NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today said that the nation has taken a pledge to wipe out Naxalism from the country by 31st of next month. Addressing the CRPF personnel during the 87th Raising Day parade in Guwahati, Mr. Shah said that the CRPF has rendered unparalleled service to the nation. He said, CRPF jawans and the Cobra Battalions are doing unprecedented work in making the country Naxal-free. The Minister said, CRPF played important roles in restoring peace in northeast region, Jammu and Kashmir and in Maoists hit areas. He said, without CRPF the country cannot imagine of its internal security. Reiterating the role played by the CRPF in restoring peace, the Home Minister said that several battalions of this force has been deployed in the violence hit Manipur to restore peace. He paid tributes to those CRPF personnel, who lost their lives while protecting the nation. He said 2,270 brave personnel have laid down their lives in service to the country. He said, 700 personnel of this force sacrificed their lives in north-east alone. On this occasion, Union Home Minister reviewed the ceremonial parade and took the salute. He also conferred medals of bravery to CRPF personnel, honouring their exceptional courage. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was also present on the ocassion. Later, in the afternoon, the Union Minister will lay the foundation stone for a new campus of the 10th Assam Police Battalion at Kachutoli, a nearby area of Guwahati. The battalion is currently functioning from Guwahati and will shift to the newly developed premises once construction is completed.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today held a meeting with Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, Dr. Lajos Oláh in New Delhi. In a social media post, Mr. Birla said the discussions centred on deepening parliamentary cooperation and exploring new avenues of collaboration between the two nations. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding and friendly relations between India and Hungary.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi today underlined the importance of maritime cooperation while inaugurating the fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave. Addressing delegates, the Navy Chief described the recent congregation of 74 nations at Visakhapatnam for the International Fleet Review and the harbour and sea phases of MILAN as a maritime Mahakumbh. He said the large-scale participation reflected growing global maritime engagement. Highlighting the significance of the sea, Admiral Tripathi noted that over 70 percent of the globe is covered by water and that 95 percent of country’s trade by volume and over 68 percent by value moves through sea routes. Mr Tripathi said that IOS Sagar 2.0 will be launched soon. He said the conclave, which brings together 14 Indian Ocean littoral nations, provides a focused platform to discuss shared challenges in the region. The Navy Chief expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic participation and voiced confidence that the Indian Navy-led initiative will yield meaningful outcomes.

Dr. Rajesh Tanaji Mhatre from Maharashtra State is a distinguished Social Worker devoted to social upliftment and a highly accomplished Civil Engineer, Chartered Engineer, Chartered Valuer, and Structural Auditor. With a career that seamlessly blends technical expertise and humanitarian service, he has emerged as a respected figure known for strengthening both infrastructure and communities. His professional excellence in civil engineering and structural auditing is matched by his unwavering dedication to societal development, making him a true embodiment of service-driven leadership. Over the years, Dr. Mhatre’s relentless efforts and impactful contributions have earned him an extraordinary number of prestigious honors from renowned national and international organizations. From the Bharat Seva Society, he has been conferred with the Bharat Seva Puraskar, Bharat Kamal Puraskar, Rashtra Seva Puraskar, and Desh Seva Puraskar, recognizing his outstanding commitment to national service and community welfare. His contributions have also been celebrated by the Indian NGO Awards Council, which honored him with the Netaji Smriti Puraskar, National Talent Award, Mahatma Gandhi Desh Seva Puraskar, and Jaihind Puraskar, further acknowledging his leadership, social responsibility, and patriotic spirit. In addition, the Veyil Foundation has recognized his remarkable work by presenting him with the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar, Bharat Swabhiman Puraskar, Kamal Ratna Puraskar, and Swaraj Swabhiman Puraskar—awards that reflect his dedication to integrity, empowerment, and societal pride. His influence extends beyond national boundaries, as the World Talent Network honored him with the World Talent Award, World Icon Award, India Icon Award, India Talent Award, Indo Spanish International Award, and Asia Talent Award, underscoring his global recognition as a symbol of excellence and service. Further adding to his distinguished list of accolades are the Swami Vivekananda Smriti Puraskar and the Rashtra Jyoti Puraskar, which highlight his inspirational character, ethical values, and tireless commitment to nation-building. Dr. Rajesh Tanaji Mhatre’s journey reflects the powerful combination of professional mastery and compassionate service. Through his engineering expertise, he has contributed to structural safety and development, and through his social initiatives, he has uplifted communities and inspired many. His extensive array of awards stands as a testament not only to his achievements but also to his enduring dedication to the progress and betterment of society.

