Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi claims the ICC backed down, not Pakistan, in the T20 World Cup standoff over the India match. Pakistan withdrew its boycott after negotiations, with the February 15 Colombo fixture proceeding as scheduled. Sethi asserts Pakistan's 15-day notice was strategic, aimed at securing concessions for Bangladesh regarding sanctions and revenue protection. He claims Pakistan no longer relies on ICC revenue, earning more from the Pakistan Super League than its USD 144 million ICC share (2024-27 cycle). However, PTI reports Pakistan faced potential USD 38 million annual losses if penalized. The standoff ended after Bangladesh Cricket Board and ICC negotiations yielded understanding on sanctions. (PC: AP)

China expressed understanding and respect for India's United Nations Security Council permanent membership aspirations during high-level strategic talks in New Delhi on February 10, 2026. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China's Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu led discussions emphasizing border peace as essential for bilateral progress. Both sides reviewed stabilization measures following prolonged tensions and committed to implementing leadership guidance on trade issues from strategic perspectives. India highlighted successful Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption, seeking expansion, while both nations agreed to expedite Air Services Agreement updates and enhance people-to-people exchanges. China pledged support for India's BRICS Summit hosting during its chairship, marking improved multilateral cooperation. (PC: X)

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)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the inaugural Board of Peace on Gaza session scheduled for February 19, 2026, at the US Institute of Peace think-tank in Washington. Pakistan formally joined the Board of Peace last month during a World Economic Forum event in Davos, where US President Donald Trump was present. The meeting marks Pakistan's first major engagement with the Gaza peace initiative since joining the board. The session at the Washington-based institute represents a significant diplomatic opportunity for Pakistan to participate in international peace efforts regarding the Gaza conflict alongside other global stakeholders under the framework established during the Davos gathering. (PC: The Indian Express)

India's trade community expresses concern over the new US-Bangladesh trade agreement, fearing intensified export competition, particularly in textiles and apparel. Bangladesh secured 19% reciprocal tariffs on broad exports plus zero-tariff access for garments using US cotton and fibers, potentially undercutting Indian products in America's market. This could disrupt India's cotton supply chain to Bangladesh, as Dhaka may prioritize US cotton for preferential access. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the arrangement, claiming India's advantage in textile exports has vanished. While India negotiated an 18% tariff rate, Bangladesh's zero-duty provisions for specific textiles shift competitive dynamics. Trade experts await implementation details to assess full impact on regional supply chains. (PC: ANI)

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh received an extortion threat via WhatsApp voice note demanding crores of rupees, prompting Mumbai Police to increase security outside his residence and launch an investigation. The sender allegedly claimed association with the Bishnoi gang, claims currently under verification. This follows a recent firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu residence, where five people were arrested and Lawrence Bishnoi gang member Shubham Lonkar named as wanted accused. Ranveer Singh recently starred in blockbuster Dhurandhar, which grossed over Rs 1,305 crore worldwide, becoming the first Indian film crossing Rs 1,000 crore domestic collections in Hindi. The sequel releases March 19, 2026. (PC: News18)

Instagram and YouTube stand accused of "engineering addiction in children's brains" in a landmark Los Angeles trial beginning February 10, 2026. Plaintiff lawyer Mark Lanier alleges Meta and Google deliberately designed addictive features: infinite scrolling, like buttons providing social validation, and body image filters. The case represents over 1,500 plaintiffs; TikTok and Snapchat already settled. A 20-year-old plaintiff, KGM, claims social media use from age six caused anxiety, depression, and body image issues. Meta's defense argues mental health struggles stem from other life factors, noting scientific disagreement over social media addiction's existence. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify. Both companies deny allegations, emphasizing youth safety measures and parental controls. (PC: X)

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla decided not to attend Parliament until the no-confidence motion seeking his removal is discussed and resolved, sources revealed Tuesday. Though rules don't mandate his absence, Birla chose to recuse himself voluntarily. The motion could be discussed March 9, requiring fifty MPs' support. Under Article 96(1), Speakers cannot preside when their removal is considered but may participate in floor proceedings. Opposition parties filed the notice citing instances including preventing Rahul Gandhi from quoting General MM Naravane's unpublished book and suspending eight MPs. Congress MP Manickam Tagore called it "an extraordinary step born out of extraordinary circumstances," citing consistent denial of opportunities to raise public issues. (PC: PTI)

Bangladesh's opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), frontrunner in February 12 elections, demands former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India while simultaneously promoting cooperative neighbor relations. Hasina has resided in India since August 2024 after mass protests forced her resignation; Bangladesh convicted her in absentia for crimes against humanity, sentencing her to death. BNP's manifesto adopts "Bangladesh First" philosophy, calling for equality-based ties with neighbors and addressing India-related issues: fair water sharing from transboundary rivers and preventing border killings. The party promises minority protection, including increased Hindu welfare funding. India hasn't committed to extradition, citing legal processes and treaty provisions allowing refusal for political offenses and death penalty cases. (PC: X)

A 62-year-old Hindu trader, Susen Chandra Sarkar, was hacked to death inside his shop in Trishal, Bangladesh, on February 9, 2026. Attackers struck him with sharp weapons, looted several hundred thousand taka, and fled after shuttering the shop. His family discovered him covered in blood; he died at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. His son reported no prior disputes, calling for swift justice. This killing follows recent violent attacks on Hindus, including victims burned alive and murdered. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council documented 51 communal violence incidents in December 2025 alone, raising alarm as parliamentary elections approach on February 12. (PC: X)