Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (24th February 2026)

State News

Tech at the Temple: E-Nose and E-Tongue to Protect Tirumala Prasadam Quality

• The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is setting up a ₹25-crore advanced food testing laboratory equipped with e-nose and e-tongue technologies to detect adulteration in ghee and prasadam ingredients.
• Backed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the AI-driven multisensor systems will rapidly analyse aroma and taste patterns to identify contamination, spoilage, and quality deviations.
• The move follows the 2024 Tirumala laddu controversy, when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged adulterated ghee use during the previous government led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
• Investigations found the ghee was mixed with palm oil derivatives and artificial flavouring. The new lab aims to restore public trust and ensure strict quality control of temple prasadam.

Can Rural Women Save Tigers? Palamu’s Vanjeevi Didi Initiative Is Changing Forest Protection

• The Palamu Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand has launched the Vanjeevi Didi Initiative (VDI) to empower rural women in forest and wildlife protection.
• Introduced by the Jharkhand Forest Department, the programme covers 17 forest-fringe villages, selecting 18 women from each to form a 306-member conservation network.
• Participants receive a monthly honorarium of ₹3,000 and are trained to prevent poaching, curb illegal timber felling, and promote eco-friendly livelihoods.
• The initiative strengthens grassroots surveillance, addresses staff shortages, reduces habitat loss, and encourages sustainable income alternatives, enhancing community-led conservation efforts.

What Is Rajasthan’s Homestay Scheme 2026? Key Highlights & Benefits

• The Rajasthan government has launched the Rajasthan Homestay Scheme 2026 to strengthen rural and community-based tourism.
• The scheme allows local families to convert part of their homes into registered tourist accommodations, offering affordable stays and authentic cultural experiences.
• It aims to expand Rajasthan tourism beyond major cities, promote self-employment, and increase income opportunities in villages and small towns.
• Key objectives include boosting rural tourism, preserving heritage, supporting women and youth entrepreneurs, and increasing tourist stay duration.
• With simple online registration, quality standards, training support, and promotional assistance, the scheme encourages sustainable development while reducing pressure on popular destinations like Jaipur and Udaipur.

Jharkhand Budget 2026-27: ₹1.58 Lakh Crore ‘Abua Dishom Budget’ Unveiled

• The Jharkhand government has presented a ₹1.58 lakh crore Budget for FY 2026-27 in the State Assembly, marking an increase from last year’s ₹1.45 lakh crore outlay.
• The Budget, termed the Abua Dishom Budget, was tabled by Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore.
• The JMM-led government stated that the fiscal plan focuses on welfare and inclusive development, targeting poor families, farmers, tribals, and women.
• The increased allocation aims to boost social sector schemes, rural development, and infrastructure growth while addressing grassroots aspirations across the state in FY27.

Big Boost for Ex-Agniveers: 20% Delhi Police Constable Quota Approved by LG

• Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a 20% reservation for former Agniveers in Delhi Police constable (executive) posts by amending the Delhi Police (Appointment and Recruitment) Rules, 1980.
• Under the new provisions, ex-Agniveers will receive a three-year age relaxation (five years for the first batch) beyond the existing 18–25 years limit and will be exempted from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
• The move aligns with the Agniveer Scheme, providing structured post-service opportunities to trained youth. It aims to strengthen Delhi Police with disciplined, combat-trained personnel while supporting rehabilitation of former Agniveers.

International News

India Drops Most Favoured Nation Status in France In Tax Pact

• India has removed the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause from its 1992 Double Taxation Avoidance Convention with France, following updated treaty discussions during President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit.
• The MFN clause earlier allowed France to automatically claim lower tax rates that India granted to other countries. Its removal ensures that any future tax benefits must be explicitly negotiated and written into the treaty.
• The revised agreement clarifies dividend and capital gains taxation capital gains from share sales will now be taxed in the country where the company is located.
• It also incorporates BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) standards to curb tax avoidance, strengthen permanent establishment rules, and improve information exchange. The changes will take effect after both nations complete ratification.

Netherlands Gets Youngest-Ever Prime Minister in Rob Jetten

• Rob Jetten has been sworn in as the youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister of the Netherlands at age 38, in a ceremony at Huis ten Bosch Palace.
• The leader of Democrats 66 (D66) narrowly defeated Geert Wilders after a tight election battle and quickly formed a new coalition government.
• Jetten breaks the previous record held by Ruud Lubbers, who took office at 43 in 1982. His appointment is symbolically significant, as the Netherlands was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001.
• However, his three-party coalition holds only 66 of 150 seats, requiring cross-party support to govern effectively.

PM Modi’s Historic Israel Visit: First Indian Leader to Address the Knesset Plenum

• Narendra Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset during his two-day Israel visit beginning February 25, 2026.
• The historic address marks a significant milestone in India–Israel relations, which have expanded steadily since diplomatic ties were established in 1992.
• During the visit, Modi will hold talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, focusing on defense cooperation, innovation, agriculture, technology, and regional security.
• The Knesset address, considered a high diplomatic honour, symbolizes deepening strategic partnership while reflecting India’s balanced engagement in West Asia amid Israel’s ongoing domestic political debates.

