First-time Congress MLAs in Karnataka have urged party leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, to induct at least five debutant legislators into the state Cabinet during an upcoming reshuffle. They argue that 38 first-time MLAs were elected, reflecting a public desire for new faces in governance.

India and Africa are forging a deeper, more strategic partnership amidst global shifts, focusing on energy transition, climate action, and economic growth. With trade already exceeding $100 billion and aiming for $200 billion by 2030, collaboration in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure is key. Discussions emphasized strengthening institutional ties and leveraging shared developmental priorities for mutual benefit.

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will embark on a diplomatic tour of India, Australia, and Japan from February 26 to March 7, 2026. In India, he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on new partnerships in trade, energy, technology, AI, talent, culture, and defense.

Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah defended Rahul Gandhi's role as Lok Sabha LoP, questioning what more is expected of him in challenging the BJP. Abdullah dismissed veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's suggestion of Mamata Banerjee leading the INDIA bloc as a personal opinion, emphasizing collective decision-making within the alliance.

The Centre defended its decision to lower NEET-PG qualifying percentiles before the Supreme Court, stating the exam generates a merit list for limited seats, not certify minimum competence. The government argued that licensed MBBS doctors are already qualified and supervised during postgraduate studies, addressing concerns about patient safety due to vacant seats.

India's digital news industry faces a critical juncture in 2026, with converging challenges in AI, advertiser demands, and audience trust. The upcoming DNPA Conclave 2026 will address these issues, urging a shift from reactive adaptation to proactive strategy. Publishers must now move beyond experimentation to make foundational decisions shaping the future of news.

The Delhi High Court affirmed the economic value of homemakers' contributions, stating their work is crucial for a spouse's effectiveness. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma emphasized that unemployment doesn't equate to idleness, and the law must recognize unpaid domestic labor. The court awarded Rs 50,000 in maintenance, rejecting the notion that a wife's ability to earn negates her right to support.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has clarified that a recent incident reports claiming that a Tejas jet crashed was actually a minor technical issue on the ground. The company emphasized the aircraft's strong safety record and is working with the Indian Air Force for resolution. This statement follows reports of significant damage to a Tejas after overshooting a runway.

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of India's first and only Indian Governor General, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing that of British architect Edwin Lutyens. Prime Minister Modi hailed the move as an act of «mental decolonisation,» highlighting Rajagopalachari's inspiring public life and contributions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartbreak over West Bengal's current condition in a letter to voters, accusing the state government of «extreme non-cooperation.» He highlighted central government schemes that have benefited millions in the state and pledged to build a developed and prosperous West Bengal if the BJP comes to power.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta attacked West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of hindering development and failing to ensure women's safety. Gupta questioned the utilization of central funds, stating that development has not reached the poor in Bengal. She also highlighted concerns over women's safety, citing specific incidents and criticizing the state's conditions.

Amidst escalating Middle East tensions and fears of war, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has urgently advised all Indian nationals, including students and tourists, to depart Iran. This directive follows previous advisories and comes as US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran regarding nuclear deal negotiations. The embassy has provided contact details for assistance.

Aviation authorities are finalizing summer flight schedules, with pilot availability a key concern. Airlines' requests for extensions on flight duty time limitations are under review, impacting potential flight numbers. Exemptions are crucial for carriers like Air India and IndiGo to manage longer routes and night operations, but safety concerns over crew fatigue loom large.

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, India showcased its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a lifestyle experience, exemplified by a coffee stall where Google CEO Sundar Pichai sampled GI-tagged coffee and paid via UPI. This «DPI-first» approach was highlighted in a bilateral partnership with Brazil, aiming to link UPI with Brazil's Pix and establish a DPI Centre of Excellence.

Sam Pitroda, head of Indian Overseas Congress, sparked a row by stating India's IT talent served global firms, not the nation. He questioned why India couldn't build its own tech giants. The BJP swiftly condemned his remarks, accusing him of anti-India rhetoric and highlighting indigenous operating systems as counter-evidence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Israel soon. He expressed his eagerness for the trip on social media. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the visit as historic. The leaders emphasized the strong bond between India and Israel. They highlighted cooperation in innovation and security. The partnership continues to grow across various sectors.

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's overnight airstrikes on Afghanistan. The strikes reportedly targeted alleged terror hideouts. India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan. Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence stated that dozens of innocent civilians were martyred and wounded after airstrikes hit a school and residential homes.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the power of organ donation in his Mann Ki Baat address, sharing the story of a one-year-old from Kerala whose parents donated her organs.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh questioned the Centre's decision to agree to a trade deal framework with Washington before the US Supreme Court ruled on Trump tariffs. He argued India could have negotiated from a stronger position had it waited for the court's verdict, which ultimately found the administration exceeded its authority on tariffs.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has applauded the launch of the ambitious 82 km Delhi-Meerut 'Namo Bharat' rapid rail corridor, describing it as a significant boon from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress faces a significant setback in Assam as former state chief Bhupen Borah joins the BJP, echoing past defections. Borah cited humiliation and marginalization by party leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain as reasons for his departure, highlighting internal rifts ahead of assembly elections.

Three women from Arunachal Pradesh alleged racial slurs and humiliation by neighbours in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, after a dispute over repair work. A viral video captured the incident, leading to an FIR against the couple for offensive remarks and intimidation. The women seek an apology and fear for their safety.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed India as a «global power» ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit. Netanyahu emphasized the «special relationship» forged between the two nations and their leaders, highlighting plans to strengthen economic, diplomatic, and security ties. The visit, Modi's second to Israel, will include a speech at the Knesset and a visit to Yad Vashem.