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Bust of C. Rajagopalachari Unveiled at Rashtrapati Bhavan:

Why in News?

The President of India unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

rajagopalachari

Chakravarti Rajagopalachari:

  • First and only Indian Governor-General of independent India.
  • Served as the last Governor-General (1948–1950)

Close associate of Mahatma Gandhi

  • Known as the “conscience-keeper of Gandhi”

Participated in major movements:

  • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)
  • Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)
  • Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha (1930)

Proposed the C.R. Formula (1944):

  • Aimed to resolve the Congress–Muslim League deadlock
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2231850&reg=3&lang=2: Bust of C. Rajagopalachari Unveiled at Rashtrapati Bhavan:

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వినాయక్ దామోదర్ సావర్కర్ వర్ధంతి (ఫిబ్రవరి 26) – సేవలు, పుస్తకాలు & స్వాతంత్ర్య పోరాటంలో పాత్ర

వార్తలలో ఎందుకు? ఫిబ్రవరి 26వ తేదీ వినాయక్ దామోదర్ సావర్కర్ (వీర్ సావర్కర్) వర్ధంతి. ప్రధానమంత్రితో సహా పలువురు నాయకులు, భారతదేశ స్వాతంత్ర్య ఉద్యమంలో ఆయన పోషించిన పాత్రను ప్రముఖంగా ప్రస్తావిస్తూ నివాళులర్పించారు.

వీర్ సావర్కర్ యొక్క ప్రధాన సేవలు: విప్లవ సంస్థలు: మిత్ర మేళాను స్థాపించారు (1899). తరువాత ఇది అభినవ్ భారత్ సొసైటీగా రూపాంతరం చెందింది (1904). లండన్‌లో కార్యకలాపాలు: ఇండియా హౌస్ (లండన్)తో అనుబంధం కలిగి ఉన్నారు. భారతీయ విద్యార్థులను సమీకరించడానికి ఫ్రీ ఇండియా సొసైటీని స్థాపించారు. 1857 తిరుగుబాటు పునర్వివరణ: ‘ది హిస్టరీ ఆఫ్ ది వార్ ఆఫ్ ఇండియన్ ఇండిపెండెన్స్’ (1909) గ్రంథాన్ని రచించారు. ఈ తిరుగుబాటును “మొదటి స్వాతంత్ర్య యుద్ధం” అని పిలిచిన మొదటి వ్యక్తి. జైలు శిక్ష: 1910లో అరెస్టు (నాసిక్ కుట్ర కేసు). సెల్యులార్ జైలులో (అండమాన్ & నికోబార్ దీవులు) 50 సంవత్సరాల జైలు శిక్ష విధించబడింది. https://www.

newsonair.gov.

వినాయక్ దామోదర్ సావర్కర్ వర్ధంతి (ఫిబ్రవరి 26) – సేవలు, పుస్తకాలు & స్వాతంత్ర్య పోరాటంలో పాత్ర Read More »

Swami Dayanand Saraswati Birth Anniversary – Arya Samaj, Satyarth Prakash & Key Contributions

Why in News?

The birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati was observed recently. The President and Vice President of India paid tribute, highlighting his role in social and religious reforms.

swami dayanand saraswati

Major Contributions of Swami Dayanand Saraswati:

Famous Slogan:

  • “Back to the Vedas” (Return to pure Vedic teachings)

Concept of Swaraj:

  • First to give the call “India for Indians” (1876)

Religious Reforms:

  • Promoted Monotheism
  • Opposed idol worship and polytheism
  • Emphasized Vedas as supreme authority

Shuddhi Movement:

  • Focused on reconversion to Hinduism

Education Initiatives:

  • Inspired establishment of DAV (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) institutions
  • First DAV School established in Lahore (1886) by Mahatma Hansraj

Literary Work:

  • Authored “Satyarth Prakash”
https://ddnews.gov.in/en/pm-modi-pays-homage-to-maharshi-dayanand-saraswati-on-birth-anniversary/: Swami Dayanand Saraswati Birth Anniversary – Arya Samaj, Satyarth Prakash & Key Contributions

Swami Dayanand Saraswati Birth Anniversary – Arya Samaj, Satyarth Prakash & Key Contributions Read More »

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

Why in News?

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 “First 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

Why in News?

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 the first Indian woman to be elected President of the INC at the 1925 Kanpur Session. (Note: Annie Besant was the first woman President overall in 1917).
  • First Woman Governor: In 1947, she was appointed the Governor of United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), becoming the first woman to hold such a post in independent India.
  • Women’s Indian Association (WIA): She co-founded the WIA 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 the Salt Satyagraha (1930).
  • Dharasana Satyagraha: After Gandhi’s arrest during the Salt March, she took command of the raid on the Dharasana Salt Works 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 – ₹500 Crore Allocation | Harappan Site Facts

Central Government has allocated ₹500 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.  
  • Rakhigarhi is one of five “Iconic Sites” identified by the Government of India for development into a vibrant cultural destination.

Exam Tip:

  • Earlier largest site → Mohenjo-daro.
  • Now recognized → 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 – ₹500 Crore Allocation | Harappan Site Facts

Rakhigarhi to be Developed as Global Heritage Site – ₹500 Crore Allocation | Harappan Site Facts Read More »

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

Why in News?

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 “Tamil Veda”

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

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

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

Why in News?

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 »

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

Why in News?

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: She established one of the first all-women army units in world history, named “Udaiyaal” in honor of her adopted daughter.
  • Pioneer of Suicide Tactics: In 1780, her commander Kuyili 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

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

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

Why in News?

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 the Satyashodhak Samaj (“Society of Truth Seekers”) to promote social equality and challenge the caste hierarchy.
  • She founded Mahila Seva Mandal  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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