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NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD: India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels to Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit to strengthen relations with a major trade and defense partner, drawing criticism at home.&nbsp;Modi is scheduled to land at Ben Gurion Airport at 12:45 p.m. local time, and is set to become the first Indian leader to <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/israels-opposition-to-boycott-india-pm-modis-speech-casting-embarrassment-on-india" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">address the Knesset</a> &mdash; a move Israeli officials have described as a &ldquo;strategic leap.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;Our nations share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership,&rdquo; Modi said in a departure statement, saying he will meet his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and address the Knesset.&nbsp;&ldquo;Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years,&rdquo; he added. Growing cooperation New Delhi has steadily expanded cooperation with Israel across the defense, agriculture, technology and cybersecurity sectors while balancing diplomatic interests in the Middle East. Talks opened between Indian and Israeli technical experts in New Delhi on Monday for an India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), India&rsquo;s government said in a statement, noting that total merchandise trade was $3.62 billion in 2024-25. Defense integration to feature prominentlyModi said he would hold talks with Netanyahu to &ldquo;discuss ways to strengthen cooperation&rdquo; as well as meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Israeli officials say defense integration will be a prominent topic in discussions. Media reports in Israel have cited a proposed multi-billion-dollar defense package, including the Iron Beam laser air defense system and potential joint production of advanced missile systems. For Netanyahu, the visit is being framed as part of a broader regional security architecture, according to the Economic Times. &#39;Hexagon of Alliances&#39;The publication quotes Israeli analysts saying efforts were underway to build a six-nation &ldquo;Hexagon of Alliances,&rdquo; reportedly including India, Greece and Cyprus, aimed at countering what Israel calls the Iranian axis.&nbsp;In September 2023, grand plans were unveiled in New Delhi for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor &mdash; to link railways, ports, electricity, data networks and pipelines, including through Saudi Arabia and Israel.&nbsp;Netanyahu has highlighted the corridor, including the port of Haifa operated by India&rsquo;s Adani Group, as a strategic economic link.&nbsp;Those plans were stalled after the start of Israel&rsquo;s war in Gaza in October 2023.&nbsp;Full diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992. Ties deepened after Hindu-nationalist leader Modi took office in 2014.&nbsp;Modi visited Israel as prime minister in 2017, before Netanyahu reciprocated with a visit to India the following year.&nbsp;Both right-wing leaders have called each other a &ldquo;friend.&rdquo; Senior Congress party figure Priyanka Gandhi, sister of opposition leader Rahul, posted on social media on Wednesday that she hoped Modi would mention the killing of &ldquo;thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza&rdquo; when he addresses Israel&rsquo;s parliament. Iran question In Tehran, state-aligned media sharply criticized the visit. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that hardliners in Jerusalem and Washington were pushing toward a &ldquo;catastrophic war,&rdquo; while adding that Tehran would not yield to what he described as unreasonable demands.&nbsp;Iranian state media also cited Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as saying that any attempt at &ldquo;encirclement&rdquo; would draw a firm response.&nbsp;The visit comes as the United States weighs options on Iran, and after India advised its citizens to leave Iran, signaling heightened regional tensions.&nbsp;India, the world&rsquo;s most populous nation with 1.4 billion people, is majority Hindu, but an estimated 220 million Indians are Muslim.&nbsp;One of India&rsquo;s largest conglomerates, Adani Group, operates the Mediterranean port of Haifa. India also used Israeli military drone technology during its May 2025 clash with Pakistan.&nbsp;At the same time, India maintains strong relations with Gulf nations and Tehran, including developing Iran&rsquo;s Chabahar port &mdash; a trade gateway to Afghanistan, where New Delhi has built a relationship with Taliban authorities.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi waits for the arrival of Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 21, 2026

India

Modi is scheduled to land at Ben Gurion Airport at 12:45 p.m. local time, and is set to become the first Indian leader to address the Knesset — a move Israeli officials have described as a 'strategic leap.'

