Press Release l Ministry of Commerce & Industry

• APEDA to Highlight India’s Organic Agriculture at BIOFACH 2026
• India Country Pavilion to Showcase Organic Rice, Spices, Oilseeds, Herbs and Value-Added Products
• Participation from Over 20 States and UTs to Highlight India’s Agricultural Diversity

India has been designated as the Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic products, scheduled to be held from 10th to 13th February 2026 at Nuremberg, Germany.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is organising India’s participation at BIOFACH 2026 with a prominent and high-impact presence. India’s participation will highlight the country’s rich agricultural heritage and its strength as a major global supplier of organic products.

BIOFACH Germany is the world’s largest and most influential exhibition dedicated exclusively to organic food and agriculture. APEDA has been participating in BIOFACH for more than a decade and has consistently maintained a strong presence at the event.

India’s participation at BIOFACH 2026 marks a significant scale-up compared to previous editions, reflecting the expanding footprint of Indian organic exports, increased global demand for organic products, and growing participation from exporters, associations, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

After a span of 14 years, India’s organic farming sector is set to take centre stage once again at BIOFACH 2026.

The India Country Pavilion, set up by APEDA, will span an area of 1,074 square metres and will feature 67 co-exhibitors, including exporters of organic products, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, organic laboratories, state government organisations, and commodity boards. The pavilion will showcase a wide range of organic products such as rice, oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, cashew, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, and essential oils, among others.

Exhibitors from more than 20 States and Union Territories are participating in the India Pavilion, reflecting the country’s vast agricultural and regional diversity. These include Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. The participation highlights region-specific organic produce and value-added food products, demonstrating India’s year-on-year expansion in international organic trade engagement.

In addition to product displays, visitors to the India Pavilion will be offered curated food tastings showcasing the flavours and aromas of Indian organic products. Live sampling of aromatic biryani prepared using premium organic basmati rice and spices will be organised. Further, five GI-tagged rice varieties, namely Indrayani rice, Navara rice, Gobindbhog rice, Red rice, and Chak Hao (Black rice), will be served to visitors to highlight India’s heritage rice varieties.

APEDA has also undertaken extensive branding and high-impact promotional activities at prominent locations across the Nuremberg Messe Exhibition Centre, as part of India’s designation as Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026.

As global attention increasingly shifts towards sustainability and environmentally responsible lifestyles, India’s participation as Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026 reinforces its position as a global leader in organic agriculture. India remains committed to supplying high-quality, sustainably produced organic products that meet international standards.

APEDA continues to support Indian exporters through focused initiatives aimed at enhancing their global competitiveness and strengthening India’s position as the organic food basket of the world.

News Shorts l India - Seychelles Ties

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet dinner in honour of The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie and his wife Mrs. Veronique Herminie at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi

The two leaders discussed ways to boost various co-operations between the two countries. Seychelles has been one of the sought after destinations for Indians. The discussion also talked about various ways to boost the economy of two countries.

BBN Internship Program 2026 l Rogan Art : Slow Art in Fast World

By - Jui Deshpande

Originating from Persia, Rogan Art travelled to Kutch, Gujarat where it evolved into a unique non-brush painting tradition. The word ‘Rogan’ meaning  ‘oil’ or ‘varnish’ refers to a 300–400-year-old technique that uses castor oil to create thick colours for fabric painting. In this rare process, the paint is carefully drawn onto cloth using a metal rod, without the brush ever touching the fabric. Today, it is surviving, not striving. With just one family practicing this art in India, it stands on the edge of disappearance. 

The process begins with heating castor oil until it reaches a thick, honey-like texture. After cooling, it is mixed with natural colour pigment and blended till the two combine smoothly. Using a thin metal rod, the artist then draws freehand designs onto the fabric, without using a brush at any stage.The technique demands patience and control. While simpler patterns may take 5-6 days, highly intricate and detailed pieces can take months, sometimes even years to finish.

