Top Current Affairs — 24 February 2026 🇮🇳 National (India) News

🇮🇳 National News (India)

Multitrack Rail Projects Approved
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved three major multitrack railway projects costing approx. ₹9,072 crore.
These will add ~307 km of rail capacity across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, boost freight movement, decongest lines, and connect around 5,400 villages.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) Portal Launched
The upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH web portal was launched to simplify and digitalise the process of obtaining NOCs for access works and utilities along National Highways.
Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) 75th Foundation Year
ESIC celebrations were inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, highlighting its role in providing workers’ health insurance and social security coverage.

Express Train Services Flagged Off
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off two new express trains: Bhopal–Dhanbad Express and Bhopal–Chopan Express, enhancing connectivity across Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar.
India’s First RRTS Corridor Inaugurated
The 82 km Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) — India’s first high-speed regional rail corridor — became operational, designed to cut travel time between NCR and Meerut.

India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’
The 7th edition of this bilateral exercise began in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, focusing on joint operations, intelligence, and counter-terror drills to strengthen India–Japan defence cooperation.
Exercise Agni Varsha
The Indian Army’s Southern Command carried out a large-scale integrated fire and manoeuvre exercise at Pokhran Field Firing Range, showcasing combat readiness and operational capabilities.

AI-Driven “SUJVIKA” Portal Launched
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled an AI-powered Biotech Product Data Portal (SUJVIKA) and a revamped Department of Biotechnology website to support data-led biotech growth and reduce import dependence.

‘Saving Lives and Building a Healthier Bharat’ Campaign
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated this nationwide public health initiative by PD Hinduja Hospital to expand access to quality healthcare services.

Four-Year Mark of Russia–Ukraine War
The conflict entered its fourth year (since February 2022). Discussions and diplomatic activities continue around sustained military support and future negotiations.
Europe & EU Developments
Iceland announced a referendum on whether to pursue EU membership talks, illustrating changing dynamics over European integration. Concurrently, political tensions in Hungary affected EU funding decisions.
Historic Israel Visit (Covered in Related Reports)
Although from related sources for context, Indian PM Narendra Modi was set to become the first Indian leader to address Israel’s Knesset plenary, deepening strategic ties.

MSP for Raw Jute Increased
The Cabinet approved the Minimum Support Price for TD-3 grade raw jute at ₹5,925 per quintal for the 2026–27 season — representing a significant increase to support farmers and earnings.

GDP Growth Projection
According to a State Bank of India report, India’s GDP is estimated to grow at around 8.1% in Q3 of FY 2025-26, driven by strong rural and urban demand.

Central Excise Day (24 Feb)
India observed Central Excise Day to commemorate the historic Central Excise Act of 1944 and honour the role of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs in revenue and governance.

Men’s and Women’s Cricket – T20 World Cup
Multiple T20 World Cup matches were underway. India and Zimbabwe faced off in a key Super Eights match, with both teams needing a win to stay in semifinal contention.