India's Modi heads to Israel to 'strengthen cooperation'

ISLAMABAD: English cricketers have come out in support of Pakistan players after reports claimed that Indian-owned franchises in The Hundred may overlook them during the upcoming player auction. According to BBC Sport, four teams with ownership links to the Indian Premier League are not considering Pakistan players for the draft scheduled for March 11 and 12. The development has sparked concern across the English cricket community, with senior players warning that any exclusion based on nationality would damage the league&rsquo;s credibility. Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali said it would be a &ldquo;massive shame&rdquo; if Pakistan players were ignored. &ldquo;In the UK, I&rsquo;m not sure that can happen &mdash; and I hope it doesn&rsquo;t happen,&rdquo; he told Telegraph Sport on Monday, adding that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) would be expected to keep a close watch. Former England batter Mark Butcher also criticized the reported move, saying the issue goes beyond legal considerations.&nbsp; Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Podcast, he said: &ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t just a legal thing, it is an optics thing,&rdquo; warning that any perceived exclusion of Pakistan players would damage the league&rsquo;s image and credibility.<div class="fr-embed instagram-embed" style="width: 50%; display: block; max-width: 600px;"><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVG6kvMEv0y/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=687&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com&rp=%2Farticles%2Fnew#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A7721786%2C%22ls%22%3A834.1000000238419%2C%22le%22%3A1117.300000011921%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="920" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;">&nbsp;</iframe></div>Previously, England&rsquo;s limited-overs captain Harry Brook had also expressed disappointment at the prospect. &ldquo;Pakistan have been a great cricket nation for many years and have some awesome players, some of the best players in the world,&rdquo; Brook said. &ldquo;It would be a shame not to see some of them in The Hundred.&rdquo; Former England captain Michael Vaughan urged the ECB to intervene, saying the board owns the competition and should ensure that all players are treated fairly.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 975px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2024783177613504772&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=0f788f5019564c51946ce9062ca401b85a0de722&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2024783177613504772"></iframe></div></div>The ECB has written to franchises to reiterate that The Hundred is open to players from around the world and that recruitment decisions must align with the league&rsquo;s inclusive principles. A total of 67 Pakistan cricketers have registered for the auction, including leading names such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf. The issue has raised broader questions about the influence of franchise ownership structures and the balance between global cricket politics and domestic league governance, as pressure mounts on The Hundred&rsquo;s organizers to ensure a transparent and merit-based auction process.

Cricket

Four The Hundred teams with ownership links to the Indian Premier League are not considering Pakistan players for the draft scheduled for March 11 and 12.

English stars call out Indian-owned cricket franchises over Pakistan boycott row

ISLAMABAD: The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) in India&#39;s Gujarat state is demolishing houses on a large scale in Jangleshwar, a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood, triggering allegations of &ldquo;bulldozer justice&rdquo; and &quot;communal targeting.&quot; Several Indian media outlets reported on Monday the &quot;sweeping anti-encroachment operation&quot; along Gujarat&#39;s Aji river, where families have lived for nearly&nbsp;six decades. Gujarat is particularly sensitive to ethnic targeting and communal hatred because the brutal images of the 2002 massacre, in which more than 2,000 Muslims were killed, are still fresh in the minds of the populace.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2025842935527522436&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=c514526a2c3983abb755db59d9713c47e1c30328&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 897px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The civic body says it is clearing &ldquo;illegal encroachments&rdquo; for a riverfront redevelopment and flood prevention, as part of an Aji Riverfront project, but critics and rights observers argue the crackdown reflects a wider pattern in Gujarat where demolition drives disproportionately impact Muslim-majority pockets.&nbsp; They point to the fact that the most intense phase of the operation is centred on Jangleshwar, a Muslim enclave for over 40 years, and claim similar encroachments in non-minority areas are often regularised or ignored, while Muslim settlements face total clearance. Local media outlet Maktoob reported that the large-scale demolition drive has resulted in destruction of hundreds of residential structures and has left numerous families homeless.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2025895818797150332&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=c514526a2c3983abb755db59d9713c47e1c30328&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 713px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Indian media reported that the operation has been carried out under heavy security, with authorities deploying 2,500 to 3,000 police personnel, alongside a heavy presence of paramilitary forces, drone surveillance, and riot-control preparations, including water cannons and tear gas.&nbsp;Rajkot police have also imposed restrictions, declaring the city a no-drone fly zone (Feb. 23-25) and prohibiting gatherings of four or more people until Feb. 26, measures locals describe as intimidating in a residential locality. Gujarat&nbsp;Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi intensified controversy by calling the area a &ldquo;hub for criminal elements,&rdquo; citing past arrests. Human rights organizations say such rhetoric &ldquo;criminalizes&rdquo; Muslim neighbourhoods and is used to justify extra-judicial punishment through demolitions. Affected residents describe sudden displacement and uncertainty. Videos from the site show distraught women and children amid rubble. &ldquo;We lived here 60 years, became homeless in a day,&rdquo; one woman said, asking where she would take her children.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2025906325235150942&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=c514526a2c3983abb755db59d9713c47e1c30328&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 873px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The demolition drive is continuing despite three separate&nbsp;petitions pending against it before the Gujarat High Court, according to ANI News.&nbsp; While authorities claim hundreds of families have been offered alternative housing under government schemes, residents and observers say the on-ground reality is mass displacement without assured rehabilitation, deepening allegations that &ldquo;urban planning&rdquo; is being weaponized against a minority community.

