World Laureates Association opens Dubai office; WLA expands global footprint
Dubai welcomed the World Laureates Association (WLA) as it opened its office during the World Government Summit. Nobel laureate Roger D. Kornberg announced the new presence alongside UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama. WLA, founded in 2017, is a non-profit international body connecting laureates from science and humanities to foster global knowledge exchange. The Dubai office marks a step in expanding WLA’s activities and influence, with the summit also showcasing broader governance innovations and international collaboration across research, education, and policy.
WLA opened a Dubai office during the World Government Summit.
Announcement by Nobel laureate Roger D. Kornberg and UAE minister.
WLA founded in 2017; aims to connect laureates globally.
Event aligns with Dubai’s focus on science and policy networks.
World Governments Summit 2026 kicks off in Dubai
Dubai hosts the World Governments Summit 2026, a three-day international gathering under the theme Shaping Future Governments. The event expects 35 heads of state and government, with thousands of delegates converging on the city. The Roads and Transport Authority issued travel advisories to facilitate access to the venue. The summit highlights governance innovations, digital transformation, and global policy cooperation, drawing attention to how governments adapt to rapid technological and economic changes. Organisers emphasize practical outcomes, partnerships, and shared strategies for sustainable development and public service delivery.
HPCL flags off SAKSHAM 2026 to promote fuel conservation
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), in collaboration with major oil and gas companies, flagged off SAKSHAM 2026 to promote fuel conservation and prudent use of petroleum products. The program runs until 15 February at Laxmi Nagar under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Activities include a panel discussion with industry leaders, a walkathon, and a student quiz. More than 300 school students joined the walkathon alongside senior officials from oil and gas companies. SAKSHAM 2026 aims to raise awareness about energy efficiency and responsible consumption across the country.
SAKSHAM 2026 launched by HPCL and partners.
Event runs until 15 February at Laxmi Nagar.
Includes panel discussions, walkathon, and student quiz.
Over 300 students participated in the outreach activity.
Focus on fuel conservation and prudent energy use.
Kochi airport to become first in India with hydrogen-powered bus fleet
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) will lead India by operating hydrogen-powered buses for passenger transport. The agreement was signed with the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster (HVIC) Foundation last Sunday, witnessed by Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve. The MoA envisions a zero-emission fleet to improve airport mobility and reduce pollution. The development aligns with broader state and national goals to promote green energy and sustainable transport in public infrastructure, signaling a transition toward cleaner, technology-driven mobility solutions for large-scale operations.
CIAL to run hydrogen-powered passenger buses.
MoA signed with Kerala HVIC Foundation.
Officials cite zero-emission benefits and cleaner mobility.
Part of broader Kerala and national green transport push.
Marks a significant shift toward sustainable airport infrastructure.
RBI clears appointment of Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as MD & CEO of Yes Bank
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Vinay Muralidhar Tonse, former Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI), as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Yes Bank for a three-year term, subject to shareholder approval. The decision comes as Yes Bank moves from its post-reconstruction stability phase toward long-term growth and business expansion.
RBI approved Vinay Muralidhar Tonse's appointment as Yes Bank MD & CEO.
Tonse is a former Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI).
Tenure approved for three years, subject to shareholder approval.
Appointment comes during Yes Bank's shift toward long-term growth phase.
Move seen as key leadership step beyond post-reconstruction stability.
Moltbook: a social network for AI bots only prompts debate
A new social network called Moltbook, launched by Matt Schlicht near Los Angeles, opened access exclusively to chatbots. Within two days, over 10,000 Moltbots were active, fueling discussions among researchers and developers about the capabilities and risks of conversational AI. Observers described a mix of enthusiasm and concern as automated conversations unfolded, with some warning about potential risks to human creators. Moltbook’s experiment highlights ongoing tensions in AI development, including issues of control, transparency, and the societal impact of increasingly autonomous digital agents.
Moltbook opened to chatbots only.
Over 10,000 Moltbots joined within two days.
Event sparked discussion on AI capabilities and risks.
Observed by researchers and developers worldwide.
Raises questions about automation and human oversight.
TNSCST wins first prize at Kerala Science Congress
The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) earned first prize at the national science expo integrated with the 38th Kerala State Science Congress. The council was recognised for its interdisciplinary programmes that connect students, researchers, academicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, and grassroots innovators. The award highlighted the council’s outcomes-oriented approach and collaboration across multiple disciplines. Kerala’s science congress showcased regional science talents and encouraged greater participation from academia and industry to foster innovation-driven growth.
TNSCST won first prize at Kerala Science Congress.
Award recognises interdisciplinary, outcome-focused programs.
Programs connect students, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
Event emphasized collaboration across sectors.
Promotes innovation-driven growth in science and technology.
Indian scientists develop a self-charging energy storage device powered by sunlight
Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have created a solar-powered energy storage device that captures and stores energy in a single unit. The device uses binder-free nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo2O4) nanowires on nickel foam, forming a porous network that harvests light and stores charge. In tests, the electrode showed a 54 percent increase in capacitance under illumination and retained 85 percent of capacity after 10,000 cycles. An asymmetric photo-supercapacitor, using activated carbon and NiCo2O4, delivered 1.2 volts and maintained 88 percent capacitance after 1,000 photo-charging cycles, under varying light conditions.
