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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 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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AP Free Power Scheme for Weavers 2026 – Key Facts for APPSC exams

Why in News?

The Andhra Pradesh government announced the launch of a Free Power Scheme for Weavers from April 1, 2026. The scheme aims to provide financial relief and livelihood support to handloom and power loom workers.

ap free power scheme for weavers

AP Free Power Scheme:

  • Scheme Launch Date: April 1, 2026
  • Electricity Benefit:
    • Handloom weavers: Free power up to 200 units/month
    • Power loom weavers: Free power up to 500 units/month
  • Total Beneficiaries: 1,03,534 families
    • Handloom families: 93,000
    • Power loom families: 10,534

Additional Welfare Measures

  • Weaver Pension Enhancement:
    • Increased from β‚Ή3,000 to β‚Ή4,000 per month
    • Applicable for weavers aged 50 years and above
    • Beneficiaries: 87,280 individuals
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/andhra-pradesh-government-to-roll-out-free-electricity-scheme-for-weavers-from-april-1/articleshow/127807271.cms: AP Free Power Scheme for Weavers 2026 – Key Facts for APPSC exams

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Union Budget 2026: India to Establish New Telescopes (NLST & NLOT) – Key Facts for Exams:

Why in News?

Union Budget 2026 approved the establishment of two major telescopes to boost India’s capabilities in space and astrophysical research. The initiative focuses on studying the Sun and the origin of the universe.

national large telescope

Key Highlights

  • New Telescopes Approved:
    • National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) at Merak region near Pangong Tso (Ladakh)
    • National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT) at Hanle, Ladakh

Important Fact

  • NLST will become India’s 3rd ground-based solar observatory after:
    • Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (1899, Tamil Nadu)
    • Udaipur Solar Observatory (1975, Rajasthan)
https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=285551&reg=3&lang=2: Union Budget 2026: India to Establish New Telescopes (NLST & NLOT) – Key Facts for Exams:

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Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine Launched in India – Key Facts for Exams

Why in News?

The Union Health Minister launched a Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) vaccine programme. The initiative aims to strengthen protection against life-threatening infectious diseases in India.

tetanus and diphtheria vaccine launched

Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccineΒ isΒ a dual-protection shot that immunizes older children and adults against tetanus and diphtheria.

About Tetanus:

Tetanus isΒ a serious, sometimes fatal, disease caused byΒ Clostridium tetaniΒ bacteria, which produce a toxin causing severe, painful muscle spasms and “lockjaw”

  • Source: Soil, dust, animal manure.
  • Transmission: Enters body through cuts, wounds, or injuries

About Diphtheria:

Diphtheria is a serious, highly contagious bacterial infection caused by toxin-producing strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. While it typically affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, it can also impact the skin.

Cause: Bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Transmission: Spread through respiratory droplets.

Symptoms:

  • Sore throat, fever
  • Thick grey membrane (pseudomembrane) in throat
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230793&reg=3&lang=1: Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine Launched in India – Key Facts for Exams

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World Wetlands Day 2026 (Feb 2): Theme, Ramsar Convention & Montreux Record – Exam Notes

Why in News?

World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2, marking the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention (1971). The 2026 theme highlights traditional knowledge and cultural heritage linked to wetlands.

world wetlands day

Key Highlights:

  • Date: February 2 (every year).
  • Purpose: To raise awareness about the importance of wetlands for ecology, biodiversity, and livelihoods.
  • 2026 Theme:β€œWetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:

  • Signed on February 2, 1971 in Ramsar
  • It is the only global treaty focused on a specific ecosystem (wetlands)
  • India became a member on February 1, 1982
  • Objective: Conservation and wise use of wetlands

Montreux Record:

  • A register under the Ramsar Convention
  • Includes wetlands facing ecological threats due to human interference or pollution

Indian Sites in Montreux Record:

  • Keoladeo National Park
  • Loktak Lake
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/world-wetlands-day-2026-promoting-chilika-red-rice-can-help-enhance-food-and-livelihood-security-around-indias-first-ramsar-site: World Wetlands Day 2026 (Feb 2): Theme, Ramsar Convention & Montreux Record – Exam Notes

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Project Tiger Completes 50 Years: Centre Forms Expert Groups for Policy Review

Why in News?

The Government of India has constituted four expert working groups to review five decades of tiger conservation policies under Project Tiger, marking its 50-year milestone.

project tiger

Project Tiger:

  • Project Tiger was launched on 1 April 1973.
  • The launch took place at Jim Corbett National Park.
  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
  • Objective: To ensure a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats.
  • Recognized as the world’s largest species conservation programme.

Exam TIP: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):

  • Established in 2005 and given statutory status in 2006.
  • Formed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • Functions:
    • Supervises Project Tiger implementation
    • Strengthens tiger conservation efforts
  • Chaired by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Feb/09/govt-forms-expert-groups-for-upgrade-of-50-year-old-project-tiger-scheme: Project Tiger Completes 50 Years: Centre Forms Expert Groups for Policy Review

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Telangana Opposes Almatti Dam Height Increase on Krishna River – Key Facts for TGPSC exams

Why in News?

