UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 20 February 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 20 February 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 20 February 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary

February 20, 2026
Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary

Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Recently, the Uttarakhand Forest Department has officially documented the presence of smooth-coated otters in the Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary for the first time.

About Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Location: It is located in the state of Uttarakhand.
  • It is situated in Terai Arc Landscape, it forms part of Shivalik Elephant Reserve.
  • It connects Corbett and Rajaji landscape in the west with Pilibhit-Dudwa along with Terai area of Nepal in the East.
  • Rivers: It is flanked by River Gola in the west and River Sharda in the east and intersected by River Nandhaur
    • The Nandhaur River flows east to west in the northern area and then turns south to cut  the  landscape  into  two  before  disappearing  in  the  Tarai  area.
  • Vegetation: It mainly consists of Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest, Mixed Deciduous Forests, Riverine Forests.
  • Flora: It has over 100 tree species, including the majestic shisham, versatile bamboo, timeless teak, and the evergreen chir pine.
  • Fauna: Asian elephants, leopards and sloth bears, Tigers, Asiatic black bear and Sloth Bear. etc.

Source: NIE

Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: Uttarakhand

Q2: Which river flows through Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Nandhaur River

Vibrant Villages Programme–II

February 20, 2026
Vibrant Villages Programme–II

Vibrant Villages Programme–II Latest News

The Union Home Minister will launch the Vibrant Villages Programme-II in the Cachar district of Assam.

About Vibrant Villages Programme–II

  • It is a Central Sector Scheme (100% Centre funding).
  • It is designed to ensure comprehensive and sustainable development of border villages through a saturation-based and convergence-driven approach.
  • Objective: To create better living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities to ensure prosperous and safe borders, control trans-border crime and assimilate the border population with the nation.
  • States Covered: It is implemented in the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K. Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
    • It excludes the Northern border already covered under VVP-I.
  • Financial Outlay: It has a total outlay of Rs 6,839 crore to be implemented till the FY 2028-29.
  • Key Features of Vibrant Villages Programme-II
    • It shall provide funds for infrastructure development within the village or a cluster of villages like education infrastructure like SMART classes, development of tourism circuits.
    • It focuses on value chain development through cooperatives, SHGs, etc to create diverse & sustainable livelihood opportunities in the border areas.
    • It emphasizes enhancing vibrancy in these villages by organizing activities including fairs & festivals, awareness camps, celebration of National days.

Source: PIB

Vibrant Villages Programme–II FAQs

Q1: What is the main objective of Vibrant Villages Programme-II?

Ans: To improve livelihood opportunities in border villages

Q2: What is the total outlay for Vibrant Villages Programme-II?

Ans: ₹6,839 crore

Indian Sandalwood

February 20, 2026
Indian Sandalwood

Indian Sandalwood Latest News

According to a recent report by the sandalwood development committee (SDC) set up by the Union Government, globally, the estimated annual demand for sandalwood stands at 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes. 

About Indian Sandalwood

  • Santalum album L. (Santalaceae) commonly known as Indian Sandalwood is one of the oldest and precious sources of natural fragrance.
  • It is known by the name "Chandan" and "Srigandha" in India.
  • Required Climatic Conditions for Indian Sandalwood
    • Soil: Sandalwood grows better in slight alkaline condition soil PH Range between 6.7. to 7.5.
    • Climate: It thrives in hot and humid climates.
    • The ideal temperature for the growth of Sandalwood is between 12 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius.
    • It requires good drainage and does not stand water logged ground.
  • It is a long-duration crop, taking nearly 20 years to develop quality heartwood, which is the primary source of sandalwood oil. 
  • It freely produces seed and natural regeneration occurs both via seedlings and through root suckers after trees have been uprooted and the stump removed from the ground.
  • Uses: Sandalwood and its essential oils have very high commercial values because of its use in aromatherapy, soap industry, perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Major Sandalwood Growing States: Sandalwood is mostly grown in states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu in India. 
  • Reasons for decline in sandalwood production: Illegal logging and smuggling, Habitat loss due to deforestation, Slow growth and long maturation cycle, Pests and diseases.

Source: TH

Indian Sandalwood FAQs

Q1: Which of the following is a major use of Indian Sandalwood?