Today one family has continued the Rogan Art tradition from generation to generation in Nirona Village Kutch, and that tradition may have died out without them. The survival of this way of creating art was made possible by a great deal of dedication and an increased level of awareness generated through worldwide publicity. Rogan Art is not only an artistic medium, it is an example of incredible cultural heritage in India and demonstrates how much value there is in creating handmade products. In this day and age of fast-paced production and mass production of items, Rogan Art serves as a lasting testament to the artistic process involving patience, tradition and a human touch.

Among the many designs of Rogan Art, the most celebrated is the Tree of Life, symbolising growth, harmony, and continuity. Known for its fine detail and symmetry, it reflects the patience and precision of the craft. Once on the verge of fading, Rogan Art gained global recognition, bringing attention to this rare tradition and helping preserve it for future generations.

In a world where everyone seeks fast and quick options, Rogan Art highlights the importance of such hidden gems of the art world. It reminds us of the value of patience and tradition. It is essential to preserve and develop such art forms and pass them on to future generations. Rogan Art is not just a technique; it is an identity. It spreads culture, art, and stories, and connects people. Something deeply needed in the modern age.

News Shorts l Bilateral meeting at Manekshaw Centre

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Union Minister for Defence, Rajnath Singh with Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic, Nikos Dendias, ahead of their bilateral meeting at Manekshaw Centre, in Delhi Cantt.

The ministers are meeting for talks over giving a boost to defence ties and fostering an environment of global peace and prosperity. 

News Shorts l Bastar Pandum – 2026

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah graced the closing ceremony of ‘Bastar Pandum – 2026’ as the Chief Guest at Jagdalpur, in Chhattisgarh.

At the ceremony, Shah spoke about the various initiatives taken by the government to better the lives of the local population as well as the people of the state. He also talked about the various development programs implemented in the state for the welfare of the people.

Press Release l President's Secretariat

• President Of India Graces Black Swan Summit, India At Bhubaneswar
• India’s Fintech Story Should Be Remembered Not Only As A Tale Of Technology But Also As That Of Gender Justice: President Droupadi Murmu
• Ensure That Technology Becomes A Tool For Social Justice And Inclusion: President Droupadi Murmu To Entrepreneurs And Innovators

The President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the Black Swan Summit, India, organised by the Government of Odisha in collaboration with Global Finance and Technology Network, at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, today (February 6, 2026).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that we are living in a time when technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace. New innovations arrive so rapidly that our systems, skills, and business models often struggle to keep up. At the same time, these rapid advancements can also bring serious challenges, including cybersecurity threats, deepfakes, misinformation, and an increasing dependence on technology. However, the rapid technological changes have a huge positive impact on innovation and growth. Through events such as Black Swan Summit, innovative methods can be explored to leverage technologies for further enhancing capabilities through skilling, generate employment and accelerate the digital and financial transformation.

The President said that in the past decade, India has witnessed an impactful revolution in the financial system. Direct benefit transfer into bank accounts and the digital payments have become very common among farmers, small shopkeepers and women. For them, “fintech” is not a technical term, it has become their lifeline.

The President said that India’s fintech story should be remembered not only as a tale of technology but also as that of gender justice. Women constitute an important segment that requires focused attention for the promotion of fintech. Fintech ecosystem must view them not only as end users but as leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs. For every new platform, product, or policy, it needs to be evaluated if it makes women active participants in the digital and financial ecosystem.

The President said that fintech does not guarantee inclusion on its own. There continue to be citizens, especially in remote, tribal, and rural areas, who are not conversant with the digital tools. Skilling them is very important to make them participants in the development journey. Only then, fintech can become an engine of inclusion, employment generation and promotion of entrepreneurship. She urged entrepreneurs and innovators to ensure that technology becomes a tool for social justice and inclusion.

