Current Affairs – 24 February 2026

1. Government Launches National Digital Agriculture Mission 2.0

The Government of India has launched the National Digital Agriculture Mission 2.0 to modernize farming using advanced technology. The mission focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), satellite mapping, drone monitoring, and digital soil health records.

Under this program, farmers will receive:

• Digital soil health cards

• Real-time weather alerts

• Mobile-based crop advisory services

• Access to a centralized agriculture data platform

This initiative mainly aims to support small and marginal farmers by helping them increase crop productivity and reduce losses.

Why it is important:
Agriculture plays a major role in India’s economy. Digital technology can reduce farming risks, improve income, and strengthen food security.

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2. Reserve Bank of India Issues New Rules for Digital Lending Apps

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced new guidelines for digital loan apps to protect customers from fraud and harassment.

Main guidelines include:

• All lending apps must be officially registered.

• Loan amounts must be transferred directly to the borrower’s bank account.

• Complete transparency about interest rates and processing charges.

• Strict action against recovery harassment practices.

In recent years, many people complained about fake loan apps charging high interest and misusing personal data.

Exam relevance:
Questions related to banking regulation, RBI policies, and financial security are common in SSC and Banking exams.

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3. Indian Space Research Organisation Conducts Successful Reusable Rocket Test

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology at a defense testing facility in Karnataka.

This reusable vehicle is designed to land safely after launch and be used again in future missions. Unlike traditional rockets, which are destroyed after one use, reusable rockets reduce space mission costs.

Why it matters:
Lower launch costs will help India expand its satellite services and commercial space programs. It also strengthens India’s position in the global space economy.

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4. India and Japan Sign Green Hydrogen Agreement

India and Japan have signed a cooperation agreement to work together in the field of green hydrogen energy.

Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and it does not produce carbon emissions.

The partnership includes:

• Joint research projects

• Technology sharing

• Investment in hydrogen production infrastructure

India aims to become a global leader in green energy under its clean energy mission.

Importance for exams:
Environment, renewable energy, and climate change topics are important for UPSC and State PSC exams.

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5. Supreme Court Strengthens Data Privacy Protection

The Supreme Court has delivered a major judgment reinforcing citizens’ data privacy rights.

The court ruled that:

• Personal data cannot be shared without clear consent.

• Companies must delete personal data if requested by users.

• Government agencies must follow strict procedures before accessing private data.

This judgment strengthens the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution.

Why important:
Data protection and digital rights are key issues in the digital era. Questions on constitutional rights frequently appear in competitive exams.

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6. India Wins ICC Women’s T20 Tri-Series

The India Women’s Cricket Team won the ICC Women’s T20 Tri-Series after defeating Australia in the final match.

The Indian captain played a remarkable innings and guided the team to victory. This win highlights the rapid growth of women’s cricket in India.

Why it matters:
Sports achievements increase national pride and promote women’s participation in sports. Sports current affairs are commonly asked in exams.

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7. Budget 2026 Focuses on Employment and MSME Growth

The government announced new measures under Budget 2026 focusing on job creation and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Key announcements include:

• Expanded skill development programs

• Easier loans for startups

• Tax benefits for small businesses

• Special employment-linked incentives

The government aims to create around one crore new job opportunities over the next two years.

Exam importance:
Budget-related updates are important for Economy sections in UPSC, SSC, and Banking exams.

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8. World Health Organization Issues Alert on New Flu Variant

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert about a new influenza variant detected in parts of Europe and Asia.

Although most reported cases are mild, countries have been advised to increase monitoring and preparedness.

Why it is important:
Health-related global alerts are significant for both public awareness and competitive exams.

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9. Preparations Begin for National Science Day 2026

India has started preparations for National Science Day, celebrated every year on 28 February to honor the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman.

Educational institutions are organizing:

• Science exhibitions

• Innovation competitions

• Research seminars

The 2026 theme focuses on “Science for Sustainable Development.”

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10. India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise

India’s foreign exchange reserves have increased this week due to strong foreign investment inflows and stable export performance.

Higher forex reserves help:

• Maintain currency stability

• Support imports

• Boost investor confidence

Strong reserves are considered a positive sign for economic stability.

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🌍 International Updates

United States Introduces New Semiconductor Export Policy

The US government has introduced updated rules on the export of advanced semiconductor chips to protect national security interests.

China Launches New Lunar Research Satellite

China has successfully launched a lunar research satellite aimed at studying moon resources and conducting space research experiments.

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📌 Quick Revision Points

• National Digital Agriculture Mission 2.0 launched

• RBI issues new digital lending guidelines

• ISRO tests reusable rocket technology

• India–Japan green hydrogen agreement

• Supreme Court strengthens privacy rights

• India wins Women’s T20 Tri-Series

• Budget 2026 focuses on employment

• WHO issues flu variant alert

• Forex reserves increase