“IMPORTANT DAYS”

World Pulses Day 2026

World Pulses Day 2026 will be observed on 10 February 2026, drawing global attention to the importance of pulses in nutrition, sustainable farming, and environmental protection. Recognized by the United Nations, the day highlights how simple foods like lentils, beans, and chickpeas play a powerful role in fighting hunger, improving soil health, and supporting climate-resilient agriculture. From farmers to policymakers, World Pulses Day connects food choices with global sustainability goals.

Theme for World Pulses Day 2026 is “Pulses of the World: From Modesty to Excellence.”

“SPORTS”

Manu Bhaker Clinches Silver in 25m Pistol at Asian Shooting Championships 2026

India’s ace shooter Manu Bhaker staged a strong comeback by winning the silver medal in the 25m pistol event at the Asian Shooting Championships 2026 in New Delhi. This came just five days after she finished seventh in the 10m air pistol final. Showing resilience and mental strength, Manu fought through a tense final and a double shoot-off to secure second place, marking her first-ever individual silver in the 25m pistol event.

Esha Singh Strikes Gold as India Dominates Women’s 10m Air Pistol at Asian Championship

Esha Singh won gold in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event on the opening day of the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championship at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi. The 21-year-old scored 239.8 points, finishing ahead of Cheng Yen-Ching (silver, 235.4) and Yu Ai-Wen (bronze, 217.7) of Chinese Taipei.

India Crush Bangladesh 4–0 to Win SAFF Under-19 Women’s Football Championship

India clinched the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship title by defeating Bangladesh 4–0 in the final at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium, Nepal. Captain Julan Nongmaithem opened the scoring, followed by goals from Elizabeth Lakra, Pearl Fernandes, and substitute Anwita Raghuraman, as the Young Tigresses delivered a dominant performance.

“APPOINTMENTS”

R Vijay Anandh Named CEO of City Union Bank

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of R Vijay Anandh as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of City Union Bank. The decision was communicated through an RBI letter dated February 9, 2026, and the appointment will take effect from May 1, 2026. This marks a leadership transition at one of India’s prominent private sector banks.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

South Africa Launches First Local FMD Vaccine in 20 Years

South Africa has rolled out its first locally produced vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in nearly two decades, marking a major milestone in the country’s animal health management. The announcement was made by the Department of Agriculture, signalling a strategic shift towards domestic vaccine self-sufficiency and proactive disease control. The vaccine has been developed and produced by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). An initial batch of 12,900 doses has been released, with production capacity expected to scale up to around 20,000 doses per week by March.