Former Army chief MM Naravane has given his first reaction to the controversy around his unpublished memoir by sharing a post from publisher Penguin Random House India. The publisher said, “An announcement of a book or its availability for pre-order is not the same as publication.” Naravane reposted this statement, indicating support for the publisher’s stand. The memoir issue surfaced after claims that a pre-print version was being circulated online. Police have registered a case linked to the alleged circulation. Penguin said the steps taken so far follow normal industry practice and clarified the difference between pre-order listing and final publication. (PC: HT)

Europe’s security outlook is under focus as leaders gather for the Munich Security Conference this week, amid continued policy shifts under US President Donald Trump. Last year, Vice-President JD Vance criticised Europe’s migration and free speech policies at the same forum. Since then, Washington has pushed Europe to take more responsibility for its own defence. The latest US National Security Strategy says Europe must “stand on its own feet.” Tensions over Trump’s past remarks about Greenland and his approach to Russia and Ukraine have raised fresh doubts about transatlantic ties. Former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger said the alliance is changing but added, “It isn’t broken.” (PC: BBC)

Amid earlier controversy over a proposed boycott, the Pakistan government has reversed its decision and agreed to play the India vs Pakistan fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The reversal is significant; canceling the marquee clash was expected to cost the International Cricket Council (ICC) around $174 million in broadcast, sponsorship, and gate revenues. After negotiations involving the ICC, Pakistan Cricket Board, and other cricket authorities, Pakistan confirmed participation, preserving the fixture’s commercial and sporting value in the tournament. (PC: X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has publicly supported former Army Chief Gen M.M. Naravane amid controversy over the alleged leak of his unpublished memoir Four Stars of Destiny, saying he trusts Naravane over publisher Penguin Random House India. Gandhi challenged the publisher’s claim that the book hasn’t been released and questioned inconsistencies in statements, triggering political debate. The Delhi Police registered an FIR after purported copies circulated online. Penguin insists no authorized version exists and warns of legal action. The dispute has sparked heated political exchanges, with Gandhi alleging the book contains material inconvenient to the government, deepening the row. (PC: PTI)

In Khapparpur village, under Mahavan police station in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, five members of a family were found dead at their home on Tuesday morning. Police officials say the victims include a husband, wife, and their three young children. A suicide note and message on a wall suggest the deaths may be a planned mass suicide, though investigations continue. Authorities are questioning relatives and neighbors to determine motive. Forensic teams have taken the bodies for post‑mortem, while police probe financial or personal stress factors that could have led to the tragedy. (PC: NDTV & AI)

England star Jos Buttler called Indian sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi “the best player I’ve ever seen” following the 14‑year‑old’s remarkable performance in the Under‑19 World Cup 2026 final. Sooryavanshi scored a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls, leading India to a commanding win and earning Player of the Tournament honours. Buttler’s praise came on the Love for Cricket podcast, where he highlighted the young batter’s extraordinary talent at such a young age. The English pacer Mark Wood also acknowledged the boldness of Buttler’s claim, sparking global conversation about Sooryavanshi’s future in cricket. (PC: IANS)

A stampede broke out during the Kalash Yatra procession at the Navgrah Temple consecration event in Dabra, Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday, officials confirmed. At least one elderly woman died after being crushed in the crowd, and several others — including women and a girl — were injured amid chaos as devotees surged forward during the morning event. The procession, held as part of the temple’s inauguration, saw a large turnout that led to overcrowding and loss of crowd control. Authorities are providing medical care to the injured and are reviewing safety arrangements for large religious gatherings. (PC: X)

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said India’s space programme is built on international cooperation rather than rivalry, aiming to use space technology for societal benefit since the 1960s. He noted the early Indo‑US support for India’s first rocket and highlighted collaboration such as the NISAR mission and Chandrayaan projects with global partners. The programme, he said, now serves both national and global needs, with strong private sector participation following 2020 reforms. Narayanan outlined future goals including an Indian space station by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040, stressing deeper global partnerships will be key to achieving them. (PC: The Hindu)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has responded after Pakistan agreed to play India in the T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla thanked the International Cricket Council for resolving the dispute. He said an “amicable solution” was reached after ICC meetings with Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket officials. “All kudos to ICC for taking this initiative and bringing cricket back to the forefront,” Shukla told reporters. Pakistan had earlier refused to play but reversed its stand after ICC decisions on Bangladesh’s status and future hosting rights. Shukla said the February 15 match will go ahead and called it “good news” for the tournament. (PC: HT)

Opposition parties have submitted a no-confidence notice against Om Birla, seeking his removal as Lok Sabha Speaker. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the notice was filed at 1:14 pm under Rule 94C of the House rules. He said about 118 MPs signed the proposal. Opposition leaders alleged bias, denial of speaking time, and repeated disruptions in the House. Congress MP Manickam Tagore called it an “extraordinary step” taken under “extraordinary circumstances.” Party sources said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi did not sign the notice, citing parliamentary propriety. The move comes amid continued clashes between the opposition and treasury benches during the Budget Session. (PC: India Today)