Five must-read stories—February 8

O Panneerselvam backed by PM Modi, Amit Shah?

Tamil Nadu’s caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who raised the banner of revolt in the AIADMK in Chennai on Tuesday night, was given enough indications by leaders of the BJP to stand up and be counted after the death of J Jayalalithaa, top sources in the national party have told The Indian Express.

Supreme Court slaps contempt charge on sitting High Court judge

In an unprecedented step, Chief Justice of India JS Khehar decided on Tuesday to initiate contempt of court proceedings against sitting Calcutta high court judge C S Karnan for continuously levelling allegations against the Madras HC chief justice and other judges. A Times of India report.

Centre shuts gate on Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Centre has shut the gate on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on a critical national health mission, and possible conflict of interest issues arising from the foundation’s “ties” with pharmaceutical companies is one of the reasons, reports The Economic Times.

How ISRO scientists saved Mars orbiter from death by eclipse

A 431-second deep space operation remotely executed by engineers has helped save India's Mars Orbiter Mission spacecraft from imminent death and add three years to its life, reports The Telegraph.

In libel suit, Melania Trump cites loss of chance to make millions

A lawsuit filed by Melania Trump depicts her heightened profile as a “unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to make millions of dollars in business, once again raising questions about the relationship between President Trump’s official role and his family’s business interests, reports The New York Times.