CeNS, Bengaluru, developed a single-unit solar energy device.
NiCo2O4 nanowires on nickel foam enable harvesting and storage.
54% capacitance increase under light; 85% capacity after 10,000 cycles.
Asymmetric device achieves 1.2 V with good stability.
Potential for off-grid, wearable, and portable applications.
6th Badminton Asia Team Championships begin in Qingdao; India’s teams compete
The 6th Badminton Asia Team Championships commenced in Qingdao, China, with both India’s men’s and women’s teams taking part. India’s women’s squad, defending champions, will compete in Group Y alongside Thailand and Myanmar, while star player PV Sindhu did not participate this year. The men’s team is drawn into Group C with Japan and Singapore. Notable Indian athletes include Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, and doubles pair Rankireddy–Shetty, who will lead their respective sides. The tournament runs concurrently with group-stage matches beginning on the opening day.
6th Badminton Asia Team Championships underway in Qingdao.
Women’s team in Group Y; PV Sindhu absent this year.
Men’s team in Group C with Japan and Singapore.
Key players: Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, Rankireddy–Shetty.
Nivedita Dubey becomes first woman on Airports Authority of India Board
Nivedita Dubey, a native of Prayagraj, has made history in the Indian aviation sector by becoming the first woman to join the Airports Authority of India (AAI) Board as Member (Human Resources). Her appointment, hailed across the country, marks a record milestone for gender representation in Indian civil aviation governance. Dubey is an alumna of Allahabad University, with a postgraduate degree from MONIRBA, and began her career at AAI in 1995 as a management trainee. Over the years she held several key roles, including airport manager at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and regional executive director in the eastern region.
Dubey is the first female Member (Human Resources) on the AAI Board.
Her journey with AAI began in 1995 as a management trainee.
She previously served as airport manager at IGI Airport.
She also led the eastern region as regional executive director.
Her appointment is widely celebrated for advancing gender diversity in civil aviation.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh elected BJP legislative party leader in Manipur Assembly
BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh was unanimously elected as the legislative party leader of Manipur in a meeting at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The central observer, Tarun Chugh, announced Singh’s election, praising his experience and leadership. Singh, a two-time MLA from Singjamei and former Speaker of the Manipur Assembly, now leads the party’s legislative group in the state. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February of the previous year. The party indicated that Singh’s leadership would guide the party’s strategy and governance priorities for the assembly sessions ahead.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh elected BJP legislative party leader in Manipur.
Unanimous decision announced by central observer Tarun Chugh.
Singh is an experienced MLA from Singjamei and former Speaker.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since last year.
Leadership to steer party strategy in upcoming sessions.
India-Kyrgyzstan joint exercise KHANJAR begins in Assam
The 13th edition of the KHANJAR joint military exercise between India and Kyrgyzstan began today at Misamari, Sonitpur district, Assam. Spanning 14 days, the exercise focuses on interoperability in urban warfare and counter-terrorism under United Nations mandates. India’s Parachute Regiment and Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade will participate, practicing advanced skills such as sniping, room intervention, building clearance, mountain craft, and specialized counter-terrorism drills. Exercise KHANJAR has been held annually since 2011, with venues alternating between the two nations to strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral ties.
KHANJAR 13th edition kicked off in Misamari, Assam.
Duration: 14 days; focuses on urban warfare and counter-terrorism.
Participants include Indian Parachute Regiment and Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
Exercises emphasize sniping, room intervention, and building clearance.
Annually held since 2011 to deepen defence partnership.
DRDO demonstrates SFDR propulsion; India joins elite missile tech club
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. Officials stated the test places India among a select group with this advanced long-range propulsion capability for air-to-air missiles. The SFDR system comprises a nozzle-less booster, a solid-fuel sustainer, a hot gas valve, air intakes, and an onboard guidance suite. The test data confirmed performance across subsystems, including the nozzle-less booster and ramjet sustainer, enabling missiles to achieve extended ranges and higher speeds with improved maneuverability.
SFDR propulsion demonstration conducted at Chandipur, Odisha.
Test underlines India’s advanced long-range missile capability.
Key subsystems include nozzle-less booster and ramjet sustainer.
System supports higher speeds and extended engagement ranges.
World Cancer Day 2026 observed with emphasis on prevention and early detection
World Cancer Day 2026 is observed on 4 February under the theme United by Unique. The global campaign highlights prevention, education, early detection, and access to treatment. Public health messages emphasize avoiding tobacco use, vaccination where relevant, and lifestyle modifications to reduce cancer risk. The observance, now in its third year of a three-year cycle, underscores people-centred approaches to cancer care and the role of governments and communities in expanding screening and care services. The day serves as a reminder that many cancers can be prevented or treated successfully when detected early.
World Cancer Day observed on 4 February 2026.
Theme: United by Unique; focus on prevention and early detection.
Public health emphasis on tobacco avoidance and vaccination where applicable.
Promotes people-centred cancer care and access to services.
Underlines the role of governments and communities in screening.
