NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NLCIL Signs MoU with NALCO to Boost Thermal and
Renewable Energy Collaboration: NLC India Ltd. signed an MoU with National
Aluminium Company to collaborate on thermal and renewable energy
initiatives.The MoU covers a 1,200 MW Thermal Captive Power Project and
renewable energy development to meet NALCO’s long-term and captive power needs
efficiently.The collaboration includes potential joint project development,
long-term power arrangements, and coal supply agreements to ensure energy and
fuel security.
2. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to
Inaugurate BioAsia 2026 Summit Highlighting TechBio Innovations: The 23rd edition of the
international summit begins at Hyderabad International Convention
Centre (HICC) with the theme ‘TechBio Unleashed – AI, Automation, and the
Revolutionary Changes in Life Sciences.’Revanth Reddy will officially launch
the international exhibition featuring renowned life sciences organisations
before delivering the keynote address.Telangana Chief Minister highlights
future of healthcare and biotech – Delegates will discuss next-generation
biologics, AI-driven R&D, digital transformation, and strategies under the
theme ‘Telangana Rising 2047 – World-Class Life Sciences Ecosystem.’
3. President Murmu Inaugurates Centenary Celebrations of
Ol Chiki Script, Honours Santal Achievers: The President of India inaugurated
the 100-year celebrations of the Ol Chiki script, organised by the
Ministry of Culture in New Delhi.The script, invented by Pandit Raghunath Murmu
in 1925, preserves the Santhali language and serves as a symbol of Santal
identity worldwide.Before Ol Chiki, the Santhali language was written in Roman,
Devanagari, Oriya, and Bengali scripts, which could not capture the original
pronunciation accurately.The President released a special coin and postage
stamp and felicitated 10 achievers for promoting the use of Ol Chiki among the
Santhali people.
4. PM Modi Launches PM RAHAT Scheme for Cashless Road
Accident Treatment: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the PM RAHAT (Road
Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme, providing
cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per eligible road accident victim for seven
days from the date of the accident.The Road, Transport and Highways Ministry
emphasized that the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring no
life is lost due to delayed medical assistance.Reimbursement to hospitals under
PM RAHAT will be facilitated through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, ensuring
smooth implementation of cashless treatment.The launch of PM RAHAT from Seva
Teerth, New Delhi, highlights a citizen-first approach, aiming to reduce
preventable road accident fatalities through timely medical intervention.
5. Govt Launches First National Call for BIRAC-RDI Fund
to Boost High-Impact Biotechnology Innovation: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced
the first national call for the BIRAC-RDI Fund, aimed at scaling
high-impact biotechnology innovations under the Government of India’s ₹1
lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) initiative.The Biotechnology
Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has been appointed as a
second-level fund manager and will deploy ₹2,000 crore over up to five years,
with provisions for future expansion.The BIRAC-RDI Fund is part of the national
RDI initiative approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 and launched in
November 2025 under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF),
anchored by the Department of Science and Technology.The fund will provide
long-term, low-interest financing for high-risk and long-gestation research projects
in sunrise sectors such as biotechnology, deep-tech, and artificial
intelligence.
6. Kerala Approves India’s First Graphene Policy: Kerala has
approved India’s first comprehensive Graphene Policy, aiming to
position the state as a global hub for graphene research, development, and
manufacturing, integrating advanced materials into its long-term economic
growth strategy.As part of the initiative, the Union Cabinet approved the
establishment of Grefine Park, and the state will set up a dedicated graphene
industrial park in Palakkad along with a ₹200 crore Digital Innovation Centre
to promote graphene-based innovation.To attract domestic and global investors,
Kerala will offer a 50% subsidy on lease payments for manufacturing units
established in government-managed parks, creating a competitive ecosystem for
advanced material production.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Balaghat Chosen as Pilot District Under World’s
Largest Cooperative Grain Storage Plan: Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh has been
selected as a pilot region under the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the
Cooperative Sector, with a 500-metric-tonne godown constructed at Parswada and
inaugurated by Narendra Modi on 24 February 2024.The modern storage facility is
operated by the Madhya Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Corporation and aims
to strengthen rural storage capacity, promote scientific warehousing, and
support decentralised agricultural infrastructure at the grassroots level.The
initiative focuses on empowering Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
by integrating schemes like AIF, AMI, SMAM, and PMFME, enabling PACS to become
multi-functional service centres while reducing farmers’ dependence on distant
warehouses.
