The Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand launched the ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ initiative, a community conservation program led by women. The project selects 18 educated women from 17 identified villages as ‘Vanjeevi Didis’. They will act as ambassadors to spread forest and wildlife protection messages, discourage poaching and deforestation, and engage families in conservation practices. Officials say the scheme empowers women to influence local behavioural change and strengthen community involvement in biodiversity protection, contributing to the long-term health of the PTR ecosystem.
Vanjeevi Didi initiative launched at Palamu Tiger Reserve.
18 educated women selected from 17 villages as ambassadors.
Aim: empower women to protect forests and wildlife.
Targets reduction of poaching and deforestation through community effort.
Strengthens local participation in conservation.
Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Award for Conservation
Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy village, Vasai, has won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation (Merit) for its community-led restoration. The 475-year-old cathedral, built without cement or bricks, used traditional masonry and local crafts in its revival. Bangkok announced the award as part of the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards. The recognition highlights the preservation of a Portuguese-era structure and the broader revival of Catholic heritage in Maharashtra, showcasing the value of local skills and collaborative conservation efforts.
Our Lady of Grace Cathedral wins UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award (Merit).
Location: Papdy village, Vasai; 475-year-old structure.
Restoration used traditional, cement-free masonry and local crafts.
Award announced at 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards in Bangkok.
Significant for preservation of Catholic heritage in Maharashtra.
Annu Gupta Named CEO – International Business at Haldiram’s
Annu Gupta has been appointed Chief Executive Officer – International Business at Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd. He succeeds after a 13-year stint at Britannia Industries, where he most recently served as CEO – International Business. Gupta announced on LinkedIn his excitement to take on the new role. With nearly three decades in FMCG, he brings expertise in scaling international businesses, especially across the Middle East and Africa. The appointment signals Haldiram’s focus on expanding global markets and strengthening its international brand presence in a competitive sector.
Annu Gupta appointed CEO – International Business at Haldiram’s.
Previously 13 years at Britannia as CEO – International Business.
Nearly three decades in the FMCG sector.
Focus on expanding global markets, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.
Railways Goes Smart: AI-Enabled Apps to Fix Grievances and Manage Crowds
At the AI India Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Indian Railways announced seven AI-enabled apps to improve passenger services and crowd management. The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) is leading the rollout of these tools, including Rail Madad, RailOne, and Coach Mitra. Rail Madad classifies and prioritises complaints by urgency and type; RailOne predicts ticket confirmations more accurately; Coach Mitra supports onboard housekeeping and is currently used on 74 trains. The aim is safer passenger flow, quicker grievance resolution, and smoother train operations across the network.
Seven AI-enabled passenger apps announced by Railways.
CRIS leads the AI rollout; examples include Rail Madad, RailOne, Coach Mitra.
Rail Madad prioritises complaints by urgency; RailOne predicts confirmations.
Coach Mitra supports onboard housekeeping; 74 trains use it.
Amaravati, the planned capital of Andhra Pradesh, will host India’s first Quantum Valley. The project is linked to a proposed IBM quantum computing facility as part of the National Quantum Mission (NQM). Advanced discussions between IBM and the state government are underway for a Quantum Valley Tech Park that may house an IBM Quantum System Two. The initiative aims to place Amaravati at the forefront of quantum research and industry in India, advancing national capabilities in next‑generation computing and technology development.
Amaravati selected as India’s first Quantum Valley.
Linked to a proposed IBM quantum facility under NQM.
Advanced talks for a Quantum Valley Tech Park.
Potential installation of IBM Quantum System Two.
Aims to position Amaravati as a national quantum hub.
Vaishnavi Adkar Reaches Historic W100 Singles Final in Bengaluru
Twenty-one-year-old Vaishnavi Adkar from Pune reached the W100 singles final at the ITF Women’s Open in Bengaluru. Entering as a wildcard and ranked World No. 690, she defeated several higher-ranked opponents to reach the final. She faced Belgium’s Hanne Vandewinkel and finished runner-up, 6-0, 6-1. The performance earned 65 WTA ranking points and $8,147 in prize money, lifting her live ranking by more than 200 places to around No. 466. The result marks an important milestone for Indian women’s tennis and highlights the growth of young players on the international circuit.
Adkar is 21 years old from Pune; wildcard entrant.
Reached W100 Bengaluru final; ranking 690 at start.
PM Modi Inaugurates India's First Namo Bharat RRTS on Delhi-Meerut Corridor
On 22 February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) on the Delhi-Meerut corridor from Meerut. The project integrates rapid intercity travel with the Meerut Metro, with both services operating from the same platform on the same track for the first time in the country. Officials say the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor will improve intra-city and inter-city mobility and reduce travel time. PM Modi described the move as a new era of world-class infrastructure for Uttar Pradesh and India. The inauguration highlighted integrated ticketing and streamlined station operations for passengers.
Inauguration date and venue: 22 February 2026, Meerut.
Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor is India’s first operational RRTS.
Meerut Metro inaugurated from the same platform and track.
Integrated transport model enables intra-city and inter-city travel.
Direct connectivity from city platform to Delhi highlighted.
