Daily Current Affairs
(26 – Feb – 25)
1. Three Language Policy Under NEP 2020 –
• Tamil Nadu is opposing the Centre’s three-language policy under National Education Policy of India (NEP) 2020, rejecting it as Hindi imposition.
• Withholding of Funds- The Union Government has withheld ₹2,152 crore in funds due to Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for refusing to join the Prime Minister Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) initiative.
• Tamil Nadu is eager to participate in the PM SHRI scheme.However, it staunchly opposes the accompanying mandate to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Though the NEP says the third language could be any Indian language, the state sees it as a ploy to impose Hindi through the back door.
• It insists on continuing its longstanding two-language policy.
2. India, U.S. in Talks to Mitigate Impact of Reciprocal Tariffs –
• India and the U.S. are engaged in negotiations to reduce the impact of
reciprocal tariffs imposed by both countries.
• The objective is to mitigate trade friction and finalize a trade deal by the end of 2025.
• About Reciprocal Tariffs
• If Country A imposes tariffs on imports from Country B, then Country B may retaliate by imposing similar tariffs on imports from Country A then it is referred to as Reciprocal Tariffs.
• Higher tariffs lead to increased costs, slowing down global trade.
• U.S. Interest in Reciprocal Tariff:
• The United States is facing huge trade imbalances with countries, especially with China.
• With India, the US has a trade deficit of USD 35.31 billion in goods in 2023-24. To bridge this gap, the US President is imposing these duties.
• Sectors at Risk Due to U.S. Tariffs: The food products, textiles, clothing, electrical machinery, gems & jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and automobile sectors could face negative impacts due to tariff hikes.
3. Moon’s South Pole: First Detailed Geological Map Unveiled –
• Indian scientists have achieved a historic breakthrough by creating the first-ever detailed geological map of the Moon’s south pole, using data from the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
• This new map provides crucial insights into the lunar surface, offering valuable information about the region’s topography, crater formations, and geological history.
• The research, a collaborative effort between the Physical Research Laboratory (Ahmedabad), Panjab University (Chandigarh), and ISRO’s Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems, marks a significant step in understanding the Moon’s evolution.
4. NASA and SpaceX to Launch Athena to Moon –
• A robotic moon lander, Athena, is set to launch into space, marking the second lunar mission for Texas-based Intuitive Machines. This mission
follows the company’s historic first private moon landing in February 2024.
• Athena will carry scientific instruments to study the chemical composition of lunar soil and search for subsurface water in the Moon’s south polar region. It is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which fosters private-sector lunar exploration.
5. India Dominates Global IPO Landscape
in 2024 –
• India has emerged as the global leader in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in 2024, accounting for 23% of all IPOs worldwide and raising a total of $19.5 billion.
• This milestone reflects India’s strengthening position in the global financial market, driven by a rise in venture-backed IPOs, SME growth, and investor confidence.
MCQ Quiz
Q1.The 6th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian is scheduled to take place in which country ?
a) India
b) Japan
c) United States
d) Australia
Q2. In which state was the coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ conducted in 2025 ?
a) Maharashtra
b) Kerala
c) Tamil Nadu
d) West Bengal
Q3. Which organization launched the “Imagine a World with More Women in Science” campaign ?
a) World Health Organization (WHO)
b) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
c) International Labour Organization (ILO)
d) World Economic Forum (WEF)
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:
• He was the first ruler to establish a standing army in India.
• He implemented guerrilla warfare tactics effectively against the Mughals.
• His administration was highly centralized, similar to the Mughal Empire.
How many of the above statements are correct ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is incorrect: While Shivaji established a highly disciplined and well-trained army, he was not the first ruler to create a standing army. Earlier rulers like Alauddin Khilji had standing armies.
• Statement 2 is correct: Shivaji’s military strategies were based on Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kawa), using swift movements, surprise attacks, and mountainous terrain to weaken stronger enemies like the Mughals.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Unlike the centralized Mughal administration, Shivaji’s governance was decentralized, with a strong emphasis on local governance and efficient revenue collection.
Q5. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the Naxalite movement when it originated in Naxalbari, West Bengal ?
a) To promote communal harmony
b) To demand constitutional reforms
c) To redistribute land and resources to oppressed communities
d) To impede industrialization in tribal areas
Explanation-
• The Naxalite movement, which began in 1967 in Naxalbari village, was primarily driven by the objective of redistributing land and resources to marginalized and oppressed communities, particularly the peasantry.
• The movement, inspired by Maoist ideology, sought to challenge the existing social and economic hierarchy, which favored landlords and powerful elites, by advocating for armed rebellion.