Dubai is accelerating the use of robotics in emergency response, deploying advanced firefighting robots to tackle blazes in hazardous environments. Operated by Dubai Civil Defence, the remotely controlled system is designed for high-risk situations involving toxic gases, chemical fires, and extreme heat. Since the beginning of the year, the robot has been used in real-life fire incidents. The robotic unit can spray water up to 60 metres (196 feet) and pump approximately 2,400 litres (634 gallons) per minute, about 40 litres per second. Equipped with sensors to detect gas leaks and hazardou
The IIT Madras Global Research Foundation will establish its first Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre at Dubai CommerCity, marking a significant step in advancing applied AI innovation and technology-led economic growth. The Centre aims to position Dubai as a regional and global launchpad for scalable AI solutions. In its initial phase, the Centre will host six applied AI startups with a combined valuation of approximately US$118 million and projected revenues of US$281 million over the next five years. Facilitated by MCA Gulf, a strategic partner of IITM Global in Dubai, th
World leaders converged at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as the Global India AI Impact Summit 2026 gathered momentum, with Narendra Modi holding a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines. Discussions prominently focused on advancing the India–EU Free Trade Agreement and expanding cooperation in emerging technologies, energy, skilling, and digital innovation. PM Modi met Alar Karis to strengthen economic ties and explore collaboration in AI and futuristic sectors. With Tshering Tobgay, he underlined the use of AI for sustainable development, reinforcing the enduring India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined India’s vision behind hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global AI summit in the Global South. He said the summit is guided by the motto “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhaye”, reflecting India’s civilisational belief that technology must serve humanity and ensure welfare and happiness for all. The summit focuses on People, Planet, and Progress, aiming to make AI inclusive, ethical, and development-oriented. Modi linked AI directly to India’s goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, highlighting its role in healthcare, education, agriculture, an
NASA will attempt once again this week to fully fuel its Space Launch System rocket with more than 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as part of a full launch countdown rehearsal, known as a wet dress rehearsal (WDR). The operation will begin with a call to stations at the Launch Control Center’s Firing Room 1 on Tuesday, February 17, and will culminate in actual fueling on Thursday, February 19, targeting a simulated launch time of 8:30 p.m. EST. This marks the second full-length fueling test following a “confidence test” conducted on February 12, during which team
India is set to bring the Global South firmly into the global artificial intelligence conversation as New Delhi hosts the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20. The five-day event positions India as a key global voice advocating AI for development, inclusion, and public good. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the summit is anchored in three guiding “Sutras”: People, Planet, and Progress, reflecting India’s cooperative and human-centric approach to AI. Major venues across the capital, led by Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, will host over two lakh pa
In a major boost to India’s startup ecosystem, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with a total corpus of ₹10,000 crore to mobilise venture capital for startups across the country. The scheme aims to accelerate India’s next phase of entrepreneurial growth by unlocking long-term domestic capital, strengthening the venture capital landscape, and supporting innovation-led businesses. Launched under the Startup India initiative, FoF 2.0 builds on nearly a decade of ecosystem development. Since 2016, India’s
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth led a high-level Indian delegation to the World Defence Show (WDS) 2026, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 8–9. He joined international dignitaries at the opening ceremony and inaugurated the first-ever India Pavilion at the event, showcasing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities through Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private companies. The RRM also visited exhibition areas of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and the Saudi Ministry of Defence to review their latest indigenous technological developments. During th
India is making rapid strides towards establishing its own space station while simultaneously advancing the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, according to ISRO Programme Director Imtiyaz Ahmed. Speaking on Monday, February 9th, 2026, Ahmed said nearly 80 satellites are currently under development, which will play a vital role in scientific research, disaster management, internal security, navigation, and relaying critical signals for the Gaganyaan mission back to Earth. Addressing IANS in Samastipur during the golden jubilee celebrations of India’s first indigenous satellite, Aryabhat
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan has said that following the historic success of Chandrayaan-3, India has significantly accelerated its space missions, with preparations underway for the ambitious Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 projects. Addressing the fifth convocation ceremony of D. Y. Patil International University in Pune, Narayanan highlighted India’s growing momentum in space science and technology. He said India is now implementing a comprehensive and forward-looking space programme that includes advanced research missions, with a special focus on f