Russia and Iran Forge Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 20-year "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" in Moscow, aiming to bolster bilateral relations across various sectors.
Economic Cooperation: The agreement seeks to enhance trade and economic ties, with bilateral trade having risen by 15.5% to $3.77 billion between January and October 2024.
Military and Defence: The treaty emphasizes joint military efforts against common threats, intelligence exchanges, and collaboration to counter sanctions, though it does not extend to mutual military assistance.
Energy and Infrastructure: Plans include creating transport corridors and facilitating gas shipments between Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
Cultural and Scientific Exchange: The agreement covers cooperation in technology, information and cybersecurity, peaceful nuclear energy collaboration, counterterrorism efforts, regional cooperation, environmental issues, and combating money laundering and organised crime.
This strategic partnership is viewed as a significant development, forming a closer alignment between Iran and Russia against Western sanctions and military threats.
UNESCO and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Host Stakeholder Consultation on AI Readiness Assessment Methodology in India
The UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and Ikigai Law as the implementing partner, organised a two-day stakeholder consultation on AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in India.
This consultation marked the second in a series of five consultations under the AI RAM initiative by UNESCO and MeitY. The initiative aims to craft an India-specific AI policy report, identifying strengths and growth opportunities within India's AI ecosystem. The AI RAM serves as a diagnostic tool to identify opportunities for governments to engage, particularly in AI regulatory and institutional capacity-building efforts. As India continues its rapid AI growth, aligning governance with ethical principles will foster a holistic AI ecosystem centered on safety and trust.
India Slips to Third Place in Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 Rankings
The Edelman Trust Barometer 2025, an annual survey by the global communications firm Edelman, revealed key insights into public trust levels in government, businesses, media, and NGOs. This year (2025), India slipped one rank to the third spot globally in terms of overall trust, despite its score remaining unchanged. The study, released ahead of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, highlighted significant disparities in trust levels across income groups and nations.
India ranked third globally in terms of trust in institutions (government, businesses, media, and NGOs). The top three positions were as follows: China, Indonesia and India.
23 Blood Sucking Flies Discovered in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Indian zoologists discovered 13 species of blood sucking flies for the first time in India from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, underlining the importance of the archipelago as a storehouse of biological diversity.
The 13 biting midges are among 23 such flies reported from the islands. Of particular concern are five species known to transmit the Blue Tongue Disease virus, a condition that can be fatal to livestock and causes significant economic losses to the animal husbandry sector.
This discovery, according to ZSI officials, flags the need for enhanced vector surveillance and control measures in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to protect both livestock and the tourism industry.
RBI Directs Banks to Use '1600xx' Number Series for Transactional Calls
The RBI asked banks to use only the '1600xx' phone numbering series to call customers for transactional purposes with a view to preventing financial fraud. It further said that for promotional purposes, banks and other regulated entities (REs) should use only the '140xx' numbering series for the prevention of financial frauds perpetrated using voice calls and SMS.
Banks and other regulated entities (REs) have also been asked to monitor and clean their customer database.
To enhance fraud risk monitoring and prevention, the REs have been asked to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) incorporating the required action to be taken.
The Reserve Bank has asked all the REs to ensure compliance with the instructions expeditiously, in any case, not later than March 31, 2025.
Alok Kumar Agarwal New MD and CEO of Zurich Kotak General Insurance
Alok Kumar Agarwal was appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Kotak General Insurance. He succeeded Suresh Agarwal.
With over 20 years in the insurance industry, Agarwal has previously held senior roles at ICICI Lombard, overseeing diverse segments such as corporate, SME, government, rural, crop, and retail businesses. His last role as Executive Director of the Emerging Market Group saw him managing retail business strategies. This experience positions him to guide Zurich Kotak through its next phase of growth in India's competitive insurance market.
Bajaj Finance, Airtel Collaborate to Launch Digital Financial Services Platform
In a collaboration that could transform the last-mile delivery, Bharti Airtel and Bajaj Finance forged a partnership to create one of India's largest digital platforms for financial services.
