Newly obtained FBI memos from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation include unverified but explicit allegations that former President Donald Trump sexually abused a minor in the 1980s—claims omitted from the Department of Justice’s public release of Epstein-related files. The DOJ says it’s reviewing whether documents were improperly withheld under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, amid accusations from Democratic lawmakers that key interview summaries were excluded. The missing pages relate to a 2019 accuser’s multiple FBI interviews. Trump has denied wrongdoing, while critics and members of Congress demand greater transparency over the omissions. (PC: EPA)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif has declared an “open war” against Afghanistan’s Taliban government, saying Islamabad’s “patience has reached its limit” after renewed cross-border attacks and deadly clashes. Pakistan launched air strikes on Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia provinces, responding to what it calls unprovoked Afghan firing on its forces along the Durand Line. Both sides report heavy casualties and destruction of military posts, with conflicting casualty numbers. Islamabad accuses the Taliban of sheltering militant groups, while Kabul denies this. The escalation marks a major deterioration in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, raising fears of broader regional instability. (PC: AFP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed strong displeasure over a controversial Class 8 NCERT Social Science chapter discussing alleged corruption in the judiciary. After the Supreme Court of India imposed a blanket ban on the textbook and ordered copies to be withdrawn, the Prime Minister reportedly asked how such content was cleared and who was responsible. Government sources said he stressed that accountability must be fixed. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed regret over the issue, while NCERT apologised and said the book would be revised following the court’s directions. (PC: NDTV)

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck around 1:22 pm IST, sending tremors across Kolkata and nearby districts. According to initial reports, the epicentre was located near the India–Bangladesh border, close to southwestern Bangladesh. Buildings swayed for several seconds, prompting residents to rush outdoors in panic. Offices and residential complexes were briefly evacuated as a precaution. Authorities confirmed that there were no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage, though assessments were ongoing. Disaster management teams remained on alert while officials continued monitoring aftershocks and seismic updates to ensure public safety across affected areas. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court of India on February 27, 2026, rejected objections raised by the All India Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal government over a Election Commission of India training module for judicial officers appointed in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued the training could influence judges on which documents to accept, contravening prior court directives. The bench, led by Surya Kant, said judicial officers are independent and will not be swayed by training guidance, adding there was no need for further clarification. It emphasized that the Election Commission cannot override clear Supreme Court orders and cautioned against using technical objections to stall the SIR process, which aims to update voter lists ahead of elections. (PC: The Hindu)

On February 27, 2026, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) faced sharp criticism from Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, which discharged 23 accused in the Delhi liquor policy case. The court cleared former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and ex-Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, stating that the agency’s chargesheet lacked concrete evidence. The judge described parts of the investigation as “economically illiterate,” observing that the prosecution relied on assumptions rather than provable facts. The court highlighted major gaps, inconsistencies, and weak financial reasoning in the CBI’s case, ultimately ruling that no prima facie case was made out against the accused. (PC: PTI)

On February 27, 2026, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) faced sharp criticism from Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, which discharged 23 accused in the Delhi liquor policy case. The court cleared former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and ex-Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, stating that the agency’s chargesheet lacked concrete evidence. The judge described parts of the investigation as “economically illiterate,” observing that the prosecution relied on assumptions rather than provable facts. The court highlighted major gaps, inconsistencies, and weak financial reasoning in the CBI’s case, ultimately ruling that no prima facie case was made out against the accused.

An earthquake was felt in Kolkata on Friday afternoon, with initial reports indicating the epicentre was located in neighbouring Bangladesh. Residents across the city reported feeling strong tremors, with one 12-year-old living in an apartment complex in Salt Lake describing the intensity of the shaking, saying "it was so strong the building moved." Further details regarding the magnitude, depth, and exact epicentre location are still awaited as authorities assess the situation. The tremors caused visible movement in multi-storey buildings across Kolkata's residential areas. More information is expected to emerge as official agencies including seismological departments release their assessments. (PC: X)

President Donald Trump warned Congress that Iran is developing missiles capable of striking the United States, but three intelligence sources citing Defense Intelligence Agency assessments project no operational ICBM before 2035, even with Chinese or North Korean assistance. US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva hit an impasse, with Washington demanding zero enrichment and uranium transfer while Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful. Indirect talks yielded a "positive response" mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister, who will next meet VP JD Vance in Washington. Technical talks continue in Vienna at IAEA headquarters. The US has imposed fresh sanctions while not ruling out military action. Iran has reportedly capped its missile range at 2,000 kilometres.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared "open war" against Afghanistan's Taliban government following intense airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. Pakistan described its military campaign, "Operation Ghazab Lil Haq," as a response to Afghan cross-border attacks on Pakistani border troops. AFP journalists reported explosions and gunfire lasting over two hours above Kabul and Kandahar. Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed Pakistani strikes but denied casualties. Afghanistan maintained its cross-border operations were retaliatory. President Asif Ali Zardari vowed Pakistan's response would be "comprehensive and decisive." Civilian areas near the Torkham crossing were also hit, wounding refugees and forcing evacuations. Both nations continue issuing sharply conflicting casualty figures.