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India–Israel Ties in Focus as Modi Meets Netanyahu

by theparliamentnews.com 25 February 2026

written by theparliamentnews.com

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Israel on Wednesday for talks with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu aimed at reviewing the India–Israel Strategic Partnership and identifying new opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors, including science and technology.

The visit holds diplomatic significance. In 2017, Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel, marking a visible elevation in bilateral ties. The current visit comes shortly after India joined more than 100 countries at the United Nations in criticising Israel’s actions in the West Bank. New Delhi signed a joint statement after initially refraining from participating in a collective condemnation of settlement expansion.

Diplomatic and Strategic Background

India and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992. Since then, ties have expanded steadily, particularly over the past decade, with growing engagement in defence, trade, agriculture, water management, and advanced technologies.

Defence cooperation remains the cornerstone of the strategic partnership. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India accounted for over 38% of Israel’s arms exports between 2014 and 2024, making it one of Israel’s largest defence customers. Military hardware, surveillance systems, radar technologies, and precision-guided munitions form a key component of this engagement.

The partnership also aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, with Israeli defence and technology firms increasingly collaborating with Indian companies for local manufacturing and joint production.

Trade Trends and Economic Links

Bilateral trade between India and Israel has seen notable fluctuations in recent years. From approximately $200 million in 1992, trade volumes expanded significantly over three decades, peaking at over $10.7 billion in 2022–23.

However, trade declined to $6.5 billion in 2023–24 and further to $3.6 billion in 2024–25. The contraction has been attributed to war-related disruptions and challenges in trade routes.

Despite the recent slowdown, India has maintained a trade surplus with Israel since 2014–15. The surplus widened sharply to $6.1 billion in 2022–23 before narrowing to $2.5 billion in 2023–24 and further to $663 million in 2024–25.

Refined petroleum products such as petrol and diesel accounted for nearly 44% of India’s exports to Israel between 2019 and 2025, followed by diamonds at around 22%. The diamond trade remains structurally significant for both countries. India imports raw diamonds from Israel, cuts and polishes them domestically, and exports processed diamonds back to global markets.

On the import side, diamonds account for roughly one-third of India’s imports from Israel. Other key imports include mineral and chemical fertilisers, electronic integrated circuits, and radar apparatus.

Investment flows have also grown. Israel’s cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) into India crossed $347 million between 2000 and September 2025, according to official data. Israeli firms have made more than 300 investments in India, primarily in the technology sector. Meanwhile, cumulative overseas direct investment (ODI) from India into Israel reached $443 million between April 2000 and April 2025, with Indian companies investing in cybersecurity, agriculture, water management, and electric mobility ventures.

Labour Mobility and Education

Migration and labour mobility form another important dimension of the relationship. As of 2024, approximately 32,715 Indians travelled to Israel, compared to around 27,196 in 2023.

Employment-driven migration has increased, particularly following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict. Official figures show that around 32,000 Indian workers were present in Israel as of October 2024, many recruited to fill labour shortages in the construction sector after Palestinian workers were displaced. These workers are primarily employed in construction-related roles.

In addition to labour migration, educational exchanges continue. Around 900 Indian students are currently studying in Israeli institutions, contributing to academic and research collaboration between the two countries.

Diplomatic Context

The timing of Modi’s visit is notable given recent developments at the United Nations concerning Israel’s policies in the West Bank. India’s decision to align with a joint statement criticising settlement expansion reflects a calibrated diplomatic approach balancing strategic partnership with Israel and broader multilateral commitments.

The discussions between the two leaders are expected to review progress in existing cooperation frameworks while exploring expanded engagement in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.

As India and Israel approach over three decades of formal diplomatic relations, the strategic partnership continues to evolve amid regional geopolitical shifts, trade realignments, and technological transformation.

