New Delhi: On the fifth day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, India formally joined the Pax Silica coalition, marking a significant milestone in the strengthening of strategic technology and supply chain cooperation between India and the United States. The signing ceremony brought together senior government leaders from both nations, underscoring a shared commitment to securing the full technology stack that will power the AI-driven global economy.

Pax Silica is envisioned as a strategic coalition of trusted nations committed to securing the “silicon stack”, from critical minerals and semiconductor fabrication to advanced AI systems and deployment infrastructure. The initiative seeks to reduce overconcentration in global supply chains, prevent economic coercion, and ensure that emerging technologies are developed and governed by open, democratic societies.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw framed the moment as one that transcends a ceremonial signing. “We are not just holding a summit; we are building the future,” he said, emphasising that new foundations and new opportunities are being created for the younger generation.

Drawing attention to the power of compounding growth since Independence, he added, “If we look at India’s growth since 1947, we can all imagine the impact of compounding.” He underscored the country’s growing semiconductor capabilities, stating, “Today, India’s talented engineers are designing the world’s most advanced two-nanometer chips. The semiconductor industry will require around one million new skilled professionals, and this is a very big opportunity for India.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Jacob Helberg, United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, described the declaration as “not merely an agreement on paper, but a roadmap for a shared future.”

Invoking the shared democratic histories of both nations, he stated, “Today, as we sign the Pax Silica declaration, we say no to weaponized dependency, and we say no to blackmail. Together, we affirm that economic security is national security.

Highlighting the broader ambition behind the initiative, he added, “We are securing the full stack of the future, the minerals deep in the earth, the silicon wafers in our labs and fabs, and the intelligence that will unleash human potential. Pax Silica is our declaration that the future belongs to those who build.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sergio Gor, U.S. Ambassador to India, described India’s entry into Pax Silica as both “strategic and essential.”

“Pax Silica is the coalition that will define the 21st century economic and technological order,” he said. “It is designed to secure the entire silicon stack, from the mines where we extract critical minerals, to the fabs where we manufacture chips, to the data centres where we deploy frontier AI.”

Understanding the democratic foundation of the partnership, Ambassador Gor remarked, “Pax Silica is about whether free societies will control the commanding heights of the global economy. We choose freedom. We choose partnership. We choose strength.”

The signing at the India AI Impact Summit underscored a clear message: the future of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies will not be left to chance. It will be built deliberately, by nations committed to freedom, partnership, and long-term resilience.

Following the PaxSilica signing, a high level fireside chat featuring Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary MeitY,Sergio Gor, US Ambassador to India ; Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology; and Randhir Thakur, CEO and MD of Tata Electronics, underscored the strategic convergence of AI ambition and semiconductor resilience. Emphasising India’s coordinated push across AI, semiconductors and critical minerals, Shri S. Krishnan said the goal is “resilient collaboration with trusted partners who share our values,” positioning India within the future global tech ecosystem.

Highlighting the immediacy of the shift, Sergio Gor stated, “The AI revolution is not on the horizon — it is already here.” Mehrotra reinforced the supply chain dimension, calling it a “shared commitment to building resilient, secure supply chains” and a “win-win ecosystem to advance AI for good.” Thakur described PaxSilica as “a timely and strategic step,” noting that the semiconductor journey has always been driven by “materials, innovation, and compute.”

Jammu, Feb 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is pushing ahead with plans to expand its official infrastructure in major metropolitan centres, including Delhi and Mumbai, while its proposed redevelopment of the property at Prithviraj Road continues to face strict heritage restrictions.

Replying to a question by legislator Irfan Hafiz Lone in the Assembly, the minister in charge of the Hospitality & Protocol Department said redevelopment of the J&K House site remains a priority but is complicated by its location within the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone. Because the main structure is heritage-designated, the project requires clearance from the Prime Minister’s Office and bars structural alterations to the original building.

Ancillary structures—including staff quarters and a PWD office—fall within a nine-metre no-construction buffer and may have to be demolished. Officials are consulting executing agencies to identify viable models that balance regulatory compliance with the need for expanded accommodation.

By contrast, new projects outside central Delhi are progressing quickly. A proposal is being prepared for a new J&K Bhawan in Dwarka, with options under consideration including execution through the Central Public Works Department or EPC mode. Another Detailed Project Report is being drafted for a Bhawan on government land in Navi Mumbai. Budget allocations include ₹125 lakh for the Mumbai project and ₹2,090 lakh for the Dwarka facility in the current fiscal year.