2. India, France elevate ties to ‘Special Global
Strategic Partnership’: India and France elevated their ties to a “Special Global
Strategic Partnership” after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
President Emmanuel Macron, expanding cooperation across defence, advanced
technologies, critical minerals, climate action, health, education, and
economic security.The upgrade builds on the 1998 Strategic Partnership and the
Horizon 2047 Roadmap, with both sides agreeing to launch an annual Foreign
Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue and reaffirming support for a rules-based international
order and India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security
Council.Defence cooperation was deepened through renewal of the 10-year defence
agreement, MoUs under the 6th India–France Defence Dialogue, progress on
Rafale-Marine jets, joint production of HAMMER missiles, and new initiatives in
co-design, co-development, and “Make in India” manufacturing.The two
countries also launched the 2026 India–France Year of Innovation, enhanced
collaboration in AI, startups, and critical minerals, agreed to amend the DTAA
to boost trade and investment, and strengthened cooperation in climate action,
nuclear energy, and the Indo-Pacific region.
3. Tarique Rahman Sworn in as Bangladesh Prime Minister: Tarique
Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was sworn in as
the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh, ending nearly 18 months of political
uncertainty under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.The oath of
office was administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the South Plaza of
Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka; subsequently, 25 cabinet ministers and 24 state
ministers were also sworn in.India was represented at the ceremony by Lok Sabha
Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
4. India, South Korea Reaffirm Special
Strategic Partnership: India and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment
to deepening their Special Strategic Partnership, signalling sustained
diplomatic momentum ahead of 2026. The pledge was made during the 6th Foreign
Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) held in Seoul, reflecting both sides’
intent to expand cooperation across political, economic and security domains.
The dialogue was co-chaired by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in India’s
Ministry of External Affairs, and Park Yoon-joo, First Vice Foreign Minister of
the Republic of Korea. Discussions covered the entire spectrum of bilateral
engagement, including defence, security, science and technology, culture and
people-to-people exchanges.The two sides agreed to pursue a series of high-level visits and joint
commission meetings in 2026. These engagements are expected to inject fresh
impetus into diplomatic coordination and policy alignment under the Special
Strategic Partnership framework.
5. ZSI Discovers New Diplura Species in
Himalayas: cientists from the Zoological Survey of India
(ZSI) have discovered a new species of Diplura in the eastern Himalayas,
marking a milestone in Indian entomology. The wingless, soil-dwelling
micro-arthropod has been named “Lepidocampa sikkimensis”. The discovery ends
nearly five decades of limited research on Diplura in India andrepresents the
first species of its kind to be formally described by an Indian research
team.The findings were published on 7 January in the international taxonomic
journal “Zootaxa”.Diplurans
are primitive hexapods, a group of six-legged arthropods under the class
Hexapoda. They are blind, soil-dwelling organisms commonly known as two-pronged
bristletails. Researchers believe “Lepidocampa sikkimensis” belongs to an
ancient evolutionary lineage of hexapods.Until now, 17 Diplura species had been
recorded in India, all identified by foreign scientists. The new discovery
signals a revival of indigenous taxonomic research in this lesser-known
invertebrate group.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. First Indigenous Cadet Training Ship Launched at
L&T Kattupalli in Chennai: The first indigenous Cadet Training Ship
(CTS), built by M/s L&T Shipyard for the Indian Navy, was
launched at Kattupalli, Chennai, in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff Anil
Chauhan.The ship, named ‘Krishna’, pays tribute to the Krishna River, the
third longest river in India, and was launched by Anupama, President of DWWA,
following maritime traditions.The contract for building three Cadet Training
Ships was signed on 07 March 2023 between the Ministry of Defence and Larsen
& Toubro (L&T Shipyard).The ship will accommodate 20 Officers, 150
Sailors, and 200 Cadets, primarily for basic sea training, while also capable
of roles like Hospital Ship, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief
(HADR), Search and Rescue (SAR), and Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO).
2. Iran Unveils Khorramshahr-4 Amid US
Tensions: Iran has released dramatic footage of its Khorramshahr-4
ballistic missile, one of Tehran’s most powerful medium-range weapons, amid
rising tensions with the United States. The
video, circulated through state-linked platforms, appears aimed at signalling
deterrence as American aircraft carriers operate near the Persian Gulf.The
display comes at a time of heightened strategic rivalry, with both sides
reinforcing their military postures in the region.The Khorramshahr-4 is assessed
to have a range of approximately 2,000 kilometres. With a heavy payload
capacity, the missile can potentially place key US military bases and naval
assets within striking distance. It forms part of Iran’s broader missile
programme designed to offset conventional limitations through long-range strike
capability.Iran has invested significantly in ballistic missile development
over the past two decades, viewing it as a core element of national defence and
deterrence strategy.The footage was released as US aircraft carriers, including
the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, operate in waters near
the Persian Gulf. Such deployments are routine for Washington but are
closely monitored by Tehran.By publicising the missile’s readiness, Iran
appears to be reinforcing its message that foreign military assets in the
region remain within its operational range. Iranian officials describe the
missile programme as defensive in nature, intended to deter aggression rather
than provoke conflict.
