India Retains Third Position Globally for LEED Green Building Certification in 2024
India once again secured the third position globally in the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) annual ranking of countries and regions with the most LEED-certified green buildings. With 370 projects covering 8.50 million gross square meters (GSM) of certified space, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable construction and environmentally responsible development. This ranking highlighted India's growing role in the global green building movement and its progress in achieving sustainability goals.
According to the USGBC, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is a globally recognised standard that measures sustainability, energy efficiency, water conservation, and reduced carbon footprint in buildings. India's continuous performance in the top three rankings highlights its increasing adoption of these green building standards.
On the global stage, mainland China led the rankings in 2024 with over 25 million GSM of LEED-certified space, while Canada followed with 10 million GSM. India's 8.50 million GSM placed it third, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable construction in the Asia-Pacific region.
Romania President Resigns After Impeachment Pressure Over Cancelled Vote
Romania's President Klaus Iohannis resigned amid a concerted push by far-right parliamentary parties to have him impeached in the wake of a contentious election.
His resignation came two months after a top court annulled a presidential election in the European Union country amid allegations of Russian meddling and after a previously little-known, far-right candidate – Calin Georgescu – won a surprise first-round victory.
Decks Cleared in Madhya Pradesh for World's Largest Groundwater Recharge
The decks were cleared for the ambitious Tapti Mega Recharge Project, with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announcing that his government had "removed all obstacles" for the interstate project with Maharashtra and is now heading towards an agreement.
The announcement came following a meeting of the state Cabinet. The project is meant to supply water to Maharashtra's northern region and Madhya Pradesh's southern areas. It is also aimed at addressing drinking water concerns in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and irrigation needs in Chhindwara.
According to the Madhya Pradesh government, once signed and implemented, it will be the world's largest groundwater recharge.
IDFC FIRST Bank Expands AI Amitabh Bachchan Avatar
IDFC FIRST Bank, in collaboration with Ikonz Studios, introduced an AI-powered holographic avatar of its brand ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan, across five additional cities. This initiative aims to revolutionise customer interaction by providing an immersive and personalised banking experience.
The AI-powered holographic avatar is a digital representation of Amitabh Bachchan, utilising Holographic Extended Reality (HXR) technology. This technology creates lifelike 3D projections capable of interacting with users. Customers can engage with the avatar through touch-enabled devices to obtain information on various banking products and services, including Zero Fee Banking, Monthly Interest Credits, Mobile Banking, and the innovative Current Account BRAVO.
RBI Approves Voluntary Amalgamations of Urban Co-operative Banks
In a move to improve the financial stability of the urban co-operative banking sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the voluntary amalgamation of two urban co-operative banks in Hyderabad, Telangana. This step aligns with the RBI's long-term objective of strengthening smaller co-operative banks through consolidation, ensuring better management of financial risks and customer service.
The RBI gave its nod to the merger of Twin Cities Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd. with Kranti Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd. in Hyderabad. This merger will be effective from August 23, 2023, and post-merger, the branch of Twin Cities Co-operative Urban Bank will function as part of Kranti Co-operative Urban Bank.
Nokia Names Intel's AI Chief Hotard as New CEO
Nokia named Justin Hotard as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will take over the new role on April 1, 2025, replacing Pekka Lundmark. Hotard brings vast expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres, crucial for Nokia's future growth. Nokia's Chair Sari Baldauf highlighted Hotard's track record in accelerating growth in technology firms. Lundmark, who led Nokia since 2020, will stay on as an advisor until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.
Largest Structure in Universe, 13,000 Times the Length of Milky Way Discovered
Astronomers have discovered what they are calling the largest-known structure in the universe. Named 'Quipu' after an Incan measuring system, the superstructure spans an astonishing 1.3 billion light-years across which is over 13,000 times the length of the Milky Way.
The current contender for the biggest structure in the universe is the Hercules-Corona Borealis Great Wall which is located 10 billion light-years from Earth and spans 10 billion light-years across but its existence remains disputed.
Mumbai Open: Jil Teichmann Bags Singles, Pridankina and Anshba Win Doubles Title
Switzerland's Jil Teichmann beat Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the final and won the singles title at the Mumbai Open 2025 tennis tournament.
Meanwhile, in the doubles final, India's Prarthana Thombare and her Dutch partner Arianne Hartono lost 6(4)-7(7), 6-2, 10-7 to second seeds Elena Pridankina and Amina Anshba after a hard-fought contest.
National Games: Dev Meena Rewrites National Record
Dev Meena one of India's most promising young athletes added to his burgeoning reputation by breaking the three-year-old national record, crossing 5.32 m at the National Games at Maharana Pratap Sports College.
