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International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 – February 11The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is observed annually on February 11 to advocate for equal participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).Background:Development: In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution recognizing that equal access to innovation is essential for achieving gender equality.Proclamation: The UNGA passed resolution A/RES/70/212 on 22 December 2015, officially declaring February 11 as the IDWGIS.Inception: The first-ever global observation of the day took place on 11 February 2016.Leadership: The celebrations are led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and United Nations Programme for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women(UN-Women), in collaboration with civil society.2026 Event: On February 11 2026, IDWGIS was commemorated through a hybrid one-day event at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris (France), under the theme:“From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap”.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 – February 11The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is observed annually on February 11 to advocate for equal participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).Background:Development: In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution recognizing that equal access to innovation is essential for achieving gender equality.Proclamation: The UNGA passed resolution A/RES/70/212 on 22 December 2015, officially declaring February 11 as the IDWGIS.Inception: The first-ever global observation of the day took place on 11 February 2016.Leadership: The celebrations are led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and United Nations Programme for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women(UN-Women), in collaboration with civil society.2026 Event: On February 11 2026, IDWGIS was commemorated through a hybrid one-day event at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris (France), under the theme:“From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap”.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 – February 11The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is observed annually on February 11 to advocate for equal participation in Science, Technology, Engin...
IN-SPACe Selects Astrome, Azista and Dhruva Space for Satellite Bus PlatformsIn February 2026, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), selected 3 Indian private startups : Astrome Technologies Private Limited; Azista Industries Private Limited and Dhruva Space Private Limited, to develop and test indigenous small satellite bus platforms under its ‘Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative’.Key Details:Satellite Bus: Under SBaaS, satellite buses provide essential services to payloads and act as a cost-effective, modular platform for hosting multiple payloads for domestic and international use.Financial Support: Under the initiative, each selected company will get Rs 5 crore as a grant to support the development and demonstration of a robust, modular, and scalable small satellite bus.Collaboration: The IN-SPACe will provide the firms with access to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Department of Space (DoS) infrastructure, testing facilities, and technical guidance.
IN-SPACe Selects Astrome, Azista and Dhruva Space for Satellite Bus PlatformsIn February 2026, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), selected 3 Indian private startups : Astrome Technologies Private Limited; Azista Industries Private Limited and Dhruva Space Private Limited, to develop and test indigenous small satellite bus platforms under its ‘Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative’.Key Details:Satellite Bus: Under SBaaS, satellite buses provide essential services to payloads and act as a cost-effective, modular platform for hosting multiple payloads for domestic and international use.Financial Support: Under the initiative, each selected company will get Rs 5 crore as a grant to support the development and demonstration of a robust, modular, and scalable small satellite bus.Collaboration: The IN-SPACe will provide the firms with access to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Department of Space (DoS) infrastructure, testing facilities, and technical guidance.
IN-SPACe Selects Astrome, Azista and Dhruva Space for Satellite Bus PlatformsIn February 2026, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), selected 3 Indian...
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Puducherry Doctors Dr. Haripriya Aravind & Dr. R. Venkatesh Win Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026In February 2026, two senior ophthalmologists from Puducherry, Dr. Haripriya Aravind and Dr. R. Venkatesh, have been selected for the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026 for their exceptional contributions in cataract blindness prevention and visual disability care. Both doctors are affiliated with the Aravind Eye Care System (AECS).The award will be presented during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation conference in Washington DC, the United States of America (USA), on April 11, 2026.About Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award:Establishment: The award was established in 2017 by the ASCRS Foundation,through a gift from David and Victoria Chang, to recognise outstanding humanitarian service in ophthalmology.Prize Money: The award includes a financial grant of USD 100,000, which the recipients donate to a charitable ophthalmic organisation of their choice.
Puducherry Doctors Dr. Haripriya Aravind & Dr. R. Venkatesh Win Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026In February 2026, two senior ophthalmologists from Puducherry, Dr. Haripriya Aravind and Dr. R. Venkatesh, have been selected for the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026 for their exceptional contributions in cataract blindness prevention and visual disability care. Both doctors are affiliated with the Aravind Eye Care System (AECS).The award will be presented during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation conference in Washington DC, the United States of America (USA), on April 11, 2026.About Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award:Establishment: The award was established in 2017 by the ASCRS Foundation,through a gift from David and Victoria Chang, to recognise outstanding humanitarian service in ophthalmology.Prize Money: The award includes a financial grant of USD 100,000, which the recipients donate to a charitable ophthalmic organisation of their choice.