Abhishek Kapoor, hailing from Delhi NCT, has been chosen as the recipient of the prestigious Indian Arts Award for the year 2026. This distinguished recognition is conferred by the Indian Literature & Arts Society, an esteemed body committed to promoting excellence and innovation across diverse artistic disciplines. The Indian Arts Award stands as a symbol of distinction, celebrating individuals who have made meaningful and lasting contributions to the creative landscape. Abhishek Kapoor’s selection for this honor reflects his remarkable achievements in the field of documentary filmmaking, where his work has consistently demonstrated depth, authenticity, and a compelling narrative voice. Through his documentaries, Kapoor has captured the complexities of human experiences with sensitivity and insight. His storytelling is marked by a keen observational lens and a commitment to presenting realities that often go unnoticed. By bringing real-life stories to the forefront, he has not only informed audiences but also inspired reflection and dialogue on critical social, cultural, and humanitarian issues. Documentary filmmaking, as an art form, plays a crucial role in preserving lived experiences and presenting truths that shape public understanding. Abhishek Kapoor’s body of work exemplifies this power. His films resonate deeply with viewers, sparking conversations that extend beyond the screen and encouraging meaningful engagement with contemporary issues. His dedication to the craft underscores the transformative potential of visual storytelling. The Indian Arts Award 2026 not only honors Kapoor’s individual accomplishments but also reinforces the broader importance of the arts in enriching society. By recognizing talent such as his, the Indian Literature & Arts Society continues to foster a culture that values creativity, integrity, and artistic excellence. As the nation celebrates Abhishek Kapoor’s achievement, his journey serves as an inspiration to emerging filmmakers and artists. His success highlights the significance of perseverance, vision, and a strong commitment to storytelling in shaping impactful artistic careers. The recognition stands as both a tribute to his contributions and a reminder of the vital role that documentary cinema plays in illuminating the human condition and strengthening our cultural fabric.

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that India is well-positioned to be a leader in AI and demonstrate its mass adoption and deployment in society. Addressing an event at the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Mr. Sunak said there is incredible optimism and trust towards AI in India, while in the West, the overriding feeling is one of anxiety at the moment. He said, India has recognised that leadership in technology does not just depend on inventing technology; it’s about how you deploy it. Mr Sunak said India’s focus on mass adoption of AI is backed by a deep talent pool, strong digital public infrastructure, and a public very supportive of the technology. Former UK Prime Minister said, in the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy 2025 report, India has been ranked third for AI competitiveness and ecosystem vibrancy. India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16-20, in which a large number of world leaders, technology experts and innovators are participating.

Food Corporation of India (FCI) and World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the supply of rice in support of global humanitarian operations aimed at combating hunger. The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has informed that FCI will supply two lakh metric tonnes of rice to WFP under the MoU. Department of Food and Public Distribution Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said this agreement showcases the country’s resolve to ensure no one goes hungry. India will continue to stand with the international community in combating malnutrition and food insecurity, he added. The partnership reinforces India’s commitment to global food security, strengthening cooperation with WFP in addressing humanitarian needs worldwide and reinforces India’s role as a trusted and responsible contributor to global food systems.

At India AI Impact Summit, Google has announced that it will connect India with the US through new subsea cables as part of a 15 billion dollar investment spread over five years. In a statement, the company informed that through their collaborative infrastructure initiative named America-India Connect, a new international subsea gateway will be established in Vizag. It added that three new subsea paths connecting India to Singapore, South Africa, and Australia, and four strategic fibre-optic routes will also be established. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, said that the initiative delivers new subsea cable routes to increase AI connectivity between India, the United States of America and multiple locations across the southern hemisphere. On the occasion, he also expressed hope that we believe India is going to have an extraordinary trajectory with AI. He further added that Google is partnering with AIIMS in India to explore how patients can input their symptoms or provide information, and the AI can create a report to help assist doctors.

