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Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Death Anniversary (February 26) – Contributions, Books & Role in Freedom Struggle

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February 26 marks the death anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Veer Savarkar). Leaders, including the Prime Minister, paid tribute highlighting his role in India’s freedom movement.

vinayak damodar savarkar

Major Contributions of Veer Savarkar:

  • Revolutionary Organizations:
    • Founded Mitra Mela (1899)
    • Later transformed into Abhinav Bharat Society (1904)
  • Activities in London:
    • Associated with India House (London)
    • Established Free India Society to mobilize Indian students
  • Reinterpretation of 1857 Revolt:
    • Authored The History of the War of Indian Independence (1909)
    • First to call the revolt β€œFirst War of Independence”
  • Imprisonment:
    • Arrested in 1910 (Nasik Conspiracy Case)
    • Sentenced to 50 years in Cellular Jail (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
https://www.newsonair.gov.in/minister-amit-shah-pays-tribute-to-freedom-fighter-vinayak-damodar-savarkar/: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Death Anniversary (February 26) – Contributions, Books & Role in Freedom Struggle

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National Women’s Day: 13th February

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National Women’s Day in India is observed annually on 13 February. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a key figure in India’s freedom struggle and women’s empowerment.

national women’s day

Sarojini Naidu:

Sarojini Naidu is a vital figure representing the intersection of the Indian national movement, women’s empowerment, and literary excellence. Known as the “Nightingale of India” (Bharat Kokila).

Key Institutional Milestones

  • Indian National Congress (INC): She was theΒ first Indian womanΒ to be elected President of the INC at theΒ 1925 Kanpur Session. (Note: Annie Besant was the first woman President overall in 1917).
  • First Woman Governor: In 1947, she was appointed theΒ Governor of United ProvincesΒ (now Uttar Pradesh), becoming the first woman to hold such a post in independent India.
  • Women’s Indian Association (WIA): She co-founded theΒ WIAΒ in 1917 alongside Annie Besant to advocate for women’s suffrage and education
Role in the Freedom Struggle
  • Non-Cooperation & Civil Disobedience: A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, she participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and theΒ Salt SatyagrahaΒ (1930).
  • Dharasana Satyagraha: After Gandhi’s arrest during the Salt March, she took command of the raid on theΒ Dharasana Salt WorksΒ on May 21, 1930, leading 2,500 volunteers.
Literary & Cultural Contributions

Her poetry is noted for its vivid imagery and themes of patriotism and Indian life. Key works include

  • The Golden Threshold (1905)
  • The Bird of Time (1912)
https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/national-womens-day-wishes-2025-celebrating-sarojini-naidus-birth-anniversary-and-her-legacy-9223105.html: National Women’s Day: 13th February

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Rakhigarhi to be Developed as Global Heritage Site – β‚Ή500 Crore Allocation | Harappan Site Facts

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Central Government has allocated β‚Ή500 crore to develop Rakhigarhi as a global heritage site, recognizing its archaeological and tourism importance.

rakhigarhi

Rakhigarhi :

  • Rakhigarhi belongs to the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500–1900 BCE) and is the largest Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) site.
  • Located in Hisar district, Haryana. Part of the Ghaggar-Hakra river basin.
  • Initially excavated by Amarendra Nath of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Later excavations led by Vasanth Shinde confirmed its larger size than Mohenjodaro. Β 
  • Rakhigarhi is one of five “Iconic Sites” identified by the Government of India for development into aΒ vibrant cultural destination.

Exam Tip:

  • Earlier largest site β†’ Mohenjo-daro.
  • Now recognized β†’ Rakhigarhi as largest site in Indian subcontinent
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/haryana/no-cheer-in-rakhigarhi-over-plan-to-develop-harappan-cultural-site/article70587485.ece: Rakhigarhi to be Developed as Global Heritage Site – β‚Ή500 Crore Allocation | Harappan Site Facts

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Thiruvalluvar Day 2026 – Tirukkural, Teachings & Key Facts for exams

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day, highlighting the timeless relevance of his work Tirukkural.

thiruvalluvar

Thiruvalluvar:

Thiruvalluvar, also known as Valluvar, was a legendary Tamil poet and philosopher best known as the author of the Tirukkuṟaḷ, a foundational work of Tamil literature on ethics, governance, and love.

His work Tirukkural is often called β€œTamil Veda”

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/tamil-nadu-observes-birth-anniversary-of-poet-saint-thiruvalluvar/: Thiruvalluvar Day 2026 – Tirukkural, Teachings & Key Facts for exams

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Zehanpora Stupa Discovery – 2,000-Year-Old Buddhist Site in Kashmir | Exam facts

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Archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old Buddhist monastic complex at Zehanpora Stupa in Jammu & Kashmir, revealing important insights into Kashmir’s ancient Buddhist heritage.

zehanpora stupa

Key Highlights:

  • Located in Zehanpora village, Baramulla district (J&K).
  • Dates back to the Kushan period (~1st–3rd century CE).
  • Excavation revealed stupas, monastic structures, and cultural remains.
  • Situated along the ancient Silk Route, linking India with Central Asia.
  • Confirms Kashmir’s role as a major Buddhist centre.

