Notes: International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21 every year to promote linguistic diversity. UNESCO established it in 1999, recognizing the Bengali people’s struggle for language rights. The 2025 theme is “Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day,” marking 25 years of preserving linguistic heritage.

Notes: Scientists discovered deadly brine pools beneath the Red Sea that kill or stun marine life. Brine pools are hypersaline, oxygen-lacking lakes on the seafloor, denser than surrounding ocean water. They are also called “underwater lakes” because their high salt content prevents mixing with seawater. The Orca Basin in the Gulf of Mexico has the deepest known brine pool, 2,200 meters below sea level. This pool is 8 times saltier than the Gulf, with a salt content of 300 g/liter. Most sea life cannot survive in these pools, but some specialized organisms thrive.

Notes: Dalibor Svrcina of Czechia won the the men’s singles title in the Maharashtra Open Tennis Tournament 2025, defeating Brandon Holt of the USA. The final was held at Mahalunge Balewadi Stadium in Pune on 23 February 2025. The tournament, an ATP 100 Challenger event, took place from 17-23 February with a prize pool of $160,000.

Notes: China launched the ChinaSat-10R (Zhongxing-10R) satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) on February 22, 2025. It replaces the aging ChinaSat-10 to improve satellite communication. The satellite was launched using a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. It supports transportation, emergency response, energy, forestry, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the successful mission.

Notes: Saurav Ghosal returned from retirement to win the Octane Sydney Classic 2025 Squash Tournament. He had announced retirement from professional squash in April 2024. The Octane Sydney Classic 2025 was part of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour. The tournament had a prize money of $6000. It was held in Sydney, Australia, from 19-23 February 2025.

Notes: The government has revised guidelines for the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). MIS is now a part of the PM-AASHA scheme (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanraksan Abhiyan), which ensures fair prices for farmers. PM-AASHA includes the Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), and Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS). MIS prevents distress selling of perishable farm produce. It is implemented upon request from State/UT governments. A 10% drop in market prices compared to the previous season is required for activation. The procurement limit for crops has been increased from 20% to 25% of production.

Notes: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Devolution Index Report on 13th February 2025 at Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi. The Index assesses decentralization progress across States and Union Territories. It evaluates six key dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability. It examines Panchayats’ autonomy in decision-making under Article 243G of the Constitution. The Index strengthens cooperative federalism and local governance. It aids citizens, representatives, and officials in tracking Panchayat performance. It aligns with Viksit Bharat, promoting rural transformation and sustainable development.