India hosted tens of tens of thousands of delegates from over a hundred countries for an artificial intelligence summit this week.The guest list included those shaping the future of AI, such as Sam Altman of OpenAI, Sundar Pichai of Google, Dario Amodei of Anthropic and Demis Hassabis of DeepMind. Heads of state, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazil's Lula da Silva, along with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also attended.
Although India used the summit to portray itself as a player in the global AI race, including by platforming home-grown AI startups, its place in that world remains more modest than the optics suggested.
However, even if India is not developing frontier AI models, the summit showed New Delhi wants its voice heard about the impacts of AI on developing countries and on whose terms AI is built and deployed.
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fredag 20. februar 2026
China’s AI surge — real threat or hype?
Most of the world’s population could be running on a Chinese tech stack in five to 10 years, one analyst told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” earlier this week. The U.S.′ “perceived monopoly” on tech and AI has been broken by China, said Rory Green, TS Lombard’s chief China economist, adding that the country’s rapid advancement is threatening to shake up American dominance in the market.
Green’s comments come as China races against the U.S. to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) — where AI matches human capabilities — and roll out the technology across society. Big moves are being made to scale homegrown makers of AI chips to rival Nvidia and local AI companies are making waves on stock exchanges.
But could China really win the AI race?
Green’s comments come as China races against the U.S. to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) — where AI matches human capabilities — and roll out the technology across society. Big moves are being made to scale homegrown makers of AI chips to rival Nvidia and local AI companies are making waves on stock exchanges.
But could China really win the AI race?
Dalai Lama bereaved by the passing of his youngest brother
Tenzin Choegyal, known by his religious persona of Ngari Rinpoche and the youngest brother of the Dalai Lama, passed away at his Kashmir Cottage residence in Dharamshala, India, on Feb 17 afternoon, aged 80. The religious ceremony of his cremation was carried out on Feb 19.
Born in Tibet’s capital Lhasa in 1946, Ngari Rinpoche travelled with the Dalai Lama on many of his tours, including the 1954-1955 visit to China, the 1956 visit to India and post-1959 travels in many other countries.
Named as Tenzin Choegyal by the current Dalai Lama and recognized as the 16th reincarnation of the Ngari Rinpoche at four, he was enthroned at the monastery founded by the first Ngari Rinpoche near Lhasa. He studied at this monastery and latter at the Drepung monastic university. Lhasa.
Born in Tibet’s capital Lhasa in 1946, Ngari Rinpoche travelled with the Dalai Lama on many of his tours, including the 1954-1955 visit to China, the 1956 visit to India and post-1959 travels in many other countries.
Named as Tenzin Choegyal by the current Dalai Lama and recognized as the 16th reincarnation of the Ngari Rinpoche at four, he was enthroned at the monastery founded by the first Ngari Rinpoche near Lhasa. He studied at this monastery and latter at the Drepung monastic university. Lhasa.
Radio Free Asia, including Tibetan service, resumes broadcasting
Radio Free Asia (RFA), a US government-funded, independent broadcasting service banned by China, is back on air in Mandarin, Tibetan, and Uyghur languages, reported hongkongfp.com Feb 20. President and CEO of RFA, Ms Bay Fang, announced on LinkedIn on Feb 18 that the services were back after US President Donald Trump cut off government funding in Oct 2025.
“This critical work, which we’ve been able to resume due to private contracting with transmission services, is already making waves,” Fang has said.
“RFA’s Uyghur Service aired a report over the weekend about how children of detainees in Xinjiang are being forced into manual labor at a young age instead of going to school,” Fang said.
“This critical work, which we’ve been able to resume due to private contracting with transmission services, is already making waves,” Fang has said.
“RFA’s Uyghur Service aired a report over the weekend about how children of detainees in Xinjiang are being forced into manual labor at a young age instead of going to school,” Fang said.
Kim lauds North Korea’s economy and regional standing as major party meeting opens
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un lauded his nation’s improving economy and regional standing as he opened the country’s most important political event, where he is expected to set his domestic and foreign policy agenda for the next five years and further entrench his family’s authoritarian rule.
The Workers’ Party congress, which will likely run for days in Pyongyang, comes as Kim carves out a more forceful regional presence, leveraging an advancing nuclear arsenal and a growing alignment with Moscow that have deepened his standoffs with Washington and Seoul.
The meeting will likely provide the stage for Kim to unveil his key political and military objectives and further consolidate his authoritarian grip before thousands of ruling party delegates. Some analysts say Kim could also use the congress to position his teenage daughter — believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and about 13 — as a potential successor, formalizing the regime’s fourth-generation succession.
