UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 2026-02-22

Table of Contents
1. Trump's Global Tariff Surcharge - Implications for India and World Trade
2. India-Brazil Partnership Deepens with Rare Earth Mining Agreements
3. Delhi AI Declaration: 88 Nations Back Democratic and Inclusive AI Governance
4. Eastern Nagaland Autonomy
5. International Mother Language Day
6. Supreme Court's Ethical Push for Sensitive Judiciary
7. India Joins Pax Silica, a US-led Tech Alliance
8. Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Scheme
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GS2/International Relations

Trump's Global Tariff Surcharge - Implications for India and World Trade

Why in News?

Following a judicial setback regarding his tariff policy, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary blanket tariff surcharge of 15% (up from 10%) on global imports for a duration of 150 days, invoking powers under the Trade Act of 1974. This announcement came immediately after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated his extensive reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This decision carries significant consequences for India-U.S. trade relations, global trade dynamics, and the ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court ruling invalidated the broad tariff imposition under IEEPA, prompting Trump's new tariff strategy.
• The temporary tariff surcharge is set to impact trade agreements and negotiations between India and the U.S.
• Exemptions from tariffs were made for strategic sectors and critical goods, reflecting U.S. supply-chain dependencies.

Additional Details

• Supreme Court Verdict: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the legal basis for the broad tariff regime was inadequate, potentially lowering the average U.S. tariff rate from 15.3% to 8.3%.
• New Tariff Regime: A 15% ad valorem surcharge on imports was established to address international payment imbalances, effective from February 24 for 150 days.
• Impact on India: The new tariff rate is lower than previous rates, yet India loses potential gains from the Supreme Court ruling, which could have reduced tariffs further.
• Government Response: India's Commerce Ministry is evaluating the implications on exports and trade negotiations, amidst changing dynamics in the India-U.S. trade deal discussions.
• Global Trade Implications: Major exporters like China and India would have benefitted from reduced tariffs, but the surcharge preserves higher U.S. tariff protection levels.
• Challenges: The situation creates trade uncertainty, complicates long-term contracts, and raises concerns about rising economic nationalism and negotiation pressures.

In conclusion, the U.S. administration's decision to implement a temporary 15% global tariff surcharge following the Supreme Court's ruling highlights the increasing reliance on domestic legal mechanisms to pursue protectionist trade policies. Although India experiences a lower tariff rate than before, it misses the opportunity for significantly reduced duties. This development emphasizes the growing influence of geopolitics on global trade, necessitating strategic trade diplomacy for India's economic interests.

GS2/International Relations

India-Brazil Partnership Deepens with Rare Earth Mining Agreements

Why in News?

India and Brazil have recently strengthened their bilateral ties by signing multiple agreements, including a significant cooperation pact on rare earth elements, during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's visit to New Delhi.

Key Takeaways

• India and Brazil have established a strategic partnership encompassing trade, defence, and energy sectors.
• The rare earth cooperation agreement aims to diversify India's supply chains away from China.
• Both nations are committed to enhancing bilateral trade, targeting $30 billion annually by 2030.

Additional Details

• India-Brazil Bilateral Relationship: This partnership is grounded in democratic values and multilateral engagement, having been formalized in 1948 and evolving into a strategic alliance.
• Trade and Economic Relations: Brazil is India's largest trading partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade ranging between $12-15 billion annually. Key exports from India include organic chemicals and engineering goods, while imports from Brazil primarily consist of crude oil and soya oil.
• Defence and Strategic Cooperation: Both countries collaborate on defence production, technology sharing, and maritime security, advocating for peaceful dispute resolution and coordination in international forums.
• Energy and Climate Cooperation: With Brazil as a leader in renewable energy and India focusing on solar initiatives, their cooperation in the Global Biofuels Alliance highlights their commitment to green technologies.
• Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Agreement: This pact is crucial for securing access to minerals essential for electronics, clean energy, and defence systems, while also reducing dependence on China.
• Digital Partnership: A joint action plan was launched to enhance cooperation in emerging technologies, including AI and blockchain, reflecting India's growth as a digital hub.

The agreements signed during President Lula's visit signify a robust commitment to enhancing economic collaboration and mutual strategic interests, paving the way for a resilient supply chain and reinforcing ties between two major democracies of the Global South.

GS2/International Relations

Delhi AI Declaration: 88 Nations Back Democratic and Inclusive AI Governance

Why in News?

