Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, named S?janam, at AIIMS New Delhi. Developed by the CSIR National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram, this rig is the first of its kind in the country.

During the event, the Minister called for a paradigm shift from "Waste to Wealth" and emphasized the importance of sustainability and environmental concerns.

Dr. Singh highlighted India’s economic transformation, noting that the country has moved from being part of the ‘fragile five’ to a member of the ‘First Five’ and is on track for continued growth. He also highlighted the significance of the new biomedical waste treatment rig, which is set to revolutionize waste management in healthcare facilities.

South African opener Matthew Breetzke created history on Monday, as he became the first batter to score 150-plus runs on an ODI debut. Before Breetzke, the record for the highest score on debut was held by West Indies’ D.L. Haynes, who scored 148 runs in his first ODI innings back in 1978. The highest ODI debut score for South Africa before Breetzke’s brilliant innings was held by Colin Ingram, who scored 124 runs in his debut ODI innings against Zimbabwe in 2010. Breetzke took 148 balls in his 150-run innings, including 11 fours and five sixes.

Veteran batter Virat Kohli urged fans to join the organ donation initiative on Wednesday, February 12 during the third ODI between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) took a major step towards raising awareness about organ donation through the ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’ initiative.

This initiative aims to inspire cricket fans to pledge their support for donating organs, putting forth the importance of a single decision which could impact lives. With millions watching, the initiative hopes to encourage individuals to pledge for organ donation, ultimately saving millions of lives in the future. Jay Shah, the ICC chairman, also dropped a message, asking fans to take part in the organ donation initiative.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has renamed its flagship HJT-36 jet training aircraft as ‘Yashas’, following significant upgrades to improve departure characteristics and spin resistance across the aircraft’s operational envelope.

‘Yashas’ is designed for stage II pilot training and is capable of performing counter-insurgency and counter-surface force operations, armament training, aerobatics and more. It is powered by a FADEC-controlled AL-55I jet engine, which provides a best-in-class thrust-to-weight ratio, optimised thrust management and enhanced reliability.

Commenting on the renaming, D.K. Sunil, CMD, HAL, stated, “Large-scale changes to the baseline intermediate training platform have significantly enhanced its capabilities. This transformation warranted a new name, reflecting the aircraft’s continued relevance as a training system for modern military aviation.”

The Centre has released about Rs 1.11 lakh crore loan to states during April-January under the scheme for special assistance to states for capital expenditure, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said on Monday.

In the 2024-25 Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hiked the allocations for interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure, enabling states to spend more on infrastructure and specified reforms. The allocation was hiked to Rs 1.5 lakh crore, up from disbursal of Rs 1.10 lakh crore made in 2023-24.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Chaudhary said under the scheme for special assistance to states for capital expenditure, the Centre has approved loans worth Rs 1.22 lakh crore till January 31. Of this, about Rs 1.11 lakh crore has been released.

Deepak Kumar Kedia, Inspector General (IG) Headquarters, National Security Guard (NSG), has been honoured with the 'CA in Public Service' Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for his exceptional contributions to public service, particularly in law enforcement and national security, according to an official statement.

Adding another accolade to his illustrious career, he was honoured with the 'CA in Public Service' Award by the ICAI at the World Forum of Accountants Meet in New Delhi on February 1.

Earlier, on the Republic Day, he was also awarded with the prestigious 'President Medal for Distinguished Service', a testament to his exceptional contributions to law enforcement and national security, the statement said.

The government on Tuesday announced that late Chaman Arora has been chosen for the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in Dogri for his book 'Ik Hor Ashwthama'.

The Ministry of Culture, in a statement, also said the book was selected on the basis of recommendation made by the jury comprising three members in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down for the purpose.

"The book was selected unanimously," it said.

India ranks third in USGBC's LEED green building certification globally during 2024, according to a report.

India retained its third spot on US Green Building Council's (USGBC) annual list of top 10 countries and regions for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in 2024, according to an statement on Thursday.

LEED certifications in India are managed by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which works to accelerate the adoption of green buildings nationwide.

The annual ranking by USGBC highlights the significant progress made by countries and regions outside the United States in adopting healthy, sustainable and resilient building design, construction and operations.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. He also declared February 9 as "Gulf of America Day". The proclamation comes weeks after Executive Order 14172, signed on January 20, 2025, which officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

The executive order, titled 'Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness', instructed the US Secretary of the Interior to formalise the Gulf of America name change within 30 days.

The proclamation was signed aboard Air Force One on Sunday as Trump travelled from Palm Beach, Florida, to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, marking his first visit to the Gulf since its renaming. Urging Americans to embrace the change, he called on public officials and citizens to commemorate Gulf of America Day with ceremonies, programmes, and activities celebrating the region's contributions to national prosperity. Reports indicate that the US Coast Guard has already begun using the term "Gulf of America" in official communications.

In Para-Archery, India’s Sarita has clinched the gold medal in the Women’s Compound Open category at the Para-Archery Asia Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. She triumphed over Nur Syahidah Alim of Singapore, winning 143-142 in a closely contested match this afternoon. Earlier, in the bronze medal match, India’s Jyoti was narrowly defeated by Singapore’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly, 135-136.

In another event, India’s Adil Mohammed Nazir Ansari secured the bronze medal in the Men’s W1 category, defeating Hong Kong’s Man Tai Yung 120-116. Suphawat Samutchaiyakij of Thailand took the gold, while Chang Chia Sung of Chinese Taipei won the silver.