Pakistan hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt has lashed out the national federation after returning from a tumultuous tour of Australia during which his side didn't just have to roam the streets for lack of accommodation but also "wash dishes before going to play a match". Butt told the media at the Lahore Airport early this morning that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had been telling them lies and "enough was enough"."We can't work with this current management of the federation. When players have to clean the kitchen and wash dishes before going to play a match what result do you expect from us?" a livid Butt asked angrily. The PHF has drawn severe criticism after the state-run Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) confirmed it had given them more than 10 million rupees to arrange hotel accommodation of the national team in Australia. The Pakistan hockey team had to wait for 13-14 hours at Sydney airport before their onward flight to Canberra. More disturbing reports came in when the team checked into its hotel ahead of the FIH Pro League matches. The players were told that they had no bookings since no advance payment was made to the hotel management. The players had to wait for hours and roamed the streets before an accommodation was arranged for them. The next afternoon, they had to play their first match against Australia which the team lost 2-3. Pakistan all its matches during the Australia leg, losing to the hosts as well as Germany. "What was pathetic was that even the Airbnb accommodation was arranged for 10 days when we had to stay for 13 days. We had to move into a cheaper residence after 10-days," Butt said. The PSB Director-General Noor us Sabah told the media that they were preparing a detailed report for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after he ordered an inquiry into the whole fiasco. The Sharif is the patron-in-chief of the PHF. Butt disclosed that the PHF had warned the players of disciplinary action if they spoke to the media "I am speaking up because of what we have been through in Australia," he said. "We need a foreign coach if we have to move forward. We have a good combination of players but we need a foreign coach and good management," he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
18 February,2026 03:23 PM IST | Karachi | PTIMadhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presented a Rs 4.38 lakh crore budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the state Assembly on Wednesday, placing strong emphasis on welfare measures for women, farmers, and marginalised sections while outlining ambitious plans for infrastructure, industry, and sustainable growth. The budget also includes the recruitment of 15,000 teachers to strengthen the education system and 22,500 in the police department. The flagship 'Ladli Behna' Yojana received the largest single allocation of Rs 23,882 crore, continuing to provide direct financial assistance to women and reinforcing the government's focus on gender empowerment and household economic stability. In the agriculture sector, Devda announced the distribution of subsidised solar irrigation pumps to one lakh farmers, fulfilling Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's commitment to promote renewable energy in farming, cut electricity expenses, and boost productivity through eco-friendly practices. A target of Rs 25,000 crore in Kisan loans was set, alongside efforts to promote natural farming methods. Rural development emerged as a priority with Rs 40,000 crore earmarked for comprehensive rural infrastructure. The G Ram G scheme for Gram Panchayat advancement received Rs 10,428 crore, while Rs 9,000 crore was allocated for the PM Janman scheme targeting tribal and underprivileged communities. The Jal Jeevan Mission was provided Rs 4,454 crore to accelerate piped drinking water coverage across households. Infrastructure saw substantial investments, including Rs 12,690 crore for road repairs and connectivity enhancements in rural and urban areas. Housing for all received Rs 6,850 crore under the PM Awas Yojana. Urban development was allocated over Rs 21,561 crore, with a dedicated Rs 3,600 crore for preparations related to the upcoming 'Simhastha Mahaparva', supported by Rs 13,851 crore overall for the event and ongoing work on the six-lane Indore-Ujjain Highway. The energy sector was strengthened with a provision of Rs 34,650 million and the establishment of a 604 megawatt power unit. The state has implemented its Space Policy and is developing 48 industrial parks, while a special package was approved to spur industrial growth in Bundelkhand. Telecom manufacturing initiatives have commenced in Gwalior. Education and youth development featured free tetra pack milk for students up to Class eight in government schools to enhance nutrition and school attendance. Rs 530 crore was set aside for PM Shri Yojana, Rs 800 crore for sports and training infrastructure, and hostels will be built for working women. The Devi Ahilyabai Lok development project has begun, while Rs 793 crore was allocated for Dharti Aba Yojana and Rs 1,335 crore for labour welfare. Environmental conservation received Rs 6,151 crore, religious and cultural activities secured Rs 2,055 crore, and the Mukhya Mantri Teerth Darshan Yojana got Rs 50 crore to support senior citizens' pilgrimages. The presentation was briefly disrupted by opposition Congress MLAs, who entered the House with placards and symbolic empty piggy banks to protest the absence of an increase in legislators' funds, creating momentary chaos during the speech. This budget reflects the government's vision for inclusive, sustainable, and self-reliant progress in Madhya Pradesh, balancing welfare commitments with long-term developmental goals amid global economic uncertainties. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