The AI Impact Summit, which took place in New Delhi from February 16-20, attracted significant participation from AI leaders and state officials. At the conclusion of the summit, 88 countries and international organizations endorsed the New Delhi Declaration on AI, highlighting the necessity for artificial intelligence to be democratized and accessible to create a substantial global impact.

Key Takeaways

• 88 nations, including major powers, signed the New Delhi Declaration on AI.
• The summit emphasized democratizing AI access, ensuring benefits reach the Global South.
• Significant investments and collaborations were announced, enhancing India's AI ecosystem.

Additional Details

• Evolution of Global AI Summits: Global AI summits began in 2023 at Bletchley Park, UK, focusing on safety. Subsequent gatherings were held in Seoul (2024) and Paris (February 2025), which shifted towards promoting rapid AI innovation.
• Democratising AI Access: India prioritized the accessibility of AI, particularly for the Global South, emphasizing language representation in AI models.
• Key Outcomes: The summit resulted in $250 billion in investment commitments, with major players like Reliance Industries and Google outlining substantial commitments to AI infrastructure.
• Strategic Partnerships: OpenAI and Tata Group, along with Anthropic and Infosys, formed significant partnerships to advance AI technologies.
• Institutional Framework: The New Delhi Declaration proposes collaborative mechanisms like the Global AI Impact Commons and Trusted AI Commons to promote responsible AI development.

The New Delhi Declaration marks a significant diplomatic achievement for India, signifying a collective agreement on leveraging AI for both economic growth and social welfare on a global scale.

GS2/Polity

Eastern Nagaland Autonomy

Why in News?

The Centre has recently signed a tripartite agreement with the Nagaland Government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). This initiative aims to provide a model of "devolutionary autonomy" to six underdeveloped eastern districts: Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang. The objective is to address long-standing demands for greater self-governance and focused development within these regions.

Key Takeaways

• The FNTA is a response to the ENPO's demand for a separate state called Frontier Nagaland.
• The demand for autonomy has historical roots, stemming from perceived neglect since the British era.
• The Centre's agreement reflects both political pressures and strategic considerations regarding regional stability.

Additional Details

• ENPO's Demand: The ENPO has been advocating for the creation of a separate state since 2010, citing historical neglect of eastern districts following Nagaland's statehood in 1963.
• Centre's Response: The Centre's move to grant autonomy through the FNTA is seen as a stabilizing measure to address regional grievances and manage the security risks associated with the Myanmar border.
• Semi-Autonomous Governance Structure: The FNTA will provide semi-autonomous status to the six districts, establishing a mini-Secretariat to decentralize administration and lessen dependence on Kohima.
• Financial and Administrative Devolution: Development funds will be allocated based on population and area, emphasizing direct financial empowerment for the region.
• Legislative and Executive Authority: The FNTA will have authority over 46 subjects, allowing local governance in critical areas such as land use and infrastructure.
• Constitutional Protections: The arrangement upholds Article 371(A), ensuring that Nagaland's special constitutional safeguards remain intact.

The FNTA serves as a compromise between full statehood and regular district administration, suggesting that constitutional innovation can enhance autonomy without redrawing state boundaries. However, the situation in Manipur regarding the Kuki-Zo demand is more complex due to ongoing ethnic tensions and opposition from the state government.

GS2/Polity and Governance

International Mother Language Day

Why in News?

• International Mother Language Day is celebrated on February 21, with this year's theme focusing on "Youth voices on multilingual education ."

About International Mother Language Day

• International Mother Language Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999, following a proposal from Bangladesh.
• The day aims to promote the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
• The UN General Assembly endorsed the idea of International Mother Language Day in 2002, encouraging its observance worldwide.

India as a Multilingual Society

• India is incredibly diverse, with over 1,300 mother tongues and 121 languages recognized in the Constitution, as per the 2011 Census.
• Each year, UNESCO releases the State of the Education Report for India, which focuses on different themes related to education.
• The 2025 edition of this report highlighted the importance of Mother Tongue and Multilingual Education in India, drawing from global research and national evidence.
• In 2022, nearly 44% of children in India started school speaking a language different from the medium of instruction, according to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
• This language barrier makes it harder for these children to learn, as they first have to understand the language before they can grasp academic concepts.

