NEWS 18-02-2026. News For 20th-Feb (Friday) Defence 1. India and France have renewed their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years at the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru. The partnership focuses on increasing indigenous content in Rafale jets and the joint production of HAMMER missiles. Both nations also announced to strengthen maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. 2. The Defence Acquisition Council has cleared a massive ?3.6 lakh crore procurement plan. This includes the purchase of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), combat missiles, and P-8I surveillance planes for the Navy. The plan also includes major upgrades for T-72 tanks to ensure our ground forces remain battle-ready. 3. Visakhapatnam hosted Exercise MILAN 2026, one of the largest naval exercises in the world. With participation from 70 countries and over 71 warships, the event emphasizes maritime cooperation and regional stability. This year is special as it marks the first time the International Fleet Review and IONS Conclave are being held together. 4. In a landmark development, the Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force-154. Led by Commodore Mokashi, this multinational task force is based in Bahrain and focuses on maritime training. This role highlights India’s growing reputation as a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region. National 1. The India–AI Impact Summit 2026 was held at New Delhi, focusing on responsible AI. Prime Minister Modi launched key challenges like 'AI for ALL' and 'AI by HER' to ensure technology helps everyone, particularly women and students, achieve inclusive growth. 2. The Indian School of Business (ISB) has made history by ranking 12th globally in the Financial Times MBA Rankings 2026. This is a massive jump from previous years. ISB is now ranked 1st in India and 2nd in Asia, proving that Indian management education is now among the best in the world. 3. India has launched its first National Biobank for rare genetic disorders in Ahmedabad. This facility will store biological samples from 530 patients to help scientists find cures for 27 different rare diseases. 4. 1. French President Emmanuel Macron has been visiting India from February 17 to 19, 2026, marking a major milestone in the relationship between the two nations. This is his fourth visit to India and his first official visit to Mumbai. International 1. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, India is now ranked 7th in the world for research and development spending. This shows that India is investing heavily in new inventions and science, contributing significantly to the global R&D expenditure of 2.87 trillion dollars. 2. A powerful storm named Cyclone Gezani struck the east coast of Madagascar with wind speeds exceeding 250 km/h. The storm has displaced over 16,000 people and caused widespread damage. International relief teams are now working to provide food and water to the affected families. 3. The SING submarine cable project will connect the UAE, India, and Singapore by 2030. This underwater internet cable will provide ultra-high-capacity data speeds and improve digital security across the Indo-Pacific region, making the internet faster and safer for millions of people. Sports 1. The 2026 Winter Olympic Games have officially commenced with a spectacular Opening Ceremony at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy. Over 3,000 athletes from 91 nations have gathered to compete. 2. Indian shooter Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar has set a new world record of 362.0 at the Asian Shooting Championships in New Delhi. India made history by winning all three medals—Gold, Silver, and Bronze—in the men's 50m rifle event. 3. Chess champion Magnus Carlsen has won the FIDE Freestyle World Championship, claiming his 21st world title. By winning this latest trophy in Germany, he has reinforced his position as the most dominant chess player of the modern era. 4. Indian para-badminton legend Pramod Bhagat has created history by winning his sixth world title in Bahrain. By winning his fourth consecutive gold medal, he has become the most decorated singles champion in the history of para-badminton. < < Back