Nepal Buildcon International Expo kicks off in Kathmandu
The 11th Nepal Buildcon International Expo began in Kathmandu, a four-day event at Bhrikutimandap. The expo gathers professionals from Nepal, India, China, Germany, the United Kingdom and others to showcase construction products and services. Exhibitors present building materials, equipment, electrical systems, home automation, architectural glass and safety solutions, creating a B2B platform across the construction lifecycle. Indian firms highlight Made in India products and dialogue on technology transfer, design and sustainability. The expo aims to boost industry ties, share best practices and accelerate regional construction projects in the South Asia region. (Sources: Nepal Buildcon showcases; Kathmandu event coverage, February 2026.)
11th edition of Nepal Buildcon International Expo in Kathmandu.
Four-day event at Bhrikutimandap; international participation.
Participants include Nepal, India, China, Germany, UK, and others.
Focus on building materials, machinery and home automation.
Platform for B2B interactions and cross-border collaboration.
Mindteck appoints Karim Dhanani as CEO for three-year term
Mindteck (India) Limited appointed Karim Dhanani as Chief Executive Officer for a three-year term, effective 6 February 2026, subject to employment visa and shareholder approvals. Dhanani currently leads Mindteck Inc., USA, bringing over 30 years of experience in strategic solutions and financial planning. He has worked with RGP, Assurant and AIG. The company also restructured its Nomination and Remuneration Committee, naming Keyuri Singh as Chair and adding four other members, effective 7 February 2026. The leadership changes align with Mindteck's growth and governance plans as it expands its global client base. (Sources: Mindteck press releases; regulatory filings, February 2026.)
Karim Dhanani appointed CEO for a 3-year term from 6 February 2026.
Dhanani previously leads Mindteck Inc., USA; 30+ years experience.
Mindteck reorganised its Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Keyuri Singh appointed Chair; other members named.
Approval and visa clearance remain pending for final appointment.
Rakesh Chhabra elected President of FISME for 2026–27
The Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) announced Rakesh Chhabra as President for 2026–27. Chhabra leads Choudhry Enterprises, a major automotive components supplier, and has decades of experience in MSME development and policy engagement. He has worked with MSME institutions and industrial associations across India, advocating for manufacturing clusters and policy support. His presidency is expected to push MSME growth, financial access and export competitiveness through collaborative industry programs and policy dialogue with government agencies. The selection reflects FISME’s focus on MSME resilience amid evolving market conditions. (Sources: FISME announcements; industry reports, February 2026.)
Rakesh Chhabra elected President of FISME for 2026–27.
SPHEREx detects organic molecules on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
NASA’s SPHEREx mission reported infrared observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, first noted in December 2025, with new findings in a research note. Scientists identified organic molecules such as methanol, cyanide and methane, suggesting complex chemistry in the icy visitor from another star system. The report also notes a pronounced brightness increase two months after its closest solar approach, a typical comet behavior as ices sublimate and vent material. Lead researcher Carey Lisse of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory described a surge of carbon-rich material in space. The results deepen understanding of organic chemistry beyond the Solar System. (Sources: NASA SPHEREx notes; Johns Hopkins APL briefing, February 2026.)
IS1 comet 3I/ATLAS observed by SPHEREx since December 2025.
India win U19 World Cup final in Harare, set new record margin
India clinched the under-19 cricket World Cup title for a sixth time, defeating England by 100 runs in the final held in Harare on 6 February 2026. The 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi set the tone with a stunning 175 off 80 balls, helping India post 411 for 9 in 50 overs. Ayush Mhatre’s side then restricted England, with Caleb Falconer scoring 115 off 67, but they were dismissed short of the target. India progressed through the tournament with a perfect record. The match marked a new world record for the largest margin of victory in a U19 World Cup final. (Sources: Deccan Chronicle; match reports, 6 February 2026.)
India won their 6th U19 World Cup title (record).
Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 175 off 80 balls for India.
India posted 411/9 in 50 overs; England were all out chasing the target.
Caleb Falconer top-scored for England with 115 off 67 balls.
Ayush Mhatre captained India; team finished the tournament with a perfect record.
Delhi Police launches Op Shashtra to curb online weapon culture
Delhi Police launched Operation Shashtra to curb the online glorification of weapons among youths. In the first phase, 61 FIRs have been registered and 67 people arrested, including 15 teenagers who were produced before the juvenile justice board. The police seized 69 firearms, 93 live rounds, and several knives and sharp-edged tools. The drive aims to counter the digital normalisation of weapon use through short-format videos and reels. City police chief Satish Golcha called for stronger vigil and prevention. The operation signals a broader push to protect youths from involvement in illicit activities online. (Sources: Deccan Chronicle, 6 February 2026; district reports.)
Operation Shashtra targets online weapon portrayal among youths.
Headquarters Western Air Command hosted a two-day Joint Operations Conclave as part of the All Domain Joint Operations Exercise 2026. The Defence Ministry stated the aim was to strengthen joint planning, interoperability and intelligence sharing across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. Senior officers from the Integrated Defence Staff, Army, Navy, Defence Space Agency and Air Force participated, with emphasis on institutionalising joint mechanisms for planning and capability gap analysis. Air Marshal J. S. Mann underscored the importance of jointness and efficiency, while Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit stressed sustainable multi-domain coordination for future conflicts. (Sources: Defence Ministry briefing; Western Air Command communications, February 2026.)
