Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 26 February 2025, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

Mahashivratri 2025: Date & Significance

Maha Shivratri is a significant festival in Hinduism, celebrated annually to pay tribute to Lord Shiva. He is recognized as the god of destruction and transformation within the Trimurti, which also features Lord Brahma (the creator) and Lord Vishnu (the preserver). This festival carries immense spiritual significance, and devotees believe that Lord Shiva’s blessings are readily accessible on this special night.

What is the Meaning of Maha Shivratri?

Maha Shivratri means “The Great Night of Shiva.” It is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performs his divine dance of creation, preservation and destruction. Many people also believe that this was the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the balance of cosmic energies.

Maha Shivratri 2025 – Date and Timing

Maha Shivratri is observed in the Hindu month of Magh according to the South Indian calendar, or Phalgun in the North Indian calendar. Regardless of the calendar used, the festival consistently takes place on the same day.

In 2025, Maha Shivratri will be observed on Wednesday, February 26.

• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: February 26, 2025 at 11:08 AM
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: February 27, 2025 at 08:54 AM
• Best Time for Shiv Puja: 12:09 AM to 12:59AM on February 27

Spiritual Importance of Maha Shivratri

Worshipping Lord Shiva on this night is thought to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual awakening. Devotees feel that fasting and chanting Shiva’s name can help eliminate negative energies and bad karma. Staying awake and meditating on Lord Shiva is believed to lead to self-realization and enlightenment.

Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Historic Jhumoir Ensemble in Assam

In a significant event on February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the largest Jhumoir dance performance at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, in honor of the 200th anniversary of Assam’s tea industry. The event, titled ‘Jhumoir Binandini 2025,’ featured more than 8,000 artists from the tea garden community, reflecting Assam’s rich cultural heritage.

What Significance Does the Jhumoir Dance Hold in Assam’s Tea Culture?

Jhumoir is a traditional dance that holds great significance for Assam’s tea garden workers and Adivasi communities. It originated in the early 19th century as a way for workers to celebrate joy and unity after long days in the tea plantations. The dance features coordinated movements, colorful costumes, and is accompanied by traditional instruments such as the dhol, madal, dhamsa, and bamboo flutes.

How Did Prime Minister Modi Participate in the Celebration?

Prime Minister Modi joined in the festivities by playing the “Dhomsa,” a traditional drum from the tea garden community, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the event. He shared his personal bond with tea, remarking, “Who will know the color and fragrance of tea more than a tea seller.” Modi pointed out that the occasion showcased Assam’s pride and the cultural richness of India.

What Initiatives Were Announced for Assam’s Tea Community?

During his address, Prime Minister Modi outlined several initiatives aimed at the welfare of the tea garden community:

Healthcare Access: Plans to establish over 300 Ayushman Arogya centers in tea garden areas to provide accessible healthcare services.

Educational Development: The setup of more than 100 model schools dedicated to students from tea garden communities, enhancing educational opportunities.

Economic Support: Implementation of self-employment schemes for youth in the tea garden community to promote economic independence.

These measures aim to uplift the socio-economic status of the tea garden workers and acknowledge their contributions to Assam’s heritage.

The ‘Jhumoir Binandini 2025’ event not only celebrated a significant milestone in Assam’s tea industry but also underscored the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural traditions of the region.

Vijender Gupta Elected Speaker of Delhi Assembly

In a major political development, Vijender Gupta, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been elected as the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly on February 20, 2025. This election is significant for both the BJP and the legislative history of Delhi, as Gupta takes on this role in the very House where he was once expelled for being a strong opposition voice.

How Did Vijender Gupta’s Journey Lead to the Speaker’s Chair?

Vijender Gupta’s political career spans over two decades, beginning as a municipal councillor in Delhi. He represented Rohini for three consecutive terms before stepping into the state legislative arena. His rise within the BJP ranks saw him take on the role of Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly from 2015 to 2020, during the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s tenure.

His journey to becoming Speaker holds historical importance. In 2015, Gupta was forcibly removed from the Assembly by marshals while protesting the government’s delay in acting on the Fourth Delhi Finance Commission’s recommendations. That incident highlighted the deep political divide between the BJP and AAP. Fast forward to 2025, and he now leads the House from which he was once expelled, signifying a remarkable turnaround in his political career.

Saurav Ghosal Marks Triumphant Return with Sydney Title

Indian squash legend Saurav Ghosal has made a remarkable comeback from retirement by winning the Octane Sydney Classic title. The former World No. 10 had stepped away from the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour in April 2023 but consistently voiced his wish to represent India. On January 1, 2025, he re-entered the PSA Tour, keeping his dreams alive. In a commanding display, the 38-year-old second seed defeated Egypt’s Abdelrahman Nasser in straight sets in the final to secure the title.