Updates were also shared on other properties. In Chandigarh, work has begun to convert an SCO building into a full-fledged J&K House with an outlay of ₹640 lakh. At Rajaji Marg, redevelopment and phased reconstruction of staff quarters are underway with revised estimates of ₹3,661.50 lakh. At Chanakyapuri, officials said new construction is not feasible due to space constraints.

Meanwhile, construction of additional facilities on vacant land in Amritsar is under consideration.

The minister said expansion of official accommodation outside the Union Territory will proceed in phases, subject to finalisation of project reports and statutory approvals.

KD Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was informed that a liquor manufacturing unit in Srinagar continues to operate on prime evacuee property after authorities renewed its lease for 20 years without conducting a public auction, relying on regulations that existed before current rules came into force.

In a written response to a question from legislator Mushtaq Guroo, the government said the land — measuring 8 kanals and 11 marlas under Khasra numbers 572, 573 and 574 at Peerbagh — is officially recorded as evacuee property. Officials also noted that 1 kanal and 8 marlas from the same parcel had earlier been acquired for the widening of Indira Gandhi Road.
.According to the reply, the plot was first leased on April 1, 1983 for 40 years, with the term ending on March 31, 2023. The Custodian General has now approved an extension for another two decades.

Authorities explained that the lease was not auctioned because the original allotment predates Rule 13-C of the J&K Evacuees’ (Administration of Property) Rules, introduced through a 1985 amendment that requires vacant evacuee land to be leased only through open bidding. Since the original agreement was executed before that provision existed, officials said the renewal was processed under the same framework.

The new lease has been granted on commercial terms, with a premium fixed at ₹35 lakh per kanal along with annual ground rent. Conditions require that the property be used solely for its sanctioned purpose and that the lessee obtain clearances from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation or the Srinagar Development Authority before undertaking any construction.

The government also stated that the agreement safeguards potential claims by original owners. If a lawful claimant succeeds in restoring ownership under evacuee property laws, that person would replace the government as lessor for the remaining lease duration.

*Srinagar tops the list in Kashmir*

JAMMU, Feb 20  : More than 32,500 individuals have been registered for drug de-addiction treatment across Jammu and Kashmir since 2022, with the Kashmir Valley accounting for a majority of the cases, the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Friday.

Responding to a joint query by legislators Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, Surjeet Singh Slathia, Ali Mohammad Sagar and Ghulam Mohi Ud Din Mir, the Minister Incharge for Health & Medical Education Department provided a district-wise breakdown of patients registered at various Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in the Union Territory.

According to the data tabled in the House, a gross total of 32,517 patients have been registered so far. Of these, 16,759 were reported from the Kashmir division, while the Jammu division recorded 15,758 cases.

Srinagar district emerged as the worst hit, registering the highest number of cases at 6,100. It was followed by Anantnag (2,157), Budgam (2,075), Baramulla (1,623), and Kulgam (1,312). Other Kashmir districts reported figures including Pulwama (713), Kupwara (552), Bandipora (817), Ganderbal (244), and Shopian (244).

In the Jammu division, the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu has handled the maximum load, registering 9,806 patients. This was followed by GMC Kathua (1,529), GMC Doda (980), GMC Udhampur (968), and GMC Rajouri (566). District-wise figures from the Jammu region also included Kishtwar (311), Poonch (359), Ramban (577), Reasi (123), and Samba (292).

The minister informed the House that OPD-based de-addiction services are now functional in all 20 districts of the UT. In-patient (IPD) services are available at all nine Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), with psychiatrists posted to provide clinical oversight.

The government has established 11 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in the Kashmir division, with each district hospital offering six dedicated IPD beds. In the Jammu division, nine ATFs are currently functional, with the government noting that one is sanctioned but its operationalisation is pending.

Responding specifically to legislators’ concerns about Pulwama and Samba districts, the government clarified that while there is no proposal for a new centre in Pulwama, the existing Drug De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre at Village Bajwani in Tral is fully functional and catering to patients from across the district.

Regarding Samba, the minister stated that an Addiction Treatment Facility was established at the District Hospital in February 2024. Sponsored by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS New Delhi, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the centre currently operates on an OPD basis, providing free medicines and counselling services.

