UN Biodiversity Conference COP16 talks resume in Rome
The resumed session of the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) is taking place at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome from February 25 to 27, 2025.
A new international fund 'The Cali Fund' was created to help protect biodiversity.
The Cali Fund will receive money from businesses that rely on Digital Sequence Information (DSI). DSI includes genetic data from plants, animals, and microorganisms. Industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and biotechnology use DSI to develop products.
RBI to Inject $10 Billion through Forex Swap to Ease Liquidity Crunch
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a $10 billion foreign exchange (forex) swap to inject liquidity into the banking system and address the prevailing cash crunch. The three-year swap auction is scheduled for February 28, 2025. This move follows a previous $5 billion forex swap last month, highlighting the central bank's commitment to stabilising liquidity. The banking sector has been facing one of the worst liquidity shortfalls in over a decade, partly due to RBI's aggressive dollar sales to shield the rupee from volatility.
Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher Steps Down; Fernando Fernandez Appointed Successor
FMCG-giant Unilever, a leading consumer goods giant, announced a significant change in its leadership, Hein Schumacher, who has been the CEO since July 2023, will step down on March 1, 2025. His replacement is Fernando Fernandez, the current CFO of the company. This transition is set to take place by mutual agreement, with Schumacher leaving the company officially by May 31, 2025.
Fernandez has a proven track record of success at Unilever, previously serving as President of Beauty & Wellbeing and leading high-performing markets in Latin America, Brazil, and the Philippines.
IndusInd Bank Becomes Official Banking Partner of PGTI
IndusInd Bank announced its partnership with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) as its official Banking Partner. This collaboration aims to enhance the banking experience for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) under the PIONEER banking program. The partnership aligns with IndusInd Bank's commitment to integrating lifestyle experiences with premium banking services, particularly in the field of sports.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured its second consecutive Indian Super League (ISL) Winners Shield with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Odisha FC at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. The match remained tense until the final moments when Dimitrios Petratos struck the winning goal in injury time, making Mohun Bagan the first team in ISL history to defend the Shield successfully. This win also ensures their direct qualification for the AFC Champions League 2.
With this victory, Mohun Bagan has now won its seventh national league title, reinforcing its reputation as one of India's most successful football clubs.
Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Historic Jhumoir Ensemble in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the largest-ever Jhumoir dance performance at Guwahati's Sarusajai Stadium, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Assam's tea industry. The event, titled 'Jhumoir Binandini 2025,' featured over 8,000 artists from the tea garden community, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Assam.
Jhumoir is a traditional dance integral to Assam's tea garden workers and Adivasi communities. Originating in the early 19th century, it served as a medium for workers to express joy and unity after laborious days in the tea plantations.
Vijender Gupta New Speaker of Delhi Assembly
In a major political development, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijender Gupta was elected as the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. His election is significant, not just for the BJP but also for Delhi's legislative history, as Gupta took charge of the very House where he once faced expulsion as a vocal opposition leader.
Vijender Gupta's political career spans over two decades, beginning as a municipal councillor in Delhi. He represented Rohini for three consecutive terms before stepping into the state legislative arena. His rise within the BJP ranks saw him take on the role of Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly from 2015 to 2020, during the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's tenure.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs Organises Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Mela
The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Mela was organised by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at the CII Suresh Neotia Centre of Excellence for Leadership, Salt Lake City, Kolkata. Youth from various districts of East India and prominent companies offering internships under PMIS participated in the mela. The mela was organised with the objective of enlightening the youth about the plethora of internship opportunities available on the PM internship portal, while also serving as a platform for meaningful engagement between industry representatives and aspiring interns.
Cingularity Aerospace Unveils Tow Body Haulers 'Pratyaksha' for Soft Target Training
Cingularity Aerospace, based in Bangalore, introduced an innovative solution for military training with their new Tow Body Haulers, dubbed 'Pratyaksha.' Designed as a Slow Speed Soft Reusable Target, this system aims to provide realistic, safe, and cost-effective training for air-to-air engagements.
The tow body comprises a cylindrical chute, measuring 5 meters in length and 3 meters in diameter, painted in daylight orange for visibility, ensuring it can be easily spotted during training exercises.
The tow body is designed to maintain a separation of 50 to 70 meters from the towing aircraft, providing a realistic target for engagement without risking collision or entanglement. `Pratyaksha' offers air forces a way to simulate real-world combat scenarios, particularly against slow-moving aerial threats, enhancing pilot proficiency in tracking and engagement.