Key Highlights of Saurav Ghosal’s Comeback Victory

Comeback Decision

• Retired from the PSA Tour in April 2023 but wished to continue playing for India.
• Rejoined the PSA Tour on January 1, 2025, to fulfill his national aspirations.

Tournament Performance at Octane Sydney Classic

• Finals: Defeated World No. 142 Abdelrahman Nasser (Egypt) 3-0 (11-2, 11-6, 11-2).
• Semifinals: Overcame World No. 141 Rhys Dowling (Australia) 3-1 (11-9, 5-11, 11-1, 11-2).
• Quarterfinals: Beat Minwoo Lee (Korea) 3-0 (11-6, 11-6, 11-5).
• Second Round: Defeated Kijan Sultana (Malta) 3-0 (11-8, 11-2, 11-8).
• First Round: Received a bye.

SEBI Fines Axis Securities ₹10 Lakh for Rule Violations

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a penalty of ₹10 lakh on Axis Securities for several violations of stockbroker regulations. This action follows an inspection that took place between April 2021 and November 2022. SEBI discovered numerous compliance issues, including misreporting, mishandling of client funds, and a lack of response to customer grievances.

What are the key violations SEBI found in Axis Securities?

SEBI’s inspection revealed discrepancies in reporting, mismanagement of client funds, and improper penalty allocation.

Reporting Discrepancies: Axis Securities did not keep accurate records in the enhanced supervision reports it submitted to stock exchanges. SEBI discovered discrepancies between the stock statements and the actual holdings in depository accounts, highlighting issues with compliance.

Mishandling of Client Funds: The company did not settle client funds and securities according to the preferences set by customers. It also failed to provide necessary retention statements with account details. SEBI noted that Axis Securities transferred client securities with credit balances to a “client unpaid securities account,” which is a regulatory violation.

Improper Penalty Allocation: SEBI observed that penalties imposed on Axis Securities for short collection of margins were passed on to clients, which violates stockbroker rules. Brokers are required to bear such penalties instead of shifting them to investors.

Inadequate Grievance Redressal: The firm also failed to address customer complaints effectively, reflecting weaknesses in its compliance framework. SEBI considers grievance redressal a key responsibility of brokerage firms to maintain investor confidence.

Legendary Odissi Dancer Mayadhar Raut Passes Away at 92

Renowned Odissi maestro Mayadhar Raut, often called the “Father of Odissi dance,” passed away on February 22, 2025, at the age of 92 in his home in Delhi. His family confirmed that he died peacefully due to old age. A recipient of the Padma Shri award, Raut played a crucial role in the revival and codification of Odissi dance during the 1950s. His contributions, such as the introduction of Sanchari Bhava, Mudra Viniyoga, and Rasa Theory, were pivotal in shaping Odissi into a structured classical dance form.

Key Contributions and Life Achievements of Mayadhar Raut

Early Life & Training

• Born on July 6, 1933, in Odisha.
• Began training in Gotipua, a precursor to Odissi, at age 7.
• Became the first to perform Gotipua on stage in 1944.

Notable Positions & Choreographies

• Headed the Odissi department at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra (1970-1995).
• Choreographed Gitagovinda, which inaugurated Kamani Auditorium, Delhi, in 1971.
• Trained renowned Odissi dancers like Ramani Ranjan Jena, Aloka Panikar, and Geeta Mahalik.

Major Awards & Recognitions

• Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1977)
• Sahitya Kala Parishad Award (1984)
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1985)
• Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award (2003)
• Upendra Bhanja Samman (2005)
• Tagore Akademi Ratna (2011)
• Conferred the Padma Shri for his immense contributions to Odissi dance.

Namita Gokhale’s Life on Mars: A Literary Comeback Through Stories

Namita Gokhale’s latest book, Life on Mars: Collected Stories, features 15 short stories that delve into themes of love, fate, and the essence of human existence. Released in January 2025, this collection showcases the author’s profound connection to storytelling, merging her previous works with new narratives that reflect her evolving viewpoint. The book is divided into two distinct sections—‘Love and Other Derangements’ and ‘The Mirror of the Mahabharata’—each providing a unique perspective on relationships, mythology, and human emotions.

What makes Life on Mars a reflection of Gokhale’s literary journey?

