Times of India

In a significant police operation, the Special Task Force (STF) eliminated Arshad, a member of the Mustafa Kagga gang, along with his accomplices in Shamli district. STF Inspector Sunil Kumar was critically injured in the shootout. Arshad had a criminal history marked by numerous cases of robbery and murder.

England will play their first T20I against India in Kolkata, with Jos Buttler leading the team but not keeping wickets. This is England's first limited-overs tour under coach Brendon McCullum. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are favorites on home ground. Mohammed Shami returns to the Indian team after recovering from a foot injury.

Harpinder Singh from Barwa village in Ropar won the Rs 10 crore grand prize in the Punjab State Lohri Makar Sankranti Bumper lottery 2025. Singh, a truck driver previously working in Kuwait, bought the ticket for Rs 500. The family plans to pay off debts, secure their future, and engage in welfare activities to support the needy.

The parents of a Kolkata rape-and-murder victim are distraught after convict Sanjay Roy received a life sentence rather than the death penalty. They blame the investigating agency for not proving the case as 'rarest of rare'. Both parents and neighbours expressed disappointment, with plans to cancel celebrations until all involved culprits are punished.

Hardik Pandya is highlighted as a crucial player for India's ICC Champions Trophy campaign by former Pakistani wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal and former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina. His all-round capabilities in batting and bowling are deemed essential for the team's success. The tournament will be held in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9.

The Trump inauguration featured Vice-president JD Vance’s wife Usha Chilukuri Vance, impressing with a stunning peony cashmere coat and dress. Trump jokingly praised her intelligence, suggesting a preference for her as VP. Melania Trump wore an Adam Lippes outfit, accompanied by a large hat, adding to the fashionable highlights of the event.

US President Trump has initiated a second withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, affecting international climate change efforts. The decision undermines global warming initiatives and distinguishes the US from its allies. The move coincides with worsening climate impacts, like severe wildfires, and economic transitions towards clean energy.

The Senate unanimously confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state on Inauguration Day, making him the first Latino to hold the position. Democrats are strategically cooperating on certain nominees while reserving opposition for others. Rubio is acknowledged for his expertise in American foreign policy and his stance on China's rise.

Regional parties in India received significant donations through electoral bonds in 2023-24 before the Supreme Court scrapped the bonds in February 2024. Trinamool Congress and BRS were top beneficiaries. AAP was the only national party to declare such receipts. Income and expenditure varied significantly among parties, with TMC, BJD, and TDP seeing notable increases.

The Centre informed the Supreme Court about the widespread application of halal certification beyond food items, affecting prices significantly. The solicitor general highlighted how certification fees were collected even for non-food items like cement and water bottles. UP banned halal-certified food products in November 2023, citing public health and potential consumer confusion.

Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar reaffirms commitment to secular and progressive politics, warns against divisiveness and corruption, and urges higher-income beneficiaries to opt out of the Ladki Bahin Yojana. He emphasizes transparency in party membership and criticizes opposition complaints about EVMs when they lose elections.

Legal experts question why Mumbai police have not charged Saif Ali Khan's alleged attacker with attempted murder, given the grievous injuries from multiple stab wounds. The actor’s condition suggests serious harm, warranting the offence under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They stress adding this charge would strengthen the case, particularly if the robbery charge fails.

Harsha Richaria’s participation in the Shahi Snan at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh has sparked controversy among seers. While Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri supports her, others like Swami Anand Swaroop object. Richaria seeks to learn about Sanatan Dharma and spread awareness in society. Her involvement has garnered significant attention on social media.

During a speech at Capitol One Arena, Elon Musk made a gesture that some interpreted as a Nazi salute while many defended his gesture and said Elon Musk was giving his heart out to the people and was not enacting a Nazi salute. "Elon just did a full Nazi salute, can’t help himself," one wrote.

The Indian government is reviewing the import basket to consider sourcing certain items from the US, aiming to improve trade balance amid Trump's concerns over high import tariffs. India targets sectors like pharma and electronics as potential beneficiaries due to increased tariffs on Chinese imports and security restrictions on China.

IIT Madras director V Kamakoti claims cow urine has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, citing research papers, including those in Nature. His comments have attracted criticism for promoting 'pseudo-science.' Political parties and others have demanded his resignation, highlighting the Indian veterinary research institute's warning against human consumption of cow urine.

A woman in Bhilwara died inside an ambulance due to jammed doors. The state health department has formed a committee to investigate. The family claims the ambulance lacked oxygen and the staff were unfamiliar with the route. EMRIGHS stated the woman had no vital signs on arrival and provided documentation for their claims.

Masked Khalistanis stormed Harrow Vue cinema during a screening of the movie 'Emergency,' intimidating the audience and shouting anti-India slogans. The disruption led to the cancellation of the film and distressed many viewers. Police arrived but made no arrests, citing the protesters' rights. The Sikh Press Association supported the protest, labeling the movie propaganda.

Neeraj Chopra revealed his wedding to Himani Mor through social media, sharing pictures from their intimate ceremony. The couple married in a private event attended by close family. Himani Mor, a tennis player and graduate, and Neeraj planned the wedding considering his busy training schedule.

R Praggnanandhaa won against Arjun Erigaisi in the third round of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025. The game concluded with Praggnanandhaa leading the table with a score of 2.5/3. Other notable matches include a draw between D Gukesh and Fabiano Caruana and Leon Luke Mendonca earning his first point. The tournament saw mixed results for Indian players.