Election Commission of India has decided to issue show-cause notices to the concerned Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) for failing to upload a large number of voters’ documents online under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process currently underway in West Bengal. According to an official, even four days after the hearing concluded, nearly one lakh fifteen thousand documents are yet to be uploaded. The Commission had clearly instructed all EROs and AEROs that if any application is rejected, the specific reason must be clearly stated. However, allegations have surfaced that this rule has been violated in several cases. The disposal process is also reportedly moving at a slow pace, and sudden system failures have been reported in some areas. Citing these reasons, the Commission has decided to issue show-cause notices. Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress has alleged that Special Roll Observer C. Murugan violated an order of the Supreme Court by issuing directions to officers through WhatsApp. Responding to the allegations, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agrawal clarified that Mr. Murugan had not issued any independent directions but had only explained the Commission’s instructions. He added that Mr. Murugan would be spoken to in light of the Trinamool Congress’ complaint. No response has been received from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office regarding the demand for Mr. Murugan’s resignation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed on democratising AI saying it must become a tool for inclusion and empowerment, particularly for the Global South. Inaugurating the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi this morning, Mr Modi said, the world is entering an era where humans and intelligent systems co-create, co-work and co-evolve. He said, AI will make the work smarter, more efficient and more impactful. The Prime Minister called for developing a collective resolve of AI for Global Common Good. He said, in AI, India sees opportunity and the blueprint of tomorrow. Mr Modi said, India not only develops new technology but also adopts it rapidly. He said, India is the centre of the world’s largest tech pool. The Prime Minister said, it is a matter of pride for the India and the Global South that the AI summit is being organised in New Delhi. He said, Artificial Intelligence marks a transformative chapter in human history. He said, in the course of human history, there have been certain turning points that shaped entire centuries. Mr Modi said, these turning points set the direction of civilisation and transform the pace of development. He said, AI is making machines intelligent and at the same time, it is multiplying human capabilities many times over. The Prime Minister said today’s journey from Machine Learning to Learning Machine is not only rapid but also profound and extensive. He said, therefore, we must keep the vision grand and fulfil the responsibility with equal magnitude. Mr Modi outlined the M.A.N.A.V. vision for AI – Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive, and Valid and Legitimate. He asserted that India’s M.A.N.A.V. Vision will become a crucial link for humanity’s welfare in the AI-driven world of the 21st century. The Prime Minister remarked that the real question is not what AI can do in the future, but what humanity chooses to do with AI in the present. Drawing parallels with nuclear power, he noted that humanity has witnessed both its destructive potential and its positive contributions. Mr Modi asserted that AI too is a transformative power – if directionless, it leads to disruption, but with the right direction, it becomes a solution. The Prime Minister stated that AI must be given an open sky, while command must remain in human hands. The Prime Minister added that India believes AI will benefit the world only when it is shared. He emphasised that open code and shared development will allow millions of young minds to make AI better and safer. Highlighting the urgent need for global standards, the Prime Minister pointed out that deepfakes and fabricated content are destabilising open societies. Drawing a parallel with nutrition labels on food, he said that digital content too must carry authenticity labels so people can distinguish between real and AI-generated material. Mr Modi underlined the growing need for watermarking and clear source standards as AI increasingly generates text, images, and videos, stressing that trust must be built into technology from the start. Emphasising the importance of child safety, the Prime Minister stated that just as school syllabi are curated, the AI space must also be child-safe and family-guided. Prime Minister Modi remarked that India is building a resilient ecosystem ranging from semiconductors and chip-making to quantum computing. He highlighted that secure data centers, a strong IT backbone, and a dynamic startup ecosystem make India a natural hub for affordable, scalable, and secure AI solutions. Mr Modi emphasised that India possesses diversity, demography, and democracy. He noted that any AI model that succeeds in India can be deployed globally. He extended an invitation to the world with the call: ‘Design and Develop in India, Deliver to the World, Deliver to Humanity’. In his address, French President Emmanuel Macron said, last year when France and India co-hosted the AI Action Summit in Paris, a global guiding principle was set for technologies that would transform the societies and the economies. He said, Artificial Intelligence will be an enabler for the humanity to innovate faster, to facilitate healthcare, energy, mobility, agriculture, and public services for the good of mankind. Emphasising the scale of India’s digital infrastructure, he added that India built something that no other country in the world has built. He said it has given digital identity for 1.4 billion people, a payment system that now processes 20 billion transactions every month and health infrastructure that has issued 500 million digital health IDs. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, AI must belong to everyone. He said, the future of AI cannot be decided by a handful of countries. Mr Guterres called for a global fund on AI to build basic facilities in developing countries. Welcoming the world leaders attending the summit Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the government is working on all the 5 layers of the AI stack. He added that the government treats Compute as a public good. He added that the government has created a Common Compute Platform that provides access to 38 thousand GPUs at affordable rates for startups, researchers, academic institutions, and students. He further said that another 20 thousand GPUs will soon be added to the platform. Mr Vaishnaw said artificial intelligence is a foundational technology that is transforming how people work, learn, and make decisions. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes the true value of technology lies in ensuring its benefits reach the masses. Later, Mr Vaishnaw announced a significant outcome of the India AI Impact Summit, the New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments. He said, of these two significant commitments, the first is advancing understanding of real-world AI usage through anonymised and aggregated insights to support evidence-based policymaking on jobs, skills, and economic transformation. Second commitment is strengthening multilingual and contextual evaluations of AI systems to ensure that AI works effectively across languages, cultures, and real-world use cases, especially in the global south. The Minister said, together, these efforts mark an important step towards shaping AI that is not only powerful but also inclusive, development-oriented, and globally relevant.

