NEW DELHI: India “doesn’t engage as a meek country,” Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday asserting that “trust and negotiation from a position of strength,” have defined the country’s recent trade successes.Speaking at the Global Economic Cooperation Summit in Mumbai, Goyal said India’s approach to economic diplomacy is rooted in engagement, confidence and long-term vision.

“Today, India doesn’t engage as a meek country. We are not apologetic about some of the problems that we have. We are negotiating for the future,” he said, describing trade agreements as long-term investments in India’s growth over the coming decades.Highlighting India’s recent record, Goyal noted that the country has signed nine trade agreements since 2022, many of which had been under discussion for nearly two decades. Summing up his strategy in one word, he said: “trust.”“The day you can generate enough confidence in your counterparty that you can be trusted, and the day you trust the person on the other side, the country on the other side, the pathway becomes that much easier,” he said.He added that India has negotiated these agreements “from a position of strength,” while keeping national interests at the forefront. Safeguarding farmers, MSMEs, fishermen and jobs has remained central to discussions.”Our farmers and MSMEs are fully protected. Not a single farmer will have cause for concern,” he said.“We haven’t opened a dairy for any country whatsoever,” he added, underlining that sensitive sectors continue to be protected.“When you’re sincere, you’re honest, when you are able to logically show your position and demonstrate your strength with full sincerity,” he said, it becomes easier to secure favourable terms.Goyal also outlined an expansive vision of India’s economic diplomacy. “I think the first principle of economic diplomacy is that don’t sit so far away from your stakeholders. Come closer to them,” he said.He stressed that India is “at the forefront of building alliances, building friendships, aligning our own trade, our own investment imperatives with the rest of the world.”Outlining India’s long-term ambitions, Goyal said the country aims to become a USD 30–35 trillion economy by 2047. “We are looking for a USD 30-35 trillion economy by 2047 to power India into the league of developed nations. And that’s how we’ll bring prosperity to all people,” he said.“Gone are the days that one could live in economic isolation. One has to engage with the rest of the world. One has to expand international trading arrangements. You have to secure markets.”he added.

NEW DELHI: The controversy around Galgotias University’s displays at its booth at the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 as an in-house innovation, has escalated further, with fresh scrutiny now focusing on another device showcased by the institution. Barely 24 hours after being asked to vacate its stall at the flagship AI summit in the national capital, it is now facing questions over a “drone soccer arena” that faculty members claimed was developed entirely in-house.

In a video now going viral on social media, the university’s communications professor is seen speaking about a “drone soccer arena”, calling it another in-house innovation and claiming it to be “India’s first” such system.“It is a very interesting thing, from its end to end engineering to its application, everything has been done at the university and this is India’s first drone soccer arena which you will get to see on campus at Galgotias and here the children play games inside this arena, fly it, enhance their flagging skills and are developing it in a new way, with more strength and enhanced features, what are these things,” she says.However, several posts on social media have rebutted the assertions, alleging that the drone closely resembles a commercially available product from South Korea. Users have pointed to Helsel, which says it pioneered drone soccer in 2015 before launching the sport in South Korea in 2017. The sport is recognised by the World Air Sports Federation. Some users have also claimed that the device resembles products such as the Stryker V3 ARF available in the market.The Youth Congress also weighed in on X, alleging that the drone was a Korean-made product and questioning the university’s claims.Taking a jibe at PM Modi it said, “First China, now Korea. Galgotias is on a world tour of ‘borrowed’ innovation. They claimed to have built India’s first Drone Soccer from scratch on campus, but it’s actually just a Striker V3 ARF from Korea. Atmanirbhar’ or just ‘Atmanir-buy’ Modi ji?”Earlier a robotic dog showcased by the university as “Orion,” was recognised by observers as the Unitree Go2 made by Chinese robotics firm Unitree. The incident quickly escalated into a wider controversy at the Summit, a flagship AI event inaugurated by PM Modi.The university has not issued a fresh clarification regarding the drone allegations. Earlier, in a press release regarding the robodog controversy the institute had termed it a ‘propaganda’.