Indian Gujarat's 'anti-encroachment' demolitions centers on the Muslim-majority Jangleshwar, have displaced hundreds of families amid heavy policing. Critics call it 'bulldozer justice,' citing selective enforcement and weak rehabilitation.

Indian Gujarat’s 'bulldozer justice' hits Muslims, sparks outrage

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;Security remained on high alert in Sihora town in Madhya Pradesh&rsquo;s Jabalpur district amid communal tensions, two days after clashes between Muslim and Hindu communities, &nbsp;followed by 49 &ldquo;all-Muslim&rdquo; arrests, rocked the area, Indian media reported on Sunday.&nbsp;The police used barricades, foot patrols, and drone surveillance near Azad Chowk in Sihora where a Hindu temple and a mosque face each other.&nbsp;Alongside the official &ldquo;law-and-order&rdquo; updates, fresh social media footage has fuelled claims that Muslims are being targeted and threatened.&nbsp;A video shared on X shows a Hindutva mob using abusive language and hurling rape threats against Muslim women in the area.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2025553747435504107&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=8e272fe2cc394a17364e8280373a213894999c0d&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 921px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Similar clips and descriptions were also circulated by rights-tracking channels that document anti-Muslim incidents, alleging attacks on Muslim homes and intimidation of residents in Sihora.&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2025513502807667010&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=8e272fe2cc394a17364e8280373a213894999c0d&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 825px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The backstory to the Jabalpur flare-up dates to Thursday night, Feb. 20, 2026. Indian media reported that violence broke out after a temple grill was allegedly broken, leading to stone-pelting and street clashes.&nbsp; Another Indian media outlet, quoting residents of the area, reported the dispute intensified when an evening Hindu ritual at the temple and prayers at the nearby mosque were taking place at the same time, prompting objections and formation of a Hindutva mob.&nbsp; By Friday, Feb. 21, police had stepped up deployments and used baton-charge and tear gas to disperse crowds, while protests were reported outside the police station by right-wing groups demanding strict action.&nbsp; India media reported that around 500 police personnel were deployed as authorities sought to prevent a repeat flare-up.&nbsp; The discrimination allegation is now focused on arrests and access to worship.&nbsp; Another India media publication, citing remarks attributed to the regional IG reported that 49 people, &ldquo;all Muslims&rdquo;, were arrested in the main case linked to alleged temple damage and sent to judicial custody.

Sihora, Jabalpur stayed under heavy security with 49 arrests after a temple-mosque flashpoint; Muslims allege targeted action, worship restrictions, and intimidation, including a viral video showing threats against women.

Temple-mosque flashpoint in India: ‘All Muslim’ arrest claim puts police action in spotlight 

JERUSALEM: India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday, his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu said.&nbsp;&quot;The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, will arrive here; he will deliver a speech in the Knesset, and I&#39;m sure you will all be there,&quot; Netanyahu said Sunday at the opening of a cabinet meeting, referring to Israel&#39;s parliament.&nbsp;Netanyahu hailed growing ties between the two countries.&nbsp;&quot;The fabric of relations has grown tighter, and (Modi) is coming here so that we can tighten it even more,&quot; he said, mentioning cooperation in the economic, diplomatic and security spheres.&nbsp;Modi previously visited Israel as prime minister in 2017, before Netanyahu made a reciprocal visit to India the following year.

