India AI Mission, Intel set the Guinness World Record for the most AI accountability in 24 hours

 In a landmark achievement that underscores its commitment to ethical technology, India has officially entered the Guinness World Records. The country set the record for the "Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours," a feat accomplished under the banner of the India AI Mission in collaboration with Intel India. The announcement was made to a packed house at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, marking a proud moment for the nation's digital journey. A record-breaking pledge drive.Pledge Drive. pledge drive. The ambitious AI Responsibility Pledge campaign was launched on February 16, 2026, with a simple yet powerful goal: to mobilise citizens to commit to the ethical, inclusive, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. The response was nothing short of phenomenal. Over the subsequent 24 hours, ending on February 17, the dedicated portal, aipledge.indiaai.gov.in, recorded a staggering 250,946 valid pledges. This figure dramatically eclipsed the initial government target of 5,000 participants, demonstrating a massive wave of public consciousness around AI ethics. The official verification took place at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandalay. Pravin Patel, the Guinness World Records Adjudicator, was present to officially certify the achievement, handing over the title in the presence of key dignitaries. The event was graced by Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw; Many Secretary S. Krishnan; India AI Mission CEO Abhishek Singh; and Srinivasan Iyengar, SVP and GM at Intel India, among others. More Than Just a Number: The Essence of the Pledge. The campaign was not merely about collecting signatures; it was a deep-rooted exercise in digital literacy and moral commitment. The pledge was designed to make participants reflect on the core principles of trustworthy AI. 

Through scenario-based questions on the portal, citizens engaged with critical concepts such as: Data Privacy: Understanding the importance of protecting personal information. Accountability: taking responsibility for the outcomes of AI-driven decisions. Transparency is demanding clarity in how AI systems function. Recognising and fighting against AI-generated falsehoods. To encourage lifelong learning, every participant who completed the pledge was awarded a digital badge and granted access to specialised AI learning pathways, empowering them to delve deeper into the world of artificial intelligence. A Vision Steered by the Prime Minister, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was quick to attribute this success to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the proactive role of the country's youth in this movement. This is the direction in which the nation must move — towards a future where AI is embraced with responsibility." The Minister emphasised that the massive participation, far exceeding expectations, reflects a strong public engagement and a growing awareness about the dual nature of technology. He noted that the campaign is a milestone in citizen-led digital responsibility and reinforces India's commitment to shaping the global AI discourse with a focus on inclusion, ethics, and public trust. Building a Human-Centric AI Ecosystem. This record is more than a symbolic victory; it is a foundational stone in India's strategy to become a global hub for AI. By integrating responsible AI practices into the national consciousness, the government aims to build an ecosystem where innovation thrives alongside ethical safeguards. The collaboration with Intel India under the India AI Mission highlights the synergy between public vision and private enterprise in fostering a future where technology serves humanity. As the India AI Impact Summit 2026 continues to host global leaders and thinkers, this Guinness World Record stands as a testament to the fact that India is not just participating in the AI revolution but is leading it with responsibility at its core.

The nationwide AI Responsibility Pledge campaign, launched under the India AI Mission in collaboration with Intel India, achieved this feat by collecting a staggering 250,946 valid pledges within 24 hours from February 16 to 17. This number massively surpassed the initial government target of just 5,000 pledges, highlighting an overwhelming public response. The achievement was officially verified and adjudicated by Pravin Patel from Guinness World Records at the summit. Senior government officials and industry leaders were present to witness the moment, including S. Krishnan (Secretary, Many), Abhishek Singh (Additional Secretary, Many and CEO, India AI Mission), Kavita Bhatia (COO, India AI), and Srinivasan Iyengar (SVP and GM, Intel). The Human Element Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw credited the resounding success of the campaign to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of actively engaging the youth in nation-building through technology. He emphasised that the initiative was about ensuring AI serves as a tool for societal good. This is the direction in which the nation must move — towards a future where AI is embraced with responsibility." – Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister. The campaign saw particularly strong participation from the student community, with over 250,000 students taking the pledge, underscoring the youth's role in shaping India's digital future. A Milestone for India's AI Journey. 

This record is more than just a number; it is a significant milestone in India's broader strategy to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. By mobilising over 250,000 citizens in a single day, the campaign has Demonstrated Public Awareness: The overwhelming response reflects a growing consciousness about digital ethics and the need for responsible technology adoption among the Indian public. Set a Global Benchmark: It positions India at the forefront of the global discourse on AI, showcasing a model for how nations can foster an ecosystem of trust, transparency, and inclusion around emerging technologies. Built a Foundation for the Future: The initiative aligns with the India AI Mission's goal of building a trustworthy and human-centric AI ecosystem, paving the way for more such citizen-led engagements in the future. The India AI Impact Summit 2026 continues to serve as a platform for global leaders to discuss the future of technology, with this record standing as a powerful testament to India's commitment to leading with responsibility. I hope this detailed overview of India's new Guinness World Record is helpful. Would you be interested in learning more about the specific AI learning pathways offered to participants, or the key themes being discussed at the India AI Impact Summit?