West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission after a 90-minute meeting with CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleging mass voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. She accused the poll panel of acting as "BJP's IT cell," claiming 58 lakh voters were removed without hearings over minor spelling variations in Bengali surnames. Banerjee questioned why BJP-ruled Assam was exempt from SIR while Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu faced scrutiny. She alleged the CEC "misbehaved" and provided "garbage of lies," eventually walking out. The EC countered, citing TMC leaders' threatening language and vandalization of election offices, asserting rule of law would prevail. 

Mumbai Police has denied viral social media reports that claimed a high alert was issued over child trafficking and multiple missing children cases. The reports said 12 minors went missing in 36 hours across the city. Police called the claims false and misleading. In a statement on X, the department said, “We categorically deny these claims” and described the posts as rumour spreading. Officials said legal action has started against those sharing false information. “Action, including the registration of FIRs… is under process,” the statement said. The clarification came after online posts triggered panic among residents and wide message sharing. (PC: HT)

Board of Control for Cricket in India vice-president Rajeev Shukla supported the International Cricket Council warning to Pakistan over its planned boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India. He said the ICC stand is correct and stressed the need for sportsmanship. “The ICC has issued a big statement. It has highlighted element of sportsmanship. We completely agree,” Shukla told reporters. He added that BCCI will comment further only after speaking with the ICC. The match is scheduled in Colombo on February 15. Reports say Pakistan’s move is linked to wider political and tournament disputes around team participation and venue issues. (PC: NDTV)

Jonas Gahr Støre said he agrees with Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway after she admitted “poor judgement” over past contact with Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released US justice files list many email exchanges between them from 2011 to 2014. In a statement, the princess said, “I showed poor judgement and regret having any contact with Epstein at all.” She also shared “deep sympathy” for victims. The prime minister said her own words were clear and sufficient. Reports say she visited one of Epstein’s homes in 2013 when he was not present. The disclosures have led to renewed public scrutiny in Norway. (PC: BBC)

Dhurandhar, an Indian spy thriller starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, has reached number one on Netflix in Pakistan after its digital release. The film did not get a theatrical release there but began streaming on January 30. Social media screenshots showed it leading the platform’s Pakistan chart within days. Viewers from Pakistan shared positive reactions online. One user wrote, “As a Pakistani, it's the best ever Bollywood movie I ever watched.” Several comments praised the performances and said the film avoided common stereotypes. The movie earlier earned strong overseas box office numbers despite regional release limits. (PC: India Today)

Air India has grounded a Boeing 787-8 aircraft after a pilot reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch during a London to Bengaluru flight. The airline said it took immediate action after the report and removed the aircraft from service. It is now working with the manufacturer to inspect the system. The matter has also been reported to the aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The airline said, “We have grounded the said aircraft” and checks are being done on priority. It added that passenger and crew safety remains its “top priority”.

India has declined to join new hearings by a Hague-based Court of Arbitration in the Indus Waters Treaty dispute with Pakistan. Government sources said India does not recognise the court and will not respond to its notices. They described it as a “so-called illegally constituted” body. The court has asked India to submit operational logbooks of certain hydroelectric projects and scheduled hearings for February 2–3. India has not filed any documents. Sources said the treaty is “in abeyance” after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi maintains that such technical matters should go only to a neutral expert, not to arbitration. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state. She was joined by Trinamool Congress leaders and families who said they were affected by the revision process. The party said a 15-member delegation attended the meeting at the Election Commission office. It included Abhishek Banerjee and MP Kalyan Banerjee. Several participants wore black shawls as a mark of protest. The party claimed some living people were marked as dead in records. It also said some families faced stress linked to the SIR process. Security was increased around the EC office. (PC: India Today)

Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened for limited civilian movement after months of closure, Israeli and Egyptian officials said. The gate had been mostly shut since Israeli forces took control of the Gaza side in May 2024. Officials said only small numbers will be allowed to cross each day. Priority will go to sick and wounded Palestinians. Israeli reports say about 50 patients daily can leave with one or two relatives. European Union supervisors and Palestinian staff are managing operations, with Israeli security checks done remotely. The World Health Organization is helping move medical patients for treatment abroad. (PC: BBC)

The International Cricket Council is considering possible sanctions against Pakistan Cricket Board after Pakistan refused to play its T20 World Cup match against India, according to broadcaster sources. A senior-level ICC meeting is expected within 48 hours to review the situation. Options under discussion include financial penalties and possible suspension from ICC events. Pakistan officials said the team will take part in the tournament but skip the India match in support of Bangladesh, which was replaced by Scotland. The ICC has not made a formal public statement yet. The dispute has raised concerns about the tournament schedule and revenue. (PC: NDTV)