Daily Current Affairs 24 February 2026: Comprehensive Updates for UPSC, SSC & Bank Exams

Daily Current Affairs 24 February 2026: Comprehensive Updates for UPSC, SSC & Bank Exams

Preparing for competitive exams requires a structured approach to Daily current affairs. Staying updated with national and international events is a non-negotiable aspect of clearing exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSCs. This comprehensive update covers all crucial events of the day, specifically curated for aspirants.

Reading Daily current affairs helps in tackling both the objective sections and the subjective mains analysis. Many successful candidates rely on a Daily current affairs pdf for quick revision. Additionally, attempting Daily current affairs MCQs and participating in a Daily current affairs Quiz can significantly enhance retention and accuracy. While Monthly current affairs compilations are excellent for brushing up before the exam, they cannot replace the habit of reading daily news.

This post features Todays gk questions and in-depth analysis of Todays Current Affairs to ensure you are well-equipped for your upcoming examinations. Let us dive into the key news developments of the day.

Daily Current Affairs 24 February 2026

1. National Affairs

Union Cabinet Approves Renaming Kerala to ‘Keralam’

Why in News

The Union Cabinet formally approved the renaming of the state of “Kerala” to “Keralam”. The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Key Details

• The Kerala Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution on June 24, 2024, urging the Union government to change the name.
• The name change aligns the state’s official nomenclature with its Malayalam pronunciation.
• The approval comes ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April-May 2026.
• Altering the name of a state requires a Constitutional amendment under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution.

Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC/State PSC)

Crucial for Indian Polity sections regarding the reorganization of states and Article 3 of the Constitution.

Static GK Link: Article 3 empowers the Parliament to form a new State, increase/decrease the area of any State, or alter the boundaries or name of any existing State.

India’s First Comprehensive Anti-Terror Policy: PRAHAAR Launched

Why in News

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled ‘PRAHAAR’, India’s inaugural National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy.

Key Details

• The policy is built on a “zero-tolerance” approach toward extremism and terrorism.
• PRAHAAR stands for: Prevention, Responses, Aggregating Internal Capacities, Human Rights and Rule of Law, Attenuating Enabling Conditions, Aligning International Efforts, and Recovery and Resilience.
• It explicitly notes that some neighboring states use terrorism as an instrument of state policy and highlights vulnerabilities across power, aviation, and cyberspace sectors.
• The policy standardizes anti-terror operating procedures across central and state intelligence agencies.

Exam Relevance (UPSC/Defence)

Highly relevant for UPSC General Studies Paper 3 (Internal Security) and CAPF/CDS examinations.

Static GK Link: Ministry of Home Affairs was established in 1947. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, was created in 2008 following the Mumbai terror attacks.

First Cabinet Meeting Held at ‘Seva Teerth’ (New PMO)

Why in News

The historic first meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, was held at the newly constructed Prime Minister’s Office, officially named ‘Seva Teerth’.

Key Details

• ‘Seva Teerth’ replaces the South Block setup that has been utilized for decades since Independence.
• The new complex is constructed at the site of former temporary barracks from the British era.
• The architectural and functional philosophy of the building is based on ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’ (Citizen is Divine) and aims to be a center for citizen empowerment.

Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC)

Important for current affairs related to national infrastructure and the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.

Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026 Inaugurated

Why in News

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026 in New Delhi.

Key Details

• Theme: “Developed Agriculture – Self-Reliant India”.
• The event was organized by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
• This year’s mela is specifically dedicated to the “International Year of Women Farmers”.
• It focuses on showcasing advanced agricultural technologies, seed varieties, and farming practices to boost agricultural productivity.

Exam Relevance (UPSC/Banking/SSC)

Important for agriculture-related schemes (NABARD exams, IBPS AFO) and UPSC GS Paper 3.

Static GK Link: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), also known as the Pusa Institute, was established in 1905 and is headquartered in New Delhi.

2. State Affairs

Palamu Tiger Reserve Launches ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ Initiative

Why in News

In Jharkhand, the Palamu Tiger Reserve administration launched the ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ initiative to empower local communities and protect wildlife.

Key Details

• The initiative trains local tribal women to act as forest protectors.
• These women are provided with a monthly incentive of ₹3,000.
• The primary goal is to minimize human-wildlife conflict and prevent forest fires and poaching activities.
• It ensures community participation in ecology conservation while providing livelihood support.

