THE HEADLINES ::
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formally inaugurate India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today.
- Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says, India is well positioned to be a leader in AI and demonstrate its mass adoption and deployment in society.
- Food Corporation of India sign MoU with World Food Programme for supply of rice to eradicate global hunger.
- Holy month of Ramzan begins today in different parts of the country.
- Defending champions India beat Netherlands by 17 runs in final Group A fixture of ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad.
- 6th National Rafting Championship begins today at Shibnote in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. The Opening Ceremony will also be addressed by the President of France Emmanuel Macron, Secretary-General of United Nations Antonio Guterres as well as various top industry leaders from across the world. The opening ceremony will be followed by a visit of the leaders to the India AI Impact Expo. A report:
“The Leaders’ Plenary in the noon will bring together Heads of State, Ministers and senior representatives from multilateral institutions to outline national and global priorities on AI, including governance, infrastructure, and international cooperation. Mr Modi will participate in the CEO roundtable in the evening. It will convene senior executives from global technology and industry firms with government leadership to discuss investment, research collaboration, supply chains, and deployment of AI systems. The theme of India AI Impact Summit 2026 is सर्वजन हिताय, सर्वजन सुखाय, welfare for all, happiness of all. It aims to position India as a leader in the field of AI and envisions a future where AI advances humanity, fosters inclusive growth, and safeguards the shared planet. The Summit has brought together more than 500 Global AI Leaders, around 100 Chief Executive Officers and Founders, 150 Academicians and Researchers, and 400 Chief Technology Officers and Philanthropists. It also engage over 100 government representatives, including more than 20 Heads of State and Government and around 60 Ministers and Vice Ministers. With Anand Kumar, Anupam Mishra, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that India is well positioned to be a leader in AI and demonstrate its mass adoption and deployment in society. Addressing an event at India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Mr. Sunak said, there is incredible optimism and trust towards AI in India, while in the West, the overriding feeling is one of anxiety at the moment. He said, India has recognised that leadership in technology does not just depend on inventing technology, it’s about how you deploy it. Former UK Prime Minister said, in the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy 2025 report, India has been ranked third for AI competitiveness and ecosystem vibrancy.
India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16-20, in which a large number of world leaders, technology experts and innovators are participating.
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At India AI Impact Summit, Google has announced that it will connect India with the US through new subsea cables as part of a 15 billion dollar investment spread over five years. In a statement, the company informed that through their collaborative infrastructure initiative named America-India Connect, a new international subsea gateway will be established in Vizag. It added that three new subsea paths connecting India to Singapore, South Africa, and Australia; and four strategic fiber-optic routes will also be established. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai said that the initiative delivers new sub-sea cable routes to increase AI connectivity between India, the US and multiple locations across the southern hemisphere.
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Global leaders continue to arrive in New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. President of Switzerland Guy Parmelin today arrived in the National Capital for the AI Summit. In a social media post, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the visit of President Parmelin will further deepen India-Switzerland partnership across diverse sectors of mutual interest.
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Food Corporation of India (FCI) and World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the supply of rice in support of global humanitarian operations aimed at combating hunger. Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has informed that FCI will supply two lakh metric tonnes of rice to WFP under the MoU.
Department of Food and Public Distribution, Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said, this agreement showcases the country’s resolve to ensure no one goes hungry. He added, India will continue to stand with the international community in combating malnutrition and food insecurity.
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The holy month of Ramzan begins today as the moon was sighted yesterday evening in many parts of the country. Today will be the first day of fasting of the holy month. Ramzan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar and Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the culmination of fasting month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted people on the beginning of holy month of Ramzan. In a social media post, Mr. Modi expressed hope that this auspicious month will further the spirit of togetherness in society.
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Election Commission has decided to issue show-cause notices to the concerned Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) for failing to upload a large number of voters’ documents online under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process currently underway in West Bengal. According to an official, even four days after the hearing concluded, nearly one lakh fifteen thousand documents are yet to be uploaded. The Commission had clearly instructed all EROs and AEROs that if any application is rejected, the specific reason must be clearly stated.
