NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India launches its first indigenous Automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plant in New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, named Sṛjanam, at AIIMS New Delhi.Developed by the CSIR National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, NIIST, in Thiruvananthapuram, the rig is the first of its kind in the country.The Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, named “Srjanam,” was officially dedicated to the nation by the Minister at a ceremony held in the AIIMS auditorium.This innovative, environment friendly technology, developed by CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology), offers a significant advancement in the sustainable management of biomedical waste.The “Srjanam” rig can disinfect pathogenic biomedical waste such as blood, urine, sputum, and laboratory disposables, without the use of costly and energy-intensive incinerators.
2. DPIIT signs pact with Korean institute to enhance cooperation in logistics: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed an agreement with the Korea Transport Institute to enhance cooperation in logistics and infrastructure development.The MoU will enhance cooperation in logistics and infrastructure development, leveraging the institute’s expertise to support India’s ambitious infrastructure initiatives.The MoU will establish a mechanism for knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation between the logistics division, DPIIT and KOTI.
3. 3rd Kashi Tamil Sangamam to be held from Feb 15: The third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is to be held from the 15th of February. This year’s theme will be ‘Sage Agasthiyar’.The participants will also be experiencing Mahakumbh and a visit to the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya.In connection with this, school students dressed like Sage Agasthiyar participated in a walkathon in Chennai. The walkathon was organised by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil and SASTRA deemed University.
4. Reliance Consumer launches sports drink ‘Spinner’ at ₹10: Reliance Consumer Products has launched the sports drink ‘Spinner’ at an affordable price of ₹10 and the beverage would lead the movement to create a sports beverage category of up to $1 billion in the next three years.The sports drink has been co-created with former Sri Lankan cricketer and current coach of Sri Lanka, Muttiah Muralitharan.The beverage brand has partnered with top IPL franchises such as Lucknow Super Giants, SunRisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians, which will drive awareness and increase brand visibility across the country, the company said.The sports drink is available in three flavours – Lemon, Orange, and Nitro Blue.
5. ONGC signs pact with BP for oil exploration: State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has signed a pact with global oil major BP to explore collaboration in exploration and production, trading and other energy vectors, in India and internationally.The MoU comes within a month of ONGC selecting BP as a technical service provider for raising output from its flagship Mumbai High oil and gas field.ONGC and BP have agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership across the energy industry in India and internationally, focused on oil and gas exploration and production, as well as trading and extending to other energy vectors.
6. India introduces new HS code to allow exports of GI-recognised rice varieties: India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has come up with an amendment to the Customs Tariff Act to provide for an HS (Harmonised System) code, for the export of geographical indication (GI) recognised rice.It is the first time in the world that an HS code has been introduced for GI-recognised riceThe amendment was introduced in the Budget proposals for the2025-26 financial year on February 1, under HS Code 1006-30-11 (parboiled) and 1006-30-91 (white).The Indian Patent Office has given a GI tag to 20 rice varieties. The GI-tag recognised varieties are Navara, Palakkadan Matta, Pokkali, Wayanad Jeerakasala, Wayanad Gandhakasala, Kalanamak, Kaipad, Ajara Ghansal, Ambemohar, Joha, Gobindobog, Tulapanji, Katarni and Chokuwa rice varieties. These varieties got the GI tag before March 2020.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Honeywell, AM Green sign MoU to advance carbon capture, SAF in India: Honeywell and AM Green have signed an MoU to advance carbon capture and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in India.This comes as India aims to achieve a 1 per cent SAF blend in jet fuel for international flights by 2027, which will increase to 2 per cent by 2028, signifying a significant step towards reducing aviation emissions in the country. This target is part of India’s broader goal to reach net zero by 2070.The MoU seeks efficient ways to decarbonise the aviation and shipping sectors and will help position India as a global leader in alternative fuel production.The collaboration is meant to assess the techno-economic feasibility of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from ethanol, green methanol from various carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission sources, and green hydrogen.
2. 11 February – International Day of Women and Girls in Science: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated every year on February 11.The United Nations observes this day to promote full and equal access to and participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.On March 14, 2011, during its 55th session, the Commission on the Status of Women approved a report that included agreed conclusions regarding the involvement of women and girls in education, training, and science and technology.
The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS), observed annually on 11th February.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. HAL renames HJT-36 Jet Trainer as ‘Yashas’ following major upgrades: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has officially renamed its flagship jet training aircraft, the Hindustan Jet Trainer HJT-36, as ‘Yashas’ following extensive modifications aimed at enhancing its performance and operational efficiency.As part of its preparation for induction into service, ‘Yashas’ has been upgraded with state-of-the-art avionics and a modernized cockpit, improving training effectiveness and operational efficiency.The enhancements include weight reduction measures and the replacement of obsolete imported equipment with indigenous Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).Designed for Stage II pilot training, the aircraft is also capable of counter-insurgency and counter-surface force operations, armament training, and aerobatic maneuvers. It is powered by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)-equipped AL55I jet engine, delivering an optimal thrust-to-weight ratio, improved thrust management, and enhanced reliability.
