IMPORTANT DAYS
Arunachal Pradesh & Mizoram Statehood Day 2026 – 20 February
• Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram celebrated their 39th Statehood Day on 20 February 2026.
• Both states attained full statehood on 20 February 1987, strengthening India’s federal structure.
• Mizoram became India’s 23rd state under the 53rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
• Arunachal Pradesh was granted statehood as the 24th state through the 55th Constitutional Amendment Act.
• On the occasion, the President, Vice President and Prime Minister conveyed greetings to the people of both states.
• Arunachal Pradesh – Capital: Itanagar | Chief Minister: Pema Khandu | Governor: Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik.
• Mizoram – Capital: Aizawl | Chief Minister: Lalduhoma | Governor: Vijay Kumar Singh.
• The day highlights the historical journey, cultural identity and developmental progress of the two northeastern states within the Indian Union.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
US Trade Policy Shift After Court Blocks Tariff Regime
• Donald Trump announced plans to introduce a 10% universal tariff through an executive order after a major judicial setback to his earlier trade policy.
• The decision came soon after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against his reciprocal tariff framework.
• The Court’s 6–3 verdict stated that emergency economic powers cannot be used by the President to impose tariffs without approval from Congress.
• Chief Justice John Roberts emphasised that the authority to levy taxes and duties lies solely with the legislature.
• In response, Trump signalled the use of alternative legal provisions, including Section 122 and investigations under Section 301 of US trade law.
• While the administration claims tariffs burden foreign exporters, economic studies suggest US importers and consumers bear most of the cost.
• Reports indicate that mid-sized American firms have faced a sharp rise in tariff payments, affecting hiring, pricing and profitability.
• With fresh policy steps expected and past tariffs under review, global markets and businesses face continued uncertainty over future US trade actions.
STATE NEWS
Vibrant Villages Programme-II Launched in Assam
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Vibrant Villages Programme-II in Cachar district of Assam to boost development in border regions.
• The scheme focuses on upgrading infrastructure and generating sustainable livelihood opportunities in frontier villages.
• It supports the broader national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 by prioritising secure and economically strong border communities.
• With an outlay of over ₹6,800 crore, the programme will run until the financial year 2028–29.
• It will be implemented across 15 States and 2 Union Territories using a convergence-based development approach.
• Empowered border residents are expected to contribute to national security by acting as vigilant community stakeholders.
• The initiative also seeks to curb cross-border crimes and strengthen internal security mechanisms.
• During the visit, Shah reviewed arrangements at the BSF Natunpur outpost and launched BJP’s Barak Valley campaign, while also scheduling participation in the Central Reserve Police Force annual parade in Guwahati and laying the foundation for the 10th Assam Police Battalion campus at Kasutoli.
AWARDS
UNESCO Honours Community-Led Restoration of Vasai Cathedral
• The 16th-century Our Lady of Grace Cathedral has been awarded the Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
• Located in Papdy village of Vasai, the cathedral reflects the spread of Catholic heritage during Portuguese rule in western India.
• Built using traditional mud-based techniques without cement or bricks, the structure had deteriorated due to age, monsoon damage and unsuitable past repairs.
• A ₹4.5 crore conservation project restored key elements such as the roof, façade, bell tower, corridors and intricate interiors.
• The effort was led by conservation architect Ainsley Lewis in collaboration with parish members and church authorities.
• Funding was raised entirely through contributions from the local community, showcasing strong grassroots participation.
• UNESCO commended the project for its revival of traditional craftsmanship while preserving the cathedral’s role as a living place of worship.
• The recognition places Vasai among notable heritage conservation successes in the Asia-Pacific region during the programme’s silver jubilee year.
ECONOMY NEWS
India’s Forex Reserves Reach Historic High
• India’s foreign exchange reserves climbed to a record $725.727 billion, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India for the week ending February 13.
• The reserves increased by $8.663 billion after witnessing a decline in the previous week due to fluctuations in gold prices.
• A major boost came from gold holdings, which rose by nearly $5 billion to reach $128.466 billion.
• Foreign Currency Assets — the largest share of reserves — expanded by $3.55 billion to $573.603 billion.
• These assets include major global currencies like the US dollar, euro, yen and pound in dollar terms.
• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) grew slightly to $18.924 billion, while India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund increased to $4.734 billion.
• Strong reserves enhance India’s ability to stabilise the rupee by enabling intervention in currency markets when required.
• Backed by high remittance inflows and steady investment levels highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025–26, the reserves reflect resilience in India’s external sector.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
Joint Regional Official Language Conference Organised in Agartala
• The Joint Regional Official Language Conference for Eastern, North-Eastern and Northern regions was inaugurated in February 2026 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Agartala.
• The event was organised by the Department of Official Languages to promote linguistic harmony and policy implementation.
• It was highlighted that Hindi, Bengali and Kokborok are widely spoken across Tripura.
• Tripura was described as a state that has maintained harmony without language-based conflicts.
• The region was referred to as the sacred land of Mata Tripura Sundari.
• It was noted that the Hindi movement traces its roots back to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• The Devanagari script was credited with preserving more than 2,000 dialects across India.
• Tripura was also recognised as a vital part of Ashtalakshmi, symbolising the strength of the North-East, while noting that 21 peace agreements have been signed in the region since 2014.
