*26th Feb, 2025* *News of the Day* *1. Bhagat Singh’s uncle Ajit Singh who started Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement* *Introduction* Farmers protesting at the Punjab and Haryana borders are observing February 23 as Pagri Sambhal Diwas, in honour of Ajit Singh, paternal uncle of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. *Who was Ajit Singh?* Born on February 23, 1881 at Khatkar Kalan village in Punjab (it is now part of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district), Ajit Singh was a prominent freedom fighter, revolutionary, and nationalist leader. He played a significant role in inspiring his nephew Bhagat Singh. Ajit was the elder brother of Kishan Singh, Bhagat Singh’s father. From 1909 to 1947 he remained in exile, as he was targeted by the British for his role in the Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement. He came to India in March 1947 but died in Dalhousie due to ill health on August 15, 1947, the day India got independence. *What was the Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement?* In 1907, Ajit Singh started the Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement in protest against agricultural laws imposed by the British. ‘Pagri Sambhal Jatta’ literally translates to ‘take care of your turban, o farmer’, and invokes self respect and honour. Along with this, the British raised taxes on agricultural land and water for irrigation, increasing the financial burden on farmers. Many small farmers and peasants were forced into debt and land loss. Soon, farmers started protests against these laws, demanding their repeal. *Impact of the movement* Pagri Sambhal Jatta was one of the first major farmer movements against British rule, laying the foundation for future resistance in Punjab. The agitation led to mass protests and civil disobedience. Due to intense pressure, the British government withdrew some of the oppressive clauses of the laws. *Download the Complete Daily Current Affairs Pdf* https://www.prepmate.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/News-Juice-26th-February-2025.pdf