18 February,2026 03:00 PM IST | Bhopal | IANSThe Maharashtra government has cancelled the five per cent reservation for members of the Muslim community in government jobs and educational institutions. A government resolution (GR) to this effect was issued on Tuesday, following the lapse of the previous ordinance granting the quota, which also faced an interim court stay, news agency PTI reported. The earlier Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) government had issued an ordinance providing a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims. According to the new GR, all previous decisions and the ordinance concerning the five per cent reservation for the socially and educationally backward Muslim group under the Special Backward Category (A) have been revoked, PTI reported. This includes government and semi-government jobs, as well as seats in educational institutions. The GR also cancelled earlier notifications from 2014 and directed that caste and non-creamy layer certificates for Muslims in the Special Backward Category will no longer be issued. Opposition slams move, calls BJP-led govt ‘anti-minority’ The opposition, criticising the government’s decision, on Wednesday called the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Maharashtra regime “anti-minority”. Former state Congress Working Committee member Naseem Khan alleged that the ruling Mahayuti coalition had committed an injustice by scrapping the quota, while NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) Spokesperson Clyde Crasto said the move shows that the BJP does not value Muslim leaders of the party or its allies, PTI reported. Speaking to reporters at Tilak Bhavan, Khan said the decision to remove the quota for socially and educationally backward sections within the Muslim community was “extremely wrong” and would deprive minorities of opportunities to join the mainstream of development. He added that the previous Congress-NCP government had issued the ordinance in 2014 granting the Muslim quota. “The subsequent Devendra Fadnavis government did not take the process forward, and even after the Bombay High Court granted interim relief for the five per cent educational reservation, its implementation was not ensured,” Khan alleged. Crasto said, “The decision proves that the BJP doesn’t value Muslim leaders of the party and its allies. It also shows that these Muslim leaders won’t get justice from the BJP.” As noted, the earlier Congress-NCP ordinance had provided a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims. The new GR issued on Tuesday cancels all previous decisions and related ordinances regarding the five per cent reservation for the socially and educationally backward Muslim group in government, semi-government jobs, and educational institutions. (With PTI inputs)
18 February,2026 02:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe AI-India Impact Summit 2026 strengthens India's role as a key platform for shaping the global AI agenda. Anchored in the Seven Chakras and the Three Sutras of People, Planet, and Progress, the Summit advances a development-oriented framework for artificial intelligence. By linking policy with implementation and innovation with public purpose, the Summit establishes a structured approach to responsible AI deployment. It aligns technological advancement with inclusive growth and sustainable development. The Summit positions India as a convenor and partner in global AI cooperation, supporting shared standards, collaborative frameworks, and scalable solutions for public good. It marks a transition from dialogue to delivery, reinforcing India's commitment to responsible, inclusive, and development-focused AI pathways. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind has appreciated India for hosting the seminal Global AI Impact, noting that it comes at an opportune time as the world is on the cusp of Artificial Generative Intelligence. The DeepMind CEO highlighted several areas where AI is making strides and underscored the importance of the AI Summit in promoting global dialogue and cooperation to mitigate risks that may arise from the technology. Demis Hassabis hailed the gathering of the top minds from India and across the world at the Summit and said, "We are at a threshold moment where Artificial Generative Intelligence is on the horizon in the next 5-8 years. So this summit comes at a critical moment as we start seeing more autonomous AI systems. The opportunities are incredible." He highlighted the avenues where AI can play a crucial role-- science, medicine, climate change, human health. "AI is going to be the most transformative technology in human history that's just on the horizon now and it is going to affect everybody across the world. It's very important to have summits like this to bring the international community together to make sure the opportunities benefit the whole world and how do we mitigate the risks- which would need international cooperation and the first step to that is to have international dialogue," he said. Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys and chairman of Axilor Ventures emphasised that the true impact of AI will be determined by the applications built and deployed using the technology. "I believe that we can become the top three in the world in different aspects of AI. The impact of AI will be through the applications that we deploy using AI. India is a huge country with a large number of applications and a large number of developers. At the application level, India can actually become number one," Gopalakrishnan said, underlining the country's strength in building and deploying AI-driven solutions. The Tech leaders were echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the diffusion and deployment of AI in India. