Times of India

SoftBank's massive "all-in" bet on OpenAI, backed by aggressive divestments including Nvidia, is reportedly causing significant financial strain. The Japanese tech giant's shares have plummeted, its credit outlook downgraded, and it's seeking bridge loans. This AI investment is also impacting partners like Oracle, whose stock has tumbled amid concerns over data center costs and reliance on OpenAI.

The Supreme Court expressed frustration over frequent West Bengal-related petitions, questioning its workload. Petitioners challenging voter list deletions highlighted a lack of appeal options. The court agreed to hear these alongside ongoing voter roll scrutiny issues, emphasizing that bureaucrats shouldn't overrule judicial officers' decisions.

A flight to Manchester experienced a significant delay and returned to Delhi after over 13 hours due to a call sign mix-up. The leased aircraft, operating under IndiGo's code, faced air traffic control confusion in Eritrea. This incident highlights the complexities of rerouting flights around West Asian airspace due to ongoing conflicts, impacting flight durations and operational viability.

India faces a nearly 40% hit to its LNG supply due to the West Asia conflict, prompting the government to devise an "optimisation plan" for industries. While fertiliser remains a priority, some supply reduction is possible, though the sector is currently buffered by high urea stocks and the agricultural lean season.

In a tragic twist of fate, Kundan Kumar, a speech-impaired teenager in Bihar's Vaishali district, lost his life over a cricket match misunderstanding. While caught up in the excitement of the India-New Zealand T20 World Cup final, a misunderstood cheer from Kundan triggered a violent confrontation with another individual.

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has reacted to the trailer of 'Dhurandhar 2'. He described the film's scale and intensity as 'stratospheric level'. Varma previously lauded the first 'Dhurandhar' as a 'quantum leap' for Indian cinema. The sequel is set to release on March 19. The trailer has generated significant online buzz and anticipation for the espionage thriller.

Pakistan has implemented austerity measures to conserve fuel amid Middle East conflict concerns. These include a two-week school closure, reduced government fuel allowances by 50%, and a four-day workweek for public offices, with 50% of staff working remotely. These steps aim to manage potential supply disruptions and reduce domestic demand for imported fuel.

Japan is deploying its first long-range missiles. Launchers have arrived at a camp in Kumamoto Prefecture. These missiles will be operational by the end of March. This move comes amid rising tensions around Taiwan. Japan is accelerating its military buildup in the southwestern region. The missiles have a significantly extended range. Further deployments are planned for later this year.

Miami Dolphins are releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, incurring a record $99 million in dead cap money. This move positions Tagovailoa as a potential target for the Atlanta Falcons, who are expected to part ways with Kirk Cousins. He could serve as a bridge quarterback for Michael Penix Jr. as he recovers from injury.

Iran's leadership faces internal divisions following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Pezeshkian's apology to neighbours sparked backlash from hardliners. The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader also revealed rifts. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' influence is growing, highlighting power struggles within Tehran's establishment during the ongoing conflict.

Nepal’s political landscape witnessed a dramatic transformation, as newly elected youth leader Balendra “Balen” Shah unseated veteran politician and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from his parliamentary stronghold. A structural engineer by profession who first rose to prominence as the mayor of Kathmandu, Shah has now made history four years later by becoming the youngest person ever to claim Nepal’s Prime Ministership.