SPORTS
1. Indian Cricket Team Urges People To Join Donate Organs, Save Lives’: Ahead of the third ODI against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Indian team players including former captain Virat Kohli urged people to join the ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’ campaign and pledge for organ donation.Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) took a major step towards raising awareness about organ donation through the ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’ initiative.This initiative aims to inspire cricket fans to pledge their support for donating organs, putting forth the importance of a single decision which could impact lives. With millions watching, the initiative hopes to encourage individuals to pledge for organ donation, ultimately saving millions of lives in the future.
2. RIL to acquire 49% stake in London-based Oval Invincibles cricket team: Reliance Industries (RIL)-owned Mumbai Indians (MI), through its subsidiary RISE Worldwide, has announced the acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in London-based Oval Invincibles, a franchise in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) The Hundred, for an undisclosed amount.The completion of the transaction is subject to customary diligence and documentation, including the acquisition of its shareholding.The men’s team of the Oval Invincibles is the reigning champion of The Hundred in 2023 and 2024, while the women’s team won the inaugural 100-ball league in 2021 and again in 2022.The Hundred features eight city-based franchises: London Spirit, Oval Invincibles, Manchester Originals, Birmingham Phoenix, Northern Superchargers, Southern Brave, Welsh Fire, and Trent Rockets.
3. Pankaj Advani wins 36th National Gold at Indian Snooker Championship: India’s most accomplished player Pankaj Advani secured his 36th overall national title and 10th men’s snooker crown at the Yashwant Club in Madhya Pradesh.The ONGC employee overcame an early setback to defeat Brijesh Damani in a final where Damani managed to take the opening frame, the only one he would claim throughout the match.Meghalaya to host next edition of National Games in February/March 2027: Meghalaya will host the 39th edition of the National Games in February/March 2027.As host state of the next edition, Meghalaya will be handed the IOA flag during the closing ceremony of the ongoing 38th Games in Uttarakhand.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Indian Institute of Spices Research to host spice start-up conclave: ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, will be organising a startup conclave — Rise Up– from February 19 to 21. The objective of the event is to generate innovative ideas and foster entrepreneurship in spice cultivation, processing and value addition.The three-day conclave will have sessions on themes including the potential of innovations, the future of spice-based entrepreneurship, and technological advancements in the spice industry.Organized in collaboration with Kerala Startup Mission, the Ideathon invites students, entrepreneurs and startups to submit their ideas online by February 15. Each team may have up to five members.Submitted ideas will be reviewed initially by a panel of experts and the selected ideas can be presented on the first day of the event at IISR.The total prize pool for the event is ₹1,00,000, and further support will be provided by the research institution for the development of promising ideas.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Policybazaar and HDFC Life join hands to offer product with 100% claim assurance: Policybazaar has partnered with HDFC Life, a private life insurer, to offer HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Ultimate, a term product with 100 per cent claim assurance.This innovative solution combines financial protection with the assurance of a seamless claim process, catering to customers seeking reliability and transparency in their insurance policies.The product’s value lies in its commitment to providing a secure financial safety net while addressing two key consumer concerns — ease of purchasing insurance and a smooth, hassle-free claims experience for beneficiaries.
2. Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector: IDFC FIRST Bank, Ikonz launch Amitabh Bachchan’s AI avatarIDFC FIRST Bank Launches Exclusive Banking Package for Senior CitizensL &T Finance introduced Knowledgeable AI (KAI), an AI-powered virtual home loan advisorPNB MetLife partners with Policybazaar to Launch Smart Invest Pension Plan for Early RetirementFinvasia partners with Yes Bank to launch AI-enabled super app ‘Jumpp’Shriram GI Unveils Shri Health Suraksha Insurance – A Comprehensive and Affordable Health Plan
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Indian Students Win Bronze at Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 in Dubai: Three Indian computer science students from New Delhi have won the Bronze Award at the Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 during the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai.The award, along with a cash prize of $10,000, was presented by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, during the opening day of the summit.The winning team comprised Sagar Teotia (team lead), Abhinav Mishra, and Anushka Singh, all fourth-semester computer science students from the Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Delhi.They were recognized for their application AccessWay, an AI-powered platform that integrates augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence, and crowdsourced data to provide accessible navigation, social connections, and emergency tools for individuals with disabilities.
No comments:
Post a Comment