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)

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)

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)

A 65-year-old former ISRO employee was arrested for allegedly killing his wife in Bengaluru. Police said Nageshwar Rao strangled his wife, Sandya Sri, with a towel at their apartment in Bommanahalli on Wednesday. He stayed inside the house after the incident. Later, he called an acquaintance, who informed the police around 11 am. Officers reached the spot and took him into custody. Police said Rao was undergoing treatment for depression. He had reportedly planned to take his own life after the incident. The couple’s daughter lives in the US. She has been informed about the case.

New CCTV footage shows a 17-year-old driving an SUV at high speed just before a crash that killed 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra in West Delhi. The accident took place near Dwarka on February 3. The video shows the SUV narrowly missing a bus and moving out of its lane before hitting the victim’s bike. Another clip recorded from inside the car also shows the vehicle speeding on a road without a divider. The teen driver is on interim bail due to Class 10 board exams. Police records show the SUV had 13 challans earlier, including nine for speeding. The teen allegedly had no licence. 

The Election Commission of India has announced biennial Rajya Sabha elections for 37 seats across 10 states. Voting will be held on March 16 from 9 am to 4 pm. Counting will take place at 5 pm the same day. The seats are spread across Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Telangana, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh. Notifications will be issued on February 26. The last date for nominations is March 5. The poll body said, “Only integrated violet colour sketch pen(s)… shall be used for marking preferences.” Observers will monitor the process. The election process will end by March 20. (PC: HT)