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NIPER Signs MoU with Boehringer Ingelheim India to Enhance Pharmaceutical Education & ResearchOn February 21, 2026, the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli(Uttar Pradesh, UP), including its Centre of Excellence for Novel Drug Delivery Systems (CoE-NDDS), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boehringer Ingelheim India Private Limited to enhance pharmaceutical education, research collaboration, and innovation.During the event, Cohort 2 of Alliance for Medical Research, Innovation, Translation & Value Acceleration (AMRITVA) was also launched to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.Key Details:Objective: The MoU will support curriculum enhancement aligned with industry needs, along with guest lectures, expert interactions, and short-term training programmes and workshops to enhance practical learning and industry exposure for students.About AMRITVA Cohort 2:Research Commercialization: Five innovators have been selected under Cohort 2 for grant support to help commercialize their research. It includes three faculty-led projects and two research scholar-led projects.Implementation: AMRITVA is implemented by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur (UP), in partnership with NIPER, Raebareli.
NIPER Signs MoU with Boehringer Ingelheim India to Enhance Pharmaceutical Education & ResearchOn February 21, 2026, the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli(Uttar Pradesh, UP), including its Centre of Excellence for Novel Drug Delivery Systems (CoE-NDDS), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boehringer Ingelheim India Private Limited to enhance pharmaceutical education, research collaboration, and innovation.During the event, Cohort 2 of Alliance for Medical Research, Innovation, Translation & Value Acceleration (AMRITVA) was also launched to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.Key Details:Objective: The MoU will support curriculum enhancement aligned with industry needs, along with guest lectures, expert interactions, and short-term training programmes and workshops to enhance practical learning and industry exposure for students.About AMRITVA Cohort 2:Research Commercialization: Five innovators have been selected under Cohort 2 for grant support to help commercialize their research. It includes three faculty-led projects and two research scholar-led projects.Implementation: AMRITVA is implemented by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur (UP), in partnership with NIPER, Raebareli.
NIPER Signs MoU with Boehringer Ingelheim India to Enhance Pharmaceutical Education & ResearchOn February 21, 2026, the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli(Uttar Pradesh, UP), including its Centre of Excelle...
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Meerut, UP on February 22, 2026On 22 February 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Meerut, Uttar Pradesh (UP), where he flagged off the Meerut Metro and the 82 kilometre (km) Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor and developmental projects worth approximately Rs 12,930 crore to the Nation.Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor: PM Narendra Modi dedicated the 82 kilometre (km) Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).The RRTS is designed for 180 kilometres per hour (kmph) with an operational speed of 160 kmph, connecting Delhi with Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut.Four Namo Bharat stations were commissioned as part of the inauguration with Sarai Kale Khan serves as the originating station of the corridor.Meerut Metro:The 21 km Meerut Metro corridor operates between Meerut South and Modipuram across 12 stations. Meerut Metro was India’s fastest metro system, with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph.It operates on shared infrastructure with Namo Bharat, creating India’s first integrated intercity and intra-city rapid transit model.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Meerut, UP on February 22, 2026On 22 February 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Meerut, Uttar Pradesh (UP), where he flagged off the Meerut Metro and the 82 kilometre (km) Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor and developmental projects worth approximately Rs 12,930 crore to the Nation.Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor: PM Narendra Modi dedicated the 82 kilometre (km) Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).The RRTS is designed for 180 kilometres per hour (kmph) with an operational speed of 160 kmph, connecting Delhi with Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut.Four Namo Bharat stations were commissioned as part of the inauguration with Sarai Kale Khan serves as the originating station of the corridor.Meerut Metro:The 21 km Meerut Metro corridor operates between Meerut South and Modipuram across 12 stations. Meerut Metro was India’s fastest metro system, with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph.It operates on shared infrastructure with Namo Bharat, creating India’s first integrated intercity and intra-city rapid transit model.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Meerut, UP on February 22, 2026On 22 February 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Meerut, Uttar Pradesh (UP), where he flagged off the Meerut Metro and the 82 kilometre (km) Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat...