What the row is about

The robotic dog showcased at the university’s stall was identified as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available quadruped robot that is sold in India at an estimated price of Rs 2–3 lakh.Critics alleged that the robot was projected at the summit as an in-house innovation by the university, prompting questions over the display of imported technology at a national AI platform intended to spotlight indigenous developments.As scrutiny mounted, electricity supply to the university’s pavilion at the AI Summit was reportedly disconnected after organisers asked the institution to vacate the exhibition space. Government sources later confirmed that authorities had directed the university to vacate the expo area, stressing compliance and transparency standards at the summit.

What triggered the row

During an earlier presentation of the robot, Professor Neha Singh told DD News that the university had made significant investments in artificial intelligence.She said, “We are the first private university investing more than 350 crore rupees in artificial intelligence and we have a dedicated data science and artificial intelligence block on the campus. So Orion has been developed by the Center of Excellences and as you can see, it can take all shapes and sizes.”Describing its functions, she added, “It’s quite naughty also. It’s quite naughty also and it can perform small tasks of surveillance, monitoring.”Following the robotic dog controversy, the university had said in a statement, “Let us be clear, Galgotias has not built this robodog, nor have we claimed to do so. What we are building are minds that will soon design, engineer and manufacture such technologies in Bharat.”

Mani Shankar Aiyar (PTI image)

NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Wednesday doubled down on his recent remarks in which he described himself as a “Gandhian”, a “Nehruvian” and a “Rajivian”, but not a “Rahulian”. The sidelined leader said that he is not a “Rahulian” because Rahul Gandhi is “far too much younger” than him and “far too distant” in his political life.

Speaking to PTI, Aiyar said, “I recently said that ‘I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian’.”Explaining why he described himself as a “Gandhian”, Aiyar said, “I was six-year-old and my brother was four when Mahatma Gandhi picked us up in his arms and said ‘ye mere aankhon ke suraj aur chand hain’.” “From there, I became a ‘Gandhivaadi’.”On his identification with India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, he said, “As for Nehru, I was six when he became the prime minister, and I was 23 when he ceased being one, so my entire growing-up years were steeped in the Nehruvian ethos; that is why I also regard myself as a Nehruvian.”Aiyar said he considers himself a “Rajivian” because of his association with former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. “I call myself a Rajivian because it was he, although two years younger than me, who astonished me by bringing me into the PMO and by doing the things he did… I could not believe it. That is how I became a Rajivian,” he said.He also clarified that he did not describe himself as an “Indiravian” as he “totally disapproved” of Indira Gandhi “converting our democracy into a tyranny by declaring an Emergency, albeit for only 18 months”.Referring to his comment on Rahul Gandhi, Aiyar said, “How can one expect me to be a ‘Rahulian’ when the boy is about 30 years younger than me, and I haven’t had an opportunity to work with him? That is why I cannot be a ‘Rahulian’ because he is far too much younger than me and far too distant from me in his political life.”The remarks come amid strained ties between Aiyar and the Congress leadership. The controversy began after he praised the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in Kerala and expressed confidence that the chief minister would continue in office.Speaking at an international seminar in Thiruvananthapuram, Aiyar had said, “So, in the presence of the chief minister, who I am sure will be the next chief minister, I renew my plea that to reinforce Kerala as the best Panchayati Raj state in the country, state laws should be amended based on practical experience, Thomas Isaac’s insights, the five-volume report I chaired and the note on district planning by V Ramachandran circulated by the Planning Commission when it truly supported Panchayati Raj.”The Congress distanced itself from his remarks. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said that Aiyar “has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years” and that he speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the people of Kerala would bring the Congress-led United Democratic Front back to power in the state.

