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)

Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States ended without a breakthrough in Geneva. The meetings lasted two days. Officials described them as “difficult”. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the positions of both sides remain far apart. Russia is demanding full control of the Donbas region. Ukraine has rejected this demand. Some progress was reported on military issues and ceasefire monitoring. However, no agreement was reached on territory. Kremlin negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said another meeting will take place soon. The war has continued for four years. Recent Russian strikes killed four people and injured many others. (PC: Reuters)

22-year-old Sikh nurse was injured in an alleged racial attack at a gym in Geelong, Australia. Harmanpreet Singh said three men confronted him at around 11 pm in Corio. “They called me an ‘Indian dog’ and told me to go back,” he told 9News. As he left the gym, the men followed him outside. One man hit his head against Singh’s nose, breaking it. The attackers fled the scene. Locals took him to hospital. He is expected to undergo surgery. Singh said he feels traumatised and unsafe. His family said the incident has deeply shaken them. (PC: X)

Galgotias University was asked to vacate its stall at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The action followed a viral video. It showed university staff presenting a Chinese-made robot dog as their own product. The robot was identified as Unitree Go2, made by a Chinese company. It was displayed as “Orion” at the event. Social media users accused the university of misleading claims. The university later said it had only bought the robot for learning. It denied building the machine. A Community Note on X said earlier claims were misleading. Officials have not confirmed further action.