THE HEADLINES:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for democratising AI to empower Global South; Inaugurates India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in the presence of many World leaders.
Prime Minister unveils M.A.N.A.V. vision for ethical and inclusive AI; Says, AI will benefit the world only when it is shared.
French President Emmanuel Macron hails India’s digital infrastructure as unmatched in the world.
Bihar declared Naxal-Free after last armed maoist surrenders in Munger.
Supreme Court says, freebies culture hampers economic development; Calls upon states to open avenues for employment.
And, in ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, Super 8 stage line up finalised.
<><><>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed on democratising AI saying it must become a tool for inclusion and empowerment, particularly for the Global South. Inaugurating the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi in the presence of many world leaders, Mr Modi said, the world is entering an era where humans and intelligent systems co-create, co-work and co-evolve. He said, AI will make the work smarter, more efficient and more impactful.
Mr Modi said, India not only develops new technology but also adopts it rapidly. He said, India is the centre of the world’s largest tech pool. He said, it is a matter of pride for the India and the Global South that the AI summit is being organised in New Delhi. The Prime Minister said, in the course of human history, there have been certain turning points that shaped entire centuries.
Mr Modi outlined the M.A.N.A.V. vision for AI – Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive, Valid and Legitimate. He asserted that India’s M.A.N.A.V. Vision will become a crucial link for humanity’s welfare in the AI-driven world of the 21st century.
Prime Minister Modi remarked that India is building a resilient ecosystem ranging from semiconductors and chip-making to quantum computing. He highlighted that secure data centers, a strong IT backbone, and a dynamic startup ecosystem make India a natural hub for affordable, scalable, and secure AI solutions.
Addressing the event, French President Emmanuel Macron said, India built something that no other country in the world has built. He said, a digital identity for 1.4 billion people, a payment system that now processes 20 billion transactions every month and health infrastructure that has issued 500 million digital health IDs.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, AI must belong to everyone. He said, future of AI cannot be decided by a handful of countries.
Welcoming the world leaders attending the summit Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, the government is working on all the 5 layers of the AI stack. He added that the government treats Compute as public good.
<><><>
Later the Prime Minister addressed the leader’s plenary at the Summit .He said AI technology should be accessible for all and it should be the goal of every nation. He said, AI needs clear human values and guidance. He said, aspirational India has a big role in the global journey of Artificial Intelligence. Mr Modi said, looking at the history, humans have transformed every disruption into a new opportunity.
On the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence, the Prime Minister made three vital suggestions. Firstly, he highlighted the need for a robust data framework for AI training that respects data sovereignty. Secondly, Mr. Modi underscored the importance of clear and transparent safety rules for AI platforms. Thirdly, the Prime Minister said, AI requires clear human values and guidance.
<><><>
Dr. Harshit Mishra, Founder of ClimAgro Analytics has said that many startups working in the field of AI, particularly in agriculture, are participating in the India AI Impact Summit. He noted that several of these startups are focusing on solutions to crop loss, climate change-related challenges in agriculture, and other sector-specific issues. He underscored that the Summit provides a platform for innovators to exchange ideas and collaborate on developing effective solutions to these problems.
Ishita Pal, Public Relations and Communications officer at Scangenie Scientific Private Limited, termed the India AI Impact Summit a platform that promotes knowledge through large-scale collaboration across sectors and countries. Talking to Akashvani News at the summit, she said the event has enabled her to gain deeper insights into developments in Artificial Intelligence and machine technologies.
Adithya Tripathi, Founder of Ekalavya India Private Limited, said he was overwhelmed by his experience at the Summit. He described the experience as exceptional. He said it provided valuable exposure and meaningful connections.
Founder and Co-Founder of an AI-based mock interview platform RealPrep AI, Abhishek Gupta and Akash Kumar told Akashvani News that the initiative has provided them significant exposure, even as students.
