Daily Current Affairs — 20 February 2026
4 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
ISA Launches Global AI-for-Energy Mission
In News The International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched the Global Mission on AI for Energy at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to accelerate AI adoption in clean energy across 120+ member countries, emphasizing digital infrastructure like Indias Energy Stack. International Solar Alliance It is a global initiative launched in2015 by India and France at COP21 in Paris. It has over 120 member countries and works across Africa, Asia, and island nations.
Gender Budget Allocation Rises in Union Budget 2026–27
Context An allocation of 5.01 lakh crore rupees has been earmarked for the welfare of women and girls in the Gender Budget Statement for the current financial year. What is Gender Budgeting (GB)? GB is an approach that integrates gender equality into government’s planning and budgeting processes and analyses how budgets can promote gender equality and the empowerment of women.
SC Questions States Over Indiscriminate Distribution of Freebies
Context Recently, the Supreme Court questioned State governments for distributing freebies and expressed concern that such measures, particularly ahead of elections, resemble an ‘appeasement’ policy that disregards the health of the public exchequer. What Are ‘Freebies’? These refer to goods, services, or financial benefits distributed by governments at no direct cost to beneficiaries.
Google’s America-India Connect Initiative
Context At India AI Impact Summit, Google has announced that it will connect India with the US through new subsea cables as part of a 15 billion dollar investment spread over five years. About Google announced the collaborative infrastructure initiative named America-India Connect. A new international subsea gateway will be established in Vizag.