The government stated that efforts are being made to strengthen these services under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, including community outreach programmes, awareness campaigns through print media, and improving referral linkages to higher centres for specialized rehabilitation.(KNS)

Srinagar, February 20:The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has submitted a chargesheet in FIR No. 20/2025 under Sections 420 and 120-B IPC before the Hon’ble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against four accused persons for cheating and criminal conspiracy.

Acting on a written complaint wherein it was alleged that the complainant was introduced by his relative, Peerzada Aabid S/o Peerzada Mohammad Nayeem R/o Bijbehara A/P Azad Basti Natipora Srinagar, to Syed Wasim S/o Syed Bashir Ahmad R/o Karimabad Pulwama A/P Azad Basti Natipora Srinagar, Proprietor of M/s Europe Consultancy Centre. They assured facilitation of admission of the complainant’s son in a medical college in Bangladesh. The complainant was further introduced to Syed Suhail Aijaz S/o Syed Aijaz Qadri R/o Takya Magam Kokernag A/P Muslim Abad opposite Nundresh Colony Bemina and Zaigam Khan S/o Gh. Mohammad Khan R/o Mahmadiya Colony, Bemina Srinagar, owners of Overseas Consultancy. On their assurances, the complainant paid lakhs of rupees as fee to be deposited with Park View Medical College. Investigation revealed that the accused persons fraudulently obtained lakhs of sums, but deposited only USD 8,000 (approximately ₹6.04 lakhs as per 2021 exchange rates) with the college. Due to non-payment of the remaining amount, the student was asked to leave the institution.

On the basis of bank records, official communication from the medical college and statements recorded during investigation, the allegations against all four accused persons namely Peerzada Aabid S/o Peerzada Mohammad Nayeem R/o Bijbehara A/P Azad Basti Natipora Srinagar,Syed Wasim S/o Syed Bashir Ahmad R/o Karimabad Pulwama A/P Azad Basti Natipora Srinagar, Proprietor of M/s Europe Consultancy Centre, Syed Suhail Aijaz S/o Syed Aijaz Qadri R/o Takya Magam Kokernag A/P Muslim Abad opposite Nundresh Colony Bemina and and Zaigam Khan S/o Gh. Mohammad Khan R/o Bemina Srinagar, owners of Overseas Consultancy stands substantiated.

Accordingly, the investigation has been concluded as proved and the chargesheet has been presented before the competent court for judicial adjudication, reads the statement.

Touseef Wani

Ganderbal, Feb 19 : In a major enforcement action aimed at ensuring tourist safety and maintaining order in the sensitive Sonamarg tourist zone, Ganderbal Police on Wednesday conducted a special drive against unregistered service providers, detaining 11 photographers found operating without valid registration.

In a bid to ensure public safety, maintain order, and safeguard the security of the tourist destination, Ganderbal Police conducted a special enforcement drive against Unregistered Service Providers, with particular focus on Photographers Operating without valid registration in the Sonamarg Tourist Area.

During the drive, 11 Unregistered Photographers were identified and detained under the relevant provisions of Sections 126/170 BNSS. All the detained individuals were subsequently produced before the Executive Magistrate, Gund, for further legal proceedings. The action was taken keeping in view the security sensitivity of the area as well as the need to regulate services being offered to tourists, so as to prevent inconvenience, exploitation, or any untoward incident.

In addition to enforcement, the police team of PS Sonmarg also carried out an awareness exercise. The service providers present in the area were sensitized about the code of conduct to be strictly followed while dealing with tourists, emphasizing professionalism, lawful operation, and courteous behavior.

Ganderbal Police reiterates its commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and tourist-friendly environment and appeals to all service providers to obtain proper registration and adhere strictly to the law. Strict legal action shall continue against violators in the interest of public safety and tourism management.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi:As part of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 various tech giants and industry leaders engaged in a wide-ranging fireside chat exploring AI’s transformative impact on industry, governance, healthcare, content authenticity, and global standards. The AI impact summit was inaugurated today by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, and Shantanu Narayen, Chairman and CEO of Adobe engaged in a fireside chat during India AI summit which focused on expanding role across sectors, from telecommunications and personalized medicine to education and digital infrastructure. Sunil Bharti Mittal highlighting how AI is becoming central to enterprise operations, he said “From our company’s standpoint, AI is becoming a truly integral part of how we operate, how we serve customers, build networks, and manage networks.”

While emphasising AI’s power to democratize access to information and noting India’s unique opportunity to shape global standards around data privacy, Shantanu Narayen said “India can play a leadership role, not just in what these models mean, but in how we think about data, privacy, security, and trust.”

