The Times of India

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.

In Maharashtra, Shivaji Maharaj occupies an almost sacred position across ideological lines, but particularly within the political vocabulary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena. The Maratha ruler is frequently invoked as a symbol of indigenous sovereignty, martial pride and cultural assertion. References to Hindavi Swarajya resonate strongly with narratives centred on civilisational identity and self-determination.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation will release a preliminary report on the Baramati Learjet crash within 30 days. The investigation is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Flight recorders are being examined. The ministry assures a thorough, evidence-based probe. Special audits of aircraft operators are also underway. This follows demands for a CBI inquiry into the accident.

Israel has condemned a absolutely unacceptable attack on two Indian workers in Ashkelon, with police apprehending the perpetrators. The incident, described as racially motivated, has drawn criticism from Indian politicians who are urging the government to ensure the victims' well-being and address concerns about the safety of Indian laborers in Israel ahead of Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya clarified that the party opposes only the open sale of beef, not all non-vegetarian food. He asserted that people in Bengal are free to consume what they choose, refuting claims of a ban on fish and meat sales.

Indias foreign asset reporting regime has progressively aligned with global transparency standards, though its structural design differs from mature jurisdictions such as the United States.

India is set to fully restore its visa services in Bangladesh. This comes after a recent change in Bangladesh's political leadership. Aniruddha Das, a senior Indian consular official, confirmed the steps to fully restore services. Medical and double-entry visas are already being issued. Other categories, including travel visas, will also resume soon. This move signals a strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations.

French President Emmanuel Macron defended the Rafale deal, stating it strengthens India's defense capabilities and strategic coordination. He emphasized France's commitment to increasing Indian components and manufacturing critical devices in India, including co-production of combat aircraft and maintenance. This comes as India's Defence Acquisition Council cleared the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets.

The petitioners challenging the CAA Act will be heard on May 5 and for half a day on May 6. The respondent Union Government, supporting the legislation, will present its arguments during the remaining half of May 6 and continue on May 7.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra released a 20-point chargesheet against the BJP-led Assam government, accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and using state machinery to create fear among minorities. The Congress highlighted unfulfilled promises, including ST status for indigenous communities and increased wages for tea garden workers, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

The Supreme Court expressed serious concerns over the growing culture of freebies in states, warning it could hamper economic development and strain finances. Justices questioned whether indiscriminate distribution of benefits, without distinguishing between the needy and others, amounts to an appeasing policy that could weaken work culture and development efforts.

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) aims to make homeownership affordable in urban India, offering interest subsidies and financial aid to EWS, LIG, and MIG categories. Essential documents like Aadhaar, income proof, and identity verification are crucial for eligibility. Beneficiaries must not own a pucca house and haven't received prior central housing assistance.

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar has accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of hypocrisy and distraction tactics over his opposition to 'The Kerala Story' sequel. Chandrasekhar asserted filmmakers' rights and citizens' freedom to watch, urging Vijayan to use legal channels instead of creating fear. Vijayan had earlier condemned the sequel as a bid to spread communal discord.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist, was assassinated in Canada, sparking diplomatic tensions. Simultaneously, a plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US was uncovered, leading to the arrest of Indian national Nikhil Gupta. US authorities allege an Indian government employee directed the plot, a claim India disputes, suggesting a rogue operation.

According to data from the US Geological Survey, India holds the worlds third-largest rare earth reserves, estimated at 6.9 million tonnes. However, extraction remains limited, largely due to modest private-sector participation and investment.

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.

India's BPCL and HMEL have each acquired one million barrels of Venezuelan crude, marking significant new imports for the nation. This move, facilitated by trader Vitol, boosts India's Venezuelan oil intake as refiners pivot away from Russian supplies. The purchases are part of a broader trend of increased Venezuelan oil exports, with US refiners also scaling up their purchases.

Gold and silver price prediction: Gold may extend its rally to the Rs 1,63,000 per 10 grams mark and silver has managed to sustain support, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head - Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group.

Tata Consultancy Services has partnered with OpenAI to build AI infrastructure in India, aiming to enhance productivity and innovation. The collaboration will leverage OpenAI's enterprise ChatGPT and Codex tools, with TCS developing AI-ready, green energy-powered data centers. This strategic alliance seeks to position India as a global AI hub and empower its youth for the AI era.

Speaking to attendees, Mukesh Ambani conveyed optimism that AI would broaden economic prospects instead of diminishing them. He maintained that fears surrounding large-scale job losses are misplaced

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.

In many instances, the taxpayers are alleged to have sought tax relief by reporting bogus donations to religious bodies, charitable organisations, or educational institutions.

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.

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.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmarks are slowly inching upwards, with Nifty50 and BSE Sensex opening in green after three days of gains. While Nifty50 was above 25,850 in early trade, BSE Sensex rose over 100 points.

Top stock market recommendations: Sona BLW Precision Forgings, PFC, and NLC India are the top stocks that Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group recommends buying today. Here is the experts view on Nifty, Bank Nifty for February 19, 2026:

UAE private sector employees now enjoy a two-hour daily reduction in working hours during Ramadan, a legal right for all regardless of faith. This adjustment supports work-life balance and respects the physical demands of fasting. While most benefit, some roles have exemptions and overtime rules ensure fair compensation for extra work.

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.

BofA maintained its buy on Infosys, citing AI opportunities despite execution challenges. UBS upgraded ITC with a target price cut, anticipating price hikes in cigarettes. Goldman Sachs initiated coverage on LG Electronics with a buy rating, expecting faster industry growth. Morgan Stanley rated Dabur underweight, noting leadership changes.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin advocates for a multi-faceted AI governance framework, emphasizing societal norms alongside legal and technical standards. He believes a single instrument is insufficient for regulating AI's development and use. Parmelin also highlighted Switzerland's commitment to a just peace in Ukraine and the importance of trade agreements in challenging global economic times.