25 February 2026 0 comment

Blog Business Featured World

IBM Stock Falls to 25-Year Low After AI Disruption Fears

by theparliamentnews.com 24 February 2026

written by theparliamentnews.com

IBM Shares Fall 13% After Anthropic Claims AI Can Modernise COBOL

Shares of IBM recorded their sharpest single-day drop in more than 25 years on Monday after fresh concerns emerged over the impact of artificial intelligence on the company’s mainframe and services business.

The trigger came from AI startup Anthropic, which said its Claude Code tool is capable of understanding and modernising COBOL, a decades-old programming language that continues to underpin many mission-critical systems running on IBM’s mainframes.

IBM stock closed down 13.2% at $223.35, marking its biggest daily fall since October 18, 2000. According to Reuters, the sell-off has pushed the stock down roughly 25% so far this year, as investors reassess how quickly AI tools could reshape the economics of enterprise software and IT services.

Why COBOL Matters to IBM

COBOL, short for Common Business-Oriented Language, was created in the late 1950s and remains deeply embedded in global banking, insurance, airline systems, and government infrastructure. IBM has spent decades building and supporting mainframe systems optimized for large-scale transaction processing, where COBOL continues to play a central role.

Anthropic estimates that around 95% of ATM transactions in the United States still rely on COBOL-based systems, highlighting both the language’s scale and its continued relevance.

For years, modernising COBOL systems has required lengthy, consultant-led projects. These projects often involve teams manually tracing dependencies across vast codebases, documenting poorly understood workflows, and identifying integration risks. Such efforts have generated steady services revenue for companies including IBM.

What Anthropic Claims

In a recent blog post, Anthropic said its Claude Code tool can automate large parts of COBOL modernisation. According to the company, AI can analyse extensive codebases, trace dependencies across thousands of lines of code, generate documentation, and flag potential risks that would otherwise take months of manual effort to uncover.

“Hundreds of billions of lines of COBOL run in production every day,” Anthropic wrote. “Despite that, the number of people who understand it shrinks every year.”

The company argued that AI changes the cost equation. “Legacy code modernisation stalled for years because understanding legacy code costs more than rewriting it. AI flips that equation,” it said, adding that projects that once took years could now be completed in quarters.

These claims appear to have unsettled investors concerned that AI-driven automation could reduce demand for traditional consulting-heavy transformation projects.

Market Reaction and Broader Sentiment

The sharp fall in IBM shares reflects a broader shift in market sentiment toward enterprise software and IT services firms. Over recent weeks, investors have been weighing the speed at which AI tools are moving from experimental deployments to production use in large organisations.

Anthropic has also launched multiple Claude plug-ins designed to automate complex software tasks, positioning AI as an application layer capable of handling activities traditionally performed by consultants and integration teams.

The anxiety is not limited to the United States. Indian IT stocks have also faced pressure amid concerns that AI-led automation could reduce the need for large delivery teams.

However, industry views remain divided.

Hari Shetty, Chief Strategist and Technology Officer at Wipro, recently said that AI is more likely to expand opportunities for IT services firms than diminish them. He suggested that the range of potential AI-enabled services could create new areas of work.

By contrast, Vishal Sikka, former CEO of Infosys, has warned that generative AI is already changing how enterprise projects are executed. He noted that the disruption is tangible, particularly in areas such as code migration and system integration, where productivity gains are becoming evident.

What It Means for IBM

IBM’s business model has evolved in recent years to include hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting services alongside its traditional mainframe operations. However, the company’s installed base of mainframe customers and associated services revenue remains significant.

If AI tools meaningfully reduce the time and cost required to modernise legacy systems, it could alter pricing structures and margins in consulting-heavy projects. At the same time, AI adoption may also create new service opportunities, including AI integration, governance, and risk management.

For now, the market response indicates that investors are reassessing how quickly AI-driven automation could affect long-established revenue streams tied to legacy technologies.

IBM has not publicly indicated that its core mainframe strategy is changing. The longer-term impact will likely depend on how rapidly enterprises adopt AI-based modernisation tools and whether established firms can integrate such capabilities into their own service offerings.

