Times of India

The BCCI mandated participation in domestic matches for national team selection and imposed restrictions on personal staff and families during tours after India’s poor performance in Australia. Players are also prohibited from personal shoots or endorsements during series, with non-compliance attracting penalties including fee cuts and potential IPL bans.

Palestinian envoy Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer emphasizes India's potential to aid Gaza post-ceasefire, highlighting historical ties and mutual respect. He praises PM Modi's regional influence and calls for India's sustained humanitarian efforts following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release agreement.

The BCCI has announced the 2025 Women's Premier League schedule, with 22 matches across four cities. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will open against Gujarat Giants on February 14. Baroda hosts the first six matches, followed by Bengaluru, then Lucknow. The final leg, including the Eliminator and Final, will be held in Mumbai on March 13 and 15 respectively.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was injured in a late-night home attack by an armed intruder at his Bandra residence. The actor sustained serious injuries defending his family. Police are investigating the incident, leveraging CCTV footage to identify the suspect, who demanded money and fled the scene.

Navigating the job market in India remains challenging, with a sluggish labor market in 2024. Technology-driven roles dominated, reflecting digital transformation. In 2025, new opportunities arise in areas like aviation, IT, and sustainability. Emerging roles include Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Robotics Specialists, and Behavioral Therapists, showcasing diversification and optimism for better employment prospects.

Incoming President Donald Trump is reportedly backing Indian-American Rohit Ramaswamy to succeed JD Vance in the Ohio Senate, as Vance prepares to become Vice President. If Ramaswamy accepts, he will be the first Indian-American male Senator, with Governor Mike DeWine set to appoint a successor for two years.

Sunita Williams, an Indian-origin astronaut, conducted her first spacewalk in seven months alongside Nick Hague at the International Space Station to perform overdue repairs. This mission extended due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule, leaving Williams and colleague Butch Wilmore stranded. This spacewalk marks Williams' eighth, signifying her extensive space experience.

PM Narendra Modi celebrates India's 25th position in the first QS World Future Skills Index, noting its efforts to empower the youth with technology and innovation. India excelled in the “Future of Work” category but needs improvement in AI and green technology training. The report highlights the importance of aligning education with industry needs for future growth.

NEET UG 2025 in offline mode: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced NEET-UG 2025 will be conducted in pen-and-paper format on a single day and shift, in contrast to the NTA Expert Committee's recommendation for a computer-based test. The registration is expected to begin in early 2025.

Pope Francis, 88, experienced another fall, injuring his right forearm, although no fractures were sustained. This incident follows a previous fall in December that resulted in a chin injury. Despite ongoing health issues and frequent wheelchair use, Francis has stated he never considered resignation, even after a significant intestinal surgery.

In a shocking incident, an armed intruder broke into Saif Ali Khan's Bandra residence, demanding Rs 1 crore and injuring Khan, his staff, and his son's nanny. The attack happened around 2am, waking the entire household. Police have launched an investigation, describing the suspect as a man in his late 30s with a slim build.

Israeli PM Netanyahu's Cabinet delayed approving a Gaza ceasefire agreement until Hamas resolves a last-minute issue. The deal aims to end over 15 months of conflict, facilitate humanitarian aid, and release hostages and prisoners. Qatar confirmed the agreement set to begin Sunday, with 33 Israeli hostages freed. Key details and exact terms remain undisclosed.

Hindenburg Research has stopped its operations following accusations of economic terrorism and connections to George Soros. Critics claim the move is part of a conspiracy to destabilize global markets, including India's economy. Legal experts suggest the shutdown might be due to pressure from US authorities and ongoing investigations. They call for further investigation into the firm's actions.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to bolster the Indian cricket team's support staff by appointing Sitanshu Kotak as the new batting coach. Kotak, an experienced former cricketer and current India A head coach, will join head coach Gautam Gambhir and other coaching personnel for the home series against England.

Isro successfully completed its first satellite docking manoeuvre, marking a significant step for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and India's space station. The manoeuvre involved two satellites uniting at an orbital altitude of around 475km. PM Modi and Union minister Jitendra Singh praised the achievement, highlighting its importance for India's space ambitions. The docking process included various stages and validations.