Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju sharply criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his conduct in the Lok Sabha during a row over his attempt to quote from an unpublished “memoir” of ex-Army Chief General M M Naravane on the India-China border standoff. Rijiju accused Gandhi of defying the Speaker’s ruling, wasting House time and behaving immaturely, telling him “don’t behave like children” amid heated exchanges and disruptions in Parliament. The spat reflects broader tensions between the government and opposition over parliamentary decorum and national security discourse during the Budget Session. (PC: PTI)

The Union Home Ministry has issued new guidelines making all six stanzas of the national song Vande Mataram mandatory at government functions and in schools, using the official 3-minute-10-second version penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The song must be played or sung at occasions such as the unfurling of the Tricolour, the arrival and departure of the President and governors, and before and after presidential addresses. If Vande Mataram and the national anthem Jana Gana Mana are both performed, the national song comes first. The directive also outlines decorum, including standing to attention, and encourages mass singing at ceremonies. (PC: The Times of India)

In Mathura’s Khapparpur village, Uttar Pradesh, a couple and their three young children were found dead inside their home, in what police suspect was a mass suicide pact. The victims were identified as Manish Kumar (35), his wife Seema (about 32), and their children Honey (8), Priyanshi (5) and Prateek (3). Neighbours broke into the house after there was no response in the morning. Police recovered a video message recorded by Manish and messages scribbled on the wall indicating the deaths were voluntary. Post-mortem findings showed varied causes: the father by electrocution, the wife by hanging, and the children by strangulation. Investigations are ongoing.

At least 10 private schools in Chandigarh and neighbouring Mohali received bomb threat emails on Wednesday, prompting panic among parents and authorities. School administrations immediately evacuated students and sent them back home as a precaution. Police and bomb disposal squads were deployed to conduct thorough security checks on the campuses, but no explosives or suspicious objects were found so far. Officials are investigating the source of the threatening emails and tightening security around schools. Authorities assured parents that all necessary safety measures are in place while the probe continues. (PC: HT)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)