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.

A stampede-like situation occurred at Shivneri Fort in Pune district during celebrations for Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, as an uncontrolled crowd far exceeded the fort’s capacity, causing chaos in narrow pathways. Thousands of devotees, including women and children, gathered at the historic site overnight, leading to overcrowding on constricted routes where upward and downward movement collided. In the ensuing rush, people were pushed and trampled, resulting in multiple injuries—especially among women and children—who were treated at nearby hospitals. Authorities are assessing the incident and crowd management response amid ongoing celebrations.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 opened at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, uniting global policymakers, tech CEOs and innovators to shape the future of artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, Sundar Pichai (Google), Sam Altman (OpenAI) and Bill Gates are among top speakers addressing the event, aimed at fostering AI governance, innovation and investment. The summit, anchored on themes like People, Planet and Progress, features exhibits, discussions and collaborations with delegates from over 100 nations and major tech firms. It highlights India’s push to lead responsible, inclusive AI on the global stage. (PC: Instagram)

India has officially joined over 100 nations and international organisations in criticising what they describe as unilateral Israeli measures aimed at expanding control over the occupied West Bank, calling them violations of international law that undermine peace and stability. India endorsed a joint United Nations statement condemning these actions and urging their reversal, reinforcing its support for negotiated solutions and international legal norms. The move comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Israel, signalling a diplomatic balancing act between upholding legal principles and maintaining bilateral ties. (PC: The Hindu)

Russia has rejected US claims that India agreed to stop buying Russian crude oil. Speaking at a briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow has “no reason to believe” that India has changed its stand. She said India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons “benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the international energy market.” The response came after US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that India would halt imports. India has not confirmed the US statement. New Delhi has said that “national interests” guide its energy decisions. (PC: India Today)

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has called on the Pakistan government to ensure proper medical care for jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His remarks came after 14 former international captains signed a petition seeking medical and legal support for Khan. Concerns have grown over Khan’s health following reports about issues with his eyesight. Speaking to reporters, Ganguly said, “They have done the right thing. I hope his health improves and that he gets the right treatment.” He added, “He took the country to the world map, first as captain and then as Prime Minister, so he should be looked after.” (PC: HT)

A six-month-old macaque named Punch is winning hearts online after videos showed him hugging a soft toy at a zoo in Japan. Zoo staff said his mother rejected him soon after birth. Keepers then raised him by hand and gave him blankets and toys for comfort. Punch soon bonded with a plush orangutan and now carries it around his enclosure. He is often seen holding it close and sleeping beside it. Keeper Kosuke Shikano said, “The stuffed animal’s fur made it easy to grab and likely provided a sense of security.” Punch is now slowly meeting other macaques again.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak at the opening ceremony of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday morning. The event is being held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. Around 20 heads of state are expected to attend. According to the schedule, Modi will join a leaders’ photo session at about 9:15 am and attend the ceremony at 9:40 am. His address is planned for 10:25 am. On Wednesday, he held nine bilateral meetings with global leaders and top technology executives. The summit focuses on global cooperation and responsible use of artificial intelligence for public benefit. (PC: HT)

India defeated Netherlands by 17 runs in their final Group A match of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad and kept their perfect record intact. Batting first, India lost both openers early, with Abhishek Sharma dismissed for his third straight duck. Shivam Dube led the recovery with 66 off 31 balls. Suryakumar Yadav scored 34, while Hardik Pandya made 30 and Tilak Varma added 28 to push India to 193/6. Netherlands replied with 176/7 in 20 overs. Varun Chakravarthy took three wickets, including two in two balls. Dube picked up two wickets, and Jasprit Bumrah also bowled a tight spell. (PC: X)