India strongly responded to Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva. India’s representative Anupama Singh rejected Pakistan’s claims on Jammu and Kashmir.   “We categorically reject these allegations,” she said. She added that Pakistan’s propaganda “reeks of envy.”   Singh said Jammu and Kashmir “was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.” She called its 1947 accession legal and final.   Referring to development work, she said the J&K budget is “more than double” Pakistan’s recent IMF bailout. She also mentioned the Chenab Rail Bridge and said Pakistan may be “living in the ‘La-la land’.”

An Indian family from Sehore in Madhya Pradesh has claimed that the British government borrowed Rs 35,000 from their ancestor in 1917 and never repaid it.   Vivek Ruthia said his grandfather, Seth Jummalal Ruthia, gave the loan during the First World War. The family says they recently found documents and letters as proof.   “In 1917, my grandfather loaned Rs 35,000 to the British government. That amount has not been repaid to this day,” Vivek Ruthia said.   He plans to send a legal notice to the British government. The family says the amount, if calculated at today’s value, would be much higher. (PC: NDTV)

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   The court directed NCERT to ban and seize all printed copies of the withdrawn book.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 a fascinating display of social learning, a young Japanese macaque named Punch has been observed acquiring new behaviors by imitating his friends and other members of his troop. Researchers note that Punch carefully watches older monkeys as they perform tasks such as foraging, grooming, and playing, then attempts the same actions himself. This method of learning highlights the importance of observation and social interaction in primate development. Experts say such behaviors demonstrate not only intelligence but also the transmission of culture and skills within macaque communities, providing insight into animal cognition.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised Indian PM Narendra Modi by donning traditional Indian attire — a stone‑coloured Nehru jacket with kurta and trousers — ahead of their joint dinner in Jerusalem. Shared on X, the gesture was described as a personal tribute to Modi, reflecting deep friendship and cultural respect. Modi praised the outfit as “truly splendid,” highlighting warmth in their ties. The event also underscored strengthening strategic relations between Israel and India, coinciding with Modi’s visit that included historic engagements, such as addressing Israel’s Knesset.

Top U.S. House Democrats have accused the Justice Department under President Donald Trump of orchestrating the “largest government cover-up in modern history” by withholding key documents tied to allegations that Trump sexually abused a minor decades ago. The controversy centers on missing FBI interview summaries from the Jeffrey Epstein files, which were supposed to be fully released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. While millions of pages have been published, only one interview with the accuser appears publicly, and Democrats say three others, along with related notes, were improperly withheld. The DOJ claims withheld material falls under lawful exemptions, but lawmakers are demanding full disclosure and may launch a parallel investigation. Trump denies wrongdoing. (PC: AFP)

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)

Ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit to India, Ottawa has publicly stated that it no longer believes India is connected to violent crimes on Canadian soil — a marked shift from its predecessor’s stance amid years of diplomatic strain. Canadian officials said there is now “robust diplomatic engagement” and expressed confidence that alleged foreign interference or repression linked to India is not continuing. The move comes as Carney prepares to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen economic, security and strategic ties after tensions following the 2023 killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which had sparked a significant bilateral row. (PC: PTI)

Reeling from a heavy 76-run loss to South Africa, India’s T20 World Cup Super 8 campaign is on the brink as they must beat Zimbabwe in Chennai to stay alive for the semifinals. Despite the pressure of being in unfamiliar territory and needing victories in all remaining matches, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak says the team won’t panic and will stick to its aggressive brand of cricket while making strategic tweaks to the batting order. Calm training sessions and belief in their temperament are central to India’s approach as they aim to bounce back. (PC: PTI)