world

New Delhi – Galgotias University in Noida is facing significant criticism after presenting a commercially available Chinese robot dog as an in-house innovation at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, February 18, has sparked a political row and prompted government intervention, highlighting the complexities surrounding India’s ambitions in the field of artificial intelligence.

The robot, initially branded “Orion” by the university, was showcased at the summit and featured in a video shared by Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on his X account. The post was subsequently deleted. Social media users quickly identified the device as the Unitree Go2, a quadruped robot manufactured by Chinese firm Unitree Robotics, which retails for approximately $2,800 (roughly ₹2 to 3 lakh).

The controversy began when Neha Singh, a professor of communications at Galgotias University, told state-run broadcaster DD News that “You demand to meet Orion. This has been developed by the Centre of Excellence at Galgotias University.” This claim quickly drew scrutiny online, leading to the identification of the robot’s true origins. The incident has raised questions about transparency and the representation of indigenous innovation within India’s burgeoning AI sector.

Government Response and University Statement

The government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check Unit swiftly debunked claims circulating on social media that Minister Vaishnaw had described the robot as Indian-made. The PIB stated that the minister “has nowhere stated that the robot present…is an Indian robot.” Business Today reported on the PIB’s clarification.

Following the backlash, Galgotias University was asked to vacate its stall at the summit, according to reports from NDTV, and PTI. The university has since issued a statement claiming a “misunderstanding,” asserting that it never claimed to have built the robodog. “Let us be clear, Galgotias has not built this robodog, neither have we claimed,” the university stated on X. WIONews detailed the university’s response and the initial controversy.

Political Fallout and Further Scrutiny

The incident has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition leaders criticizing both Galgotias University and the government. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra launched a sharp attack on Minister Vaishnaw, sharing a screenshot of his now-deleted post praising the exhibit. “Deleting tweets doesn’t change reality…you have made India a laughing stock,” Moitra wrote on X. The Times of India reported on Moitra’s criticism and the escalating political tensions.

The episode has also drawn attention to the broader issue of reliance on foreign technology in the AI sector. The incident occurred amidst ongoing discussions about India’s desire to develop its own sovereign AI capabilities and reduce dependence on models originating from the United States and China. The Telegraph India highlighted the uncomfortable spotlight cast on India’s AI ambitions.

Galgotias University has reportedly attributed the misrepresentation to an ill-informed communications head who was not authorized to speak on the matter. NDTV reported that the university has apologized for the incident, blaming the professor for the inaccurate claims.

The IT secretary has issued a warning to exhibitors, stating that they “must not display…products as if they are indigenous when they are not.” This directive underscores the government’s commitment to promoting genuine Indian innovation and preventing misrepresentation within the AI ecosystem.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely shift to ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the presentation of technological advancements at future events. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of verifying claims and accurately representing the origins of technology, particularly in a rapidly evolving field like artificial intelligence.

The fallout from this incident is likely to continue, prompting further scrutiny of India’s AI initiatives and the need for robust verification processes. It remains to be seen what further actions, if any, will be taken by the government or the university in response to this controversy. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

As Argentina prepares to defend its title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, much of the focus will inevitably fall on Lionel Messi and the team’s other established stars. However, the success of the reigning champions may hinge on the quietly influential performances of a player who often operates outside the spotlight: midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. The 27-year-old has become a crucial component of Lionel Scaloni’s system, providing the stability and composure that allows Argentina’s attacking talents to flourish.

Mac Allister’s rise to prominence is a story steeped in footballing heritage. Coming from a family with deep roots in the Argentinian game – his father, Carlos Mac Allister, was a teammate of Diego Maradona at Boca Juniors – the midfielder has seamlessly blended technical skill with a tactical intelligence that belies his age. His journey, from the Argentinian second division to the Premier League with Liverpool, demonstrates a dedication and adaptability that will be vital as Argentina seeks to repeat its 2022 triumph.

The midfielder currently has 42 international appearances and six goals for Argentina, with a pivotal strike against Poland at the 2022 World Cup proving instrumental in their path to glory, according to reports from February 18, 2026. He has registered 17 goals and 17 assists in 132 appearances for Liverpool, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the side.

While Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez and Emiliano Martínez rightly command attention, Mac Allister’s role as the engine of Argentina’s midfield is arguably just as important. He is the player who consistently connects the defense to attack, dictating tempo and providing a calming presence in possession. His ability to seamlessly adjust his role – dropping deeper to shield the back four or surging forward to support the attack – makes him a uniquely valuable asset.

A Family Affair: Football in the Blood

Mac Allister’s connection to the game runs deep. His father, Carlos Mac Allister, enjoyed a distinguished career at Boca Juniors, even sharing the pitch with the legendary Diego Maradona in the mid-1990s. According to The Times, Maradona gifted Carlos a Rolex watch, which was later stolen, and a shirt contingent on the defender scoring a goal. His older brothers, Francis and Kevin, are also professional footballers, further solidifying the family’s legacy within the sport. This familial background has undoubtedly shaped Mac Allister’s passion for the game and instilled in him a deep understanding of its nuances.

From Argentinos Juniors to Liverpool: A Steadfast Rise

Mac Allister’s professional journey began at Argentinos Juniors, where he honed his skills before a move to Boca Juniors on loan in 2019. He made an immediate impact at Boca, scoring on his debut in a Copa Libertadores match against Athletico Paranaense, as noted in Breaking the Lines. A subsequent move to Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2019, initially followed by another loan spell at Argentinos Juniors, proved to be a pivotal step in his development. It was at Liverpool, however, that Mac Allister truly blossomed, becoming a key figure in Jürgen Klopp’s midfield and securing major titles, including the Premier League.

Navigating a Favorable, Yet Challenging, World Cup Path

Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites, and their group stage draw appears relatively manageable, featuring Algeria, Jordan, and Austria. However, the knockout stages will present a far greater challenge. A potential round of 32 clash with Uruguay would immediately raise the stakes, followed by possible encounters with Turkey and Italy in subsequent rounds. The road to the final will be arduous, requiring consistent performance and tactical flexibility.

Much of the world’s attention will be focused on Lionel Messi, who may be playing in his final World Cup. But alongside the iconic captain, Mac Allister will be crucial in providing the stability and control needed to navigate the tournament’s challenges. His composure under pressure and ability to link play will be essential as Argentina aims to secure back-to-back World Cup titles.

As Argentina prepares for the tournament, the role of Alexis Mac Allister, the quietly effective midfielder, will be paramount. His ability to seamlessly blend into the team’s structure, provide defensive solidity, and dictate the tempo of play makes him an invaluable asset. The 2026 World Cup presents an opportunity for Mac Allister to further cement his status as one of the world’s leading midfielders and contribute to another historic chapter in Argentinian football.

The coming months will be critical as Argentina fine-tunes its preparations for the World Cup. The team’s success will depend not only on the brilliance of its star players but also on the consistent, understated excellence of individuals like Alexis Mac Allister. What are your thoughts on Argentina’s chances in the 2026 World Cup? Share your predictions in the comments below.