In Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, three minor sisters — Nishika (16), Prachi (14) and Pakhi (12) — allegedly jumped to their deaths from the ninth floor of their Bharat City flat early on 4 February after their parents reportedly took away their mobile phones amid concerns over online gaming and Korean content obsession. Police recovered a suicide note and diary showing emotional distress and a strong attachment to Korean culture. Investigation has uncovered a complex family background involving the father’s multiple marriages and past incidents, raising questions about living conditions, isolation, school dropouts and psychological health as probes continue. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi Police have registered an FIR after an unpublished memoir of former Army chief General MM Naravane was found circulating online. Police said they acted after seeing posts claiming that a pre-print copy of Four Stars of Destiny was being shared on websites and social media. A preliminary check found a PDF of a typeset manuscript online. Officials said the book had not received final clearance from authorities. The case has been given to the Special Cell to trace the source of the leak and identify those sharing it. The issue triggered a political row after Rahul Gandhi displayed a copy and said, “They did not want me to speak about it.” (PC: NDTV)

Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been demoted from the top tier to the Grade B category in the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) 2025–26 annual central contracts list, following a revamp of the contract structure. The previously highest A+ category has been scrapped, leaving only three players — Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja — in the top A grade this season. Kohli and Rohit, now primarily playing only in the ODI format, join other stars in Grade B. The changes reflect a shift toward rewarding multi-format involvement and current contribution. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court of India on 9 February 2026 firmly ruled that no impediment will be allowed in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, amid objections raised by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against the Election Commission’s exercise. The bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant granted a one-week extension to finalise the Bengal voter list beyond the original 14 February deadline to complete scrutiny of documents. The court also directed the West Bengal DGP to file an affidavit on law-and-order issues and said additional directions would be issued if needed to ensure the SIR proceeds smoothly without disruption. (PC: PTI)

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.