Asia

Middle East

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, saying Modi will address the Knesset. Netanyahu hinted at strengthening bilateral ties, highlighting deeper economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation between the two countries.

Netanyahu says India's Modi to visit Israel Wednesday

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has stated that the terrorist attacks in the country are the result of a &quot;proxy war&quot; waged by India in complicity with the Taliban government in Kabul. In an interview with FRANCE 24, he also spoke about the situation in Gaza, saying that Pakistan is ready to contribute to an international peace force if the conditions are ripe. Addressing the security situation in Pakistan and the recent bombing of a mosque in the capital Islamabad, Asif stated that &quot;almost all the franchises of terrorism&quot; are present in Pakistan &quot;because of the non-seriousness of the Kabul government toward curbing terrorism,&quot; adding that complicity would be a better word. &lsquo;Won&rsquo;t hesitate&rsquo;Asif went on to say that Pakistan &quot;won&#39;t hesitate&quot; to conduct new strikes on Afghanistan, unless someone in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-russia-discuss-security-threats-from-afghanistanbased-groups" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kabul</a>&nbsp;can &quot;underwrite peace.&quot; He said that India was waging a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/four-facilitators-of-islamabad-mosque-attacker-afghan-mastermind-arrested-security-sources" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">&quot;proxy war&quot;</a>&nbsp;against Pakistan and that New Delhi and Kabul were &quot;on the same page&quot; when it came to striking Pakistan. Asif emphasized that war with India was still &quot;a possibility.&quot; &#39;Not even being considered&#39;Asked about Pakistan&#39;s possible contribution to an international stabilization mission in Gaza, Asif stressed that this would depend on &quot;what sort of terms of reference are drafted for that peace force.&quot; He pointed out that Pakistan has significant experience as a contributor to United Nations peacekeeping forces and said that participating in the Gaza force would be a &quot;good opportunity&quot; to advance a two-state solution in the Middle East. Despite the normalization of relations between several Muslim countries and Israel, Asif said that he doesn&#39;t see &quot;this option being even considered by Pakistan&quot; unless Palestinians are granted &quot;the right of self-determination in their own homeland&quot; within the framework of a two-state solution.

Foreign Affairs

Security

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has stated that the terrorist attacks in the country are the result of a 'proxy war' waged by India in complicity with the Taliban government in Kabul.

New Delhi, Kabul 'on the same page' for striking Pakistan, says Khawaja Asif 

NEW DELHI: India&#39;s IT minister apologized on Tuesday to visitors to a global <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/indias-tougher-ai-social-media-rules-spark-censorship-fears" style="color:#0073e6;">artificial intelligence</a> summit who had complained of overcrowding and other organizational problems on the first day. The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, the fourth in a series of annual gatherings to discuss the fast-evolving technology, is the largest edition yet and also the first held in a developing country. Organizers are expecting tens of thousands of attendees, from top-level national delegations to companies, campaigners, and students. But not all areas of the vast conference site were open when big crowds showed up to the five-day event that opened on Monday, with some visitors saying the entry systems and other provisions were not up to scratch. &quot;If anybody has faced any problems yesterday, my apologies for that. We are working very hard,&quot; IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at a news conference on Tuesday. &quot;We definitely will make efforts to make it more smooth and make it more enjoyable for all of you,&quot; he said. On Monday, the media center and most of the exhibition zones had not yet opened to general visitors, although Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the booths in the late afternoon. &quot;Gates are closed, so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit,&quot; startup founder Maitreya Wagh wrote on X on Monday.

Organizers are expecting tens of thousands of attendees, from top-level national delegations to companies, campaigners and students; not all areas of the vast conference site open, some visitors say the entry systems and other provisions were not up to scratch.

