Home Minister Amit Shah will launch Phase 2 of the Vibrant Villages Programme in Assam, a Rs 6,839 crore initiative to develop 1,954 villages along international borders. This project aims to foster inclusive development, curb outmigration, and integrate border populations with national security efforts.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asserted his commitment against media censorship and using government advertisements for influence. He pledged to rationalize the advertisement policy for transparency, basing allocations on objective criteria like circulation and readership. Abdullah also highlighted efforts to fill thousands of vacant government posts and stressed the urgency of climate change response for the region.

Troops thwarted an infiltration attempt along the LoC in Jammu's Sunderbani sector. In a separate operation in Nowshera, a terror module was busted, leading to the arrest of a suspected associate and the seizure of a significant arms cache, dismantling a trans-border weapons racket.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the global community at the AI Impact Summit to leverage technological disruption as humanity's greatest opportunity, emphasizing «right action» guided by «right understanding.» The summit also saw the country's nameplate displayed as «Bharat,» a recurring practice at official global events, sparking renewed discussion.

A man identifying as a Karni Sena spokesperson was detained in Kota for allegedly uploading a video threatening to shoot Rahul Gandhi and 25 other Congress MPs. The threats were issued over alleged verbal abuse of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Both BJP and Karni Sena have denied any association with the accused.

The Supreme Court has criticized the Tamil Nadu electricity board's promise of free electricity to all consumers. The apex court expressed concern that such freebies, regardless of financial need, hinder national economic development. It noted that states often offer these schemes, funded by taxpayer money, without proper budgetary justification.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for using the prefix 'Swami' for Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsadeva on his birth anniversary. Banerjee stated this displayed cultural insensitivity, as the saint was revered as 'Thakur,' with 'Swami' being a title for his disciples. Modi had earlier paid tributes to Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

India is hosting the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, bringing together global leaders to discuss artificial intelligence. Discussions focused on democratizing AI, building sovereign capabilities, and ensuring inclusive growth. Leaders emphasized AI's transformative potential across sectors like healthcare and education. The summit highlighted India's growing role as a trusted AI hub in the Global South.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized democratizing AI for human-centric development at the AI Impact Summit. He highlighted India's talent and policy clarity, inviting global collaboration. Modi unveiled the MANAV Vision for ethical, accountable, and inclusive AI, stressing the need for global standards and child safety in the evolving digital landscape.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited India and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He shared an AI-generated image of the two leaders. Macron attended the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The summit focused on responsible and development-focused AI. India is hosting the global AI gathering. Leaders discussed AI's future and its impact on people, planet, and progress.

Asks AG To Take Up Issue With Centre

A disturbing surge in mob violence, fueled by child-lifting rumors, has led to innocent individuals being attacked across Madhya Pradesh. In Indore, a mentally ill woman was assaulted, and similar panic-driven attacks are occurring without any evidence of actual kidnappings. Police urge citizens to report suspicions rather than taking the law into their own hands.

India's space sector is embracing Artificial Intelligence with a new Rs 6 crore seed fund from IN-SPACe for startups developing AI applications. Aimed at fostering innovation, the initiative will grant Rs 1 crore each to five selected entities. This move highlights AI's growing integration in space missions, from data analysis to autonomous systems.

President Murmu lauded the International Fleet Review 2026, emphasizing friendship and collective security among 74 participating nations. The grand maritime spectacle showcased India's naval prowess and commitment to global stability. Over 85 ships, including 19 foreign warships, and numerous aircraft demonstrated multi-domain capabilities, reinforcing India's role as a first responder and partner in maritime cooperation.

The ruling NDA is poised to expand its Rajya Sabha presence following biennial polls for 37 seats on March 16. With governments in six of the ten states going to polls, the BJP-led alliance anticipates a significant tally increase. Prominent retiring members' futures hinge on party alliances and internal coordination.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar demanded the civil aviation minister's resignation pending the Baramati air crash probe, alleging the charter company VSR Ventures is being protected. Supriya Sule also called for a transparent inquiry, highlighting concerns about potential political motives behind the accident.

At least five deaths have been reported among wedding attendees in Bihar's Rohtas district following a 'tilak' ceremony on February 14. A probe has been launched by excise and district officials after speculation arose linking the fatalities to alleged liquor consumption. Four relatives died within three days of the event.

Authorities are intensifying their search for local gangster Karanjit Singh, also known as Gugga, who escaped a Jammu juvenile home with two Pakistani inmates. The Pakistani nationals were apprehended in Ambala and handed over to Jammu and Kashmir Police. Gugga, believed to be the escape's architect, remains at large, with his mother also missing.

Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector is showing signs of recovery following a significant downturn after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Government initiatives, including promotional efforts, have boosted tourist footfalls during the winter season. Despite a dip in 2025 compared to 2024, efforts are underway to further revive the industry, which contributes substantially to the state's economy.

Kashmir division now boasts more registered voters than Jammu, with the Union Territory tallying over 8.7 million. Srinagar district leads in third-gender voters. This surge in the Valley's electorate is linked to increased youth and first-time voter participation following past boycotts, according to MLA Waheed Parra. The Election Commission employs annual revisions to update rolls.