Puducherry Doctors Dr. Haripriya Aravind & Dr. R. Venkatesh Win Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026In February 2026, two senior ophthalmologists from Puducherry, Dr. Haripriya Aravind and Dr. R. Venkatesh, have been selected for the Chang-Crandall...
PNB Announces ‘Soldierathon 2026’ to Honour Indian Armed ForcesIn February 2026, Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), announced the ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’, a themed half marathon, at its Corporate Office in Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi.The announcement was made ahead of the bank’s 132nd Foundation Day Celebrations on April 12, 2026.About PNB Soldierathon 2026:Edition: Branded under the theme “PNB Soldierathon 2026 – Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers”, the initiative marks the second edition of PNB’s marquee half marathon.Objective: It aims to honour the Indian Armed Forces while promoting fitness, discipline, national pride, and community engagement as part of the bank’s social responsibility and nation-building efforts.Other Key Launch: During the event, PNB also unveiled the official name, theme, T-shirt and medal of PNB Soldierathon 2026.Also, a short film was showcased to highlight the rising scale and impact of PNB’s flagship fitness initiatives.
PNB Announces ‘Soldierathon 2026’ to Honour Indian Armed ForcesIn February 2026, Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), announced the ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’, a themed half marathon, at its Corporate Office in Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi.The announcement was made ahead of the bank’s 132nd Foundation Day Celebrations on April 12, 2026.About PNB Soldierathon 2026:Edition: Branded under the theme “PNB Soldierathon 2026 – Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers”, the initiative marks the second edition of PNB’s marquee half marathon.Objective: It aims to honour the Indian Armed Forces while promoting fitness, discipline, national pride, and community engagement as part of the bank’s social responsibility and nation-building efforts.Other Key Launch: During the event, PNB also unveiled the official name, theme, T-shirt and medal of PNB Soldierathon 2026.Also, a short film was showcased to highlight the rising scale and impact of PNB’s flagship fitness initiatives.
PNB Announces ‘Soldierathon 2026’ to Honour Indian Armed ForcesIn February 2026, Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), announced the ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’, a themed half marathon, at its Corporate Office in Dwarka, N...
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EximPe Receives RBI Approval for PA-CB LicenceIn February 2026, EximPe, a Singapore-headquartered cross-border payments fintech, secured final Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) authorization enabling international merchants to collect payments from Indian customers via Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cards, wallets, net banking.Notably, the approval was secured without holding a prior domestic PA licence. With this authorisation, the company is now permitted to operate under the PA-CB framework for both import and export transactions.Key Details:Previous Role: Before this authorisation, EximPe operated as a technology service provider to banking partners and facilitated more than USD 500 million in bank-led cross-border trade payments across key Asia corridors.Key Goal: The fintech company has set the target to achieve USD 1 billion in annualised UPI payments over the next 24 months driven by merchant adoption across Asia corridors.About EximPe: Founded by Arjun Zacharia, EximPe with offices in Bengaluru(Karnataka) and Mumbai(Maharashtra). The company raised USD 5 million in a 2022 seed funding round, backed by Leo Capital, along with other venture funds and angel investors.
EximPe Receives RBI Approval for PA-CB LicenceIn February 2026, EximPe, a Singapore-headquartered cross-border payments fintech, secured final Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) authorization enabling international merchants to collect payments from Indian customers via Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cards, wallets, net banking.Notably, the approval was secured without holding a prior domestic PA licence. With this authorisation, the company is now permitted to operate under the PA-CB framework for both import and export transactions.Key Details:Previous Role: Before this authorisation, EximPe operated as a technology service provider to banking partners and facilitated more than USD 500 million in bank-led cross-border trade payments across key Asia corridors.Key Goal: The fintech company has set the target to achieve USD 1 billion in annualised UPI payments over the next 24 months driven by merchant adoption across Asia corridors.About EximPe: Founded by Arjun Zacharia, EximPe with offices in Bengaluru(Karnataka) and Mumbai(Maharashtra). The company raised USD 5 million in a 2022 seed funding round, backed by Leo Capital, along with other venture funds and angel investors.
EximPe Receives RBI Approval for PA-CB LicenceIn February 2026, EximPe, a Singapore-headquartered cross-border payments fintech, secured final Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) authorization enabling international me...
