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 TirukkuαΉaαΈ·, a foundational work of Tamil literature on ethics, governance, and love.
His work Tirukkural is often called βTamil Vedaβ
Archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old Buddhist monastic complex at Zehanpora Stupa in Jammu & Kashmir, revealing important insights into Kashmirβs ancient Buddhist heritage.
Key Highlights:
Located in Zehanpora village, Baramulla district (J&K).
Dates back to the Kushan period (~1stβ3rd century CE).
Excavation revealed stupas, monastic structures, and cultural remains.
Situated along the ancient Silk Route, linking India with Central Asia.
Confirms Kashmirβs role as a major Buddhist centre.
Buddhism in Kashmir:
Founded by Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha).
Tradition says Buddhism spread to Kashmir during Ashokaβs reign.
However, Rajatarangini suggests Buddhism existed before Ashoka.
Mahavamsa mentions Kashmir scholars in Ashokaβs council.
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 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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her 195th birth anniversary, recognizing her contributions to womenβs education and social reform.
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 Indiaβs 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.
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:
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 (1000β1025 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 βKitab-ul-Hindβ, a detailed account of Indian society and culture
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 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.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recommended the government to include a proposal on linking Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) of BRICS nations in the 2026 BRICS Summit agenda to enhance cross-border payments
RBI suggested integration of CBDCs among BRICS countries.
Aim: Enable faster, cheaper, and more efficient cross-border payments.
Could reduce dependence on the US dollar in global trade.
CBDC:
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)Β is the digital form of a country’s fiat currency, issued and regulated by its central bank. It serves as a legal tender, equivalent to physical cash, and is a direct liability of the central bank rather than a commercial bank
In India, CBDC is known as the e-Rupee (eβΉ).
It is a legal tender and a direct liability of RBI, unlike cryptocurrencies.
Indiaβs real GDP growth is projected at 7.4% for FY26, according to the governmentβs First Advance Estimates, despite global uncertainties like US tariff pressures
GDP-Explained
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total value of goods and services produced within a countryβs borders in a given time period.
It is a key indicator of economic performance and growth.
GDP = Total value of final goods and services produced within India
Includes Net Indirect Taxes (GST β Subsidies) added to GVA
Excludes intermediate goods to avoid double counting
Types of GDP
Nominal GDP:
Measured at current market prices
Does not adjust for inflation
Real GDP:
Adjusted for inflation/deflation
Reflects actual growth in output
GDP vs GNP
Feature
GDP
GNP
Definition
Production within country
Income of nationals globally
Focus
Domestic territory
Ownership (citizens/companies)
Includes foreign companies in India
Yes
No
Includes income earned abroad
No
Yes
Examples:
A foreign company producing goods in India β counted in Indiaβs GDP
An Indian company earning income abroad β counted in Indiaβs GNP
Indiaβs retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), increased to 1.33% in December 2025, up from 0.71% in November, as per data released by the National Statistical Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Consumer Price Index:
Consumer Price Index (CPI)Β measures the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a representative “basket” of goods and services. It is the primary tool used to measureΒ inflationΒ and assess the cost of living
In India’s revised 2024 series, the basket includesΒ 358 itemsΒ classified under 12 divisions
Food and Beverages (46%):Β Still the largest component, though its relative weight has slightly declined.
Housing (10%):Β Now includes maintenance and water supply in its composite index.
Services:Β Coverage has expanded to 50 items, including digital services like OTT subscriptions.