Exam Relevance (State PSC/Environment)

Relevant for JPSC, SSC, and environment sections in UPSC.

Static GK Link: Palamu Tiger Reserve is located in the western part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand and was one of the first nine tiger reserves established under Project Tiger in 1973.

Bihar Bans Sale of Meat Near Educational and Religious Institutions

Why in News

The Bihar Government issued a directive banning the sale of meat and fish in the vicinity of educational institutions and religious places.

Key Details

• Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha announced the decision.
• The stated objective of the ban is to prevent “violent tendencies” among children and maintain social harmony.
• Municipal commissioners have been directed to strictly enforce the ban and remove open meat shops from crowded urban spaces.

Exam Relevance (BPSC)

Specific relevance for Bihar State exams (BPSC) and governance case studies.

3. International Affairs

Indian Film ‘Boong’ Creates History at BAFTA 2026

Why in News

The Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’ won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA 2026).

Key Details

• It is the first Indian film to win a BAFTA in this specific category.
• Director: Laxmipriya Devi.
• Producer: Excel Entertainment.
• The plot revolves around a young boy from Manipur who embarks on a journey to find his missing father.

Exam Relevance (SSC/Banking)

Highly important for the Awards & Honours section in SSC CGL, CHSL, and Bank Mains.

Static GK Link: BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards were first given in 1949.

US President Pushes for ‘Delilah’s Law’

Why in News

During the 2026 State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump urged the US Congress to implement ‘Delilah’s Law’.

Key Details

• The law aims to restrict the issuance of Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) to undocumented/illegal immigrants.
• It is named after a six-year-old girl injured in a crash involving an undocumented immigrant driver.
• The law is expected to significantly impact thousands of Indian-origin truck drivers, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, working in the United States.

Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC)

Relevant for International Relations and Indian Diaspora issues.

4. Economy & Banking

Digital India BHASHINI and RBI Sign MoU

Why in News

The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for multilingual enablement in the banking sector.

Key Details

• The initiative is titled “BHASHINI for Seva / Sanchalan – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program”.
• They will jointly develop a domain-specific language model tailored for the banking sector known as “Banking BHASHINI”.
• It will incorporate banking terminology, regulatory frameworks, and sector-specific use cases.
• The goal is to strengthen multilingual access across all 22 languages recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Exam Relevance (Banking/UPSC)

Extremely important for RBI Grade B, IBPS PO, and SBI PO exams.

Static GK Link: The Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India lists 22 official languages. BHASHINI (Bhasha Interface for India) is a National Language Translation Mission launched by MeitY.

World Bank’s MIGA Guarantees SBI Rooftop Solar Program

Why in News

The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a member of the World Bank Group, provided a US$197.67 million guarantee to Citibank to support the State Bank of India’s (SBI) rooftop solar program.

Key Details

• The guarantee reduces non-commercial risks associated with large-scale financing.
• It will allow SBI to offer lower-interest lending to MSMEs and commercial entities for installing rooftop solar panels.
• This move heavily supports India’s renewable energy transition targets and climate goals.

Exam Relevance (Economy/Banking)

Crucial for Economy and Banking Awareness sections.

Static GK Link: MIGA was established in 1988 to promote foreign direct investment into developing countries. Headquarters: Washington, D.C.

RBI Approves Rajan Bajaj as MD & CEO of slice Small Finance Bank

Why in News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Rajan Bajaj as the Managing Director and CEO of the newly formed slice Small Finance Bank.

Key Details

• This marks the completion of the first-ever merger between a fintech company (slice) and a bank (North East Small Finance Bank) in India.
• The merger sets a precedent for the integration of digital-first financial technology firms with regulated traditional banking structures.

Exam Relevance (Banking Awareness)

Important for upcoming Bank Mains examinations.

Static GK Link: Small Finance Banks are registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013, and licensed under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

5. Defence & Security

16th Edition of ‘Vajra Prahar’ Begins

Why in News

The 16th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Vajra Prahar 2026’ commenced at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

Key Details

• It is a bilateral military exercise between the Special Forces of India and the United States.
• Participants: Indian Army Para Special Forces and the US Army Green Berets.
• The exercise focuses on interoperability, counter-terrorism operations, and special tactical missions in mountainous terrain.