24 February 2026 0 comment

Blog Featured World

Trump Announces 15% Global Tariff Following Supreme Court Ruling

by theparliamentnews.com 22 February 2026

written by theparliamentnews.com

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 15% tariff on all goods entering the United States, days after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down his previous global tariff policy.

The new tariff, announced on Saturday via Truth Social, will come into effect on Tuesday, 24 February. According to the president, the levy will be introduced under a rarely used trade statute and can remain in place for approximately five months before the administration must seek approval from Congress.

Court Ruling on Tariff Authority

In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping global tariffs last year under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The 1977 law grants the president powers to regulate commerce during national emergencies, but the court found that its application in this case went beyond the statute’s intended scope.

The majority opinion was joined by the court’s three liberal justices, Chief Justice John Roberts, and two conservative justices nominated by Trump Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch.

Three conservative justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, and Samuel Alito dissented.

Following the ruling, Trump criticised the decision, describing it as “ridiculous” and accusing certain members of the court of undermining American economic interests.

Shift from 10% to 15%

Initially, Trump had stated that he would replace the scrapped tariffs with a 10% levy on all imports. However, he later revised that position, announcing that the administration would raise the rate to 15% described as the maximum permitted under the alternative trade authority being invoked.

The administration has not yet detailed the specific statute being used to justify the new tariff framework, but officials indicated that it differs from the 1977 emergency powers law cited in the Supreme Court case.

Impact on Trading Partners

The move raises questions for countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia, which had previously negotiated tariff arrangements with the US at a 10% rate. The increase to 15% may require further diplomatic discussions and potential adjustments to trade agreements.

Economists note that a universal tariff of this scale could affect supply chains, import costs, and consumer prices. Businesses reliant on imported raw materials and finished goods may face higher input costs, which could be passed on to consumers.

At the same time, supporters of the policy argue that higher tariffs could encourage domestic production by making foreign goods less competitive in the US market. Trump has consistently maintained that tariffs form a central component of his economic strategy to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce trade imbalances.

Political and Economic Context

Tariffs have been a key element of Trump’s trade policy platform. During his previous term, the administration implemented a series of import duties targeting multiple countries, citing concerns over trade deficits and industrial competitiveness.

The latest announcement comes amid broader debates in Washington over executive authority in trade policy. While Congress holds constitutional authority over trade, presidents have historically exercised broad delegated powers through various statutes.

The temporary nature of the new tariff limited to roughly five months unless Congress approves an extension introduces uncertainty for global markets. Analysts say that legislative debate in Congress will likely shape the longer-term direction of US trade policy.

As of now, there has been no formal congressional statement confirming support or opposition to the proposed 15% levy.

The administration is expected to release further details on implementation and enforcement mechanisms before the tariff takes effect on 24 February.

22 February 2026 0 comment

Blog Education & Tech Featured India

AI Impact Summit 2026 Concludes With Focus on Inclusive and Ethical AI

by theparliamentnews.com 20 February 2026

written by theparliamentnews.com

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded on February 20 at Bharat Mandapam, marking the final day of discussions on artificial intelligence policy, infrastructure and global collaboration. The five-day summit brought together policymakers, technology leaders, researchers and industry representatives from multiple countries.

The closing session featured remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who outlined India’s approach to artificial intelligence development, emphasizing accessibility, ethical standards and applications aimed at public welfare.

Human-Centric AI Emphasis

In his address, the Prime Minister said India’s AI strategy would focus on human-centric development. He highlighted the country’s digital public infrastructure, demographic scale and multilingual diversity as strengths in building inclusive AI systems.

He stated that artificial intelligence should address practical challenges in sectors such as healthcare, education and governance. The Prime Minister also reiterated India’s intent to design solutions domestically while contributing to global technology ecosystems.

Key Themes Discussed

Throughout the summit, officials and participants discussed several recurring themes:

Inclusive Access:

Speakers emphasized that AI systems should remain accessible, affordable and multilingual, particularly for developing economies.