Theatre actor K. Vijayalakshmi receives NTR Lifetime Achievement Award
The NTR Kala Parishad Drama festival concluded with theatre veteran K. Vijayalakshmi receiving the NTR Lifetime Achievement Award for six decades of stage work. The award ceremony, part of the festival, highlighted the actor’s sustained contribution to regional theatre. Vijayalakshmi has previously received multiple recognitions for performances across a variety of plays, and the NTR Kala Parishad program celebrated the enduring talent of theatre artists in Prakasam district. The event drew theatre practitioners and audiences, paying tribute to a lifetime devoted to performing arts.
K. Vijayalakshmi awarded NTR Lifetime Achievement Award.
Recognition for 60 years of theatre work.
Festival part of NTR Kala Parishad drama celebrations.
Acknowledges sustained contributions to regional theatre.
ACC approves M Anitha's appointment as Director in Defence Department under Central Staffing Scheme
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of M Anitha, IRS (Income Tax: 2007), as Director in the Department of Defence under the Central Staffing Scheme. The decision follows a Civil Services Board (CSB) recommendation and involves a lateral shift from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), where she currently serves as Director. The appointment will take effect from the date she assumes charge of the post. As per the order, Anitha will serve in the Department of Defence for a tenure up to 26 September 2026, aligning with the remaining period of her five-year deputation, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
ACC approved the appointment on 4 February 2026.
Lateral shift from DIPAM; Anitha is currently a Director there.
Post is under the Central Staffing Scheme.
Tenure runs up to 26 September 2026 or earlier on orders.
Global Ayurveda and Wellness Conclave concludes with strong B2B outcomes
The Global Ayurveda and Wellness Conclave in Kerala concluded with extensive business-to-business interactions. About 3,200 B2B meetings facilitated networking among 150 international and domestic buyers, 30 Indian agents, 30 yoga operators, and 125 delegates from 34 countries. The two-day event, organized by the Ayurveda Promotion Society alongside the Department of Tourism and allied health groups, highlighted Kerala’s leadership in wellness tourism. Attendees emphasized collaboration across academia, industry, and government to expand Ayurveda services, therapies, and sustainable wellness practices on a global scale.
Conclave in Kerala ended with 3,200 B2B meetings.
Involved 150 international/domestic buyers and 125 delegates from 34 countries.
Hosted by the Ayurveda Promotion Society and tourism/health bodies.
Showcased Kerala as a wellness tourism leader.
Stressed cross-sector collaboration for global Ayurveda growth.
Assam to preserve Darrang kings heritage with Rs 50 crore grant
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a Rs 50 crore grant to preserve the heritage of the Darrang kings, promising restoration and development of the Koch dynasty’s royal legacy as a major tourism hub. The pledge was made during the 516th Biswa Mahabir Chilarai Divas celebrations in Pipora Dookan, Darrang district. The administration will undertake immediate heritage restoration work under the supervision of the Public Works Department. The CM unveiled the statue of Maharaj Krishnanarayan of the Darrang kingdom and inaugurated Chilarai Bhawans at Mangaldoi and Golaghat, underscoring Assam’s commitment to protect its historical identity.
Rs 50 crore allocated for Darrang kings heritage preservation.
Ceremonies marked by unveiling of Maharaj Krishnanarayan’s statue.
Chilarai Bhawans opened in Mangaldoi and Golaghat.
Pledged to reflect Koch dynasty’s historical significance.
Immediate restoration work directed by district administration.
Sacred Devnimori Buddha Relics travel to Sri Lanka for week-long exposition
India’s sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha travel abroad for the first time for a week-long exposition in Sri Lanka. A high-level Indian delegation led by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi accompanies the relics to Colombo, where they will be enshrined at Gangaramaya Temple from today through 10 February. The expositions, announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s April 2025 visit to Sri Lanka, intend to share Buddhist heritage with the world and strengthen cultural ties between the two nations. Sri Lankan officials welcomed the initiative as a historic spiritual gesture.
Devnimori Buddha Relics travel to Sri Lanka for 7 days.
Exposition runs from today until 10 February in Colombo.
Indian delegation led by Gujarat Governor and Deputy CM.
Relics placed at Gangaramaya Temple for public veneration.
Announced during PM Modi’s 2025 visit to Sri Lanka.
Goa Book Festival to be inaugurated by Chief Minister; discounts and stalls planned
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will inaugurate the Goa Book Festival at Campal Ground, Panaji. The event will feature over 200 stalls and offer a 10 percent discount on books in multiple languages, including Konkani, Marathi, and English. Organisers stated that the festival will host notable speakers such as Sachin Pilgaonkar and Acharya Prashant, with free entry and exhibitions honouring Mario Miranda. Workshops for children are planned to promote reading culture across the state. The festival is scheduled to conclude on the following Sunday, drawing literature lovers from across Goa and neighboring regions.
Goa Book Festival opening by Chief Minister in Panaji.
200+ stalls; 10% discount on books in multiple languages.
Notable speakers include Sachin Pilgaonkar and Acharya Prashant.
Free entry; exhibitions celebrating Mario Miranda.
Family-friendly event with children’s workshops; ends Sunday.