School Assembly News Headlines: 21 February 2026

National News

1. Modi Meets Prince Alois in Delhi to Boost India Liechtenstein Trade Investment Artificial Intelligence and Skills Cooperation

2. Dharmendra Pradhan Highlights NEP 2020 Role in Strengthening India Spain Education Research and Youth Exchange Collaboration

3. India and United States Sign Pax Silica Declaration to Expand Semiconductor Critical Minerals and AI Technology Cooperation

4. IMF Chief Praises India Youth Embracing Artificial Intelligence and Strong Digital Infrastructure Supporting Innovation and Economic Growth

International News

1. Trump Sets Deadline for Iran Nuclear Deal Warns of Consequences Amid Rising Middle East Military and Political Tensions

2. G42 and Cerebras Announce Plans to Build National Scale AI Supercomputer in India With 8 Exaflops Capacity

Sports News

1. Lionel Messi Kicks Off Fourth MLS Season as League Targets World Cup Driven Surge in Global Fan Interest

2. F1 Chief Dismisses Verstappen Criticism of 2026 Regulations Amid Ongoing Debate Over Sport Future Direction

Business News

1. India Revises Merchandise Trade Indices Base Year to FY 2022 23 Aligning Data With Changing Global Commerce Patterns

1. Modi Meets Prince Alois in Delhi to Strengthen India Liechtenstein Cooperation in Trade Investment AI and Skills Development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Alois discussed expanding India Liechtenstein ties in trade, investment, artificial intelligence, innovation, and skills development during their meeting at India AI Impact Summit 2026.

2. Dharmendra Pradhan Highlights NEP 2020 Role in Strengthening India Spain Academic Collaboration at Higher Education Conference in Delhi
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said NEP 2020 supports global academic collaboration and highlighted India Spain partnership through research, education, and youth exchanges during India Spain Conference in New Delhi.

3. India and United States Sign Pax Silica Declaration to Boost Semiconductor Critical Minerals and AI Cooperation at Summit
India and the United States signed the Pax Silica declaration to expand cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence, aiming to build a secure global technology ecosystem and strengthen innovation leadership.

4. IMF Chief Says India Fortunate With Youth Embracing AI Praises Digital Infrastructure and Policy Support
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said India benefits from its young population adopting AI and strong digital infrastructure, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron for advancing global AI cooperation.

5. Modi Meets AI Startup CEOs to Discuss Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture Education Environment and Data Governance in India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met AI and deeptech startup leaders to explore artificial intelligence applications in agriculture, education, and environment, stressing data governance, innovation, and solutions addressing India’s developmental priorities.

1. Trump Warns Iran to Reach Nuclear Deal Within Deadline Amid Rising Middle East Tensions and Military Build Up
US President Donald Trump urged Iran to finalise a nuclear agreement within 15 days, warning of consequences as tensions rise and negotiations continue over security and stability in Middle East.

2. Abu Dhabi G42 and Cerebras Plan National AI Supercomputer in India With 8 Exaflops Capacity and Academic Partnerships
Abu Dhabi group G42 and chipmaker Cerebras will build an eight exaflop AI supercomputer in India, partnering MBZUAI and C-DAC to boost research, innovation, and national artificial intelligence infrastructure development.

3. India US Pax Silica Declaration Signals Strong Commitment to Innovation Partnership and Pro Innovation Artificial Intelligence Cooperation
US Secretary Jacob Helberg said Pax Silica Declaration reflects India US commitment to innovation, technology partnerships, and pro innovation artificial intelligence collaboration, strengthening joint efforts in emerging technologies and future industries.

4. US Economic Growth Slows to 1.4 Percent in Late 2025 Falling Below Forecasts During Trump Presidency Return
US economy expanded at a 1.4 percent annual rate in October to December 2025. Growth remained below expectations, reflecting slower economic performance during the first year of Donald Trump’s presidential return.

1. India Revises Base Year for Merchandise Trade Indices to FY 2022 23 to Reflect Evolving Global Commerce
India updated the base year of merchandise trade indices to FY 2022–23. The move aligns trade price and volume data with changing global commerce patterns and domestic economic structure.

2. RBI Says India EU and US Trade Pacts to Boost Exports Market Access and Economic Growth Prospects
RBI bulletin stated upcoming India EU and US trade agreements will enhance export competitiveness and market access. It also noted favourable economic outlook supported by consumption, investment, and productivity reforms.

3. India Merchandise Trade Deficit Widens in January 2026 as Imports Grow Faster Than Exports RBI Reports
RBI January bulletin reported India’s merchandise trade deficit widened in January 2026. Imports increased faster than exports, reflecting stronger inbound demand and uneven export performance across global markets.

4. India Plans April Implementation of UK and Oman FTAs New Zealand Pact Expected by September Says Minister
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced India’s FTAs with the UK and Oman may start in April, while New Zealand pact is expected by September, with EU also seeking early trade agreement implementation.