World Peace and Understanding Day 2026 Observed on 23 February
World Peace and Understanding Day 2026 will be observed on 23 February to commemorate the first Rotary International meeting in Chicago in 1905. The day is part of World Understanding Month and promotes global peace, ethical leadership, and international cooperation. Rotary International seeks dialogue, justice, empathy, and collaborative action across communities. The observance serves as a reminder of Rotary's humanitarian work and its role in connecting people for peaceful, cooperative effort worldwide. Communities may host seminars and service activities in line with Rotary's mission.
Observation date: 23 February 2026.
Marks Rotary International’s founding meeting in Chicago, 1905.
Part of World Understanding Month; aims for global peace and cooperation.
Emphasis on ethical leadership and community dialogue.
Rotary's humanitarian network and ongoing service work highlighted.
One Battle After Another Leads BAFTA 2026 with Six Wins
The 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) were held on 22 February in London. One Battle After Another dominated, winning six awards including Best Film. Director Paul Thomas Anderson was recognised, and the film also secured wins in Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing. In another highlight, Boong won Best Children’s & Family Film, reflecting rising recognition for regional Indian cinema. Actor Robert Aramayo won Best Actor and the BAFTA Rising Star Award. The ceremony celebrated global film talent and featured a Paddington Bear moment during the winner announcements.
BAFTA 2026 held on 22 February in London.
One Battle After Another won six awards, including Best Film.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson acknowledged with a BAFTA win.
Boong won Best Children’s & Family Film (Manipuri language).
Robert Aramayo won Best Actor and BAFTA Rising Star.
Boong Wins BAFTA 2026 Best Children’s Film
Boong, a Manipuri-language coming-of-age film, won the BAFTA 2026 Best Children’s & Family Film award. The 2024 production is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar. The ceremony in London featured Paddington Bear announcing the winner in a memorable moment. Boong’s win marks a milestone for regional Indian cinema on the global stage, ahead of larger productions competing in the category. The recognition showcases the vitality of regional storytelling in India and its appeal to international audiences.
Boong won BAFTA 2026 Best Children’s & Family Film.
Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi; produced by Sidhwani and Akhtar.
Awards announced at BAFTA ceremony in London.
Paddington Bear delivered the winner reveal.
Significant milestone for regional Indian cinema.
Karan Adani Named Business Leader of the Year at 2026 AIMA Awards
Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd and Adani Cement Ltd, was named Business Leader of the Year at the 2026 Managing India Awards by the All India Management Association (AIMA). The ceremony occurred during Platinum Jubilee celebrations in New Delhi, at the Taj Palace Hotel, with industry leaders in attendance. Adani dedicated the award to employees and thanked his family for support. The citation highlighted the Adani Group’s growth in ports and cement businesses and reflected leadership trends in Indian industry.
Karan Adani named Business Leader of the Year at 2026 AIMA Awards.
Event held during Platinum Jubilee celebrations in New Delhi.
Awards ceremony at Taj Palace Hotel; attendance of industry leaders.
Adani dedicated the award to employees and family support.
L&T Vyoma to Study 250 MW Green AI Data Centre at Dholera SIR
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Gujarat signed an MoU with L&T Vyoma to explore a 250 MW green AI-ready data centre at Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). The proposed ₹25,000 crore investment aims to make Dholera SIR a major hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and sustainable digital infrastructure. The MoU was signed between the Gujarat Department of Science and Technology and L&T Vyoma. Officials say the project will advance energy-efficient data processing and attract further tech investment to the state.
MoU signed at India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Project: 250 MW green AI-ready data centre at Dholera SIR.
Investment: ₹25,000 crore.
Goals: AI infrastructure hub; sustainable digital infrastructure.
Partnership between Gujarat DoST and L&T Vyoma.
Goa Chief Minister Launches Davem–Sanvordem Bridge Project
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the Davem–Sanvordem Bridge project in Sattari taluka. The Rs 29.9 crore project will replace the existing narrow single-lane bridge with a two-lane structure and include pedestrian footpaths to improve safety. The project, undertaken by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation for the Public Works Department, will also add approach roads to ease traffic flow and accessibility. The bridge will connect Davem and Sanvordem villages, reducing travel time for residents and commuters across the region.
Davem–Sanvordem Bridge launched in Sattari taluka.
Rs 29.9 crore project; replaces single-lane bridge with two-lane structure.
Includes pedestrian footpaths and approach roads.
Constructed by GSIDC for the PWD.
Improves regional connectivity and traffic flow.
Karnataka Weighs Mobile Phone Ban for Under-16s
The Karnataka government is considering a proposal to restrict or ban mobile phone use for students under 16 years old. The issue was discussed in the State Assembly and in meetings with university vice-chancellors, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asking for opinions on limiting mobile device access. Proponents cite digital addiction and exposure to harmful online content, while critics warn about practical and educational implications. Several countries have already started regulatory measures on minors’ digital use. A final policy is yet to be announced, with stakeholders awaiting formal guidance from the government.
Proposal to ban mobile phones for under-16s discussed in Karnataka.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeks views from universities and others.
Concerns cited: digital addiction and exposure to harmful content.
Some other countries have begun similar restrictions.