Buddhism in Kashmir:

  • Founded by Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha).
  • Tradition says Buddhism spread to Kashmir during Ashoka’s reign.
  • However, Rajatarangini suggests Buddhism existed before Ashoka.
  • Mahavamsa mentions Kashmir scholars in Ashoka’s council.
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/zehanpora-excavation-kashmir-buddhist-stupas-kushan-era-gandhara-links-photo-france-museum-pm-modi-2843040-2025-12-29: Zehanpora Stupa Discovery – 2,000-Year-Old Buddhist Site in Kashmir | Exam facts

Zehanpora Stupa Discovery – 2,000-Year-Old Buddhist Site in Kashmir | Exam facts Read More Β»

Rani Velu Nachiyar Birth Anniversary – First Queen to Resist British Rule | Key Facts

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, recognizing her as a pioneer of armed resistance against British rule.

rani velu nachiyar
Rani Velu Nachiyar:
  • Rani Velu Nachiyar was the Queen of Sivaganga (Tamil Nadu).
  • First Indian queen to launch an organized revolt against the British East India Company (EIC).
  • Udaiyaal Women’s Army:Β She established one of the first all-women army units in world history, namedΒ “Udaiyaal”Β in honor of her adopted daughter.
  • Pioneer of Suicide Tactics:Β In 1780, her commanderΒ KuyiliΒ performed the first recorded suicide attack in Indian history by setting herself on fire to destroy a British ammunition depot, enabling the queen’s forces to recapture Sivaganga.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2210996&reg=3&lang=1: Rani Velu Nachiyar Birth Anniversary – First Queen to Resist British Rule | Key Facts

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Savitribai Phule Birth Anniversary – First Female Teacher, Reforms & Key Facts for Exams

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her 195th birth anniversary, recognizing her contributions to women’s education and social reform.

savitribai phule

Savitribai Phule:

Savitribai Phule was a pioneering Indian social reformer, educator, and poet from Maharashtra. she is often hailed as the “Mother of Indian Feminism” for her tireless work in advancing women’s rights and education.

  • Savitribai Phule is regarded as India’s first female teacher.
  • Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she founded India’s first school for girls at Bhide Wada in Pune in 1848.
  • She played a vital role in theΒ Satyashodhak SamajΒ (“Society of Truth Seekers”) to promote social equality and challenge the caste hierarchy.
  • She founded Mahila Seva Mandal Β to raise awareness about women’s rights, the dignity of life, and human rights.
https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/savitribai-phule-10-facts-first-female-teacher-india-pioneered-womens-education-social-reform-2879679-2026-03-10: Savitribai Phule Birth Anniversary – First Female Teacher, Reforms & Key Facts for Exams

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World Hindi Day 2026 – Date, Article 343, Official Language Explained

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World Hindi Day 2026 is observed on January 10 to promote the global significance of the Hindi language and strengthen its international presence.

world hindi day

World Hindi Day was first celebrated in 2006. It commemorates the first World Hindi Conference (1975, Nagpur).

  • World Hindi Day: January 10 (Global promotion)
  • National Hindi Day: September 14 (Adoption of Hindi as official language in 1949)
Article 343:

Article 343 states:

  • Official language of the Union β†’ Hindi in Devanagari script
  • English allowed for 15 years (1950–1965) for official purposes

After 1965, English continued through

  • Official Languages Act, 1963

Ensures bilingual functioning (Hindi + English) in Union administration

https://indianexpress.com/article/when-is/vishwa-hindi-divas-2025-date-history-significance-theme-9770905/: World Hindi Day 2026 – Date, Article 343, Official Language Explained

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Somnath Temple 1000 Years Since 1026 Attack – History, Mahmud of Ghazni & Key Facts

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India is commemorating 1,000 years since the first recorded attack (1026 CE) on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni through events titled Somnath Swabhiman Parv (2026).

somnath temple

Somnath Temple:

The Somnath Temple, located in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, is revered as the first of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Often called the “Eternal Shrine,” it is famous for its resilience, having been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history.

1026 attack:
  • Led by Mahmud of Ghazni, ruler of the Ghaznavid Dynasty.
  • One of his 17 invasions into India (1000–1025 CE).
  • Targeted wealthy temples for plunder and religious motives

About Mahmud of Ghazni:

  • Ruler of Ghazni (present-day Afghanistan)
  • Conducted 17 raids into the Indian subcontinent
  • Focused on rich temple cities like Somnath
  • Al-Biruni accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni. Authored β€œKitab-ul-Hind”, a detailed account of Indian society and culture
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2213128&reg=3&lang=2#:~:text=A%20Thousand%20Years%20of%20Deep%2Drooted%20Faith%20and%20Civilisational%20Pride&text=Somnath%20Swabhiman%20Parv%20(8%E2%80%9311,rich%20cultural%20and%20spiritual%20heritage.: Somnath Temple 1000 Years Since 1026 Attack – History, Mahmud of Ghazni & Key Facts

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Veer Bal Diwas – History, Significance & Key Facts for exams

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India observed Veer Bal Diwas to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, highlighting their unwavering commitment to faith and courage.

veer bal diwas

Veer Bal Diwas honors the martyrdom of

  • Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (aged 9)
  • Sahibzada Fateh Singh (aged 7)
  • They were the youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
  • The day highlights extraordinary courage and sacrifice at a young age.
  • Observed annually on December 26.

Β In 1704, the two young boys were captured by the Mughal Governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan. Despite facing extreme pressure and the threat of death, they refused to renounce their faith and were eventually executed by being bricked alive into a wall.

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=156743&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=2: Veer Bal Diwas – History, Significance & Key Facts for exams

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