The Workers’ Party congress, which will likely run for days in Pyongyang, comes as Kim carves out a more forceful regional presence, leveraging an advancing nuclear arsenal and a growing alignment with Moscow that have deepened his standoffs with Washington and Seoul.
The meeting will likely provide the stage for Kim to unveil his key political and military objectives and further consolidate his authoritarian grip before thousands of ruling party delegates. Some analysts say Kim could also use the congress to position his teenage daughter — believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and about 13 — as a potential successor, formalizing the regime’s fourth-generation succession.
Ex-South Korean president remains defiant following life sentence for rebellion
Ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday remained defiant in his first reaction to a life sentence for rebellion handed down by a Seoul court the previous day. In a statement released by his lawyers, Yoon maintained that his abrupt and short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024 was done “solely for the sake of the nation and our people,” and dismissed the Seoul Central District Court as biased against him.
Yoon, who was removed from office amid a political crisis set off by his unsuccessful power grab, has long rejected the eight criminal cases brought against him for what prosecutors described as a coup attempt and other allegations.
He barricaded himself in the presidential residence for weeks, stonewalled investigators following his arrest, and skipped court dates, while clashing with witnesses when he did appear.
Yoon, who was removed from office amid a political crisis set off by his unsuccessful power grab, has long rejected the eight criminal cases brought against him for what prosecutors described as a coup attempt and other allegations.
He barricaded himself in the presidential residence for weeks, stonewalled investigators following his arrest, and skipped court dates, while clashing with witnesses when he did appear.
India joins US-led initiative to build secure technology supply chains
India joined a U.S.-led initiative to strengthen technology cooperation among strategic allies in a move Friday that underscores the nations’ warming ties after a brief strain over New Delhi’s unabated purchase of discounted Russian oil.
The decision aligns India closely with Washington’s efforts to build secure supply chains for semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and critical technologies at a time geopolitical competition with China is intensifying. It also signals a reset in relations following friction over energy trade and tariffs.
Nations that have joined the Pax Silica framework include Japan, South Korea, the U.K. and Israel.
“Pax Silica will be a group of nations that believe technology should empower free people and free markets. India’s entry into Pax Silica isn’t just symbolic. Its strategic, its essential,” U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor said in a speech preceding the agreement signing.
The decision aligns India closely with Washington’s efforts to build secure supply chains for semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and critical technologies at a time geopolitical competition with China is intensifying. It also signals a reset in relations following friction over energy trade and tariffs.
Nations that have joined the Pax Silica framework include Japan, South Korea, the U.K. and Israel.
“Pax Silica will be a group of nations that believe technology should empower free people and free markets. India’s entry into Pax Silica isn’t just symbolic. Its strategic, its essential,” U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor said in a speech preceding the agreement signing.
Who’s laughing now? China’s humanoid robots go from viral stumbles to kung fu flips in one year
Chinese humanoid robots are having a moment in the spotlight after a standout performance at the country’s annual Spring Festival Gala earlier this week, with videos from the event circulating widely online.
The gala, widely considered the world’s most-watched television program, featured robots from several startups performing everything from kung fu moves to choreographed dances to elaborate gymnastics displays. The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance. Around that time, public demonstrations of the humanoids often drew skepticism, such as a robot marathon in April that made headlines for stumbles, crashes and breakdowns.
The gala, widely considered the world’s most-watched television program, featured robots from several startups performing everything from kung fu moves to choreographed dances to elaborate gymnastics displays. The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance. Around that time, public demonstrations of the humanoids often drew skepticism, such as a robot marathon in April that made headlines for stumbles, crashes and breakdowns.
torsdag 19. februar 2026
Modi pitches India as global artificial intelligence hub at AI summit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pitched India as a central player in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem, saying the country aims to build technology at home while deploying it worldwide.
“Design and develop in India. Deliver to the world. Deliver to humanity,” Modi told a gathering of some world leaders, technology executives and policymakers at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
Modi’s remarks came as India — one of the fastest-growing digital markets — seeks to leverage its experience in building large-scale digital public infrastructure and to present itself as a cost-effective hub for AI innovation. The summit was also addressed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, who called for a $3 billion fund to help poorer countries build basic AI capacity, including skills, data access and affordable computing power.
