Hijacked by Rahul Gandhi; Congress has lost it :::: India Deserves Better

 National Shame

At a time when India is hosting a prestigious global AI Summit, showcasing its innovation and leadership in technology, the Congress party chose disruption over dignity.

Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Congress workers went topless and created a ruckus at the venue, an act clearly designed to embarrass India on the world stage.

When the nation is striving to position itself as a global technology powerhouse, such conduct only serves the interests of those who wish to see India falter. Political opposition is a democratic right, but sabotaging India’s global image is not.

India deserves better.

Himanta Biswa Sarma
@himantabiswa

It is not the BJP that unsettles Rahul Gandhi. It is the rise of Bharat as a global force in new-age technologies.

The #IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 represents innovation, ambition, and India’s leadership in the AI century. When attempts to manufacture a controversy around it failed, the fallback was familiar- disruption, theatrics, and political noise deployed through loyal proxies.

This pattern is not new.

From questioning the Surgical Strikes, to casting doubts over the IAF’s emergency operations in the North East, to now politicising a global technology summit- every decisive step that strengthens Bharat’s global standing is met with reflexive cynicism.

The question before the nation is simple:

Why does every milestone of national progress trigger partisan hostility?

When Bharat rises, should politics not pause?

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At a time Bharat is taking strides positioning itself as a global technology powerhouse, Congress is going all out to embarrass the country. This is not political opposition, this is an attempt at sabotaging India's global image. Despicable.

Acclaimed Bengali novelist Sankar expires

 Mani Shankar Mukherjee, known in Bengali literature by his pen name Sankar, passed away on Friday at a private hospital in Kolkata.

Born in Howrah in December 7, 1933, Sankar, still in his teens, served as a clerk to the last British barrister Noel Frederick Barwell at the Calcutta High Court.

Jana Aranya -- his novel was made a highly acclaimed movie by Satyajit Ray

The theme of job crisis in West Bengal of 1970s is portrayed very well in both the novel and the film.

Sankar went on to pen many more novels, many of which made it to the silver screen. Two films from Satyajit Ray’s city trilogy – Seemabaddha and Jana Aranya - were based on Sankar’s novels.  

The 1968 hit Chowringhee, starring Uttam Kumar and Subhendu Chatterjee in the lead was also based on a novel by Sankar.

He also wrote several books on Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and Swami Vivekananda.

In 2021, he was conferred with a Sahitya Akademi award.  

In 1962, Sankar conceived Chowringhee on a rainy day at the waterlogged crossing of Central Avenue and Dalhousie - a busy business district in the heart of Kolkata. The novel, set in the opulent hotel he called Shahjahan, was made into a cult movie in 1968. It is wrongly said that Sankar marketed his literary work to Bengali households with the marketing slogan A bagful of Sankar (Ek Bag Sankar) and collections of his books were sold in blue packets through this marketing effort.

He has been rewarded with Sahitya Akademi Award on 18 March 2021 for his outstanding autobiographical work of Eka Eka Ekashi^[7][8] and also received Farha Blue Kazi International award in 2021 for his book Subarno Sujog.

Retd army officer ex-Lt Ge L. Nishikanta Singh appointed Advisor to Manipur CM

 In pursuance of the decision taken in Cabinet meeting held on 17th February,2026, the Governor of Manipur Ajay Bhalla has appointed Shri L. Nishikanta Singh, Lt. General (Retd.) as Advisor (Coordination) to the Chief Minister, Manipur for a period of one year.

The order comes into effect with immediate effect in public interest.

The terms and conditions of his service including honorarium, entitlements, etc. will be issued separately in consultation/concurrence with Finance Department (PIC), Government of Manipur, an official source said. 

Earlier this month Y Khemchand led ministry was installed in Manipur which was under President's Rule for less than a year since Feb 13, 2025. 

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Vumzagin Valte MLA Thanlon from Manipur is no more

Vungzagin Valte, BJP MLA for Thanlon A/C representing the Zomi Community, has passed away at Medanta MediCity Hospital in Gurgaram, community sources said. 

He fell victim to the #ManipurViolence perpetrated by the Biren Singh administration on May 4, 2023. Arambai Tenggols waylaid him and his driver, resulting in the tragic death of his driver at the scene. 

On May 4, 2023 ---- 

Vungzagin Valte was allegedly attacked by protesters, and taken to hospital. 

He (Vungzagin Valte) was airlifted out of the state on May 5. 

This was during peak of 2023 violence that rocked Manipur. 

       May 2023 snap 

He was allegedly beaten up, family claimed he was even given electric shocks on May 4 2023 while driving away from the CM house.

His body was paralysed, his driver died in hospital from injuries.

Rahul stands exposed ::: Has Gen Naravane set the ball rolling for Congress leader's expulsion ??

 

After March 9 when Parliament meets for second half of the Budget session; Rahul Gandhi may face action in Lok Sabha.

BJP lawmaker Nishikant Dubey has moved a Substantiative motion. After the debate on Rahul Gandhi's conduct both within Lok Sabha and outside including his foreign tours; if ruling side go for voting, chances are bright that he might face harsh action. 

The Delhi Police filed a case with the Special Cell regarding the purported leak of a pre-print copy of the book the day before Naravane's comments.

Of all the people, it seems Gen Manoj Naravane has taken upon himself the task of negating Rahul Gandhi's claims on former army chief's book.

