Times of India

'No Country, Including India, Will Be Spared'

A 60-year-old assistant director, set to retire soon, was found dead in his office in Pavagada. In a WhatsApp video, he blamed his joint director for harassment, stating it pushed him to commit suicide. Police have registered an abetment case against the joint director based on a complaint by the deceased's wife.

The Times of India Sports Awards 2025 showcased a grand celebration of Indian sporting excellence, bringing together top athletes, legends, and officials under one roof. The event highlighted outstanding achievements across disciplines, honouring dedication, performance, and resilience. With inspiring moments and recognition of emerging and established stars alike, it reflected India’s growing stature in global sports and its deep talent pool.

Iran's escalating strikes have inflicted significant operational and reputational costs on the US and Israel, resulting in the loss of over two dozen aircraft and advanced military systems. Relatively low-cost Iranian tactics have successfully targeted expensive US assets, including THAAD radar and an F-35 fighter, raising concerns about modern warfare vulnerabilities.

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly refuted hypocrisy claims regarding his stance on Indian ownership benefiting Pakistani cricketers in overseas leagues. He clarified his commentary roles and denied receiving payment for a Dubai show during the Asia Cup, emphasizing his desire for Indians to cease financially supporting Pakistani players. Gavaskar's remarks follow Abrar Ahmed's signing by Sunrisers Leeds.

Dennis “Loverboy” Condrey, legendary Midnight Express wrestler, died at 74. Dax Harwood shared the news and emotional memories, while AEW also paid tribute. Condrey’s work in the 1970s and 1980s helped shape tag team wrestling. Fans and wrestlers continue to honor his legacy, remembering his influence, guidance, and lasting impact on the sport.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have downed an Israeli F-16 over central Iran, a charge Israel denies, stating only that one of its aircraft faced missile fire without sustaining damage. This incident follows Iran's earlier assertion of damaging a US F-35. Independent verification of any aircraft being hit remains elusive.

Mumbai Crime Branch detained the 14th accused, Golu Pandit, in Uttar Pradesh for the firing incident outside Rohit Shetty's home on February 1. The police have invoked stringent MCOCA provisions, suspecting an organized crime syndicate. Investigations are ongoing to retrieve deleted chats and uncover the full conspiracy.

Over 20 nations have pledged support for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, condemning Iran's actions that have effectively closed the vital waterway. Citing attacks on commercial vessels and energy infrastructure, these countries emphasized freedom of navigation as a core international law principle.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan sharply criticized Congress and Rahul Gandhi, labeling them the "B-team of BJP" and accusing them of failing to learn from past experiences. He highlighted their repeated allegations against Arvind Kejriwal despite court dismissals and claimed Congress aligns with the BJP at both national and state levels.

India anticipates meeting peak summer electricity demand despite Middle East conflict, relying on coal, renewables, and battery storage. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal stated limited gas dependence shields the system. A 4 GW imported coal plant and fast-tracked wind projects will bolster supply, while solar covers daytime needs and batteries address evening demand.

England's Ashes campaign faced intense scrutiny over dressing-room culture, with allegations of indiscipline and a lack of seriousness. Despite initial setbacks and off-field controversies, Brendon McCullum's job was saved by a decisive shift in approach during the Sri Lanka tour and subsequent World Cup progress. However, lingering questions remain about the team's ability to perform under pressure.

At the Times of India Sports Awards 2025, Kuldeep Yadav and Harmanpreet Kaur won Cricketer of the Year. Spinner Kuldeep impressed with match-winning spin performances, while batter Harmanpreet led with aggressive captaincy and consistency. The awards reflected Indian cricket’s strong 2025, with both teams achieving success and rising global dominance.

AI firm Anthropic is challenging the Pentagon's national security risk claim in a California court, arguing the military's case stems from misunderstandings. Anthropic's policy chief refutes demands for military operation approval, while another executive clarifies their AI, once deployed in secure government systems, is beyond their control. The company alleges the designation is retaliation for its AI safety advocacy.

A viral online persona, Jessica Foster, presented as a patriotic Army woman, has been exposed as an AI-generated fake. Experts highlight this as a growing strategy by right-wing accounts to blend patriotism with explicit content, using convincing AI imagery to attract viewers, monetize interest, and promote political agendas.