3. India’s First Private Helicopter Assembly
Line Launched: India has operationalised its first
private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) with the inauguration of
the Airbus H125 facility at Vemagal in Karnataka. The
plant, owned by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), was inaugurated virtually by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, signalling a
deepening of Indo-French aerospace cooperation.The development marks a
milestone in India’s defence and civil aviation manufacturing ambitions under
the ‘Make in India’ initiative.The Vemagal facility represents the first instance of an Indian private
company undertaking full-scale manufacturing, integration, testing and
maintenance of a rotary-wing aircraft within the country. TASL, in partnership
with Airbus Helicopters, will assemble the civil H125 helicopter and
potentially its military variant, the H125M.The facility is expected to provide
localised lifecycle support, strengthening India’s maintenance, repair and
overhaul (MRO) ecosystem. The first “Made in India” H125 helicopter is
scheduled for delivery in early 2027, with export plans for the South Asian
region.
SPORTS
1. Rashid Khan Makes History as First Asian Bowler with
150+ T20I and 200+ ODI Wickets: Rashid Khan becomes the first Asian
bowler to take over 150 wickets in T20Is and more than 200 wickets in ODIs.He
is the first Afghan bowler to achieve 200 ODI wickets, reaching the milestone
during the first ODI against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.In 115 ODIs, Rashid has
202 wickets at an average of 20.28 and an economy rate of 4.23, including six
four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls, with best figures of 7/18.
2. Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo wins ninth gold
medal in cross-country skiing: Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo won his ninth gold medal
in cross-country skiing, setting a Winter Games record, at the Milan Cortina
Olympics.The 29-year-old anchored the 4 x 7.5-kilometre relay in the men’s
competition for his fourth gold of the 2026 Games. He had shared the record
with three retired Norwegian athletes.
3. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Creates History, Wins Giant
Slalom Gold for Brazil at Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: Lucas Pinheiro
Braathen won gold in the Giant Slalom at the Winter Olympics Milano
Cortina 2026, securing Brazil’s and South America’s first-ever Winter
Olympics medal.The 25-year-old clocked a combined time of 2 minutes 25 seconds,
defeating Switzerland’s defending champion Marco Odermatt by 0.58 seconds on
the challenging Stelvio course amid snow and fog.In the overall medal
standings, Norway leads with 20 medals (10 gold), followed by Italy (18) and
the United States (17), and while India’s Arif Mohammad Khan is set to compete
in the slalom event.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Madras High Court Launches AI-Assisted ‘Superlaw
Courts’ System to Boost Judicial Efficiency: The Madras High Court has launched
an AI-assisted system called Superlaw Courts, aimed at enhancing
judicial efficiency by helping judges and legal professionals manage large
volumes of case records and reduce delays in proceedings.The system acts as an
intelligent record assistant, creating a secure digital workspace, converting
scanned documents into searchable text using OCR (Optical Character
Recognition) technology, and enabling faster retrieval of relevant case
information.Established in 1862, the Madras High Court is one of India’s three
oldest High Courts, along with the Bombay High Court and the Calcutta High
Court, and this initiative reflects the growing role of technology in
strengthening India’s justice delivery system.
2. JP Nadda Launched SAHI and BODH to Strengthen AI Use
in India’s Healthcare System: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash
Nadda has launched two national AI-driven healthcare initiatives—SAHI
and BODH—at the India AI Summit being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.The
Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India (SAHI) has been
introduced as a national guidance framework to ensure safe, ethical,
evidence-based and inclusive adoption of AI across India’s healthcare
system.The Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI (BODH), developed by
the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur in collaboration with the
National Health Authority, will enable privacy-preserving evaluation of AI
models using real-world health data.Positioned as a digital public good under
the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, SAHI and BODH together aim to strengthen
trust, transparency and global competitiveness of India’s health AI ecosystem.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership Announced: India and France have elevated their bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, signalling a new phase of cooperation across defence, innovation and global governance. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter’s official visit to India from February 17 to 19.Addressing a joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi described the relationship as expansive and forward-looking. He emphasised that innovation thrives on collaboration and underscored the need for deeper cooperation in a period of global uncertainty.The Special Global Strategic Partnership aims to broaden collaboration in defence, energy, space, advanced technology and critical minerals. Both leaders highlighted the strategic depth of the relationship, noting that cooperation extends “from deep oceans to the highest mountains”.The framework builds upon the long-standing strategic partnership established in 1998. The new designation reflects shared ambitions in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor technologies and green energy transitions.
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