Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin will co-chair 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru today. The meeting will review the entire gamut of bilateral defence cooperation, with focus on expanding industrial collaboration. During the meeting, a defence cooperation agreement is expected to be renewed for another 10 years, with an MoU on Joint Venture for manufacturing of Hammer missiles likely to be signed in the presence of both Defence Ministers. An announcement is also expected with respect to reciprocal deployment of officers at the Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments. The two Ministers are also expected to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly of Tata Airbus by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron at Vemagal, Karnataka. Defence has traditionally formed an important pillar of the relationship between the two countries. The strong and enduring bilateral ties were vividly reflected in 2024-2025 through a series of high-profile exchanges. Mr Modi was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in July 2023, before the French President graced the Republic Day Parade 2024 as the Chief Guest. The recent India-EU Security & Defence Partnership marks a significant step in deepening collective engagement with European nations. Military-to-Military cooperation is on an increase. India and France have been regularly carrying out three major exercises – Exercise Shakti with Army, Exercise Varuna with Navy, and Exercise Garuda with Air Force, and several other opportunity engagements. This would be the maiden visit of Ms Catherine Vautrin to India after she took over as the French Defence Minister on October 12, 2025. The India-France Annual Defence Dialogue is a structured ministerial-level bilateral meeting to review and guide defence & security cooperation. The 5th edition of the meeting was held in France from October 11-13, 2023.

The Delhi Airport has advised passengers to use metro for convenient access ahead of the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam. In a social media post, the Delhi Airport informed travellers of possible traffic congestion and delays to and from the airport and advised planning their travel accordingly.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast scattered rainfall in places over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Lakshadeep till 18 February. It has predicted a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty winds over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands today. The Weather Agency said that hot and humid weather conditions will prevail over Coastal Karnataka, Konkan and Goa for the day. Meanwhile, squally weather is expected to prevail over parts of the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining east Equatorial Indian Ocean.

In Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, a major fire broke out late at night at the Steel Gate vegetable market in the Saraidhela police station area, reducing more than 12 shops to ashes. Four fire tenders rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after sustained efforts. Former Jharia MLA Sanjeev Singh reached the site, monitored relief operations and demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident. Shopkeepers expressed concern over repeated fire incidents and sought permanent security arrangements and financial assistance, while police have begun an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) today conducted a Joint Counter-Terrorist Mock Exercise at Delhi Airport to enhance inter-agency coordination, preparedness and response to security threats. In a social media post, CISF said that the exercise focused on strengthening threat response, sharpening tactical readiness and ensuring seamless inter-agency coordination. It carried out the exercise in coordination with the National Security Guard, Delhi Police, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (Delhi International Airport Limited), Fire Services and Medical Services. It added that during the Mock Exercise, Quick Reaction Team, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, and Canine squad of CISF played a key role by swiftly neutralising simulated threats through close operational synergy with all stakeholders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that India has to be prepared at all times to deal with security challenges. In an interview with a news agency, Mr Modi highlighted that the benefits of a decade of defence reforms were evident during Operation Sindoor. He stressed that India has a duty to modernise its defence sector in line with current realities as a country that is playing an increasingly important role in the world. Citing the allocation of 7.85 lakh crore rupees to the defence sector in the Union Budget 2026-27, Mr Modi said the outlay is 15 per cent higher than the previous budget. He further stated that it is also the biggest chunk given to any ministry or department. Prime Minister further said that this year’s Union Budget reflects India’s yearning to become a developed nation. He added that the budget is not a ‘now or never’ moment born out of compulsion but a ‘we are ready’ moment born out of preparation and inspiration. He also said that the tax incentives announced in the Budget are designed to accelerate investment in this space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure. He invited the whole world’s data to reside in India. He further stated that the tax incentives announced in the Budget are designed to accelerate investment in this space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure. Mr Modi listed three priorities for the next decade: more structural reforms, deepening innovation, and simpler governance. He also asserted that his government’s “Reform Express” is benefiting common citizens in a big way. Prime Minister further said that women will play the most important role in creating Viksit Bharat, and initiatives taken by the government will empower them. On the trade deals being done by India, the Prime Minister remarked that political stability and political predictability have restored investor confidence in India. He added that stronger manufacturing, services, and MSMEs have enabled India to negotiate trade pacts from a position of strength. He highlighted that India’s Free Trade Agreements are designed to expand market access for MSMEs in textile, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, gems and other sectors. Mr Modi criticised the UPA government, alleging that their economic mismanagement left India unable to negotiate from a position of confidence. He further stated that reform is the commitment of his government, and this has been demonstrated in letter and spirit. Emphasising that the private sector is critical for the next phase of economic transformation, the Prime Minister requested a ‘decisive response’ from them. He added that the private sector must focus less on protecting margins and invest aggressively in R&D, supply chain, and quality. He said the next leap to Viksit Bharat will depend on bold investment by the private sector in innovation, long-term capacity, and global competitiveness. Mr Modi said he is never fully satisfied and believes that public life demands a certain constructive restlessness and a constant urge to do more. He, however, stressed that it is important to acknowledge the scale of progress achieved in the journey of Reform Express. The Prime Minister said there is always a strong desire to achieve more for the people and to take the country forward.

