Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha announces retirement
Indian cricketer Wriddhiman Saha has retired from all formats. He played his last Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Punjab at Eden Gardens. The 40-year-old Saha, who made his international debut in 2010, played 40 Tests and 9 ODIs for India. He played 142 first-class and 116 List A matches while representing Bengal and Tripura in domestic cricket. Saha's last international match was against New Zealand in 2021. In the IPL, he played for several franchises, but his most memorable performance was a century against Kolkata Knight Riders for Kings XI Punjab in the 2014 final. His wicketkeeping technique and brilliant batting made him an important player in Indian cricket.
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Prince Rahim al-Hussaini becomes Aga Khan V
On February 5, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini was announced as the new spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims. His father, Aga Khan IV, died on February 4 in Portugal at the age of 88. Prince Rahim, 53, was named Aga Khan V in accordance with his father's will, making him the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismailis. The Ismaili community regards him as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and he will be the social, economic and spiritual guide of the community. Under the leadership of Aga Khan IV, the Ismaili community made significant contributions in the fields of education, health and development.
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Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso leave ECOWAS
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso formally announced their exit from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. The decision came after military rule was established in these countries, which led to a deterioration in their ties with ECOWAS. There were coups in Mali in 2020, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Niger in 2023. ECOWAS had imposed sanctions on these countries and urged them to restore democratic rule. ECOWAS has 15 member countries and aims to promote economic integration. The organisation said it would keep its doors open for these countries, but their exit could affect regional stability.
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Gujarat declares first biodiversity heritage site
The inland mangrove area of Guneri village in Kutch district of Gujarat has been declared the state's first biodiversity heritage site. It is spread over an area of 32.78 hectares and was given this status on the recommendation of the Gujarat Biodiversity Board. The state government made this declaration under the Biodiversity Act 2002, which will ensure conservation of flora and fauna in the area. Inland mangroves are found at only eight places in the world, and it is believed to be the last remnant in India. The site is located 45 km from the Arabian Sea and 4 km from Kori Creek. The local Biodiversity Management Committee will conserve the area.
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India's first AI University in Maharashtra
India's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) University will be set up in Maharashtra. A task force has been formed for this, which will be headed by the Principal Secretary of the Department of Information Technology. This university will promote research and development in AI and related fields. It aims to make Maharashtra a hub of AI education and innovation. The project will encourage collaboration between industry, academia and government. The university will focus on skill development, technological innovation and policy making. The initiative is in line with the BJP's election manifesto, which emphasizes the use of technology for development.
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US withdraws membership from UNHRC
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order for the US' exit from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The US also stopped sending funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). The US accused UNRWA of being anti-Semitic and anti-Israel, as well as claimed that its facilities are used by terrorist groups. The US also plans to review its participation in UNESCO. The UNHRC was set up in 2006 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
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Karnataka declared 'Naxal free'
Karnataka's last Naxal Lakshmi surrendered, leading to the state being declared 'Naxal free'. She has been placed in the 'A' category, which will get her a surrender package of ₹7 lakh from the government. The amount will be given in phases over three years. Lakshmi was named in three cases in Udupi district and has appealed to the authorities for legal relief. The Karnataka government is providing rehabilitation, education and employment opportunities to surrendered Naxalites. According to the state government, Lakshmi's surrender has ended Naxalism in Karnataka.