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Waaree Energies to Establish India’s Largest Battery Gigafactory in APOn February 19, 2026, Waaree Energies announced its plan to set up India’s largest integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory at Rambilli in Anakapalli district in Andhra Pradesh(AP), marking a major boost to the country’s energy storage and clean-energy manufacturing ecosystem.About Lithium-ion battery Gigafactory:Budget: The project involves a total planned investment of approximately Rs. 8,175 crore (USD 890 million) and is expected to have a production capacity of around 16 gigawatt-hours (GWh).In-Principle Approval: The project has received in-principle approval from the AP State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB), chaired by Chief Minister (CM) of AP N. Chandrababu Naidu.Facility: The factory will be a greenfield facility covering the full battery manufacturing chain, from lithium-ion cell production to battery packs and large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Waaree Energies to Establish India’s Largest Battery Gigafactory in APOn February 19, 2026, Waaree Energies announced its plan to set up India’s largest integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory at Rambilli in Anakapalli district in Andhra Pradesh(AP), marking a major boost to the country’s energy storage and clean-energy manufacturing ecosystem.About Lithium-ion battery Gigafactory:Budget: The project involves a total planned investment of approximately Rs. 8,175 crore (USD 890 million) and is expected to have a production capacity of around 16 gigawatt-hours (GWh).In-Principle Approval: The project has received in-principle approval from the AP State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB), chaired by Chief Minister (CM) of AP N. Chandrababu Naidu.Facility: The factory will be a greenfield facility covering the full battery manufacturing chain, from lithium-ion cell production to battery packs and large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Waaree Energies to Establish India’s Largest Battery Gigafactory in APOn February 19, 2026, Waaree Energies announced its plan to set up India’s largest integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory at Rambilli in Anakapalli district in Andhra Pradesh(A...
World Pangolin Day 2026 – February 21World Pangolin Day is observed every year on the third Saturday of February to celebrate pangolins, the scaly anteaters, and raise awareness about their conservation.In 2026, World Pangolin Day falls on 21st February 2026 marking the observance of the 15th World Pangolin Day.Background:Inception: The first-ever World Pangolin Day was celebrated in February 2012 and has since earned global recognition from animal welfare organizations and wildlife enthusiasts.Report 2025: The 2025 report Conservation Status, Trade and Enforcement Efforts for Pangolins revealed that over half a million pangolins, around 530,978 individuals, were involved in 2,222 illegal trade seizures from 2016 to 2024.
World Pangolin Day 2026 – February 21World Pangolin Day is observed every year on the third Saturday of February to celebrate pangolins, the scaly anteaters, and raise awareness about their conservation.In 2026, World Pangolin Day falls on 21st February 2026 marking the observance of the 15th World Pangolin Day.Background:Inception: The first-ever World Pangolin Day was celebrated in February 2012 and has since earned global recognition from animal welfare organizations and wildlife enthusiasts.Report 2025: The 2025 report Conservation Status, Trade and Enforcement Efforts for Pangolins revealed that over half a million pangolins, around 530,978 individuals, were involved in 2,222 illegal trade seizures from 2016 to 2024.
World Pangolin Day 2026 – February 21World Pangolin Day is observed every year on the third Saturday of February to celebrate pangolins, the scaly anteaters, and raise awareness about their conservation.In 2026, World Pangolin Day falls on 21st Febru...
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International Mother Language Day 2026 – February 21 The United Nations (UN’s) International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is annually observed across the globe on 21 February to promote linguistic diversity, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage multilingual education, highlighting the role of mother tongues in cultural identity, inclusion, peace, and sustainable development.21 February 2026, marks the 27th observance of the IMLD.2026 Theme: “Youth voices on multilingual education”Background: Proclamation: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 21 February as International Mother Language Day (IMLD) on 17 November 1999.Observance: The first International Mother Language Day (IMLD) was observed on 21 February 2000.Recognition: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) formally recognised the observance through Resolution 56/262 in 2002.
International Mother Language Day 2026 – February 21 The United Nations (UN’s) International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is annually observed across the globe on 21 February to promote linguistic diversity, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage multilingual education, highlighting the role of mother tongues in cultural identity, inclusion, peace, and sustainable development.21 February 2026, marks the 27th observance of the IMLD.2026 Theme: “Youth voices on multilingual education”Background: Proclamation: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 21 February as International Mother Language Day (IMLD) on 17 November 1999.Observance: The first International Mother Language Day (IMLD) was observed on 21 February 2000.Recognition: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) formally recognised the observance through Resolution 56/262 in 2002.
International Mother Language Day 2026 – February 21 The United Nations (UN’s) International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is annually observed across the globe on 21 February to promote linguistic diversity, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage mu...
Renowned Bengali Novelist Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay Passed AwayOn February 20, 2026, Renowned Bengali novelist and writer Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay, known as Shankar, passed away at the age of 93 in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB). He was born on 7 December 1933 in Jessore (present Bangladesh).In 2021, he was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award for his autobiographical work ‘Eka Eka Ekashi’.About Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay:Profile: His writing spanned novels, short stories, biographies, and philosophical works, combining sharp observation, rich characterization, and empathy for ordinary people.Literary Works: His debut was the semi-autobiographical Kato Ajanare (The Many Unknowns), which drew on his experiences working as a clerk. His works include Chowringhee (1962), Samrat O Sundari (1961), Charan Chhuey Jai (1960).