The President said that technology has a huge potential for making positive impact on all sectors of economy and all sections of society. However, at times it can be misused for financial frauds. It is pertinent to enhance awareness among people to be vigilant and alert to prevent such frauds. The Government of India has undertaken various measures to prevent and report such frauds including setting up of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System and Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre.  Ensuring digital and financial literacy is essential to deter online financial fraud. It needs to be made part of school curricula so that the advantages and disadvantages of technology can be understood at a young age.

​The President said that advancing skill development, establishing global capability centres, and enhancing innovation capacity are investments in human capital.  She was happy to note that Government of Odisha has launched BharatNetra initiative for building a future-ready workforce and innovation ecosystem in digital, financial and insurance technology sectors. She appreciated Government of Odisha and Global Finance and Technology Network for co-organising the Black Swan Summit as part of the BharatNetra initiative. She expressed confidence that discussions and collaborations that emerge from this Summit will be of transformative effect not only for Odisha but also for India and the world.

Press Release l Prime Minister's Office

• PM shares a Sanskrit Subhashitam Invoking Blessings for Health, Longevity and Service to the Nation
• Quoting an ancient Sanskrit verse, the Prime Minister posted: “उपस्थास्ते अनमीवा अयक्ष्मा अस्मभ्यं सन्तु पृथिवि प्रसूताः। दीर्घं न आयुः प्रतिबुध्यमाना वयं तुभ्यं बलिहृतः स्याम॥“

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today drew upon India’s timeless civilizational wisdom, invoking a prayer that reflects the nation’s collective aspiration for health, longevity, and devotion to service.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this invocation embodies the spirit of India’s cultural heritage—where reverence for the Earth, commitment to well‑being, and dedication to service form the foundation of national progress.

8 फरवरी 2026 l कवि नगर रामलीला मैदान में विराट हिंदू सम्मेलन

By: Bhaarat Bol News Team

• राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ की स्थापना के 100 वर्ष पूर्ण होने पर शताब्दी वर्ष में हिंदू जागरण की दिशा में नई ऊर्जा एवं चेतना प्रदान करने हेतु सभी हिंदू समाज द्वारा सनातन संस्कृति,सनातन धर्म एवं सामाजिक एकता के प्रतीक विराट हिंदू सम्मेलन का आयोजन 8 फरवरी 2026 को दोपहर 2:00 बजे से कवि नगर के रामलीला मैदान में किया जा रहा है जिसमें संपूर्ण समाज के विभिन्न वर्गों के सभी महानुभावों को आमंत्रित किया गया है आशा है हजारों की संख्या में उपस्थिति रहने वाली है।

आज हिंदू सम्मेलन आयोजन समिति के अध्यक्ष ललित जायसवाल की अध्यक्षता में एक प्रेस वार्ता का आयोजन किया गया जिसमें सभी उपस्थित पत्रकार बंधुओ का अध्यक्ष द्वारा स्वागत करते हुए धन्यवाद दिया गया।

 

हिंदू सम्मेलन आयोजन समिति के सचिव डॉ.अतुल कुमार जैन ने आगामी 8 फरवरी 2026 को कवि नगर रामलीला मैदान में होने वाले हिंदू सम्मेलन के विषय में जानकारी देते हुए अवगत कराया कि कार्यक्रम में श्रद्धेय स्वामी दीपांकर जी, श्रद्धेय पवन सिन्हा जी, श्रद्धेय जीवन ऋषि जी महाराज, श्रद्धेय अरविंद भाई जी ओझा एवं श्रद्धेय नवनीत प्रिय दास जी की गरिमामय उपस्थिति रहेगी और हिंदुत्व, सनातन धर्म,संस्कार और राष्ट्र प्रेम के संबंध में सभी का उद्बोधन रहेगा। 

राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ के क्षेत्रीय प्रचार प्रमुख श्रीमान पदम जी का मुख्य वक्ता के रूप में प्रेरक उद्बोधन रहेगा। 