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, the Prime Minister noted that Artificial Intelligence is a force multiplier which will further help push the boundaries "of what we thought possible". Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government is confident that by "combining innovation with inclusion", AI will strengthen India's workforce. "I understand the concern of our youth about AI-driven disruptions in the job market. Preparation is the best antidote to fear. That is why we have been investing in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future. The Government has launched one of the most ambitious skilling initiatives in the world. We're not approaching this as a future problem but we're treating it as a present imperative," PM Modi said. "I view AI as a force-multiplier which will further help us push the boundaries of what we thought possible. It will help doctors and teachers and lawyers to reach out to and help a larger group of people," he added. The Prime Minister said that history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology. "Its nature changes and new types of jobs are created. While some jobs may be redefined, digital transformation will also add new tech jobs to India's economy. For centuries, there have been fears that innovation and technological revolutions will eliminate jobs. Yet history teaches us that whenever innovation happens, new opportunities emerge. The same will be true in the age of AI," he said. The Prime Minister said India is already well-equipped to adapt to this change. In the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Index 2025, India ranked 3rd, reflecting strong growth in AI R&D, talent, and economy. "Combining innovation with inclusion, we are confident that AI will strengthen India's workforce. With the right skills and preparation, our youth will lead the future of work," he said. India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
18 February,2026 02:44 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIRSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for uniting and empowering the Hindu society, saying there is no threat but vigilance is necessary, and suggested that Hindu families should consider having at least three children. He also said that infiltrators should be "detected, deleted and deported". Addressing a social-harmony meeting at the Saraswati Shishu Mandir here on Tuesday, Bhagwat expressed concern over what he described as a declining Hindu population and said inducement- or coercion-based religious conversions should be stopped. He also emphasised accelerating efforts to bring people back to the Hindu-fold and ensuring their welfare. "There is a need to unite and empower Hindus. There is no threat to us but vigilance is necessary," the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief said. Raising concerns over infiltration, Bhagwat said infiltrators should be "detected, deleted and deported", and should not be provided employment. He also said Hindu families should consider having at least three children, citing scientific opinions that societies with an average fertility rate of below three could disappear in the future. Bhagwat said newly-married couples should be made aware of this and added that the purpose of marriage is to carry forward creation, not merely fulfilling one's own desires. He said a lack of harmony leads to discrimination and stressed that all citizens share one country and one motherland. "The Sanatan thought is a philosophy of harmony," Bhagwat said, adding that differences that have emerged over time must be addressed through understanding and practice. He said those who disagree should not be viewed as enemies and emphasised coordination over conflict. The RSS chief described "matrushakti" (women power) as the foundation of the household, saying women should not be seen as weak and should receive training in self-defence. He said the Indian tradition accords women a revered place and values nurturing qualities over physical appearance. Responding to a question on University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, Bhagwat said laws must be obeyed and if a law is flawed, there are constitutional ways to change it. He said caste divisions should not become a cause of conflict and called for uplifting the disadvantaged with a sense of belonging. Bhagwat said India would guide the world in the near future and that solutions to many global problems lie within the country's civilisational ethos. He said regular community-level meetings should promote social harmony, remove misconceptions and address social issues, while extending support to the weaker sections of the society. The RSS chief cautioned that some elements in the United States and China are working against India's social harmony, and called for vigilance and mutual trust. Representatives from Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities, along with organisations such as the Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON and Art of Living Foundation, among others, attended the programme. Addressing another programme at the Madhav Sabhaghar of the Saraswati Vidya Mandir here, Bhagwat said temples, wells and cremation grounds should be open to all Hindus, without any discrimination. He said children must be taught that a career is not merely about earning more or consumption, but about sharing and serving others. The RSS chief urged families to impart values that place the country above everything else and encourage the earning of knowledge and wealth for the nation's benefit. Emphasising social harmony, he said efforts must begin at the individual and family levels through greater mutual interaction, adding that harmony comes through practice rather than speeches and that caste distinctions should have no place in the society. Bhagwat said the family and not an individual is the basic unit of the society and that social conduct is shaped within it. He also stressed the importance of mother-tongue proficiency, patriotism, integrity, discipline and family pride. The RSS chief called for reaching out to those sections of the society that are not close to the organisation and for the development of warm social bonds, extending from public spaces to families. On technology, he said it cannot be stopped but must be used with discipline, such as limits on viewing time, and that the younger generation should be made aware of the potential harms of excessive exposure to artificial intelligence (AI), television, mobile phones and films. