Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai praised India’s rapid rise in artificial intelligence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the country’s developer energy and innovation ecosystem. He emphasised that AI must be pursued responsibly to avoid deepening global inequality and announced Google’s planned $15 billion investment in a full-stack AI hub in Visakhapatnam with gigawatt-scale computing and new international subsea cable connectivity. Pichai also underscored initiatives for AI skill development, infrastructure partnerships and collective action to ensure inclusive access and real-world benefits from AI technologies. (PC: PTI)

The AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi brought together top global leaders and technology experts to discuss artificial intelligence, innovation, and regulation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented India’s vision for responsible and inclusive AI development. Major investment announcements and policy discussions marked the event, with global tech figures participating in key sessions. However, Day 4 also saw controversy after Bill Gates cancelled his keynote appearance and Galgotias University faced criticism for allegedly misrepresenting a robotic dog project. Despite logistical issues and debates over AI safety, the summit highlighted India’s growing ambition to become a global AI leader. (PC: Bloomberg)

Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque has initiated efforts to restore cricketing ties between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India after recent diplomatic and tournament-related tensions. Speaking under the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, Haque emphasised dialogue and cooperation to strengthen bilateral cricket relations. He also questioned the credibility of recent BCB elections and signalled governance reforms. The minister further indicated efforts to resolve issues affecting senior cricketers, aiming to stabilise Bangladesh cricket administration while rebuilding sporting cooperation with India. (PC: India Today)

India’s homegrown Sarvam AI is a next-generation artificial intelligence model built to understand and process Indian languages and contexts. Developed by a Bengaluru-based startup, the model supports 22 official Indian languages and performs tasks such as image captioning, speech recognition, scene text reading, and document understanding. At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Google CEO Sundar Pichai praised the initiative, highlighting India’s growing AI capabilities. Reports suggest Sarvam AI has outperformed leading global systems in select Indian language benchmarks, marking a major step toward sovereign AI development and improved digital accessibility across India. 

Billionaire retail magnate Leslie Wexner, former CEO of L Brands, acknowledged visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s private island once with his family but insisted he never witnessed or knew of any criminal activity linked to the disgraced financier. Testifying to U.S. lawmakers, the 88-year-old said he was “duped” by Epstein, whom he described as a “world-class con man,” and cut ties nearly two decades ago. Wexner, who once hired Epstein as his money manager, denied involvement in any abuse and highlighted he was not accused of wrongdoing, though critics question the depth of their past association. (PC: The Telegraph)

At least 12 schools in Noida and three schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails during ongoing CBSE board examinations, triggering panic and precautionary evacuations. Police, bomb disposal squads and sniffer dog units conducted extensive searches across campuses. Authorities confirmed that no suspicious objects were recovered. Parents were informed and students were safely escorted out as a security measure. Cybercrime teams have begun tracing the origin of the emails. Officials described the threats as likely hoaxes but said investigations are underway to identify those responsible and ensure student safety. (PC: X)

A new peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet estimates that more than 75,000 people were killed in the first 16 months of the war in the Gaza Strip — around 25,000 more deaths than previously reported by local authorities. Based on survey data from approximately 2,000 households, researchers found that 56% of those killed were women, children, or elderly people. The study also estimates around 8,200 indirect deaths linked to malnutrition, disease, and lack of medical care. Researchers say the findings suggest substantial undercounting, with total fatalities possibly representing 3–4% of Gaza’s population. (PC: AP)

Satellite images reveal that Iran is repairing and reinforcing sensitive military and nuclear facilities, including the Parchin complex and sites near Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center and Natanz Nuclear Facility. New structures have reportedly been buried under layers of concrete and soil, while tunnel entrances have been sealed or strengthened. Analysts say these measures aim to protect critical infrastructure from potential future strikes. The developments come amid strained diplomatic relations with Washington over Tehran’s nuclear programme, raising concerns about possible military escalation in the region. (PC: Reuters)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will not deliver his scheduled keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The Gates Foundation confirmed that Ankur Vora, President of its Africa and India offices, will attend and speak on behalf of the organisation instead. The foundation stated the decision was made to keep the focus on the summit’s core priorities. Gates’ withdrawal comes amid recent speculation surrounding his name in newly released documents, although no official detailed reason was provided for the change in plans. (PC: ANI)

Attendees of the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, faced major transport disruptions as roads around the venue were sealed for VVIP movement. Police reportedly restricted cab access near the site, forcing several delegates to walk long distances to find alternative transport. Social media posts highlighted frustration over inadequate shuttle arrangements and limited public transport access. Some visitors claimed nearby metro stations were temporarily inaccessible, worsening the situation. Critics described the episode as poor logistical planning, raising concerns about crowd and traffic management during high-profile international events in the capital.