The Times of India

Delhi Police have taken Indian Youth Congress President Uday Bhanu Chib into four-day custody following his arrest for orchestrating a shirtless protest at the Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit. The demonstration targeted Prime Minister Modi and the India-US trade deal. Congress leaders defended the protest as a democratic right, while the BJP criticized Rahul Gandhi's stance.

A Pawan Hans helicopter experienced a short landing near Mayabunder in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands shortly after departing Port Blair. The aircraft was carrying two crew members and five passengers. Fortunately, all individuals were safely rescued with no reported injuries. Authorities are investigating the incident, and those on board are receiving medical observation.

Rahul Gandhi lauded Indian Youth Congress members for protesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated, Peaceful protest is our historic heritage. It is in our blood and is the democratic right of every Indian. Gandhi criticized a trade deal with America, claiming it compromises national interests and harms farmers and the textile industry.

The Supreme Court has authorized the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice to bring in judicial officers from Jharkhand and Odisha to speed up the verification of voter claims in West Bengal's electoral roll revision. This move aims to address a significant backlog, with the Election Commission bearing the costs.

Delhi Police arrested Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib and seven others for a shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Summit. The Youth Congress condemned the arrests as an undeclared emergency, while Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera criticized the government's reaction to peaceful dissent. Protesters displayed anti-PM slogans.

Delhi government will implement the Centre's 'Rah-Veer' scheme, rewarding citizens Rs 25,000 for assisting seriously injured road accident victims within the golden hour. This initiative aims to remove apprehension and foster a culture of compassion, with outstanding individuals receiving a national award of Rs 1 lakh annually.

Delhi Police have apprehended Indian Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib following a protest at Bharat Mandapam. The incident involved a shirtless demonstration inside an AI expo hall, with slogans targeting the Prime Minister. Chib's arrest brings the total detentions in the case to eight, including other IYC office-bearers.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta pledged to resolve past governmental issues, assuring BJP workers that extensive development work would ensure public support in future elections. Highlighting the government's dedicated efforts since its formation on February 20, 2025, Gupta presented a one-year report card during a public outreach program across the capital.

Delhi Police has busted a Bangladesh terror module run by Shabir Ahmed Lone, who was in direct contact with LeT commander Hafeez Saeed. Lone, a Kashmiri resident, was released on bail in 2019 and fled to Bangladesh. He was tasked with recruiting and radicalizing illegal Bangladeshi migrants in India, arranging fake IDs and weapons for potential attacks.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney embarks on a three-day visit to India this week, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions will focus on energy, trade, defence, and technology, with leaders reviewing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

Union Minister Amit Shah announced a minimum base fare for drivers on the Bharat Taxi platform, ensuring 80% of earnings based on kilometers driven. He also introduced a 'Saarathi Didi' feature for women prioritizing female drivers. The cooperative model aims to benefit drivers, mirroring the Amul structure with profits returning to producers.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has clarified that no Tejas fighter jet crashed this month, stating the incident was a minor technical issue on the ground. The company emphasized the aircraft's strong safety record and is working with the IAF for resolution. Reports indicated a minor incident during landing, not a crash, prompting fleet checks.

Social media giants Meta and WhatsApp assured the Supreme Court they will comply with tribunal orders on user data sharing for non-core services and transparent opt-out options by March 16. While the court disposed of their stay applications, the CCI highlighted the ongoing dispute over a five-year ban on data sharing for advertising, with further hearings scheduled.

A brave Army dog, Tyson, led the charge against terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar, sustaining a leg injury but enabling security forces to eliminate three Jaish-e-Mohammed militants. This success, 'Operation Trashi-1', highlights months of integrated planning and execution, neutralizing key leadership and showcasing remarkable inter-agency coordination.

Top CPI(Maoist) leaders, including de-facto general secretary Devji and central committee member Sangram, are expected to surrender, signaling a significant blow to the organization. This follows a series of surrenders by other key figures. The move is seen as a pragmatic choice over ideology, potentially encouraging remaining cadres to follow suit.

Amidst rising Iran-US tensions and fears of war, India is actively securing its energy supplies. With the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, potentially facing closure, New Delhi is exploring alternative pipelines and has diversified imports. While availability isn't the primary concern, a surge in global crude prices remains a significant worry for the nation's import bill.

A Delhi-bound air ambulance carrying seven people, including a patient, doctor, and two crew members, crashed in Jharkhand shortly after taking off from Ranchi. The Beechcraft C90 aircraft lost contact with air traffic control after requesting a weather deviation. A search and rescue operation is underway, with an investigation team dispatched.

The Canadian government has begun the process to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistan-born businessman currently facing trial in India for allegedly helping plan the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 166 people. Canadian authorities have clarified that the move is not linked to terrorism charges but to alleged misrepresentation in his citizenship application.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed a schedule exists for senior Congress leaders to join the BJP, following former state chief Bhupen Borah's switch. Sarma asserted this move would leave no Hindu leaders in the Congress in Assam, with further defections planned for future elections.

Uttar Pradesh officials are urged to prepare for potential summer drinking water shortages under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Minister Swatantra Dev Singh directed daily village head consultations and regular updates to public representatives on water supply projects. Road restoration for pipeline installations must be completed by March, with strict action for lapses.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

India has launched its first comprehensive anti-terror policy named PRAHAAR. This policy addresses threats from cross-border terrorism, cyber-attacks, and the misuse of drones. It highlights the use of advanced technologies by terror groups for propaganda and funding. PRAHAAR emphasizes coordinated legal, technological, and community-based responses to combat evolving security challenges.

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.

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.

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.

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 Police arrested Jitendra Yadav in Gwalior, marking the fifth arrest in connection with the Youth Congress protest at the AI Impact Summit. The protest, described by a court as a latant assault on public order, involved displaying T-shirts with slogans against the government and a trade deal, leading to a scuffle with security.

An Indian team has developed MANAS 1, an AI model trained on extensive brainwave data to detect neurological and psychiatric disorders early. This foundational platform, built on 60,000 hours of recordings, aims to interpret the brain's electrical signals, potentially aiding doctors in remote areas and reducing diagnostic delays for conditions like epilepsy and dementia. A next-generation version is anticipated soon.

Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar asserted Mamata Banerjee is crucial for the INDIA bloc's survival, urging Rahul Gandhi to cede leadership to smaller parties. Aiyar, who expressed admiration for Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, also voiced contempt for Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera. The party has since distanced itself from Aiyar's controversial statements.