Ethical Governance:

Responsible deployment, transparency and safeguards were identified as important considerations in AI adoption.

Global AI Commons:

India promoted the concept of a shared repository of AI tools, datasets and use cases that could be accessed by countries worldwide, particularly those in the Global South.

Local Language AI Models:

Indian research institutions and companies showcased foundational models designed to support Indic languages and regional contexts.

Investment and Infrastructure Announcements

The summit also served as a platform for investment discussions. Government officials indicated that multiple proposals were announced to strengthen India’s AI infrastructure, including data centres and research facilities.

The participation of multinational technology firms and global industry representatives reflected growing interest in India’s AI ecosystem. While detailed implementation timelines were not disclosed during the closing session, officials reiterated their commitment to building computing capacity and strengthening data infrastructure.

Participation and Public Engagement

Over the course of five days, the summit hosted panel discussions, exhibitions and multilateral meetings. The event attracted large public attendance at the expo segment, which featured startups, established companies and academic institutions presenting AI-related applications.

Organisers described the summit as part of India’s broader strategy to expand its role in global AI dialogue and development.

The summit also witnessed the visit of Ganesh Channa, Founder and President of the World Environment Council (WEC). Speaking on the sidelines of the expo, he emphasized the importance of aligning artificial intelligence development with sustainability goals. In his view, AI must not only drive economic growth but also actively contribute to environmental resilience and climate-conscious innovation. His presence reinforced the broader message that responsible AI is not just about ethics and governance, but also about ensuring technology serves long-term planetary well-being.

Governance and Implementation Questions

While the summit highlighted policy intentions and international cooperation, some experts noted that long-term outcomes will depend on implementation, regulatory clarity and sustained global collaboration.

Discussions on whether a formal multilateral institution for AI governance will emerge remain ongoing. Officials have previously indicated that India may continue to adopt a multistakeholder approach rather than establish a new treaty-based organisation.

Beyond policy discussions and record-breaking pledges, the expo floor itself has been a major attraction. Showcasing a wide range of cutting-edge innovations, the event featured interactive demonstrations, intelligent automation systems, and next-generation robotics. From AI-powered service robots to advanced research prototypes, attendees had the opportunity to witness technology in action. One of the standout highlights was a live demonstration of an advanced robot, drawing significant crowds and underscoring how rapidly AI-driven hardware is evolving. The exhibition space has effectively combined thought leadership with hands-on technological experiences, making the summit both intellectually engaging and visually compelling.

Conclusion

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded with an emphasis on inclusive development, responsible AI deployment and international cooperation. As investment commitments and policy proposals move toward implementation, the effectiveness of these initiatives will become clearer in the coming months.

20 February 2026 0 comment

Blog

IndiaAI Summit Sees Strong Turnout and Record Participation

by theparliamentnews.com 18 February 2026

written by theparliamentnews.com

New Delhi: The expo at the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 has been extended by one day and will now remain open until Saturday, February 21, IT Secretary S. Krishnan announced at a press conference on Wednesday.

The extension follows sustained public interest and strong attendance during the first three days of the summit. Officials said the additional day would allow students and working professionals who were unable to attend during weekdays to visit the expo under more flexible security arrangements after the conclusion of multilateral events at the venue.

Attendance and Security Arrangements

The summit, currently underway in New Delhi, has seen significant footfall since its opening. On Monday, February 16, large sections of the venue were closed to public access due to official engagements, causing inconvenience to some attendees.

Three days into the event, attendance levels remain high, prompting the organisers to extend the expo. It remains unclear whether all exhibitors will be able to continue participation through Saturday.

The expo will remain closed on Thursday, February 19, due to a plenary session attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders. It will reopen the following day.

More than 400 exhibitors — including startups, large corporations, government entities and research institutions — have set up booths at the summit.

Guinness World Records Recognition

Meanwhile, the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 has entered the Guinness World Records for recording the highest number of student pledges for the responsible use of artificial intelligence within a 24-hour period.