Besides this, Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder and Chairman, Infosys, and Dario Amodei, CEO, Anthropic, engaged in a wide-ranging fireside chat exploring the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, the challenge of diffusion at population scale, and the balance between innovation, democratic guardrails, and inclusive growth.

Dario Amodei, highlighting this gap between technological progress and societal impact, said, “There is a duality between the fundamental capabilities of the technology and the time it takes for those capabilities to diffuse into the world. In the Global South, the benefits of AI may be even larger than anywhere else, but that makes it even more important that we get safety, democratic governance and economic inclusion right.”

The conversation also addressed AI’s risks and opportunities for the Global South, including economic displacement, safety, and the need to demonstrate meaningful use cases to avoid public backlash.

A thought-provoking Fireside Chat featuring Yann LeCun, Executive Chairman, Advanced Machine Intelligence Labs, was also held. In conversation with Ms. Marya Shakil, Managing Editor, India Today, Mr. LeCun shared insights on the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, the distinction between intelligence and AI systems, and the long-term trajectory of technological progress.

The conversation opened with a fundamental question on whether AI is on the path to surpass human intelligence. Mr. LeCun reframed the debate, suggesting that the more immediate and meaningful transformation lies in AI’s ability to amplify human intelligence rather than replace it.

Addressing India’s role in global AI innovation, Mr. LeCun said, “Long-term, innovation comes from countries with favorable demographics that means India and Africa. The youth are the most creative part of humanity.” He further stressed that education would become even more critical in the AI era. Describing AI’s transformative potential, he remarked, “Some economists say it’s the new electricity. I think it’s more like the new printing press. It’s about the dissemination of knowledge and the amplification of human intelligence.”

Industry leaders emphasized that India, with its scale, demographics, and transformative potential, is uniquely positioned to shape global standards and drive inclusive, human-centric AI innovation.

JAMMU, Feb 19 : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated on Thursday that ensuring the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley with full dignity and security is a firm commitment of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

Speaking at the release of a book on the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, the LG, remarked that the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory had attempted to suppress the truth. He, however, affirmed that the administration is actively working to liberate the region from terrorism.

“The anguish of the 1989–90 massacre of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists runs so profoundly deep that even the balm of time has failed to soothe it. The torment of abandoning homes overnight, of being uprooted from one’s roots, lingers like thorns in the veins of displaced families even today,” Sinha said.

He informed that in 2021, a dedicated web portal was launched to facilitate the recovery of houses and lands belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community that had been encroached upon.

The LG stated that the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 led to the full integration of J&K with the Union of India and instilled faith among the younger generation of the community that they could reclaim their roots without fear.

“Jammu and Kashmir has been undergoing a profound transformation since 2019. The sinister plot of the adversary to destroy the dreams and destiny of the people of the UT has been decisively dismantled. Through tireless effort, this land’s ancient glory has been restored, and development has been accelerated. Very soon, this soil will be completely freed from the scourge of terrorism,” the LG added.

He was speaking at the launch of the book Kashmir: Nativity Regained, authored by Prof. Ashok Kaul, which explores the Kashmiri Pandit exodus and captures the events surrounding the migration.

The LG described the book as a laudable effort to shatter the silence that has shrouded the collective consciousness for decades and a poignant reminder of the community’s resilience. He saluted the spirit of the community, noting that displaced families preserved their philosophy, culture, and traditions even in adversity.

Sinha also addressed the impact of terrorism on the broader population, noting that Pakistan-backed terrorists had spilled the blood of thousands of innocent Kashmiri Muslims. “Justice has begun flowing to those families since last year, with efforts underway to fulfil their employment needs alongside other essentials,” he said. (KNS)

“No plan to privatise power DISCOMS; Big encroachers to face action first”

Jammu, Feb 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced that all tourist destinations closed in the aftermath of the Baisaran Pahalgam terror incident will be reopened by May this year.

Winding up the discussion on grants for the departments under his charge, CM Omar Abdullah, said that all tourist destinations shut down after the Pahalgam attack will be reopened by May.

“I want to tell you all these destinations will reopen till May,” the CM said, adding that the Jammu & Kashmir Government has discussed the matter with the Union Government.

He said that they have no plan to privatise power distribution companies in Jammu & Kashmir.

The CM said that whenever action is taken against encroachers, they will target the “big fishes” first—(KNO)