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 February,2026 02:27 PM IST | Lucknow | PTIThe Supreme Court (SC) has held that grabbing a woman’s breasts and pulling the string of her pyjama constitute an “attempt to rape”, overturning a controversial Allahabad High Court (HC) ruling that had termed the acts merely as “preparation to commit rape”, news agency PTI reported. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and NV Anjaria observed that the HC’s order was liable to be quashed due to the “patently erroneous application of the settled principles of criminal jurisprudence”. The top court delivered its order on February 10 while hearing a suo motu case in which it had taken cognisance of the HC’s March 17, 2025, ruling, PTI reported. The lower court had stated that merely grabbing breasts and pulling a pyjama string did not amount to the offence of rape. Setting aside the HC’s judgment, the apex court restored the original charge of attempt to rape against the two accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. “The facts alleged being so, we cannot agree with the finding of the High Court that the allegations only amount to preparation, but not an attempt, towards the commission of the offence of rape. The attempt made by the accused persons appears clearly and inevitably leads us to conclude that, prima facie, a case for invoking the provisions of attempt to commit rape has been made out by the complainant and the prosecution. The impugned judgement, thus, is liable to be set aside on account of the patently erroneous application of the settled principles of criminal jurisprudence,” the bench said. SC sets aside Allahabad HC order, restores attempt-to-rape charge against three accused The apex court further noted that a bare perusal of the allegations left no “modicum of doubt” that the accused had acted with a pre-determined intent to commit an offence under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), PTI reported. “The impugned judgement dated March 17, 2025, is set aside, and the original summons order dated June 23, 2023, passed by the Special Judge (POCSO), Kasganj, is restored. “It goes without saying that the observations made by this Court through this judgement are only from a prima facie perspective on the case made by the complainant, and they shall not be taken to be any opinion on the guilt of the accused persons, which is the subject matter of the ongoing trial,” the bench said. In its March 17, 2025, order, Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra of the Allahabad HC had ruled that while the alleged acts did not amount to rape, they fell within the ambit of assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to disrobe or compel her to be naked. The HC’s order was passed on a revision petition filed by two accused challenging the Kasganj special judge’s decision summoning them under Section 376 of the IPC, along with other provisions. According to the case details, an application was filed before the special judge under the POCSO Act alleging that on November 10, 2021, the complainant was returning from her sister-in-law’s house with her 14-year-old daughter when the three accused — all from the same village — encountered them and offered the girl a lift. It was alleged that the accused stopped their motorcycle on the way and began groping the minor. One of the accused allegedly dragged her towards a culvert and pulled the string of her pyjama. Two persons arrived at the scene after hearing the girl’s cries, prompting the accused to flee. (With PTI inputs)
18 February,2026 02:10 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCheetah 'Gamini' has given birth to three cubs at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, taking the number of these big cats in India to 38, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Wednesday. Gamini was translocated to India from South Africa as part of the ambitious project to revive the population of the world's fastest land animal in India, which had gone extinct decades ago. South African cheetah Gamini, gives birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park, #MadhyaPradesh.