Significance of Education in Mother Tongue

• Improved Comprehension and Learning: Teaching children in their mother tongue enhances their understanding and retention of information.
• Cognitive Development: Learning in a familiar language supports essential cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
• Stronger Communication Skills: Mother tongue education helps children develop strong language skills crucial for effective oral and written communication.
• Cultural Identity and Preservation: It fosters a connection to the community and cultural identity, instilling a sense of pride and belonging.
• Emotional Well-being: Learning in the mother tongue allows children to express themselves more freely, positively impacting their emotional well-being.
• Social Inclusivity: Mother tongue education promotes equality by ensuring all children, regardless of background, can access education effectively.

Constitutional Provisions related to Promotion of Mother Tongue in India

• Article 29 (1) - Protection of Interests of Minorities: This article safeguards the rights of linguistic minorities to conserve their language, script, and culture.
• Section 29(f) of the Right to Education Act, 2009: It mandates that the medium of instruction should, as far as practicable, be in the child's mother tongue.
• Article 30 (1) - Right of Minorities to Establish and Administer Educational Institutions: This article grants minorities the right to establish and manage educational institutions of their choice.
• Article 350A - Facilities for Instruction in Mother Tongue at the Primary Stage: It directs the state to provide facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary level, emphasizing the importance of teaching in the mother tongue or regional language in the early stages.
• Article 350B - Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities: This article provides for the appointment of a Special Officer to safeguard and promote the interests of linguistic minorities, including the protection and development of their language and culture.

Government Initiatives to Promote Education in Mother Tongue

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The NEP advocates for the medium of instruction to be in the home language, mother tongue, or local language up to at least class 5, and preferably up to class 8. It also encourages high-quality textbooks in the home language and a bilingual approach in teaching.
• Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Pariyojana (BBPP): Launched in the Union Budget 2025-26, this scheme aims to produce digital and printed textbooks in 22 Indian languages for school and higher education.
• Grants for Promotion of Indian Language (GPIL) scheme: The government provides grants for the promotion of languages like Hindi, Veda, Classical Tamil, Sindhi, and Urdu.
• Development and promotion organizations: There are separate organizations for the development and promotion of Hindi, Urdu, Sindhi, and Sanskrit languages.
• All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) guidelines: AICTE has issued guidelines allowing technical education institutions to offer courses in local languages, with 19 institutions from 10 states already implementing this.
• National initiatives: Programs like PM eVIDYA, Adi Vaani, BHASHINI, and AI4Bharat's community-developed language technologies demonstrate how digital platforms and AI can support multilingual resources and document endangered languages.
• DIKSHA Portal: The DIKSHA portal provides course material, textbooks, and teaching resources for Grades 1-12 in 33 Indian languages and Indian Sign Language.

Conclusion

Emphasizing mother tongue education is a proven approach to enhance young children's learning experiences, as seen in historical examples from other countries.

• Soviet Union in the early 20th century: Implemented a policy of nativization promoting education in the mother tongue of various ethnic groups.
• China in the 1950s: Introduced a policy to promote mother tongue education among ethnic minorities.

 Embracing multilingualism goes beyond education; it reflects a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, preparing students to be academically proficient, culturally enriched, and globally competent.

 GS2/Polity and Governance

Supreme Court's Ethical Push for Sensitive Judiciary

Why is it News?

The Supreme Court of India has formed an expert committee tasked with creating guidelines to ensure sensitivity and compassion in judicial proceedings, particularly in cases involving sexual offences and vulnerable victims.

Background

• Allahabad High Court Controversy: The issue originated from a 2025 order by the Allahabad High Court, which used explicit language to describe a sexual assault on a minor and downgraded charges from attempted rape to a lesser offence.
• Supreme Court Intervention: In response to a petition from civil society groups, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance, set aside the High Court's order, and reinstated the summons issued by the Special Court.

Key Mandate of the Committee

• Promote Compassionate Judicial Language: Develop guidelines for appropriate courtroom language in sensitive cases, emphasizing the dignity and privacy of survivors.
• Address Cultural and Linguistic Issues: Identify and address offensive expressions in regional languages, clarifying that casual use of such words may constitute legal offences. Enable victims to narrate their trauma without humiliation.
• Accessibility of Judicial Guidance: Ensure reports are written in simple, non-technical language and translated into regional languages for wider understanding.

