There is a dramatic twist in the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup boycott row, with the ICC opening formal talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board over the February 15 match. Pakistan had earlier announced it would skip the game in support of Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. According to reports, the PCB reopened dialogue after the ICC warned of possible financial damage if the team does not play. An ICC official said, “There would be a dialogue, not confrontation.” The ICC also said the force majeure claim needs clear reasons. The PCB has said it will consult its government and discuss possible next steps.

Ahead of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match against Namibia in Delhi on February 12, the Indian cricket team has cancelled an optional practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, signalling a strategic decision by team management. After starting their campaign with a 29-run win over the USA, India opted to rest key players amid injury and fitness concerns, including the recent loss of pacer Harshit Rana and illness for Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma. Meanwhile, all-rounder Washington Sundar is set to join the squad in Delhi, bolstering India’s options ahead of the crucial fixture. (PC: The Times of India)

A 15-year-old boy who entered a medical college hostel in Ufa, Russia, and stabbed several students, including four Indians, had links to a neo-Nazi group, local media reported. The Baza channel claimed he belonged to the banned NS/WP organisation and shouted Holocaust-related slogans during the attack. It also shared an image showing a swastika drawn on a wall with victims’ blood. Another newspaper, Izvestia, reported the suspect held neo-Nazi views. Russia’s Interior Ministry said the attacker injured two police officers while resisting arrest and also harmed himself. Authorities have not confirmed the motive. The Indian Embassy said it is assisting the injured students. (PC: India Today)

Newly released documents from the Epstein Files reveal disturbing details about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s plans before his 2019 death while facing federal sex-trafficking charges. According to the files, Epstein discussed using his sprawling New Mexico ranch to impregnate women with his DNA in an effort to create a so-called “super race” of humans — a concept linked to transhumanism and compared to eugenics. He shared this idea with scientists, advisers and elites over years, although there’s no evidence the plan was ever carried out. The releases also fuel continued scrutiny of Epstein’s influence and network. (PC: X)

Several high-profile Bollywood personalities attended the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) 100-year centenary event titled “100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons” in Mumbai, held on February 7–8, 2026, at the Nehru Centre Auditorium. The first day saw Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor in attendance, while the second day featured Akshay Kumar, Vicky Kaushal, and Karan Johar among others. The star-studded turnout included Raveena Tandon and Ananya Panday, highlighting the event’s broad appeal. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the gathering, reflecting on the organisation’s century-long journey and its societal contributions. (PC: X)

Former Congress leader Anand Sharma challenged Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to revoke older trade pacts from the UPA period in response to the new India-US interim trade framework, claiming deeper scrutiny is needed before finalising deals. Critics argue the agreement could undermine domestic interests and questioned whether past pacts should be reconsidered amid shifting economic terms. The framework includes significant tariff changes and market access—with U.S. tariffs on Indian goods reduced to 18% and reciprocal concessions from India—but opposition voices say transparency and national interests must be weighed carefully before moving forward. (PC: ANI)

A private training aircraft operated by Redbird Aviation crash-landed in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district on Sunday after suffering a mid-air engine glitch. The two-seater light aircraft, flying from Kalaburagi to Belagavi, was forced down near Mangaluru village in Babaleshwar taluk when the technical issue developed. Both the captain and a trainee pilot on board were seriously injured and rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. Eyewitnesses reported tense moments as the aircraft descended rapidly before touching down in an open field, avoiding populated areas. Police and aviation authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the crash. (PC: India Today)

New satellite images show repair work underway at Bholari Air Base months after it was hit during India’s Operation Sindoor. Geo-intelligence analyst Damien Symon shared before-and-after images showing the damaged hangar roof partially removed. The hangar was struck in May 2025 during an Indian missile strike and reportedly housed a Saab 200 AEW&C aircraft. Pakistan has not officially confirmed the attack, but Sindh’s chief minister earlier said six air force staff were killed. The base lies less than 100 miles from Karachi and was among several targets hit by India. Satellite images earlier showed the hangar covered with a tarpaulin, suggesting temporary repairs. (PC: X)

India has achieved a major boost in space surveillance after a private company successfully imaged an object in orbit from another satellite. Ahmedabad-based Azista Industries Private Limited used its 80-kg satellite AFR to capture images of the International Space Station on February 3. This is the first such feat by an Indian private firm. The test proved that fully indigenous sensors and software can track fast-moving space objects. Experts say this strengthens India’s space situational awareness and helps protect its satellite assets. India currently operates over 50 satellites used for communication, navigation, Earth observation and defence.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Hindus across the world would support Hindus in Bangladesh if they decide to stand up for their rights. Speaking at an RSS event in Mumbai, Bhagwat said there are around 1.25 crore Hindus in Bangladesh. His remarks come amid unrest and reports of attacks on minorities after political turmoil in the country. Bhagwat also urged people in India to remain vigilant against illegal infiltration and report suspected foreigners to the police. He said infiltration needs strong action from the government. Bhagwat added that unity among Hindus is important and caste should not divide society. (PC: ANI)