@moefcc @byadavbjp @CMMadhyaPradesh @DrMohanYadav51 pic.twitter.com/f9xXowaxQV — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 18, 2026 Yadav, in a post on X, said that in a roaring success to the Cheetah re-introduction programme, Gamini, the South African cheetah and second-time mother, has brought three new cubs into the world at Kuno National Park (KNP) in MP's Sheopur district. This joyful arrival marks the ninth successful cheetah litter on Indian soil and takes the number of surviving Indian-born cubs to 27, he said. With these newest additions, India's total cheetah population has now reached 38 - a powerful symbol of the country's determined and historic conservation effort, Yadav added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 February,2026 02:07 PM IST | Sheopur | PTIThe Counter-Intelligence Unit of Delhi Police's Special Cell has arrested a key criminal of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, who had been absconding for seven years. According to the police, the arrested gangster has been identified as Bobby Kabutar. Earlier, reports of extortion threats being made in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in Madhya Pradesh had come to the forefront. Two businessmen lodged complaints with the police after receiving such threats, officials said. Meanwhile, Mumbai police presented five people who are detained in connection with the firing incident at Bollywood director Rohit Shetty's residence before the Criminal Court on Saturday. Speaking to ANI, the lawyer for the accused stated that they have no connection with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claiming that they have no knowledge about the firing. He shared that the police have been granted 4-day custody of the accused, who are ready to cooperate. "The police sought custody from the Court, saying they had a role to play in the firing incident. The accused have no knowledge of what has happened... The wanted accused, Lonkar, was in contact with the mastermind. Someone else fired the shots. The arrested accused are not related to each other; they have been arrested after analysing the CCTV footage. We are ready to cooperate. Listening to all the arguments, the Court has granted a four-day police custody... The accused have no links with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang," the lawyer said. On Sunday, assailants fired four rounds outside the residence of the Bollywood film director, police officials said. Soon after the firing, heavy police security was deployed around Shetty's residential tower in the Juhu area. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
18 February,2026 01:40 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the forthcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill 37 seats across 10 states, as the sitting members are set to complete their term in April 2026, news agency ANI reported. According to a press note released on Wednesday, the tenure of 37 members elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will end in April, thereby vacating the seats for fresh elections. The notification for the elections will be issued on February 26, marking the commencement of the poll process, ANI reported. The last date for filing nominations is March 5, with scrutiny scheduled for the following day. Candidates may withdraw their nominations by March 9. Polling will be held on March 16, and counting of votes will take place on the same day at 5 pm. The entire election process will be completed by March 20. ECI has directed that only integrated violet colour sketch pens of pre-fixed specification, supplied by the Returning Officer, shall be used for marking preferences on the ballot paper. "The Commission has directed that only integrated violet colour sketch pen(s) of pre-fixed specification, provided by the Returning Officer, shall be used for the purpose of marking preference(s) on the ballot paper. No other pen shall be used for marking preferences in the above said elections," the press note stated. The poll body further emphasised that adequate measures, including the appointment of observers, must be undertaken to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the elections. ECI launches EVM-VVPAT awareness drive across five poll-bound states Meanwhile, ECI has launched an extensive awareness campaign on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units across poll-bound states and Union Territories, namely Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, to familiarise electors with their functioning. According to the ECI press note, more than 1.20 lakh electors took part in camps at EVM Demonstration Centres (EDCs) across five states and UTs, while over 1.16 lakh electors cast mock votes during these demonstrations. As on February 10, more than 29,000 Polling Station Locations (PSLs) have been covered by Mobile Demonstration Vans (MDVs). The awareness drive is being carried out through EDCs and MDVs in a structured and time-bound manner, ECI said. (With ANI inputs)
18 February,2026 01:32 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday expressed concern over the Russia-Ukraine war, agreeing to support lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy. In a joint statement issued by India and France, following bilateral talks during Macron's visit to India, "the two leaders reiterated their concern over the war in Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering and negative global consequences." "They stressed the importance of cessation of hostilities and expressed support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, including independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," the joint statement shared by the External Affairs Ministry read. The statement comes in the backdrop of the upcoming peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva, mediated by the United States, to negotiate to end the war that began in February 2022. Meanwhile, as per the India-France joint statement, PM Modi and Emmanuel Macron expressed their support for the implementation of the Peace Plan for Gaza in accordance with Resolution 2803 adopted by the United Nations Security Council and principles enshrined in the New York Declaration. New Delhi and Paris called for a "two-state solution" through dialogue. "They (PM Modi and French President Macron) encouraged all parties to implement the resolution in its entirety. Both sides restated their readiness to support efforts towards just and durable peace and stressed the need for rapid, safe, and unimpeded aid delivery throughout the