Ans: Perfumery and cosmetics

Q2: How long does it take for Indian Sandalwood to develop quality heartwood?

Ans: 20 years

Spinosaurus mirabilis

February 20, 2026
Spinosaurus mirabilis

Spinosaurus mirabilis Latest News

A new meat-eating dinosaur species, Spinosaurus mirabilis, was recently discovered in the Sahara Desert.

About Spinosaurus mirabilis

  • It is a new meat-eating dinosaur, belonging to ‘Spinosaurus’ species.
  • The dinosaur’s fossils were uncovered in the remote fossil area of Jengueb in Niger, deep in the central Sahara.
  • It existed nearly 95 million years ago.
  • It likely lived in a forested inland habitat dissected by rivers.
  • With this new finding, mirabilis becomes the second known species of Spinosaurus. 
  • The remains of first known species – Spinosaurus aegyptiacus – were discovered in 1915 from fossils excavated in Egypt. 

Spinosaurus mirabilis Features

  • The most striking feature of S. mirabilis is a massive, scimitar-shaped cranial crest, unlike anything previously documented in the group.
  • Based on the crest’s surface texture and interior vascular canals, the experts believe the crest was sheathed in keratin. 
  • They reckon that this display feature was brightly colored in life, curving toward the sky as a blade-shaped beacon.
  • Other findings from the skull and leg bones show that S. mirabilis was a formidable, semiaquatic hunter. 
  • Its interlocking conical teeth and long legs would have allowed the dinosaur to hunt on land, as well as to wade through the shallows and pluck creatures out of the water.

Source: MINT

Spinosaurus mirabilis FAQs

Q1: What is Spinosaurus mirabilis?

Ans: It is a newly identified meat-eating dinosaur belonging to the genus Spinosaurus.

Q2: Where were the fossils of Spinosaurus mirabilis discovered?

Ans: In the Jengueb fossil area of Niger in the central Sahara.

Q3: When did Spinosaurus mirabilis live?

Ans: About 95 million years ago.

Q4: What is the most distinctive feature of Spinosaurus mirabilis?

Ans: A massive, scimitar-shaped cranial crest.

CJ-1000 Missile

February 20, 2026
CJ-1000 Missile

CJ-1000 Missile Latest News

China recently showcased the CJ-1000, a land-based scramjet-powered hypersonic missile, during a military parade in Beijing.

About CJ-1000 Missile

  • It is a road-mobile hypersonic cruise missile developed by China.
  • It is the world’s first and so far only operational land-based scramjet-powered hypersonic missile.
  • CJ-1000 is mounted on a highly mobile 10-wheel diesel-electric hybrid transporter-erector-launcher.
  • It is estimated to have a range of at least 2,500 km.
  • Scramjet-powered missiles represent a more advanced but technically demanding path than hypersonic glide vehicles, such as China’s DF-17 and Russia’s Avangard. 

Why Are Scramjet Missiles More Dangerous Than Glide Vehicles?

  • Scramjet missiles have a cruise altitude of 20 km to 30 km, which is much lower than that of glide vehicles. Glide vehicles typically fly at an altitude of approximately 60 km to 80 km. 
  • For enemy air defence radar systems, the lower a missile flies, the more difficult it is to detect and respond to. 
  • Furthermore, the scramjet engine operates throughout the cruise and terminal phases, providing greater manoeuvrability and accuracy against targets. 
  • Glide vehicles, in contrast, rely largely on inertia during the final approach.

Source: WION

CJ-1000 Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the CJ-1000 missile?

Ans: A road-mobile hypersonic cruise missile developed by China.

Q2: What type of propulsion system does the CJ-1000 use?

Ans: A scramjet engine.

Q3: Is the CJ-1000 a land-based or sea-based missile?

Ans: It is a land-based missile.

Q4: What makes the CJ-1000 unique among hypersonic weapons?

Ans: It is the world’s first operational land-based scramjet-powered hypersonic missile.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

February 20, 2026
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Latest News

Recently, the 23rd Foundation Day of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was celebrated in New Delhi.