Renowned Bengali Novelist Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay Passed AwayOn February 20, 2026, Renowned Bengali novelist and writer Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay, known as Shankar, passed away at the age of 93 in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB). He was born on 7 December 1933 in Jessore (present Bangladesh).In 2021, he was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award for his autobiographical work ‘Eka Eka Ekashi’.About Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay:Profile: His writing spanned novels, short stories, biographies, and philosophical works, combining sharp observation, rich characterization, and empathy for ordinary people.Literary Works: His debut was the semi-autobiographical Kato Ajanare (The Many Unknowns), which drew on his experiences working as a clerk. His works include Chowringhee (1962), Samrat O Sundari (1961), Charan Chhuey Jai (1960).
Renowned Bengali Novelist Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay Passed AwayOn February 20, 2026, Renowned Bengali novelist and writer Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay, known as Shankar, passed away at the age of 93 in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB). He was born on 7 Decembe...
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IA’s Konark Corps Tests Strela-10 Air Defence Missiles in Pokhran, RajasthanIn February 2026, the Indian Army’s (IA)’s Konark Corps, specifically the Air Defence Warriors of the Blazing Skies Brigade, successfully conducted a high-intensity test firing of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in the desert sector of Pokhran, Rajasthan.About Live Firing Test of Strela-10 VSHORADS:Accuracy & Operational Readiness: The missile system demonstrated precision targeting capabilities by accurately engaging aerial targets, reinforcing the Army’s operational readiness and air defence preparedness in challenging terrainCrew Coordination: The exercise objectives included sharpening crew coordination, validating firing standards, and reinforcing air defence preparedness in demanding environments.Effective Air Defence: The test also demonstrated the seamless coordination between target surveillance, acquisition systems, and missile deployment units, a significant factor in effective air defence.About Strela-10 system: The Strela-10 is a very short-range air defence missile system designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats such as helicopters, low-flying aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The successful test underscored the Indian Army’s capability to enhance battlefield air defence, validating the system’s effectiveness under live-fire conditions.Range: The Strela-10 air defence missile system has an engagement range of approximately 6–10 kilometres (km)
IA’s Konark Corps Tests Strela-10 Air Defence Missiles in Pokhran, RajasthanIn February 2026, the Indian Army’s (IA)’s Konark Corps, specifically the Air Defence Warriors of the Blazing Skies Brigade, successfully conducted a high-intensity test firing of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in the desert sector of Pokhran, Rajasthan.About Live Firing Test of Strela-10 VSHORADS:Accuracy & Operational Readiness: The missile system demonstrated precision targeting capabilities by accurately engaging aerial targets, reinforcing the Army’s operational readiness and air defence preparedness in challenging terrainCrew Coordination: The exercise objectives included sharpening crew coordination, validating firing standards, and reinforcing air defence preparedness in demanding environments.Effective Air Defence: The test also demonstrated the seamless coordination between target surveillance, acquisition systems, and missile deployment units, a significant factor in effective air defence.About Strela-10 system: The Strela-10 is a very short-range air defence missile system designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats such as helicopters, low-flying aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The successful test underscored the Indian Army’s capability to enhance battlefield air defence, validating the system’s effectiveness under live-fire conditions.Range: The Strela-10 air defence missile system has an engagement range of approximately 6–10 kilometres (km)
IA’s Konark Corps Tests Strela-10 Air Defence Missiles in Pokhran, RajasthanIn February 2026, the Indian Army’s (IA)’s Konark Corps, specifically the Air Defence Warriors of the Blazing Skies Brigade, successfully conducted a high-intensity test firi...
Rajan Bajaj Appointed as MD & CEO of Slice SFBIn February 2026, Slice Small Finance Bank (Slice SFB) appointed its founder Rajan Bajaj as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective February 17, 2026.He succeeds Satish Kumar Kalra as the bank moves from a fintech startup to a fully licensed SFB.About Rajan Bajaj:Profile: He began his career in the financial services and startup ecosystem, gaining exposure to digital lending, consumer finance and technology-driven models.Previous Role: He previously worked on the product team at Flipkart and, before his appointment as MD & CEO, served as the Executive Director (ED) of Slice.
Rajan Bajaj Appointed as MD & CEO of Slice SFBIn February 2026, Slice Small Finance Bank (Slice SFB) appointed its founder Rajan Bajaj as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective February 17, 2026.He succeeds Satish Kumar Kalra as the bank moves from a fintech startup to a fully licensed SFB.About Rajan Bajaj:Profile: He began his career in the financial services and startup ecosystem, gaining exposure to digital lending, consumer finance and technology-driven models.Previous Role: He previously worked on the product team at Flipkart and, before his appointment as MD & CEO, served as the Executive Director (ED) of Slice.
