India-Spain relations will continue to strengthen, assures President Pedro Sanchez

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) Spanish President Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday noted the “excellent state” of relations between Spain and India, stating after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi that they will continue to strengthen in the coming times.

“Alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I have noted the excellent state of relations between Spain and India, which we will continue to strengthen. I have congratulated him on the organisation of the Summit on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence. We share the need to continue taking steps towards an AI that puts people at the centre,” he posted on X after meeting PM Modi.

This is Sanchez’s second visit to India in 15 months, following his visit in October 2024, as both countries are marking 2026 as the India-Spain Year of culture, tourism and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Spain-India Dual Year has Artificial Intelligence as one of its main themes.

During their meeting on Wednesday, both leaders discussed ways to boost the India-Spain friendship, especially in areas such as defence, security, technology and more.

“Had a productive meeting with President Pedro Sanchez in Delhi. Discussed ways to boost the India-Spain friendship, especially in areas such as defence, security, technology and more. Our nations are marking 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI. This will deepen people-to-people linkages. Glad to see a big delegation of Universities also come to India. This too will go a long way in connecting our people,” PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.

“The historic FTA with the EU will have a very positive impact on the economic partnership with Spain and provide new opportunities to the people of our nations,” he added.

President Sanchez arrived in the national capital earlier in the day to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026, a global platform focusing on the transformative role of artificial intelligence across industries and governance.

The ongoing international summit dedicated to the future of Artificial Intelligence has brought together technology leaders, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Its aim is to demonstrate how AI can generate real benefits for society, drive innovation, and promote inclusive and sustainable development.

The AI ​​Impact Summit 2026 is the first global Artificial Intelligence summit hosted in the Global South and charts a course “towards a future where the transformative power of AI serves humanity, drives inclusive growth, fosters social development, and promotes people-centered innovations that protect our planet. It also seeks to amplify the voice of the Global South, ensuring that technological advancements and opportunities are shared widely, not concentrated in a few regions.”

After meeting PM Modi, Sanchez also attended the dedication ceremony of a mural painted jointly by an Spanish and Indian artists under Street Art Project at the Lodhi Art District. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also accompanined the Spanish leader.

“India and Spain also meet in urban art. On the occasion of the Spain-India Dual Year, I visited with the Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. This mural in the Lodhi district is the result of a collaboration between artists from both countries,” he posted on X.

–IANS

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Bollywood film unit hit by food poisoning in Leh, over 100 members admitted to hospital

Srinagar, Aug 18 (IANS) A Bollywood film unit shooting in Ladakh was hit by food poisoning, and over 100 members of the unit were admitted to a hospital in Leh, officials said on Monday.

“Over 100 workers of a Bollywood film crew were hospitalised in Leh after a suspected case of food poisoning late Sunday evening,” officials confirmed on Monday.

The workers of the film unit were engaged in the shooting of an upcoming film when several of them suddenly developed severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and headache.

They were immediately rushed to the Sajal Narbu Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh, where doctors said it was a case of mass food poisoning.

An official said that nearly 600 people had meals at the location before the incident occurred.

“Food samples have been collected for detailed analysis to identify the cause,” the official added. The hospital authorities said the situation was brought under control after an urgent mobilisation of staff from all departments.

“We managed the patient rush effectively. The police also stepped in to regulate the overcrowded emergency ward and prevent panic,” a senior doctor said.

Doctors confirmed that all patients are in stable condition, and most of them have been discharged after receiving necessary treatment.

Authorities are awaiting the laboratory reports of the food samples to fix accountability, while the incident has raised questions about the safety standards at large-scale shooting locations in sensitive regions like Leh.

As the investigation continues, details about the kind of food and the water taken by the unit members are awaited. It was also not known who the film producer and director were, and whether any prominent Bollywood stars were among those who fell ill.

The Ladakh region, known as the moonland because of its barren, rugged mountains and difficult topography, has been host to a number of Bollywood superhit movies like ‘3 Idiots’ and ‘Haqeeqat’.

‘Haqeeqat’ was made to depict the India-China war of 1962 and went on to become a major hit. Many other Bollywood movies have been shot in the rugged locales of the region. The popular films which utilised Ladakh’s stunning landscapes for various scenes include ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’, ‘Dil Se’, ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, and ‘Lakshya’.

The region has places like Nubra, Chanthang and Batalik, which were not open to tourists earlier and have been opened for visitors now.

–IANS

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Planned execution led to success of Mumbai’s underground Metro project: MD Ashwini Bhide

Mumbai, Nov 27 (IANS) Additional Chief Secretary to the Maharashtra Chief Minister and Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, Ashwini Bhide, said on Thursday that mega infrastructure projects like the Metro and Coastal Road hold immense significance in ensuring smooth and efficient transportation in Mumbai.

The initial challenges faced during these projects — such as legal and environmental clearances, technical issues, and citizens’ concerns — were successfully overcome through meticulous planning, transparent communication, coordination among government agencies, and active public participation.

