Times of India

Following the Brisbane Test, Indian captain Rohit Sharma humorously addressed media inquiries about veteran players Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. He clarified that only Ravichandran Ashwin had retired, while Rahane and Pujara could still return to the team. Ashwin, India's second-highest Test wicket-taker, emotionally announced his retirement after the drawn match.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma awaits a fitness update from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) regarding Mohammed Shami's availability for the remaining Australia Tests. Shami has been recovering from ankle surgery and knee complaints. Rohit emphasised the need for 200% assurance of Shami's fitness before considering his inclusion, with the 5-Test series tied 1-1.

Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal criticizes employees for poor attendance in a stern email, threatening stricter measures. This follows recent job cuts and a focus on cost efficiency as the company aims to boost profitability and expand its store network significantly.

Elon Musk denied Starlink's operation in India after a device bearing its logo was found during a Manipur security operation. Musk stated Starlink beams were "never on" over India. The device, potentially smuggled from Myanmar, was allegedly used by insurgents. Starlink lacks operational licenses in both India and Myanmar.

India celebrated avoiding the follow-on in the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane, despite still trailing by almost 200 runs. Captain Rohit Sharma defended the celebrations, calling it a "little victory" given the match situation and weather conditions. Australia expressed surprise at the Indian team's reaction, suggesting they were reluctant to bat again.

TOI Medithon Part 2 focuses on heart health awareness, covering prevention, youth-related risks, women's unique concerns, and disease management. Expert cardiologists from across India will lead sessions, offering insights into maintaining healthy metrics, lifestyle changes, and addressing gender-specific heart issues. The event aims to empower individuals with knowledge and practical strategies for a healthier heart.

Delhi's AAP leader, Arvind Kejriwal, unveiled the 'Sanjivni Yojna,' promising free treatment for senior citizens if re-elected. This follows the Delhi High Court's criticism of the AAP government for not implementing the central Ayushman Bharat scheme. The AAP government defends its free healthcare model, arguing it's superior to the central scheme's Rs 5 lakh cap.

Prime Minister Modi defended Home Minister Amit Shah against Congress accusations of insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Modi listed Congress's alleged historical slights against Ambedkar, while highlighting his government's efforts to fulfill Ambedkar's vision. The exchange stemmed from Shah's remark in Rajya Sabha about the frequent invocation of Ambedkar's name.

India's stock marker regulator Sebi took action against YouTuber Ravindra Balu Bharti and his company, Ravindra Bharti Education Institute. The regulatory body has barred them from participating in the securities market until April 4, 2025, for allegedly running an unregistered investment advisory business.

R Ashwin's cricket journey, from a fringe player in the 2011 World Cup to one of India's greatest match-winners, has been marked by trials, triumphs, and unwavering dedication. Despite overseas challenges and controversies, his innovative approach and analytical mind have solidified his place in cricketing history. He called time on his career after the third Test against Australia in 2024.

Stock market today: BSE Sensex and Nifty50, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in red for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. While BSE Sensex was below 80,600, Nifty50 was below 24,300.

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's ISS mission has been extended until late March due to technical glitches with Boeing's Starliner and delays in the next SpaceX Crew Dragon launch. Originally scheduled to return in February 2025 after their June 2024 arrival, the duo will now spend approximately ten months in space.

Lightning and thunder halted play on the final morning of the rain-affected third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba. Australia quickly took the last Indian wicket, securing a 185-run lead. The ICC's 30:30 lightning rule, prioritizing safety, led to the suspension, as the match moved towards a draw on the concluding day.

Russia announces the development of an mRNA cancer vaccine, slated for a 2025 launch. Pre-clinical trials demonstrate tumor suppression and metastasis reduction. AI integration promises to personalize vaccine creation within an hour, significantly accelerating the current lengthy process. The vaccine aims to bolster the immune system's ability to target and eliminate cancer cells.

Vinicius Jr. and Aitana Bonmati secured FIFA's top player honours at The Best Awards 2024. Vinicius's instrumental role in Real Madrid's LaLiga and Champions League victories earned him the men's award, while Bonmati's contributions to Barcelona's treble and Spain's Nations League triumph led her to retain the women's title. Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes were recognised as the best coaches.

China and India are preparing for high-level talks aimed at improving bilateral relations. The meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will focus on border issues, including finding a resolution to the boundary question. This follows recent disengagement agreements and patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after a prolonged standoff.

A fire in a rented house in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, tragically killed six people and injured four others, including a neighbor who assisted in rescue efforts. The victims, residing in the home of a retired DSP, likely died from suffocation. Authorities are investigating the incident and will release the bodies after post-mortems are conducted.

President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to imposing reciprocal taxes on India, citing high tariffs on American goods. He emphasized that if India imposes tariffs, the US will respond in kind. While trade tensions are anticipated, India could potentially benefit from trade diversions caused by Trump's tariff policies targeting other nations.

India's fightback in the third Test against Australia at the Gabba ended with a humorous incident involving Akash Deep. After a defiant last-wicket stand with Jasprit Bumrah, Deep mistakenly dropped the ball at Travis Head's feet after it lodged in his pads. He apologized, but was stumped shortly after, giving Australia a 185-run lead.

NCP MLA Chhagan Bhujbal expressed his discontent over being excluded from the Maharashtra cabinet despite CM Fadnavis, Praful Patel, and Sunil Tatkare's efforts. Bhujbal criticized Ajit Pawar's decision-making process and rejected a Rajya Sabha nomination, prioritizing his constituents' wishes. He plans to consult with community members before deciding his political future.