Nation

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: As winter gradually retreats across India, rising temperatures are already signaling the early arrival of summer in several regions. Daytime temperatures in the national capital have touched nearly 30°C, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain and thunderstorm alert for 11 states across the country. Rain Alert in 11 States According to the IMD, rainfall accompanied by gusty winds is likely in the following regions: Eastern Madhya Pradesh Uttarakhand Chhattisgarh Himachal Pradesh Odisha Telangana Assam West Bengal Meghalaya Arunachal Pradesh Andaman & Nicobar Islands These areas may witness light to moderate showers, with isolated thunderstorms and strong winds in certain pockets. Delh...

New Delhi, February 23, 2026:The proposed India–United States trade agreement may be nearing conclusion, but rapidly shifting global trade dynamics suggest that New Delhi must proceed with calculated caution before putting its final stamp on the deal. A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court striking down former global tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump brought temporary relief to exporters worldwide. However, the relief proved short-lived. Within hours of the verdict, Trump invoked alternative legal provisions to reintroduce tariffs, underlining the continued unpredictability of American trade policy. Swift Policy Reversals Shake Global Confidence Earlier, Trump had imposed sweeping tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. After the Supreme Cour...

New Delhi, February 22, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will depart for Israel on Wednesday for an official visit, marking another significant step in the deepening partnership between the two nations. The announcement follows remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who highlighted the growing strength of India-Israel relations. Responding to Netanyahu’s message on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the upcoming visit. “Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Modi said. “I fully agree on the strength of the bonds between India and Israel and the diversity of our bilateral relationship. India deeply values its unbreakable friendship with Israel, founded on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and...

New Delhi, February 21, 2026: The Delhi AI Impact Summit 2026 is set to release the Delhi Declaration on AI today, with 80 countries expected to sign, according to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. So far, 70 countries have already expressed their agreement. Speaking at the summit’s closing press conference, Vaishnaw said, “Last year, the outcome document at the Paris Action Summit was signed by 60 countries. At the Delhi Summit, major nations have already signed, and we expect approximately 80 countries to endorse the declaration by the conclusion of the summit on February 21.” Massive Participation at the Summit The summit witnessed participation from over 5 lakh people, showcasing India’s capabilities as a major AI player. Vaishnaw highlighted that India plans to train 20 lakh yout...

New Delhi, February 21, 2026: In a significant step to curb the misuse of AI, the Indian government has made it mandatory to label all AI-generated photos, videos, and audio. Social media platforms are now required to remove any objectionable content within three hours of receiving a complaint. The new rules came into effect on Friday. Notification and Implementation The official notification was issued on February 10, 2026. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said several countries have praised India’s decision to enforce clear labeling of AI-generated content and are considering similar measures. PM Modi’s Suggestion A day before the rules were implemented, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested at the AI Summit that digital content should carry labels similar to “nutrition labe...

New Delhi, February 21, 2026: While the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) received international acclaim, Congress leader Pawan Kheda attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the foundation of UPI was laid during the UPA government, but the current administration is taking credit. Congress Criticism Kheda shared a video of French President Emmanuel Macron and wrote on X, “We all remember that one classmate in a group project who does nothing but takes all the credit. Narendra Modi is no different.” He explained that the UPI concept was initiated in 2012–2013 under the leadership of Nandan Nilekani, then Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). In December 2013, a UPA-appointed committee recommended a mobile-based digital payments infrastructure....

New Delhi, February 21, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at Hyderabad House on Saturday, marking a significant boost to India-Brazil strategic and economic ties. The discussion was attended by senior ministers and officials from both sides, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, along with a large delegation of Brazilian ministers and top business leaders. AI Summit Gains Prestige with Lula’s Visit At a joint press conference following the meeting, PM Modi said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome President Lula and his delegation to India. Just as I was warmly received in Brazil last year, we extend the ...

New Delhi, February 21, 2026: The Congress party has demanded that the interim trade agreement between India and the United States be suspended following a ruling by the US Supreme Court. Party leaders have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make it clear that no import liberalization will take place until clarifications are received from the US side. Congress Raises Concerns Congress General Secretary ** Jairam Ramesh** questioned why the Modi government was in such a hurry to have the US announce the India–US trade deal on the night of February 2, 2026. He emphasized that the government must renegotiate the agreement to ensure that the livelihoods of millions of Indian farmers are not adversely affected. Ramesh said, “Had the Prime Minister waited just 18 more days instea...