India in 2 Minutes for the Week of Feb 20

AI A ‘Stress Test’ For India’s Workforce: CEA

Artificial intelligence will test India’s ability to skill its vast workforce, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran warned at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

Unlike ageing economies, India faces pressure to create eight million jobs annually. If AI outpaces skilling and job growth, inequality could widen, he cautioned, calling it a “stress test” of state capacity amid India’s 2047 development ambitions.

Andhra Plans Massive AI ‘Data City’ In Vizag

India is planning a sprawling AI-focused “data city” in Visakhapatnam as it seeks to close the gap with the United States and China.

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh said investment commitments worth US$175 billion (S$221 million) have been secured, including Google’s US$15 billion AI hub.

The port city is also being positioned as a submarine cable landing point linked to Singapore.

India Mulls Social Media Age Curbs

The Indian government is in talks with social media platforms on introducing age-based restrictions and tightening curbs on deepfakes, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, he noted global acceptance of stricter age regulation following Australia’s under-16 ban.

Mr Vaishnaw stressed stronger oversight is needed to protect children and society from manipulated online content.

Macron Woos India With Rafale Push, Strategic Reset

French President Emmanuel Macron began his fourth India visit by pressing ahead with talks for a potential 114-jet Rafale deal, one of India’s biggest air force upgrades.

He and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and elevated ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. Defence cooperation was renewed for 10 years, with discussions spanning AI, helicopters and maritime security.

Dr Reddy’s Plans Cheaper Wegovy Rival

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories aims to launch a generic version of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy at up to 60 per cent lower prices, its co-chairman G.V. Prasad said.

With obesity drugs projected to become a US$150 billion (S$190 million) global market, India is emerging as a key battleground. Wegovy currently costs between Rs10,850 (S$151) and Rs16,400 monthly in India.

Three Get Death In Hampi Rape-Murder Case

An Indian court sentenced three men to death for raping an Israeli tourist and murdering a man near Hampi, a UNESCO site in Karnataka. The 2025 attack saw the victims pushed into a canal, leaving one dead.

The judge termed it the “rarest of rare” case. The verdict awaits Karnataka High Court confirmation and remains open to appeal.

J&K Reopens 14 Tourist Spots After Attack

Fourteen tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir have reopened following last year’s Pahalgam terror attack, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked Home Minister Amit Shah, saying the move will revive tourism and livelihoods.

The reopening raises restored sites to 42 of 48 closed after the attack that killed 26 civilians.

West Bengal Voter Roll May Shrink By 9%

West Bengal’s electoral roll is expected to shrink by nearly 680,000 names, about 9 per cent, following discrepancies flagged during a special revision.

Officials cited unverified details, absentee voters and ineligible entries. The final list will be published on Feb 28, ahead of upcoming elections.

Cheetah ‘Gamini’ Delivers Triple Joy At Kuno

South African cheetah Gamini has given birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park, taking India’s cheetah population to 38, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said.

The litter marks the ninth successful birth under the reintroduction programme launched in 2022. Surviving Indian-born cubs now total 27, signalling progress in the ambitious conservation effort.

Black Boxes Damaged In Ajit Pawar Crash: AAIB

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said both flight recorders from the Learjet 45 crash that killed former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar were damaged by intense fire.

The Digital Flight Data Recorder has been downloaded, while the Cockpit Voice Recorder is under technical examination with foreign assistance. The probe is being conducted under ICAO norms, authorities said.

Man Allegedly Kills Ex-Wife in Hyderabad Over Domestic Dispute

A 30-year-old man allegedly stabbed his 29-year-old ex-wife to death after barging into her Hyderabad home. Police said he was frustrated that a domestic violence case filed by her had prevented him from returning to Canada, where he worked.

The woman, who had remarried, was reportedly three months pregnant. The accused has been detained.

Supreme Court Slams YouTuber in Snake Venom Case

The Supreme Court on Feb 18 criticised YouTuber Elvish Yadav in a case involving alleged use of snake venom at a Noida rave party.

The court said using “voiceless victims” like snakes sends a “very bad message” to society.

Police claim nine snakes and suspected venom were seized. Yadav denies wrongdoing. The matter will be heard next on March 19.

Abhishek Sharma Registers Third Consecutive Duck in T20 World Cup

India opener Abhishek Sharma recorded his third straight duck in the T20 World Cup on Feb 18, falling for 0 against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad.

The world No. 1 T20I batter now equals India’s record for most ducks in the tournament, alongside Ashish Nehra.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar advised him to “just take a single first” to regain confidence.