Guinness World Records Adjudicator Pravin Patel announced that a total of 2,50,946 pledges were received during the summit, significantly exceeding the initial target of 5,000.

Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attributed the initiative to the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting responsible AI use among students. He stated that outreach efforts were made to schools and colleges to encourage participation in the pledge campaign.

Summit Context

The IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 has brought together policymakers, technology leaders, startups and researchers to discuss artificial intelligence development, governance and infrastructure.

In addition to investment announcements and policy discussions, organisers have emphasised awareness and responsible AI usage as key themes. The pledge initiative reflects broader efforts to promote ethical AI practices, particularly among young users and future professionals.

Officials have indicated that high public engagement at the summit demonstrates growing interest in artificial intelligence across sectors.

18 February 2026 0 comment

Blog Featured India

Government Targets $200 Billion AI Investment Push

by theparliamentnews.com 17 February 2026

written by theparliamentnews.com

Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said India expects to attract over $200 billion in artificial intelligence and data infrastructure-related investments over the next two years. The statement was made during the ongoing India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

Speaking to NDTV, the minister said that approximately $70 billion has already been committed, while an additional $90 billion has been announced. He indicated that policy measures, including long-term tax incentives, are expected to further accelerate investment in the sector.

Policy Support for Data Infrastructure

The investment outlook comes alongside fiscal measures announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, including a 21-year tax holiday for companies providing cloud services through data centres established in India. The government expects this policy to strengthen domestic data infrastructure and encourage global technology firms to expand operations in the country.

Officials have positioned data centres, semiconductor infrastructure, and AI computing capacity as foundational components of India’s digital economy strategy.

India’s Position in the AI Ecosystem

Mr. Vaishnaw said India holds capabilities across multiple layers of the artificial intelligence stack — from physical hardware infrastructure to software platforms and end-use applications. He stated that India is increasingly viewed as a “trusted AI partner” for countries in the Global South due to its emphasis on open, affordable, and development-focused technology solutions.

Citing the Stanford Global AI Index, he noted that India is ranked third globally in AI-related indicators.

The government has consistently highlighted the importance of inclusive AI deployment, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education and public services.

Workforce and Skill Development

The minister also emphasised India’s established strength in the information technology sector. He said the government is working closely with private companies to support upskilling and reskilling initiatives aimed at preparing the workforce for AI-driven industries.

Academic institutions are reportedly revising curricula to align with evolving technological requirements. Officials have stated that ensuring talent readiness is central to sustaining long-term growth in AI and data-driven sectors.

India AI Impact Summit

India formally opened the multi-day AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, bringing together technology leaders, policymakers, startup founders and industry experts from around the world.

The summit is being positioned as both an investment platform and a diplomatic forum. Officials have indicated that India intends to use the platform to advocate for broader global access to AI technologies.

A key proposal expected to be discussed is the creation of a “global AI commons” — a shared repository of AI use cases across critical sectors that could be accessed by countries worldwide. The concept aligns with India’s stated objective of democratising AI access for developing economies.

Strategic Context

The global artificial intelligence sector has witnessed rapid expansion in investment and policy development over the past several years. Governments are increasingly focused on building domestic computing infrastructure, strengthening semiconductor supply chains and establishing governance frameworks for responsible AI deployment.

India’s projected $200 billion investment target reflects its ambition to position itself as a major global hub for AI innovation, data infrastructure and technology services.

While investment commitments have been announced, the pace of implementation and capital deployment will depend on regulatory clarity, infrastructure readiness and global market conditions.

17 February 2026 0 comment

Blog Featured India Sports

India Defeat Pakistan by 61 Runs in T20 World Cup Clash

by theparliamentnews.com 15 February 2026

written by theparliamentnews.com

India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in a Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium, strengthening their position in the tournament standings.

After Pakistan won the toss and elected to field, India posted 175 for 7 in 20 overs. Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs while chasing the target.

