Times of India

Australia's Mitchell Starc attributes his Champions Trophy absence to ankle soreness and unspecified personal views. Ahead of the Test Championship final and tours, Starc emphasizes fitness recovery. As the lone constant in recent matches, he'll play for Delhi Capitals in the IPL before the next series.

SpaceX launched the Athena lander on its third Moon mission of 2025, marking Intuitive Machines' second attempt at a lunar touchdown. The IM-2 mission aims to explore lunar ice deposits near the Moon's south pole, supporting Nasa's Artemis programme planned for later this decade.

Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava', directed by Laxman Utekar, became 2025's highest opener with a collection of Rs. 31 crores on day 1. Currently, the film is nearing the ₹400 crore mark at the Indian box office, having grossed ₹385 crores in 13 days. Aiming for further success, 'Chhaava' is set for a Telugu release on March 7.

Thursday saw a tense exchange between Hamas and Israel as four Israeli hostages' bodies were returned, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were released. With the ceasefire's first phase concluding and its future uncertain, both sides navigate complex negotiations amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Trump administration is making significant reductions to foreign aid contracts, slashing over 90% of USAID contracts and cutting $60 billion in global assistance. This decision follows a 90-day review of international aid programmes by USAID and the State Department. The cuts leave few projects intact, prompting legal efforts by advocates to preserve them.

Cabinet has approved amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill with changes recommended by the Parliamentary panel, clearing its path for discussion in the budget session. The bill includes recognition of existing 'Registered Waqf by User' only and ensures broader representation in waqf boards.

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck Assam's Morigaon district early on Thursday morning, with its epicentre at a depth of 16 km. Earlier, a 5.1 magnitude quake hit the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday morning, originating 91 km below the surface, as per the National Center for Seismology.

Falling rupee and rising hotel tariffs have made overseas holidays more expensive for Indians, with a 15%-20% increase in costs compared to last year. European and Southeast Asian destinations are most affected. Despite the hike, travel interest remains high, with more bookings for exotic locations. The strengthening dollar and domestic travel costs are also contributing factors. Free e-visas from several countries are boosting interest.

A weak rupee is increasing costs for Indian students studying abroad, exacerbated by tighter post-education work visa norms in the UK and Canada. This could lead to longer loan repayment periods or higher EMIs. Experts suggest locking in foreign exchange rates early and seeking scholarships to reduce financial burden, while recommending students to focus on emerging fields for better job prospects.

In Telangana's collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel, rescuers, including veterans from the 2023 Uttarakhand disaster, are battling time to save eight trapped men. The operation faces challenges from water and silt, with silence from the trapped adding to the uncertainty.

The Supreme Court has stayed a recent central notification that exempts certain projects from the need for prior environment clearance. This action follows a PIL that challenges the dilution of stringent environmental norms, claiming it could lead to unregulated construction with detrimental ecological impacts.

The Supreme Court has set guidelines for constitutional courts scrutinizing the proportionality of punishments given to legislators, enabling judicial review. The verdict clarifies that legislative punishment is not beyond judicial scrutiny, emphasizing the balance between legislative discipline and members' rights.

The Centre has argued in the Supreme Court that the six-year disqualification for convicts from contesting elections is constitutionally sound and a lifetime ban should be decided by Parliament. An advocate had filed a petition seeking a lifetime ban on convicted politicians, but the government argued that time-bound penalties ensure deterrence without being excessively harsh. Courts cannot direct Parliament on legislative policy.

The Karnataka Lokayukta SIT has submitted a fresh request to governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot for permission to prosecute Union minister HD Kumaraswamy in the 2007 Sandur illegal mining case. The case involves allegations that Kumaraswamy, as Karnataka CM, approved an illegal mining lease. Despite Kumaraswamy's claims of innocence, the SIT now awaits the governor's decision while facing pressure from CM Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar.

The J&K and Ladakh high court has ruled that NHAI or its concessionaire cannot collect toll tax from commuters if a highway is in bad shape due to construction activities. The court ordered NHAI to collect only 20% toll at Lakhanpur and Bann toll plazas and directed the removal of any toll plazas within 60 km of NH-44 within two months.

Nike and Vanessa Bryant have announced a new line of baseball gear featuring Kobe Bryant's signature for the Los Angeles Dodgers, set for release in 2025. While some fans are excited, others criticize Vanessa Bryant for allegedly monetizing Kobe's legacy excessively.

A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a parked bus at Pune's Swargate terminus early Tuesday morning. The suspect is a criminal with a history of theft and robbery. The incident has raised serious concerns about security, prompting an inquiry and removal of 23 security personnel. The crime has sparked outrage, with demands for swift justice and support for the survivor.

A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a criminal in a parked bus at Pune's Swargate bus terminus. The incident, which took place early Tuesday, has resulted in public outrage and demands for swift action. Authorities have identified the suspect and are conducting inquiries. Security personnel have been dismissed, and an intensive investigation is underway.