Current Affairs 24 February 2026

Maharashtra’s Soundala Becomes First Caste-Free Village in India.

• Soundala village in Ahilyanagar district has formally declared itself caste-free, adopting the principle Amchi jaat manav (my caste is humanity).
• The resolution was unanimously passed by the gram sabha, making Soundala Maharashtra’s & possibly India’s first caste-free village.
• The initiative marks a progressive social reform to inspire wider change against caste-based discrimination.

India and Brazil Ink MoU to Boost Cooperation in Postal Services.

• India & Brazil signed an MoU to boost bilateral cooperation in the postal sector, enabling collaboration on postal services and digital transformation.
• The agreement was signed by India’s Minister Scindia & Brazil’s Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho.
• Aims to foster strategic partnership, knowledge-sharing, & inclusive service delivery between the two nations’ postal authorities.

Palamu Tiger Reserve Launches "Vanjeevi Didi" to Train Women.

• Palamu Tiger Reserve in Ranchi, Jharkhand launched a new Vanjeevi Didi initiative aim to train educated women from 17 villages as ambassadors to promote forest & wildlife conservation.
• Each Vanjeevi Didi receives ₹3,000/month; duties include spreading awareness, boosting school enrollments.
• The programme empowers women to act as links between communities & forest protection.

Digital Bharat Nidhi and Andhra Pradesh Ink Pact For BharatNet Rollout.

• Digital Bharat Nidhi and Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU for expedited rollout of the Amended BharatNet Programme, a $16.9B (₹1.39 lakh crore) mission to bring OFC broadband to every village.
• Ensures state support for right of way, infra access aiming to digitally empower rural Andhra Pradesh.
• Maximize socio-economic gains & digital inclusion by serving government, businesses across the state.

Residential Complex at Karwar Base under Project Seabird Inaugurated.

• Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan inaugurated new accommodation for senior sailors (60 units) and defence civilians (240 units) at Naval Base Karwar, part of Project Seabird Phase IIA.
• Project Seabird Phase IIA supports future berthing for ships/submarines, includes a dockyard, dry berths, Naval Air Station, and logistics, accommodating 10,000+ personnel and families.