India’s Batting Performance

India’s innings was led by Ishan Kishan, who scored 77 runs off 40 balls. His innings included a mix of controlled stroke play and aggressive boundary-hitting, helping India maintain a steady scoring rate through the middle overs.

Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 runs, providing stability after early wickets. India’s middle order ensured the side crossed the 170-run mark despite regular breakthroughs by Pakistan’s bowlers.

Pakistan’s bowling unit managed to restrict India from crossing the 180-run mark, but the total proved competitive given the conditions.

Pakistan’s Chase

In response, Pakistan struggled to build sustained partnerships. Usman Khan was the top scorer with 44 runs, but wickets at regular intervals limited the team’s momentum.

India’s bowling attack maintained pressure throughout the innings. Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel shared the wickets, preventing Pakistan from establishing control during the chase.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 114 in the 18th over, handing India a comprehensive victory.

Tournament Context

The win strengthens India’s position in Group A and improves their net run rate. In ICC tournaments, India–Pakistan fixtures are among the most closely followed matches globally, often carrying significant implications for group standings.

For Pakistan, the loss increases pressure in the remaining group-stage matches, where results will determine qualification for the knockout rounds.

Player of the Match

Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match for his 77-run innings, which set the foundation for India’s total.

The result adds another chapter to the long-standing cricket rivalry between the two sides and sets up heightened interest in the remaining fixtures of the tournamen

15 February 2026 0 comment

Blog Education & Tech Featured India

India will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi with participation from over 100 countries.

by theparliamentnews.com 15 February 2026

written by theparliamentnews.com

The Government of India is aiming to announce “at least fifteen” tangible outcomes at the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to be held from February 16 to 20 in New Delhi. A senior official from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said the summit has been designed to move beyond discussions and produce measurable deliverables.

The event, expected to be one of the largest global gatherings focused on artificial intelligence, will see participation from representatives of more than 100 countries. Heads of state or government from Brazil, France, Spain, Greece, Estonia, Finland, Croatia, Switzerland and Slovakia are among those expected to attend.

Focus on Deliverables

According to Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at MeitY, the summit has been structured with a clear emphasis on outcomes.

“When we started planning the summit, we got a clear direction from our honourable Prime Minister that this should not be only a ‘talking shop’ wherein experts come and give lectures on all the subjects and nothing happens,” Mr. Singh said in a video released by the Ministry this week.

He added that the government was focused on ensuring tangible deliverables. “The final deliverables will be announced at the summit, but there will be at least fifteen concrete ones,” he said.

Officials have not yet disclosed the full list of outcomes, but they indicated that the announcements will span multiple sectors linked to artificial intelligence development, governance and infrastructure.

Large-Scale Global Participation

The summit will be hosted at Bharat Mandapam, the exposition centre that hosted the G20 Summit. The government has made arrangements to accommodate more than 1.5 lakh visitors, and officials indicated that attendance could match or even exceed the turnout recorded during the 2023 G20 event.

Authorities have announced traffic restrictions in areas surrounding the venue due to the expected large crowds. Officials also stated that summit passes were oversubscribed, reflecting strong interest from international delegates, industry leaders and researchers.

Entry into Pax Silica Initiative

One confirmed outcome of the summit is India’s entry into the US-led Pax Silica initiative. The alliance aims to strengthen resilient and secure electronics supply chains among participating countries.

India’s participation in Pax Silica is expected to align with its broader strategy to enhance semiconductor manufacturing, electronics production and supply chain security. Officials view this move as complementary to domestic initiatives promoting electronics manufacturing and digital infrastructure.

AI Governance and Multistakeholder Approach

It remains unclear whether the summit will result in the creation of a new multilateral body focused on artificial intelligence governance and ethics.

In an interview with The Hindu, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said that the formation of a formal international organisation similar to the International Solar Alliance is uncertain. “Whether there will be another international body like the International Solar Alliance, I don’t really know. We may not do it as a regular body,” he said.

