A high-level Indian delegation has concluded a landmark series of strategic meetings in Saudi Arabia, strengthening bilateral media partnerships and generating momentum for India’s upcoming World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025).

Led by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju and Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, the delegation met with key Saudi media leaders during the “Future of Media” Exhibition (FOMEX) in Riyadh. During their visit, the team toured exhibition booths of global media organizations including MBC Group, Ekagami, Sony, and AIBD at FOMEX, exploring potential international partnerships.

Other engagements included discussions with Jomana R. Alrashid, CEO of Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), and Assistant Minister of Media Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Maghlouth, focusing on expanding bilateral media cooperation.

The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art incubation facility at Salt Lake, Kolkata. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. This initiative aims to foster innovation-led entrepreneurship, boost IT exports, and strengthen the IT/ITeS/ESDM industry in West Bengal.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Jitin Prasada, said, “India is on a transformative journey to become the global hub of technology and innovation. The inauguration of the new STPI incubation facility in Kolkata is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, nurturing startups and promoting inclusive growth across regions. STPI has been instrumental in creating a robust tech ecosystem by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, incubation support, and a platform for budding entrepreneurs to thrive. As we stride forward in the era of Artificial Intelligence and data-driven innovation, India is focused on developing its own AI models and GPUs, ensuring equitable access for researchers, students and startups. With vast data resources and the government’s commitment to expanding technology access beyond metropolitan cities, we are bridging the digital divide and unlocking opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Together, let us build a future where India leads the world in technology and empowers every citizen in the journey towards a digitally advanced nation.”

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will chair the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council on Saturday, in Pune, Maharashtra. The Western Zonal Council includes Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. The meeting is hosted by the Government of Maharashtra and organized by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the state government.

Established in 1957 under the States Reorganization Act of 1956, the five Zonal Councils aim to promote cooperation between the Centre and States. The Union Home Minister chairs each council, while the Chief Ministers of the respective states serve as vice-chairmen on a rotational basis. Each council also includes two ministers from each state, nominated by the Governor, and has a Standing Committee at the level of Chief Secretaries.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched a special NCD screening drive to counter the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across the country.

The drive, which will run from 20th February to 31st March, 2025, aims to ensure 100% coverage of individuals aged 30 years and above to detect and manage NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and three common cancers - oral, breast, and cervical.

The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) is a nationwide initiative aimed to be executed at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and other healthcare facilities.

The screening drive has equipped healthcare workers with the necessary training to provide screening services directly to individuals in their homes. This is done through door-to-door campaigns, allowing them to reach and assist more people effectively.

Mount Dukono, located in Indonesia’s North Maluku province, erupted on Thursday, prompting the country’s Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre to issue an aviation warning.

The volcano, situated on Halmahera Island, spewed a column of ash up to 2,000 metres into the sky, with thick white-to-grey clouds drifting south of the crater.

To mitigate risks to aviation, a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) has been issued at the orange level, the second-highest warning, prohibiting planes from flying below 5 km around the volcano.

Aircraft should also exercise caution due to ash clouds, which can disrupt flights, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Kash Patel officially took office as the ninth Director of the FBI on Thursday, making history as the first Indian American to lead the agency. In a bold statement marking the start of his tenure, Patel issued a warning to America’s enemies: “We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet.”

Patel, who succeeds Christopher Wray, was confirmed by a narrow 51-49 vote in the Republican-led Senate, with Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voting against the confirmation, alongside all Senate Democrats. Patel’s nomination faced significant opposition, with some questioning his ability to lead the FBI impartially, citing his previous political remarks.

In his first remarks as FBI Director, Patel pledged to rebuild trust in the agency, vowing to make the FBI “transparent, accountable, and committed to justice.” He emphasized his commitment to restoring public confidence in the institution and to ensuring that law enforcement is free from political influence.

In the dance marathon,139 artists created a world record by dancing continuously for 24 hours 9 minutes 26 seconds during the 51st Khajuraho Dance Festival in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurated the Khajuraho Dance Festival yesterday. He said that classical dances have been created for the worship of God.

Akashvani Correspondent reports that in the Khajuraho Dance Festival, the making of a world record began at 2:34 pm on 19 February and 139 artists danced continuously till 2:43 pm on 20 February.

This marathon dance presentation of around 24 hours and 9 minutes included performances of Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam and Odissi dances.

The Guinness Book team declared it a world record and handed over the certificate to Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. The Khajuraho Dance Festival is organized till February 26. Many famous artists are giving their performances at the festival. Sanjeev Sharma, Akashvani News, Bhopal.

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched ‘One Man Office’ (OMO), a digital service platform aimed at empowering its agents and sales associates by offering seamless policy sales, customer servicing, and business tracking—all through a mobile-friendly ecosystem.

Unveiled on February 17, 2025, OMO is designed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of LIC’s sales force, which includes Agents, Development Officers, Senior Business Associates, Chief Life Insurance Advisors, LIC Associates, and Chief Organisers. The platform will enable them to provide life insurance services anytime, anywhere.

Speaking at the launch, LIC’s CEO and MD, Siddhartha Mohanty, highlighted the significance of OMO, calling it “a vital tool in promoting life insurance and ensuring superior customer service.”

India has been elected to the vice presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore on Wednesday.

TK Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways led the Indian delegation comprising Mukesh Mangal, Joint Secretary, N. Muruganandam, Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships, and S. Saravanan, Deputy Director, in the ongoing first General Assembly of IALA in Singapore.

The first General Assembly of IALA also marks its transition from a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an inter-governmental organization (IGO), where India was elected to its Vice Presidency. This underscores India’s strong leadership and contributions to maritime affairs, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable and secure marine navigation, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Chairperson and founder of Reliance Foundation Nita Mukesh Ambani was conferred with the prestigious Governor's Citation by the honourable Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts, recognising the compassionate philanthropist as a visionary leader, and true global changemaker. The citation honours Ambani's lifelong dedication to transformative impact across education, healthcare, sports, arts, culture, and women's empowerment – touching millions of lives in India and beyond.

For this special occasion in Boston, Mrs Ambani once again championed India’s rich artistic heritage by adorning a stunning handwoven Shikargah Banarasi saree, a masterpiece of Indian craftsmanship featuring the intricate Kadwa weaving technique and traditional Konya design.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview, Nita Ambani shared her vision for the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai’s plush Bandra Kurla Complex and how it is elevating India's cultural heritage on the global stage.