PM Modi and President Macron Bolster Strategic Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai today to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France. The high-profile meeting focused on critical areas including defense, trade, and green energy. President Macron’s three-day visit comes shortly after India approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, marking a massive milestone in bilateral defense cooperation. Both leaders expressed confidence that this visit would elevate the relationship to new heights, emphasizing industrial collaboration and technological exchange.
In parallel, the national capital is hosting the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where PM Modi outlined his vision for India to become a global AI superpower. He highlighted that technology should be “human-centric” and serve the welfare of all, following the philosophy of “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhaye.” The Prime Minister emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in transforming agriculture, healthcare, and digital public infrastructure. Global leaders, including the President of Estonia, joined the summit to discuss the ethical use and governance of AI.
The legal front also saw major activity today as the Supreme Court of India issued a stern warning to political leaders. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, remarked that those holding high public office must foster fraternity and uphold constitutional values. The court was hearing a petition regarding public statements that stigmatize communities and erode public confidence. The judges emphasized that in a mature democracy, leaders should exercise restraint and avoid communally divisive language to maintain national unity.
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, labeling it a “Tughlaqi Commission.” She accused the poll body of targeting ordinary citizens and allegedly deleting 58 lakh voters’ names from the rolls at the behest of the opposition. These remarks come amid the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise across the state. Meanwhile, the Election Commission released the final electoral roll for Gujarat today, showing a net addition of 5.6 lakh voters after a door-to-door survey.
The political atmosphere remains charged as the first tranche of the Union Budget session concluded recently, leaving several legislative issues pending for the next phase in March. Opposition parties continue to raise concerns over international trade frameworks and domestic economic policies. Amidst these debates, the government has launched the “PM RAHAT” scheme, providing cashless medical care for road accident victims. This combination of international diplomacy, technological ambition, and domestic political friction defines the current national landscape.
