The Supreme Court has ordered an immediate stop on the use of an NCERT Class 8 Social Science book that carried a chapter on the judiciary. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant led the bench.   The court directed NCERT to ban and seize all printed copies of the withdrawn book. It also asked for the names of the authors and experts who prepared the chapter.   The bench sought records of meetings where the content was approved. State education departments were told to ensure the book is not used in schools.   The court said strict compliance with its directions is required.

In Hyderabad, 21-year-old Bonu Komali, a BSc student and part-time YouTuber originally from Visakhapatnam, was found dead by suicide at her rented flat in Manikonda on February 23. Hours before, she had sent her mother — who works in Kuwait — an emotional message saying “I love you” and asking her to take care of her younger brother. Police said her phone was later unreachable, prompting a welfare check. Komali was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan; a ladder and saree were found nearby. Initial investigation points to emotional distress linked to a prolonged relationship dispute. Police have registered a case of suspicious death and are examining digital evidence, messages and statements as part of a detailed probe. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made digital history by becoming the first world leader and serving politician to surpass 100 million followers on Instagram — a milestone no other global head of government has reached. Joining the platform in 2014, Modi’s account has grown into one of the most engaging political profiles worldwide, with a following more than double that of US President Donald Trump. The combined follower count of the next five top global leaders still doesn’t match his total, highlighting his vast digital reach. This achievement underscores the rising importance of social media in modern political communication and global public engagement. (PC: X)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached Anil Ambani’s luxury Mumbai residence, ‘Abode’, valued at about ₹3,716 crore, in Pali Hill under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The action forms part of an ongoing probe linked to alleged bank fraud and money-laundering involving his group company Reliance Communications Ltd (RCOM), where loans totalling ₹40,185 crore turned non-performing. Earlier, part of the property was already attached for ₹473 crore, and with this order total seized assets now exceed around ₹15,700 crore. Ambani is expected to appear before the ED for further questioning. (PC: File)

A high-tension standoff unfolded in Shimla after Delhi Police arrested three Indian Youth Congress (IYC) activists linked to a shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi on 20 February. As the Delhi Police team tried to take the trio to New Delhi on transit remand, local Himachal Pradesh Police repeatedly detained them near Shoghi and Kanlog, alleging the arrests were made without proper procedure and filing a kidnapping FIR. Both forces clashed over documentation and authority into the wee hours, with repeated stops and demands for evidence handover. The incident spotlighted sharp inter-state police tensions, procedural disputes and broader political controversy around the protest. 

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi shared a video of his meeting with Uttarakhand gym trainer Deepak Kumar, also known as Mohammad Deepak. Deepak had confronted a mob in Kotdwar on January 26 after it objected to a Muslim shopkeeper’s store name.   In the video, Gandhi said, “Those who try to spread hate and intimidate society are, in truth, cowards—never fear them.” Speaking to Deepak’s mother on phone, he added, “Do not be worried; these people are cowards, they won’t do anything.”   Deepak said he used the name “Mohammad Deepak” to show he is “Hindu, Muslim, Sikh as well as Christian.” (PC: The Indian Express)

India will launch its first cannabis-based medicinal project in Jammu, Union minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday. The project is being developed under a public-private partnership with a French company. It aims to produce export-quality medicines.   Singh said the cannabis plant will be used for “medicinal purposes”. “The aim is to manufacture painkiller medicines that can assist in the treatment of cancer, diabetic neuropathy and other serious illnesses,” he said.   The project is in its third stage. Testing and trials are underway. Human trials will follow. Singh said special permissions were required as cannabis is classified as a narcotic substance. (PC: HT)

The Enforcement Directorate has attached businessman Anil Ambani’s Mumbai home as part of a money laundering investigation. The property, called ‘Abode’, is valued at ₹3,716 crore and is located in Pali Hill.   Sources said a provisional attachment order was issued in connection with an alleged bank fraud case linked to Reliance Communications. Ambani has been summoned to appear before the agency on February 26. He was earlier questioned in August 2025 under the PMLA.   So far, the ED has attached assets worth ₹12,000 crore in the case and filed three ECIRs against Reliance Group companies. The probe relates to a ₹40,000 crore loan default. (PC: NDTV)

The NCERT may remove a chapter on “judicial corruption” from a Class 8 social science textbook after objections from the Supreme Court. The council has already taken the book off its website.   A three-judge bench took suo motu note of what it called “objectionable” remarks about the judiciary. The bench said no one can be allowed to defame the judiciary or hurt its integrity.   The chapter cited data on case backlogs and a quote by former CJI B R Gavai. Sources said the quote was taken out of context. NCERT has called an internal meeting to review the content.

A wedding in Bihar’s Buxar district turned violent after an 18-year-old bride was shot on stage. The incident took place around 11 pm on Tuesday. The bride, Aarti Kumari, was standing with her groom during a ritual when a man from the crowd opened fire.   Police said the accused is Deenbandhu, a neighbour, who is now absconding. Locals suspect a past relationship. The bullet hit Aarti in the stomach. She was taken to a local hospital and later referred to Varanasi Trauma Centre. She remains critical.   Additional SHO Chandan Kumar said the accused was earlier jailed in a liquor case. Police are conducting raids to arrest him.