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Akashvani Raipur in Chhattisgarh today hosted a Conclave to mark World Radio Day exploring the medium’s evolving role amid emerging technologies. The special event in Raipur was held in collaboration with UNESCO. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the event as the Chief Guest. Director General of Akashvani Rajiv Jain, UNESCO’s Regional Advisor for Communication and Information Hajjaj Male, several public representatives, Padma Shri awardees, and experts from various fields took part in the programme. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended greetings on the occasion. The day is observed every year on the 13th of February to commemorate the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946. The theme this year is “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice, highlighting the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in the broadcasting ecosystem.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is set to form the next government after sweeping the 13th national parliamentary election and crossing the two-thirds majority mark, according to official and party counts. The BNP and its allies are leading in 208 of the 284 constituencies declared so far, signalling a decisive mandate after nearly two decades out of power. Party Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul have won their respective seats along with several senior leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman, saying the victory reflects the trust of the Bangladeshi people in his leadership and reaffirming India’s support for a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. The Election Commission said voter turnout in the parliamentary election and simultaneous referendum was 59.44 percent. The twin polls were held peacefully across 299 constituencies. According to EC officials, counting of votes for the remaining seats as well as the referendum is currently in progress. Akashvani correspondent reports that the BNP and its allies are leading in 208 of the 284 constituencies declared so far, signalling a decisive mandate after nearly two decades out of power. Party Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul have won their respective seats along with several senior leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman, saying the victory reflects the trust of the Bangladeshi people in his leadership and reaffirming India’s support for a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. The Election Commission said voter turnout in the parliamentary election and simultaneous referendum was 59.44 percent. The twin polls were held peacefully across 299 constituencies. According to EC officials, counting of votes for the remaining seats as well as the referendum is currently in progress.

In the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, the West Indies defeated England by 30 runs in a Group C match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai last night. Put in to bat first, the West Indies posted 196 for six in their 20 overs with the help of Sherfane Rutherford’s 76 not out. In reply, England were bowled out for 166 in 19 overs. For the West Indies, Gudakesh Motie claimed three wickets. In the second match, Australia defeated Ireland by 67 runs in a Group B match in Colombo yesterday. Batting first, Australia scored 182 for six in 20 overs. Ireland were then bowled out for 115 in 16.5 overs. Inthe third match, South Africa edged past Afghanistan in a thrilling double Super Over contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Batting first, South Africa made 187 for six in 20 overs. Afghanistan were bowled out for 187 in 19.4 overs, forcing a Super Over. Afghanistan scored 17 in the first Super Over, and South Africa matched it to tie again. In the second Super Over, South Africa posted 23, while Afghanistan managed 19, handing the Proteas a four-run victory.

Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Punjab President, Sunil Jakhar, has invited farmer organisations from the state for a dialogue on the India-US trade agreement. Stating that if the farmers see any shortcomings in the agreement, then they should choose the path of discussion rather than agitation. He reiterated that the agreement will not have any adverse impact on farmers, especially those in Punjab, and will instead benefit industry and trade while creating new employment opportunities for the youth. Speaking to the media after a meeting of party workers at Mohali yesterday, he emphasised that crops grown in Punjab, such as wheat, paddy, maize, and sugarcane, have been kept outside the scope of the agreement and will not affect farmers in any way. Mr. Jakhar appealed to farmer groups as well to clearly state what impact they believe the deal will have on Punjab’s farmers. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is firmly committed to protecting farmers’ interests, and the same resolve has ensured that Punjab farmers’ interests are safeguarded in this agreement.

Seeking to avoid any future unwarranted complication over the continuity of certain laws replaced by the Industrial Relations Code of 2020, an amendment bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha yesterday. The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill 2026 was introduced by Union Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya in the House during Zero Hour. The Bill is expected to be taken up for consideration and passing today. According to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, replaces the Trade Unions Act, 1926, the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946 and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, relating to trade unions, industrial employment and industrial disputes.