Indian minister apologizes after AI summit crowding complaints

ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Indian Punjab have taken notice of a viral video allegedly showing the humiliation and sexual exploitation of a 23-year-old Dalit man with an intellectual disability in Jalandhar district, Times of India reported. Taking suo motu notice on Monday, the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission&nbsp;sought a detailed report from the SSP Jalandhar Rural Police by Feb. 19, 2026, directing him to present findings. Police acted after a disturbing video of a mentally challenged youth being forced into sexual abuse resurfaced online.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 760px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2023396458213388306&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F4231%2F&sessionId=88dbb391e0659cdd10267ca980b9f1f3cee92f0a&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>The main accused, Harpreet Singh &ldquo;Happy,&rdquo; an affluent NRI linked to the animal in the video, was arrested, The Tribune reported.&nbsp;The case has been filed under India&rsquo;s Information Technology Act for sharing sexually explicit content, along with relevant criminal law sections, Jalandhar Rural Police said.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 320px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2023031200559009886&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F4231%2F&sessionId=88dbb391e0659cdd10267ca980b9f1f3cee92f0a&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div><div>The video was recorded on Nov 25, 2025, but gained public attention only after it was widely circulated in mid-February 2026, according to The Tribune. The delay between the alleged incident and the enforcement response has renewed scrutiny of how extreme abuse can remain unaddressed until it becomes &ldquo;viral evidence,&rdquo; making identification of all participants and distributors more complex. &nbsp;</div> Police sources cited in local coverage indicated investigators were working to determine whether additional individuals were involved in filming, encouraging, or circulating the footage, beyond the arrested accused. The Commission&rsquo;s intervention is expected to press for clarity on these points, as well as the support measures offered to the victim, including medical care, protection, and any statutory relief.&nbsp; The case has also revived wider debate around caste-based vulnerability and impunity. National crime data show India recorded 57,789 cases of crimes against Scheduled Castes in 2023, indicating persistent exposure to violence, coercion, and degrading treatment despite legal safeguards, as per figures cited by NDTV/ Press Trust of India. Authorities have not yet publicly detailed whether provisions of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, will be applied in this case.&nbsp;

Indian National Flag (File Photo/ Wikimedia Commons)

Police action in Jalandhar follows quickly after a gruesome clip of the mentally challenged youth being forced to do bestiality resurfaced online

Police in Indian Punjab probe sexual abuse against Dalit youth

NEW DELHI: India has tightened rules governing the use of artificial intelligence on social media to combat a flood of disinformation, but also prompting warnings of censorship and an erosion of digital freedoms. The new regulations are set to take effect on February 20 &mdash; the final day of an international AI summit in New Delhi featuring leading global tech figures &mdash; and will sharply reduce the time platforms have to remove content deemed problematic. With more than a billion internet users, India is grappling with AI-generated disinformation swamping social media. Companies such as Instagram, Facebook and X will have three hours, down from 36, to comply with government takedown orders, in a bid to stop damaging posts from spreading rapidly. Stricter regulation in the world&#39;s most populous country ups the pressure on social media giants facing growing public anxiety and regulatory scrutiny globally over the misuse of AI, including the spread of misinformation and sexualized imagery of children. But rights groups say tougher oversight of AI if applied too broadly risks eroding freedom of speech. India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already faced accusations from rights groups of curbs on freedom of expression targeting activists and opponents, which his government denies. The country has also slipped in global press freedom rankings during his tenure. The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), a digital‑rights group, said the compressed timeframe of the social media take-down notices would force platforms to become &quot;rapid-fire censors.&quot; &#39;Automated censorship&#39; Last year, India&#39;s government launched an online portal called Sahyog &mdash;- meaning &quot;cooperate&quot; in Hindi &mdash; to automate the process of sending takedown notices to platforms including X and Facebook. The latest rules have been expanded to apply to content &quot; created, generated, modified or altered through any computer resource&quot; except material changed during routine or good‑faith editing. Platforms must now clearly and permanently label synthetic or AI‑manipulated media with markings that cannot be removed or suppressed. Under the new rules, problematic content could disappear almost immediately after a government notification. The timelines are &quot;so tight that meaningful human review becomes structurally impossible at scale,&rdquo; said IFF chief Apar Gupta. The system, he added, shifts control &quot;decisively away from users,&quot; with &quot;grievance processes and appeals operate on slower clocks,&quot; Gupta added. Most internet users were not informed of authorities&#39; orders to delete their content. &quot;It is automated censorship,&quot; digital rights activist Nikhil Pahwa told AFP. The rules also require platforms to deploy automated tools to prevent the spread of illegal content, including forged documents and abusive material. &quot;Unique identifiers are un-enforceable,&quot; Pahwa added. &quot;It&#39;s impossible to do for infinite synthetic content being generated.&quot; Gupta likewise questioned the effectiveness of labels. &quot;Metadata is routinely stripped when content is edited, compressed, screen-recorded, or cross-posted,&quot; he said. &quot;Detection is error-prone.&quot; &#39;Online hate&#39; The US-based Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH), in a report with the IFF, warned the laws &quot;may encourage proactive monitoring of content which may lead to collateral censorship,&quot; with platforms likely to err on the side of caution. The regulations define synthetic data as information that &quot;appears to be real&quot; or is &quot;likely to be perceived as indistinguishable from a natural person or real-world event.&quot; Gupta said the changes shift responsibility &quot;upstream&quot; from users to the platforms themselves. &quot;Users must declare if content is synthetic, and platforms must verify and label before publication,&quot; said Gupta. But he warned that the parameters for takedown are broad and open to interpretation. &quot;Satire, parody, and political commentary using realistic synthetic media can get swept in, especially under risk-averse enforcement,&quot; Gupta said. At the same time, widespread access to AI tools has &quot;enabled a new wave of online hate &quot;facilitated by photorealistic images, videos, and caricatures that reinforce and reproduce harmful stereotypes,&quot; the CSOH report added. In the most recent headline-grabbing case, Elon Musk&#39;s AI chatbot Grok sparked outrage in January when it was used to make millions of sexualized images of women and children, by allowing users to alter online images of real people. &quot;The government had to act because platforms are not behaving responsibly,&quot; Pahwa said. &quot;But the rules are without thought.&quot;

