🏛️ National Affairs – India
🏗️ Government & Policy
- New “Seva Teerth” PMO Complex Inaugurated: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Seva Teerth PMO and Secretariat complex, marking a shift of major government operations to this modern administrative hub.
- India’s Defence Acquisitions:
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the purchase of 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets, with a large portion to be manufactured in India, boosting Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.
- Parliamentary & Economic Developments:
- India’s January retail inflation remained moderate, reflecting steadier price trends. (General source).
- Strategic defence deals and policies continue receiving approval amid broader geopolitical shifts.
🌍 State & Social Initiatives
- Nagaland Wildlife Protection: Sangtam Naga community banned pangolin hunting and trade to support endangered wildlife protection.
- Delhi Artisans Scheme: Delhi Govt. launched a programme to connect artisans (handloom, khadi) with digital markets using ONDC platforms and training support.
- Kerala’s Sthree Suraksha: Kerala initiated a welfare pension scheme benefiting over 10 lakh women and transwomen with monthly funds for empowerment.
📆 Important Observances
- World Radio Day: Celebrated globally under the theme “Radio and Artificial Intelligence”, emphasising radio’s relevance in the digital age.
- National Women’s Day (India): Marked on Sarojini Naidu’s birth anniversary in recognition of women’s leadership and empowerment.
🌐 International Affairs
🗳️ Elections & Politics
- Bangladesh Parliamentary Election:
- The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claimed a strong win, expected to form the next government with Tarique Rahman poised to become prime minister.
- Former PM Sheikh Hasina criticised the process, alleging irregularities and manipulation.
- Thailand Coalition Government: After elections, the Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai parties agreed to form a coalition government to lead Thailand.
🌍 Global News in Brief
- UN Aid to Madagascar: The United Nations allocated $3 million emergency aid after Cyclone Gezani hit Madagascar, affecting hundreds of thousands.
- Economic Trends: China reported a rise in inclusive loans for small and micro enterprises.
- Foreign Trade & Tourism: New trade certification arrangement signed between Singapore and New Zealand to boost food and primary product exports.
🛡️ Geopolitics & Security
🇩🇪 Munich Security Conference
The 62nd Munich Security Conference began in Munich, bringing world leaders and security experts together on pressing global challenges such as war in Ukraine, transatlantic relations, defence autonomy, and geopolitical norms.
Key highlights:
- European leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz urged stronger European strategic autonomy and defence cooperation.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded fuller sanctions on Russia and proposed conditions for a temporary ceasefire.
- Debates over U.S. tariffs, Greenland territorial dialogues, and transatlantic cohesion featured prominently.
🇺🇸 U.S. Strategic Moves
- Military Deployment: U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to send a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East amid tensions over Iran negotiations.
💰 Economy & Markets
🌎 Global Economic Signals
- U.S. Policy Shift on Climate Regulation: A major U.S. environmental rule that empowered greenhouse gas regulation was repealed, affecting global climate policy frameworks.
- Currency & Trade: The Japanese yen experienced gains; Vietnam increased its role in organic agriculture supply chains globally.
🚀 Science & Technology
- Space Launch Success: Europe’s heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6 successfully placed 32 satellites into low Earth orbit, showcasing advances in space launch capabilities.
⚽ Sports & Culture
🏅 Winter Olympics 2026
- Great Britain ended its medal drought with a gold in men’s skeleton.
- Multiple surprise outcomes and new records across figure skating, cross-country skiing, and snowboard cross.
🏏 Cricket – Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars
- The 2026 Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament commenced in Bangkok with eight teams competing in T20 format.