India Adds 4 New Ramsar Wetlands, First for Jharkhand & Sikkim
India made a significant stride in wetland conservation, with four new sites added to the prestigious Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. This brings the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 89. Among the new additions, two wetlands from the north-eastern region, one from Gujarat, and Udhwa Lake from Jharkhand were recognised. The inclusion of these sites, especially the first-ever Ramsar recognitions for Jharkhand and Sikkim, highlights India's commitment to preserving its diverse ecosystems.
Sony Names Hiroki Totoki as CEO for Entertainment Growth
Sony Group Corporation named Hiroki Totoki as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), reinforcing the company's commitment to expanding its entertainment business. A longtime finance chief, Totoki has played a key role in steering Sony's strategic shift toward content-driven growth.
Alongside Kenichiro Yoshida, the outgoing CEO who will remain as chairman of the board, Totoki has helped position Sony as a powerhouse in entertainment.
Hiroki Totoki, who has been with Sony since 1987, has held various key positions within the company, including Executive Deputy President and Chief Financial Officer. Totoki has been instrumental in shaping Sony's growth strategies, particularly in the areas of content intellectual property and semiconductors.
IRDAI Limits Senior Citizens' Health Premium Hike to 10% Annually
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) took a crucial step to protect senior citizens from sharp increases in health insurance premiums. The new directive mandates that insurers cannot raise premiums for individuals aged 60 and above by more than 10% per year without prior approval from IRDAI. This move, effective immediately, aims to keep health insurance affordable and accessible for the elderly, who often rely on fixed incomes.
IRDAI's decision comes after reports showed that health insurance premiums for senior citizens were rising significantly upon renewal, sometimes exceeding 10% in a single year. Such steep increases made it difficult for many elderly individuals to continue their health coverage. Given that senior citizens often face higher medical expenses and limited income sources, the regulator found it necessary to intervene. The goal is to prevent sudden financial strain on older policyholders and ensure stability in their healthcare expenses.
Govt. Approves 88-member Indian Contingent for 2025 Asian Winter Games
The Government of India approved the participation of the Indian contingent at the 9th Asian Winter Games (AWG) 2025, set to take place from February 7 to 14 in Harbin, China. A total of 88 members, including 59 athletes and 29 team officials, will represent India at the event.
This marks the first time the government is providing full financial support under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme for athletes competing in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, and Speed Skating (Long Track).
Sachin Tendulkar Bestowed with BCCI's Lifetime Achievement Award
Former India captain and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar was bestowed with BCCI's Lifetime Achievement award at the annual gala. Tendulkar, who played 664 matches for India, holds the record for the highest number of Test and ODI runs in history. However, he played only one T20I in his stellar career.
Tendulkar the recipient of the C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2024" who has played 200 Tests and 463 ODIs are also the highest by any player in the history of the game.
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin was given a special award for his contribution to Indian cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah, the pace spearhead, received the Polly Umrigar Award for Best Male International Cricketer.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) was honoured for being the Best Association in domestic cricket. In 2024, Mumbai had won the Ranji Trophy for the 42nd time.
Indian Railways Launches 'SwaRail' SuperApp for Beta Testing
The Ministry of Railways introduced the super app 'SwaRail', a one-stop solution offering comprehensive railway services to the public. Currently in beta testing, the app is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. A key focus of the App is enhancing user experience with a seamless and clean user interface (UI). It integrates various railway services, eliminating the need for multiple applications and reducing space consumption on user devices.
Developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) the SuperApp integrates all public-facing applications of Indian Railways into a single platform. The App caters to a wide range of user needs.
Every year, World Rheumatic Arthritis Day is celebrated on February 2 to bring issues to light of rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory illness that influences the joints. This is an autoimmune illness wherein the body attacks and harms the lining of the joints, confusing it with foreign material.
Alfred B. Garrod started calling the disease "Rheumatoid Arthritis" in 1858. It was earlier confused with Osteoarthritis. Garrod corrected the name and gave a distinction between both.
In 2011, patients came together and formed the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation. The purpose of the organization is to spread awareness about the condition and the treatment options available. In 2013, the foundation started Rheumatoid Awareness Day to raise awareness and resolve misconceptions about the disease.
International Development Week 2025
In 2025, the International Development Week is being observed from February 2 to 8 as per the official website.
The Canadian International Development Agency launched Development Day in October 1988. This was a section of the global peace-promoting Education to Development Programme. To commemorate International Development Week, Global Affairs Canada took up the custom and worked with Canadian NGOs.
The beginning of this distinctive custom dates back to 1991. International Development Week has been celebrated annually throughout the first full week of February ever since.
The theme for this year (2025) is 'Building a Better World Together'.
World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2 to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and promote conservation efforts globally. This day marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, an international treaty focused on the protection and sustainable use of wetlands. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change.
Each year, World Wetlands Day has a specific theme that focuses on a critical issue related to wetlands. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2025 is "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future." It highlights the need for conservation efforts to safeguard ecosystems for future generations.
Safex Chemicals Wins Prestigious Innovation Award at PMFAI Annual AgChem Awards 2025
Safex Chemicals India Ltd., a pioneer in the chemical industry, was awarded the Outstanding Innovation: Chemical Synthesis Award at the 6th Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) Annual AgChem Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade was presented during a grand ceremony in Dubai, recognising Safex Group's groundbreaking development of Renofluthrin, a next-generation mosquito control solution.
University of Sussex Awards Honorary Doctorate to Alumnus Noel Tata
The University of Sussex conferred an honorary doctorate upon Noel Tata, the business leader within the Tata Group. Noel Tata graduated from the University of Sussex in 1978 with a degree in economics.
Currently, Noel Tata holds several leadership positions across the Tata Group, including Chairman of Trent, Voltas, Tata International, and Tata Investment Corporation. He also serves as vice chairman of Tata Steel and Titan Company Limited. In 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the Tata Trusts, the philanthropic arm of the Tata Group.
The honorary degree was presented by professor Sasha Roseneil, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Sussex, during a private ceremony held in Mumbai.
The Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, inaugurated the Sci-Fi Science Film Festival of India in Panaji concluded on. The festival, organised by Vidnyan Parishad Goa, celebrated science, innovation, and the spirit of curiosity, and was held in honour of Dr. M. Swaminathan, a prominent scientist. The festival's theme this year (2025), "Green Revolution," aimed to inspire young minds and promote the path to a sustainable future.
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