February 2025 was led by the Union Budget's big income tax relief, the first repo rate cut in five years, President's Rule in Manipur, the PM's visits to France and the US, a new Chief Election Commissioner and the close of the Maha Kumbh. Major items are grouped below by GS paper.

In this compilation: 26 major items, grouped by GS theme · 10-question quiz at the end.

Timeline: key events of February 2025

Places in news, February 2025

Polity & Governance

1. President's Rule in Manipur

• Imposed on 13 February under Article 356 after CM N. Biren Singh resigned.
• The Assembly was kept in suspended animation.
• Parliament must approve it within two months.

Why it matters for UPSC: Article 356 and the S.R. Bommai safeguards.

Syllabus: GS2 – Emergency provisions

2. Gyanesh Kumar becomes Chief Election Commissioner

• He is the first CEC picked under the 2023 Act.
• The panel is the PM, a Union minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
• The exclusion of the CJI is under challenge in the Supreme Court.

Why it matters for UPSC: Independence of the Election Commission.

Syllabus: GS2 – Elections

3. SC strikes down domicile quota in PG medical seats

• Residence-based reservation in PG medical seats was held unconstitutional.
• It violates Article 14 for state-quota seats.
• Limited reservation at UG level stays valid.

Why it matters for UPSC: Merit and regional equity.

Syllabus: GS2 – Equality