Times of India

Elon Musk expressed his admiration for Donald Trump, restating his affection for the former President on social media. Musk's public endorsement drew reactions from Trump's inner circle, with Trump Jr. responding humorously. Trump, in an interview, praised Musk's leadership in enhancing government efficiency and dismissed concerns about Musk's significant role in federal operations.

Maharashtra's CM Devendra Fadnavis directed the state cyber police to urge Wikipedia to remove objectionable content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach towards historical distortions, Fadnavis acknowledged Wikipedia's global operation and called for regulation. He warned against the unauthorized sharing of cabinet documents, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to the law.

President Droupadi Murmu has granted sanction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute AAP leader Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case. The ED arrested Jain in May 2022 over alleged hawala transactions. The prosecution includes charges involving Rs 27.7 crore in shell company deals. A supplementary charge sheet will be submitted to the court.

India's preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy has been marred by limited ODI matches and the absence of key bowler Jasprit Bumrah due to back injury. Despite this challenge, players like Harshit Rana and a solid batting lineup led by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill offer optimism for the tournament.

The Royal Society will hold a meeting on March 3 to discuss the principles regarding public pronouncements and behaviors of its Fellows. This follows an open letter from over 2,700 scientists questioning Elon Musk's membership due to his promotion of unfounded conspiracy theories and behavior on social media.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are returning to Earth on March 19, 2025 after over eight months aboard the ISS. They faced delays due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner. Upon return, they'll undergo an extensive rehabilitation program to readjust to gravity, rebuild strength and balance, as well as mitigate the effects of microgravity.

Water quality in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj failed to meet bathing standards during the Maha Kumbh due to high faecal coliform levels, as reported by CPCB. This contamination poses health risks, with many returning pilgrims experiencing gastroenteritis and respiratory infections. The NGT has demanded comprehensive action from the UPPCB and relevant authorities to address the issue.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee criticized UP CM Yogi Adityanath, calling the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj a 'Mrityu Kumbh' due to inadequate planning for attendees. She also condemned the BJP for using religion for political gain and defended herself against accusations of links with Bangladeshi fundamentalists. Additionally, BJP legislators protested against alleged appeasement politics by her government.

Wasim Bari, former PCB official, expresses joy at the return of international cricket to Pakistan with the ICC Champions Trophy after a decade-long hiatus following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team. Bari highlighted the resilience of Pakistan cricket in overcoming a tragic event that once seemed to jeopardize its future.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, enters the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi as a strong contender with a balanced squad. Key players include Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya. Team India aims for their third title, having won twice before. Key fixture: India vs Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, yet questions Zelenskyy's legitimacy. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen seeks to partner with the US to secure lasting peace for Ukraine. Meanwhile, US and Russia hold discussions in Saudi Arabia without Ukrainian participation, raising concerns in Kyiv and Europe.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to alleged middleman Christian Michel James in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper scam. James had been in custody for six years, and the investigation is still ongoing. He was extradited from Dubai and arrested in 2018, and now the trial court will set the bail conditions.

Manu Bhaker has confirmed that Jaspal Rana will remain her coach despite his appointment as High Performance trainer by NRAI. After a fallout, their reconciliation led to Manu's historic success at the Paris Olympics with two bronze medals. She credits Rana for her comeback and aims to peak at the World Championships in Cairo.

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan emphasises the significant impact of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury. While expressing confidence in India’s prospects, Dhawan highlights Harshit Rana's potential and praises the strong form of the Indian batting lineup, featuring players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill.

India's cricket team is gearing up for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, with matches hosted in Dubai due to security concerns of travelling to original hosts Pakistan. They start against Bangladesh on February 20. India has a strong record in Dubai, with significant performances from players like Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.

Prime Minister Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani held talks in New Delhi, focusing on strengthening trade, investment, and strategic cooperation. The visit marked key interactions and the signing of two MoUs, emphasizing diversifying trade beyond energy and boosting financial ties.

The Indian cricket team has been intensively training at the ICC Academy in Dubai ahead of their matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan. Key players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya showcased impressive performances, while bowlers like Mohammed Shami practiced extensively. The mood remained positive and upbeat, with both fun activities and serious preparations underway.

Sunil Lamsal, father of a Nepali student who allegedly committed suicide at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, accused the institution of emotional harassment and blackmail. He mentioned an ongoing investigation, cooperation from the police, and the arrest of an individual. The incident led to protests in Kathmandu, calling for justice for the deceased student.