This position aligns with India’s current multistakeholder approach to AI governance. Rather than establishing a centralised regulatory body, India has encouraged collaboration between academic institutions, research bodies and industry stakeholders.

India’s AI Safety Institute, for instance, has been launched as a virtual network of researchers from Indian Institutes of Technology and other universities. The model mirrors approaches adopted in several other countries, where AI Safety Institutes are either newly established or designated from existing research institutions.

Strategic Context

The summit comes at a time when governments worldwide are grappling with the economic, ethical and security implications of artificial intelligence. Issues such as AI safety standards, cross-border data governance, semiconductor supply chains and responsible innovation remain central to international discussions.

India has positioned itself as a key stakeholder in global AI conversations, emphasising both technological advancement and inclusive development. The scale of participation at the summit reflects growing global interest in collaborative approaches to AI governance and infrastructure.

Whether the announced outcomes will lead to long-term institutional frameworks or remain project-based initiatives will likely become clearer after the summit concludes.

For now, the government’s stated objective is to ensure that the event produces measurable, implementable results rather than remaining limited to policy dialogue.

15 February 2026 0 comment

Blog Featured World

US Expands Naval Presence Amid Rising Tensions With Iran

by theparliamentnews.com 14 February 2026

written by theparliamentnews.com

The United States is increasing its military presence in the Middle East amid reports that officials are preparing contingency plans for potential extended operations against Iran. According to a Reuters report citing two U.S. officials, military planners have outlined options for operations that could last several weeks if authorised by President Donald Trump. No final decision on military action has been announced. This increased focus underscores the strategic importance of the US in the region.

The Pentagon has ordered the redeployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, from the Caribbean to the Middle East. It is expected to join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group already operating in the region. The move places two U.S. carrier strike groups within operational range of Iran, significantly increasing American air and naval capabilities, further establishing the role of the US in the strategic landscape.

This maneuver highlights the commitment of the US to maintain stability and deter threats in the area, reinforcing its pivotal role in regional security.

Growing Military Posture

Carrier strike groups typically include guided-missile destroyers, cruisers, fighter aircraft and logistical support vessels. The addition of a second carrier enhances surveillance capacity, air strike capability and layered defence systems.

The redeployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford follows its earlier assignment in the Caribbean, where it was part of operations connected to U.S. security objectives in the Western Hemisphere. Its shift to the Middle East signals a change in strategic focus amid heightened tensions with Tehran.

Officials cited in the Reuters report indicated that preparations involve planning for sustained operations rather than limited, single-target strikes. However, they did not confirm that any operation had been authorised.

Diplomatic Engagement Continues

Despite the military buildup, diplomatic channels remain active. U.S. and Iranian representatives recently held discussions in Oman aimed at exploring the possibility of renewed negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.

The talks are viewed as exploratory and intended to assess whether progress toward a broader agreement is possible. Differences remain over Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional activities, which have long been sources of tension between Washington and Tehran.

When asked about reports of potential extended military operations, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that the President considers a range of perspectives before making decisions related to national security.

Strategic Context

Tensions between the United States and Iran have fluctuated over recent years, often centering on Iran’s nuclear activities and missile development. Washington maintains that preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a core strategic objective.

The presence of two carrier strike groups is relatively uncommon and typically reflects heightened readiness. Dual-carrier deployments provide expanded operational flexibility, faster response times and increased strike capacity if required.

Defence analysts note that such deployments can serve multiple purposes: deterrence, reassurance of regional allies and preparation for contingency operations. At the same time, large-scale force movements may raise concerns about escalation.

Balancing Pressure and Negotiation

President Trump has maintained a firm public stance toward Iran, stating that all options remain under consideration. His administration has combined diplomatic engagement with visible military readiness.

Officials have emphasised that planning for potential operations does not equate to a decision to initiate conflict. Military contingency planning is a routine part of defence strategy, particularly in regions with longstanding geopolitical tensions.