Telangana government has decided to oppose Karnataka’s proposal to increase the height of the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River, citing concerns over reduced downstream water availability.

almatti dam

Key Highlights:

  • Almatti Dam is located across the Krishna River in Karnataka.
  • It is officially called Lal Bahadur Shastri Dam.
  • Present Storage Capacity: 123.08 TMC at 519 metres height.
  • Proposed Increase: Height to be raised to 524.256 metres.
  • Expected Storage After Expansion: Around 300 TMC.
  • Telangana fears that increased storage will reduce water flow to downstream states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Background:

  • The Krishna River is one of the major inter-state rivers in India, flowing through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Water sharing is governed by Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) awards.

Post-Bifurcation Water Sharing (2014):

  • Total allocation to undivided Andhra Pradesh: 811 TMC
    • Andhra Pradesh: 512 TMC
    • Telangana: 299 TMC
  • Any upstream project like Almatti impacts downstream states, leading to interstate disputes.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/telangana-to-move-sc-challenging-karnataka-government-s-plan-on-almatti-dam-height-101762372079396.html: Telangana Opposes Almatti Dam Height Increase on Krishna River – Key Facts for TGPSC exams

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Asian Waterbird Census 2026 at Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary – Notes for APPSC exams

The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) was recently conducted at Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. This annual census helps monitor waterbird populations and assess the health of wetland ecosystems.

asian waterbird census 2026

Asian Waterbird Census:

  • The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC).
  • The IWC was launched in 1967 by Wetlands International.
  • Conducted every year during January (2nd & 3rd weeks).
  • Census period coincides with the mid-winter non-breeding season of migratory birds.

About Kolleru Lake:

Kolleru Lake is Asia’s largest shallow freshwater lake and one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. Located in Andhra Pradesh between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers, it is a vital ecological site designated as both a Wildlife Sanctuary (1999) and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (2002)

  • Water Sources:Β The lake is fed by seasonal streams like theΒ BudameruΒ andΒ TammileruΒ and drains into the Bay of Bengal through theΒ Upputeru outlet.
  • Biodiversity Hub:Β Known as a “Bird Heaven,” it serves as a critical stop on theΒ Central Asian Flyway

Biodiversity Importance

  • Recognized as a major wetland ecosystem and bird habitat.
  • Key species:
    • Spot-billed (Grey) Pelican
    • Painted Stork
    • Open-billed Stork
    • Ibis
    • Siberian Crane

Protected Areas

  • Atapaka Bird Sanctuary is located within the Kolleru region.
  • Serves as a safe breeding and feeding ground for migratory birds.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/asian-waterbird-census-in-ap-on-jan-5-and-6/article33489082.ece: Asian Waterbird Census 2026 at Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary – Notes for APPSC exams

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Supreme Court Hearing on CAA Petitions from May 5 – Key Points for UPSC & PSC Exams

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled final hearings from May 5, 2026 on more than 250 petitions challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA). The petitions question the constitutional validity of the Act, especially on grounds of alleged religious discrimination.

citizenship amendment act

Key Highlights:

  • The CAA amends the Citizenship Act, 1955.
  • It provides fast-track Indian citizenship to certain migrants facing religious persecution.
  • Eligible communities: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians.
  • Countries covered: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
  • Cut-off date: Migrants must have entered India on or before 31 December 2014.
  • It reduces the residency requirement for citizenship from 11 years to 5 years for eligible migrants.
  • Over 250 petitions challenge the Act’s constitutionality, mainly citing violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality). The Supreme Court will now conduct final hearings, which could have major constitutional implications
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/supreme-court-caa-final-hearing-may-5-iuml-plea-petitions-2870995-2026-02-19: Supreme Court Hearing on CAA Petitions from May 5 – Key Points for UPSC & PSC Exams

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Kerala Renaming to β€˜Keralam’ Approved – Article 3 & State Name Change Procedure Explained for Exams

Why in News?

Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Kerala as β€œKeralam”, initiating the constitutional process under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution.

keralam

Constitutional Basis:

Article 3 – Alteration of State Name

Parliament has the power to:

  • Form new states
  • Alter boundaries
  • Increase or decrease area
  • Change the name of a state

Article 4 – Supplemental Provisions

  • Any law under Article 3:
    • Amends the First Schedule (list of states)
    • Amends the Fourth Schedule (Rajya Sabha seats)
  • Such changes:
    • Are not considered Constitutional Amendments
    • Passed by simple majority

Step-by-Step Procedure to Change State Name:

  1. Presidential Recommendation:
    • Bill can be introduced in Parliament only with prior approval of the President.
  2. Reference to State Legislature:
    • President refers the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its opinion.
  3. Non-Binding Opinion:
    • State’s views are not binding on Parliament.
  4. Parliamentary Approval:
    • Bill passed by simple majority in both Houses.
  5. Presidential Assent:
    • After approval, the President signs the Bill β†’ Name change becomes official.
https://ddnews.gov.in/en/union-cabinet-approves-proposal-to-rename-kerala-as-keralam/: Kerala Renaming to β€˜Keralam’ Approved – Article 3 & State Name Change Procedure Explained for Exams

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