Daily Current Affairs: 24 May 2026

India

01
India launches first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell train
Indian Railways unveiled its first hydrogen fuel cell train, developed under the 'Hydrogen for Heritage' initiative. The train, which emits only water vapor, is part of India's goal to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2070. This aligns with the National Hydrogen Mission and boosts green mobility.
02
Cabinet approves new National Education Policy 2026 implementation roadmap
The Union Cabinet approved a phased roadmap for implementing NEP 2026, focusing on vocational training, digital literacy, and multidisciplinary education. The policy aims to increase Gross Enrollment Ratio in higher education to 50% by 2035. It also introduces regional language instruction in schools.
03
India and Nepal sign agreement on cross-border railway connectivity
India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a new railway line connecting Raxaul (Bihar) to Kathmandu. The project, funded by India under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, will enhance trade and people-to-people ties. It is expected to be completed by 2028.

01
G7 summit concludes with commitment to global minimum corporate tax
The G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, ended with a joint declaration reaffirming the implementation of a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%. The agreement aims to curb tax avoidance by multinational corporations. India, though not a G7 member, supports the OECD-led initiative.
02
WHO declares end of COVID-19 global health emergency
The World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), after more than three years. The decision was based on declining cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, WHO cautioned that the virus remains a threat.
03
Iran and Saudi Arabia reopen embassies after seven-year rift
Iran and Saudi Arabia formally reopened their embassies in each other's capitals, following a China-brokered deal in March 2023. The move marks a significant de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. It is expected to reduce conflicts in Yemen and Syria.

01
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.50% for third consecutive time
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee decided to maintain the repo rate at 6.50%, citing concerns over inflation. The decision aims to support economic growth while keeping inflation within the 2-6% target band. The GDP growth forecast for FY2026-27 was retained at 6.5%.

01
ISRO successfully tests crew escape system for Gaganyaan mission
ISRO conducted a successful test of the crew escape system at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The test validated the system's ability to safely eject astronauts in case of an emergency during launch. This is a critical milestone for India's first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, planned for 2027.

01
India wins Thomas Cup for the first time
The Indian men's badminton team defeated Indonesia 3-0 in the final of the Thomas Cup in Bangkok. This is India's maiden title in the prestigious team championship. Key players included Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and the doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.

01
Author Geetanjali Shree wins International Booker Prize 2026
Geetanjali Shree became the first Indian author to win the International Booker Prize for her novel 'Tomb of Sand', translated from Hindi by Daisy Rockwell. The novel explores themes of loss, memory, and identity. The award carries a prize of £50,000, shared between author and translator.

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This edition includes 8 practice questions based on the briefing.