1 India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world
India has made remarkable progress in mobile and electronics manufacturing and has become the second largest mobile manufacturing country in the world . In 2014, there were only 2 mobile manufacturing units in India, but today there are more than 300 manufacturing units in the country which underlines the significant expansion in this important sector. In 2014-15, only 26% of the mobile phones sold in India were made in India, the rest were being imported. It is worth noting that today 99.2% of the mobile phones sold in India are made in India. The manufacturing value of mobile phones has increased from Rs 18,900 crore in FY 2014 to Rs 4,22,000 crore in FY 2024.
2 Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha inaugurated South Africa’s largest Hindu temple in Johannesburg
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha-BAPS has inaugurated South Africa ‘s largest Hindu temple in Johannesburg . The inauguration of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir and Cultural Complex is a historic milestone for the Hindu community in South Africa.
3rd TruthTale Hackathon Challenge announced, Waves-2025 to introduce AI-powered solutions to combat misinformation in live broadcasts
Detecting misinformation in real-time is a critical challenge for broadcasters, journalists and audiences alike. In such a situation, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced the TruthTale Hackathon Challenge in collaboration with the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) . The hackathon is part of Season 1 of the Create in India Challenge (CIC) of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. The challenge is a pioneering initiative aimed at developing AI-powered solutions to combat misinformation in live broadcasting. The ministry says that the challenge of detecting misinformation in real-time is critical for broadcasters, journalists and audiences alike. With a prize pool of Rs 10 lakh, the hackathon calls on developers, data scientists and media professionals to build AI-powered tools for real-time misinformation detection and fact verification.
4 Maharashtra government made Marathi compulsory in government offices
Marathi has been made compulsory officially in government and semi-government offices . The state’s planning department issued a notification on February 3. Marathi will also be mandatory in all urban bodies, government corporations and aided institutions. This rule has also been implemented on instruction boards and documentation across the state. If any officer violates this rule, action will be taken against him. Communication will have to be done in Marathi in government offices as well. Only those people will be exempted from this, who are foreigners, have come from outside Maharashtra or are not Marathi speakers.
5 India contributed $37.64 million to the United Nations regular budget for the year 2025
India has contributed 376.40 lakh dollars to the regular budget of the United Nations for this year , thereby securing its place among the 35 member countries honoured for paying their dues on time. This contribution was made on the 31st of last month. India has consistently maintained its reputation for fulfilling its financial obligations towards the United Nations on time and in full. India’s continued commitment reflects its dedication to the principles and responsibilities of United Nations membership.
6 Late Chaman Arora will be awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 2024 for Dogri language for his book “Ik Hor Ashvatthama”
The government has announced the Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 2024 for Dogri language to the late Chaman Arora for his book ” Ik Hor Ashvatthama “. The award will consist of a casket with an engraved copper plaque and one lakh rupees. The award will be given to a family member or nominee at a special ceremony to be held in New Delhi on March 8.
7 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev on four-day visit to India
Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev has arrived in New Delhi on a four-day visit to India. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on social media that his visit underlines India’s commitment to regional cooperation, security and promoting trade and economic development.
8 Bart De Wever becomes the new Prime Minister of Belgium
Bart De Wever has taken oath as the new Prime Minister of Belgium . His swearing-in ceremony took place in front of King Philippe at the Royal Palace of Belgium . De Wever’s ruling coalition includes five parties. The agenda of the new government includes budget reform, strict policy regarding immigrants and focus on economic restructuring. However, questions are being raised about gender equality in the Wever Cabinet because only three women have been represented in the 15-member cabinet.
9 World Cancer Day
The day is observed on February 4 to raise awareness about cancer and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment . The theme this year is ‘ United by Unique ‘.
10 News reader Venkataraman, who broadcast the news of India’s independence, passed away
Veteran news reader of All India Radio, Venkataraman passed away in Chennai. 102-year-old Venkataraman had broadcast the news of India’s independence from All India Radio, Delhi on the morning of 15 August 1947. This news was first broadcast in Tamil for Radio Ceylon at 5:45 am . He was associated with All India Radio for 64 years.
