Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:41am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday India
Galgotias University has been asked to vacate the expo area of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi following a major controversy over a Chinese-made robotic dog. Professor Neha Singh from the university was caught on video claiming the robot named "Orion" was developed by Galgotias' Centre of Excellence, describing its surveillance and campus monitoring capabilities. Viewers quickly identified it as Unitree Go2, a commercially available Chinese robodog. After viral backlash, the university clarified: "Galgotias has not built this robodog, nor have we claimed to do so." Unitree Robotics, known for producing affordable four-legged robots rivalling Boston Dynamics' Spot, manufactures the Go2 at significantly lower prices for global consumers. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:22am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday India Global
Aviation historian and analyst Tom Cooper has claimed India struck Pakistan's Kirana Hills nuclear facility during Operation Sindoor on May 10, 2025, calling the evidence "unmistakable." Speaking to NDTV, Cooper said India first disabled Pakistani radar stations of the 4091st Squadron before hitting at least two entrances to underground storage facilities. He cited missile contrail videos and rising smoke as proof. Cooper argued Pakistan's subsequent diplomatic outreach to Washington, pushing for a ceasefire, confirmed the strike's impact. "It can't be clearer anymore," he stated. Despite official IAF denials, Cooper mentioned Kirana Hills where Pakistan conducted 20–24 non-critical nuclear tests was deliberately targeted as a strategic message. Pakistan's retaliatory Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, he added, failed entirely. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:11am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday India Global
Galgotias University faces severe backlash after a viral video surfaced showing a representative claiming its Centre of Excellence developed "Orion", later exposed as Unitree Go2, a Chinese AI powered robodog commercially available for Rs 2–3 lakh. The Greater Noida institution clarified it never claimed to have built the device, calling it a student learning tool procured from Chinese robotics firm Unitree. However, an X community fact-check directly contradicted this, stating: "They have named the robot 'Orion' and explicitly claimed it was developed by their team." The university defended its global sourcing strategy, citing technology imports from the US, China, and Singapore, saying, "Innovation knows no borders. Learning should not either."
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:37am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday Tech Today
Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has reached India to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where he will give the keynote address on February 20. After landing, Pichai shared a message on X saying, “Nice to be back in India for the AI Impact Summit.” The five-day event began on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam and is organised under the IndiaAI Mission and the Ministry of Electronics and IT. The summit focuses on responsible and inclusive use of artificial intelligence. Several global tech leaders and policymakers are taking part. Pichai said Google wants to be a long-term AI partner for India. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:25am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday International
The United States has moved two carrier strike groups near Iran while missile threats and sharp warnings are being exchanged, even as talks continue through Omani mediation in Geneva. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said American power “would not succeed in destroying the Islamic Republic” and warned a US warship could be sunk. Experts say the military build-up increases risk but does not confirm war. Professor Simon Mabon said this is a “very serious moment” and called it pressure-based diplomacy. Iran has also signalled it could target US bases and disrupt the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations are focused mainly on Iran’s nuclear programme. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:20am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday India Global
Mental health experts say many Indian students studying overseas are facing stress due to academic pressure, loneliness, and cultural gaps. The issue has gained attention after the death of a Karnataka student in the US. Mumbai psychologist Urvashi Musale said high achievers often struggle when they no longer feel “top of the class.” She called this an “identity collapse,” where students feel lost and disconnected. Many feel guilty about spending their parents’ money and fear poor grades. Musale said support systems and hobbies can help. “Innovation in coping starts with small wins,” she said. She also advised parents to do “emotional check-ins,” not only academic reviews. (PC: The Indian Express)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:15am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday India
The father of a 17-year-old boy accused in a fatal Dwarka SUV crash has apologised and said he did not know his son was driving. Police said the SUV hit a motorcycle on February 3 near Sector 11, killing 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra at the spot. The vehicle then struck a parked car and injured a cab driver. The minor was caught at the scene and later sent to an observation home. His father has also been booked under the Motor Vehicles Act. He told reporters, “I didn’t know my son was driving” and added, “I am regretful that this happened.” Police investigation is ongoing. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:08am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday International
Rescue teams are searching for 10 missing skiers after an avalanche struck a backcountry group near Truckee in California’s Lake Tahoe region. Authorities said the group had 16 people, including four guides and 12 clients. At least six people survived and are waiting at the site for rescue. The sheriff’s office said “highly-skilled rescue ski teams” and a SnoCat vehicle were sent to the area. A total of 46 responders are involved. Officials warned that conditions remain dangerous. The Sierra Avalanche Center said the risk level is “high” and large avalanches are expected. Heavy snowfall and strong winds have also closed nearby roads. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:02am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday India
Galgotias University has issued a clarification after facing online criticism over a robotic dog shown at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi. Social media posts claimed the university presented a Chinese-made robodog as its own product named “Orion.” In a statement, the university said the device was bought from Chinese firm Unitree and used only for student learning. It said, “Galgotias has not built this robodog, nor have we ever claimed to.” The institute called it a teaching tool for experiments and training. A community note on X disputed the claim and said the robot was presented as developed by the university team. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:47am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday India Global
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi inviting him to visit India. The letter congratulated Rahman on his party’s election win and his swearing-in as prime minister. Modi wrote, “I extend my warmest congratulations to you” and said he hopes Bangladesh will move ahead with “peace, stability and prosperity.” The letter also invited Rahman and his family to visit India at a mutually convenient time, adding that “a warm welcome awaits you.” Modi could not attend the swearing-in ceremony due to prior commitments and deputed Birla to represent India. (PC: NDTV)