NATIONAL NEWS

Andhra Pradesh Plans Exclusive Women Industrial Park

Andhra Pradesh government has proposed an exclusive industrial park for women entrepreneurs, marking a strong step towards women empowerment and inclusive industrial growth.

The proposed industrial park will be spread across 30 acres and will focus on women-led industries, startups, and small businesses.

The objective is to provide a safe, supportive, and well-equipped business environment for women to start and expand enterprises.

The initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to promoting women entrepreneurship and employment generation.

The Andhra Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FICCI Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO) to support implementation of the project.

FICCI Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO) is the women’s wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and works to empower women entrepreneurs across India.

Under the partnership, FICCI-FLO will mobilise women entrepreneurs, provide mentoring and business guidance, support skill development and capacity building, and facilitate networking and market linkages.

The industrial park infrastructure will be developed by the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC).

APIIC will provide quality industrial infrastructure, fast-track approvals and clearances, and statutory and operational support, reducing delays for women entrepreneurs.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies

India has officially joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) to strengthen skill development, industrial training, and workforce cooperation among BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

The announcement was made at an event organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi.

India’s participation marks a significant step towards enhancing industrial capabilities, especially for the manufacturing sector and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

BCIC is a multilateral platform designed as a one-stop centre to provide integrated support services to manufacturing companies and MSMEs across BRICS countries.

The centre focuses on capacity building, technology adoption, productivity improvement, and sharing of best manufacturing practices.

BCIC operates in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which provides technical expertise and global best practices in industrial development.

A Trust Fund Agreement was signed between DPIIT and UNIDO, formally confirming India’s participation in BCIC.

World Government Summit 2026 Opens in Dubai

The World Government Summit 2026 opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the theme “Shaping Future Governments”.

The summit is being held up to February 5, 2026.

It is one of the world’s most significant global platforms focusing on public policy, governance, innovation, sustainability and technology.

The summit aims to strengthen governance frameworks, enhance international cooperation, and address economic, social and technological challenges facing the global community.

More than 6,250 participants are attending the summit.

Participation includes over 60 Heads of State and Government and more than 500 Ministers from over 150 governments.

The summit has attracted 87 Nobel Laureates, highlighting its strong focus on evidence-based and intellectual policy discussions.

More than 700 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are participating, bringing private sector perspectives on growth, innovation and resilience.

Delegates from over 80 international, regional and academic organisations are present.

The summit features over 445 sessions and more than 450 global speakers.

The theme “Shaping Future Governments” emphasises the need for proactive, innovative and future-ready governance rather than reactive policymaking.

Discussions focus on how governments can remain responsive and effective amid rapid technological change, while balancing innovation with sustainability.

The summit addresses governance challenges in a multipolar global order and the need to adapt public institutions to diverse and demanding populations.

Key discussions include the future of government work, focusing on digital transformation, artificial intelligence in public services, upskilling of public sector workforce, and maintaining public trust.

United States to Launch $12-Billion Critical Rare Minerals Reserve

The United States announced plans to create a $12-billion critical rare minerals stockpile to reduce dependence on China for key resources.

The initiative, named “Project Vault,” is aimed at securing rare earths and other critical minerals prone to price volatility and supply disruptions.

The project will combine $10 billion in loans from the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) with around $1.67 billion in private capital.

Major companies involved in Project Vault include General Motors, Stellantis, Boeing, and Google.

Rare earth minerals, critical for smartphones, electric vehicles, fighter jets, and clean energy technologies, are a strategic priority for long-term economic and national security.

Donald Trump compared the initiative to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), emphasizing protection of American businesses and workers from shortages.

The US Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, stated that 11 additional countries will be announced for participation in the initiative.

China controls about 70% of global rare earth mining and 90% of processing, giving it a chokehold on the sector, which Project Vault aims to counter.

The government-backed loan for the reserve will have a 15-year period, similar to funding mechanisms used for MP Materials, Vulcan Elements, and USA Rare Earth.

The reserve will shield manufacturers of vehicles, electronics, and other goods from supply chain disruptions, ensuring economic and national security

 

BANKING

Tripura Gramin Bank Introduces India’s First RRB Co-Branded RuPay Credit Card

Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB), in collaboration with its sponsor bank Punjab National Bank (PNB), launched a Co-branded RuPay Credit Card.

TGB became the first Regional Rural Bank (RRB) in India and also the first among the eight PNB-sponsored RRBs to introduce a co-branded credit card.

The launch of the TGB–PNB Co-Branded RuPay Credit Card marks the Golden Jubilee (50th year) of Tripura Gramin Bank.

The card was launched at Agartala, Tripura.

The credit card is powered by the RuPay Network, ensuring secure and widely accepted transactions.

The card has been developed jointly by Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and PNB Cards & Services Limited.

The collaboration provides a secure, seamless, and modern credit facility to customers.

The card focuses on enhancing digital access for rural and semi-urban customers.

It enables customers to access the RuPay digital payment ecosystem.

The card facilitates convenient payments, purchases, and day-to-day banking transactions.

Punjab National Bank Launches ‘LUXURA Metal Credit Card’

Punjab National Bank (PNB), a leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), launched the ‘LUXURA Metal Credit Card’ on the Visa Infinite platform targeting high-net-worth and lifestyle-driven customers.

The launch expands PNB’s premium credit card portfolio with enhanced luxury and travel benefits.

The card carries a Joining Fee of 4,999 + GST and an Annual Fee of Rs. 1,999 + GST.

It offers accelerated reward points on purchases with boosted earnings on travel and lifestyle spending.

Customers receive welcome bonus points and annual milestone bonus reward points on higher spending.