Role of Compassion in Judicial Functioning

• Protecting Vulnerable Sections: Cases involving women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities require heightened sensitivity to prevent victim intimidation and ensure meaningful participation.
• Humane Courtroom Conduct: Judicial behaviour, language, and tone significantly impact public perception of justice. Compassionate conduct includes polite communication, patience with distressed litigants, and avoidance of stereotypes.
• Sentencing and Relief: Compassion is crucial in determining appropriate punishment and remedies, considering the circumstances of both the offender and victim, as well as the potential for reform and rehabilitation.

Importance of Compassion for the Rule of Law

• Enhancing Public Trust: Citizens are more likely to respect and comply with judicial decisions when courts are perceived as humane and fair.
• Improving Access to Justice: Compassion reduces barriers for victims who may fear humiliation or insensitivity, encouraging them to approach courts.
• Preventing Miscarriage of Justice: Insensitive attitudes can lead to distorted fact-finding and unjust outcomes. Compassion ensures careful and attentive adjudication.
• Strengthening Democratic Governance: A compassionate judiciary reinforces constitutional values of equality, dignity, and justice.

Way Forward

The Supreme Court's initiative represents a significant step towards humanizing the justice system. By prioritizing empathy, dignity, and accessibility, the aim is to ensure that courts not only deliver legal justice but also uphold the emotional and psychological well-being of victims, which is essential for a fair and inclusive rule of law.

GS3/ Science and Technology

India Joins Pax Silica, a US-led Tech Alliance

Why is it Newsworthy?

India has officially joined the US-led Pax Silica coalition, a significant step in the geopolitics of semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and critical mineral supply chains.

What is 'Pax Silica'?

Launched in December 2025, Pax Silica is a coalition that includes the United States, Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and now India.

Key Objectives of Pax Silica

• Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains: Ensuring reliable and secure supply chains for semiconductors.
• Coordinating AI Innovation Standards: Establishing common standards for AI innovation.
• Strengthening Critical Mineral Processing Networks: Enhancing processing networks for critical minerals.
• Reducing Dependence: Decreasing reliance on non-aligned or adversarial states.
• Building a Durable AI-Driven Economic Order: Creating a robust economic framework driven by AI.

Meaning of 'Pax Silica'

The term 'Pax Silica' comes from the Latin word 'Pax' meaning peace and 'Silica' referring to a core compound in semiconductors. It represents the goal of achieving technological peace and prosperity through resilient, transparent, and cooperative supply chains.

Strategic Importance of Pax Silica for India

• Supply Chain Security: Joining Pax Silica diversifies India's access to critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements, reducing dependence on China, which currently dominates processing and exports.
• Investment and Manufacturing Boost: India stands to gain from substantial joint investments in semiconductor fabrication, AI infrastructure, and data centers, aligning with the goals of the India Semiconductor Mission.
• Geopolitical Alignment: Membership in Pax Silica enhances India's strategic partnership with the US, positioning India among trusted democracies for setting technological standards.
• Alliance-Based Industrial Policy: The coalition helps India hedge against supply disruptions and political pressures, boosting strategic autonomy in defense, energy transition, and emerging technologies.

Concerns Over India Joining Pax Silica

• Strategic Autonomy Risks: Closer alignment with US technology policy could restrict India's independent foreign policy choices.
• Strain on China Relations: Deepening ties with a US-led tech bloc might strain relations with China, which is a major player in electronics components and critical minerals.
• Export Control Pressures: India might be expected to conform to US export controls on semiconductors and AI, potentially complicating trade with other partners.
• Critical Mineral Dependence: India's heavy reliance on imported rare earths and lithium could limit its semiconductor ambitions, despite joining the coalition.
• AI Governance Questions: Aligning 'trusted AI' standards with domestic regulations and data privacy laws could lead to policy conflicts.

GS2/Governance

Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Scheme

Why is it News?

• The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has criticized the government for its implementation of the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) scheme.
• The PAC was reviewing a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that pointed out significant delays and shortcomings in both financial and physical progress under the SANKALP scheme.

SANKALP Scheme

• The SANKALP scheme is a flagship program initiated by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in India.
• Launched in 2018, the scheme was initially set to be completed by 2023 but has since been extended to 2024.
• The primary goal of SANKALP is to strengthen short-term skill training by improving institutional frameworks, enhancing industry linkages, and ensuring the targeted inclusion of marginalized communities.
• Funding for the scheme : It was planned to be financed through a World Bank loan of ₹3,300 crore, State leverage of ₹660 crore, and industry leverage of ₹495 crore.