NEW DELHI: The Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has formally cancelled the five per cent reservation for Muslims in jobs and education.The Social Justice Department on Tuesday issued a Government Resolution (GR) cancelling its 2014 order that had granted a 5 per cent reservation to the Muslim community in educational institutions and government and semi-government jobs — a provision that had already been legally invalidated over a decade ago.The reservation was introduced in July 2014 through an ordinance, classifying Muslims under the Special Backward Class-A (SBC-A) category. However, the policy was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which stayed its implementation in November 2014.What was the 5% Muslim quotaThe five per cent reservation for Muslims was introduced in July 2014 by the then Congress–NCP government through an ordinance. The move came alongside a 16 per cent reservation for Marathas and was pitched as a response to socio-economic data indicating backwardness among sections of the Muslim community.The quota was not framed as religion-based. Muslims were classified under a new category, Special Backward Class-A (SBC-A), and the benefits were to apply to government jobs, semi-government posts and admissions to educational institutions.The ordinance was cleared just months before the 2014 assembly elections, making it politically contentious from the outset.The legal troubleAlmost immediately after the ordinance was issued, it was challenged in court. Petitioners argued that reservations based on religion violated constitutional principles and that the quota breached the 50 per cent ceiling on reservations laid down by the Supreme Court in earlier judgments.In November 2014, the Bombay High Court stayed the implementation of the ordinance. This meant the quota could not be operationalised unless the stay was vacated or the policy was reworked.Meanwhile, the ordinance also faced a procedural hurdle. Under the Constitution, an ordinance must be converted into law by being passed in the legislature within a stipulated period. The Maharashtra legislature did not take up the ordinance before the deadline of December 23, 2014, causing it to lapse automatically.Subsequently, Supreme Court, while deciding a Special Leave Petition against the high court’s order, effectively upheld the legal position that the quota could not continue.As a result, the five per cent Muslim reservation never came into force in practice.Why cancel it nowDespite the ordinance having lapsed and the courts having stayed its implementation, the original 2014 government resolution was never formally withdrawn. Over the years, this created administrative ambiguity, with sporadic applications for caste or validity certificates under the SBC-A category.The Maharashtra government said the latest GR is meant to remove this ambiguity by formally cancelling all decisions and communications linked to a quota that has no legal standing.What is the GR The new directive:

The government has underlined that no existing benefits are being withdrawn, since the quota was never operational.Opposition protestsCongress leaders have strongly criticised the move, arguing that even if the quota was legally stalled, formally scrapping it sends a political message of exclusion.Mumbai Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad described the decision as “harmful to democracy” and said it would push Muslims away from the mainstream. She argued that instead of cancelling the quota, successive BJP-led governments should have explored legally sustainable ways to address backwardness among Muslims.NCP (SP) spokesperson Crasto said the decision proves that the BJP doesn’t value Muslim leaders of the party and its allies. “It also shows that these Muslim leaders won’t get justice from the BJP,” he claimed.(With agency inputs)

Abhishek Sharma (ICC Photo)

NEW DELHI: India opener Abhishek Sharma retained his position at the top of the ICC T20I batter rankings despite recent struggles, while wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan broke into the top 10 in the latest update.Abhishek has endured a difficult T20 World Cup campaign so far. He began with a golden duck against USA in India’s opening match and was later hospitalised in New Delhi due to a stomach infection, which ruled him out of the clash against Namibia. On his return against Pakistan, he was dismissed for another duck.

Despite the lean patch, the young left-hander continues to hold on to the No. 1 ranking.Ishan, meanwhile, surged 17 places to eighth overall after scoring his second successive half-century of the tournament. His blistering 77 off just 40 balls earned him the Player of the Match award and significantly boosted his ranking.Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka climbed three spots to third among T20I batters following his outstanding century against Australia in Kandy.There were notable gains elsewhere as well. South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton jumped 22 places to 11th, while Aiden Markram moved up six spots to joint 15th. USA batter Saiteja Mukkamalla rose 16 places to 21st, and England youngster Jacob Bethell advanced 22 spots to 32nd after impressive outings at the T20 World Cup.The race for the No. 1 T20I all-rounder ranking remains intense, with Pakistan’s Saim Ayub reclaiming the top spot in the updated list. Ayub overtook Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza after his three-wicket haul against India in Colombo.Raza slipped to second, while Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee (up two places) and Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai (up four) are joint fourth following consistent performances.The battle is equally close in the bowling rankings. Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan moved up one place to second and is closing in on India’s Varun Chakravarthy at the summit.Zimbabwe pacer Brad Evans leapt 10 spots to fifth after back-to-back three-wicket hauls at the T20 World Cup. India’s Axar Patel (up four places to 14th) and Jasprit Bumrah (up six to 15th), along with Ireland spinner Matthew Humphreys (up 23 to 23rd), also registered significant gains.