The card provides zero forex mark-up on all foreign currency transactions.

It offers unlimited complimentary airport lounge access in India and abroad.

Cardholders get 24×7 Visa Concierge Services for personalised assistance.

Hotel benefits include room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and late check-outs.

Dining benefits include discounts at partner restaurants in India and overseas.

The card features special flight booking offers through travel partners.

Additional lifestyle benefits include fuel surcharge waivers, grocery savings, and movie offers.

World Bank Sanctions USD 830 Million Funding for PM-SETU

The World Bank Group (WBG) approved an USD 830 million loan for India’s Pradhan Mantri – Skilling and Employability Transformation Through Upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (PM-SETU) Programme to revamp Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and boost youth employment opportunities.

The programme is part of the WBG’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for India (FY 2026–31), which envisages USD 8–10 billion annual financing support.

The loan tenure has a final maturity of 19.5 years including a 4-year grace period.

The key objective is to upgrade ITIs and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) to bridge skill gaps and improve job placement outcomes.

The programme was jointly prepared by the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

It aims to mobilize at least USD 680 million in private capital to strengthen ITI infrastructure and operational capacity.

An institutional hub-and-spoke model will be implemented comprising 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs with strong industry integration.

Training will focus on high-demand sectors such as Manufacturing, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Green Energy, Textiles, and Construction.

The PM-SETU Programme targets creation of over 1 million better-skilled workers annually.

The initiative also ensures 25% female participation through updated curricula and inclusive skilling frameworks.

 

RANKS, INDICES & REPORTS

Responsible Nations Index 2026

The Responsible Nations Index 2026 was released by the World Intellectual Foundation (WIF).

The index covers 154 countries and evaluates global leadership based on responsibility, ethical governance, and collective good, instead of traditional indicators like Gross Domestic Product or military power.

The objective of the index is to assess how responsibly nations govern, care for society, protect the environment, and contribute to global cooperation.

Singapore ranked 1st globally, emerging as the most responsible nation in the world and the only Asian country in the top 10.

Switzerland ranked 2nd and Denmark ranked 3rd, highlighting the strong performance of smaller nations with robust governance frameworks.

The rankings come at a time of rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and increasing climate challenges, emphasizing the relevance of responsible governance.

Syria ranked 153rd and Yemen ranked 151st, highlighting how prolonged conflict weakens governance, social welfare, and environmental protection.

India ranked 16th globally with a responsibility score of 0.5515, showing strong performance among developing nations.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Crafoord Prize 2026

Indian-origin climate scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan has won the Crafoord Prize 2026, often referred to as the “Nobel of Geosciences”.

The award recognises his pioneering contributions to climate and atmospheric science, especially his discoveries related to greenhouse gases and global warming.

His research has had a direct impact on global climate policy, including international environmental agreements.

Veerabhadran Ramanathan is an atmospheric scientist of Indian origin with a career spanning over five decades.

He was born and educated in southern India and studied engineering in Bengaluru before moving to the United States for higher education.

He worked at leading global institutions and fundamentally reshaped scientific understanding of climate change.

His work established that global warming is driven not only by carbon dioxide (CO₂) but also by multiple heat-trapping gases acting together.

In the 1970s, while working at NASA Langley Research Center, he made a breakthrough discovery related to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

His 1975 paper published in Science demonstrated that a single CFC molecule can trap thousands of times more heat than a CO₂ molecule.

This was the first clear scientific proof that gases other than CO₂ could significantly drive global warming.

His later research highlighted the role of trace gases such as methane and nitrous oxide in accelerating global warming.

In 1985, he co-authored studies warning that these gases could cause faster-than-expected climate change.

His scientific findings played a crucial role in shaping the Montreal Protocol (1987), which led to the global phase-out of CFCs.

The Montreal Protocol is regarded as one of the most successful international environmental treaties and prevented substantial additional warming.

Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025

Paradip Port Authority won the First Prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025, emerging as the Cleanest Performing Major Port of India.

The award was instituted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) for excellence in cleanliness, sustainability and community participation.

The recognition highlights the port’s role as an active contributor to the Swachh Bharat Mission, beyond its commercial and trade functions.

The award was presented on 3 February 2026 in New Delhi by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in the presence of Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Vijay Kumar (Indian Administrative Service).

The award was received by P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, on behalf of the port workforce.

Paradip Port Authority adopted a holistic and sustained approach to cleanliness, combining sanitation infrastructure, behavioural change, environmental protection and worker welfare.

Measures included large-scale cleanliness drives, scientific waste management, elimination of single-use plastics and community-led activities across port and surrounding public areas.

Swachhata Pakhwada is a flagship cleanliness campaign under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, focusing on behavioural change, waste management, green practices, citizen engagement and Safai Mitra welfare.

Ports and maritime institutions are evaluated on environmental stewardship, public participation and inclusiveness, not just operational hygiene.

Under the Jan Bhagidari initiative, Paradip Port Authority ensured mass public participation through cleanliness drives in schools, temples, beaches, ponds and port premises.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Yes Bank

Yes Bank has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Tonse will serve a three-year tenure, starting from the date he assumes charge, subject to shareholder approval.

Vinay Tonse previously served as Managing Director – Retail Business and Operations at the State Bank of India (SBI), demitting office on 30 November 2025.

The appointment follows the completion of the extended tenure of Prashant Kumar, who led Yes Bank through a critical recovery phase post-2020 crisis.

Yes Bank stated that Tonse is eligible to be appointed as a director and is not debarred by SEBI or any statutory authority.

Tonse brings extensive experience in corporate banking, international operations, and risk management, signaling the regulator’s focus on experienced leadership for systemically important banks.