Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:58am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday India
In Nelamangala on Bengaluru’s outskirts, a 69‑year‑old woman named Shobha was strangled inside her home while caring for her wheelchair‑bound husband, who was present but unable to intervene. The suspect, 36‑year‑old neighbour Shivakumar, allegedly targeted her gold jewellery and fled with over 100 grams of gold after the brutal attack on Wednesday afternoon. Local police analysed CCTV footage, traced and arrested him within about six hours, recovering the stolen items. Investigators believe the motive was to repay debts, and further inquiries are ongoing into the suspect’s background. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:54am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India’s “MANAV Vision” for artificial intelligence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, emphasising a human‑centred, ethical and inclusive AI framework. He stressed that AI must be democratised so people are not reduced to mere data points, advocating moral systems, accountable governance, national data sovereignty, accessibility and legitimacy. Modi said AI should act as a tool for inclusion, empowerment and global good, particularly for the Global South. His address highlighted India’s ambition to lead responsible AI development while safeguarding safety and human values.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:20am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday India
Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai praised India’s rapid rise in artificial intelligence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the country’s developer energy and innovation ecosystem. He emphasised that AI must be pursued responsibly to avoid deepening global inequality and announced Google’s planned $15 billion investment in a full-stack AI hub in Visakhapatnam with gigawatt-scale computing and new international subsea cable connectivity. Pichai also underscored initiatives for AI skill development, infrastructure partnerships and collective action to ensure inclusive access and real-world benefits from AI technologies. (PC: PTI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:16am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday India
The AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi brought together top global leaders and technology experts to discuss artificial intelligence, innovation, and regulation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented India’s vision for responsible and inclusive AI development. Major investment announcements and policy discussions marked the event, with global tech figures participating in key sessions. However, Day 4 also saw controversy after Bill Gates cancelled his keynote appearance and Galgotias University faced criticism for allegedly misrepresenting a robotic dog project. Despite logistical issues and debates over AI safety, the summit highlighted India’s growing ambition to become a global AI leader. (PC: Bloomberg)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:03am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday India
At least 12 schools in Noida and three schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails during ongoing CBSE board examinations, triggering panic and precautionary evacuations. Police, bomb disposal squads and sniffer dog units conducted extensive searches across campuses. Authorities confirmed that no suspicious objects were recovered. Parents were informed and students were safely escorted out as a security measure. Cybercrime teams have begun tracing the origin of the emails. Officials described the threats as likely hoaxes but said investigations are underway to identify those responsible and ensure student safety. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:14am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday India
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will not deliver his scheduled keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The Gates Foundation confirmed that Ankur Vora, President of its Africa and India offices, will attend and speak on behalf of the organisation instead. The foundation stated the decision was made to keep the focus on the summit’s core priorities. Gates’ withdrawal comes amid recent speculation surrounding his name in newly released documents, although no official detailed reason was provided for the change in plans. (PC: ANI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:08am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday India
Attendees of the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, faced major transport disruptions as roads around the venue were sealed for VVIP movement. Police reportedly restricted cab access near the site, forcing several delegates to walk long distances to find alternative transport. Social media posts highlighted frustration over inadequate shuttle arrangements and limited public transport access. Some visitors claimed nearby metro stations were temporarily inaccessible, worsening the situation. Critics described the episode as poor logistical planning, raising concerns about crowd and traffic management during high-profile international events in the capital.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:57am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday India
A stampede-like situation occurred at Shivneri Fort in Pune district during celebrations for Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, as an uncontrolled crowd far exceeded the fort’s capacity, causing chaos in narrow pathways. Thousands of devotees, including women and children, gathered at the historic site overnight, leading to overcrowding on constricted routes where upward and downward movement collided. In the ensuing rush, people were pushed and trampled, resulting in multiple injuries—especially among women and children—who were treated at nearby hospitals. Authorities are assessing the incident and crowd management response amid ongoing celebrations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:13am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday India
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 opened at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, uniting global policymakers, tech CEOs and innovators to shape the future of artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, Sundar Pichai (Google), Sam Altman (OpenAI) and Bill Gates are among top speakers addressing the event, aimed at fostering AI governance, innovation and investment. The summit, anchored on themes like People, Planet and Progress, features exhibits, discussions and collaborations with delegates from over 100 nations and major tech firms. It highlights India’s push to lead responsible, inclusive AI on the global stage. (PC: Instagram)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:07am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday India
India has officially joined over 100 nations and international organisations in criticising what they describe as unilateral Israeli measures aimed at expanding control over the occupied West Bank, calling them violations of international law that undermine peace and stability. India endorsed a joint United Nations statement condemning these actions and urging their reversal, reinforcing its support for negotiated solutions and international legal norms. The move comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Israel, signalling a diplomatic balancing act between upholding legal principles and maintaining bilateral ties. (PC: The Hindu)