Rajan Bajaj Appointed as MD & CEO of Slice SFBIn February 2026, Slice Small Finance Bank (Slice SFB) appointed its founder Rajan Bajaj as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective February 17, 2026.He succeeds Satish Kum...
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MoCI Revised Base Year of India’s Merchandise Trade Indices to 2022-23In February 2026, the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), revised the base year of India’s merchandise trade indices from 2012-13 to 2022-23, to measure changes in the unit values (prices) of India’s exports and imports over time.The revised base year aimed to enhance relevance, reliability and analytical usefulness for policy-makers, researchers and other stakeholders.Key Details:Recommended by: The revision of base year was made on the recommendations of DGCI&S-constituted committee, headed by Professor (Prof.) Nachiketa Chattopadhyay, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).Key Indices: The updated series features: Monthly, quarterly and annual indices;Principal Commodity (PC) classification wise trade indices; Standard International Trade Classification-wise (SITC) trade indices;Broad Economic Category-wise (BEC) trade indices;Bilateral and region-wise trade indices of top 20 export and import partner nations of IndiaTerms of trade (gross terms of trade, Net terms of trade and Income terms of trade).Key Applications: Merchant Trade Indices are widely used by key government institutions for economic analysis and policy formulation for instance:The National Accounts Division (NAD) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)uses the export and import unit value indices as deflators for projecting real exports and imports in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compilation.
MoCI Revised Base Year of India’s Merchandise Trade Indices to 2022-23In February 2026, the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), revised the base year of India’s merchandise trade indices from 2012-13 to 2022-23, to measure changes in the unit values (prices) of India’s exports and imports over time.The revised base year aimed to enhance relevance, reliability and analytical usefulness for policy-makers, researchers and other stakeholders.Key Details:Recommended by: The revision of base year was made on the recommendations of DGCI&S-constituted committee, headed by Professor (Prof.) Nachiketa Chattopadhyay, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).Key Indices: The updated series features: Monthly, quarterly and annual indices;Principal Commodity (PC) classification wise trade indices; Standard International Trade Classification-wise (SITC) trade indices;Broad Economic Category-wise (BEC) trade indices;Bilateral and region-wise trade indices of top 20 export and import partner nations of IndiaTerms of trade (gross terms of trade, Net terms of trade and Income terms of trade).Key Applications: Merchant Trade Indices are widely used by key government institutions for economic analysis and policy formulation for instance:The National Accounts Division (NAD) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)uses the export and import unit value indices as deflators for projecting real exports and imports in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compilation.
MoCI Revised Base Year of India’s Merchandise Trade Indices to 2022-23In February 2026, the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), revised the base year of India’s mer...
NPCI Extends ‘UPI One World’ Wallet Service at India AI Impact Summit 2026In February 2026, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) extended the ‘UPI(Unified Payments Interface)- One World’ wallet for foreign delegates from more than 40 countries who participated at India Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Summit 2026 held from February 16 to February 20, 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi.This new initiative enables the foreign visitor to make UPI-based payments without any need of an Indian mobile number or bank account.Other Key Launches: FiMI: NPCI has also launched the Finance Model for India (FiMI), an AI-based small language model, designed to resolve UPI-related disputes, customer service, regulation and ecosystem queries.Key Collaborations: NPCI has collaborated with Razorpay to launch AI-powered UPI pilot, enabling the users to order food, groceries, and daily essentials from Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto using the UPI within the same conversation.NPCI entered into a strategic partnership with Nvidia to boost and advance its sovereign AI model capabilities purpose-built for India’s payments ecosystem.
NPCI Extends ‘UPI One World’ Wallet Service at India AI Impact Summit 2026In February 2026, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) extended the ‘UPI(Unified Payments Interface)- One World’ wallet for foreign delegates from more than 40 countries who participated at India Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Summit 2026 held from February 16 to February 20, 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi.This new initiative enables the foreign visitor to make UPI-based payments without any need of an Indian mobile number or bank account.Other Key Launches: FiMI: NPCI has also launched the Finance Model for India (FiMI), an AI-based small language model, designed to resolve UPI-related disputes, customer service, regulation and ecosystem queries.Key Collaborations: NPCI has collaborated with Razorpay to launch AI-powered UPI pilot, enabling the users to order food, groceries, and daily essentials from Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto using the UPI within the same conversation.NPCI entered into a strategic partnership with Nvidia to boost and advance its sovereign AI model capabilities purpose-built for India’s payments ecosystem.
NPCI Extends ‘UPI One World’ Wallet Service at India AI Impact Summit 2026In February 2026, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) extended the ‘UPI(Unified Payments Interface)- One World’ wallet for foreign delegates from more than 40 cou...
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