Introduction

The Current Affairs of 24 and 25 February 2026 highlight key developments in infrastructure, artificial intelligence governance, economy, banking security, sports, awards, and state initiatives. These events are significant from an examination perspective as they combine dynamic current affairs with static General Knowledge (GK) concepts such as constitutional acts, economic projections, international organizations, and government schemes.

Staying updated through structured notes and revision-friendly formats is crucial for scoring high in competitive exams. You can explore more updates from our Daily Current Affairs section and strengthen preparation through Daily Current Affairs Free Quizzes.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor & Meerut Metro

On 22 February 2026, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, visited Meerut in Uttar Pradesh and dedicated infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 12,930 crore to the nation. The highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the 82-kilometre Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), along with the Meerut Metro corridor.

The Namo Bharat Corridor is designed for a maximum speed of 180 kilometres per hour (kmph), with an operational speed of 160 kmph, significantly reducing travel time between Delhi and Meerut. Sarai Kale Khan serves as the originating station of the corridor. In addition, the 21-km Meerut Metro corridor, operating between Meerut South and Modipuram, has become India’s fastest metro system with an operational speed of around 120 kmph. The shared infrastructure model integrates intercity and intra-city transit, making it India’s first such system.

Key Facts for Exams:

• Length of Namo Bharat Corridor: 82 km
• Operational speed: 160 kmph
• Meerut Metro length: 21 km
• Origin station: Sarai Kale Khan
• First integrated RRTS–Metro model in India

2nd India AI Impact Summit 2026 – Adoption of New Delhi Declaration

The 2nd India Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Summit was formally inaugurated by Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The five-day summit concluded with the adoption of the “New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact,” endorsed by 91 countries and international organisations.

During the summit, the Prime Minister unveiled the MANAV framework for AI governance. MANAV stands for Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive, and Valid and Legitimate. This framework emphasizes responsible AI development aligned with ethical standards, data sovereignty, accessibility, and legal validity.

The summit also saw participation from global leaders, including the President of France and the UN Secretary-General, reflecting India’s growing leadership role in AI governance.

Exam Focus Areas:

• MANAV framework components
• New Delhi Declaration
• AI governance & national data sovereignty
• Bharat Mandapam (important summit venue)

National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 Launched

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the second phase of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0) in New Delhi. The initiative has been formulated by NITI Aayog in consultation with infrastructure ministries.

NMP 2.0 estimates an aggregate monetisation potential of Rs 16.72 lakh crore for the period FY26 to FY30. The objective is to unlock value from existing underutilised infrastructure assets and reinvest the proceeds into new infrastructure creation, thereby accelerating economic growth.

Important Points:

• Monetisation target: Rs 16.72 lakh crore
• Period: FY2025–26 to FY2029–30
• Formulated by: NITI Aayog
• 2.6 times higher target compared to NMP 1.0

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI Establishes Highly Secured Data Centre in Odisha

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has operationalised a highly secure second data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The facility is built on an 18.55-acre campus at Info Valley-II in Khordha district.

The data centre has secured Tier IV certification, which represents the highest global standard in reliability and uptime. This centre will host critical banking systems related to cash supply management, inter-bank digital payments, and financial monitoring. The RBI’s primary data centre is located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

This development is crucial for cybersecurity, financial resilience, and continuity of banking operations.

ECONOMY

ICRA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 7.2% in Q3 FY26

ICRA Limited projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7.2% for the third quarter of FY26 (October–December 2025), slightly lower than 8.2% recorded in Q2.

The moderation is attributed to weaker exports, reduced government capital expenditure, subdued state spending, and base effects. However, industrial growth is projected to rise to 8.3%, the highest in six quarters.

Sectoral Projections:

• Services growth: 7.8%
• Agriculture growth: 3%
• Industrial growth: 8.3%

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Vasai Cathedral Receives UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award 2025

The 475-year-old Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, received the Award of Merit at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2025. It became the only religious site from India to receive recognition in this edition.

This award highlights India’s cultural heritage preservation efforts and is important for Art & Culture sections in UPSC and State PSC examinations.

SPORTS

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

The XXV Winter Olympic Games (Milano Cortina 2026) were held in Italy from 6 to 22 February 2026. Norway topped the medal tally with 18 gold medals and a total of 41 medals.

India fielded a two-member contingent but did not secure any medals. The event is significant for sports current affairs and International Olympic Committee (IOC) related questions.

IMPORTANT DAYS

Central Excise Day – 24 February

Central Excise Day is observed annually on 24 February to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) administers Central Excise Duty in India.

World Thinking Day – 22 February

World Thinking Day is celebrated on 22 February by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 153 countries. The 2026 theme was “Our Friendship.”

One-Liner Revision Points

1. Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor length – 82 km.
2. Meerut Metro operational speed – 120 kmph.
3. MANAV framework launched at AI Impact Summit 2026.
4. NMP 2.0 monetisation target – Rs 16.72 lakh crore.
5. RBI’s second data centre established in Bhubaneswar.
6. ICRA projected Q3 FY26 GDP growth at 7.2%.
7. Vasai Cathedral won UNESCO Award of Merit 2025.
8. Norway topped medal tally in Winter Olympics 2026.
9. Central Excise Day observed on 24 February.
10. World Thinking Day 2026 theme – “Our Friendship.”

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