NewsBytes

Retail inflation slows to 4.31 pc in January

Retail inflation slowed to 4.31 per cent in January mainly due to lower food prices. The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation was 5.22 per cent in December, and 5.1 per cent in January 2024.

The inflation in the food basket was 6.02 per cent, lower than 8.39 per cent in December and 8.3 per cent in the year-ago month. The Reserve Bank of India has been asked to ensure retail inflation remains at 4 per cent with a margin of 2 per cent on either side.

2 stuck astronauts may return to Earth sooner

NASA's two stuck astronauts may end up back on Earth a little sooner than planned. The space agency announced that SpaceX will switch capsules for upcoming astronaut flights in order to bring Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams home in mid-March instead of late March or April. That will shave at least a couple weeks off their prolonged stay at the International Space Station, which hit the eight-month mark last week.

Modi, Macron agree on deepening engagement in Indo-Pacific

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron called for enhancing trade and investment ties between the two countries and committed to further deepening their engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders also underlined their commitment to concrete actions to ensure that the global AI sector can drive beneficial social, economic and environmental outcomes in the public interest. A joint statement issued after the meeting said the talks covered a full spectrum of bilateral relations, as well as key global and regional issues.

Dhawan among four event ambassadors for ICC Champions Trophy

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan was named as one of the four event ambassadors for the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9. Besides Dhawan, the ICC has also named Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, and New Zealand's legendary fast bowler, Tim Southee as event ambassadors. The quartet will write guest columns and will also attend matches, sharing their thoughts on the event, where the world's best eight teams will compete for the top honour.

Govt to launch Devolution Index Report on panchayats

Minister of State for Panchayati Raj SP Singh Baghel will release the comprehensive Devolution Index Report on panchayats in the country which will provide insights into the progress of decentralisation across states and Union Territories. The Panchayati Raj Ministry in a statement issued here said the report titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking 2024”, will be released by the Minister on February 13. Going beyond conventional metrics, the Index evaluates six critical dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability of the Panchayats.

India, UK hold fourth energy dialogue

At the 4th India-UK Energy Dialogue, co-chaired by Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar and UK's Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband in New Delhi, the two leaders announced the launch of Phase-2 of the India-UK bilateral Accelerating Smart Power and Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme. The ministers underscored the importance of ensuring energy security and sustainable development and emphasised expanding the cooperation in power distribution, sector reforms, industrial energy efficiency and de-carbonisation and electric mobility sectors.

Paris summit on artificial intelligence

Concerns over AI's potential dangers have loomed over the summit, particularly as nations grapple with how to regulate a technology that is increasingly entwined with defence and warfare.  Hours after President Emmanuel Macron declared France was in the AI race and Europe was eager for business, representatives of nearly 100 countries including China, India and the US prepared to meet and determine if competing national interests could be reconciled. US Vice President JD Vance is leading the American delegation.

Military exercise between India, Egypt begins in Rajasthan

An almost fortnight-long joint military exercise between Indian and Egyptian armies began at Mahajan Field Firing Range. Col Amitabh Sharma said that the third edition of the exercise 'Cyclone' of Special Forces of the two countries will conclude on February 23. The exercise is an annual event, held alternately between India and Egypt. The last edition of the exercise was held in Egypt in January 2024, he said. The aim of the exercise is to promote military relations between the two countries by increasing mutual exchange of special warfare operations tactics. It will focus on high-level physical fitness, joint planning and tactical exercises.

No glitches in SpaDeX mission, says ISRO chief

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan has rubbished reports of technical problems with the agency's first-ever space docking mission, SpaDeX. He confirmed the mission is on track and under review. On January 16, ISRO successfully executed the docking of two satellites as part of the SpaDeX mission. Subsequently, the agency announced that it had effectively gained control over both satellites as a single entity.

PM Modi engages with students

The eighth edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship event, ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, began on Monday at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi.  Over 5 crore students from across the world participated in this edition of PPC setting a new record. The initiative, aimed at reducing exam stress and promoting a positive outlook on learning, saw enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and parents. The event was broadcast live across multiple platforms, allowing students nationwide to benefit from PM Modi’s insights on exam preparation, stress management and personal development.

India to host global road infra summit

About 300 eminent infrastructure and road safety experts from across the world will be taking part in Global Road Infratech Summit & Expo to be organised in New Delhi next month. The summit, scheduled for March 6-7, will focus on strengthening governing frameworks for safer infrastructure, integrating road safety into urban planning, traffic optimisation with intelligent infrastructure, leveraging Intelligent Transport System technologies to enhance public transport and road safety. The theme of summit is ‘Vision Zero: Sustainable Infratech and Policy for Safer Roads’.

Literary prankster-philosopher dies at 92

Tom Robbins, the novelist and prankster-philosopher who charmed and addled millions of readers with such screwball adventures as “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” and “Jitterbug Perfume”, has died. He was 92. Pronouncing himself blessed with ‘crazy wisdom’, Robbins published eight novels and the memoir “Tibetan Peach Pie” and looked fondly upon his world of deadpan absurdity, authorial commentary and zig zag story lines.