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Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are rocking the headlines for their wedding rumors. If reports are to be believed, the couple is set to tie the knot in Udaipur on February 26, 2026. And now another detail about the upcoming event has been leaked. Reportedly, the duo has opted for a no-phone policy for their wedding. Let’s learn more about it.

No phone policy at Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding

According to the India Today report, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding will be an intimate event. Reportedly, only family members and close friends will be attending the ceremony. The festivities are set to kick off on February 24, and the marriage will take place on February 26. The report further stated that no one from the film fraternity has been invited for the ceremony.

A source told the publication, “It’s a very small guest list. No phones will be allowed. Even the team capturing the wedding has signed NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements).”See More: Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna’s rumoured wedding venue can cost nearly Rs 1 lakh- Reports

More details about the wedding

The insider further told the website that both actors have taken a month off their busy schedule after the wedding. Reportedly, two pre-wedding celebrations were held recently. One was hosted by Rashmika’s maternal family at her home, while another was by Vijay’s family. The couple reportedly sent out handwritten notes to their friends asking for their blessing and no gifts.After the Udaipur wedding, the couple is set to host a reception in Hyderabad on March 4 at Taj Krishna. Reportedly, this event will see the presence of people from the film industry. Meanwhile, a wedding invite, allegedly of the couple, is doing rounds on the internet.

More about Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s projects

Vijay and Rashmika are set to feature together in the film titled ‘Rana Baali’. Apart from this, Vijay has ‘Rowdy Janardhana’ in the pipeline, while Rashmika will star in Homi Adajania’s ‘Cocktail 2’ and Allu Arjun’s untitled film, directed by Atlee.

Australian cricket community is reeling after a historic collapse in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking only the second time in the tournament’s history that the Aussies have failed to progress past the group stage. Following a devastating eight-wicket loss to co-hosts Sri Lanka and a shock defeat to Zimbabwe, Australia’s fate was officially sealed when a rain-abandoned match between Zimbabwe and Ireland pushed the African nation out of reach on the points table.

In the wake of this early exit, legendary former captain Ricky Ponting sat down with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review to dissect what he described as a “really poor campaign.” With the blunt honesty that defined his captaincy, Ponting identified the structural and situational failures that led to Australia’s downfall.

Ricky Ponting analyzes the causes of Australia’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign

Ponting was quick to note that the campaign was handicapped from the outset. “They had some injury concerns at the start with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins being ruled out,” he noted, adding that the absence of finisher Tim David in the opening fixtures disrupted the team’s balance. However, the two-time World Cup-winning skipper refused to use injuries as a total scapegoat.

According to Ponting, the defining moment of the disaster wasn’t the loss to a powerhouse like Sri Lanka, but the upset against Zimbabwe.

“Losing to Zimbabwe like they did, that’s going to be the game that they’re going to think back and think like that’s our World Cup gone, there and then,” he added.

He highlighted a concerning lack of “aura” in the current squad, suggesting that this iteration of the Australian team lacks the psychological edge that once intimidated opponents in ICC events.

Tactically, Ponting pointed to a specific failure in the top order and a lack of late-innings momentum. In the must-win clash against Sri Lanka, Australia was cruising at 104/0 before losing six wickets for just 20 runs in the death overs.

“You need to have your best players and your most experienced players standing up and winning big moments… Australia haven’t had that,” Ponting lamented.

He specifically noted that Cameron Green at No. 3 and David at No. 4 failed to provide the middle-order stability required on spin-friendly South Asian tracks.

Also READ: Fans react as Australia faces elimination from T20 World Cup 2026 after rain washes Ireland vs Zimbabwe clash in Pallekele

Ponting predicts future of some senior Australian players for the 2028 Olympic and World Cup Squad

With the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2028 in Australia and New Zealand, and cricket making its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Ponting believes the national selectors are facing a necessary reset. When asked about the longevity of the current roster, Ponting predicted a significant shift in personnel.

While he expects core pillars like Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis to remain central to the T20 setup, he cast doubt on some of the game’s biggest icons.

“I think Glenn Maxwell… it looks to me like his career is coming towards an end,” Ponting observed. He also placed a “question mark” over Marcus Stoinis, despite his status as a global T20 specialist.

Interestingly, Ponting touched on the Olympic aspirations of Steve Smith, who remains vocal about wanting to represent Australia in LA. However, whether the 38-year-old Smith will fit into a “younger, more adaptable” side remains to be seen. Looking toward the future, Ponting identified Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, and young sensation Cooper Connolly as the faces of the next generation, provided Australia can move away from the rigid selection policies that haunted their 2026 campaign.

Also READ: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla hails Zimbabwe’s rise after Australia’s dramatic exit from T20 World Cup 2026

Gold price today: Gold prices surged on Wednesday, rising Rs 1,297 to Rs 1,52,715 per 10 grams in futures trade, driven by firm spot demand and fresh buying by speculators.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold contracts for April delivery climbed Rs 1,297, or 0.86%, to Rs 1,52,715 per 10 grams, with a business turnover of 1,557 lots.Fresh positions built up by participants led to a rise in gold prices,’ analysts told PTI.In the global markets, gold prices also moved higher. Spot gold rose 0.8% to $4,915.90 per ounce by 0914 GMT, after gaining more than 1% earlier in the session. US gold futures for April delivery advanced 0.6% to $4,936.30.Silver prices saw stronger gains, with spot silver rising 2.8% .Overall, gold prices climbed sharply on Wednesday, supported by strong spot demand and renewed buying interest in the futures market.

Gold prices in major Indian cities

Gold price today in Delhi

In the national capital, 24K gold is priced at Rs 15,435 per gram. The rate for 22K gold stands at Rs 14,150 per gram, while 18K gold is selling at Rs 11,580 per gram.

Gold price today in Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad, 24K gold is available at Rs 15,425 per gram. The 22K variant is priced at Rs 14,140 per gram, and 18K gold costs Rs 11,570 per gram.

Gold price today in Bengaluru

Gold prices in Bengaluru are Rs 15,420 per gram for 24K purity. The 22K gold rate is Rs 14,135 per gram, while 18K gold is retailing at Rs 11,565 per gram.

Gold price today in Mumbai

In Mumbai, 24K gold is trading at Rs 15,420 per gram. The 22K variant costs Rs 14,135 per gram, and 18K gold is priced at Rs 11,565 per gram.

Gold price today in Hyderabad

Hyderabad mirrors similar trends, with 24K gold at Rs 15,420 per gram. The 22K rate stands at Rs 14,135 per gram, and 18K gold is selling at Rs 11,565 per gram.

Gold price today in Chennai

Chennai continues to record slightly higher prices, with 24K gold at Rs 15,524 per gram. The 22K rate is Rs 14,230 per gram, while 18K gold is priced at Rs 12,180 per gram.

Gold price today in Kolkata

In Kolkata, 24K gold is priced at Rs 15,420 per gram. The 22K variant costs Rs 14,135 per gram, and 18K gold is available at Rs 11,565 per gram.

Gold price today in Pune

In Pune, 24K gold stands at Rs 15,420 per gram. The 22K rate is Rs 14,135 per gram, and 18K gold is priced at Rs 11,565 per gram.