Table of Contents
National News
Cabinet Extends Safai Karamchari Commission Tenure
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the welfare of sanitation workers, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for an additional three years beyond March 31, 2022. This extension ensures the commission’s operations continue seamlessly until March 31, 2025.
India Achieves Record ₹1.27 Lakh Cr in Domestic Defence Production
India has reached a historic milestone in its defense sector, with domestic defense production surpassing ₹1.27 lakh crore. This significant accomplishment highlights the country’s growing self-reliance and its increasing prominence in the global defense manufacturing landscape. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made this announcement ahead of the Aero India 2025 show, which is set to begin tomorrow in Bengaluru. The show, which is Asia’s largest aerospace and defense exhibition, will not only highlight India’s defense capabilities but also inspire the next generation to innovate and contribute to the nation’s growth in the defense sector.
International News
PM Modi and Macron to Inaugurate Indian Consulate in Marseille
India is set to strengthen its diplomatic and economic footprint in France as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurate the Indian Consulate in Marseille on February 12, 2025. This will be India’s second diplomatic mission in France, after its embassy in Paris. The move marks a crucial step in Indo-French relations, reinforcing India’s engagement in southern France and its commitment to deeper economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation.
US President Trump Recognizes February 9 as ‘Gulf of America Day’
In a historic move, US President Donald Trump has officially recognized February 9 as “Gulf of America Day,” following a significant change to the name of the Gulf of Mexico. This marks the first time such a day has been established, and it comes after President Trump signed an executive order to rename the Gulf, an initiative that has drawn both national and international attention. The proclamation was signed by the President on Sunday, while he was aboard Air Force One, en route to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, which is situated on the Gulf.
India and Nicaragua Forge Partnership for Quick Impact Projects
In a major step toward strengthening bilateral relations, India and Nicaragua have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). The agreement, formalized in Managua, Nicaragua, was signed between Indian Ambassador Sumit Seth and Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke. The collaboration aims to enhance physical and social infrastructure in Nicaragua, providing direct and visible benefits to local communities.
Paris AI Summit Kicks Off with PM Modi as Co-Chair
The “Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence” has officially begun in Paris, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chairing the high-profile event. This global AI summit is bringing together world leaders, industry experts, and researchers to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on ethics, regulation, and responsible development. The summit holds significant importance as AI continues to transform industries, economies, and governance structures worldwide.
State News
Assam to Host World’s Largest Jhumur Festival
Assam is preparing to host the world’s largest Jhumur dance performance on February 24, 2025, as part of the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment Summit. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the event will be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Assam aims to set a Guinness World Record with over 7,500 dancers. The festival not only highlights Assam’s rich cultural heritage but also serves as a global platform to attract investors.
Manipur CM Biren Singh Resigns Amid Ethnic Violence
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, amid ongoing ethnic violence and increasing political pressure. His decision comes after nearly two years of unrest between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has led to significant loss of lives and displacement. The resignation also follows opposition demands for accountability, including a planned no-confidence motion against his government.
Banking News
IOB Marks 89 Years with a Strong Sustainability Commitment
As Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) celebrates its 89th Foundation Day on February 10, 2025, the bank continues to focus on sustainability and responsible banking. Strengthening its environmental commitments, IOB has now become a signatory of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), a step toward integrating climate-conscious policies into its financial practices. The bank aims to enhance transparency in measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to its lending and investment activities.
RBI Approves Voluntary Amalgamations of Urban Co-operative Banks
In a significant move to improve the financial stability of the urban co-operative banking sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the voluntary amalgamation of two urban co-operative banks in Hyderabad, Telangana. This step aligns with the RBI’s long-term objective of strengthening smaller co-operative banks through consolidation, ensuring better management of financial risks and customer service.
RBI Introduces Additional Factor Authentication (AFA) for International Transactions
In a significant move to enhance digital payment security, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the implementation of Additional Factor Authentication (AFA) for cross-border “Card Not Present” (CNP) transactions. This initiative aims to secure international transactions using Indian-issued cards, ensuring they are as safe and fraud-proof as domestic transactions.
IDFC FIRST Bank Expands AI Amitabh Bachchan Avatar
IDFC FIRST Bank, in collaboration with Ikonz Studios, has introduced an AI-powered holographic avatar of its brand ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan, across five additional cities. This initiative aims to revolutionize customer interaction by providing an immersive and personalized banking experience.
Summits and Conferences News
India to Host Inaugural WAVES Summit in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025
India is set to host the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025. The event is a major initiative to establish India as a global media and entertainment hub, bringing together leading industry figures, including media CEOs, entertainment professionals, and creative minds. The WAVES Summit aims to foster collaboration, investment, and technological advancements in the global entertainment sector.