India Holds Spot as No. 2 Buyer of Russian Fossil Fuels in Jan 2026

• India remained the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels in January 2026, importing energy worth €2.2 billion, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
• Crude oil accounted for 78% (€2 billion) of purchases, despite a 23% decline since November.
• Meanwhile, China strengthened its lead with €4 billion in Russian crude imports. Sanctions, including measures by the EU and the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), have influenced trade flows.
• India imported about 1.2 million barrels per day in January, though volumes are expected to decline as suppliers like Saudi Arabia regain market share.

Economy News

India’s GDP May Hit 8.1% in Q3FY26: SBI Report Signals Strong Momentum

• India’s GDP growth is projected to rise to 8.1% in Q3FY26, according to a report by State Bank of India. The estimate highlights strong domestic demand, resilient rural consumption, and improved urban spending as key growth drivers despite global uncertainties.
• High-frequency indicators suggest stable economic momentum across sectors.
• Rural growth is supported by healthy farm output and non-farm activity, while urban demand has benefited from festive spending and fiscal measures.
• The FY26 growth estimate stands at 7.4%. Additionally, the GDP base year revision to 2022–23 is expected to better reflect India’s evolving economic structure and digital expansion.

Appointments News

Nidhi Chhibber Takes Charge as NITI Aayog CEO After BVR Subrahmanyam’s Term Ends

• Nidhi Chhibber has taken additional charge as CEO of NITI Aayog after BVR Subrahmanyam completed his three-year tenure on February 24, 2026.
• A 1994-batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, Chhibber currently serves as Director General of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) and has previously been Chairperson of CBSE.
• Her experience in monitoring flagship schemes and data-driven policy evaluation is expected to strengthen NITI Aayog’s focus on performance measurement, cooperative federalism, and evidence-based governance in 2026.

Awards News

‘Boong’ Puts India on the Map with First-Ever BAFTA Children’s Film Award

• India made history at the 79th British Academy Film Awards as Manipuri film Boong won the Best Children’s and Family Film award, becoming the first Indian film to secure this honour.
• Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, the film beautifully portrays childhood, family, and hope against the backdrop of Manipur.
• The ceremony was held at Royal Festival Hall in London. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, Boong gained global acclaim, marking a major milestone for regional Indian cinema on the international stage.

Defense News

Indian Navy to Commission ‘Anjadip’ on February 27: Major Boost to Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities

• The Indian Navy will commission INS Anjadip on February 27, 2026, at Chennai Port. The ceremony will be presided over by Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
• INS Anjadip is the third vessel under the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, aimed at strengthening coastal defense and shallow-water anti-submarine capabilities.
• Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the 77-metre warship features water-jet propulsion, a top speed of 25 knots, Hull Mounted Sonar Abhay, lightweight torpedoes, and ASW rockets.
• Designed as a “Dolphin Hunter,” it will operate under the Eastern Naval Command, enhancing maritime security in littoral waters along India’s eastern coastline.

Ranks & Reports News

Delhi Airport Jumps to 5th Spot in Apac! How India’s Aviation Boom Changed the Rankings

• Indira Gandhi International Airport has been ranked the 5th-busiest airport in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025, according to data from OAG.
• The airport recorded 46.18 million one-way departing seats, rising sharply from 9th position in 2019. The ranking is based on scheduled seat capacity rather than passenger numbers.
• Delhi overtook major hubs such as Suvarnabhumi Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, and Incheon International Airport. Strong domestic demand, infrastructure growth, and aggressive expansion by IndiGo have driven this surge, reflecting India’s expanding aviation market.

Summits & Conferences News

Goa Hosts World Ocean Science Congress 2026, Spotlight on Ocean Health

• The World Ocean Science Congress 2026 is being held in Goa at the National Institute of Oceanography, Panaji, drawing global focus to ocean research and the blue economy.
• Co-organized by NIO, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and Goa University, the congress connects scientists, policymakers, industries, and coastal communities.
• Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasized marine sustainability and Goa’s 193 km coastline.
• Key themes include ocean health, climate change, coastal resilience, maritime safety, and sustainable blue economy, alongside innovations in ocean technology and AI-driven marine research.

Sports News

Delhi Open 2026: Stefanos Sakellaridis Creates History with Thrilling Singles Victory

• The Delhi Open 2026, part of the ATP Challenger Tour, concluded with Greece’s Stefanos Sakellaridis winning the men’s singles title.
• The 21-year-old defeated Great Britain’s Oliver Crawford 7-5, 5-6, 7-6 in a thrilling final, clinching his maiden Challenger singles crown after an intense tie-break finish.
• In doubles, India’s Siddhant Banthia and Bulgaria’s Alexander Donski lifted the trophy, strengthening India’s strong record in the tournament.
• The Delhi Open continues to serve as an important platform for emerging players seeking ranking points and global recognition.

Important Days News

Central Excise Day 2026: Why 24 February Still Matters in India’s Tax System

• India will observe Central Excise Day 2026 on 24 February to commemorate the historic Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944, which later became the Central Excise Act.
• The day recognises the contribution of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in administering indirect taxes and strengthening revenue collection.
• The Act unified 11 excise laws and established a structured tax framework. Even in the GST era, Central Excise Duty remains applicable on petroleum, tobacco, and certain industrial goods.
• The day highlights CBIC’s role in ensuring transparency, preventing smuggling, and integrating traditional excise systems with modern GST reforms.

Current Affairs Today | 24 February 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam