Pakistan security forces are carrying out large search operations in Balochistan after coordinated militant attacks left more than 190 people dead in two days. Officials said those killed include civilians, security personnel, and militants. The provincial chief minister said cleared areas are now under control and warned, “Our blood is not that cheap. We will chase them until their hideouts.” The attacks hit banks, police stations, jails, and military sites. Mobile internet and train services remain suspended in many areas. Pakistan ministers accused India of supporting the attackers without sharing proof. India denied the charge and called the allegations “baseless” and meant to deflect from internal issues. (PC: HT)

A possible Pakistan boycott of the India match at the T20 World Cup 2026 could hit the tournament’s biggest revenue game. Industry estimates value the India-Pakistan clash at about $500 million, or nearly ₹4,500 crore, from broadcast, ads, sponsors, and tickets. The ICC said it hopes the PCB will consider the “long-term implications” for its own cricket and the global game. Reports say broadcasters may lose about ₹300 crore in ads if the match is not played. Both boards could lose around ₹200 crore each in direct and indirect income. A voluntary withdrawal may also expose the PCB to fines and withheld ICC payments. (PC: NDTV)

UK politician Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party, saying his links to Jeffrey Epstein could cause “further embarrassment” after new US justice files were released. The papers mention three payments of $25,000 each in 2003 and 2004 linked to his name. Mandelson said the allegations are false and he has “no record or recollection” of the payments. In his letter, he wrote, “I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party and I am therefore stepping down.” He also repeated his apology to Epstein’s victims. Mandelson said he will review the claims and earlier questioned if the documents are authentic. (PC: BBC)

Cigarette pack prices have increased after the higher excise duty on tobacco took effect from February 1. Trade distributors said prices are up by about ₹22 to ₹25 per pack of 10 sticks. They said fresh supplies with revised MRP will start reaching shops from this week. A distributor told PTI, “Companies have started billing retailers at new tax rates, and new stock will follow.” Mid-size brands like Wills Navy Cut may rise from ₹95 to around ₹120. Larger packs such as Wills Classic and Gold Flake Lights may reach ₹220–₹225. Distributor groups also warned that sharp price hikes may increase smuggling and fake products. (PC: HT)

Uttarakhand issued an avalanche alert for five hill districts following fresh snowfall in higher Himalayan regions. Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag are under Danger Level-2, indicating greater avalanche probability, while Pithoragarh and Bageshwar face Level-1 warnings until 5 pm Monday. The State Emergency Operations Centre issued the advisory based on Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment forecasts. Residents in snow-bound areas are urged to restrict movement, monitor weather updates, and remove snow from rooftops. Those in heavy snowfall zones should relocate to safer areas. The season's first snowfall occurred January 23 after a prolonged dry spell. District disaster management teams remain on emergency standby. (PC: Wikipedia)

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement has alarmed Bangladesh and Pakistan, threatening their preferential European market access. The deal grants Indian goods duty-free access to 93% of EU exports, potentially eroding advantages Pakistan and Bangladesh enjoyed through GSP Plus and Everything But Arms schemes. Pakistan's textiles, constituting 75.8% of EU imports, face serious competition. Bangladesh, losing LDC status in November 2025, will lose duty-free EU access in three years while India gains it. Pakistani traders compared the economic impact to Operation Sindoor, calling it an "economic front." Industry experts warn both countries must secure alternative trade agreements or face declining competitiveness as India's textile exports could grow 20-25% annually. (PC: Reuters & X)

Indian sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar lost the Grammy for Best Global Music Performance to Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny at the 68th Grammy Awards' Premiere Ceremony. Her nominated song "Daybreak," featuring Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar, was among five contenders. This marked Shankar's 12th and 13th Grammy nominations. She consciously skipped the Los Angeles ceremony, choosing to tour India instead, emphasizing that "awards don't matter like the actual connection playing music for people affords us." The British-American musician has earned fourteen Grammy nominations throughout her career and became the first Indian-origin musician to perform live and present at the Grammys. (PC: Instagram)

The ICC responded to Pakistan's decision to boycott their February 15 T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India, stating it "undermines the spirit and sanctity" of global cricket competitions. The ICC said selective participation contradicts fundamental sporting principles where all qualified teams compete equally per schedule. While awaiting official PCB communication, the ICC urged reconsideration given significant long-term implications for Pakistani cricket and the global ecosystem. Pakistan will participate in the tournament but skip only the India match. ICC playing conditions stipulate Pakistan would forfeit two points, and their net run rate would suffer, with the full 20 overs counted in calculations. (PC: NDTV)

Tibetian spiritual leader Dalai Lama won his first Grammy Award, at the age of 90, for the spoken-word album "Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama" at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The album, which won Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording, features collaborations with sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash. It blends spoken wisdom with Indian classical music celebrating peace, compassion, and universal humanity. Musician Rufus Wainwright accepted the award on behalf of the Tibetan spiritual leader, who expressed gratitude, viewing the recognition as acknowledgment of shared universal responsibility rather than personal achievement. (PC: X)

India firmly rejected Pakistan's allegations linking New Delhi to deadly Balochistan attacks that killed dozens, calling them "baseless" and diversionary tactics. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Pakistan to address internal grievances instead of making "frivolous claims," highlighting Islamabad's record of suppression and human rights violations in the region. The Saturday attacks across Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung, and Noshki killed 17 law enforcement personnel and 31 civilians. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility under "Operation Herof," alleging 84 security personnel killed. Pakistan's military claimed killing 133 separatists over two days. Balochistan faces a decades-long insurgency by ethnic Baloch groups demanding autonomy and resource control. (PC: X/@MEAIndia)