ICICI Prudential AMC Receives RBI Approval to Acquire Stakes in Eight BanksIn February 2026, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC), along with group entities of ICICI Bank, received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire up to 9.95% of paid-up share capital or voting rights in eight Indian banks, marking a strategic expansion of the group’s presence in the banking sector.The banks included in this approval are Bandhan Bank Limited, City Union Bank Limited, Equitas Small Finance Bank (SFB) Limited, Federal Bank Limited, IDFC FIRST Bank Limited, HDFC Bank Limited, Karur Vysya Bank(KVB) Limited, and RBL Bank Limited.RBI Approval Framework for ICICI Group Stake Acquisition:Conditions: The approval requires completion of major shareholding within the one-year validity period, maintaining aggregate holding below 9.95%, and obtaining fresh RBI approval if the stake falls below 5% and is later increased.Compliance: The acquisition must strictly follow the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; RBI (Commercial Banks – Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights) Directions, 2025; Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999; and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015.Coverage: The investment applies to equity acquisitions through schemes of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund (MF), Specialised Investment Fund (SIF), Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), and Portfolio Management Services (PMS) clients
ICICI Prudential AMC Receives RBI Approval to Acquire Stakes in Eight BanksIn February 2026, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC), along with group entities of ICICI Bank, received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire up to 9.95% of paid-up share capital or voting rights in eight Indian banks, marking a strategic expansion of the group’s presence in the banking sector.The banks included in this approval are Bandhan Bank Limited, City Union Bank Limited, Equitas Small Finance Bank (SFB) Limited, Federal Bank Limited, IDFC FIRST Bank Limited, HDFC Bank Limited, Karur Vysya Bank(KVB) Limited, and RBL Bank Limited.RBI Approval Framework for ICICI Group Stake Acquisition:Conditions: The approval requires completion of major shareholding within the one-year validity period, maintaining aggregate holding below 9.95%, and obtaining fresh RBI approval if the stake falls below 5% and is later increased.Compliance: The acquisition must strictly follow the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; RBI (Commercial Banks – Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights) Directions, 2025; Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999; and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015.Coverage: The investment applies to equity acquisitions through schemes of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund (MF), Specialised Investment Fund (SIF), Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), and Portfolio Management Services (PMS) clients
ICICI Prudential AMC Receives RBI Approval to Acquire Stakes in Eight BanksIn February 2026, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC), along with group entities of ICICI Bank, received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire u...
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WIPO : India Ranks 7th in Global R&D Spending in 2024; China TopsIn February 2026, According to the latest data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) based on the Global Innovation Index 2025 (GII 2025) and related Research and Development (R&D) expenditure estimates, India ranked 7th in 2024, investing approximately USD 75.73 billion in research activities.As per the report, China ranked first with USD 785.9 billion in R&D spending, followed by the United States of America(USA)(USD 781.8 billion) and Japan (USD 186.0 billion).Highlights of R&D Spending in 2024:Global R&D Spending: World R&D expenditure rose to USD 2.87 trillion in 2024, up from USD 2.78 trillion in 2023, reflecting an approximate 3% year-on-year(Y-o-Y) growth, according to estimates.R&D spending as a share of global GDP has increased significantly, rising from around 1.48% in 2000 to about 2% in 2024.Other countries in Top 10: Germany ranked 4th with USD 132.2 billion, followed by South Korea with USD 126.4 billion. The list also includes the United Kingdom (6th, USD 86.5 billion), France (8th, USD 65.8 billion), Türkiye (9th, USD 43.2 billion), and Brazil (10th, USD 38.4 billion).
WIPO : India Ranks 7th in Global R&D Spending in 2024; China TopsIn February 2026, According to the latest data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) based on the Global Innovation Index 2025 (GII 2025) and related Research and Development (R&D) expenditure estimates, India ranked 7th in 2024, investing approximately USD 75.73 billion in research activities.As per the report, China ranked first with USD 785.9 billion in R&D spending, followed by the United States of America(USA)(USD 781.8 billion) and Japan (USD 186.0 billion).Highlights of R&D Spending in 2024:Global R&D Spending: World R&D expenditure rose to USD 2.87 trillion in 2024, up from USD 2.78 trillion in 2023, reflecting an approximate 3% year-on-year(Y-o-Y) growth, according to estimates.R&D spending as a share of global GDP has increased significantly, rising from around 1.48% in 2000 to about 2% in 2024.Other countries in Top 10: Germany ranked 4th with USD 132.2 billion, followed by South Korea with USD 126.4 billion. The list also includes the United Kingdom (6th, USD 86.5 billion), France (8th, USD 65.8 billion), Türkiye (9th, USD 43.2 billion), and Brazil (10th, USD 38.4 billion).