About National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

  • It is a constitutional body established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A.
  • Historical Evolution
    • The NCST’s establishment is rooted in the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.
    • Prior to this amendment, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was a combined entity.
    • The separation into two distinct Commissions-NCSC and NCST-occurred on 19 February 2004.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Composition of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
    • Chairperson: Holds the rank of a Union Cabinet Minister.
    • Vice-Chairperson: Holds the rank of a Minister of State. 
    • Members: Their ranks are equivalent to that of a Secretary to the Government of India.
    • The terms of office for these positions are three years from the date of assuming charge.

Functions of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

  • To monitor safeguards provided for STs under the Constitution or under other laws;
  • To inquire into specific complaints relating to Rights & Safeguards of STs;
  • To advise in the Planning Process relating to Socio-economic development of STs;
  • To submit report to the President annually and other times on welfare Measures required related to Socio-economic development of STs;
  • To discharge such other functions in relation to STs as the President may by rule specify

Source: PIB

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes FAQs

Q1: What is the rank of NCST Chairperson?

Ans: Union Cabinet Minister

Q2: What is the term of office for NCST members?

Ans: 3 years

Strait of Gibraltar

February 20, 2026
Strait of Gibraltar

Strait of Gibraltar Latest News

The nuclear-powered USS Gerald R. Ford lit up tracking systems while sailing hard toward the Strait of Gibraltar, a move that defense watchers say “doesn’t usually happen”.

About Strait of Gibraltar

  • It is the body of water separating Europe from Africa and connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the west with the Mediterranean Sea in the east.
  • It is located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. 
  • Bordering Countries: It is bordered by Spain and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar in the north and by the African country of Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in the south.
  • It is about 58 km long and has a width of about 13 km at its narrowest point between Morocco’s Point Cires and Spain’s Point Marroquí. 
  • The western end of the strait located between Spain’s Cape Trafalgar and Morocco’s Cape Spartel has a width of about 43 km. 
  • The strait’s eastern end, located between the Rock of Gibraltar in the north and Mount Hacho or Jebel Moussa in the south, has a width of about 23 km. 
    • These two land features in the strait’s eastern extremity are known as the Pillars of Heracles. 
  • The Strait of Gibraltar’s depth ranges from 300 to 900 m, and it forms a significant gap between the high plateau of Spain and the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa. 
  • Formation: Geological studies have revealed that the Strait was formed due to the northward movement of the African Plate towards the European Plate.
  • It is the only natural link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the busiest waterways in the world. Approximately 300 ships cross the Strait every day.
  • Until the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, the Strait of Gibraltar was the only means of oceanic access to and from the Mediterranean Sea.
  • An important port located on the Strait of Gibraltar is the Moroccan port of Tanger-Med, near Tangier.
  • Water Flow and Currents:
    • Water flows in and out of the Strait constantly. 
    • The Atlantic Ocean has cooler, less salty water. The Mediterranean Sea has warmer, saltier water. This difference creates strong currents. 
    • Water from the Atlantic flows into the Mediterranean near the surface. 
    • Deeper down, saltier water from the Mediterranean flows back into the Atlantic. 
    • This constant exchange helps keep the Mediterranean Sea healthy.

Source: IDR

Strait of Gibraltar FAQs

Q1: Where is the Strait of Gibraltar located?

Ans: Between Europe and Africa at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula.

Q2: Which two major water bodies does the Strait of Gibraltar connect?

Ans: The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Q3: How was the Strait of Gibraltar formed?

Ans: By the northward movement of the African Plate toward the European Plate.

Q4: How does water circulate through the Strait of Gibraltar?

Ans: Surface water from the Atlantic flows into the Mediterranean, while deeper, saltier Mediterranean water flows back into the Atlantic.

Public Trust Doctrine

February 20, 2026
Public Trust Doctrine

Public Trust Doctrine Latest News

The Supreme Court recently held that the doctrine of public trust is not confined only to natural waterbodies such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands but also extends to man-made or artificially created waterbodies that serve ecological or environmental purposes.