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Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized 4.776 kg of cocaine worth over 23 crore rupees from a Brazilian passenger at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. Acting on specific intelligence, NCB’s Bengaluru Zonal Unit intercepted the accused in the early hours of yesterday after he arrived from São Paulo via Doha. The NCB added that legal action has been initiated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
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The coffee sector has hailed the interim trade agreement between India and the United States of America. Talking to Akashvani News, Bengaluru-based coffee roaster Srikanth Rao said that the deal will increase investment in the coffee sector. He added that the reduction in tariffs will boost exports, providing long-term benefits for the farmers involved in this sector.
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US President Donald Trump will chair the Board of Peace meeting today and will make an announcement regarding the 5 billion dollar pledged for Gaza by 20 member states attending the meeting. Addressing the media, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Board of Peace meeting will focus on maintaining security in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the outcomes of the trilateral talks with the United States and Russia in Geneva were not sufficient. In a social media post, Zelenskyy said that sensitive political matters, including possible compromises to end the ongoing war, were not sufficiently worked through. He announced that the next meeting will take place later this month.
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In the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, defending champions India beat the Netherlands by 17 runs in the final Group A fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad last night. Electing to bat first, India posted 193 for six in the stipulated 20 overs, with Shivam Dube scoring 66 off 31 balls. In reply, the Netherlands managed 176 for seven in 20 overs. Indian bowler Varun Chakaravarthy claimed three wickets, while Shivam Dube picked up two. Dube was named Player of the Match for his impressive all-round performance.
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In Women’s cricket, India will play against hosts Australia in the second T20 International of their three-match series in Canberra today. The match will start at 1:45 PM Indian time.
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The 6th National Rafting Championship titled “The Ultimate River Battle” will begin today at Shibnote in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The championship aims to showcase top rafting talent from across the country while promoting adventure tourism in the region. Set against the scenic backdrop of the mighty Chenab River, the event is expected to attract professional rafting teams, adventure enthusiasts, and tourists.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLiNE,
- The AI Impact Summit is covered prominently by most of the dailies today. “Modi expands Europe outreach at AI summit ” leads The Statesman. “Prime Minister Modi calls India- EU FTA golden era for trade, tech” leads The Pioneer.
- ” EU leaders back early trade pack, AI cooperation in meetings with Modi” report The Times Of India.
- “Sundar Pichai unveils India -US subsea project and more” reports Financial Express.
- “DGCA proposes swift ban on disruptive passengers” reports The Hindu.
- “Government officials who leak information to media may face Official Secrets Act (OCA) action” states Hindustan Times.
- The Indian Express in its editorial piece “A new tango with Paris ” says that “The elevation of ties between India and France to a Special Global Strategic Partnership is testament to the durability of the relationship and to a shared commitment to strategic autonomy that avoids rigid bloc politics. France has long been one of India’s most dependable partners, with whom ties have acquired renewed momentum over the past 12 month.”
- “US reveals details of ‘Chinese nuclear test ‘; Kremlin disagrees” notes The Hindu.
- “From Bit Role, AI’s now the hero of Entertainment Industry ” says Economic Times about the Indian Entertainment Industry. The paper writes “AI is no longer limited to pilot or experimental projects, it is now reshaping how content is developed and delivered “.
- And finally,”Coming to New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall: Annual festival dedicated to Indian music”says The Indian Express. The paper reports that “Come next year and, in a first Carnegie Hall will have an annual festival dedicated to Indian music.”
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN,
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formally inaugurate India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today.
- Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says, India is well positioned to be a leader in AI and demonstrate its mass adoption and deployment in society.
- Food Corporation of India sign MoU with World Food Programme for supply of rice to eradicate global hunger.
- Holy month of Ramzan begins today in different parts of the country.
- Defending champions India beat Netherlands by 17 runs in final Group A fixture of ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad.
- 6th National Rafting Championship begins today at Shibnote in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.
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