Times of India

Sonu Nigam criticizes the Padma Awards for neglecting notable singers like Kishore Kumar and Alka Yagnik. Kangana Ranaut begins shooting a new film with R. Madhavan, raising speculation about 'Tanu Weds Manu 3.' Rumours about Zanai Bhosle dating cricketer Mohammed Siraj are debunked.

Budget 2025 income tax expectations: Most personal tax experts are of the view that the government will phase out the old income tax regime in the coming years. However, they are divided on how soon.

The Indian Embassy in Laos successfully rescued 67 Indian youth from cyber-scam centres in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. These youth had been trafficked and forced to work under intimidation. Indian officials coordinated with Lao authorities to ensure their safe return to India, and have provided advisory warnings against such fraudulent job offers.

A CBI court in Chandigarh sentenced senior Himachal Pradesh police officers to life imprisonment for the custodial death of an accused in the 2017 rape and murder case of a schoolgirl. The eight convicted officers were found guilty of murder, criminal conspiracy, wrongful confinement, and fabricating evidence.

Bill Gates recently expressed regret over his divorce from Melinda French after 27 years of marriage, revealing the decision made their lives miserable for two years. The divorce partly stemmed from Gates' association with Jeffrey Epstein and an alleged affair with a Microsoft employee. Both have since moved on, with Gates dating Paula Hurd and French dating Philip Vaughn.

Early Sunday, Chicago witnessed a series of immigration raids led by federal agents targeting undocumented immigrants, resulting in 956 arrests nationwide. This operation, live-streamed by Trump border czar Tom Homan, underscores the administration's escalated deportation agenda, impacting mixed-status families and visa holders, especially in the Indian community, causing widespread fear and uncertainty.

Vineeta Singh, a judge on Shark Tank India, shared her marathon journey and recent victory. She marked 17 years of running, including 14 Mumbai Marathons and nearly 15000 km, achieving a Sub 4 for the 42km distance. Her milestones include the Comrades Marathon and Ironman Triathlon, showcasing her dedication to fitness and its impact on her career success.

During a post-match conference after Pakistan's loss to the West Indies, Shan Masood expressed dissatisfaction with a journalist's disrespectful question about his captaincy. Masood emphasized respect for players and stated the decision on leadership lies with the PCB. He highlighted the team's struggle to dismiss lower-order batsmen and the importance of seizing opportunities in Tests.

Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the UCC portal, indicating its formal adoption. The UCC aims to provide equal rights for all citizens, standardizing laws for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption while excluding Scheduled Tribes to protect their rights.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Union home minister Amit Shah's visit to the Maha Kumbh, asserting that a dip in the Ganga won’t alleviate poverty. He accused BJP leaders of exploiting religion for publicity and labelled the BJP-RSS actions as traitorous. Kharge emphasized the importance of unity and protecting the Constitution to combat poverty and unemployment.

Jasprit Bumrah has been named ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2024 after a stellar comeback in Test cricket, claiming 71 wickets in 13 matches. His outstanding performances, including a Player of the Series award in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and key contributions to India's victories against England, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Australia, underline his dominance and skill.

Robert Kiyosaki, author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad,' predicts a massive stock market crash in February 2025, describing it as the biggest in history. He sees this as an opportunity for prepared investors and underscores the potential of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies during this financial downturn.

The diplomatic dispute between the US and Colombia intensifies as Colombia blocks two US military planes carrying deported migrants. Trump condemns the move, announcing tariffs and sanctions. In retaliation, Colombia imposes its own tariffs on US imports. The conflict escalates with Trump's viral 'FAFO' meme emphasizing the stance that actions have consequences.

Former cricketer Suresh Raina praised Virat Kohli for his unique mindset and relentless dedication ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Raina also lauded young Yashasvi Jaiswal’s hunger for runs and inspiring journey to international cricket. The 15-member squad, led by Rohit Sharma, includes experienced and young players, with key clashes against Pakistan and New Zealand.

Chilkapalli village in Bijapur, once a Naxal-prone area, has received electricity for the first time since Independence under Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ scheme. The villagers now feel safer, can watch TV, and find it easier to cook and teach their children. It took 3-4 months to set up the electricity facilities.

India opener Smriti Mandhana was crowned ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024, amassing 747 runs in just 13 innings. The India vice-captain averaged 57.86 with a strike rate of 95.15, scoring four centuries to set a new career high in ODIs.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee has approved the proposed Waqf amendment bill, removing the clause that existing Waqf properties can be questioned on the grounds of 'Waqf by user'. Despite opposition objections and numerous amendments proposed, the committee passed all changes brought by the ruling BJP-led NDA.

Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the UCC portal and issued a notification for its adoption. The UCC standardizes personal laws across religions, covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships.

Union home minister Amit Shah visited Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh, taking a holy bath at the Triveni Sangam. The event, showcasing Sanatan culture and unity, has attracted over 110 million pilgrims since January 13 and is expected to draw 45 crore visitors by its end on February 26.