Exam Relevance (Defence/SSC)

Important for AFCAT, CDS, NDA, and SSC exams.

Static GK Link: The first edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar was conducted in 2010.

6. Important Days

75th Foundation Day of ESIC (24 February)

Why in News

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) celebrated its 75th Foundation Day on 24 February 2026.

Key Details

• A “Special Service Fortnight” (24 February to 10 March 2026) was launched to provide better services to insured persons and workers.
• The Employees’ State Insurance Scheme was first implemented in India on 24 February 1952 in Delhi and Kanpur by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
• It operates under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

Exam Relevance (EPFO/SSC/Banking)

Highly relevant for UPSC EPFO and SSC examinations.

Static GK Link: ESIC is a statutory body constituted under the ESI Act, 1948. Headquarters: New Delhi.

Daily Current Affairs: Important One-Liners

1. The Union Cabinet approved the renaming of Kerala to Keralam.
2. India’s first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy is named PRAHAAR.
3. Manipuri film Boong became the first Indian film to win the Best Children’s & Family Film award at BAFTA 2026.
4. The new Prime Minister’s Office complex, where the first Cabinet meeting of the year was held, is named Seva Teerth.
5. The 16th edition of India-US joint military exercise Vajra Prahar commenced in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
6. The World Bank’s MIGA provided a $197.67 million guarantee for SBI’s rooftop solar program.
7. RBI approved the appointment of Rajan Bajaj as MD & CEO of the merged entity slice Small Finance Bank.
8. The Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026 in New Delhi was dedicated to the International Year of Women Farmers.
9. Jharkhand’s Palamu Tiger Reserve launched the Vanjeevi Didi initiative to train tribal women as forest protectors.
10. The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) celebrated its 75th Foundation Day on 24 February 2026.
11. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting blocked five OTT platforms under the Information Technology Rules, 2021 for streaming obscene content.
12. A bust of C. Rajagopalachari replaced the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
13. RBI and Digital India BHASHINI signed an MoU to develop a language model called Banking BHASHINI.
14. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended auctioning all available spectrum with a uniform 35% spectrum cap to safeguard competition.
15. The US CBP officially halted the collection of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) following a Supreme Court ruling.

Daily Current Affairs MCQs

Q1. The Union Cabinet recently approved a proposal to change the name of which state to its regional pronunciation?

A) Tamil Nadu

B) Karnataka

C) Kerala

D) Assam

Correct Answer: C) Kerala

Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved renaming the state of Kerala to ‘Keralam’, honoring the June 2024 resolution passed unanimously by the state legislative assembly.

Q2. What is the name of India’s first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy launched by the MHA?

A) RAKSHAK

B) PRAHAAR

C) TRISHUL

D) KAVACH

Correct Answer: B) PRAHAAR

Explanation: The MHA released ‘PRAHAAR’, a seven-pillar policy designed to disrupt terror networks and establish uniform standard operating procedures across agencies.

Q3. Which Indian film created history by winning the Best Children’s & Family Film award at BAFTA 2026?

A) Kastoori

B) Boong

C) Village Rockstars

D) Two Sisters

Correct Answer: B) Boong

Explanation: The Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’, directed by Laxmipriya Devi, became the first Indian film to win a BAFTA in the children’s category.

Q4. Who has been approved by the RBI as the MD & CEO of the slice Small Finance Bank following the merger of a fintech and a bank?

A) Rajan Bajaj

B) Sanjay Malhotra

C) Uday Kotak

D) Vijay Shekhar Sharma

Correct Answer: A) Rajan Bajaj

Explanation: Rajan Bajaj was approved as MD & CEO of slice SFB, marking India’s first successful merger between a fintech startup (slice) and a traditional bank (North East Small Finance Bank).

Q5. The 16th edition of the military exercise ‘Vajra Prahar 2026’ is being conducted between India and which country?

A) France

B) Russia

C) United States

D) United Kingdom

Correct Answer: C) United States

Explanation: Vajra Prahar is an annual bilateral exercise conducted between the Special Forces of the Indian Army and the US Army. The 16th edition commenced in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

Q6. The ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ initiative, aimed at empowering tribal women as forest protectors, was launched in which Tiger Reserve?

A) Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve

B) Kanha Tiger Reserve

C) Bandipur Tiger Reserve

D) Palamu Tiger Reserve

Correct Answer: D) Palamu Tiger Reserve

Explanation: Launched in Jharkhand’s Palamu Tiger Reserve, this scheme pays tribal women a monthly incentive of ₹3,000 to help mitigate human-wildlife conflict and prevent forest fires.

Q7. What was the theme of the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026?

A) Technology for Farmers

B) Developed Agriculture – Self-Reliant India

C) Climate Resilient Farming

D) Women in Agriculture

Correct Answer: B) Developed Agriculture – Self-Reliant India

Explanation: The event was inaugurated in New Delhi with this theme and was specially dedicated to the International Year of Women Farmers.

Q8. The newly constructed Prime Minister’s Office, where the first Cabinet meeting of 2026 was held, is named:

A) Bharat Mandapam

B) Seva Teerth

C) Kartavya Path

D) Lok Bhavan

Correct Answer: B) Seva Teerth

Explanation: The new PMO complex, symbolizing the ethos of ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’, has been officially named ‘Seva Teerth’.

Q9. Which international financial institution provided a $197.67 million guarantee for SBI’s rooftop solar program?

A) Asian Development Bank (ADB)

B) International Monetary Fund (IMF)

C) Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

D) New Development Bank (NDB)

Correct Answer: C) Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

Explanation: MIGA, a member of the World Bank Group, provided this guarantee to Citibank for SBI to promote green energy financing and lower non-commercial risks.

Q10. The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) celebrated its 75th Foundation Day on which date in 2026?

A) 24 January

B) 24 February

C) 1 March

D) 15 March

Correct Answer: B) 24 February

Explanation: ESIC was first implemented on 24 February 1952. To mark its 75th year, a “Special Service Fortnight” was launched.

Conclusion

Mastering Todays Current Affairs is the defining factor in securing top ranks in highly competitive examinations. Regularly reviewing a Daily current affairs pdf ensures that your factual knowledge remains sharp and accessible during exams. We highly recommend that aspirants make a habit of solving Daily current affairs MCQs to test their daily retention. While compiling notes is crucial, assessing your preparation through a Daily current affairs Quiz helps identify blind spots in your reading. Keep revising these daily points, and remember to synthesize them with our comprehensive Monthly current affairs compilation at the end of the month for holistic preparation. Stay consistent, stay focused, and keep pushing toward your goals!

FAQs

1. Where can I download Daily current affairs pdf?

You can download the PDF version of today’s updates directly from our portal’s download section, available at the bottom of this article or in our dedicated study materials tab.

2. How to prepare Daily current affairs for UPSC/SSC?

Read the daily news updates consistently, connect them with the static syllabus (Polity, Geography, Economy), and make concise notes. Revising through daily quizzes is highly recommended.

3. Are Daily current affairs MCQs enough for exam preparation?

While MCQs are excellent for testing your memory and factual accuracy, they should be paired with reading the detailed analysis of the news to answer conceptual questions in exams like UPSC and State PSCs.

4. How are Monthly current affairs different from daily updates?

Daily updates provide immediate, in-depth coverage of recent events, whereas the monthly compilation is a curated, summarized version designed for quick macro-level revision before exams.

5. How to practice with Daily current affairs Quiz?

Take the quiz immediately after reading the daily news blog. Note down the questions you got wrong and revise those specific topics to solidify your memory.

6. Do I need to memorize all the Static GK links provided?

Yes, exams like SSC, Railways, and Banking frequently ask static GK questions that are directly inspired by recent current events.

7. How much time should I dedicate to Todays gk questions daily?

Ideally, an aspirant should spend 45 to 60 minutes reading the daily news and 15 minutes attempting MCQs to ensure maximum retention.

8. Are state-specific current affairs important for UPSC?

Major state initiatives, especially those dealing with environment (like the Vanjeevi Didi scheme), health, or unique governance models, are highly relevant for UPSC GS papers.

9. Is international news strictly required for Banking exams?

Banking exams focus heavily on international economic news, appointments in global financial bodies (like the World Bank or IMF), and major bilateral treaties involving India.

10. How reliable is the information in the daily updates?

Our daily updates are curated by expert editors directly from verified government sources (PIB), premier national dailies, and official organizational releases, ensuring 100% exam-oriented accuracy.