Current Context: The Maharashtra government successfully reclaimed the historic sword of Raghuji Bhosale I at a Sotheby’s auction in London. This marks the first time Maharashtra has retrieved a historical artifact from an international auction. Features of the Sword: European-style single-edged blade with a slight curve and two fullers (grooves). Gold inlay on the spine with an inscription in Devanagari script reading “Shrimant Raghuji Bhosale Sena Saheb Subah,” indicating its ceremonial significance. Historical Significance: Raghuji Bhosale I was a prominent Maratha leader in the 18th century, instrumental in expanding Maratha influence in central and eastern India. The sword symbolizes the....Read More

The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana have been added to India’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If approved, they could become the state’s second UNESCO site after the Ramappa Temple, which was listed in 2021. Menhirs Menhirs are large, upright stones placed by humans, often tapered at the top. The name comes from Brittonic words meaning "stone" and "long." Historical Context Menhirs date back to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age (about 4,800 to 3,800 years ago). Some of the oldest menhirs in Europe are around 7,000 years old. The Mudumal menhirs are significant as they represent....Read More

Farmers observed "Pagri Sambhal Diwas" (Feb 23, 2025) during Punjab-Haryana protests, honoring Ajit Singh. Meaning:"Take care of your turban, O farmer" – symbol of self-respect Launched:1907 by Ajit Singh to protest British laws British Laws Opposed: Punjab Land Alienation Act, 1900 – Restricted farmers' rights to sell or mortgage land. Punjab Land Colonisation Act, 1906 – Gave British control over land in the Chenab Colony. Doab Bari Act, 1907 – Reduced farmers to contract workers. Inspired the Ghadar Movement & Bhagat Singh’s activismRead More

Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, has set up the District Mineral Foundation Exhibition at Sun Temple, Konark in Odisha. The Sun Temple at Konark, built by Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga dynasty between 1238 and 1264, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple's architecture symbolizes Surya's chariot, featuring 24 intricately carved wheels and 7 horses.Read More

The Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) 2025 was held from January 20 to 22 in Nampong, Arunachal Pradesh. It marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, featuring tribal traditions, music, dance, crafts, and sports. Chief Minister Khandu announced plans to restore World War II remnants in Nampong to boost heritage tourism. Pangsau Pass is located on the India-Myanmar border at an altitude of 3,727 feet (1,136 meters). It lies on the crest of the Patkai Hills and is part....Read More

Recently, tribute has been paid to the martyrs of the Kuka Movement. The Kuka Movement, or Namdhari Movement, was founded by Satguru Ram Singh in 1857 at Bhaini Sahib, Punjab. The movement aimed to promote religious purity, social reforms, and economic self-reliance among Sikhs, including the abolition of the caste system and the improvement of women’s status. Namdhari followers wore white, hand-spun clothing and saffron turbans, promoting vegetarianism and a simple lifestyle. In 1871, the Kukas attacked cow slaughterhouses in Amritsar and Raikot, opposing British policies that allowed cow killing. The Kuka Movement was an early anti-colonial uprising in India,....Read More

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1 million prize for deciphering the Indus Valley Civilization script, which remains undeciphered despite numerous attempts over the past century. Indus script (~3300–1300 BCE) is the earliest writing system in the Indian subcontinent, undeciphered to date. Found at ~60 sites; ~3,500 specimens on seals, pottery, and amulets. Inscriptions are short (average 5 signs), written right to left, occasionally boustrophedon. Contains pictographic signs, human/animal motifs, and a unique 'unicorn' symbol. Deciphering could reveal links to Vedic practices and Dravidian/Indo-European languages. Key sites: Harappa, Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Kalibangan. Timeline: Early Harappan (3500–2600 BCE), Mature....Read More

Prime Minister paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary. Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730–1796) was a queen from Tamil Nadu, known as 'Veeramangai' (Brave Woman) for her resistance against British rule. Born in the Ramnad kingdom, she was the only child of Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Rani Sakandimuthal. She was the first queen to actively oppose British rule, collaborating with Hyder Ali and Gopala Nayakar in battle. She introduced the first human bomb and established the first army of trained women soldiers. She was proficient in French, English, Urdu, and trained in martial arts, horse riding, and....Read More

Current Context : Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on his 162nd birth anniversary. During the commemoration, PM Modi released the first series of 11 volumes of the 'Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya' at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. About Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Birth: December 25, 1861, in Allahabad, India. Education: Founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916, served as Vice-Chancellor (1919-1938). Freedom Struggle: Prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, associated with Indian National Congress and Hindu Mahasabha. Journalism: Founded Hindi newspaper 'Abhyudaya' (1907) and English newspaper 'The Leader' (1909). Awards: Posthumously awarded the Bharat....Read More

Current Context : Hornbill Festival has completed 25 years of its celebration. Celebrated annually in Nagaland since 2000, it is known as the "Festival of Festivals". Named after the Great Indian Hornbill, a bird revered in Naga folklore for its grandeur. Typically held from December 1 to 10 in Kohima's Kisama Heritage Village. Objective: Promotes inter-tribal interaction and preserves Nagaland’s cultural heritage. Boosts tourism and provides economic benefits to the region.Read More