After US, Israel Announces Departure from 'Anti-semitic' UN Human Rights Council
A day after President Donald Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Israel declared it would follow suit. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the decision, stating, "Israel joined the United States and will not participate in the UNHRC."
Sa'ar accused the UNHRC of protecting human rights violators while unfairly targeting Israel.
The announcement from the Israeli Foreign Minister came amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United States.
IICA and CMAI Sign MoU to Enhance Capacity for Decarbonisation
In a move to advance India's carbon markets and decarbonisation initiatives, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. The agreement was announced during the inaugural session of the IICA-CMAI Masterclass on Global & Indian Carbon Markets. The event was graced by Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road, Transport & Highways, who highlighted the critical role of biofuels, green hydrogen, and sustainable energy solutions in shaping India's economic and environmental future.
The partnership aims to equip industry professionals, policymakers, and academicians with expertise in navigating India's evolving carbon markets. The IICA and CMAI collaboration will focus on training, research, policy advocacy, and knowledge-sharing to accelerate India's transition to a low-carbon economy.
K. Balasubramanian to Succeed Ashu Khullar as India Head for Citibank
K. Balasubramanian was named as India subcontinent sub-cluster and banking head of Citibank, subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He will report to Amol Gupte, head of Asia South and banking head.
Balasubramanian, a seasoned banker, has worked in multiple markets, covering clients across major industries and geographies in India. He joined Citi India in 1996 and has spent over two decades in various roles.
PNB MetLife Partners with PolicyBazaar, Launches Smart Invest Pension Plan
Lift insurance firm PNB MetLife announced a partnership with Policybazaar to launch the PNB MetLife Smart Invest Pension Plan, a Unit-Linked, Non-Participating Individual Pension Plan, designed to help individuals plan for their golden years.
The Smart Invest Pension Plan is designed for individuals between 40 to 50 years of age and offers a flexible approach to early retirement planning.
Zepto Becomes World's Second Most Downloaded Food & Drink App
Zepto, the Indian quick commerce startup, has emerged as the second most downloaded app globally in the food and drinks category, according to a recent report by Sensor Tower. The rankings place Zepto ahead of global giants like KFC and Domino's, with McDonald's securing the top spot.
This achievement highlights the rapid growth of India's quick commerce sector, with Blinkit, Zomato, and Swiggy also making it to the top 10. Zepto's success is attributed to its 300% growth in the second half of 2024, fueled by innovations such as the "buy now, pay later" feature.
Preeti Janghiani Chosen Vice President of Asian ArmWrestling Federation
Preeti Jhangiani, president of the People's ArmWrestling Federation India (PAFI) etched her name in history by becoming vice-president of the Asian ArmWrestling Federation.
The announcement was made at the Asian Arm Wrestling Federation Congress which took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, during the World Arm Wrestling Cup. Preeti was unanimously voted by all the countries present at the Congress and is now part of the executive council of the Asian ArmWrestling Federation.
Preeti has worked for the growth of ArmWrestling in India by collaborating with state governments and sports associations in all corners of India and conducting various state championships and mega matches in association with the Pro Panja League.
Odisha Joins Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat to Seek 50% Share in Central Taxes
Odisha demanded an increase in states' share of central taxes to 50 per cent from the existing 41 per cent. Odisha, which has sought Rs. 12.59 lakh crore in central taxes for the period 2026-31, joined states such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu in making the demand.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi, along with senior officers, met the finance commission headed by Arvind Panagariya to seek an increase in its share in central taxes.
According to Panagariya, states such as Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Goa have suggested an increase in the states' share in central taxes to 50%.
Iran inaugurated its first drone-carrier warship, saying the vessel is capable of operating in oceans far from its mainland.
The vessel, manned by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard's navy, can carry several squadrons of drones as well as helicopters and cruise missiles. Named 'Shahid Bagheri,' it's capable of launching cruise missiles.
With a 180-meter-long runway for drones, the vessel can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports.
National Opera Day 2025 observed every year on February 8 celebrates the history and cultural importance of opera, an art form that combines music, drama, and performance to tell engaging stories. Opera began in Italy in the late 1500s and has since grown into different styles, such as opera buffa, operetta, and semi-opera.
The history of opera dates back to the 1630s when the first season of opera took place in Venice. The opera quickly became a popular form of entertainment, and its popularity continued to grow throughout the 18th century. In the 18th century, opera was given new life by Mozart and Verdi, who developed innovative concepts such as batonality and dissonance.
Rajeev Chaudhari Wins Mid-Day Iconic Film Trade Analyst Award
Renowned film trade journalist and filmmaker Rajeev Chaudhari was conferred with the prestigious Mid-Day Iconic Film Trade Analyst Award for his acclaimed show MOVIEBIZ on AVANTI FILMS YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Presented by Amruta Fadnavis, First Lady of Maharashtra, at a glittering ceremony held at the Hotel Crowne Plaza in Dubai, this esteemed award recognises Rajeev's outstanding contributions to film trade analysis, showcasing his expertise and dedication to the craft.
This prestigious award further cements Rajeev's position as a leading authority in film trade analysis, with his work widely acclaimed and recognized within the industry.
BITS Pilani Dubai Campus Sets New CoE in Blockchain and AI Research
BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (BPDC) set up a new centre of excellence (CoE). The new CoE – Ankitt Gaur Centre of Excellence in Blockchain and AI Research, represents the first endowment from a Work Integrated Learning Programme (WILP) alumnus, Ankitt Gaur, founder and CEO of OrbitXPay.
The Ankitt Gaur Centre of Excellence aims to become a leading hub for research, innovation, and incubation in Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Web3 technologies. It seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering an ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-ups.
The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela is being held from February 7 to 23. The Surajkund Mela will see a spectacular showcase of regional and international crafts, handlooms, and traditions along with some mouth-watering multi-cuisine food for the visitors. The mela, which attracts more than a million Indian and international visitors, is organised by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with union ministries of tourism, textiles, culture and external affairs.
Theme states of 'Surajkund Mela' in 2025 are Odisha and Madhya Pradesh and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand- are the partners.
GMR Airports Joins United Nations Global Compact Initiative
GMR Airports Ltd (GAL) made a significant move by joining the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. This partnership marks GAL's dedication to aligning its operations with the ten principles of the UNGC, which include human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption. Through this alliance, GAL aims to integrate these principles into its operational strategies, further contributing to the global sustainability agenda.
The company has pledged to integrate the UN's ten principles into its business operations, which will ensure it meets global standards for sustainability.