“Design and develop in India. Deliver to the world. Deliver to humanity,” Modi told a gathering of some world leaders, technology executives and policymakers at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
Modi’s remarks came as India — one of the fastest-growing digital markets — seeks to leverage its experience in building large-scale digital public infrastructure and to present itself as a cost-effective hub for AI innovation. The summit was also addressed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, who called for a $3 billion fund to help poorer countries build basic AI capacity, including skills, data access and affordable computing power.
Trump isn’t waiting for future generations to name things after him. It’s happening now
Most American presidents aspire to the kind of greatness that prompts future generations to name important things in their honor. Donald Trump isn’t leaving it to future generations.
As the first year of his second term wraps up, his Republican administration and allies have put his name on the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center performing arts venue and a new class of battleships that’s yet to be built.
That’s on top of the “Trump Accounts” for tax-deferred investments, the TrumpRx government website soon to offer direct sales of prescription drugs, the “Trump Gold Card” visa that costs at least $1 million and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, a transit corridor included in a deal his administration brokered between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
As the first year of his second term wraps up, his Republican administration and allies have put his name on the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center performing arts venue and a new class of battleships that’s yet to be built.
That’s on top of the “Trump Accounts” for tax-deferred investments, the TrumpRx government website soon to offer direct sales of prescription drugs, the “Trump Gold Card” visa that costs at least $1 million and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, a transit corridor included in a deal his administration brokered between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Why Trump’s comment on discussing Taiwan arms sales with China has raised concerns
U.S. President Donald Trump’s comment that he is discussing potential arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping is raising concerns in Taipei as the island democracy relies on U.S. backing in the face of China ’s territorial claims.
On Monday, Trump told journalists he is discussing the potential sales with the Chinese leader, an unexpected statement that experts say might violate decades-old foreign policy principles defining the United States’ relationship with self-ruled Taiwan.
“I’m talking to him about it. We had a good conversation, and we’ll make a determination pretty soon,” Trump said when asked about Xi’s opposition to the arms sales. He added he has “a very good relationship with President Xi.”
His comments have stirred a debate among some experts and politicians about whether this signals a potential change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan ahead of Trump’s planned visit to China in April.
On Monday, Trump told journalists he is discussing the potential sales with the Chinese leader, an unexpected statement that experts say might violate decades-old foreign policy principles defining the United States’ relationship with self-ruled Taiwan.
“I’m talking to him about it. We had a good conversation, and we’ll make a determination pretty soon,” Trump said when asked about Xi’s opposition to the arms sales. He added he has “a very good relationship with President Xi.”
His comments have stirred a debate among some experts and politicians about whether this signals a potential change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan ahead of Trump’s planned visit to China in April.
Trump lauds Japan’s pledge to invest $36 billion in U.S. oil, gas and critical mineral projects
U.S. President Donald Trump has welcomed Japan’s pledge to invest nearly $36 billion in oil, gas and critical mineral projects in Texas, Ohio and Georgia. The commitment represents the first tranche of investments by Japan following a landmark trade deal between the two countries, one in which Tokyo pledged to invest $550 billion in American-based projects and Trump cut tariffs on most Japanese imports to 15%.
“Our MASSIVE Trade Deal with Japan has just launched!” Trump said Tuesday in a social media post.
“The scale of these projects are so large, and could not be done without one very special word, TARIFFS,” he added.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the projects strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and were expected to bring increased sales and business expansion for Japanese companies.
“Our MASSIVE Trade Deal with Japan has just launched!” Trump said Tuesday in a social media post.
“The scale of these projects are so large, and could not be done without one very special word, TARIFFS,” he added.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the projects strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and were expected to bring increased sales and business expansion for Japanese companies.
China is building submarines faster than ever, think tank says. Why that’s a problem for Washington
China has ramped up its production of nuclear-powered submarines over the past five years to the point where it is launching subs faster than the United States, threatening to negate a sea-power advantage that has long belonged to Washington, a new think tank report says.
The buildup in the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s nuclear-powered sub force includes both ballistic-missile and attack subs, the report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) says.
During the years 2021 to 2025, China’s submarine building surpassed that of the US in both numbers of subs launched – 10 to 7 – and tonnage – 79,000 to 55,500, says the report, which looked at shipyard satellite imagery to draw estimates of China’s construction.
The buildup in the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s nuclear-powered sub force includes both ballistic-missile and attack subs, the report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) says.
During the years 2021 to 2025, China’s submarine building surpassed that of the US in both numbers of subs launched – 10 to 7 – and tonnage – 79,000 to 55,500, says the report, which looked at shipyard satellite imagery to draw estimates of China’s construction.
