Jotham Napat Elected as Vanuatu’s New Prime Minister
Jotham Napat was elected as Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister, securing the position with 50 votes in a parliamentary election. The president of the Leaders Party and former Foreign Minister, Napat will lead a coalition government consisting of five political parties. His election comes at a crucial time as Vanuatu focuses on post-earthquake reconstruction and addressing key issues like the 2025 Budget. With a background as a meteorologist and MP for Tanna Constituency since 2016, Napat is expected to bring strategic leadership to tackle the nation’s challenges.
PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to France: Strengthening Ties
From February 10-12, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France, enhancing bilateral relations with key engagements. Alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, focusing on ethical AI development. The visit included inaugurating the Indian Consulate in Marseille and touring the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor facility. Strategic discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation in technology, nuclear energy, and sustainability were also conducted. This visit underscores the commitment to deepen India-France relations across multiple sectors.
RBI Injects ₹2.5 Lakh Crore to Boost Banking Liquidity
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a substantial liquidity injection of ₹2.5 lakh crore through its Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction. This strategic move aims to enhance the liquidity in the banking sector, ensuring banks have adequate funds to meet credit demands. Triggered by recent foreign exchange interventions to stabilize the rupee and address a liquidity deficit, this decision underscores the RBI’s commitment to maintaining financial stability and supporting economic growth. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted the necessity of this measure amidst growing financial pressures.
Tulsi Gabbard Leads US Intelligence Community
Tulsi Gabbard made history on February 12, 2025, as the first Hindu to become the Director of National Intelligence in the US. Appointed by President Donald Trump, Gabbard was confirmed by a narrow Senate vote. An Iraq war veteran and former four-term Congresswoman, she also ran for president in 2020. Gabbard’s unconventional background and past remarks have drawn mixed reactions. As the head of 18 intelligence agencies, she will oversee crucial national security matters, marking a significant milestone in US leadership diversity.
India Hosts Inaugural International Conference on Governance
From February 10-14, 2025, India is hosting the International Institute of Administrative Sciences’ (IIAS) annual conference for the first time. Themed “Next Generation Administrative Reforms – Reaching the Last Mile,” the event explores innovations in governance and public administration. Organized by IIAS and India’s Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the conference has attracted participants from around 55 countries. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the event, highlighting India’s transformative governance journey since 2014.
World Government Summit 2025: Shaping Future Governments
The World Government Summit 2025 began on February 10 in Dubai, UAE, with the theme “Shaping Future Governments”. This 12th edition saw unprecedented international engagement, featuring over 30 heads of state and more than 400 ministers. The summit included diverse forums addressing critical governance, innovation, and sustainable development issues. Key discussions focused on integrating technology with governance to meet societal needs, aiming to inspire and empower future government leaders. This significant event underscores the global commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in governance.