The textile industry has hailed the Interim Trade Agreement achieved between India and the United States. Director of Alok Industries Limited and President of Reliance Industries Limited, Anil Rajvanshi, said the agreement will increase business between India and the United States. He added that the deal will benefit over 4.5 crore people in the textile sector. Mr Rajvanshi also said the framework will also generate employment and boost productivity in the industry.

A weak western disturbance is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir today, bringing light rain and snowfall at many places across the Union Territory. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is no forecast of any major rain or snow activity over Jammu and Kashmir till February 20. However, light snowfall is likely at a few higher reaches, followed by light rain or snow at most places today. From February 11 to February 20, weather conditions are expected to remain generally dry, with only brief spells of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches around February 14 and February 17. The western disturbance expected today is weak in nature and may cause only light precipitation, with moderate rain or snow at a few locations. Another weak western disturbance is currently expected to approach the region around February 17, though its impact is also likely to remain limited. Forecasters cautioned that the prolonged dry spell could result in a significant rainfall and snowfall deficit for February, which is otherwise a crucial month for winter precipitation in the region. Such conditions may have implications for water availability and could also trigger early blooming of trees, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.

Several Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat, suspended their services to Cuba, citing an aviation fuel shortage on the island. This suspension comes as the US tightens its grip on the nation’s oil supply by blocking shipments from Venezuela. A statement by the Air Canada airline said that it will operate empty flights to Cuba to pick up and return customers. Over the following days, the empty flights will pick up nearly three thousand passengers already at their destination and return them home. It is projected that by tomorrow, aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the island’s airports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a Special Economic Package of 175 million dollars for the Seychelles. Addressing the Joint Press Meet after meeting the President of the Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, in New Delhi, Mr Modi said that this package will support Social Housing, E-Mobility, Vocational Training, Health, Defence, and Maritime Security. India and Seychelles have also signed 7 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across various sectors, including Health, Meteorology, Electronics and Information Technology and Good Governance. The agreements include technical and scientific collaboration between the India Meteorological Department and the Seychelles Meteorological Authority. On the occasion, Mr Modi said that India and Seychelles are connected not just by geography but by history, trust and shared vision for the future. The Prime Minister added that as a maritime neighbour and trusted partner, Seychelles holds a special place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The Prime Minister expressed happiness over signing the MoU for the training of the Civil Servants of the Seychelles in India. Mr Modi added that under the MoU for Digital Transformation, India will share its successful experience with the Seychelles in the sector. He noted that in the health sector, India has always been a stable and trusted partner for Seychelles. Supply of affordable and quality medicine, Medical Tourism and the development of health infrastructure, India will move forward in this direction with the Seychelles. President of the Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, said that his visit reflects long-standing friendship and mutual respect between the countries. He said, both nations shares vision on cooperation over the next 5 years. Dr Herminie said that, as Indian Ocean states, maritime security and regional stability remain central to our relationship. He added that both nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on sharing successful digital solutions for digital transformation. This is President Herminie’s first visit to India since assuming office in October last year. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Seychelles is a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region and holds a special place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and its commitment to the Global South. Later in the evening, Dr Herminie will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.

The first BRICS Sherpa Meeting commenced in New Delhi yesterday. Secretary for Economic Relations and India’s BRICS Sherpa Sudhakar Dalela highlighted key priorities of India’s Chairship based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a people-centric and humanity-first approach. He also underlined the overall theme of Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. India will chair BRICS for the fourth time this year, having previously held the Chairship in 2012, 2016 and 2021.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with his Mauritian counterpart, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that during the conversation yesterday, they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the special, historic and people-centric ties that unite both nations. Both leaders also reviewed progress in the wide-ranging cooperation. The Prime Minister further said that India and Mauritius will continue to work together to achieve shared objectives of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. Mr Modi also said that he looks forward to welcoming Dr Ramgoolam for the AI Impact Summit next week.

Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council, CAPEXIL has hailed the Interim Trade Agreement between India and the United States. Talking to Akashvani News, CAPEXIL’s Glass Panel Chairman, Pradeep Kheruka, said, India has a large export market for perfume bottles in the United States, and the reduction in tariffs will provide a boost to the sector. Mr Kheruka added that India now faces lower tariffs compared to other countries, which will help increase exports across other trade sectors as well.