Macron Shares AI-Generated Photo With PM Modi Ahead of AI Impact Summit

The second day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 highlighted India’s ambition to position artificial intelligence as a tool for inclusive growth, innovation and global cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the objective of the summit is to ensure AI benefits every citizen and serves the larger public good. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described AI as the ”fifth industrial revolution” and projected more than $200 billion in investments in AI infrastructure and data centres over the next two years. He also called for stronger regulation of deepfake technology and announced plans for an ”AI-like UPI platform” to make trusted solutions accessible to developers. The summit, held at Bharat Mandapam, has drawn global leaders, technology companies, startups and policymakers. Discussions covered employment, healthcare, education and safety concerns linked to AI. French President Emmanuel Macron is also scheduled to attend during his India visit. © Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.

The Government of Bihar has approved a major upgrade of diagnostic facilities at district veterinary hospitals across the state under the Atmanirbhar Bihar Seven Resolves–2 programme. The initiative aims to install X-ray and ultrasound machines in all hospitals that provide 24-hour animal healthcare services. Officials said the move will improve the speed and accuracy of animal disease diagnosis, enabling veterinarians to begin appropriate treatment without delays. Ultrasound machines will help detect pregnancy and internal conditions in livestock such as cows, buffaloes, dogs and cats, while X-ray machines will be used to identify bone fractures and joint issues—areas where veterinarians previously had to rely mainly on visual assessment and experience. The Bihar government has allocated ₹782.80 lakh for the project in the 2025–26 financial year, with the tender process for procurement and installation already underway. The Bihar Livestock Development Agency (BLDA), Patna has been tasked with implementing the scheme. Authorities highlighted that this upgrade will particularly benefit rural families and livestock owners, since about 88 percent of the state’s population lives in villages and many depend on animal husbandry for income. Enhanced diagnostic tools are expected to reduce treatment delays, decrease animal losses, and support productivity and livelihoods. This initiative builds on broader efforts by the state to strengthen veterinary care, including expanding access through veterinary units and improving infrastructure in rural areas. © Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.

The three-day annual techno-cultural festival at IIT Patna concluded today with a vibrant display of innovation, performance and student creativity, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, faculty and visitors from across the region. The event, which brought together technology showcases, cultural performances and competitive events, served as a platform for young minds to demonstrate technical skills, artistic talent and organisational leadership. Over the course of the festival, engineering students presented robotics demonstrations, coding challenges and prototype exhibits that showcased advancements in artificial intelligence, sustainable technology and smart solutions for everyday problems. Participants from various colleges competed in hackathons, app development contests and tech quizzes, with several teams earning recognition for their pioneering ideas. Complementing the tech components were cultural programmes featuring dance performances, music concerts, theatre acts and fashion shows. These segments provided a stage for creative expression and community engagement, highlighting the diverse talents of the student body. Music nights, stand-up comedy sets and solo singing competitions were among the crowd favourites, drawing large audiences throughout the festival. Faculty members and invited guests praised the organisers for curating a well-balanced blend of technical rigour and cultural vibrancy. They noted that such events foster interdisciplinary collaboration, boost confidence and encourage students to pursue innovative thinking beyond the classroom. The closing ceremony featured award distributions for top performers, with winners in tech competitions receiving certificates and prizes. Cultural stars were also honoured for excellence in dance, music and dramatic arts. Organisers said the festival not only celebrated talent but also nurtured teamwork, resilience and leadership among participants. Students attending the final day expressed pride in their peers’ achievements and said the festival created lasting memories and valuable learning experiences. Many highlighted the opportunity to network with juniors, alumni and industry representatives who visited the event to scout talent and share insights. IIT Patna officials said plans are already underway for next year’s edition, with an aim to include more interdisciplinary workshops, industry collaborations and international participation. They noted that the festival continues to be a cornerstone of campus life, contributing to a holistic educational environment. © Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.