WIPO : India Ranks 7th in Global R&D Spending in 2024; China TopsIn February 2026, According to the latest data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) based on the Global Innovation Index 2025 (GII 2025) and related Research and Dev...
DRDO Signs Agreement with CSIR to Jointly Undertake R&D ActivitiesOn February 11, 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a collaborative agreement with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), to jointly undertake Research and Development (R&D) activities.Key Details of Agreement:Objective: The collaboration seeks to develop technologies that enhance human sustenance and performance in extreme and challenging environments.Focus Areas: The collaboration targets high-altitude survival, human performance enhancement, off-grid energy systems, and waste management solutions for extreme and remote environments.Shared Resources: The agreement envisages resource sharing, including personnel, laboratories, technology platforms, and scientific equipment.Alignment: The initiative aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
DRDO Signs Agreement with CSIR to Jointly Undertake R&D ActivitiesOn February 11, 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a collaborative agreement with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), to jointly undertake Research and Development (R&D) activities.Key Details of Agreement:Objective: The collaboration seeks to develop technologies that enhance human sustenance and performance in extreme and challenging environments.Focus Areas: The collaboration targets high-altitude survival, human performance enhancement, off-grid energy systems, and waste management solutions for extreme and remote environments.Shared Resources: The agreement envisages resource sharing, including personnel, laboratories, technology platforms, and scientific equipment.Alignment: The initiative aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
DRDO Signs Agreement with CSIR to Jointly Undertake R&D ActivitiesOn February 11, 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a collaborative agreement with the Council of Scientific and...
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INSA and CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoU to Strengthen Science Communication and Policy ResearchIn February 2026, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at INSA in New Delhi, Delhi.The partnership aims to promote collaborative activities in science communication and evidence-based Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy research, strengthening informed policymaking in India.Key Details of MoU :Dignitaries: The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, President of INSA, Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, and others.Initiatives: The MoU promotes joint policy research, co-authored publications, pilot projects, capacity-building, and outreach programmes.Engagement: It facilitates collaboration with government bodies, international organisations, think tanks, researchers, and young scholars to strengthen India’s STI policy ecosystem.
INSA and CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoU to Strengthen Science Communication and Policy ResearchIn February 2026, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at INSA in New Delhi, Delhi.The partnership aims to promote collaborative activities in science communication and evidence-based Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy research, strengthening informed policymaking in India.Key Details of MoU :Dignitaries: The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, President of INSA, Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, and others.Initiatives: The MoU promotes joint policy research, co-authored publications, pilot projects, capacity-building, and outreach programmes.Engagement: It facilitates collaboration with government bodies, international organisations, think tanks, researchers, and young scholars to strengthen India’s STI policy ecosystem.
INSA and CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoU to Strengthen Science Communication and Policy ResearchIn February 2026, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Po...
Agneevasthraa Signs MoU with Indian Army to Supply Defence MaterialsOn February 11, 2026, Agneevasthraa, a domestic manufacturer of carbon fabrics and advanced composite materials, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army (IA) to supply advanced carbon fabrics and composite materials for defence applications.Key Details of MoU:Products: The MoU covers carbon fabrics, light weight, high-strength textiles made from carbon fibers, and composite materials, which combine two or more constituent materials to achieve properties beneficial for defence use.Material Utilization: The materials are commonly used in armour systems, protective gear, structural components and high-performance defence platforms.Alignment: The initiative aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Agneevasthraa Signs MoU with Indian Army to Supply Defence MaterialsOn February 11, 2026, Agneevasthraa, a domestic manufacturer of carbon fabrics and advanced composite materials, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army (IA) to supply advanced carbon fabrics and composite materials for defence applications.Key Details of MoU:Products: The MoU covers carbon fabrics, light weight, high-strength textiles made from carbon fibers, and composite materials, which combine two or more constituent materials to achieve properties beneficial for defence use.Material Utilization: The materials are commonly used in armour systems, protective gear, structural components and high-performance defence platforms.Alignment: The initiative aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Agneevasthraa Signs MoU with Indian Army to Supply Defence MaterialsOn February 11, 2026, Agneevasthraa, a domestic manufacturer of carbon fabrics and advanced composite materials, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army (IA) ...
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