Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 24th February 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 24th February 2026

1. Election Commission’s Historic National Round Table

  • After a 27-year gap, the Election Commission of India conducted a National Round Table at Bharat Mandapam.

  • The conference was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

  • Focus areas included:

    • Integration of state and national electoral technology

    • Strengthening of EVM ecosystem

    • Introduction of the ECINET digital platform

  • Significance: This initiative aims to modernize India’s electoral infrastructure and improve transparency.

 2. Launch of National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0, developed by NITI Aayog.

  • Time period: 2025–2030

  • Target monetisation potential: ₹16.72 lakh crore

  • Objective: Accelerate infrastructure growth and support the vision of Viksit Bharat.

  • Why important: It mobilizes private investment in public assets without outright privatization.

 3. AI-Powered Teacher App 2.0

  • Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched Teacher App 2.0 in partnership with Bharti Airtel.

  • Key features:

    • AI-based personalized teaching tools

    • Support for Indian sovereign language models

    • Digital empowerment of teachers

  • Academic relevance: Strengthens digital pedagogy and aligns with NEP-2020 goals.

4. CCPA Penalizes Vajirao & Reddy Institute

  • The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a ₹15 lakh fine.

  • Reason: Misleading advertisements related to UPSC CSE 2023 results.

  • Issue: Institute concealed actual courses taken by toppers.

  • Exam relevance: Important case on misleading coaching advertisements and consumer rights.

5. Indian Embassy Advisory in Iran

  • Indian Embassy in Tehran advised Indians to leave Iran via commercial flights.

  • Citizens were told to:

    • Avoid protest areas

    • Keep travel documents ready

    • Use emergency helplines

  • Importance: Reflects India’s proactive diaspora safety measures.

6. India–France Tax Treaty Amendment

During President Macron’s visit, India and France revised their Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC).

Key Changes:

  • MFN clause deleted

  • Capital gains taxing rights to resident country

  • Technical fees aligned with India-US DTAA

Significance:

  • Prevents tax avoidance

  • Improves bilateral investment clarity

  • Strengthens India–France economic ties

7. National Arogya Fair 2026

  • President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the fair in Shegaon, Maharashtra.

  • Organized by: Ministry of Ayush

Major Components:

  • Free traditional healthcare

  • Training for farmers in medicinal plant cultivation

  • Promotion of AYUSH systems

Impact: Boosts rural income and promotes preventive healthcare.

8. PM Modi to Address Israeli Knesset

  • PM Narendra Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament (Knesset).

  • Visit focus areas:

    • Defence cooperation

    • Technology partnership

    • Agricultural collaboration

Why important: Marks deepening India–Israel strategic relations.

9. PM Surya Ghar Yojana Milestone

  • 30 lakh households now powered by rooftop solar.

  • Scheme: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Benefits:

  • Reduced electricity bills

  • Promotion of clean energy

  • Increased household self-reliance

Exam angle: Important for questions on India’s renewable energy transition.

10. Netherlands Gets Youngest PM

  • Rob Jetten (38) becomes:

    • Youngest Prime Minister of the Netherlands

    • First openly gay PM

  • Leads D66 centrist coalition.

Policy Focus:

  • Budget discipline

  • EU integration

  • NATO commitments

– Reflects evolving political leadership trends in Europe.