China’s biggest TV event had a clear star: the robot
Back-flipping, nunchuck-weilding humanoid robots delighted and amazed viewers at China’s annual televised new-year extravaganza with their kung-fu choreography. But they – and their rivals who took to the stage Monday night – also carried a message about just how rapidly Chinese androids are advancing.
The fluid movements, agility and fault recovery of Chinese firm Unitree Robotics’ bots, which kicked and flipped on-stage alongside young, human martial artists during the broadcast, were leaps ahead of the staid handkerchief-twirling and shuffling footwork of the Unitree models that performed last year to much fanfare.
North Korea shows Kim Jong Un at the wheel of a mobile rocket launcher
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un took the wheel of a nuclear-capable multiple rocket launcher at a ceremony in the capital Pyongyang, according to the country’s state media, and touted the weapon as among the most powerful of its type in the world. North Korean state media routinely puts out eye-catching images of its leader as a way to bolster his reputation domestically – and send threatening messages to perceived enemies.
The authoritarian one-party state is preparing for a key party congress this month, a time Wednesday’s display comes as North Korea continues to support Russia in its illegal invasion of Ukraine, supplying Moscow with missiles and thousands of troops.Analysts say the experience North Korea’s military is gaining in the fight against Ukraine – along with possible technical know-how from Moscow – can help it refine its weapons and tactics. North Korea’s propaganda machine and displays of its military often kick into overdrive.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol handed life sentence for leading insurrection
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison Thursday after a court found him guilty of leading an insurrection during his short-lived imposition of martial law, which plunged the country into political chaos and threatened to unravel decades of democracy.
The verdict closes a chapter of one of South Korea’s biggest political crises, a saga that has been full of dramatic twists that have tested the country’s democratic guardrails. On December 3, 2024, Yoon, 65, declared martial law in a late-night televised speech, saying there were “anti-state forces” within opposition parties that were sympathetic to North Korea.
The verdict closes a chapter of one of South Korea’s biggest political crises, a saga that has been full of dramatic twists that have tested the country’s democratic guardrails. On December 3, 2024, Yoon, 65, declared martial law in a late-night televised speech, saying there were “anti-state forces” within opposition parties that were sympathetic to North Korea.
Why India joining this U.S.-led tech alliance could help supply chains
India is joining the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative, giving Washington its biggest win yet in the race to shape and influence who has access to advanced semiconductors and AI infrastructure supply chains.
Pax Silica is the Trump administration’s effort aimed at securing the global supply chain for silicon-based technologies. India joins Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, the United Kingdom, Australia, as well as Qatar and the UAE, as core members.
India’s participation, which will be formalized Thursday at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, brings one of the world’s largest technology markets, and a member of the BRICS alliance, into Pax Silica at a moment when competition over AI hardware is intensifying across geopolitical blocs.
Pax Silica is the Trump administration’s effort aimed at securing the global supply chain for silicon-based technologies. India joins Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, the United Kingdom, Australia, as well as Qatar and the UAE, as core members.
India’s participation, which will be formalized Thursday at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, brings one of the world’s largest technology markets, and a member of the BRICS alliance, into Pax Silica at a moment when competition over AI hardware is intensifying across geopolitical blocs.
Report: China continues to be ‘World’s Worst Jailer of Journalists’
For the third consecutive year in 2025, China jailed more journalists than any other country, retaining the dubious distinction of being “the world’s worst jailer of journalists”, according to the latest annual report of an international watchdog released Jan 21.
The group, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), stated that the Communist Party of China-state locked up 50 reporters last year—an all-time high among the countries that the New York-based group with correspondents around the world tracks. Myanmar’s military regime is the second with 30 jailed journalists. Israel, a democratic country, was the third with a record of 29 because of its imprisonment of Palestinian journalists following the start of the Israel-Gaza war in Oct 2023.
The CPJ report said that across the world, at least 330 journalists were jailed as of Dec 2025, down slightly from the record high of 384 reported the year before. China was not only the world’s worst jailer of journalists in 2025 but it also routinely tops CPJ’s prison census.
The group, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), stated that the Communist Party of China-state locked up 50 reporters last year—an all-time high among the countries that the New York-based group with correspondents around the world tracks. Myanmar’s military regime is the second with 30 jailed journalists. Israel, a democratic country, was the third with a record of 29 because of its imprisonment of Palestinian journalists following the start of the Israel-Gaza war in Oct 2023.
The CPJ report said that across the world, at least 330 journalists were jailed as of Dec 2025, down slightly from the record high of 384 reported the year before. China was not only the world’s worst jailer of journalists in 2025 but it also routinely tops CPJ’s prison census.
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