FAO launches “Ugbaad” climate-resilient agriculture project in Somalia
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched a climate-resilient agriculture project called “Ugbaad” in Somalia. The seven-year, $95 million project focuses on climate adaptation and enhancing resilience for vulnerable communities. “Ugbaad,” which means “symbol of hope,” will support major investments to strengthen agricultural food systems and address challenges posed by climate change. The project was approved in October 2024. The agriculture sector in Somalia is the main economic activity for about 65% of the population, but is badly affected by problems such as climate change, drought and floods. The initiative will be an important step towards reviving productive landscapes and empowering local farmers and communities. The project aims to ensure food security and improve agriculture-based incomes.
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India introduces new HS code for GI-recognised rice exports
The Indian government has introduced a new HS (Harmonised System) code to facilitate export of Geographical Indication (GI) recognised rice varieties. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced amendments to the Customs Tariff Act, allowing for the first time a separate HS code for GI-tagged rice. India has 20 GI-tagged rice varieties, including Navara, Palakkadan Matta, Pokkali, Wayanad Jeerakasala, Kalanamak. The code will boost exports of GI-tagged rice, especially when general rice export policies are changed. These varieties can now be shipped to global markets without any additional barriers. The decision will help strengthen the identity and global competitiveness of India's distinctive agricultural products, directly benefiting farmers and exporters.
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India ranked 96th in Corruption Perceptions Index 2024
According to a report by Transparency International, India has been ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with its score falling one point to 38. The index gives countries a score between 0 and 100 based on their perceived levels of corruption in the public sector, with 0 being highly corrupt and 100 being the least corrupt. The global average score in 2024 was 43, while India's score was 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022. Among India's neighbours, Pakistan (135), Sri Lanka (121), and Bangladesh (149) were ranked lower, while China was ranked 76th. Denmark topped the list of least corrupt countries, followed by Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand. The report raises concerns about global corruption and emphasises the need to promote transparency.
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Chief priest of Ayodhya Ram temple, passes away
Acharya Mahant Satendra Das, the chief priest of Ram temple in Ayodhya, passed away on 12 February 2025. He was a member of the Nirvani Akhara, which belongs to the Dashnami sect founded by Adi Shankaracharya. Mahant Satendra Das was serving as the chief priest of the Ram temple even before the Babri Masjid demolition on 6 December 1992. He was suffering from diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes for a long time. After the stroke, he was admitted to the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, but he could not survive. His death has caused a wave of mourning in Ayodhya and the saint community. His life was deeply associated with the observance of religious traditions and the Ram temple construction movement. He played an important role from the construction of the temple to its worship.
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India to host next global AI summit
India will host the next international summit on artificial intelligence (AI). The AI Summit held in Paris was co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, where India was given the responsibility of hosting the next summit. Participation of the Global South will be a priority in this summit. India's focus will be on AI innovations and their practical effects, which will increase productivity and create employment opportunities. India has already been a part of five major working groups related to AI, including global governance, security, innovation and cultural initiatives. 61 countries agreed that AI will be made ethical, transparent and trustworthy. The US and the UK did not sign the summit's "Inclusive and Sustainable AI" statement. The event will give India an important role in AI leadership.
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Lebanon forms its first full government
Lebanon's new Prime Minister Nawaf Salam formed the country's first full government since 2022. President Joseph Aoun accepted the resignation of the former caretaker government, taking a major step towards political stability in the country. Salam's cabinet of 24 ministers is equally divided between Christian and Muslim sects, maintaining the country's constitutional balance. This new government is committed to tackling Lebanon's severe economic crisis and implementing necessary reforms. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is a veteran diplomat and former President of the International Court of Justice. His government marks a move away from leaders close to Hezbollah, which could see a change in the political balance in the country. This government will make a significant effort towards reforms and economic revival.
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Coal India conferred with Golden Peacock Award
Coal India Limited (CIL) was awarded the prestigious Golden Peacock CSR Award 2024 at the 19th International Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conference. CIL Chairman PM Prasad received the award at a ceremony organised by the Institute of Directors. The honour reflects CIL's sustained social commitment, which has positively impacted the lives of over 35 million people. Over the last five years, CIL has been the highest CSR spender among public sector companies. The company spends over 70% of its CSR budget on healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, education and livelihood programmes. CIL has also constructed over 50,000 toilets under the 'Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan'. The award reflects CIL's significant role in social welfare and sustainable development in India.
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RBI to introduce 'bank.in' and 'fin.in' domains to enhance payment security
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the introduction of exclusive internet domains 'bank.in' and 'fin.in' for banks and financial institutions. The initiative aims to tackle rising cyber frauds and security threats in online financial transactions. The 'bank.in' domain will be exclusively for Indian banks, which will ensure secure access to financial services and increase consumer confidence in digital banking. The 'fin.in' domain will be for other non-bank entities in the financial sector. The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) has been appointed as the exclusive registrar for these domains. This move is an important effort towards preventing cyber crimes and providing secure financial services to consumers. Through these domains, it will be easier for customers to identify legitimate financial institutions and the digital payment system will become more secure.
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Bangladesh launches Operation 'Devil Hunt' to deal with violence
The interim government of Bangladesh launched 'Operation Devil Hunt' to stop the increasing violence in the country. This campaign has been launched to stop the attacks on Awami League leaders and properties. Under this operation, security forces have arrested more than 1,300 suspects so far. The government has expressed commitment to root out those spreading violence. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office in August 2024 due to violent protests in Bangladesh, which increased instability in the country. A special command center has been set up to monitor Operation Devil Hunt. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided to start a series of rallies across the country from February 11. This move of the government is being considered an important effort towards restoring law and order.
