
- Empowered District Magistrates.
- Created Vigilance Committees.
Table: Important Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Enacted | 1976 |
| Came into Force | 9 February 1976 |
| During PM | Indira Gandhi |
| Implemented by | Ministry of Labour & Employment |
BANKING & FINANCE
World Bank’s MIGA Guarantees USD 197.67 Million to SBI
The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) provided a USD 197.67 million guarantee to Citibank to refinance SBI’s rooftop solar program.
Key Points
- Supports Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (GRPV) systems.
- Frees World Bank lending capacity.
- Encourages renewable energy financing.
ICICI Launches Swasthya Pension Scheme
ICICI Prudential launched “ICICI PF NPS Swasthya Equity Plus” under National Pension System (NPS).
Features
- Blends retirement and healthcare benefits.
- 25% withdrawal allowed for medical emergencies.
- Developed under PFRDA regulatory sandbox.
NPCI Extends UPI One World Wallet
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) extended UPI One World wallet for foreign delegates at India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Highlights
- No Indian bank account required.
- AI-powered dispute model “FiMI” launched.
- Collaboration with Nvidia & Razorpay.
ECONOMY
Base Year of Merchandise Trade Indices Revised
DGCI&S revised base year from 2012-13 to 2022-23.
Importance
- Improves GDP estimation accuracy.
- Used by National Accounts Division (MoSPI).
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Strela-10 Missile Tested in Pokhran
Indian Army’s Konark Corps successfully tested Strela-10 VSHORADS at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Very Short Range Air Defence System |
| Range | 6–10 km |
| Target | Low-flying aircraft, helicopters, UAVs |
STATE NEWS
Waaree Energies to Set Up Largest Battery Gigafactory in Andhra Pradesh
- Investment: ₹8,175 crore
- Capacity: 16 GWh
- Location: Rambilli, Anakapalli district
Bihar Approves Greenfield International Airport in Sonpur
- Cost: ₹1,302 crore (land acquisition)
- Area: 4,200 acres
- Expected Completion: 2030
- 24th Greenfield airport in India
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Mother Language Day – 21 February 2026
- Theme: “Youth voices on multilingual education”
- Declared by UNESCO in 1999
World Pangolin Day – 21 February 2026
- Observed on third Saturday of February
- 2026 marks 15th observance
Key Highlights
- India joins Pax Silica AI coalition.
- 7 new EPM interventions launched.
- MIGA supports SBI solar refinance.
- ICICI launches healthcare-linked NPS scheme.
- Bihar approves 24th Greenfield airport.
- Strela-10 missile tested successfully.
One-Liner Revision Points
- India became 12th member of Pax Silica in Feb 2026.
- 7 new interventions launched under Export Promotion Mission.
- Bonded Labour Act completed 50 years in 2026.
- MIGA issued USD 197.67 million guarantee to SBI.
- ICICI launched Swasthya Equity Plus under NPS.
- NPCI extended UPI One World wallet for foreign delegates.
- Trade indices base year revised to 2022-23.
- Strela-10 VSHORADS tested in Pokhran.
- Waaree to set up ₹8,175 crore battery gigafactory.
- Sonpur airport will be India’s 24th Greenfield airport.
📚 Stay Updated with JobsMe
Current Affairs Today simplifies preparation for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways and other competitive exams by keeping you updated with Daily, Weekly and Monthly Current Affairs PDFs, quizzes and study notes.
🔹 Explore 👉 Weekly Current Affairs
🔹 Download 👉 Monthly Current Affairs
🔹 Practice 👉 Static GK for Competitive Exams
🔹 Check 👉 Latest Government Jobs Notifications
Stay consistent. Revise daily. Crack your dream government exam with confidence! 🚀
Free quiz • No signup required
Put this topic into practice with Daily Current Affairs MCQ Quiz (22 & 23 February 2026) for Government Exams. It is the quickest way to reinforce what you just learned.