About Public Trust Doctrine

  • It is a legal principle establishing that certain natural and cultural resources are preserved for public use. 
  • Rooted in Roman law and developed through English common law, this doctrine encompasses various public assets such as tidal waters, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and ecosystems. 
  • It rests on the principle that certain resources have such great importance to the people as a whole that it would be wholly unjustified to make them a subject of private ownership.
  • The public is considered the owner of the resources, and the government protects and maintains these resources for the public's use.
  • The doctrine enjoins upon the government to safeguard the resources for the enjoyment of the final public instead of to allow their use for personal possession or industrial functions.
  • Three types of restrictions on governmental authority are often thought to be imposed by the public trust: 
    • the property subject to the trust must not only be used for a public purpose, but it must be held available for use by the general public; 
    • the property may not be sold, even for a fair cash equivalent;
    • the property must be maintained for particular types of uses.

Source: LAWB

Public Trust Doctrine FAQs

Q1: What is the Public Trust Doctrine?

Ans: A legal principle that the government holds certain natural resources in trust for the benefit of the public.

Q2: On what basic principle is the Public Trust Doctrine based?

Ans: That certain natural resources are too important for private ownership and must be preserved for public use.

Q3: What type of resources are covered under the Public Trust Doctrine?

Ans: Natural resources such as tidal waters, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and ecosystems.

Q4: What role does the government play under the Public Trust Doctrine?

Ans: It acts as a trustee and custodian of natural resources.

Q5: What is the main objective of the Public Trust Doctrine?

Ans: To protect and preserve natural resources for public use and benefit.

Mount Kanlaon

February 20, 2026
Mount Kanlaon

Mount Kanlaon Latest News

Mount Kanlaon, a highly active volcano in the Philippines, erupted recently, releasing significant ash and smoke over Negros Island, prompting safety warnings.

About Mount Kanlaon

  • Mount Kanlaon, also called Kanlaon Volcano, is a stratovolcano located on the island of Negros, Philippines. 
  • It is the tallest mountain on Negros Island and in the Visayas region, standing about 2,465 meters (8,087 feet) above sea level. 
  • It is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
  • The volcano comprises a number of pyroclastic cones and craters.
  • The summit contains a broad, elongated caldera with a crater lake, with a smaller but more active crater to the south.
  • The base of Kanlaon covers an area of 30 km x 14 km. 
  • It is underlain by tropical volcanic materials composed of sheeted lava flows, lahar deposits, airfall tephra, and apron pyroclastic materials.
  • It is biologically diverse; and home to a number of species of flora and fauna.
  • The slopes are also headwater catchments of major river systems on the entire Negros Island.
  • Volcanic Activity:
    • It has erupted more than 30 times since 1819. 
    • Most of its eruptions are phreatic, which means they are caused by steam and produce small to medium amounts of ash. 
    • This ash usually falls around the volcano.

Source: TN

Mount Kanlaon FAQs

Q1: Where is Mount Kanlaon located?

Ans: On Negros Island in the Philippines.

Q2: What type of volcano is Mount Kanlaon?

Ans: A stratovolcano.

Q3: Mount Kanlaon is part of which major tectonic belt?

Ans: The Pacific Ring of Fire.

Q4: Is Mount Kanlaon an active volcano?

Ans: Yes, it is an active volcano.

Salem Sago

February 20, 2026
Salem Sago

Salem Sago Latest News

Recently, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export of 0.5 MT of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Salem, Tamil Nadu to Canada. 

About Salem Sago

  • It is locally known as Javvarisi in Tamil Nadu, is a starch-based food product extracted from tapioca roots.
  • Sago is derived from raw tapiocas.
  • It is in the form of small hard globules or pearls and is pearl white in colour.
  • It is manufactured from the wet starch powder crushed from tapioca roots.
  • The wet starch powder is used for producing sago and the dry powder has been used as a raw material for industrial purposes.
  • In 2023 Salem Sago secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
  • Uses: Sago is used in various industries, including food, paper, construction, textile, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, mining, and alcohol, among others.

Key Facts about Tapioca

  • It is a major horticulture crop cultivated in Tamil Nadu.
  • Required Climatic Conditions for Tapioca
    • Soil: Any well drained soil preferably red lateritic loamy soil.
    • Climate: It thrives best in tropical, warm humid climate
    • Rainfall: Well distributed rainfall of over 100 cm per annum.
    • This crop can be cultivated upto an elevation of 1000 m.

Source: PIB

Salem Sago FAQs

Q1: What is Salem Sago?

Ans: A tapioca-based product

Q2: Where is Salem Sago primarily produced?

Ans: Tamil Nadu

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