1) 🇮🇳National

• Bharat Taxi Initiative: Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with drivers of Bharat Taxi, India's first cooperative-based taxi service. He urged drivers to view the platform as their own company, emphasizing self-reliance in the transport sector.
• Milk Contamination Tragedy: A high-level investigation has been launched in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, following the death of two individuals and the hospitalisation of several others due to suspected milk contamination.
• DU "Bhajan-Clubbing" Row: A cultural event at Delhi University sparked national debate for blending traditional devotional bhajans with contemporary club-style formats, highlighting the evolving cultural landscape in educational institutions.
• JKBOSE Class 12 Schedule: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has officially released the date sheet for the Class 12 Board Examinations 2026, scheduled to commence in March.

2) 🌍International

• Mexico Drug Cartel Strike: In a major victory against organised crime, the Mexican army reportedly killed "El Mencho", the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a strategic raid in Jalisco.
• Bangladesh Army Reshuffle: A significant internal reshuffle has occurred within the Bangladesh Army; notably, the country's Defence Advisor posted in India has been recalled amid shifting political dynamics in Dhaka.
• Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Global energy experts are monitoring the Strait of Hormuz as international oil prices hit a six-month high due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran.

3) 💰Economy

• RoDTEP Scheme Update: The Government has slashed duty benefits for exporters under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme by 50%. Exporter bodies have raised concerns over the impact on global competitiveness.
• US Tariff Hike: Following a Supreme Court ruling limiting certain trade powers, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a 15% blanket tariff on all imports, effective today, 24 February.
• Rare-Earth Magnets: Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy announced that India will begin domestic production of Rare-Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) by the end of 2026, aiming to break the global monopoly on critical minerals.

4) 🗓️Date’s importance

• Central Excise Day: Observed every 24 February in India to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944. It honours the contribution of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
• Estonia Independence Day: Celebrates the 1918 Declaration of Independence of Estonia from the Russian Empire.
• Historical Milestone (2010): On this day, Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer in history to score a double century (200)* in a One Day International (ODI), achieving the feat against South Africa in Gwalior.

5) 👱‍♂️👩‍🦳Person of the day

• Steve Jobs: Born on 24 February 1955. Today marks the birth anniversary of the co-founder of Apple Inc., a visionary who revolutionised personal computing, music, and mobile telephony.
• Muhammad Yunus: The Nobel Laureate and head of Bangladesh's interim government is currently facing public allegations from President Mohammed Shahabuddin regarding constitutional protocol violations.

6) 🏅Sports

• T20 World Cup 2026: In a massive Super Eights upset, the West Indies defeated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in Mumbai. Shimron Hetmyer smashed 85 off 34 balls, leaving reigning champions India in a precarious "must-win" position for their remaining matches.
• Vizzy Trophy Appointment: The BCCI has appointed Niraj Odedra as the Head Coach of the West Zone team for the upcoming Vizzy Trophy.
• Ranji Trophy History: The cricket world watches as Jammu & Kashmir prepares for its first-ever Ranji Trophy final, a historic milestone for the region's domestic sports.

7) 🏆Awards

• BAFTA 2026: The Manipuri film 'Boong', produced by Farhan Akhtar and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, won the Best Children’s & Family Film award in London. The film 'One Battle After Another' (starring Leonardo DiCaprio) won Best Film and Best Director.
• GN Awards 2026: In the audio category, JBL Tour Pro 3 won 'Editor's Choice' and Apple AirPods Pro 3 won 'People's Choice' for the best TWS earbuds of the year.
• Vikramaditya International Award: The Madhya Pradesh government has instituted a new international award worth ₹1.01 crore in the name of Emperor Vikramaditya for excellence in human development and peace.

8) ⭐️Other important significance

• Great Nicobar Project: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cleared the ₹81,000-crore mega infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island, citing its strategic and economic importance for national security.
• Rare Disease Day 2026: Observed at major medical institutes like SGPGI Lucknow to raise awareness for patients with rare genetic conditions.

📚Word of the day

• Equanimity (Noun)
• Meaning: Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
• Usage: "A competitive exam aspirant must maintain equanimity even when faced with an unexpectedly difficult question paper."