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Centre Issues New Guidelines on ‘Vande Mataram’: Key Facts, History & Exam Notes

Why in News?

Union Government has issued new guidelines for the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s National Song. It mandates that all six stanzas of the official version be rendered first when performed along with the National Anthem.

Vande Mataram

Composition

Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875
First published in Bangadarshan journal
Later included in his novel Anandamath (1882)

Political & Historical Significance

First sung publicly by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 INC Session (Calcutta)
Became a symbol of India’s freedom struggle
Used as a rallying cry against British rule

Global Recognition

Madam Bhikaji Cama unfurled India’s early flag with Vande Mataram” inscribed in Stuttgart (1907)

Constitutional Status

On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly:
- Declared ‘Vande Mataram’ as National Song
- Granted it status “equal in honour” to National Anthem (‘Jana Gana Mana’)
Initially, only the first two stanzas were officially adopted

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/all-6-stanzas-of-vande-mataram-now-must-for-all-govt-events-schools-what-centres-new-guidelines-say/articleshow/128187027.cms

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80th Anniversary of Royal Indian Navy Revolt (1946): Key Facts, Causes & Significance for exams:

Why in News?

February 18, 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Revolt, 1946.

Key Highlights:

Also known as the 1946 Naval Uprising.
Began on February 18, 1946, and lasted for 5 days.
Originated at HMIS Talwar (Bombay) and spread to other naval establishments.
Involved around 20,000 naval ratings across ships and shore establishments.
Received mass public support including strikes by workers and students.

Causes of the RIN Revolt

Poor Quality of Food served to Indian sailors
Racial Discrimination and ill-treatment by British officers
Low Pay and Harsh Working Conditions
Influence of nationalist movements and INA trials

Course of Events

Immediate Trigger

Began as a hunger strike by ~1,100 ratings at HMIS Talwar
Protest against Commander Arthur Frederick King’s racial behaviour

Organisation

Formation of Naval Central Strike Committee (NCSC)
Leadership by M.S. Khan

Demands

Better food and service conditions
Equal treatment with British personnel
Release of Indian National Army (INA) prisoners

Outcome

Revolt ended on February 23, 1946, after surrender
Suppressed by British authorities with negotiations and force

Significance

Demonstrated declining loyalty of Indian armed forces to British rule
Seen as the “final nail in the coffin” of British colonialism in India
Accelerated British decision to transfer power in 1947
Highlighted unity among soldiers, workers, and civilians

https://www.thehindu.com/education/the-1946-royal-navy-revolt-solidarity-amid-sharpening-polarisation/article70642960.ece

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Bust of C. Rajagopalachari Unveiled at Rashtrapati Bhavan:

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, History and Culture Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

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

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: Read More »

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

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, History and Culture Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

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

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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.

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 Read More »

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

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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.

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 Read More »

National Women’s Day: 13th February

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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.

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

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

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Central Government has allocated ₹500 crore to develop Rakhigarhi as a global heritage site, recognizing its archaeological and tourism importance.

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 Read More »

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

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Why in News?

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

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 Read More »

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

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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.

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

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