King Charles has expressed “profound concern” as police review new allegations linked to Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace said the King is ready to support authorities if asked. A spokesperson said the claims are for Andrew to answer, but the Palace would assist police as expected. Thames Valley Police confirmed they are assessing whether a complaint filed by anti-monarchy group Republic needs an investigation. The complaint cites suspected misconduct in public office and possible breach of official secrets. Newly released US justice department emails suggest Andrew shared confidential trade visit details with Epstein while serving as UK trade envoy in 2010 and 2011. (PC: BBC)

A new white paper released in London says Indian migrants make a major contribution to the UK economy and public services. The study was prepared by Here & Now 365 with the Aston India Centre at Aston University. It reviews four waves of Indian migration since India’s independence. The report says early migrants filled labour shortages after World War II and supported core services. Later groups built businesses and entered skilled professions. It estimates Indian-born professionals account for about 15% of the UK technology workforce. The paper says the Indian diaspora is “woven into the UK’s growth story” through health, skills, and innovation. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian Air Force’s proposal to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets is set to come before the Defence Acquisition Council ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India. Officials said the council may grant Acceptance of Necessity, the first formal step in defence purchases. The plan includes 18 jets bought directly from France and 96 to be made in India with private partners. Some aircraft will be twin-seaters for training. The Defence Procurement Board has already cleared the proposal. After the council nod, commercial talks will begin, followed by approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. The deal may cost about ₹3.25 lakh crore. (PC: HT)

The International Cricket Council said Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 World Cup 2026 is “regrettable” but confirmed that no punishment will be given to the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The ICC said there will be no financial, sporting, or administrative sanctions. The decision followed talks between the ICC, PCB, and BCB. Bangladesh withdrew after its government refused to allow travel to India over security concerns. Scotland replaced Bangladesh in the tournament. ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said Bangladesh remains important to world cricket. “It does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation,” he said. Bangladesh will host an ICC event between 2028 and 2031. (PC: India Today)

Palestinian officials and several Arab states have criticised new Israeli cabinet measures in the West Bank, calling them a move toward “de facto annexation”. The steps were announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. They ease rules on land sales and property registration involving Jewish settlers. Smotrich said, “We will continue to kill the idea of a Palestinian state.” The changes remove limits on direct land sales and cut permit needs for property deals. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the measures “dangerous” and urged US and UN action. Israeli rights group Peace Now warned the decision could lead to large-scale land takeover and weaken existing agreements. (PC: BBC)

The India vs Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo is likely to be played as scheduled, according to sources. The Pakistan Cricket Board has eased its earlier boycott position linked to Bangladesh’s removal from the event. A meeting between PCB, Bangladesh Cricket Board and ICC officials was held in Lahore to resolve the issue. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said talks are still on and no final decision has been announced yet. “Once we get their response, we will decide,” he said. He added that the matter will be placed before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before an official confirmation is made. (PC: NDTV)

A shocking murder-suicide unfolded inside a classroom at Mai Bhago Law College in Usma village, Tarn Taran, Punjab, on Monday (captured on CCTV). A first-year law student, Prince Raj, allegedly shot his female classmate, Sandeep Kaur, dead just before classes began. Immediately after, he turned the gun on himself. Sandeep died on the spot, while Raj was critically injured and taken to hospital. Fellow students and faculty were stunned as panic spread across campus. Police have begun a probe into the motive and security lapses, reviewing footage and interviewing witnesses.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting political turmoil after chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned over his role in advising the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States — a move now mired in controversy due to Mandelson’s past links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. McSweeney said the decision “damaged trust in politics,” intensifying criticism of Starmer’s judgment. The resignation follows the exit of communications director Tim Allan, marking multiple senior departures in days and fuelling calls within his party and from opponents for leadership change. Starmer insists he will stay focused on governance. (PC: Reuters)

SpaceX has postponed its planned Mars mission, with CEO Elon Musk saying human travel to Mars is viable only when technology, infrastructure and planetary alignment—occurring every 26 months—are favourable. The delay reflects logistical and technical constraints, prompting SpaceX to shift focus toward building a “self-growing city” on the Moon, which can be reached more frequently and quickly, with launches possible every 10 days. Musk affirmed that Mars remains a long-term goal, but lunar development offers faster progress toward sustainable off-Earth habitation. The revised strategy underscores a more measured timeline for interplanetary ambitions. (PC: The Times of India)

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has outlined demands to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to end Pakistan’s threat to boycott its February 15 T20 World Cup match against India amid the ongoing dispute over Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. Naqvi reportedly asked for a tri-nation series involving India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, resumption of bilateral ties with India, and financial or hosting concessions as conditions to reconsider the boycott call. The ICC has rejected key demands, and talks continue with Bangladesh and Pakistan, with the final decision still pending government and ICC engagement. (PC: X)