New Delhi is set to host a major international gathering of technology executives, political leaders and policy experts as the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 begins in the national capital from February 16 to 20. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that delegations from more than 45 countries will attend the high-level event, positioning the summit as one of the largest global forums focused on artificial intelligence and digital policy. Among the notable participants is Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, along with senior officials from several international organisations. The presence of global leadership underscores the summit’s growing significance as countries seek to collaborate on the opportunities and challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies. The summit’s framework is built around three central themes—People, Planet and Progress—reflecting India’s stated aim of shaping artificial intelligence governance that promotes inclusive growth, environmental sustainability and technological advancement. Officials said the agenda will focus on balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring that digital transformation benefits both developing and developed economies. Several heads of state and government are scheduled to attend at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Leaders expected to participate include Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Emmanuel Macron of France, Pedro Sánchez of Spain and Dick Schoof of the Netherlands, among others. Additional representation will come from vice presidents, crown princes and senior ministers, highlighting broad geographic participation across Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. Beyond government delegations, the event will draw prominent figures from the global technology sector. Executives expected to attend include Sundar Pichai of Google, Sam Altman of OpenAI, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Demis Hassabis of DeepMind, Brad Smith of Microsoft and Cristiano Amon of Qualcomm. Their participation is expected to add industry insight into emerging AI trends, research and investment. According to officials, the summit will facilitate discussions on responsible AI governance, innovation ecosystems, digital public infrastructure and climate-conscious technology. Sessions are also planned on equitable access to emerging tools, reflecting concerns that technological gaps could widen inequalities between regions. Organisers have described the India-AI Impact Summit as a platform designed not only for dialogue but also for measurable outcomes. By encouraging collaboration between policymakers, startups and multinational firms, the event aims to generate partnerships and frameworks that support economic growth, social development and the sustainable use of artificial intelligence. With a strong international presence and a broad agenda, the summit is expected to reinforce India’s role as an influential player in shaping global AI policy while promoting cooperation on the future of the digital economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with Mauritian Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the special and historic relationship between India and Mauritius. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, expanding development cooperation, and ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region, underscoring the strategic significance of the island nation in India’s foreign pol

Several schools in the national capital were placed on high alert on Monday after bomb threat emails were sent to their official email IDs, triggering swift action from security agencies. According to officials, at least ten schools across different parts of Delhi received the threatening emails within a short time window, prompting immediate deployment of police teams, fire services, and bomb disposal squads to conduct thorough security checks on school premises. As per the informa

A new white paper has underscored the deep and lasting contribution of the Indian diaspora to modern Britain, describing the community as the country’s most economically successful migrant group and a central force in national growth. The report, launched at the House of Lords on 5 February, traces decades of migration and documents how successive generations of Indian migrants have supported Britain’s recovery, innovation and competitiveness across multiple sectors of the economy.

India and the European Union are set to announce the conclusion of negotiations on a long-awaited free trade agreement during a high-level summit in New Delhi on January 27. Senior leaders from both sides are expected to participate in the meeting, which will focus on trade liberalisation, security cooperation and mobility arrangements for students and professionals. The conclusion of the talks marks a significant moment in bilateral relations, reflecting renewed political momentum after years of intermittent progress. Officials involved in the process have indicated that the agreement is designed to be balanced and forward-looking, aligning with the long-term economic interests of both partners. While the pact is expected to boost trade volumes, policymakers see it as a qualitative shift in India–EU engagement, strengthening cooperation across manufacturing, services, technology and sustainable development. The timing is notable, as global trade flows continue to face uncertainty amid rising tariff barriers and geopolitical tensions. Economic experts have described the agreement as a landmark step that could reshape commercial ties between the two economies. They point to strong complementarities, with India offering a large and growing market and the European Union bringing advanced technology, investment capacity and diversified demand. The efficient exchange of goods and services under the agreement is expected to enhance supply chains and open new opportunities for businesses on both sides. From India’s perspective, the trade pact reflects a strategic effort to deepen integration with major global partners while safeguarding domestic priorities. Officials confirmed that negotiations have been completed and that the agreement is undergoing final legal review. The remaining procedural steps are expected to be completed soon, paving the way for formal signing and implementation. The announcement has drawn international attention, including criticism from some quarters in the United States. A senior US official recently expressed concern over the deal, linking it to broader disputes over energy trade and tariffs. The remarks underscored differing approaches to trade policy and highlighted how the India–EU agreement fits into a complex global economic landscape shaped by competing interests and sanctions regimes. The summit in New Delhi is also expected to mark progress beyond trade. Leaders are likely to finalise a Security and Defence Partnership aimed at enhancing strategic coordination, as well as a framework to facilitate mobility for Indian students and professionals seeking opportunities in Europe. These initiatives reflect a broader effort to strengthen people-to-people ties and cooperation in emerging areas of mutual interest. Negotiations for an India–EU free trade agreement first began in 2007 but were suspended in 2013 due to differences over ambition and market access. The process was revived in 2022, following renewed political commitment on both sides to address outstanding issues and adapt the talks to changing global conditions. The European Union remains India’s largest trading partner, accounting for a significant share of the country’s total trade in goods and services. With the conclusion of the free trade negotiations, both sides are positioning the agreement as a cornerstone of their economic relationship, one that could provide stability and growth amid an evolving global trade environment.

