Times of India

The high-stakes campaign for the February 5 Delhi assembly elections ended with AAP and BJP in a fierce contest. Key issues included welfare schemes, corruption, and development, as parties made last-ditch efforts to sway voters. The electorate's decision will be revealed on February 8.

A fire broke out at Sanatkada Fest in Lucknow, causing significant damage to temporary food canopies. Thanks to timely evacuation and quick response by fire departments and volunteers, no injuries were reported, and the fire was contained. Financial losses are estimated at Rs 15 lakh, with the festival resuming shortly after the incident.

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi cautions against the Waqf amendment bill, warning it could cause social instability and violation of constitutional rights. The bill, which has been rejected by the Muslim community, was approved by a joint parliamentary committee with amendments proposed by the BJP-led NDA.

Tickets for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium were sold out quickly, leaving many fans unable to secure a spot. The tournament, featuring eight teams, will be held across venues in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9.

Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha speech sparked controversy, with claims about Chinese intrusion, electoral irregularities in Maharashtra, and alleged lobbying by external affairs minister for getting an invite for Trump inauguration. BJP leaders and ministers strongly refuted his statements, highlighting potential damage to India's international image.

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a one-month pause on US tariffs after a phone conversation with President Donald Trump. Both countries also agreed to combat drug trafficking and the smuggling of high-powered weapons, focusing on security and trade cooperation by deploying 10,000 National Guard members to Mexico's northern border.

Brad Pitt is determined to reconnect with his son Pax, following several of Pax's reckless motor accidents. Despite his finalized divorce from Angelina Jolie, Brad seeks her support to stabilize their son's life. Pitt regrets missing critical years due to custody issues but remains committed to making a positive change, emphasizing Pax's need for a strong male figure.

An ex-serviceman, Manzoor Ahmed Waghey, was shot dead in a terrorist attack in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir. His wife and niece were injured and rushed to a hospital. A joint search operation has been launched in response. The incident has been condemned by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and MLA Salman Sagar, calling for maintaining peace and justice.

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma has urged the government to make domestic violence and harassment laws gender-neutral, citing NCRB data showing 72% of suicide victims in 2022 were men, many due to domestic reasons. He highlights the need for legal and emotional support for men facing false allegations.

Ontario, Canada has banned US firms from government contracts, affecting a $100-million deal with Elon Musk's Starlink. Premier Doug Ford announced the move in response to US-imposed tariffs on Canada. Ontario's $30 billion annual procurement spend and $200 billion development plan will now exclude US businesses unless tariffs are removed, potentially causing significant financial losses for those firms.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju countered Rahul Gandhi's remarks on caste representation and claimed the Prime Minister is the most prominent OBC leader. He questioned Congress's history with Tribal, Dalit, and OBC appointments. Rijiju also disputed Gandhi's claims about the External Affairs Minister and China's territorial incursions, asserting these statements malign India's image.

The 2025 Royal Rumble has set the stage for new feuds and title challenges, with Charlotte Flair and Jey Uso securing WrestleMania 41 main event spots. Alexa Bliss's return, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins' emerging feud, and Flair's upcoming opponent decision are key highlights to watch on RAW and SmackDown.

Pete Alonso's contract discussions with the New York Mets appear uncertain as the Toronto Blue Jays show strong interest in signing him. The Blue Jays are reportedly ready to offer a $116 Million deal, which surpasses the Mets' $70 Million offer. Alonso's agent, Scott Boras, might negotiate a better deal for him with the Blue Jays.

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to return for the first time since 2017. Former captains Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri picked India and Australia as favourites to reach the final, with England and South Africa as strong contenders for semifinals.

BJP MPs have submitted a notice against Sonia Gandhi for allegedly using derogatory remarks about the President of India, asking for disciplinary action. The BJP claimed her comments violated parliamentary ethics and decorum, aiming to protect the dignity of the highest constitutional authority. They also filed a notice against MP Pappu Yadav.

BJP mocked Rahul Gandhi for mentioning 'China' 34 times in his Lok Sabha speech. Gandhi asserted China leads India by a decade in production and data sectors. He criticized the 'Make in India' initiative, blaming its failure for China's presence in Indian territory. He voiced concerns about reliance on Chinese technology in potential conflicts.

Aaradhya Bachchan seeks Delhi High Court action to remove misleading content about her. Legal notices were issued to Google and other platforms; a hearing is set for March 17. Previously, the court ordered Google's removal of false videos about her health, stressing the need for dignity and respect for all children.