Times of India

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) H-1B Employer Data Hub has gone offline, disabling key search tools and removing recent datasets. This public database, launched in 2019, allowed users to analyze H-1B visa sponsorship data. USCIS has apologized for the technical difficulties and is working to restore service.

Iran's attack on the US-owned tanker 'Safesea Vishnu' near Basra has claimed the life of an Indian national, with 27 others rescued. This incident, occurring amidst escalating West Asia tensions, has led to the suspension of oil terminal operations in Iraq. India's External Affairs Ministry is prioritizing the welfare of its diaspora and coordinating assistance for stranded nationals.

Pakistan had a tough time at the 2026 Hundred auction. Haris Rauf went unsold, while ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi withdrew before bidding began. The ECB confirmed Quinton de Kock, Sunil Narine, AM Ghazanfar and Peter Siddle also pulled out due to schedule clashes. Earlier, no Pakistani women players were picked either, reducing Pakistan’s presence in the tournament.

In the past two editions of the T20 World Cups, Nepal's fans have flooded the stands, be it in Texas or in Mumbai. The cricketers have shown the spunk, stomach for a fight, and pushed teams like South Africa and England to the brink. The Rohit Paudel-led team registered their first World Cup win in their third appearance, when they defeated Scotland at Wankhede. Now they must aim higher, but to achieve the summit of Mount Everest, they will need help.

Michael Vaughan hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the finest bowler he's ever witnessed after his T20 World Cup final heroics. Vaughan compared Bumrah's impact to football legends Messi and Ronaldo, stating his presence guarantees victory. Fellow experts agreed, though Alastair Cook questioned his iconic Test spells, a point Vaughan countered with Bumrah's impressive overseas Test records.

Arbaaz Khan shared that his father, veteran writer Salim Khan, is “improving” and may be discharged soon. The 90-year-old was hospitalised at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital on February 17 after a mild brain haemorrhage. Salim Khan, co-writer of classics like Sholay and Don, continues to recover under medical supervision.

A crude oil tanker has reached Mumbai Port after navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The Liberia-flagged Shenlong Suezmax brought crude from Saudi Arabia. It temporarily went off tracking systems in the high-risk strait. Iran has intensified shipping restrictions. Over 20 million barrels of oil pass through the strait daily.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held three recent talks with his Iranian counterpart, focusing on maritime shipping safety and India's energy security amid rising Middle East tensions. Iran has ensured safe passage for Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil trade and India's energy imports.

A top US Space Force general warned that America must develop offensive capabilities in space to counter China's rapidly growing satellite network. He emphasized that simply defending satellites won't suffice against potential threats. The US is enhancing its ability to track and target, acknowledging space as a critical warfighting domain amidst rising global competition.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar faced a tough phase in 2012. Poor form and team defeats led to discussions about his future. The BCCI selection committee chairman met with Tendulkar. This led to Tendulkar's retirement from ODIs and later Tests. He retired from international cricket after a long career, leaving behind numerous records.

Suryakumar Yadav may have led India to T20 World Cup glory, but his leadership journey still draws heavily from Rohit Sharma’s blueprint. From aggressive cricket to backing players, Rohit's influence remains clear. Now, Surya faces the same defining choice his predecessor once made: step aside at the right time and secure a legacy not just as a champion, but as a visionary leader.

Ghazipur police have arrested a mother and son for allegedly killing the 19-year-old daughter. The duo reportedly acted out of anger over her relationship with a Hindu man. They are accused of forcing her to consume poison. The body was found in a field. The mother and son were apprehended while attempting to flee.

A Liberian-flagged oil tanker, captained by an Indian, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz to reach Mumbai Port. This marks a significant transit amid heightened Middle East tensions, with Iran reportedly granting safe passage to Indian vessels. Authorities are actively monitoring 28 Indian-flagged ships and seafarers in the Persian Gulf.

South African and West Indies cricket contingents have finally left India after days of travel chaos. Airspace closures in West Asia disrupted flights, stranding players in Kolkata post-T20 World Cup. The ICC confirmed the safe departure of the remaining 29 South Africans and 16 West Indians, concluding a complex logistical operation amidst challenging global travel conditions.

The proposed facility in Texas will be Reliance Industries’ second greenfield investment outside India. Reliance Industries, which has a market capitalisation of ₹18.82 lakh crore ($204 billion), runs the world’s largest integrated refinery complex at a single site in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Dancer Shakti Mohan shares her experience choreographing for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmaavat. Her first big project was the song 'Nainowale Ne'. Mohan found the opportunity overwhelming and chose not to accept payment. She described Bhansali as a strict director. Mohan also detailed working with actress Deepika Padukone on set due to tight schedules.

India's Lakshya Sen is considered a strong medal contender for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after his Paris 2024 debut and a strong showing at the 2026 All England Championships. Former player Trupti Murgunde believes Sen is well-positioned but stresses the importance of sustained form, fitness, and wise tournament choices over the next two years.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a wedding. A man fired shots at him, but his security team intervened, saving his life. Abdullah expressed gratitude to God and called for an investigation into the incident. He also commented on the prevailing atmosphere of hatred and the need for unity.