A social media video posted by the Assam unit of the Himanta Biswa Sarma’s party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, has triggered strong opposition criticism after it showed the chief minister symbolically firing at men identified with Muslim imagery. The clip carried the words “point blank shot” and other slogans. It was later deleted after backlash. Opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, called the video “deeply disturbing” and alleged it encouraged violence. Congress leaders said removing the post was “not enough” and demanded action. Trinamool Congress leaders also called it incitement. The BJP has not issued a detailed public response after deleting the video.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney has resigned after a controversy linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files and the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. The row grew after emails about Mandelson’s past links with Epstein became public. McSweeney said he advised the 2024 appointment and accepted responsibility for it. He said the decision was “wrong” and had damaged trust in politics. Mandelson served as UK ambassador to the United States from February to September 2025. The issue has increased pressure on Starmer’s office. No replacement has been announced yet. (PC: X)

Bangladesh has entered talks with Pakistan as the ICC faces a new problem over Pakistan’s plan to boycott the India match in the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam Bulbul has reached Lahore to meet PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Two ICC officials are also expected to attend the meeting. Pakistan has said it will not play India on February 15 after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament over venue security concerns. Naqvi called Bangladesh’s removal “unjust” and “politically motivated.” The ICC has warned Pakistan of strict penalties if it refuses to play. All sides are trying to settle the issue quickly. (PC: NDTV)

The Met Office has issued a new yellow warning for heavy rain across southern England and South Wales, with more than 200 flood alerts still active. The warning runs from 12pm Monday to midnight. Forecasters said, “Bands of rain and heavy showers will move east across southern parts of England and Wales.” Rainfall of 10–15mm is expected widely, with up to 30mm in some places. Areas affected include Hampshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Cardiff and Swansea. The Environment Agency has dozens of flood warnings in place. Officials said flooding could delay travel and affect some homes and businesses. People are advised not to drive through floodwater. (PC: Sky News)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Hindus in Bangladesh would receive support from Hindus worldwide if they choose to stay and fight for their rights. He was speaking at an RSS centenary lecture event in Mumbai. Bhagwat said, “There are about 1.25 crore Hindus in Bangladesh. If they decide to stay there and fight, all Hindus across the world will help them.” He also spoke about population change and illegal immigration in India, saying earlier governments did not act enough. He said the RSS does not depend on corporate funds and raises support from its workers. He added that the organisation does not discriminate by caste in leadership roles. (PC: NDTV)

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal again avoided a direct reply on US President Donald Trump’s condition that India should not buy Russian oil under the trade deal framework. Speaking to ANI, Goyal said buying crude oil, LNG and LPG from the US is in “India’s own strategic interests” as the country diversifies supply. He said the trade deal will not decide “who will buy what and from where.” He added, “The trade deal ensures that the pathway to trade is smooth and ensures preferential access.” On the Russian oil issue, he said it falls under the Ministry of External Affairs. The MEA repeated that energy purchases depend on market and security needs. (PC: HT)

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)