Daily Current Affairs Archives | Page 27 of 37

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.

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/

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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.

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/

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National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) – 23rd Foundation Day | Article 338A, Functions & Composition

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

Why in News?

The 23rd Foundation Day of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was recently celebrated in New Delhi. It highlights the role of NCST in protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

NCST is a constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution.
It works for the protection, welfare, and development of Scheduled Tribes.
Formed after the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.

Separation of Commissions (2003):

Earlier: A single body for SCs & STs
After Amendment:
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) – Article 338
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) – Article 338A

Composition of NCST:

Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson
3 other Members

Appointment & Tenure:

Appointed by the President of India
Tenure: 3 years

Functions of NCST

Investigate and monitor safeguards for STs
Inquire into complaints regarding deprivation of rights
Advise on planning process for socio-economic development
Present reports to the President annually

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230380&reg=3&lang=1

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National Women’s Day: 13th February

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, History and Culture Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

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

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

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:

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 ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 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

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

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

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.

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

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

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

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

About Tetanus:

Tetanus is a serious, sometimes fatal, disease caused by Clostridium tetani 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

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

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Environment and Ecology Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

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.

Key Highlights:

Date: February 2 (every year).
Purpose: To raise awareness about the importance of wetlands for ecology, biodiversity, and livelihoods.
2026 Theme:“Wetlands 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

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

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Environment and Ecology Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

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 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

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

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

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.

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

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