Gokhale describes Life on Mars as a reflection of various stages in her life and writing journey. The initial section of the book explores the intricacies of relationships, while the latter part reinterprets mythological narratives. One story depicts Kunti and Gandhari dealing with their personal grief following the Kurukshetra war, while another creatively tells the love story of Nala and Damayanti from the viewpoint of a swan. These narratives highlight Gokhale’s talent for merging historical and emotional richness with modern storytelling.

Central Excise Day 2025: Date, Theme

Every year on February 24, Central Excise Day is observed to honor the establishment of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944. This day pays tribute to the contributions of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and its personnel in ensuring effective tax administration, fighting corruption, and aiding India’s economic progress. It emphasizes the role of excise duty as a key source of government revenue, which supports essential public welfare programs like education and healthcare.

History and Significance

• The Central Excise and Salt Act was enacted on February 24, 1944, consolidating 11 excise-related Acts into a single law.
• It laid the foundation for modern excise taxation in India.

Theme for Central Excise Day 2025

• The official theme for Central Excise Day 2025 has not yet been announced.

China Successfully Launches ChinaSat-10R from Xichang

China successfully launched the ChinaSat-10R (Zhongxing-10R) communications satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) on February 22, 2025. This new satellite replaces the older ChinaSat-10 and was sent into space aboard a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. This mission highlights China’s ongoing commitment to improving its satellite communication capabilities, especially for sectors such as transportation, emergency response, energy, forestry, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), which is China’s state-owned space contractor, confirmed that the launch was successful.

Key Highlights of the ChinaSat-10R Launch

Launch Details

• Date & Time: February 22, 2025, at 7:11 a.m. Eastern (1211 UTC).
• Launch Site: Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Southwest China.
• Rocket Used: Long March 3B.
• Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• Purpose: To replace the aging ChinaSat-10 satellite (launched in 2011).

ChinaSat-10R Satellite Overview

• Operator: China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd. (China Satcom), a CASC subsidiary. 

Significance of the Launch

• Strengthens China’s satellite infrastructure by replacing an older communication satellite.
• Enhances China’s geopolitical presence through Belt and Road satellite diplomacy.
• Supports essential communication services in multiple industries.

IndusInd Bank Becomes Official Banking Partner of PGTI

IndusInd Bank has announced its collaboration with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) as the official Banking Partner. This partnership is focused on enhancing the banking experience for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) through the PIONEER banking program. It aligns with IndusInd Bank’s goal of merging lifestyle experiences with premium banking services, particularly in the sports sector.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• Official Banking Partner of PGTI: IndusInd Bank will support PGTI events throughout the tournament.
• Strengthening India’s Professional Golfing Landscape: The bank’s involvement will help expand golf’s reach in India.
• Leadership at PGTI: Kapil Dev (President) and Amandeep Johl (CEO) lead the tour, which includes 20+ tournaments annually.
• Exclusive Engagement for PIONEER Customers: Special activities and participation opportunities for premium banking clients.

Soliga Tribe’s Role in Tiger Conservation at BRT Tiger Reserve

The Soliga tribal community has become a vital player in the increasing tiger population in Karnataka’s Biligirirangana Hills (BRT) Tiger Reserve. Their strong bond with the forest, traditional conservation practices, and acknowledgment of their rights to the land have greatly aided in protecting wildlife in the area. On February 23, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised their contributions during the 119th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, emphasizing how the Soligas and tigers live together with little conflict. This recognition has drawn national attention to the crucial role of indigenous communities in conservation efforts.

How Did the Soliga Tribe Gain Recognition for Forest Rights?

The Soligas are a tribal community of about 40,000 individuals who primarily reside in the BR Hills region of Chamarajanagar district. For many years, conservation policies limited their traditional lifestyle, but in 2011, they made history by becoming the first tribal group in India to secure forest land rights within a tiger reserve. This significant achievement enabled them to uphold their time-honored sustainable practices, such as gathering non-timber forest products (NTFP), preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding wildlife. Their harmonious relationship with the forest ecosystem has proven advantageous for both environmental health and conservation initiatives.

How Has the Tiger Population Increased in BRT Tiger Reserve?

The recognition of Soliga forest rights has had a significant impact on tiger conservation. According to BRT Tiger Reserve Director BS Shripati, the tiger population has increased from just 8-10 tigers a few years ago to around 50 today. This growth is attributed to the Soligas’ traditional knowledge of the forest, which helps in preventing poaching, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and maintaining habitat balance. Their constant presence in the forest acts as a natural safeguard, ensuring that illegal activities like deforestation and wildlife trafficking do not occur.