Times of India

Shreyas Iyer revealed he wasn't initially in India's line-up for the first ODI against England, stepping in last-minute for the injured Virat Kohli. Iyer shone with a key 59 off 36 balls, leading India to victory. Aakash Chopra questioned the logic of the initial selection, praising Iyer's indispensable role in India's middle order.

USAID is under heavy scrutiny after a Trump administration crackdown and a 90-day pause in foreign assistance. Concerns over the agency's expenditures, including funding initiatives in LGBTQ and other social domains, have been raised. The list of controversial spending includes significant amounts for projects in diverse regions, sparking debates about the agency's accountability.

Ratan Tata's will reveals significant inheritance for Jamshedpur-based entrepreneur Mohini Mohan Dutta, a former Tata Group employee. Dutta is entitled to one-third of the residual estate, sparking interest and debate.

A teenage girl in Shanghai accidentally sold her mother's jewellery, worth one million yuan, for 60 yuan to buy lip studs and earrings. Believing the items were fake, she made the sale. Police quickly traced and recovered the valuables, returning them to the mother.

A group of Pakistani pilgrims attended the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, praising India's government for speedy visa processing and well-organized arrangements. The event, drawing millions worldwide, continues to offer peace and cultural connection, running until February 26, 2025.

A fire broke out at the Mahakumbh Mela site in Prayagraj, burning 20-22 tents but resulting in no injuries or fatalities. The fire, which started in the ISKCON tent, was quickly controlled. The cause is under investigation, and no one was hurt.

Nasa employees have been directed to remove all pronouns from emails and other applications following an executive order from the Trump administration. In response, Nasa disabled the ability to add pronouns in user displays and mandated uniform signature blocks. Public materials referencing gender identity were also affected.

RBI MPC meet: The Reserve Bank of India announced a 25 basis point cut in the repo rate, now at 6.25%, the first reduction in five years. The decision follows declining inflation rates and the need to support economic growth.

Josh Allen wins the 2024 NFL MVP award, edging out Lamar Jackson despite Jackson's record-breaking stats. Kevin O'Connell secures Coach of the Year, while Saquon Barkley and Patrick Surtain II win top offensive and defensive honors respectively. Joe Burrow earns Comeback Player of the Year.

A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan with 10 people onboard has gone missing over Alaska during a flight from Unalakleet to Nome. Search and rescue operations are underway after the aircraft last transmitted data at 3.16pm local time over Norton Sound. This incident adds to a tragic week in aviation marked by other fatal crashes.

Harshit Rana’s ODI debut hints at Jasprit Bumrah’s possible unavailability for the Champions Trophy, as suggested by Aakash Chopra. Rana’s inclusion over Siraj and the delay in Arshdeep Singh’s comeback raise concerns about India's pace attack. Chopra also questions the batting order, particularly Jaiswal's opening that moved Shubman Gill to No. 3.

A four-month pregnant woman traveling alone in the ladies' compartment of a train was molested and pushed out by a youth when she resisted his advances near Vellore. The woman sustained fractures and was hospitalized. The suspect, Hemaraj, who has a history of violence, has been arrested.

Ann Coulter, known for her controversial remarks, faced backlash for her tweet suggesting Indian-American politician Vivek Ramaswamy should be deported. This has reignited criticism following her comments against Ramaswamy due to his Indian origin. The incident coincided with the deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the US, aligned with Trump's stance on illegal immigration.

Renowned Indian fashion designer Rohit Bal passed away at 63, leaving behind a legal dispute over his estate. The Delhi High Court has ordered a status quo on his assets following a plea from his close friend, Lalit Tehlan, who claims to be the primary beneficiary of Bal’s will.

Stock market today: BSE Sensex and Nifty50, the Indian equity benchmark indices, ended in red today. While BSE Sensex went below the 77,600 mark, Nifty50 was below 23,500 intraday.

Hundreds of Indians are returning from the US on deportation flights after spending their life savings and enduring perilous journeys. Despite their shattered dreams and heartbreaking experiences, many remain determined to attempt the dangerous route again for a chance at a better future.

A 14-year-old Class 9 student in Noida sent hoax bomb threats to four schools, aiming for a day off. Inspired by YouTube videos, he used VPN to obscure his identity. The hoax led to evacuations and a significant police response. The student has been sent to a correctional facility.