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.

Jesse Jackson, the civil rights activist and two-time US presidential candidate, has died. He was 84. Jackson, a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. had been hospitalised in recent months and was under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy. He died last morning, his son said. According to a statement from his nonprofit organisation, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Jackson’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. It added that Jackson elevated the voices of the voiceless, from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilising millions to register to vote. Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, rose to become a civil rights icon and a groundbreaking politician who mounted two electrifying runs for the presidency in the 1980s under the Democratic Party. Jackson first rose to national prominence in the 1960s as a close aide to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. After King’s assassination in 1968. Tributes flowed in for Mr Jackson, including former US President Barack Obama, who said that Jackson’s two historic runs for president had laid the foundation for his own campaign for the US presidency.

In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand won by 8 wicket defeating Canada in the Group D match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Earlier, chosen to bat first, Canada scored 173 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. Chasing the target of 174 runs, Canada, losing 2 wickets, successfully achieved the target in just 15.1 overs. Glenn Phillips with 76 runs was top scorer for Canada while Yuvraj Sarma was the top scorer with 110 runs for New Zealand. Later in the day, Ireland will face Zimbabwe in a Group B Match at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. The match will start at 3.00 pm local time. In the third fixture, Scotland will lock horns with Nepal in a Group C match at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The match will start at 7 pm. Earlier, Sri Lanka have sealed Super 8 berth in the T20 World Cup with a commanding victory over Australia at Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy last night. In another fixture yesterday, England defeated Italy by 24 runs in a Group C match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.Earlier in the day, Afghanistan pulled off a five-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a Group D clash to register their first win of the tournament at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold meetings with several global leaders today who are in New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit. PM Modi is scheduled to meet the President of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Finland, Antti Petteri Orpo, the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic, the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay and the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov.

President Droupadi Murmu will be on a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh beginning today to witness the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026. She will arrive in Visakhapatnam this evening. Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will receive her. A Presidential Banquet will be hosted later in the evening. Tomorrow, the President will witness the IFR 2026 in her capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. She will review an impressive array of ships, submarines and aircraft from India and friendly foreign nations off the Visakhapatnam coast. Organised by the Indian Navy under the theme “United Through Oceans, Strengthening Bridges of Friendship,” the review showcases maritime capability, cooperation and India’s sovereign oversight at sea. The IFR is being held alongside the 13th edition of the MILAN multilateral naval exercise and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave, aimed at deepening professional engagement, interoperability and strategic collaboration among participating navies in the Bay of Bengal region.

The Union Education Ministry will host a special session titled Ministry of Education – Pushing the Frontier of AI in India at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi today. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary will attend the session, underscoring the Ministry’s continued push to harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in education. The Ministry has underlined that the session aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy and the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. Over the past decade, the Ministry has laid the foundation for AI-enabled education through digital platforms, policy frameworks, institutional reforms, and large-scale capacity building across school education, higher education, skilling, research, and innovation. The Summit session will highlight India’s shift from policy vision to large-scale implementation through public digital infrastructure, Centres of Excellence, teacher training, curriculum integration, and collaboration with industry and startups.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will inaugurate the 23rd edition of BioAsia 2026 international summit today. The two-day global conference will be held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). This year’s summit is themed ‘TechBio Unleashed – AI, Automation, and the Revolutionary Changes in Life Sciences.’ As India rapidly emerges as a global hub for TechBio innovations, the event will focus on leveraging advanced technology to shape the future of healthcare. The Chief Minister will officially open the international exhibition, featuring world-renowned life sciences organisations, before delivering the keynote address to inaugurate the summit. The event will bring together global experts, scientists, and industry leaders to discuss critical advancements in the field. Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu will participate alongside prominent international speakers, including Professor Bruce L. Levine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Dr. Howard Y. Chang, Chief Scientific Officer at Amgen. Delegates from around the world will engage in discussions covering crucial topics such as next-generation biologics, AI-driven R&D, digital transformation, and the future of pharma and biotech, under the overarching theme of ‘Telangana Rising 2047 – World-Class Life Sciences Ecosystem.’