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Finland PM Petteri Orpo to attend India AI Impact Summit, meet PM Modi

Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will visit India from February 17 to 20 to attend the AI Impact Summit and hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi.

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Petteri Orpo will travel to India from February 17 to 20 to participate in the India AI Impact Summit and hold bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Orpo is scheduled to meet PM Modi on February 18. He will also attend the India AI Impact Summit on February 19, which is being hosted in New Delhi.

The Finnish Prime Minister is accompanied by a business delegation comprising representatives of 22 Finnish companies. According to an official release, the visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, particularly in digitalisation and sustainability.

Focus on AI governance and innovation

The India AI Impact Summit, being held from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, will bring together Heads of State and Government, international organisations, AI experts and leading companies from across the globe.

The summit is designed to promote a shared understanding of global AI governance principles and foster international cooperation. Prime Minister Orpo had also taken part in the AI Action Summit in Paris in 2025.

“At the summit, we will highlight Finland’s strengths in the fields of AI policy and innovation. Finland has world-class expertise in AI and the potential to lead the way in its use. At the same time, we will also promote the safe and responsible use of AI,” Orpo said, according to the release.

He noted that geopolitical and economic competition is intensifying, underlining the need for Finland to remain active in global technology discussions. He also emphasised cooperation with like-minded countries while seeking broader international consensus.

During the summit, Orpo will deliver Finland’s national address, visit country pavilions and participate in side events organised by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and National Association of Software and Service Companies. The programme also includes a dinner hosted by PM Modi and other high-level engagements.

Strategic partnership and trade opportunities

The release highlighted India’s growing global role and described bilateral ties as strong and expanding. The inauguration of Finland’s new Consulate General in Mumbai in 2022 was cited as a significant step in strengthening engagement.

Orpo said Finland aims to deepen cooperation with India in the areas of digitalisation and sustainability, reinforcing the new strategic partnership between the two nations.

He also referred to the conclusion of negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement on January 27, 2026. Talks on the agreement had been underway since 2007, with some interruptions. The pact is expected to improve access for European companies to India’s expanding market and enhance the broader EU-India partnership.

Summit structure and agenda

The India AI Impact Summit will revolve around three pillars — People, Planet and Progress. Discussions will focus on employment and skilling, sustainable and energy-efficient AI, and economic as well as social development.

Seven thematic working groups, co-chaired by representatives from the Global North and Global South, will present deliverables such as proposals for AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure and sector-specific AI use case compendiums.

The event will also address AI safety, governance, ethical use, data protection and India’s approach to sovereign AI, including the development of indigenous foundation models for strategic sectors.

An AI Impact Expo will showcase practical AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, education, climate action, energy efficiency and accessibility. The summit will further spotlight national skilling initiatives, including “Yuva AI for All”, a free course aimed at building basic AI awareness among students and professionals.

Latest world news

India, Canada discuss trade pact to boost bilateral commerce

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at expanding trade, investment and market access between the two countries.

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India canada trade pacts

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed trade agreement as the two countries seek to strengthen their economic and commercial ties.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, who is leading a Canadian delegation to India. The discussions focused on advancing negotiations for the proposed India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The proposed pact is aimed at creating greater market access and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.

India-Canada CEPA talks

Both sides discussed the importance of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that can make use of the complementary strengths of the two economies.

The discussions also focused on deepening commercial engagement and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Goyal said the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking the India-Canada economic partnership to a higher level, with CEPA serving as a catalyst for deeper commercial engagement.

India and Canada are working towards concluding the CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026.

India-Canada trade

The proposed CEPA is aimed at improving market access and creating opportunities across sectors while strengthening the broader economic relationship between India and Canada.

The agreement is expected to provide greater opportunities for businesses in both countries and support deeper trade and investment ties.

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Latest world news

White House put on temporary lockdown after car crashes into signpost

The White House was temporarily placed under lockdown after a car crashed into a signpost near Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. The driver was detained after a confrontation with security personnel.

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The White House was placed under a temporary lockdown on Monday after a car crashed into a signpost at Lafayette Square near the presidential residence in Washington, DC.

The incident triggered a security response in the area, with the US Secret Service directing members of the White House press corps to move indoors and remain there temporarily.

Driver detained after confrontation with security personnel

The driver was detained following a confrontation with Secret Service officers and National Guard personnel, according to reports.

Video footage showed a silver sedan on the paved area at the northern end of Lafayette Square after striking a signpost. Smoke was also seen coming from the vehicle.

Authorities had not immediately disclosed the driver’s identity or established what led to the crash.

White House security restrictions imposed

The security response prompted temporary restrictions around the White House. The incident occurred at Lafayette Square, which is directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the presidential complex.

At around 10 am local time, Secret Service personnel instructed White House journalists to move indoors while security personnel dealt with the incident.

The White House was under the security restriction while President Donald Trump was at the premises, according to reports.

Motive behind crash remains unclear

It was not immediately known whether the crash was accidental or deliberate. Authorities had also not immediately confirmed whether anyone was injured.

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the driver’s identity and possible motive, remained under investigation.

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Football news

Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with Portugal after 234 appearances and 146 goals.

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year career with Portugal towards an end.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain said he would hand back the No. 7 shirt of the national team after the November international break. Ronaldo made the announcement in a video message shared on social media.

The decision marks the end of one of the most decorated international careers in men’s football. Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both records at international level.

Ronaldo’s Portugal career comes to an end

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and went on to represent the country across more than two decades.

He helped Portugal win their first major international trophy at Euro 2016. He was also part of the teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo’s international career also included six World Cup appearances. His final World Cup came in 2026, when Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16.

Ronaldo reflects on 23 years with Portugal

Announcing his decision, Ronaldo said it was not an easy choice and described his time representing Portugal as a privilege and responsibility.

He thanked his family, the Portuguese people, as well as the teammates, coaches and staff who were part of his international journey.

Ronaldo also said that Portugal would always remain a part of him.

Record-breaking international career

Ronaldo leaves the Portugal setup as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer and the player with the most international appearances.

His 146 goals came across 234 appearances for Portugal. He also became one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to feature at six World Cups.

His international career included major individual records as well as team honours, making his departure one of the biggest moments in modern international football.

What happens next

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after he said he would hand back Portugal’s No. 7 shirt following the November international break.

Portugal have Nations League fixtures during the November window, but Ronaldo’s announcement means his international career is now set to conclude after that break.

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