Ranks & Reports News
India Ranks 3rd in Global LEED Green Buildings 2024
India has once again secured the third position globally in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) annual ranking of countries and regions with the most LEED-certified green buildings. With 370 projects covering 8.50 million gross square meters (GSM) of certified space, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable construction and environmentally responsible development. This ranking highlights India’s growing role in the global green building movement and its progress in achieving sustainability goals.
Important Days News
World Pulses Day 2025: History, Significance, and Why It Matters
World Pulses Day is celebrated annually on February 10 to raise global awareness about the importance of pulses as a sustainable and nutritious food source. The day highlights the nutritional value, food security benefits, and environmental advantages of pulses, emphasizing their role in achieving a sustainable agricultural system. The observance, backed by the United Nations (UN), serves as a platform to promote the role of pulses in eradicating hunger, improving human health, and enhancing soil fertility.
International Day of the Arabian Leopard: When, Why, and How It Matters
The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 77/295, has declared 10 February as the International Day of the Arabian Leopard. This observance was celebrated for the first time at the UN Headquarters in New York in 2024. The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is a critically endangered subspecies of leopard, once found widely across the Arabian Peninsula. However, this iconic animal now faces numerous threats, pushing its population to the brink of extinction. This day aims to highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts and to raise global awareness about the significance of protecting this majestic species.
Joint Military Exercise ‘Cyclone 2025’ Between India and Egypt Begins in Rajasthan
A significant military collaboration between India and Egypt has commenced today with the launch of the joint exercise ‘Cyclone 2025’. This exercise, taking place at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, is set to run for 14 days. Aimed at bolstering the defense ties between the two countries, it focuses on enhancing the interoperability of special forces while sharing professional skills in challenging desert environments.
Awards News
IPS Officer DK Kedia Honored with ‘CA in Public Service’ Award
Deepak Kumar Kedia, Inspector General (IG) Headquarters, National Security Guard (NSG), has been honored with the ‘CA in Public Service’ Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The award, presented at the World Forum of Accountants Meet in New Delhi on February 1, 2025, recognizes his outstanding contributions to public service, particularly in law enforcement and national security. Kedia, known as the ‘CA in Uniform’, has a distinguished career that bridges finance and policing, making significant impacts in counter-terrorism and national security.
Varsha Bharath’s Bad Girl Wins NETPAC Award at IFFR
Varsha Bharath’s directorial debut, Bad Girl, has won the prestigious NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2025. The film, presented by acclaimed filmmakers Anurag Kashyap and Vetrimaaran, initially received mixed reactions due to its bold themes but has now earned critical recognition. This honor places Bad Girl among notable Indian films like Nasir (2019), Naukar ki Kameez (1999), and Vidheyan (1995), which have previously won this award.
Sports News
Varun Chakravarthy Becomes India’s 2nd Oldest ODI Debutant
At 33 years and 164 days, Varun Chakravarthy became India’s second-oldest cricketer to make an ODI debut, following Farokh Engineer, who debuted at 36 years and 138 days. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner made an immediate impact by dismissing Phil Salt in his opening spell. His performance in the ODIs could influence his selection for the upcoming Champions Trophy, potentially replacing a specialist spinner.
Dimuth Karunaratne Retires, ICC Lauds His Contribution
Former Sri Lankan captain and veteran opener Dimuth Karunaratne has retired from international cricket following his 100th Test against Australia in Galle. The 36-year-old scored 36 and 14 in his farewell match, which Australia won by nine wickets to sweep the two-match series. The International Cricket Council (ICC), through Chairman Jay Shah, lauded his contributions, highlighting his exceptional career and leadership. Karunaratne retires as one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished Test openers, having scored 7,222 Test runs, including 16 centuries.
Rohit Sharma Becomes Second-Highest Six-Hitter in ODI History
India’s skipper Rohit Sharma delivered a stellar performance in the second ODI against England in Cuttack, breaking multiple records while leading India to a four-wicket win. His 119-run knock off 90 balls, featuring 12 fours and 7 sixes, helped him surpass Chris Gayle to become the second-highest six-hitter in ODI history, trailing only Shahid Afridi. Additionally, Rohit overtook Sachin Tendulkar to become the second-highest run-getter for India as an opener in international cricket.
Obituaries News
Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s First President, Passes Away at 95
Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first president and a towering figure in the country’s independence movement, passed away at the age of 95. A charismatic leader, Nujoma played a pivotal role in leading Namibia to freedom from apartheid South Africa in 1990. He served as president for 15 years and was hailed as the “Father of the Namibian Nation.” His leadership was instrumental in ensuring democracy, reconciliation, and stability in the country. However, his tenure was also marked by controversial statements and policies.
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