Stricter regulation in the world's most populous country ups the pressure on social media giants facing growing public anxiety and regulatory scrutiny globally over the misuse of AI, including the spread of misinformation and imagery of children.

India's tougher AI social media rules spark censorship fears

ISLAMABAD: The Indian Supreme Court on Monday declined to consider petitions seeking the registration of a first information report (FIR) and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over alleged hate speech, warning that courts are increasingly being turned into &ldquo;political battlegrounds&rdquo; during election season. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said the apex court would not invoke its jurisdiction under Article 32 of the Constitution, stressing that allegations involving cognizable offences must first be brought before the relevant high court. The bench expressed concern about what it described as a &ldquo;disturbing trend&rdquo; of litigants bypassing the high courts and approaching the Supreme Court directly in politically sensitive matters. According to Indian media reports, the controversy relates to remarks allegedly made by Sarma at a public gathering, including past references to &ldquo;Miya&rdquo; &mdash; a term widely regarded as derogatory for Bengali-origin Muslims in Assam &mdash; as well as a now-deleted video shared by the Assam BJP&rsquo;s social media handle showing the chief minister symbolically firing a rifle. Petitioners argued the statements amounted to hate speech, warranting immediate legal action. Three separate petitions were filed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI leader Annie Raja, and four prominent Assamese figures, including retired professor Hiren Gohain and former state police chief Harekrishna Deka. The pleas sought the registration of criminal cases and the constitution of an SIT to investigate Sarma&rsquo;s speeches. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioners, described Sarma as a &ldquo;habitual offender&rdquo; and pressed for direct intervention by the top court. The Chief Justice, however, rejected the plea. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t undermine the authority of the High Courts. It has become a trend now that every matter ends up in the Supreme Court. Don&rsquo;t demoralize the High Court judges,&rdquo; Chief Justice Kant was quoted as saying by LiveLaw, an <span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" id="isPasted">Indian legal news portal providing real-time coverage of court proceedings. The court directed the petitioners to approach the Gauhati High Court for appropriate relief.

Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (photo: X/@himantabiswa)

India’s Supreme Court declined to hear petitions seeking an FIR and special probe against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over alleged hate speech, warning against turning courts into political battlegrounds and directing petitioners to approach the high court.

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