हिंदू सम्मेलन को भव्य बनाने और सभी हिंदुओं को संगठित करके जो हिंदू समाज विभिन्न जातियों और भेदभाव के कारण बात हुआ है उन सभी को एक करने का उद्देश्य है और इस अवसर पर उत्कृष्ट धार्मिक और राष्ट्र प्रेम से ओतप्रोत सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम,समूह गान, देश भक्ति का समूह नृत्य, शिव तांडव, इत्यादि के कार्यक्रम भी प्रस्तुत किए जाएंगे। 

इसके साथ ही राष्ट्रीय और अंतरराष्ट्रीय ख्याति प्राप्त कवि और कवयित्री द्वारा सनातन धर्म, हिंदुत्व,राष्ट्र प्रेम,संस्कार भारतीय संस्कृति,और पंच परिवर्तन के विषय में काव्य पाठ किया जाएगा जिसमें लखनऊ से ओज के प्रसिद्ध कवि कमल आग्नेय और कवि नगर गाजियाबाद की ही अंतरराष्ट्रीय ख्याति प्राप्त कवयित्री अंजू जैन का भी काव्य पाठ रहेगा।

कवि नगर के इस विराट हिंदू सम्मेलन को सफल बनाने हेतु आयोजन समिति के साथ-साथ कवि नगर के निवासियों द्वारा पूरा प्रयास किया जा रहा है जिसमें सभी ब्लॉक्स में प्रभात फेरी निकालना सभी निवासियों को निमंत्रण पत्र के साथ-साथ अभिमंत्रित अक्षत देना और सभी ब्लॉक में और प्रमुख सार्वजनिक और व्यापारिक स्थलों पर होर्डिंग्स और पोस्टर लगवाने का कार्य किया गया है। 

8 फरवरी को दोपहर 2:00 बजे से 5:00 बजे तक होने वाले इस हिंदू सम्मेलन में जो अक्षत वितरित किए गए हैं आरती के उपरांत उपस्थित सभी के द्वारा चित्र पर अर्पित किए जाएंगे। हिंदू सम्मेलन कार्यक्रम के उपरांत जलपान की भी व्यवस्था की गई है।

आज की पत्रकार वार्ता में हिंदू सम्मेलन आयोजन समिति के अध्यक्ष ललित जायसवाल महासचिव डॉ.अतुल कुमार जैन, उपाध्यक्ष मनोज गोयल, कोषाध्यक्ष प्रवीण गर्ग कोषाध्यक्ष जयप्रकाश अग्रवाल संरक्षक बी.के. ढाढनिया सह सचिव दीपाली जैन, जितेंद्र गुप्ता, शाखा मुख्य कार्य वाह सुभाष चंद्र, मीडिया प्रवक्ता अजय जैन,सदस्य गण मुनीश गोयल, विकास बिंदल,प्रदीप गुप्ता, सरदार एसपी सिंह  अश्वनी गोयल, इत्यादि के अतिरिक्त अन्य सदस्य गण उपस्थित रहे। 

सचिव डॉ.अतुल कुमार जैन ने सभी पधारे हुए पत्रकार बंधुओ का धन्यवाद ज्ञापित किया।

Cinema l Dhurandhar Part 2 Teaser Packs A Solid Punch

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

• Dhurandhar is the first film in the world that has the teaser of the 2nd part released; even when 1st part is still running strong in cinemas (300+ screens)

Dhurandhar, the biggest hit from Indian Cinema, did what very few films can do; perfectly blend the aesthetics of Cinema with commercial kill at the box-office.

It also redefined the cinema in India in the sense, for the 1st time the 'wine-cheese' critics - the likes of Anupamas, Sucharitas and the ilk - were booed and shooed by cineastes; it may be recalled that these critics are known for pushing certain propaganda, a particular agenda and their unfounded narrative.

Coming to Dhurandhar The Revenge teaser - the narrative of the film seems to be the way the protagonist becomes a subtle yet powerful death-machine for the enemies and the rise of the protagonist as the leader of the Rehman dacait gang.

The gang-war is surely going to spill over to the streets of Lyari and beyond.

