The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway in Italy, while India hosts a major AI summit, and Iran and the United States engage in nuclear talks in Geneva, as reported on February 16, 2026. Additionally, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is set to begin in late February, and France crowned a seagull cry champion at a quirky carnival.
The Winter Olympics, which began on February 4th with preliminary matches, are taking place in Italy, six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time, according to CBS News. The games are scheduled to continue through the closing ceremony on February 22nd, with the Paralympics to follow from March 6th to March 15th. Norway currently leads the medal count, followed by Italy and the United States, as of more than a week into the games.
In New Delhi, India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the five-day AI Impact Summit on Monday afternoon, as reported by Al Jazeera. The summit brings together world leaders and tech executives to discuss critical issues such as job disruption and child safety. The summit aims to establish a shared roadmap for global AI governance and collaboration.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva for a second round of nuclear talks with the United States, as detailed by Al Jazeera. The talks aim to reduce tensions and prevent a potential military confrontation, a scenario Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned could escalate into a regional conflict. Araghchi stated on X, "I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal."
The start of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, is expected to begin on either Wednesday, February 18th, or Thursday, February 19th, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, depending on the sighting of the new moon, according to Al Jazeera. Other countries will follow their own moon sightings, utilizing astronomical calculations or traditional local sightings.
In France, the Dunkirk carnival featured the World Seagull Cry Championship, where contestants in feathered costumes competed, as reported by Euronews. Laurie Duhaudt, also known as Maître Mouette et Chandon, won this year's shield. The jury, comprised of past winners and carnival regulars, judged the contestants on timing, tone, and commitment.
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