<><><>
Bihar has been declared free of Naxal activities. The state achieved this significant milestone after the surrender of the last armed Maoist, Suresh Koda, in Munger. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG of the Munger range, Rakesh Kumar, stated that no armed Naxalite squad is currently active in any of the 23 districts that were previously affected by Naxalism.
The District Magistrate of Munger, Nikhil Dhanraj Nippanikar, said that under the Central Government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, Suresh Koda will soon be provided with the prescribed benefits.
Meanwhile, Suresh Koda’s wife, Pramila Devi, expressed happiness over his decision to surrender, saying that there is now a sense of relief and joy in the family.
It is noteworthy that in 2012, 23 districts of Bihar were affected by Naxal activities. During the 1970s, Naxalite influence had grown significantly in the state, with central Bihar districts being the most affected. Due to sustained efforts by the Central and State Governments, not a single Naxalite incident was reported in 2025. In the same year, 220 Naxalites were arrested, marking a major achievement toward peace and development in the state.
<><><>
In Jammu and Kashmir, at least five suspected persons have been detained for questioning amid intensified search for a gangster who remained at large after escaping a juvenile home, along with two Pakistani inmates in Jammu. Karajeet Singh alias Gugga, and two Pakistan citizens attacked police personnel and fled from the juvenile home around on Monday. Two cops were injured in the incident.
<><><>
The Supreme Court today said, freebies culture is hampering the country’s economic development. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said, most of the states in the country are revenue deficit and yet they are offering such freebies overlooking development. The Apex court was taking note of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd’s plea, which proposed to provide free electricity to all irrespective of financial status of consumers.
The bench said, states should work to open avenues for employment instead of giving free food, cycles and electricity to all.
The top court, issued notice to Centre and others on the plea of the DMK government-led power distribution firm in Tamil Nadu which proposes to provide free electricity. The power firm has challenged a rule of the Electricity Amendment Rules, 2024.
<><><>
Eleven fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and released from Srilankan Prison reached Chennai. Of the eleven fishermen, four hailed from Ramanathapuram, and the other seven fishermen belonged to Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai districts. They were arrested in July last year and were caught by the Srilankan Navy for trespassing into international waters. They were released from Srilankan Prisons and handed over to Indian immigration authorities.
<><><>
In the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup is completely set now, with eight teams confirming qualification for the next round. The teams in the Group one are India, South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe. In group 2 there are England New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Eight contenders will fight for a spot in the semifinals as next round of the tournament will be held on Saturday. Former champions Australia’s early exit was the biggest shock of the group stage.
Meanwhile in the last Group C clash, West Indies were 115 for 7 in 16 overs against Italy in the Group C clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata when reports last came in. It is the last match for both the teams in the league stage.
In two other fixtures scheduled today, Sri Lanka will face Zimbabwe in Colombo in a Group B match and Afghanistan will play against Canada in Group D encounter in Chennai.
<><><>
In Pakistan, 13 people died after a suspected gas explosion triggered a residential building collapse in Karachi today. The blast took place at a house in Soldier Bazar area. So far, 11 people have been pulled out from the debris and shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities said the search and rescue operations are underway.
<><><>
Sensex and Nifty, were trading 0.9 per cent down during afternoon trade today. The Sensex fell over 750 points to 82 thousand and 980, while the Nifty slipped 216 points to 25 thousand and 604, when reports last came in. On the sectoral front, Realty, Power, and Utilities were the biggest laggards.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for democratising AI to empower Global South; Inaugurates India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in the presence of many World leaders.
Prime Minister unveils M.A.N.A.V. vision for ethical and inclusive AI; Says, AI will benefit the world only when it is shared.
French President Emmanuel Macron hails India’s digital infrastructure as unmatched in the world.
Bihar declared Naxal-Free after last armed maoist surrenders in Munger.
Supreme Court says, freebies culture hampers economic development; Calls upon states to open avenues for employment.
And, in ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, Super 8 stage line up finalised.
<><><>
