It is celebrated annually on 21 February to raise awareness about linguistic diversity and promote multilingualism.

• Highlights the importance of language preservation and cultural diversity worldwide.
• First proclaimed by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it aims to protect endangered languages and encourage linguistic inclusivity.
• The 2025 theme for International Mother Language Day is “Silver Jubilee Celebration,” marking its 25th anniversary.

The Dharamsala Municipal Corporation received the National SKOCH Award 2024 for excellence in waste management and sanitation.

About the SKOCH Award

• Established in:2003 by the SKOCH Group (founded in 1997).
• Organized by:SKOCH Group, a leading Indian think tank focusing on governance, economics, and social development.
• Recognizes:Best practices in governance, finance, technology, and environmental sustainability.
• Significance:One of India’s highest independent honors in governance and development.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY) during the Union Budget presentation.

• The scheme aims to boost agricultural productivity, irrigation, crop diversification, and financial access for farmers in 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and low credit access.
• Inspired by:Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) to enhance rural prosperity and farm income.
• Ministries Involved:
  • Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
  • Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
  • Department of Financial Services
  • NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)

Key Features:

• District Selection Criteria:
  • Low agricultural productivity
  • Moderate cropping intensity
  • Limited access to farm credit
• Funding:No separate budget; implemented through convergence of existing agricultural schemes.
• Beneficiaries:Around 7 crore farmers expected to benefit.

The Devolution Index (DI) 2024 was released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.

• It ranks states based on six key dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Enhancement, and Accountability.
• Karnataka Tops Devolution Index 2024.

Overall Ranking

1. Karnataka– 23 (Top State)
2. Kerala– 59
3. Tamil Nadu– 38
4. Maharashtra– 44
5. Uttar Pradesh– 07
6. Gujarat– 26

• National Average Score:89
• Moderate Performers:Bihar, Assam, Sikkim, Uttarakhand

Top States in Key Dimensions

Framework (Legal & Institutional Structure)

• Kerala (83.56), Maharashtra (74.74), Karnataka (74.43)
• Assesses laws, elections, and reservation policies for Panchayati Raj

Functions (Powers Delegated to Panchayats)

• Tamil Nadu (60.24), Karnataka (57.62), Odisha (57.46)
• Evaluates taxation powers and autonomy of Gram Panchayat

Finances (Fiscal Decentralization & Funding)

• Karnataka (70.65), Kerala (62.89), Tamil Nadu (55.78)
• Examines fund releases under the 15th Finance Commission

Accountability (Transparency & Governance Monitoring)

• Karnataka (81.33), Kerala (81.18), Maharashtra (80.36)
• Karnataka excels in social audits, Gram Sabha transparency, and anti-corruption measure

Functionaries (Manpower & Resources at Panchayats)

• Gujarat (90.94), Tamil Nadu (84.25), Kerala (82.99)
• Evaluates the number of trained Panchayat officials

Capacity Enhancement (Training & Skill Development)

• Telangana (86.19), Tamil Nadu (84.29), Gujarat (83.96)
• Karnataka is among the top 10 statesin training Panchayat officials

A recent faunal survey by the Forest Department in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Kerala, recorded 15 new species in the protected area.

• It is Situated in the Anamalai-Nelliyampathy landscape of the Western Ghats, spanning Palakkad and Thrissur districts, Kerala.
• The Parambikulam River, a tributary of the Chalakudy River, flows through the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Kerala.
• The reserve is home to four indigenous tribes: Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar, and Mala Malasar, residing in six colonies within the sanctuary.
• Diverse ecosystems include evergreen, semi-evergreen, deciduous, and shola The reserve also has marshy grasslands (vayals) and is home to the legendary Kannimara Teak tree.
• Parambikulam is referred to as the “state capital for the massive gaur“.

Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day is celebrated annually on February 20th to commemorate the day in 1987 when the region was granted statehood, becoming the 24th state of India.

• Situated in northeastern India, Arunachal Pradesh shares international borders with Bhutan to the west, China to the north, and Myanmar to the east. Domestically, it borders the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south.
• Itanagar serves as the state’s capital and largest town.
• The name “Arunachal Pradesh” translates to “Land of the Rising Sun.” 

Mizoram Foundation Day is observed annually on February 20 to commemorate the state’s attainment of full statehood in 1987, making it the 23rd state of India.

• Mizoram is a landlocked state in northeastern India, sharing international borders with Bangladesh to the west and Myanmar to the east and south.
• Domestically, it borders the Indian states of Assam, Manipur, and Tripura.
• Aizawl serves as the capital and largest city of Mizoram. Other significant towns include Lunglei, Champhai, and Serchhip.
• Mizo and English are the official languages of the state.

World Anthropology Day is observed annually on the third Thursday of February, falling on February 20 this year.

• The American Anthropological Association will officially celebrate Anthropology Day on February 20, 2025.
• This day allows anthropologists to honor their field and share its significance with the world.

World Day of Social Justice is globally observed on February 20 each year, emphasizing the need to foster equitable societies by addressing injustices and labor insecurity that threaten social welfare.

• The theme for World Day of Social Justice 2025 is “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice.”
• On November 26, 2007, the UN General Assembly proclaimed February 20 as World Day of Social Justice, with the first observance in 2009.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Bharat Tex 2025 event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on February 16, 2025.
• Bharat-Tex is a global textile event that brings together the entire industry, from raw materials to finished products, under one roof.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi set ambitious goals for India’s textile exports, aiming to triple them from ₹3 lakh crore to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030.
• Bharat Tex 2025 is the second edition of an annual exhibition organized by twelve export promotion councils with support from the Ministry of Textiles.
• Featuring over 5,000 exhibitors, it showcases India’s textile strength on a global stage, covering 2.2 million square feet.
• Sustainability is a key focus of Bharat Tex 2025, highlighting eco-friendly innovations and responsible practices in the textile industry.
• On the sidelines of Bharat Tex 2025, the European Union (EU) and India’s Ministry of Textiles unveiled seven new projects aimed at supporting the textile and handicraft sector. These initiatives are being funded by the EU with a contribution of €9.5 million (₹5 crore).

India’s textile sector employs 45 million people, with women making up 60% of the workforce.