NATIONAL NEWS

PM Modi’s Visit To USA

• President Trump and Prime Minister Modi launched a new initiative – the "U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century”.
• U.S. and India will review their respective arms transfer regulations, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

India-US $500 billion trade target by 2030

National Fisheries Digital Platform

• Government will organize a special nationwide campaign for registrations on the National Fisheries Digital Platform to avail various benefits provided under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).

(PM-MKSSY)

National Pension Schemes under one umbrella

• Labour and Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya told that government is planning to bring various national pension schemes (Atal Pension Yojana, PM Shramik Manthan and PM Shram Yogi Manthan) under one umbrella.

Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024

• The Joint Committee Report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 was tabled in both Houses of Parliament by Chairman of the Joint Committee Jagdambika Pal.

Devolution Index Report

• Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Professor S.P. Singh Baghel, launched a devolution index report titled ‘Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking, 2024’ in New Delhi.

Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness

• Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri George Kurian has inaugurated the symposium on 'Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness' organised at the ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi with the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific.

Postage Stamps on the Historic Mahakumbh 2025

• The Department of Posts released a commemorative souvenir sheet with three Stamps on the Maha Kumbh 2025.

STATE SPECIAL

President’s rule imposed in Manipur

• President Droupadi Murmu on the basis of report received from the Manipur Governor Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, President’s rule has been imposed in Manipur, days after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Manipur

Biosecurity zones

• The Andhra Pradesh government has declared four areas as biosecurity zones, where restrictions have been imposed in view of the outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in some parts of the State.

Andhra Pradesh

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0

• Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on Thursday flagged off the special train carrying the first contingent of 212 delegates of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 event from the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station.
• The event, to be held from February 15 to 24, holds special significance as it coincides with the grand celebration of Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj. This year’s theme honours sage Agastiyar.

Tamil Nadu

Telangana govt., Google inked MoU

• Google and Telangana government signed a MoU for developing and implementing AI solutions across key sectors, including agriculture, as well as empowering startups and accelerating workforce development.

Telangana

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

SAMVAD programme

• The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered his remarks, during the SAMVAD programme organised in Thailand.

Thailand

WHO’s Free Cancer medicines

• The World Health Organization has launched a new platform providing cost-free cancer medicines for thousands of children living in low-and middle-income countriesto improve survival rates.

WHO

ECONOMY & BANKING

JioHotstar

• JioHotstar, created by merging Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema, launched and it Operated by Jio Star, a joint venture of Reliance, Disney, and Bodhi Tree Systems.
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced partnership with Rukam Capital and Bootstrap Incubation & Advisory Foundation on Monday to propel holistic growth of India’s startup ecosystem.

DPIIT partners with Rukam Capital and Bootstrap Incubation

• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced partnership with Rukam Capital and Bootstrap Incubation & Advisory Foundation on Monday to propel holistic growth of India’s startup ecosystem.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

• World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day is celebrated annually on February 14.
• The day aims to raise awareness of congenital heart defects (CHDs) and to support those living with them.

Shab-e-Barat

• As per Hijri calendar, Shab-e-Barat was observed on the 15th night of Sha'ban, is a significant Islamic night for prayer and forgiveness.

PERSON IN NEWS

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been confirmed as the new head of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Rajat Patidar

• Rajat Patidar was named the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of IPL 2025.

AWARDS & HONOURS

N Chandrasekaran

• Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran was awarded the UK Knighthood ‘Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’for services to U.K./ India business relations.

SPORTS

38th National Games

• The 38th National Games in Uttarakhand concluded at the International Sports Complex in Haldwani.
• The Services Sports Control Board leads the medal tally, achieving the feat for the fifth time in the last six editions, while Maharashtra holds second place and Haryana is on third place.

Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025

• In women's cricket, the third edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 kicked off in Vadodara.
• The tournament, featuring five teams, RCB, Gujarat Giants, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Mumbai Indians, will run until March 15, with the final scheduled at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.