She was speaking at the late BG Deshmukh Memorial Lecture Series organised by the Maharashtra Chapter of the Indian Institute of Public Administration.

Bhide elaborated on the planning and implementation behind the Metro and Coastal Road projects.

She presented a detailed account of India’s first fully underground Metro Line-3 (Colaba–SEEPZ).

“The underground Metro is not just an engineering project but an excellent example of social engineering. Despite construction in crowded residential and commercial areas for more than five years, people’s trust was retained through extensive communication and transparent updates via social media. Due to stringent safety measures and quality work, not a single untoward incident occurred during the entire construction period,” she said.

She also added, “Key factors such as advance planning, strong and committed leadership, quick decision-making, continuous site monitoring, teamwork, modern technology, open dialogue with citizens, problem-solving approach, and strong political will played a crucial role in timely completion of the project. She acknowledged the coordination between Mumbai Police, BMC, Port Trust, Railways, Defence, Airport Authority, and the consistent direction from the Chief Minister’s War Room.”

Bhide said that Mumbai, being the country’s financial capital and a major employment hub, continues to witness rising population pressure.

“Its limited, narrow, peninsula-like geography has created severe stress on infrastructure, especially transportation. To reduce this burden, modern and integrated solutions like the underground metro and coastal road are essential,” she added.

“Projects like Atal Setu, the Marine Drive–Bandra Worli Sea Link Coastal Road, and the Navi Mumbai International Airport have already been completed. Work is ongoing on Bandra–Versova, Versova–Dahisar–Bhayandar–Uttan–Virar Coastal Road, Worli–Sewri Connector, Western Express Highway–Samruddhi Mahamarg Link, Borivali–Thane Tunnel, Goregaon–Mulund Link Road and Orange Gate–Marine Drive Tunnel Road. Future projects include the Virar–Alibag Multi-Modal Corridor and the Vadhavan Port,” she said.

Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal said that constructing an underground metro in a city like Mumbai is extremely challenging, yet Maharashtra has achieved it.

“Inspired by this success, there is now a demand to build Delhi Metro’s upcoming projects underground as well. Such projects deliver better services to citizens.”

He emphasised that every administrative officer must work to make citizens’ lives easier, with teamwork and positive intent.

–IANS

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Karnataka blames Andhra CM for delay in talks on Tungabhadra water

Raichur (Karnataka), Feb 7 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the Water Resources portfolio, on Saturday said that leaders from the region are pressuring him to prevent 30 TMC of water from the Tungabhadra reservoir from flowing into the sea, and asserted that he is committed to the cause. However, he said the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister is not giving him time to discuss the issue.

“If the Andhra CM gives us an opportunity, we will stop the wastage of 30 TMC of Tungabhadra water and ensure justice to the farmers and people of this region,” Shivakumar said.

He was speaking at the Raichur Utsava programme.

Shivakumar said that MLAs from the district had pressed him to bring in a law to ensure that water reaches tail-end areas of canals.

“Earlier, water was being lifted at the upper reaches and was not reaching the tail-end areas. Therefore, we have enacted a new law. When I was the Irrigation Minister earlier, I had visited this place.

“We sanctioned Rs 300 crore for Bangarappa’s lake, and that project is now being implemented. Our government is committed to replacing all the gates of the Tungabhadra dam, and we will certainly do it,” he said.

He said that several landmark welfare schemes, such as the mid-day meal programme, MGNREGA and Stree Shakti, were launched by Congress-led governments from this region.

“Our party president Mallikarjun Kharge fought hard and brought in Article 371J, bringing major changes to your lives and development. Just as Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B. R. Ambedkar are remembered, the people of this region must remember Kharge. I request you to preserve his name permanently,” he said.

He listed the five guarantee schemes of the Congress government, including free electricity up to 200 units, 10 kg of free rice, free bus travel for women, Rs 2,000 monthly assistance for women heads of households, and unemployment allowance for jobless youth.

“Through these five guarantee schemes, we are bringing change to your lives,” he said.

Emphasising unity, he said, “We are people of different communities gathered here. Though art forms may differ, all artists are the same. There is no caste or religion among artists. This is a land of farmers. You are giving a new form to the Congress government that feeds the hungry and provides education.”

Calling Raichur a land ruled by the Chalukyas, Cholas and Vijayanagara kings, and one that welcomed leaders of all religions, Shivakumar said the government stands with the people and is committed to bringing change to their lives.

He said the government has taken a historic decision regarding healthcare in the district and has resolved to build a super-speciality hospital.

“We are determined to bring an AIIMS-level institution to this region, and a letter has been written to the Union government in this regard,” he said.

He added that in addition to the five guarantees, the government has introduced a sixth guarantee in the form of a land guarantee.

Noting that the government has completed 1,000 days in office, Shivakumar said a programme has been organised in Haveri on February 14.

“You must continue to give strength to this hand by bringing it back to power in the future,” he appealed.

–IANS

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