In Current Affairs for 21 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 21 February 2026
International Mother Language Day 2026
International Mother Language Day will be observed on 21 February 2026 to celebrate linguistic diversity and promote the preservation of native languages across the globe. The day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 and later recognized by the United Nations General Assembly. It underlines the importance of multilingual education and safeguarding endangered languages.
The 2026 theme, “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” emphasizes the role of young people in protecting and promoting linguistic heritage. With nearly 40% of students worldwide not receiving education in their mother tongue, the observance calls for inclusive learning systems that respect cultural identity and linguistic rights.
Harmanpreet Kaur Becomes Most-Capped Player in Women’s Cricket
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur has set a new benchmark in women’s international cricket by becoming the most-capped player in the history of the women’s game. She reached this milestone during the second T20I against Australia in Canberra.
With 356 international appearances, she surpassed Suzie Bates, who had 355 matches to her name. This achievement reflects her longevity, leadership, and consistent contribution to Indian cricket.
Most-Capped Players in Women’s International Cricket
| Player | Country | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Harmanpreet Kaur | India | 356 |
| Suzie Bates | New Zealand | 355 |
| Ellyse Perry | Australia | 349 |
| Mithali Raj | India | 333 |
| Charlotte Edwards | England | 309 |
Her achievement marks a proud moment for Indian cricket and highlights the growing stature of women’s cricket globally.
Harsharan Kaur Trehan Appointed as PSPCL’s First Woman Director
Harsharan Kaur Trehan has been appointed as Director (Commercial) of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), becoming the first woman technocrat to reach board-level leadership in the corporation. The appointment was formalized on 20 February 2026 by Basant Garg, Secretary (Power), Punjab Government, who also holds additional charge as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of PSPCL.
She will serve a two-year term from the date of joining. Earlier, in May 2021, she made history as the first woman Engineer-in-Chief in the organization, leading the Material Management wing. After retiring in October 2022, she has now returned to assume this significant leadership role.
Her appointment represents a major step forward for gender representation in technical and administrative leadership positions within state-run utilities.
Norway Sets New Winter Olympics Gold Record
At the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics 2026, Norway created history by winning its 17th gold medal, the highest ever secured by a nation at a single Winter Games. The previous record of 16 gold medals was set at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
The milestone moment came when Johannes Dale-Skjevdal delivered an exceptional performance in the men’s 15 km biathlon mass start event.
Race Highlights:
- Perfect shooting: 20/20 targets
- Winning time: 39 minutes, 17.1 seconds
- Took the lead after the first standing shooting round
- Competed under challenging wind and snow conditions
Norway’s All-Time Winter Olympics Medal Tally:
- Gold: 148
- Silver: 134
- Bronze: 123
- Total: 405
Top Winter Olympics Medal Leaders:
- Norway – 405 total medals
- United States – 330 total medals
- Germany – 267 total medals
With this new record, Norway has strengthened its dominance in Winter Olympics history.
Eight-Year-Old Ranvir Sachdeva Shines at India AI Impact Summit
In an extraordinary moment at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, eight-year-old Ranvir Sachdeva became the youngest speaker at the prestigious gathering held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The summit brought together global CEOs, investors, technologists, and policymakers. However, Ranvir captured attention by confidently discussing complex concepts related to artificial intelligence, describing himself as a “technologist at heart.” His participation highlighted the increasing involvement of youth in technology and innovation.
Donald Trump Imposes 10% Global Tariff on Imports
In a significant development in global trade, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 10% tariff on imports from all countries. The move followed a 6–3 ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States on 20 February 2026, which stated that the President did not have the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad global tariffs.
Following the ruling, Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows temporary tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days to address trade imbalances. Using this provision, he introduced a uniform 10% tariff on all imports. Any extension beyond 150 days would require approval from Congress.
Key Implications:
- The 10% tariff applies to all imported goods entering the US.
- It is in addition to existing tariffs under Section 232 (national security) and Section 301 (unfair trade practices).
- India will not receive an exemption from the new measure.
For India, this decision could increase the cost of exports to the US market, potentially affecting demand, industrial output, and employment in export-driven sectors.
Review Questions
1. International Mother Language Day is observed every year on:
A) 20 February
B) 21 February
C) 22 February
D) 23 February
Answer: B) 21 February
Explanation: International Mother Language Day is observed on 21 February to promote linguistic and cultural diversity.
2. International Mother Language Day was proclaimed in 1999 by:
A) UNICEF
B) UNDP
C) UNESCO
D) World Bank
Answer: C) UNESCO
Explanation: UNESCO proclaimed the day in 1999, and it was later adopted by the UN General Assembly.
3. The 2026 theme of International Mother Language Day focuses on:
A) Digital Education
B) Climate Change
C) Youth Voices on Multilingual Education
D) Artificial Intelligence
Answer: C) Youth Voices on Multilingual Education
Explanation: The 2026 theme emphasizes the role of youth in promoting multilingual education.
4. Harmanpreet Kaur became the most-capped player in women’s international cricket with how many matches?
A) 349
B) 333
C) 355
D) 356
Answer: D) 356
Explanation: Harmanpreet Kaur reached 356 international appearances, becoming the highest in women’s cricket history.
5. Harmanpreet Kaur surpassed which cricketer to become the most-capped player?
A) Mithali Raj
B) Ellyse Perry
C) Suzie Bates
D) Charlotte Edwards
Answer: C) Suzie Bates
Explanation: She overtook Suzie Bates, who had 355 international matches.
6. Harsharan Kaur Trehan has been appointed as Director (Commercial) of:
A) NTPC
B) Power Grid Corporation
C) Punjab State Power Corporation Limited
D) NHPC
Answer: C) Punjab State Power Corporation Limited
Explanation: She became the first woman technocrat to reach board level in PSPCL.
7. Norway broke the record for most gold medals at a single Winter Olympics at:
A) Beijing 2022
B) PyeongChang 2018
C) Milan Cortina 2026
D) Sochi 2014
Answer: C) Milan Cortina 2026
Explanation: Norway won its 17th gold medal at Milan Cortina 2026, setting a new record.
8. Johannes Dale-Skjevdal won gold in which event at the Winter Olympics 2026?
A) Ski Jumping
B) Cross-Country Skiing
C) Biathlon 15 km Mass Start
D) Alpine Skiing
Answer: C) Biathlon 15 km Mass Start
Explanation: He secured gold with a perfect shooting score in the biathlon event.
9. Eight-year-old Ranvir Sachdeva became the youngest speaker at:
A) G20 Summit 2026
B) India AI Impact Summit 2026
C) World Economic Forum
D) Startup India Conclave
Answer: B) India AI Impact Summit 2026
Explanation: He spoke at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi.
10. The 10% global tariff on imports was imposed by which US President?
A) Joe Biden
B) Barack Obama
C) George Bush
D) Donald Trump
Answer: D) Donald Trump
Explanation: Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after a Supreme Court ruling.