By being reusable, the system reduces the cost associated with training, as opposed to using one-time-use drones or other expendable targets. The soft nature of the target minimises the risk of damage to aircraft or injury to pilots, making it ideal for both training and demonstration purposes. With the ability to carry payloads, the system can be adapted for different training objectives, from simple tracking to complex electronic warfare scenarios.
Indian Army Procures Critical CBRN Defence Equipment
Indian Army signed a contract for procurement of 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems with M/s L&T Ltd at a cost of Rs. 80.43 crore, under the Buy Indian (IDDM) category. This will give a significant boost to the GoI's Atamnirbharta drive since more than 80% of the components and sub-systems of the equipment will be sourced locally.
ACADA has been designed and developed by DRDO's Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior and marks a significant milestone in the nation's indigenisation initiative in the niche CBRN domain.
The ACADA system is used to detect chemical warfare agents (CWA) and programmed toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) by sampling the air from the environment.
Ministry of Ayush Felicitates Ayurveda Stalwarts with 'National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards'
The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, conferred the prestigious National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards for the current year (2025) on three distinguished practitioners for their exceptional contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine. Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, conferred the awards upon the three distinguished Vaidyas during an event held at Mumbai.
This year's recipients of the coveted award are Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma, renowned Nadi Vaidya and author; Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal, a distinguished scholar of Dravyaguna Vigyana with six decades of service; and Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni, founder of the Vishwa Vyakhyanmala national conference. Each recipient received a citation, a trophy featuring the Statue of lord Dhanwantari, and a cash prize of Rs. 5 Lakh. The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards represent India's commitment to advancing holistic healthcare while preserving traditional medical knowledge.
SpikeOn Services Private Limited "Top Marketing Agency for Luxury Interiors and Architecture Brands" at the Crafting Bharat Awards 2025
SpikeOn Services Private Limited, a leading name in the luxury marketing industry, was honoured with the prestigious title of 'Top Marketing Agency for Luxury Interiors and Architecture Brands' under the Bharat Innovators category at the Crafting Bharat Awards 2025.
SpikeOn Services Private Limited is a cutting-edge digital marketing agency specializing in luxury interiors and architecture brands. The company is dedicated to elevating premium brands by crafting high-impact marketing strategies tailored to the exclusivity and elegance of the luxury market.
Besides the proposed schedule for the two board exams for Class 10 students from next year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released draft norms, according to which students can opt to take the exam once or both times. If they choose the latter, they can "opt out" of subjects/ papers that they don't want to take again.
According to the proposed schedule, the first phase of the Class 10 board exams will be held from February 17 to March 6, while the second will be held from May 5 to May 20. In both cases, the exam period has been compressed to 16-18 days, about half the current duration of 32 days.
This means students are likely to get only one or two days between two papers, depending on their subject choices.
The CBSE has sought public feedback on its proposal by March 9. Based on the suggestions received, it is likely to be reviewed and then finalised.
Telangana Mandates Telugu as Compulsory Subject In All Board-Affiliated Schools
The Telangana government made Telugu a mandatory subject for students from Classes 1 to 10 in CBSE, ICSE, IB, and other board-affiliated schools across the state, starting from the 2025-26 academic year. The decision is based on the Telangana (Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Telugu in Schools) Act, which was originally passed on March 30, 2018. However, the previous government did not fully implement it. The current government decided to enforce it completely. A meeting was held with the management of CBSE, ICSE, IB, and other board-affiliated schools, where it was decided that Telugu will be introduced for Classes 9 and 10 from the upcoming academic year.
To make learning Telugu easier, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has approved the use of a simple textbook called 'Vennela' instead of the existing 'Singidi' for students of Classes 9 and 10 in CBSE and other board-affiliated schools. This will benefit students whose mother tongue is not Telugu or those from other states.
The 51st Khajuraho Dance Festival 2025: A Celebration of Classical Art and Heritage
The Khajuraho Dance Festival, an annual cultural extravaganza, was held from February 20 to 26, 2025. Organised by the Department of Culture, Madhya Pradesh, with support from Madhya Pradesh Tourism, this festival has been a beacon of classical dance since its inception in 1975. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Khajuraho Group of Temples, this event not only celebrates India's rich cultural heritage but also fosters innovation in classical dance while preserving its traditional essence. This year's (2025) festival, marking its 51st edition, promises an immersive experience with record-breaking dance performances, heritage tours, craft exhibitions, culinary delights, adventure activities, and much more.