Gayatri Ashish Yadav, the visionary founder of GTR Academy, has emerged as a transformative force in the fields of education and technology. With a deep commitment to digital innovation and academic excellence, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the EdTech sector, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. In 2026, Gayatri Ashish Yadav was honored with the prestigious World Icon Award for her groundbreaking innovations in cybersecurity within India’s EdTech ecosystem. This recognition celebrated her efforts to strengthen digital safety in educational environments—an increasingly critical need in an era of rapid digital transformation. Through her leadership at GTR Academy, she has developed and implemented robust cybersecurity frameworks that safeguard students, educators, and institutions from evolving online threats. Her influence extends beyond cybersecurity. In 2025, she received the Indo Spanish International Award, specifically the AI Research Impact Award. This accolade acknowledged her impactful research in artificial intelligence and its practical applications in education. By integrating AI-driven tools and adaptive learning technologies, she has contributed to creating more personalized, efficient, and accessible educational experiences for learners across diverse backgrounds. Continuing her streak of excellence, Gayatri Ashish Yadav was also conferred the Kamal Ratna Puraskar in 2026 for her outstanding leadership in Technical EdTech. This award recognized her strategic vision in blending technological advancement with educational values, ensuring that innovation remains aligned with the needs of students and educators. In the same year, she was honored with the Rashtra Seva Puraskar, receiving the Digital & Tech Education Transformation Award. This distinction underscored her unwavering dedication to revolutionizing educational practices through digital solutions, policy advocacy, and inclusive technology initiatives. Gayatri Ashish Yadav’s journey reflects a powerful combination of technical expertise, visionary leadership, and social responsibility. Through her pioneering work in cybersecurity and AI-driven education, she has not only elevated standards within the EdTech industry but has also inspired a new generation of innovators and educators. Her contributions continue to shape a safer, smarter, and more resilient digital future for education in India and beyond.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the launch of the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) Scheme. Under the Scheme, every eligible road accident victim on any category of road will be entitled to cashless treatment up to one lakh 50 thousand per victim, for period of seven days from the date of the accident. Road, Transport and Highways Ministry said that the decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that no life is lost due to lack of immediate medical assistance after a road accident. The Ministry said that reimbursement to hospitals will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. It said, the launch of PM RAHAT from Seva Teerth in New Delhi yesterday, symbolises a citizen-first approach – where governance translates into timely action, compassionate response, and protection of life. India records a significant number of road accident fatalities every year, many of which are preventable with timely medical intervention. Studies indicate that nearly 50 per cent of road accident deaths can be averted if victims are admitted to hospital within the first hour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Cabinet approval for three multitracking projects covering various districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka will strengthen rail infrastructure, reduce logistic cost and create job opportunities for youth. Mr Modi said, the decision of widening National Highway-167 from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor will boost economic growth, create employment and further Ease of Living. Prime Minister Modi said, the Cabinet has also approved a 4-lane access-controlled Greenfield corridor between Gohpur and Numaligarh, including India’s first underwater Road-cum-Rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra. He said, this transformative project will enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs and accelerate growth across Assam and the entire Northeast. Mr Modi said, the Cabinet has approved the extension corridor from Noida Sector 142 to Botanical Garden (Noida). He said, this decision will add momentum to Noida’s development journey. Congestion will be reduced significantly as well.