At least 11 people were killed and 12 others seriously injured following an armed attack at a football field in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, according to local authorities. The shooting occurred in the municipality of Salamanca, where gunmen opened fire on people gathered at the sports facility, triggering a large-scale security response. Municipal officials confirmed that 10 victims died at the scene, while another person later succumbed to injuries after being transpor

The protest movement against the Iranian regime is growing stronger and more vocal with each passing day. What began as domestic unrest has now expanded beyond the country’s borders, evolving into a global expression of dissent. Demonstrations are increasingly visible in Europe, the United States, and neighboring regions, highlighting the determination of Iranians and their supporters to draw international attention to long-standing political and social grievances. The expanding reach of these

India on Friday said it was concerned about the fatal shooting in Minneapolis, citing the presence of a large Indian community in the United States and the broader implications of the incident. The reaction came amid growing scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices in the US following the death of a woman during a federal operation. Responding to questions on the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs said India was closely following developments related to the Minneapolis

The proposed India–US trade deal failed to materialise because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not personally call US President Donald Trump, according to claims made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Speaking on a podcast, Lutnick said the final step required to close the agreement was direct communication between the two leaders, which did not happen, leading to the collapse of the negotiations. Lutnick stated that the framework of the deal had been completed and was rea

Documents released under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act have shed new light on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during India’s Operation Sindoor in April last year, revealing an extensive and urgent campaign to seek Washington’s intervention as tensions escalated between the two South Asian neighbors. The filings indicate that Islamabad repeatedly appealed to US officials for assistance, offering a range of economic and strategic incentives in return for diplomatic engag

Chinese President Xi Jinping used his annual New Year’s Eve address to reaffirm Beijing’s long-standing position on Taiwan, declaring that reunification with the self-governing island was inevitable. Speaking in Beijing on Wednesday, Xi said that bringing Taiwan under China’s control was “a trend of the times” that could not be stopped, reiterating a pledge that has become a central pillar of his leadership. The speech came just one day after the conclusion of large-scale

Two young women from Telangana’s Mahabubabad district lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the United States after the car they were travelling in plunged into a gorge along a mountainous stretch of road in California. The incident occurred at a sharp curve on Alabama Hills Road, a scenic but challenging route known for its winding terrain. The deaths have sent shockwaves through their hometowns in Telangana, where families and residents are struggling to come to terms with the sud

Pakistan’s recent diplomatic and military outreach to Bangladesh has triggered fresh speculation about a potential defence agreement that could significantly reshape regional security dynamics in South Asia. Over the past few months, several senior Pakistani military officials, including the chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Navy chief, and ISI head Lt General Asim Malik, have made repeated visits to Dhaka. These developments come as Bangladesh’s interim leadership u

A shocking incident has sent ripples through the Indian diaspora in Canada after a 30-year-old Indian-origin woman was found murdered in Toronto. Canadian police have confirmed that the case is being investigated as a homicide, with strong suspicion of intimate partner violence. Authorities have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for a man believed to have been known to the victim. The woman has been identified as Himanshi Khurana, a resident of Toronto. Police are actively searchi

India marked another defining moment in its space journey as the powerful Bahubali rocket successfully blasted off carrying the heaviest satellite ever launched by the country. The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 M6 mission lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, showcasing India’s growing dominance in heavy-lift and commercial space missions. The 43.5-metre-tall LVM3 rocket, supported by two massive S200 solid boosters, took t

American authorities have unveiled a proposal that would require foreign tourists from dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, to provide a five-year record of their social media activity before entering the United States. The measure, introduced by Customs and Border Protection, seeks to significantly expand the personal information collected from travellers who qualify for the visa waiver programme. Forty-two countries currently participate in the programme, which allows short-te

Russia is confronting an unexpected challenge in its human spaceflight program after significant damage was discovered at the country’s primary crewed launch facility in Kazakhstan. The incident occurred moments after the successful liftoff of the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft, which departed from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on November 27 carrying two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut to the International Space Station. Although the mission reached orbit without complications, the condition of

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to travel to India on December 4 and 5 for the 23rd Annual Summit, marking his first visit since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and India’s Operation Sindoor. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin is expected to place significant emphasis on strengthening defence cooperation, including discussions on a potential new S-400 air defence system contract. The visit comes at a critical time, as both countries reassess the

The death toll from the widespread floods and landslides triggered by days of heavy monsoon rain in Southeast Asia has risen to more than 400, according to updated assessments from regional authorities on Saturday. Rescue teams across Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia continued large-scale operations through the weekend as thousands of people remained stranded, many of them waiting on rooftops or in partially submerged homes for emergency assistance. The severe weather, intensified by a tropic

US rapper Travis Scott returned to Mumbai for his second India performance within a month, drawing massive crowds and viral attention. While the concert highlights quickly spread online, one particular video stood out: security teams spraying water over fans before the show to help them cope with Mumbai’s heat. The move was welcomed enthusiastically by attendees, who cheered and enjoyed the cooling showers as they waited for Scott to take the stage. With temperatures running high during thi