Kosovo votes for new parliament

Kosovars cast their votes Sunday in a parliamentary election considered a key test for Prime Minister Albin Kurti as talks on normalising ties with rival Serbia remain stalled and foreign funding for one of Europe's poorest countries in question.  Kurti's Left-wing Vetevendosje!, or Self-Determination Movement Party, is seen as the front-runner but is not expected to win the necessary majority to govern alone, leaving open the possibility the other two contenders join ranks if he fails to form a Cabinet.

ESC unveils ‘Ignite Tech Startups’

The Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) has announced the ‘Ignite Startups’ mentoring programme that aims to catalyse the Indian tech startup ecosystem. The ESC, in partnership with start-up accelerator Marwari Catalysts (MCats), has unveiled a package of funding, global exposure, and mentoring support for innovative tech start-ups.

TROPEX-25

The 2025 edition of Indian Navy’s capstone Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX), is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region. This operational level exercise is conducted biennially with participation by all operational Indian Naval units along with substantial participation of Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard assets. TROPEX 25 is aimed at validating Indian Navy's core warfighting skills, and ensuring a synchronised, integrated response to preserve and protect national maritime security interests in a contested maritime environment against conventional, asymmetric as well as hybrid threats.

Namibia’s ‘founding father’ Sam Nujoma dies

Sam Nujoma, the activist and guerrilla leader, who became Namibia's first democratically elected president after it won its independence from apartheid South Africa, died aged 95. Nujoma rose to head the thinly populated southern African country on March 21, 1990, and was formally recognised as “Founding Father of the Namibian Nation” through a 2005 Act of parliament. Nujoma served three terms as president from 1990 to 2005 and sought to project himself as a unifying leader bridging political divides.

SC on Environmental Clearances

The Supreme Court recently emphasized the need for stricter environmental impact assessments for infrastructure projects.  It highlighted concerns regarding ecological damage and displacement of communities due to inadequate clearances.  The ruling underscores the importance of balancing development with environmental protection, a crucial aspect of sustainable governance for civil servants.

Digital India Push

The government is accelerating its Digital India mission, focusing on expanding internet access in rural areas and promoting digital literacy.  This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and empower citizens through online services.  Civil servants play a key role in implementing these programs and ensuring their effectiveness at the grassroots level.

Reforms in Civil Services Training

The government is considering reforms in civil services training to equip officers with skills for contemporary challenges.  Focus areas include data analysis, cybersecurity, and project management.  These changes reflect the evolving role of civil servants in a dynamic administrative landscape and the need for continuous professional development.

Fiscal Prudence Debates

Ongoing debates surround fiscal prudence and the balance between welfare spending and economic stability.  Experts are discussing optimal strategies for resource allocation and revenue generation.  Civil servants are involved in policy formulation and implementation related to fiscal management, requiring a deep understanding of economic principles.

RBI cuts interest rate for first time in 5 years

Home, auto and other loans are likely to see a drop in interest rates after the Reserve Bank of India under a new Governor cut the key benchmark rate on Friday for the first time in almost five years to spur a sluggish economy. The Monetary Policy Committee, headed by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, slashed the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25 per cent. This was the first reduction since May 2020 and the first revision after two-and-a-half years.

Aero India 2025

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to take the centre stage at Aero India 2025, showcasing its indigenous products and technologies at the India Pavilion, said the state-owned aerospace and defence company. The five-day event, beginning February 10 at Airforce Station Yelahanka, will feature HAL’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and the CATS Warrior as the main attractions.

Chile’s celestial crisis

Chile’s pristine, dark desert skies, world-renowned for astronomy, are at risk of being outshined by urban and industrial development according to astronomers.  Angel Otarola, an astronomer and member of the light pollution committee of the Chilean Astronomical Society (SOCHIAS), says light pollution around the state-of-the-art Paranal Observatory is currently about 1% and worries about losing the darkness vital to their studies.

Asteroid Bennu

The rocky object called Bennu is classified as a near-Earth asteroid, currently making its closest approach to Earth every six years at about 299,000 km away. It might come even closer in the future, with scientists estimating a one-in-2,700 chance of a collision with Earth in September 2182.  So what would happen should Bennu strike our planet? Well, it would not be pretty, according to new research based on computer simulations of an impact by an asteroid with a diameter of roughly 500 metres like Bennu.

PM to visit US on February 12-13

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day working visit to the US from February 12 during which he will meet President Donald Trump. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Modi's visit will give further impetus and direction to India-US bilateral relationship. Prior to his US visit, Modi will be in France from February 10-12 to co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Chandrayaan-4 set to launch in 2027

The Chandrayaan-4 mission, whose objective is to bring back lunar samples that are not damaged and contaminated, will be launched in 2027. India has sent three space missions to Moon in 2008, 2019 and 2023 in the Chandrayaan series.

Trump imposes sanctions on International Criminal Court

US President Donald Trump has authorised economic and travel sanctions targeting people who work on International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations of US citizens or US allies such as Israel, drawing condemnation. The ICC is a permanent court that can prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression against the territory of member states or by their nationals.

Donald Trump’s Gaza plan

Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, addressed reporters at the White House, where the US president announced his intention to take over the Gaza Strip, move Palestinians to neighbouring countries and redevelop the territory for occupation by “the world’s people”, effectively endorsing the ethnic cleansing of the people of Gaza.