IMPORTANT DAYS
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2025 observed on 19 February
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is observed annually on 19th February to mark the birth of the legendary Maratha ruler.
• In 2025, the country celebrated the 395th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• The first celebrations of Shiv Jayanti began in 1870 in Pune, led by Mahatma Phule.
• Prime Minister Modi paid homage to Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary.
• Born as Shivaji Bhosale in 1630 at Shivneri Fort, he hailed from the Bhonsale dynasty.
• In 1674, he was crowned Chhatrapati (Emperor) of the Maratha Empire.
• Shivaji Maharaj is renowned for founding the Maratha Empire by defeating the Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur.
• He is celebrated for restoring Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule for Hindus) and is considered one of India's greatest rulers.
NATIONAL NEWS
India’s first “Open-Air Art Wall Museum
• Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first “Open-Air Art Wall Museum” at Mausam Bhawan.
• The museum showcases 150 years of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) milestones.
• 38 unique murals highlight India’s meteorological history, weather forecasting evolution, and its effects on agriculture, disaster management, and daily life.
• The murals feature key meteorological events, technological advancements like satellites and radar, and IMD’s role in early weather warnings.
• The art also celebrates India’s literary and cultural heritage.
• Developed in collaboration with “Delhi Street Art,” the project transformed the walls of IMD’s headquarters.
Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM)
• The government has introduced the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) to standardize its online presence.
• To create a unified digital identity across all government platforms, enhancing user experience and trust.
• The manual was unveiled by Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, during the inaugural Chief Information Officer (CIO) Conference 2025 in New Delhi.
• It defines key elements of a consistent digital identity, including visual identities such as logos, color palettes, typography, and imagery, as well as verbal identities like brand voice, messaging frameworks, and taglines.
• The manual aims to standardize elements like color schemes, typography, and iconography across government websites, mobile applications, and social media platforms.
• This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging technology to improve governance and citizen services.
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has redesigned its website to comply with DBIM guidelines, with plans for other ministries to follow.
STATE NEWS
UP assembly becomes the first in the country with a translator facility
• The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly has become the first in India to introduce a translation service, enabling discussions in Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhand, and English.
• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reviewed rehearsals for translation services in these languages.
• The proposed translation arrangement will be presented before the Ruling Committee and implemented upon approval by the House.
• The Uttar Pradesh Budget Session commenced on February 18 and is scheduled to continue until March 5.
• The session began with a joint sitting addressed by Governor Anandiben Patel on February 18.
• Finance Minister Suresh Khanna is set to present the state budget for the financial year 2025-26 on February 20.
• Discussions on the budget are scheduled for February 24, 25, 27, and 28.
• The demands for budget grants will be discussed on March 3, 4, and 5.
• The budget is expected to be passed by the government on March 5.
• The session is expected to include discussions on the Prayagraj stampede and the recent violence in Sambhal.
ECONOMY NEWS
"Urban Unemployment Rate Drops to 6.4% in Oct-Dec 2024"
• Unemployment rate in urban areas decreased to 6.4% during the October-December 2024 quarter.
• For individuals aged 15 and above, the urban unemployment rate fell to 6.4% in the October-December period of 2024.
• The unemployment rate in December 2024 stood at 6.5%.
• The Labour Force Participation Rate in urban areas for people aged 15 years and above rose to 50.4% in the October-December 2024 quarter.
• The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for the same period in 2023 was 49.9%.
SPORTS
Olympic Esports Games held in 2027
• The inaugural Olympic Esports Games will take place in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of a 12-year agreement with the country signed in 2024.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been exploring Esports for years, aiming to engage younger audiences through dedicated commissions.
• The IOC seeks to connect with younger generations, addressing the aging traditional Olympic fanbase.
• In 2021, the IOC launched the Olympic Virtual Series as a pilot project to explore the integration of Esports into the Olympic framework.
• A special committee has been formed to decide which Esports disciplines will be part of the first Olympic Esports Games.
• In addition to hosting the 2027 Esports Games, Saudi Arabia will also host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
RANKING AND INDEX
World Reputation Rankings 2025.
• Four Indian universities are ranked in the 2025 World Reputation Rankings.
• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, is India's top university in the rankings.
• Other Indian universities listed include IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, and Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan.
• IISc improved its rank from 101-125 in 2023 to 201-300 in 2025.
• IIT Delhi and IIT Madras also moved to the 201-300 range, compared to their previous ranks of 151-175 and 176-200, respectively.
• Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan is a new addition, ranked in the 201-300 range.
• IIT Bombay, ranked 151-175 in 2023, did not make it to the 2025 rankings.
• Harvard University remains in the top spot for the 14th consecutive year.
• Oxford University and MIT share the second spot, with six US institutions in the top 10.
• Tsinghua University in China holds the eighth position globally.
• The Times Higher Education rankings assess universities based on academic reputation and global prestige.
