Abdul Rehman, a 20-year-old terror suspect lodged in Faridabad’s Neemka Jail, was killed by a fellow inmate late on 8 February, police said. Rehman, arrested in March 2025 during a joint operation by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad and Haryana Special Task Force, was accused of plotting an attack on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and found with two hand grenades. He was attacked with a sharp object by inmate Arun Choudhary inside the prison and later pronounced dead. Authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident and are reviewing prison security protocols.

Ghislaine Maxwell, the jailed associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, will use the Fifth Amendment and not answer questions before a US House committee, her lawyer said. Maxwell is serving a 20-year jail term for sex trafficking minors connected to Epstein’s network. Her lawyer David Oscar Markus said, “She will take the 5th,” and will read a prepared statement first. Lawmakers want to ask her about other possible co-conspirators and Epstein’s links with powerful people. The testimony comes as the Justice Department releases millions of pages of Epstein case files. Some members also want answers about her earlier statements and pardon talk. (PC: BBC)

A controversy has started after Rahul Gandhi showed a hardbound copy of former Army chief MM Naravane’s memoir, which has not been officially released. The book, Four Stars of Destiny, was earlier put on hold as it was under Defence Ministry review. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said the book was not published. Reports say some printed copies had briefly reached bookstores before being recalled. The publisher has not publicly clarified the printing status. Sources told media that Gandhi may have received the copy from the author or publisher. Officials say manuscripts are often shared for review, but printed copies before clearance are unusual. (PC: India Today)

The ICC has told the Pakistan Cricket Board it has “nothing to offer” Bangladesh as compensation after their removal from the T20 World Cup, according to a report. The ICC, PCB and Bangladesh board held a four-hour meeting in Lahore over Pakistan’s boycott of the India match. No joint statement was issued after the talks. Sources said any decision will follow approval from the Pakistan government. The report said the ICC only assured Bangladesh it would receive its full share of ICC earnings. ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khawaja advised PCB to take its case to the arbitration committee and “end the boycott… forthwith, as it was not good for cricket.” (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court has extended the deadline for West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls by one week beyond February 14. The bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said it would not “create any impediments” in completing the revision process. The order came while hearing a plea filed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against the SIR exercise. The court directed that 8,555 Group B officers named by the state must report to district electoral officers by 5 pm. The Election Commission earlier said it faced a manpower shortage. The court allowed the ECI to replace EROs and AEROs if needed and assign trained micro observers. (PC: HT)

Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate have issued their first statement after new Epstein files renewed focus on Prince Andrew. A Kensington Palace spokesperson said the Prince and Princess of Wales are “deeply concerned” by the revelations and that their thoughts are with the victims. The files again mention Prince Andrew and his past links to Jeffrey Epstein, which Andrew denies. King Charles has not commented publicly but earlier removed Andrew’s royal titles. Prince Edward has also spoken, urging attention on the victims. The UK Royal Family has largely avoided detailed public comment.

Pakistan has told the International Cricket Council it is willing to end its boycott of the India match at the T20 World Cup 2026. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board has placed three demands before the ICC. These include higher financial compensation for Bangladesh, a participation fee despite Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament, and hosting rights for a future ICC event. The demands were raised during a meeting in Lahore. While some PCB officials favour playing India on February 15, chairman Mohsin Naqvi is yet to agree. A final decision may follow talks with Pakistan’s prime minister. (PC: AFP)

Bad Bunny made history by becoming the first artist to perform a Super Bowl half-time show fully in Spanish. His 14-minute set celebrated Puerto Rico and Latin culture. The performance featured guest appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, and included messages of love, unity and pride. Bad Bunny ended the show with “God bless America” and named countries across the Americas. He did not make direct political statements. Despite this, US President Donald Trump criticised the show on social media, calling it “terrible” and saying people could not understand it. The performance drew wide attention for its cultural impact. (PC: Getty Images, Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is named 1,005 times in documents linked to late financier Jeffrey Epstein, released by the US Justice Department. The files show Epstein repeatedly tried to arrange a meeting with Putin through Russian diplomats and European officials. These efforts took place during a sensitive period in US-Russia relations after the 2016 US presidential election. However, the documents provide no evidence that the two ever met. The Kremlin has rejected claims that Epstein worked with Russian intelligence agencies. Poland has announced a probe into possible Russian links mentioned in the newly released files.

The International Cricket Council has rejected key demands made by the Pakistan Cricket Board over the India match at the T20 World Cup, reports said. The PCB asked for the return of India-Pakistan bilateral series, higher revenue, and assurances against past controversies. It also sought financial support for Bangladesh after their exit from the tournament. The ICC said it had nothing extra to offer Bangladesh beyond its regular share of earnings. ICC officials urged Pakistan to end the boycott, warning it could harm the sport. A final decision is expected after approval from the Pakistan government. (PC: AFP)