Newly elected Members of Parliament and cabinet members are set to be sworn in on Tuesday, February 17, following the landslide victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the 13th national election. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said the MPs will take oath at 10 am at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will administer the oath. Later in the afternoon, at 4pm, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will swear in the new cabinet members at the South Plaza of Parliament. According to constitutional procedures, after the MPs are sworn in, the parliamentary party that commands a majority will hold a meeting to elect its leader. The elected leader will then meet the President to formally stake claim to form the government. The President will first administer the oath to the Prime Minister, followed by ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers. The Cabinet Division will subsequently issue a gazette notification allocating portfolios. Preparations for the ceremony are underway, officials said, with around 1,000 guests expected to attend. BNP secured 209 seats in Thursday’s parliamentary election, held alongside a referendum. The Election Commission has published gazette notifications for 297 lawmakers, while the results in two constituencies remain withheld under court orders. Meanwhile, BNP leaders said invitations will be extended to about a dozen heads of government from the region to attend the swearing-in ceremony. According to Humayun Kabir, BNP joint secretary general (international relations), leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, are expected to be invited. A foreign ministry official said invitations have also been sent to several South Asian and Asian countries, including China. Kabir said the incoming BNP government aims to strengthen bilateral ties with India and other countries based on mutual respect and shared interests. He described External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s attendance at former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s funeral and Modi’s congratulatory phone call to Tarique Rahman as positive diplomatic gestures. Separately, the government has cancelled the remaining tenure of Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid’s contractual appointment. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard. In a separate order, M Siraj Uddin Mia, principal secretary to the chief adviser, has been given additional charge as secretary of the Cabinet Division. At a post-election press conference in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman said maintaining peace and law and order would be the top priority of the new government. Urging political actors to show restraint, he warned that no form of anarchy would be tolerated and called for national unity in the post-election period.

The Corps of Signals of the Indian Army is celebrating its 116th Raising Day today. Since its inception on this day in 1911, Corps of Signals has transformed the communications of Indian Army and kept pace with the digital revolution of 21st Century. Today, the Corps is well poised to exploit the state-of-the art modern communication techniques for meeting the challenging requirements of the Indian Army to operate in a multi-dimensional threat environment across the entire spectrum of conflict. In his message, Signal officer in Chief, Lieutenant General Vivek Dogra said, over the past year, the Corps of Signals has played a critical role as the Arm of the Future in facilitating operational readiness and furthering national security objectives. He paid homage to the brave signallers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. General Dogra said that during Operation SINDOOR, signal units operated in a high-tempo, dynamic and complex environment, ensuring uninterrupted command and control across field formations and units. He said, as warfare continues to evolve into a contested, information-dense and multi-domain continuum, the Corps of Signals is transitioning from platform-centric to data-centric operational architectures. General Dogra said that the focus is on creating resilient, adaptive networks capable of functioning under complex cyber threats, electronic warfare and physical disruption.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the approval of one lakh crore rupees for the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) by the Union Cabinet. In a social media post, Mr Modi said the fund will leverage market finance, private participation and citizen-centric reforms to deliver high-quality urban infrastructure. He said the initiative will make cities the key drivers of the country’s economic growth. The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Home and Urban Affairs with a total Central Assistance of one lakh crore rupees. The Fund aims to build resilient, productive, inclusive and climate-responsive cities, positioning those as key drivers of the country’s next phase of economic growth. The UCF is designed to crowd-in private capital by making projects bankable and reducing risks for lenders and private partners. The Fund supports up to 25 percent of project cost, subject to raising a minimum 50 percent of the project cost from market, creating a clear pathway for private participation. The Fund will be operational from Financial Year 2025-26 to Financial Year 2030-31, with an extendable implementation period up to Financial Year 2033-34. The move will lead to a total investment of four lakh crore rupees in urban sector in the next five years. It will also mark a paradigm shift in India’s urban development approach from grant-based financing to market-linked, reform-driven and outcome-oriented infrastructure creation.