In Current Affairs for 24 February 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 24 February 2026
Central Excise Day 2026
India observed Central Excise Day 2026 on 24 February 2026 to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise Act, 1944. The day highlights the vital role played by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in strengthening India’s indirect tax administration and ensuring steady revenue collection for national development.
The origin of this observance dates back to 24 February 1944, when the Central Excise and Salt Act was enacted to unify various excise-related laws under one comprehensive legal framework.
Even after the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), central excise duty continues to apply to specific commodities such as petroleum products and tobacco, maintaining its fiscal relevance.
Key Responsibilities of CBIC:
- Collection of Customs Duty
- Administration of Central Excise Duty
- Implementation of Central GST (CGST) and Integrated GST (IGST)
- Prevention of smuggling and illegal trade
- Policy formulation in indirect taxation
Central Excise Day serves as recognition of the department’s contribution toward economic governance and regulatory efficiency.
Geneva to Host AI Summit 2027
Switzerland will host the AI Summit 2027 in Geneva, as announced by Swiss President Guy Parmelin during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The event took place at Bharat Mandapam.
Following Geneva’s turn, the United Arab Emirates will host the AI Summit in 2028, reflecting a coordinated approach to sustained global AI engagement.
Geneva’s selection reinforces its reputation as a global diplomatic centre, hosting numerous international organisations and serving as a neutral venue for multilateral cooperation.
Major Highlights:
- Switzerland to host AI Summit 2027
- UAE to host AI Summit 2028
- Emphasis on ethical and inclusive AI governance
- Strengthened global cooperation on AI policy
Economic cooperation between India and Switzerland has deepened after the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which came into effect in October 2025. The agreement enhances:
- Investment flows
- Technology partnerships
- Sustainable employment generation
- Expanded market access
The coordinated transition from Geneva (2027) to the UAE (2028) underscores continuity in shaping global AI governance frameworks.
India Removes MFN Clause in Tax Treaty with France
India has removed the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause from its tax treaty with France. The revised agreement was signed during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron.
The India–France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC), originally signed in 1992, was designed to prevent double taxation of income earned in both jurisdictions.
Impact of MFN Clause Removal:
- Revision of dividend taxation norms
- Changes in capital gains taxation
- Incorporation of global anti-tax avoidance standards
- Greater clarity in cross-border taxation
The MFN clause earlier allowed France to automatically claim more favourable tax provisions granted by India to other nations in subsequent treaties. Its removal is aimed at:
- Minimising prolonged tax disputes
- Safeguarding India’s taxation rights
- Ensuring legal certainty in treaty interpretation
This move marks a significant shift in India’s international tax policy framework.
Bharat Launches ‘Prahaar’ Counter-Terror Policy
The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced ‘Prahaar’, a comprehensive national counter-terrorism policy based on a zero-tolerance approach. Announced on 23 February 2026, the framework focuses on proactive prevention, coordinated intelligence efforts, and technology-driven responses while upholding the rule of law.
Objectives of ‘Prahaar’:
- Prevent terrorist activities before execution
- Enable swift and proportionate responses
- Strengthen Centre–State coordination
- Safeguard human rights within constitutional limits
- Counter radicalisation and build community resilience
Emerging Threats Addressed:
- Cross-border terrorism and extremist networks
- Drone-based threats in border regions
- Online radical propaganda and encrypted communication
- Dark web and cryptocurrency-based terror financing
- Risks involving Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, and Digital (CBRNED) materials
- Cyber-attacks by state and non-state actors
The policy reflects India’s strategic shift towards integrated security preparedness in the face of evolving technological threats.
Lutyens Statue to Be Replaced at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced with that of C. Rajagopalachari. The announcement was made during the radio programme Mann Ki Baat.
Reasons Behind the Decision:
- Removal of colonial-era symbols
- Recognition of Indian freedom fighters and leaders
- Promotion of the ‘freedom from colonial mindset’ vision
Edwin Lutyens, appointed in 1912, played a central role in designing British India’s new capital.
Major Structures Designed by Lutyens:
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
- North Block and South Block
- India Gate
- Hyderabad House
- Connaught Place
The move reflects a broader effort to reinterpret historical spaces in alignment with contemporary national identity.
Government Launches Mobile Labs to Monitor National Highway Quality
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched Mobile Quality Control Vans (MQCVs) to strengthen quality monitoring of National Highway construction projects. Pilot operations have begun in:
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Karnataka
- Odisha
These mobile laboratories are equipped with advanced non-destructive testing technology to conduct on-site inspections efficiently. Additionally, the ministry is developing a National Highway Quality Monitoring Portal featuring real-time GPS tracking to enhance transparency and accountability.
With India expanding its highway network at record speed, the focus is now shifting toward durability, safety, and global-quality standards.
Conclusion
The developments on 24 February 2026 reflect India’s evolving governance priorities — from fiscal administration and tax reforms to counter-terror strategies, infrastructure quality enhancement, and international cooperation in artificial intelligence. Together, these updates underline India’s commitment to security, transparency, and global engagement.
Review Questions
1. Central Excise Day is observed on which date?
A) 26 January
B) 24 February
C) 1 April
D) 15 August
Answer: B) 24 February
Explanation: Central Excise Day is observed on 24 February to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise Act, 1944.
2. Which organization is responsible for administering Central Excise Duty in India?
A) RBI
B) SEBI
C) Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
D) NITI Aayog
Answer: C) Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
Explanation: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) administers customs, central excise, and GST laws in India.
3. After GST implementation, Central Excise is primarily applicable to which goods?
A) Electronics and automobiles
B) Agricultural products
C) Petroleum products and tobacco
D) Services sector
Answer: C) Petroleum products and tobacco
Explanation: Even after GST, central excise duty continues on selected items such as petroleum products and tobacco.
4. The AI Summit 2027 will be hosted by which country?
A) France
B) Switzerland
C) India
D) UAE
Answer: B) Switzerland
Explanation: Switzerland will host the AI Summit 2027 in Geneva, a global diplomatic hub.
5. Which country will host the AI Summit in 2028?
A) Germany
B) Japan
C) United Arab Emirates
D) Canada
Answer: C) United Arab Emirates
Explanation: After Switzerland in 2027, the United Arab Emirates will host the AI Summit in 2028.
6. The Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause was removed from India’s tax treaty with which country?
A) USA
B) United Kingdom
C) France
D) Australia
Answer: C) France
Explanation: India removed the MFN clause from its Double Taxation Avoidance Convention with France to reduce disputes and protect taxation rights.
7. ‘Prahaar’ is associated with which ministry?
A) Ministry of Defence
B) Ministry of External Affairs
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
D) Ministry of Finance
Answer: C) Ministry of Home Affairs
Explanation: ‘Prahaar’ is a national counter-terrorism policy launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
8. The statue of Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced by which Indian statesman?
A) Sardar Patel
B) B. R. Ambedkar
C) C. Rajagopalachari
D) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: C) C. Rajagopalachari
Explanation: The statue of Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced with that of C. Rajagopalachari.
9. Which ministry launched Mobile Quality Control Vans (MQCVs) for National Highways?
A) Ministry of Defence
B) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
C) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
D) Ministry of Railways
Answer: B) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Explanation: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched MQCVs to improve highway construction quality.
10. The Mobile Quality Control Vans pilot project has been launched in how many states initially?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Five
Answer: C) Four
Explanation: The pilot phase has begun in four states — Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Odisha — to monitor highway quality standards.