In a moment of great pride for Maharashtra, acclaimed filmmaker and actor Aditya Sharma has been named the recipient of the prestigious Indian Arts Award, presented by the Indian Literature & Arts Society. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the arts, specifically celebrating excellence in film direction and acting. Aditya Sharma’s selection for this distinguished honor underscores his remarkable influence on the contemporary Indian arts landscape and his unwavering dedication to cinematic storytelling. Known for his indie sensibilities and bold creative vision, Aditya Sharma has steadily built a reputation as a storyteller unafraid to explore the depths of human emotion. His films are characterized by psychological twists, layered narratives, and emotionally charged storytelling that linger long after the credits roll. Rather than adhering to formulaic structures, Sharma embraces complexity, crafting stories that challenge viewers to reflect, interpret, and engage on a deeper level. The Indian Arts Award 2026 is conferred upon individuals who demonstrate exceptional artistry and meaningful impact within their respective fields. In honoring Sharma, the Indian Literature & Arts Society has acknowledged not only his technical mastery but also his fearless exploration of unconventional themes. His work often ventures into the intricacies of the human psyche, examining moral dilemmas, internal conflicts, and the fragile nuances of relationships. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of emotional dynamics, Sharma has carved a niche for himself in the competitive world of Indian cinema. His direction style is subtle yet powerful, allowing performances to breathe while maintaining narrative tension. As an actor, he brings authenticity and depth to his roles, embodying characters with a quiet intensity that resonates strongly with audiences. In addition to this prestigious recognition, Aditya Sharma is a three-time winner of the India Film Project, one of the country’s most prominent filmmaking challenges. This achievement stands as a testament to his creativity, consistency, and ability to deliver compelling stories under pressure. Winning the India Film Project three times highlights not only his artistic excellence but also his adaptability and innovative approach in a fast-paced, competitive environment. Peers within the industry often describe Sharma as a visionary who balances artistic integrity with audience engagement. His ability to weave intricate plots while developing richly textured characters has earned him widespread appreciation. Critics have noted that his films resonate on multiple levels—entertaining on the surface while offering deeper philosophical and psychological insights beneath. Beyond accolades and awards, Sharma’s greatest achievement may be his influence on aspiring filmmakers. By pursuing independent storytelling and remaining true to his creative instincts, he has become a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of artists seeking to break away from conventional molds. His journey demonstrates that meaningful cinema can emerge from authenticity, passion, and fearless experimentation. As he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, Aditya Sharma stands as a symbol of innovation and excellence in Indian arts. The Indian Arts Award 2026 not only celebrates his past accomplishments but also signals an exciting future filled with transformative cinematic experiences. With his relentless pursuit of creative depth and emotional truth, Sharma is poised to leave an enduring mark on the world of film and performance.

Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Bittu has announced that an exclusive Vande Bharat sleeper train will be launched between Delhi and Amritsar by next winter. It will travel through Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Jalandhar to further reach the holy city of Amritsar. The Minister disclosed this while laying the foundation stone of a long-pending four-lane Railway Overbridge at Doraha in Ludhiana district. Estimated to cost Rs. 70.55 Crore, it will be completed within the next year. The project is expected to ease traffic congestion in the area. This would also improve the connectivity between Chandigarh and other parts of the Malwa region in Punjab. Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Union Railway Minister for approving and sanctioning the project as a major gift to the people of the region, Sh. Bittu said that the new ROB will not only ease daily commuting but will also accelerate economic activity.