Responding to questions about his previous remarks that not an inch of Indian land had been captured by China, General Naravane stood firm. When asked if he still holds that position, he said people should ask the reverse question to China. 

“I think you should ask a reverse question to the Chinese, that have they occupied any Indian land? And answer to that question, I think, will satisfy all those who have any doubts on this matter.”

His response directly counters Rahul Gandhi’s constant assertions in Parliament regarding Indian territory and Galwan. It has been suggested by Congress people that during Galwan conflict; Gen Naravane was left alone. This also has been countered.

On the allegation that he was given vague instructions during the Galwan crisis and was “left alone,” General Naravane dismissed the charge. When asked whether the Prime Minister’s stated instruction - “jo uchit samjhe wo karo,” meant he was given a free hand or was left alone, Naravane cautioned against relying on anonymous sources.

He said “See, once again, we cannot take cognisance of articles which are published, quoting unnamed sources, what is right, what is wrong.

 So let us let it be for the time being at that. And as and when things get clearer, we can discuss these issues more in depth.” Adding to this he said “Once again, anybody can say anything. I'm not obliged to comment on anything, which is not actually my concern.” 

This statement is also seen as a rebuke to the magazine Caravan.

When asked whether he was being misquoted as his unpublished book became the centerpiece in Parliament, Naravane said the country should not live in the past.

“I think we should not live in the past. We should look ahead, go in the future. I have written a new book, Murder Mystery. I'm writing the sequel to that. So let us move on. And as I said, not dwell in the past.”

Publisher Statement: 

Earlier, Penguin Random House India posted a statement clarifying that the book has not gone into publication. It stated that no copies, print or digital, had been released, sold, disseminated, or made accessible to the general public.

The publisher stated, “We wish to make it clear that the book has not gone into publication. No copies of the book - in print or digital form - have been published, distributed, sold, or otherwise made available to the public by Penguin Random House India.” 

It further added, “Any copies of the book currently in circulation, in whole or in part, whether in print, digital, PDF, or any other format, online or offline, on any platform, constitutes an infringement of PRHI's copyright and must immediately be ceased. Penguin Random House India shall be exercising remedies available in law against the illegal and unauthorised dissemination of the book.”

The Delhi Police filed a case with the Special Cell regarding the purported leak of a pre-print copy of the book the day before Naravane's comments. According to reports, police have discovered an online PDF version that seemed to have been created by the publisher. The book cover was also being displayed on several websites, giving the impression that the book was for sale

Naga woman IAS officer to "man" forest and environment in Yogi's Uttar Pradesh

 The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) gave a new posting to senior IAS officer V Hekali Zhimomi (IAS:1996:UP). She had been waiting for an assignment since she returned from central deputation in November 2025. She has now been appointed Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department.

With her appointment, Anil Kumar  (IAS:1998:UP) has been relieved of the Forest portfolio. He was earlier holding charge of the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department along with the Panchayati Raj Department.

V Hekali Zhimomi was sent back to her parent cadre, Uttar Pradesh, on November 8, 2025. At that time, she was serving as Additional Secretary in the Department of Health & Family Welfare at the Centre. She had gone on central deputation in September 2021 as Joint Secretary in the same department for a five-year term till September 2026. However, she was repatriated almost a year before completing her tenure.

Some of the reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh have special significances as elections are due in the state by Feb-March 2027.

Elections are also due in 2027 in  Manipur, Goa, Punjab and Uttarakhand.

In UP, the Yogi Govt will complete 10 years in office and hence the Lotus party faces considerable anti incumbency.

Moreover, BJP's show was not good in 2024 Lok Sabha polls even as Akhilesh Yadav-led Akhilesh Yadav has to do much more than it is required to make the most electorally.

For BJP again; the 2027 polls in Uttar Pradesh - that sends 80 MPs - is linked to BJP"s own power games.

While Presidential polls are due in July 2027; the internal power struggle in the BJP will be thrown open with Yogi Adityanath and Amit Shah may sweat it out for north bound graph movement in their career.

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AI Summit set the stage for unprecedented global collaboration

 India - at the centre of global AI conversation! 

Heads of State and Government, along with leaders of major International Organisations, have gathered for the India AI Impact Summit.

With the participation of over 20 Heads of State and Government and several other distinguished leaders, this is the largest congregation of world leaders at a technological event in India.

Over five days, innovators, tech professionals and entrepreneurs are participating -  engaging in discussions, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and shaping the next wave of AI-driven human-centric progress. 

The Summit is setting the stage for unprecedented global collaboration and transformative technological partnerships.

At the AI Impact Summit, the Indian Army’s panel on “Defence Perspective in AI” attracted a wide audience, bringing together military leadership, industry and academia for a focused dialogue on responsible AI in defence, duly moderated by Dr Subimal Bhattacharjee.

Lieutenant General Vipul Shinghal, DCOAS (IS&T), outlined leadership challenges in the AI era, while Lieutenant General Harsh Chhibber, DGIS, emphasised human agency in the application of force. Major General Pawan Anand (Retd) highlighted ethical considerations and international humanitarian law.

Industry and academic insights were shared by Dr Vikram Jayaram on technological sovereignty, Prof Ganesh Ramakrishnan on India’s sovereign AI stacks, and Ms Madhumita Mohapatra on AI-driven logistics optimisation.

The session highlighted a shared approach to operational transformation, grounded in responsible and ethical AI.