Two-day Joint Operations Conclave under All Domain Exercise 2026.
Focus on interoperability across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains.
Participants included IDS, Army, Navy, DSA and Air Force.
Emphasis on integrated planning and intelligence sharing.
Officials highlighted identification of capability gaps and joint mechanisms.
India signs DPI cooperation with 23 countries; UPI goes live in eight nations
India signed MoUs with 23 countries to cooperate on its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), aligning with the India Stack framework. Partnerships cover digital identity, payments, data exchange and service delivery platforms to replicate scalable governance solutions. The Union Ministry said UPI is now live in eight countries: United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius and Qatar. Additional MoUs cover DigiLocker collaborations with Cuba, Kenya, UAE and Lao PDR, aiming to expand trusted digital documents storage and verification. The DPI diplomacy seeks interoperable digital solutions and broader financial inclusion. (Sources: MoU announcements; MEITY written replies, February 2026.)
MoUs with 23 countries for Digital Public Infrastructure cooperation.
UPI now live in eight countries: UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, Qatar.
DigiLocker MoUs with Cuba, Kenya, UAE and Lao PDR signed.
Focus on digital identity, payments, data exchange and service platforms.
Part of India's DPI diplomacy to broaden digital governance globally.
MoU to enable traceable seed, fertiliser logistics with DoP
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare signed an MoU with the Department of Posts to create a standardised, faceless, and fully traceable logistics system for seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. The agreement aims to ensure secure and timely movement of samples from collection points to laboratories with end-to-end digital tracking. Minister Ramnath Thakur stated the move will improve quality control, data integrity and transparency in agri-input supply chains. The MoU aligns with broader digital agriculture initiatives and aims to reduce delays and tampering while boosting farmer confidence in the supply chain. (Sources: MoA MoU; Rajya Sabha replies, February 2026.)
MoU between Agriculture Ministry and Department of Posts signed.
Goal: standardised, faceless, fully traceable logistics for seeds and inputs.
End-to-end digital tracking from collection to labs.
Improves quality control and supply chain transparency.
Supports digital agriculture initiatives and farmer confidence.
Centre approves Telangana PM-ABHIM health infrastructure funding
The Centre approved ₹1,369.03 crore for Telangana under the PM-ABHIM Health Infrastructure Mission for 2021‑22 to 2025‑26. The allocation supports hospital infrastructure, diagnostic services and related health projects as part of improving access to quality healthcare in the state. Officials noted that PM-ABHIM is a flagship scheme within the broader Ayushman Bharat program, aimed at strengthening tertiary care facilities and emergency response capacity. The decision comes as Telangana prioritises health infrastructure alongside ongoing social welfare schemes and urban health developments. (Sources: Deccan Chronicle; Telangana Today, February 2026.)
Centre approves ₹1,369.03 crore for Telangana under PM-ABHIM.
Coverage period: 2021‑22 to 2025‑26.
Funds support hospital infrastructure and diagnostics.
Part of the Ayushman Bharat health infrastructure mission.
Aims to improve tertiary care and emergency services.
JIPMER to inaugurate ISATC‑2026 on 7 February 2026
JIPMER hosts the International Summit on Advanced Trauma Care (ISATC‑2026) from 4–8 February, with the formal inauguration on 7 February 2026 at 9:15 am in Puducherry. Chief guests include Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan, JIPMER Director Dr. Vir Singh Negi, and National Chair of ATLS India Prof. M. C. Mishra, along with American College of Surgeons delegates. The conference emphasizes advanced trauma education and patient care, including the TEAM (Trauma Evaluation and Management) course for medical and paramedical personnel. Experts from India and abroad will participate to strengthen coordinated trauma response and education. (Sources: JIPMER ISATC announcements; ACS collaboration notes, February 2026.)
ISATC‑2026 inaugurated on 7 February 2026 at 9:15 am.
Venue: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Auditorium, JIPMER campus, Puducherry.
Speakers include Lt. Governor and JIPMER leadership; ACS representatives.
AMI focus on Advanced Trauma Life Support and TEAM course.
Event aims to enhance team-based trauma care nationwide.
Under the Centre’s Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD), Telangana has received ₹146.50 crore for four tourism projects. The funds aim to strengthen pilgrimage and heritage tourism infrastructure, including transport and accommodation facilities, while conserving sacred sites. Project work includes Jogulamba Devi Temple at Alampur, Ramappa Temple at Mulugu and the Bhadradri-Kothagudem area, with further improvements at Renuka Yellamma Temple. Officials say the initiative will enhance visitor experience, generate local employment and promote heritage assets. The Centre’s sustained support signals long-term emphasis on religious and cultural tourism within the state. (Sources: Telangana PRASAD project releases; Siasat, February 2026.)
PRASAD funds ₹146.50 crore for Telangana tourism projects.
Projects cover Jogulamba Devi Temple, Ramappa Temple and Bhadradri areas.
Aims to improve transport, accommodation and basic infrastructure.
Conservation of spiritual heritage sites highlighted.
Expected boost to tourism-related employment and local economy.
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