US Customs and Border Protection officially notified removal of the additional 25% tariff on Indian goods effective February 7, 2026, following President Trump's executive order. The department confirmed duties eliminated for products entering consumption or withdrawn from warehouse from that date. This follows the India-US trade deal reducing tariffs from 50% to 18%. The August 2025 tariff penalty over Russian oil purchases has been lifted, though reciprocal tariffs remain. Trump's order claims India committed to stopping Russian oil purchases and increasing US energy imports, though India hasn't confirmed this. The framework includes India reducing tariffs on US industrial, food, and agricultural products. (PC: X)

Former Army Chief General MM Naravane shared Penguin Random House India's clarification Tuesday regarding his memoir "Four Stars of Destiny," intensifying the political controversy. Penguin reiterated the book remains unpublished, distinguishing between announced titles, pre-orders, and published books. BJP leaders attacked Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who cited a 2023 Naravane tweet stating "my book is available now" as evidence of inconsistency. Penguin clarified the tweet referenced only a pre-order link, withdrawn within two days. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called Gandhi a "national embarrassment," questioning how he accessed the book and alleging possible Copyright Act and Official Secrets Act violations. Penguin warned current copies constitute copyright infringement.

Unidentified assailants brutally killed 62-year-old Hindu shopkeeper Susen Chandra Sarkar in Trishal, Mymensingh district, Bangladesh, Monday night. Attackers struck him with sharp weapons inside Bhai Bhai Enterprise, shuttered the shop, and fled with several hundred thousand taka. Family discovered him blood-covered when he failed to return home; he died at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. His son Sujan reported no known conflicts, demanding swift justice. This attack intensifies minority safety concerns following December's killing of radical youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council recorded 51 communal violence incidents in December 2025 alone, ahead of February 12 parliamentary elections, the first since Sheikh Hasina's August 2024 removal. (PC: X)

The ICC confirmed no financial, sporting, or administrative penalties will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board regarding the T20 World Cup controversy. Bangladesh retains rights to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee under existing regulations. As part of the understanding, Bangladesh will host an ICC event between 2028-2031, subject to standard hosting processes, demonstrating confidence in their capabilities. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta emphasized Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving long-term investment despite short-term disruptions. An ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCB President Aminul Islam in Lahore Sunday, finalizing a roadmap through mutual consultation after Pakistan's initial boycott announcement. (PC: AFP)

Ajit Pawar's family suspects sabotage rather than accident in the plane crash that killed Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister last month. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar held a press conference February 10, 2026, in Mumbai, demanding independent investigations by two international agencies. He highlighted contradictions between Air Traffic Control transcripts and Union Aviation Ministry reports regarding crash timing. Rohit Pawar raised concerns about last-minute itinerary changes, unvetted crew replacements, possible illegal fuel tank transportation, and questioned whether the pilot intentionally crashed rather than landing safely. The family seeks comprehensive answers about the one-and-a-half-hour detailed allegations presented during the press conference. (PC: Emmanual Yogini)

Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi claims the ICC backed down, not Pakistan, in the T20 World Cup standoff over the India match. Pakistan withdrew its boycott after negotiations, with the February 15 Colombo fixture proceeding as scheduled. Sethi asserts Pakistan's 15-day notice was strategic, aimed at securing concessions for Bangladesh regarding sanctions and revenue protection. He claims Pakistan no longer relies on ICC revenue, earning more from the Pakistan Super League than its USD 144 million ICC share (2024-27 cycle). However, PTI reports Pakistan faced potential USD 38 million annual losses if penalized. The standoff ended after Bangladesh Cricket Board and ICC negotiations yielded understanding on sanctions. (PC: AP)

China expressed understanding and respect for India's United Nations Security Council permanent membership aspirations during high-level strategic talks in New Delhi on February 10, 2026. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China's Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu led discussions emphasizing border peace as essential for bilateral progress. Both sides reviewed stabilization measures following prolonged tensions and committed to implementing leadership guidance on trade issues from strategic perspectives. India highlighted successful Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption, seeking expansion, while both nations agreed to expedite Air Services Agreement updates and enhance people-to-people exchanges. China pledged support for India's BRICS Summit hosting during its chairship, marking improved multilateral cooperation. (PC: X)

A 20-year-old woman from Singanpur village, Auraiya district, Uttar Pradesh, mysteriously disappeared from her locked room Sunday night. Her family discovered her bed empty Monday morning, with only her clothes, jewelry, and a 5-foot snake skin remaining. A snake burrow was found in the room floor. Villagers speculated she was an "ichchadhari naagin" (mythical shape-shifting serpent), sparking supernatural rumors. Police registered a case under BNS Section 87 after the father's complaint, forming multiple search teams. Circle Officer Manoj Gangwar dismissed supernatural theories, suggesting the snake skin placement was deliberate misdirection. Authorities seized household mobile phones to examine call records and digital evidence. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the inaugural Board of Peace on Gaza session scheduled for February 19, 2026, at the US Institute of Peace think-tank in Washington. Pakistan formally joined the Board of Peace last month during a World Economic Forum event in Davos, where US President Donald Trump was present. The meeting marks Pakistan's first major engagement with the Gaza peace initiative since joining the board. The session at the Washington-based institute represents a significant diplomatic opportunity for Pakistan to participate in international peace efforts regarding the Gaza conflict alongside other global stakeholders under the framework established during the Davos gathering. (PC: The Indian Express)

India's trade community expresses concern over the new US-Bangladesh trade agreement, fearing intensified export competition, particularly in textiles and apparel. Bangladesh secured 19% reciprocal tariffs on broad exports plus zero-tariff access for garments using US cotton and fibers, potentially undercutting Indian products in America's market. This could disrupt India's cotton supply chain to Bangladesh, as Dhaka may prioritize US cotton for preferential access. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the arrangement, claiming India's advantage in textile exports has vanished. While India negotiated an 18% tariff rate, Bangladesh's zero-duty provisions for specific textiles shift competitive dynamics. Trade experts await implementation details to assess full impact on regional supply chains. (PC: ANI)