The Times Now Summit 2026 concluded on a high note after two days of thought-provoking discussions, global perspectives, and forward-looking ideas, reinforcing its theme “Celebrating Times Now @ 20, Shaping India @ 100.” The landmark edition not only commemorated two decades of Times Now but also laid out a bold vision for India’s journey towards its centenary.
Akhilesh Yadav. National President, Samajwadi Party, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, started the day’s agenda with a fiery retort against allegations of him not visiting Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir even after two years of inauguration. He mentioned, when the temple of Lord Shiva named Kedareshwar Mahadev Dham in Saifai, Yadav’s native village is completed, he will visit the Ram Mandir. He alleged ‘all gave donations to them (BJP), and their temple was constructed, but nobody is giving us donations.’
Meanwhile, talking about the BJP’s defeat in Ayodhya in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Yadav said that the saffron party had cheated devotees. “We remained out of power for 10 years, but the BJP has more pain than us after losing Ayodhya. They (BJP) harassed, insulted, and cheated devotees of Lord Ram. They gave the land of the people of Ayodhya to businessmen. People of Ayodhya were not aware that their golden future was that their land would turn into gold. The BJP committed fraud with them.”
Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Civil Aviation Minister highlighted recent recruitment successes, aiming for a fully staffed DGCA. He acknowledged challenges in compensation compared to the private sector. “We don’t want to have any vacancies in the DGCA. In the last year, we have achieved a record, more than 200 people have been recruited or are in the process of recruitment.” The minister emphasised that strengthening the DGCA is critical, describing it as the “epitome of security and safety regulation” in India’s aviation sector.
In a fireside chat titled, ‘Teaching India @100′, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that a committee has been formed in the NCERT case to oversee development of a new chapter that will replace the controversial topic on judiciary. “Court has ordered to form a new chapter under the guidance of the Supreme Court. For this, a committee has also been formed to look into the matter.”
Talking about the surge in the number of Indian institutes featuring in international rankings, he added, “Until 2014, only 54 institutions from India were featured in the QS rankings. Today, that number has risen to 290. This remarkable growth over the past 11-12 years stands as a global testament to our sustained efforts in strengthening and transforming the education sector.’
Geopolitical tensions due to the Iran war continued in the discussions at the Times Now Summit, with Spain’s Ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, weighing in on shifting global diplomacy, the evolving role of the United Nations, and India’s place in it. When asked about India’s lack of permanent representation in the UN Security Council, he mentioned, “I would be very happy if India joined the Security Council in a different way as the other five countries are. The five countries are, to a certain extent, a little bit very connected with the national interest. I think India should enter the Security Council as the nation of inclusivity in the world, as the nation with the flag of harmony and peace. That would be very important.”
Citing the remarks by India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, he also underlined the continued relevance of the United Nations, even amid criticism. “Mr. Jaishankar was saying, how are we better with the United Nations or without the United Nations? I think we are much better with the United Nations than without.” However, he further stated, “But at the same time, it’s an alive body. And as an alive body, it has to evolve. So obviously, the Security Council has to be reformed, the way of working, but it’s very important to preserve it as the maximum body of legitimacy for peace in the world.”
The second day of the summit also saw National Award Winner Actress Kriti Sanon, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Manish Sisodia Former DCM of Delhi, Minister of Rural Development & Agriculture & Farmer Welfare Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Former Union Minister Smriti Irani and many other stalwarts grace the stage. Bringing together policymakers, global leaders, industry stalwarts and cultural icons, the summit served as a definitive platform for dialogue across critical sectors including geopolitics, economy, innovation, infrastructure, sustainability, and national security. Day 2 built upon the momentum of the opening day, culminating in impactful conversations that underlined India’s growing influence on the global stage. The culmination of the Times Now Summit 2026 marks yet another milestone in Times Network’s journey, as it continues to inform, engage and inspire audiences in India and across the world.
