India, Feb. 20 -- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates cancelled his keynote address at the AI summit hours before he was due to take stage on Thursday. The move came less than 48 hours after the Gates Foundation had insisted: "Bill Gates is attending the AI Impact Summit. He will be delivering his keynote as scheduled."

Hours before his keynote, the Gates Foundation posted on X, "The Gates Foundation will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit. After careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit's key priorities, Mr Gates will not be delivering his keynote address."

Gates continues to face questions over his relationship with the deceased child ...