Meena broke the previous national record of Siva Subramani, which stood at 5.31 m and was set at the 2022 National Games Gujarat. With his feat, Meena, who hails from Madhya Pradesh became the best pole vaulter in the country, holding both U20 and senior national records.
Cabinet Passes New Income Tax Bill 2025: A Major Overhaul of India's Tax System
The Union Cabinet approved the new Income Tax Bill, which will replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961. The primary objective of this new legislation is to simplify, modernise, and streamline India's tax system, making it more comprehensible and efficient for taxpayers.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Budget 2025-26 that the new bill will be introduced in Parliament in the ongoing session. Once tabled, it will be sent to the Standing Committee on Finance for further evaluation and discussion.
In a move aimed at bolstering the welfare of sanitation workers, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the extension of the tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for three years beyond March 31, 2025, extending it until March 31, 2028.
According to the Cabinet, the total financial implication for the extension will be approximately Rs. 50.91 crore.
The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis was established in 1993 under the NCSK Act. The NCSK was initially set up to promote the welfare of Safai Karamcharis (sanitation workers) and address the challenges they face. Over the years, its tenure has been extended multiple times, reflecting the ongoing need to support this marginalised community.
India and Mongolia Border Forces Discuss Mutual Cooperation during DG-level Talks
The border forces of India and Mongolia decided to undertake joint exercises and enhance mutual cooperation in the frontier protection domain.
The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Mongolian General Authority for Border Protection (GABP) concluded their 10th Director General (DG)-level talks in New Delhi.
The Indian side was led by BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary while the Mongolian delegation was headed by Maj Gen Lkhagvasuren KH, Head of GABP and Commander of Border Troops.
HAL Renames Its Jet Trainer HJT-36 as 'Yashas' at Aero India 2025
At the prestigious Aero India 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) revealed that the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36), a critical aircraft in the Indian Air Force's training fleet, underwent extensive modifications and was officially renamed 'Yashas'. The new name was unveiled by Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Department of Defence Production), in the presence of D. K. Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director of HAL, and other senior officials.
The HJT-36, originally designed as an intermediate trainer aircraft, underwnr significant changes aimed at enhancing its departure characteristics and spin resistance across the entire flight envelope. The upgrades to the aircraft address vital aspects of its handling and stability, making it a modern, highly capable training tool for the evolving needs of military aviation.
DRDO Reshapes Research Focus for Stronger Defence R&D
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) took a major step towards enhancing its research focus by redefining and expanding its Research Verticals and Thrust Areas across its Industry Academia – Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs). Announced by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) at DRDO headquarters in New Delhi, this move aims to streamline research efforts, incorporate cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen India's defence capabilities.
Earlier, DRDO had 65 Research Verticals across 15 DIA-CoEs, but with this expansion, the number has grown to 82. This shift ensures that DRDO laboratories can explore future technology requirements in greater depth, especially in deep technology research areas. By refining the research focus, DRDO aims to enhance innovation, collaboration, and efficiency in defence research.
The primary objective behind this expansion is to minimise redundancy and optimise resource utilisation. This restructuring also allows for better synergy between academia, industry, and DRDO to accelerate the development of advanced defence technologies.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11 to recognise the significant achievements and contributions of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This day marks the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across the world, celebrating their successful leadership in the world of science and technology.
The United Nations declared February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015.
The theme for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025 is 'Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science.'
Varsha Bharath's Bad Girl Wins NETPAC Award at IFFR
Varsha Bharath's directorial debut, Bad Girl, won the prestigious NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2025. The film, presented by acclaimed filmmakers Anurag Kashyap and Vetrimaaran, initially received mixed reactions due to its bold themes but now earned critical recognition.
This honour placed Bad Girl among notable Indian films like Nasir (2019), Naukar ki Kameez (1999), and Vidheyan (1995), which have previously won this award.
Krea University, IFMR GSB Launch National Human Resource Development Network Students' Chapter
The IFMR Graduate School of Business (IFMR GSB), Krea University launched the students' chapter of the National Human Resource Development Network (NHRDN). Launched virtually by Dr. T. V. Rao, president of NHRDN and Chairman of T. V. Rao Learning Systems Private Limited, the NHRDN aims for skill-building and competency enhancement, especially for students and young professionals.
The NHRD Krea Chapter will enable students to engage with industry leaders and gain exposure to evolving HR trends. Established in 1985, NHRDN is a non-profit organisation with over 20,000 members across 54 chapters in India and Singapore.
BCCI, ICC Team Up for Organ Donation Awareness
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a new initiative, 'Donate Organs, Save Lives,' to promote organ donation awareness. The campaign was officially launched on the eve of the third and final ODI between India and England in Ahmedabad. The initiative aims to harness the influence of cricket to inspire people to pledge organ donation, ultimately saving lives. ICC Chief Jay Shah shared the announcement on social media, emphasising how sports can drive positive social change.