Airtel's 375 million customers can now access most of Bajaj Finance's retail financial offerings using its 1.2-million-strong distribution network.
The products will be offered first on the Airtel Thanks App and later through its network of stores. In a phased rollout, up to 10 financial products will be offered in the current calendar year.
Vaishnavi Sharma Creates History: First Indian to Take Hat Trick in U19 Women's T20 World Cup- Watch Video
Vaishnavi Sharma entered her name in history books by becoming the first Indian and third bowler overall in the world to take a hat trick in the U19 Women's T20 World Cup. Sharma achieved the feat during India's second Group A match against Malaysia, which was played at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur.
In her maiden U19 World Cup match, Vaishnavi finished with figures of 5 for 5 in four overs and helped India dismiss Malaysia for 31 runs in 14.3 overs.
The 27th Prime Minister's Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Meeting
The 27th meeting of Prime Minister's Science, Technology & Innovation Council (PM-STIAC) was convened under the chairmanship of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Along with the PM-STIAC members, the meeting brought together key government officials industry players, health professionals and academicians to discuss Cell and Gene Therapy in India.
PM-STIAC members emphasised the broad potential of Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) in treating various disorders, including cancer. They highlighted the need for a national mission on CGT to drive advancements in the field.
Indian Army's Daredevils Set New World Record for Highest Human Pyramid on Motorcycles
The Indian Army's Motorcycle Rider Display Team, known as the "Daredevils," set a new world record by creating the highest human pyramid on moving motorcycles.
The formation, standing 20.4 feet tall and comprising 40 men on 7 motorcycles, travelled a distance of 2 kilometres along Kartavya Path, from Vijay Chowk to India Gate in New Delhi.
The Daredevils, part of the Corps of Signals, have earned international recognition for their daring performances and now hold 33 world records, including entries in the Guinness Book of World Records, Asia Book of Records, and Limca Book of Records.
Since their formation in 1935, the Daredevils have performed over 1,600 motorcycle displays across India, mesmerizing audiences at major events like Republic Day and Army Day parades.
India Tests 'Bhargavastra' Micro-Missile for Countering Drone Swarms
India successfully tested its first indigenous micro-missile system, 'Bhargavastra,' designed to counter swarm drone threats. This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing the nation's defense capabilities against emerging aerial threats.
Key Features:
Detection and Neutralisation: Capable of detecting small aerial vehicles at distances exceeding 6 km and neutralizing them using guided micro munitions.
Simultaneous Launch Capability: Designed to launch over 64 micro missiles simultaneously, enabling effective countermeasures against swarm formations.
Mobile Platform: Mounted on a mobile platform for rapid deployment across diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions.
The successful testing of Bhargavastra underscores India's commitment to strengthening its defense infrastructure and technological capabilities.
P. V. Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medallist and a global badminton icon, has forged a multi-year partnership with PUMA India, marking the sportswear giant's official entry into the badminton domain. This strategic collaboration signifies a landmark moment for badminton in India and aims to capitalise on the sport's burgeoning popularity, which currently boasts a fan base of 57 million across the country. With this partnership, PUMA aims to deepen its footprint in India's rapidly expanding sports market, while Sindhu continues to inspire millions with her remarkable achievements.
The Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) 2025, held in Arunachal Pradesh, celebrates the region's cultural heritage and its historical significance during World War II.
Inaugurated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the three-day festival coincided with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Legal Expert Sunil Kumar Pathak's Book 'Legal First Aid' Released at India International Centre
Legal expert Sunil Kumar Pathak's book 'Legal First Aid' was released at the Multipurpose Hall of India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi. Lalit Bhasin, President of Indian Law Firms and former President of Bar Association of India, attended the book release ceremony as the chief guest.
The author of the book, Sunil Kumar Pathak, said that 'Legal First Aid' has been written to provide information about legal rights and procedures to common citizens. This book is like a legal guide for every person, which explains various types of crimes, rights and legal process in a simple and practical way. This book includes important topics such as legal rights and provisions for various crimes, ways to take the right steps in any legal situation, police investigation, management of evidence and the process of court proceedings.
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