Any sustained military campaign would likely have broader regional implications, including potential retaliatory actions and economic consequences affecting global energy markets.

Current Status

At present:

No military strike has been formally announced.
Diplomatic discussions are ongoing.
U.S. forces in the region have increased in strength and readiness.

The situation remains fluid, with developments likely to depend on both diplomatic progress and strategic assessments in Washington.

14 February 2026 0 comment

Blog India Parliament

Lok Sabha Passes Industrial Relations Code Amendment Bill, 2026

by theparliamentnews.com 12 February 2026

written by theparliamentnews.com

New Delhi, February 12, 2026: The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at ensuring legal clarity regarding the repeal of certain labour laws replaced by the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

The amendment introduces savings provisions to avoid what the government described as any “future unwarranted complication” over the continuity of laws subsumed under the 2020 Code.

The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 consolidated and replaced three major labour legislations: the Trade Unions Act, 1926; the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. These laws governed trade unions, industrial employment conditions, and industrial dispute resolution.

Clarifying the Repeal Provision

According to the statement of objects and reasons of the amendment Bill, Section 104 of the Industrial Relations Code already provides for the repeal of the earlier enactments. However, the government said there was a possibility of confusion arising from a “misconceived ground” that the Code delegated the power to repeal those laws to the executive.

The statement clarified that the repeal had occurred by operation of Section 104 itself, and that a notification issued in February 2026 reaffirmed this position. The amendment, it said, is intended to prevent any future legal uncertainty.

“It is considered desirable to introduce the proposed amendment to avoid any future unwarranted complication,” the statement said.

Savings provisions are typically included in legislation to preserve actions, rights, obligations, and proceedings initiated under repealed laws, thereby ensuring continuity and legal certainty.

Government’s Position

Replying to the discussion before the passage of the Bill, Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the four Labour Codes implemented nearly three months ago ensure key protections for workers.

He stated that the Codes guarantee minimum wages, mandate the issuance of appointment letters, and provide for uniform wages for the same work irrespective of gender.

The four Labour Codes covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety were enacted to consolidate multiple central labour laws into a simplified framework. The government has maintained that the reform improves compliance and strengthens worker protections while promoting ease of doing business.

Opposition Criticism

During the debate, members of the Opposition criticised the government’s approach to labour reforms.

Congress MP K. Suresh said that instead of dialogue, the government “has chosen to dominate labourers.” He referred to a strike call given by workers on Thursday, describing it as a “warning signal” and reflecting what he termed policy shortcomings in addressing labour concerns.

Mr. Suresh also contrasted the current government’s approach with that of the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, citing the introduction of schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the National Food Security Act as examples of pro-labour policies.

The debate highlighted differing political perspectives on labour reforms and their implementation. While the government emphasised legal clarity and structural reform, Opposition members raised concerns about consultation and worker safeguards.

With the Lok Sabha’s approval, the amendment Bill moves forward in the legislative process.

12 February 2026 0 comment

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Why COBOL Matters to IBM

What Anthropic Claims

What It Means for IBM

Court Ruling on Tariff Authority

Shift from 10% to 15%

Impact on Trading Partners

Political and Economic Context

Human-Centric AI Emphasis

Key Themes Discussed

Investment and Infrastructure Announcements

Participation and Public Engagement

Governance and Implementation Questions

Attendance and Security Arrangements

Guinness World Records Recognition

Summit Context

Policy Support for Data Infrastructure

India’s Position in the AI Ecosystem

Workforce and Skill Development

India AI Impact Summit

Strategic Context

India’s Batting Performance

Pakistan’s Chase

Tournament Context

Player of the Match

Focus on Deliverables

Large-Scale Global Participation

Entry into Pax Silica Initiative

AI Governance and Multistakeholder Approach

Strategic Context

Growing Military Posture

Diplomatic Engagement Continues

Strategic Context

Balancing Pressure and Negotiation

Current Status

Clarifying the Repeal Provision

Government’s Position

Opposition Criticism

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