INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Indonesia officially became a full member of the BRICS.
• Indonesia has officially joined BRICS as a full member, announced by Brazil, the current presiding country.
• With over 270 million people, Indonesia is the world’s fourth-most populous nation.
• Indonesia expressed its interest in joining BRICS after the establishment of its new government.
• BRICS, originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, held its first summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
• In 2024, BRICS expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE.
• Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have formally applied for BRICS membership.
• The 16th BRICS Summit was hosted by Russia in Kazan in 2024.
• BRICS' expansion marks a significant shift in global economic alliances and cooperation.
Mike Johnson re-elected as U.S. House Speaker
• Republican Mike Johnson has been re-elected as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
• Johnson gained notable support from former President Donald Trump during the election process.
• Despite being a Republican, Johnson worked closely with Democrats to pass key legislation.
• His leadership aims at fostering unity within a divided Congress, bridging the gap between parties.
• Legislative priorities: Johnson has emphasized key issues like government spending, border security, and economic policies.
• As Speaker, he faces ongoing challenges, including navigating internal party divisions and external political pressures.
NATIONAL NEWS
Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0 programme has been launched by LS Speaker Om Birla.
• Launch of Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0 by LS Speaker Om Birla.
• 500 women representatives from Panchayati Raj institutions in 20 States & UTs participated.
• The program aims to empower elected women from Scheduled Tribes in Panchayati Raj institutions.
• It focuses on enhancing their knowledge of constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, and governance.
• The initiative promotes effective leadership among elected women representatives.
• The program was organized to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda.
• Workshops and sessions were included for participants to gain valuable insights.
• The program featured a guided tour of the new parliament house, Samvidhan Sadan, and Pradhanmantri Sangrahalya.
Asia's largest Aero Show, Aero India 2025, will be held in Bengaluru.
• Aero India 2025 will take place from February 10-14 at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• The theme of the event is "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities."
• The show will provide a platform for foreign and Indian firms to collaborate and accelerate indigenization.
• The first three days will be dedicated to business activities, while the last two days (13th-14th) are public days for visitors.
• Bilateral meetings will be organized to strengthen defense and aerospace relations with partner nations.
• Aero India has been a global aerospace exhibition since 1996, with 14 successful editions held in Bengaluru.
• The previous edition attracted over 7 lakh visitors, including dignitaries from 98 countries.
• A total of 809 exhibitors, including businesses, investors, start-ups, and MSMEs, participated in the last event.
SPORTS
Anahat Singh clinched the Under-17 Girls’ Singles title at the British Junior Open in England.
• In Squash, Anahat Singh has won the Under 17 Girl’s Singles title at British Junior Open in England.
• She triumphed over Egypt’s Malika El Karaksy, winning 3-2 in a thrilling final.
• This victory marks Anahat's third British Junior Open title, following her Under-11 win in 2019 and Under-15 title in 2023.
• In the semi-finals, the 16-year-old top-seed Indian defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 3-1.
• Earlier, Anahat beat another Egyptian, Nadia Tamer, in the quarter-finals.
• Last year, Anahat secured a record nine PSA Challenger titles, more than any other woman globally.
• Her consistent success at the British Junior Open showcases her growing dominance in squash.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
BHARATPOL portal has been launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
• The BHARATPOL portal was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
• Developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the portal aims to streamline international assistance requests via INTERPOL.
• It will facilitate the issuance of Red Notices and other INTERPOL notices.
• The portal will enhance real-time information sharing among Indian law enforcement agencies.
• BHARATPOL provides a unified platform for all stakeholders in policing and law enforcement.
• It will strengthen India’s efforts in tackling transnational crime.
• The Union Home Minister also awarded Police Medals to 35 CBI officers for their distinguished service and excellence in investigation.