In Current Affairs for 20 February 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 20 February 2026
Mizoram Foundation Day 2026
Mizoram Foundation Day will be observed on 20 February 2026 (Thursday), commemorating the day the state officially became the 23rd state of India in 1987. The occasion carries immense historical and political significance for the people of Mizoram.
Before attaining full statehood, Mizoram functioned as a Union Territory from 1972, after being separated from Assam. The transition to statehood was made possible following the signing of the historic Mizoram Accord in 1986 between the Government of India and the Mizo National Front. The accord brought long-term peace and stability to the region after years of unrest.
On 20 February 1987, Mizoram officially became a state, marking a new chapter of democratic governance, development, and cultural preservation. The Foundation Day is celebrated with official ceremonies, cultural performances, and public events across the state.
Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day
Arunachal Pradesh also celebrates its Foundation Day on 20 February, as it achieved statehood on the same date in 1987.
Historically, the region was known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) during both the British period and the early decades after Independence. In 1972, it was carved out of Assam and made a Union Territory. Fifteen years later, it was granted full state status.
Popularly referred to as the “Land of the Rising Sun,” Arunachal Pradesh holds immense strategic importance due to its borders with Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. Its geographical location makes it a key frontier state in India’s national security framework. Foundation Day celebrations highlight the state’s rich tribal heritage, cultural diversity, and development achievements.
World Day of Social Justice 2026
Every year, 20 February is observed globally as World Day of Social Justice. In 2026, the theme is:
“Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice”
The day emphasizes the need for inclusive growth and fairness in societies worldwide. Major focus areas include:
- Poverty eradication
- Full and productive employment
- Decent work opportunities
- Social inclusion and equality
The International Labour Organization (ILO) strengthened this global commitment by adopting the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10 June 2008. The observance calls upon governments and institutions to build equitable economic systems that benefit all sections of society.
Mumbai to Host Prince William’s Earthshot Prize 2026
Mumbai has been selected to host the prestigious The Earthshot Prize in 2026. Founded in 2020 by Prince William, the prize recognizes groundbreaking environmental solutions aimed at repairing the planet.
The announcement coincided with the launch of Mumbai’s first Climate Week, reinforcing India’s growing leadership in climate action.
About The Earthshot Prize:
- Established in 2020
- Five winners selected annually
- Each winner receives £1 million
- Focus on scalable innovations addressing climate and environmental challenges
Prince William has described India as one of the most influential nations in tackling climate change, emphasizing that large-scale solutions developed in India can inspire global transformation.
Hosting the award ceremony highlights India’s expanding role in sustainable innovation and environmental leadership.
India Joins Pax Silica Coalition
During the India AI Impact Summit 2026, India officially joined the Pax Silica coalition. This move marks a major step in strengthening strategic cooperation between India and the United States in advanced technology and semiconductor supply chains.
What is Pax Silica?
Pax Silica is a US-led strategic alliance designed to secure the global “silicon stack” — from critical minerals and semiconductor manufacturing to advanced artificial intelligence systems and deployment infrastructure.
The coalition aims to:
- Reduce excessive dependence on limited supply sources
- Strengthen trusted supply chains
- Prevent economic coercion
- Promote technology governance rooted in democratic values
Launched in Washington in December, the initiative includes partner nations such as Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, the UAE, and the United Kingdom.
The term “Pax” originates from the Latin word for peace, symbolizing stability, while “Silica” represents the mineral foundation of semiconductor chips and AI systems.
India’s inclusion is strategically significant due to:
- Its vast technology talent pool
- Untapped reserves of critical minerals
- The need to reduce heavy dependence on China, which currently supplies a major share of India’s rare earth imports
By joining Pax Silica, India strengthens its position in the evolving AI-driven global economy.
Conclusion
The date 20 February 2026 marks significant national and international events — from the statehood celebrations of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh to the global observance of World Day of Social Justice. Simultaneously, developments such as Mumbai hosting The Earthshot Prize and India joining Pax Silica reflect the country’s growing global influence in climate action and advanced technology governance.
Together, these events underline India’s journey toward peace, development, sustainability, and strategic global leadership.
Review Questions
1. Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on:
A. 21 January 1972
B. 15 August 1986
C. 20 February 1987
D. 26 January 1990
Answer: C. 20 February 1987
2. The statehood of Mizoram followed the signing of which agreement?
A. Shillong Accord
B. Mizoram Accord
C. Punjab Accord
D. Assam Accord
Answer: B. Mizoram Accord
3. Arunachal Pradesh was earlier known as:
A. Naga Hills
B. Lushai Hills
C. North East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
D. Frontier Tribal Area
Answer: C. North East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
4. Arunachal Pradesh attained full statehood on:
A. 20 February 1987
B. 21 January 1972
C. 1 November 1966
D. 15 August 1947
Answer: A. 20 February 1987
5. 20 February is observed globally as:
A. International Peace Day
B. World Development Day
C. World Day of Social Justice
D. Global Equality Day
Answer: C. World Day of Social Justice
6. The ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization was adopted in:
A. 1995
B. 2001
C. 2008
D. 2015
Answer: C. 2008
7. The Earthshot Prize was founded in 2020 by:
A. King Charles III
B. Prince William
C. David Attenborough
D. Elon Musk
Answer: B. Prince William
8. How many winners are selected each year for The Earthshot Prize?
A. Three
B. Four
C. Five
D. Ten
Answer: C. Five
9. Pax Silica is primarily focused on securing global supply chains related to:
A. Oil and Gas
B. Steel Production
C. Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductors
D. Agricultural Products
Answer: C. Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductors
10. Which Indian city will host The Earthshot Prize 2026 ceremony?
A. New Delhi
B. Bengaluru
C. Hyderabad
D. Mumbai
Answer: D. Mumbai