The teaser has got very positive reaction and the trailer is expected to explode on the screens in end-February.

March 19, 2026 it is - Dhurandhar The Revenge. 

Press Release l Department of Space

• India’s space economy at $8.4 billion, nearly 400 start-ups active after sector opened to private players: Dr. Jitendra Singh

India’s space economy has grown to an estimated $8.4 billion, with 399 start-ups now operating across launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems and space-grade electronics, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said while replying to a starred question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Dr. Jitendra Singh told the House that the expansion followed key policy decisions taken after 2019 to open the space sector to private participation. A major institutional change, he said, was the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), which functions as a single-window interface between private industry and government agencies, including the Indian Space Research Organisation.

While India had never lacked scientific capability or commitment within ISRO, the Minister said, the absence of an enabling ecosystem had earlier limited wider industrial participation. The reforms created conditions for private investment and entrepreneurship in a sector that had remained largely government-driven for decades.

As a result, the number of space start-ups has increased sharply from single-digit levels to 399 at present. Dr. Jitendra Singh said the space sector, which was once marginal in economic terms, is now valued at about $8.4 billion and is expected to grow four to five times over the next eight to ten years, potentially reaching $40–45 billion.

He informed the House that private entities are now engaged across multiple segments of the space value chain. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has signed a technology transfer agreement with ISRO for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, while a range of Indian companies are working on satellite platforms, launch systems, propulsion technologies and related applications. Dr. Jitendra Singh named several firms to illustrate the breadth of private sector participation that has emerged since the sector was opened.

The Minister also highlighted the revenue generated through the launch of foreign satellites. Of the 434 foreign satellites launched by ISRO so far, 399 were launched after 2014. These launches have earned India revenues of about €323 million and $233 million, reflecting the country’s growing presence in the global space launch market.

Concluding his reply, Dr. Jitendra Singh said space is expected to become an important contributor to India’s future economic growth. With private investment gaining momentum and institutional mechanisms now in place, he said the sector has moved into areas that were previously under-explored and is emerging as a significant domain of manufacturing, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Press Release l Ministry of Ayush

• Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth conducts Training Programme on “Identification of Flora” in Wayanad, Kerala

Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of AYUSH, successfully organized a three-day Training Programme on “Identification of Flora” in the biodiverse region of Wayanad district, Kerala, from 27th to 29th January 2026.The programme aimed to provide hands-on training in the identification and study of medicinal plants through extensive field exposure in diverse ecological settings of the Western Ghats.

The inaugural session was graced by eminent dignitaries including Vaidya Rabinarayana Acharya, Director General, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), New Delhi; Vaidya Mohan Lal Jaiswal, Retired Professor, National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur; Vaidya Madhu K.P., Associate Professor, Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varrier Ayurveda College, Kottakkal; and Ms. Rose Joseph, Range Officer, North Wayanad Division, Department of Forest, Government of Kerala.

A total of 30 students specializing in Dravyaguna participated in the programme and gained first-hand experience of the rich biodiversity of Wayanad, one of the most ecologically significant regions of the Western Ghats.

During the course of the training, the participants engaged in guided field visits and interactive sessions with subject experts to learn about techniques of medicinal plant identification, habitat-specific flora, and principles of conservation. The exposure strengthened their applied understanding essential for Ayurvedic education and clinical practice.

Through such initiatives, Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth continues to promote experiential learning and capacity building among students and practitioners of Ayurveda, fostering integration of traditional knowledge with biodiversity conservation.

News Shorts - India inks historic trade deal with EU

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Prime Minister met the President of the European Council, António Luís Santos da Costa and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen at the Hyderabad House, in New Delhi during the inking of vital trade agreement between India and the European Union.

Costa and Leyen were in India as guests for the 77th Republic Day Of India. The deal is seen by economic analysts as being very vital for the economy; both for the countries in the EU and India.

Experts opine the deal will give a major fillip to trade, commerce, economy and tourism and charter a new era of growth and development.