Here are the top national and international news updates for February 18, covering key developments in politics, economy, diplomacy, and global events.
NATIONAL NEWS
1. PM Modi inaugurates India AI Impact Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in artificial intelligence. The summit brought together policymakers, tech leaders and innovators to discuss future investments and development.
2. Bill Gates to deliver keynote at AI Summit
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is set to deliver a keynote address at the summit, reinforcing India’s growing importance in the global AI ecosystem and its expanding digital economy.
3. India seizes oil tankers linked to Iran sanctions
India seized three oil tankers off the Mumbai coast linked to US sanctions on Iran, signalling stronger maritime enforcement and strategic monitoring.
4. India expects massive AI investment inflow
India could receive over $200 billion in AI investments, according to the Electronics and IT Minister, underlining the scale of technological transformation underway.
5. Strategic partnership between India and France announced
India and France announced plans to deepen their global strategic partnership, reflecting expanding cooperation in defence, technology and geopolitics.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh Prime Minister
Bangladesh’s political landscape shifted as Tarique Rahman took oath as Prime Minister after his party secured a majority in national elections.
2. Zelensky warns of fresh Russian attacks
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of possible new Russian strikes ahead of peace talks, highlighting continued tensions in the region.
SPORTS NEWS
1. India enters Super 8 stage in T20 World Cup
India remained unbeaten and qualified for the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, signalling strong performance in the tournament.
2. Shooting League of India begins new chapter
India’s first Shooting League season is underway, aiming to popularise the sport through franchise-based competition.
BUSINESS NEWS
1. Eli Lilly eyes India as global manufacturing hub
Pharma giant Eli Lilly is considering India as a major manufacturing and export hub for its weight-loss drug, reflecting growing investor confidence in India’s pharmaceutical sector.
