Times of India

Shadab Khan responded strongly to criticism from Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi after Pakistan’s loss to India, defending senior players and the team’s process. The all-rounder cited Pakistan’s lone World Cup win over India in 2021, brushed aside external criticism, and stressed that the team remains focused on winning the T20 World Cup.

Tensions escalate as US officials warn of a massive, weeks-long military operation against Iran, potentially alongside Israel, targeting its nuclear and missile programs. Diplomatic talks are ongoing but face significant hurdles, with a 90% chance of kinetic action predicted by some advisors. Israel also prepares for imminent conflict.

Tax investigators in Hyderabad have uncovered a powerful 'delete' function in restaurant billing software, enabling widespread sales suppression. This feature, allowing deletion of up to a month's sales history, has led to probes into numerous eateries, with some accused of evading taxes on crores annually. AI tools are aiding the crackdown.

A late-night house party hosted by former UFC star Quinton “Rampage” Jackson turned chaotic after a physical fight broke out between retired MMA fighter Tiki Ghosn and streamer Deen The Great. The confrontation was streamed live. The clips of the party went viral on social media. Viewers watched as a verbal argument escalated in front of guests.

The Supreme Court has directed cricketer Mohammad Shami to respond to his estranged wife's plea to transfer multiple cases, including a domestic violence one, from West Bengal to Delhi. The court issued notices to Shami and others, seeking their replies on the transfer petitions. This follows an earlier plea for increased maintenance for their daughter.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has criticised the United States and China. He stated that Western countries spread fundamentalism. Bhagwat asserted India possesses solutions to global problems. He called for accelerating 'Ghar Wapsi'. Bhagwat also urged Hindus to have at least three children. He emphasized strengthening India in all areas to become a world leader.

Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup campaign faces a blow as fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is ruled out due to a muscle strain sustained against Australia. Dilshan Madushanka has been approved as his replacement. Pathirana's injury, which occurred early in his spell, also raises concerns for his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders.

As India's private sector workforce steps into a new era of financial independence, individuals are urged to take charge of their retirement savings. The National Pension System (NPS) stands out as a strategic investment choice, boasting market-driven returns and offering recent updates that enhance user flexibility.

​Mahua Moitra also shared a Vaishnaw's deleted X post in which he had purportedly praised the Galgotias University's robodog, which triggered a massive backlash online over its Chinese origins. ​ In the post, as was posted by the TMC leader, Vaishnaw had said: "Bharat's sovereign models are performing well on global benchmarks."

In 1911, Prayagraj witnessed the world's first official airmail service, a 13-minute flight by French aviator Henri Pequet carrying 6,500 letters. This pioneering event, staged at the UP Exhibition, marked a significant leap from pigeon post, demonstrating the potential of powered flight to conquer distance and reshape global communication. The historic flight launched a new era in postal history.

Galgotias University apologized for misrepresenting a commercially available robotic dog as an in-house innovation at the AI Impact Summit 2026. The university blamed a professor for providing incorrect information, a stark contrast to its initial claims of a "propaganda campaign." The incident drew criticism from opposition leaders, who called the summit a "disorganized PR spectacle."

Pakistan made a significant change, dropping fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi for their must-win T20 World Cup match against Namibia. The team also brought in Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay. This decision comes amidst criticism of senior players' recent performances and the team's precarious position in the tournament.

Muslims worldwide eagerly await the Ramadan crescent moon sighting, marking the start of the holy month. This year, fasting is expected to begin on February 18th in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, while South Asia, Europe, and North America may commence on February 19th due to local sighting variations. The month emphasizes fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity.

Canadian investor Kevin O'Leary warns the US against adopting Europe's stringent AI regulations, fearing it could cede global leadership. He highlights the UAE's pro-business approach as a successful model. O'Leary also stresses the need for a robust power grid and open chip policies to attract global talent and maintain AI dominance, citing historical examples of successful innovation through talent acquisition.

A former ISRO employee, Nagesh Ishwar Rao, was arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly strangling his wife, Sandhya Shri, to death. Police revealed Rao cited anxieties about his wife's future as his motive. The couple's daughter, residing in the US, has been notified. An investigation into the tragic incident is ongoing.