🌐 International News
PM Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron will inaugurate the Indian Consulate in Marseille on February 12, 2025. This will be India’s second diplomatic mission in France, after the embassy in Paris.
Significance:
- Second mission – After the embassy in Paris
- Strategic location – Marseille is France’s second-largest city and major port
- Purpose – Deepen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties
Diplomatic missions include embassies (in capital cities) and consulates (in other major cities). Consulates primarily assist citizens and promote bilateral relations.
Indian Consulate in Marseille to be inaugurated on Feb 12, 2025
US President Donald Trump designated February 9 as ‘Gulf of America Day’ through an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the ‘Gulf of America’. The declaration was signed aboard Air Force One en route to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Executive Orders are directives issued by the U.S. President that have the force of law. They manage operations of the federal government without requiring congressional approval.
Feb 9 designated as ‘Gulf of America Day’
An MoU was signed in Managua between Indian Ambassador Sumit Seth and Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke focusing on Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).
Focus areas:
- Infrastructure – Basic development projects
- Healthcare – Medical facilities and services
- Education – Schools and educational infrastructure
QIPs are small-scale, community-focused development initiatives designed to deliver tangible results quickly and improve local development outcomes.
India & Nicaragua sign MoU for Quick Impact Projects
The Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence began in Paris, co-chaired by PM Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron, with participation from global leaders and AI experts.
Summit focus areas:
- AI ethics – Responsible development and deployment
- Regulation – Policy frameworks for AI governance
- Responsible innovation – Balancing progress with safety
Global AI summits shape policy frameworks for emerging technologies, establishing international standards and cooperation mechanisms for AI development.
Paris AI Summit co-chaired by Modi and Macron
🇮🇳 National News
The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved a three-year extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK). The Commission will now continue until March 31, 2025.
Commission mandate:
- Safeguard welfare – Protection of sanitation workers’ rights
- Working conditions – Improvement of work environment
- Socio-economic upliftment – Addressing issues faced by Safai Karamcharis
The NCSK focuses on issues related to Safai Karamcharis (sanitation workers) and their socio-economic upliftment, working to eliminate manual scavenging and improve dignity of sanitation work.
This reaffirms commitment toward dignity and protection of sanitation workers.
NCSK tenure extended till March 31, 2025
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that domestic defence production reached ₹1.27 lakh crore. The announcement was made ahead of Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru.
Aero India is Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, held biennially in Bengaluru. It showcases the latest developments in aviation and defense technology.
This reflects significant progress in defence self-reliance and strengthens India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
India achieves ₹1.27 lakh crore defence production milestone
Assam will host the largest Jhumur Festival on February 24, 2025, with over 7,500 dancers expected to participate. The event is part of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment Summit and was announced by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Event highlights:
- Participants – Over 7,500 dancers
- Occasion – Part of Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment Summit
- Chief Guest – PM Modi to attend
- Objective – Attempt to set a Guinness World Record
Jhumur is a traditional folk dance form popular in Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, typically performed during harvest festivals.
Assam to host largest Jhumur performance | Feb 24, 2025
N. Biren Singh resigned as Manipur Chief Minister on February 9, 2025, amid ongoing ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities. The opposition had demanded a no-confidence motion.
CM resignation leads to political reconfiguration. The Governor can invite another leader to form government or recommend President’s Rule depending on the situation.
N. Biren Singh resigns as Manipur CM | Feb 9, 2025
The India–Egypt joint military exercise ‘Cyclone 2025’ is being conducted at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, involving the Indian and Egyptian armies.
Exercise focus:
- Desert warfare – Training in arid conditions
- Interoperability – Joint operations coordination
- Combat skills – Tactical and operational proficiency
Cyclone 2025 exercise begins in Rajasthan
💼 Business & Economy
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) marked its 89th anniversary on February 10, 2025, and became a signatory to the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), focusing on measuring and reducing GHG emissions.
PCAF provides a framework for carbon accounting in financial institutions, helping banks measure the carbon footprint of their lending and investment portfolios.
IOB signs PCAF on 89th Foundation Day
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sanctioned the voluntary merger of two urban co-operative banks in Hyderabad, aimed at improving financial stability and service quality.
The RBI regulates co-operative banks in India. Bank mergers help strengthen weaker institutions and improve overall banking sector stability.
RBI clears merger of two Hyderabad UCBs
The RBI mandated Additional Factor Authentication (AFA) for international Card Not Present (CNP) transactions to ensure enhanced fraud protection similar to domestic payments.
CNP transactions occur without physical card presence (like online purchases). AFA adds an extra layer of security through OTP, biometrics, or other authentication methods.
RBI mandates AFA for international CNP transactions
IDFC FIRST Bank, in collaboration with Ikonz Studios, expanded its AI holographic avatar featuring Amitabh Bachchan to five more cities, enhancing interactive customer experience.
AI avatars are increasingly used in digital banking engagement to provide personalized customer service and create memorable brand experiences.
IDFC FIRST expands AI Amitabh Bachchan avatar
India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) from May 1–4, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, focusing on media and entertainment leadership.
WAVES aims to position India as a global media and entertainment hub, bringing together industry leaders, content creators, and technology providers.
WAVES Summit | May 1–4, 2025 in Mumbai
India secured the 3rd position globally in the LEED Green Buildings List, according to rankings by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), with 370 projects covering 8.50 million gross sq. meters.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It’s a globally recognized green building certification system that promotes sustainable construction practices.
India ranks 3rd in USGBC LEED certification
📅 Important Days
World Pulses Day is observed annually on February 10 to promote pulses as nutritious and sustainable food. The day is backed by the United Nations.
Significance of pulses:
- Nutrition – Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients
- Sustainability – Low environmental footprint, nitrogen-fixing properties
- Food security – Affordable protein source for millions
Feb 10 – World Pulses Day
The International Day of the Arabian Leopard is observed on February 10, as declared by the UN General Assembly. The day focuses on conservation of the critically endangered Arabian Leopard.
The Arabian Leopard is one of the smallest leopard subspecies and is critically endangered due to habitat loss, prey depletion, and human-wildlife conflict. It’s found primarily in the Arabian Peninsula.
Feb 10 – International Day of the Arabian Leopard
🕊️ Obituaries
Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first President and founding father, passed away at the age of 95 years. He led Namibia’s independence movement and is referred to as the Father of the Namibian Nation.
Legacy highlights:
- Independence leader – Led SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organisation) in the liberation struggle
- First President – Served as Namibia’s first President from 1990 to 2005
- Nation builder – Instrumental in establishing Namibia as an independent nation
Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first President, passes away at 95
📤 Found this useful? Help your friends stay updated too!
