Times of India

Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieved a historic Women's Premier League win, successfully chasing 202 runs against Gujarat Giants. Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh scored powerful half-centuries, leading RCB despite early setbacks. Perry contributed 57 runs, while Ghosh remained unbeaten with 64. Gujarat Giants set a challenging target with captain Ashleigh Gardner's explosive 79 and Beth Mooney's composed 56.

Darick Hall is pouncing on a golden opportunity to secure the first base position for the Pirates following Spencer Horwitz's injury. Known for his powerful bat, Hall, who made a notable Major League debut with the Phillies, is poised for a strong showing in spring training.

PM Modi and President Trump reaffirmed the India-US partnership's importance in the Indo-Pacific region. They committed to tackling illegal immigration, organized crime, and cross-border terrorism. Discussions included market access issues, addressing Chinese industrial overcapacity, and strengthening strategic technology collaboration through initiatives like TRUST. They denounced terrorism and agreed on greater cooperation in West Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Sena (UBT) MPs in Delhi face a dilemma about attending events hosted by Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's ministers amid defection rumors. Aaditya Thackeray advised MPs to seek prior permission from the party, stressing that attending such events could fuel speculation of possible defections, despite the norm of cross-party interactions in Parliament.

A 17-year-old girl was rescued after an eight-month ordeal of abduction, rape, and trafficking, thanks to a wedding photo posted on social media. Police nabbed the main culprit, Vishnu Mali, in Ajmer. Several individuals involved in her trafficking and abuse have been arrested.

PM Modi and US officials address the issue of illegal immigration from India, with Modi highlighting the need to stop human trafficking and exploitative practices while accepting verified violators. Both countries commit to enhancing legal mobility for students and professionals and collaborating in higher education, while tackling illegal immigration. They also discuss potential institutional cooperation between their law enforcement authorities.

US President Donald Trump pledged to address India's security concerns, including extraditing Tahawwur Rana and acting against US-based Khalistani separatists. Trump and Modi agreed on joint action against radical Islamic terrorism. He offered to mediate India-China tensions, but Indian officials declined, preferring a bilateral approach. Modi supported Trump's efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

US President Trump has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. This follows the US Supreme Court's rejection of Rana’s final appeal. Efforts are underway to finalize the logistics for his transfer to India, showcasing strengthened cooperation against terrorism between the two nations.

India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan will compete in the same group for the ICC Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and Dubai. India, who have twice won the title, will start their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai. Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee considers India strong contenders.

Two more US flights carrying illegal Indian immigrants are set to land in Punjab's Amritsar on February 15-16, shortly after PM Modi and President Trump discussed human trafficking. A previous US military flight with 104 deportees, including people from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh, arrived on February 5.

A court in Goa has convicted Vikat Bhagat for the 2017 rape and murder of Irish-British citizen. The judgment was delivered by Judge Kshama Joshi at the District and Sessions Court in Margao. Sentence announcement is scheduled for February 17, with the prosecution seeking the maximum penalty.

Kapil Dev has expressed concern over the rise in injuries among Indian cricketers, attributing it to their demanding schedule. He noted the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru has become more of a rehabilitation center. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are the latest players sidelined due to injuries, which could impact India's performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic for continued diagnostic tests and treatment of bronchitis. Despite his diagnosis on February 6, he persisted with his duties but needed aid to read remarks. His health challenges include bronchitis and past lung surgery, necessitating wheelchair use. He previously had abdominal surgery and treatment for a respiratory infection.

BCCI's new policy prevents Indian cricketers' families from joining the team in the UAE for the 2025 Champions Trophy due to the tour's duration being under 45 days. For longer tours, families can visit for up to two weeks. The 10-point policy, introduced in January, aims to bolster team building and mandates players to participate in domestic cricket.

Where most presidents might shy away from the indignity of a mugshot, Trump did what he does best: he made it the moment. Almost immediately, the photo was emblazoned on T-shirts, flags, posters, coffee mugs, and limited-edition gold coins that looked like something you might win at an Atlantic City casino in 1992. MAGA world didn’t see a criminal charge—they saw a martyr, a political warrior who had been wrongfully targeted, standing up against the system like an orange-hued Joan of Arc.

Kapil Dev wished the Indian cricket team luck for the 2025 Champions Trophy, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. The tournament will be held in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9. Jasprit Bumrah will miss the tournament due to injury, replaced by Harshit Rana. India's squad includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and key players.