Gaza Strip. Both leaders reiterated the commitment of India and France for a just and lasting solution, based on the implementation of the two-state solution, through dialogue and diplomacy," the statement said. This comes amid a US-led Board of Peace meeting scheduled on February 19. The Board of Peace, launched by US President Donald Trump in Davos in January, was initially designed to oversee Gaza's post-war transition under a broader peace framework. However, its expanded mandate to promote "global peace" and elements of its charter, including provisions allowing Trump to serve indefinitely as chairman, have raised legal and political concerns in several EU capitals. Adding to the international matters, India and France reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region and called for closer collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, in line with their 'Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region' of 2018 and 'India-France Indo-Pacific Roadmap' of 2023. They also looked forward to enhanced engagement under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and to strengthening cooperation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association under India's Chairship. They welcomed the latest development of joint initiatives in the region, including recent new solar energy trainings in countries in the Indo-Pacific region through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) with both Indian and French funding, as well as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructures (CDRI) and the AFD Group to reinforce disaster resilience in third countries. They appreciated the progress on the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation (IPTDC) aimed at supporting climate- and SDG-focused projects from third countries of the Indo-Pacific, with the two sides having jointly identified projects in the fields of digital startups, health, and digital public infrastructure to be implemented together, the joint statement said. New Delhi and Paris' stand on international issues was based on their call for reformed and effective multilateralism to sustain an equitable and peaceful international order, address pressing global challenges, and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic domains. The two leaders stressed, in particular, the urgent need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The joint statement came as a result of the bilateral talks between PM Modi and Macron in Mumbai, during the French President's fourth visit to India. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 February,2026 12:52 PM IST | New Delhi | ANISpanish President Pedro Sanchez, Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay have arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday to participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026, which underscores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. World leaders were warmly received by Indian ministers, reflecting India's commitment to fostering international cooperation in AI, digital partnerships, and cultural exchange. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) extended a warm welcome posting on X, "Welcome, President of Spain, Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, for the India-AI Impact Summit. Warmly received by Minister of State for Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Singh. The visit of President Sanchez will add further impetus to the ongoing celebrations of India-Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and AI." A warm welcome was also extended to the Mauritian PM by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary. The Mauritian leader's wife, Veena Ramgoolam, also accompanied him. "Welcome to a close friend and maritime neighbour! Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius was warmly received by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary on his arrival in India for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Digital cooperation remains a key pillar of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership, anchored in deep-rooted and historic people-to-people ties," the MEA said. The Vice President of Seychelles, Sebastien Pillay, was also accorded a warm welcome by MoS Raj Bhushan Choudhary upon his arrival in New Delhi. "A close and longstanding maritime partner, Seychelles' participation in the Summit offers an opportunity to harness AI for the benefit of our peoples and further strengthen our partnership," the Ministry stated. The five-day Summit has attracted over 110 countries and 30 international organisations, including about 20 Heads of State or Government and around 45 ministers. It seeks to align AI initiatives with India's national vision of 'Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya' (welfare for all, happiness for all) and the global principle of AI for Humanity. India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is the fourth in its series, following editions in the UK (Bletchley Park, 2023), South Korea (2024), and France (2025). The Summit offers a platform for leaders to discuss AI's ethical, economic, and social impacts while strengthening partnerships across digital technology, culture, tourism, and maritime cooperation. Several more dignitaries are expected to arrive later in the day, continuing the Summit's focus on collaboration and inclusive AI-driven development. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
18 February,2026 12:46 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
-1771407683677_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Pakistan hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt. Pic/X (@AmmadButt96)")
-1771405011332_d.png "Visitors at the AI Impact Summit 2026. Pic/PTI")
