General Naravane Breaks Silence on Memoir Controversy Amid Parliamentary Unrest
In a significant development on February 11, 2026, former Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane publicly addressed the escalating controversy surrounding his unpublished memoir, 'Four Stars of Destiny'. This clarification came amidst a tumultuous week in Indian politics, marked by a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and heated parliamentary debates.
Parliament in Turmoil: No-Trust Motion Against Speaker
The political landscape witnessed intense friction as Opposition MPs submitted a notice for a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh. The notice, signed by at least 118 Opposition members, followed Birla's suspension of eight MPs last week and his refusal to allow Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to reference General Naravane's memoir in Parliament.
In response, Speaker Birla opted not to chair House proceedings until a decision on the motion is reached. Despite the tension, the House resumed discussions on the Union Budget, with Rahul Gandhi expected to participate. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) notably abstained from signing the notice, adding complexity to the political dynamics.
Naravane's Clarification on Unpublished Memoir
General Naravane broke his silence by sharing a post from publishing house Penguin Random House India, which stated unequivocally that no copies of the book have been published, distributed, sold, or made available to the public. This move came hours after Rahul Gandhi claimed in Parliament that Naravane had tweeted about the book's availability, a statement now contradicted by the official clarification.
The memoir row has fueled political debates, with Birla previously alleging that Congress members planned an "unprecedented incident" near the Prime Minister's seat—a charge the Congress has firmly denied.
Amendments to IT Rules, 2021: Stricter Content Regulations
In a parallel development, the IT Ministry notified fresh amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Key changes include:
- Removing the proposal for AI-generated content labels to cover 10% of space, now requiring "prominently" visible labels instead.
- Mandating social media platforms to remove non-consensual intimate imagery within 2 hours, down from 24 hours.
- Requiring action on other unlawful content within 3 hours, reduced from 36 hours.
These amendments will take effect on February 20, coinciding with the final day of the India-AI Impact Summit, highlighting the government's focus on digital governance and ethics.
Global Perspectives: AI Warnings and International Relations
As technology advances, concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) safety have gained prominence. Stuart Russell, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, warned in an interview with The Indian Express about the dangers of AI systems developing self-preservation instincts independent of human objectives. He emphasized the urgent need for robust safety and ethical frameworks during AI development.
On the diplomatic front, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed hope that India-US trade agreements would not harm India-Russia ties, particularly regarding energy imports. This follows US President Donald Trump's statements on India reducing Russian oil imports, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterating that India's energy policies are guided by national interests.
Cricket and Social Issues: Pakistan's Reversal and Community Concerns
In sports, Pakistan reversed its decision to boycott a match against India in the ICC T20 World Cup, securing a 32-run victory over the USA. With two wins, Pakistan needs one more victory against India or Namibia to advance to the Super Eights, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash on Sunday.
Beyond politics and sports, reports from Dhaka highlight growing unease among Bangladesh's Hindu community, who express fear for their safety amid rising political tensions ahead of the February 12 elections. Community leaders and families voice concerns over security and justice, reflecting broader social challenges in the region.
Economic and Legal Insights: Investment Scams and Policy Analysis
A detailed investigation revealed a multi-level investment scheme that defrauded investors of an estimated Rs 123 crore over three years. Victims were lured through a combination of multi-level marketing, a shopping mart, a dedicated app, and social media tactics, underscoring the vulnerabilities in financial regulations.
In opinion pieces, analysts like C Raja Mohan discuss the implications of India-US economic security agreements on foreign policy, stressing the importance of domestic economic reforms and technological modernization to navigate global geoeconomic shifts.
As these events unfold, the intersection of politics, technology, and society continues to shape India's narrative, with General Naravane's memoir saga symbolizing the broader tensions between transparency, governance, and public discourse.
