Times of India

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis lauded Jasprit Bumrah as a "genie" after his crucial spell helped India secure a seven-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup semifinal. Du Plessis emphasised Bumrah's match-winning ability across formats, highlighting his unique action that makes him difficult for batsmen to read and capitalise on even when he misses his length.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted a significant overnight strike in Beirut, targeting Hezbollah's headquarters and military infrastructure within a densely populated area. This action, described as the twenty-sixth wave of strikes, followed Hezbollah's alleged violation of a truce and its involvement in opening a new front in the ongoing conflict.

The Chhattisgarh High Court overturned a Family Court's rejection of a mutual-consent divorce petition. The court ruled that Section 2(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act is protective, not exclusionary, allowing a Scheduled Tribe member who married under Hindu customs to seek divorce under the Act. The case was remitted for a decision on merits.

Around 90% of India’s crude oil is imported - and around 40-50% of India’s crude oil imports come from the Middle East, particularly after it substantially reduced purchases of Russian crude oil.

Axar Patel's spectacular fielding heroics were pivotal in India's nail-biting T20 World Cup semifinal win against England. His incredible diving catch to dismiss Harry Brook and a crucial relay catch to get Will Jacks broke vital partnerships. Patel deemed the Brook catch tougher, though the Jacks dismissal was more significant for the match's outcome.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri lauded Sanju Samson's T20 World Cup 2026 resurgence, highlighting his improved mental fortitude and smarter play. Samson's match-winning knocks, including a semifinal 89, have been pivotal. Shastri also backed struggling opener Abhishek Sharma, urging faith in his abilities for the final against New Zealand.

Oracle is reportedly planning significant job cuts, potentially thousands, to manage a growing cash crunch fueled by its massive AI data center expansion. This restructuring, costing over $1.6 billion, aims to address financial pressures from a $300 billion OpenAI partnership. The company's stock has seen a substantial decline as Wall Street scrutinizes its aggressive spending and debt.

Stock market today: BSE Sensex closed at 78,918.90, down 1,097 points or 1.37%. Investors reacted to intensifying tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

In a groundbreaking move, Andhra Pradesh is introducing an innovative population growth initiative aimed at encouraging families to expand. The state government will provide ₹25,000 and complimentary education through high school for families welcoming a third child, as well as covering IVF costs and offering longer parental leave.

News of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination has deeply affected Barabanki, India, the ancestral village of his predecessor Khomeini. Residents expressed sorrow and anger, with protests against the US and Israel erupting. Khamenei's great-grandfather, Sayed Ahmad Musavi 'Hindi', originated from Kintoor village before migrating to Iran.

Jacob Bethell's electrifying 105 off 48 balls, the fastest T20 World Cup century by an England batter, nearly secured a historic win against India. Despite his record-breaking knock, England fell short by seven runs in a thrilling semi-final chase of 254. India's strong batting and disciplined bowling ultimately prevailed in a high-scoring encounter.

The US has granted India a 30-day waiver to continue buying Russian oil, aiming to stabilize global energy markets amid Middle East tensions. This move allows Indian refiners to secure crucial supplies, with Washington anticipating increased future energy imports from the US. The waiver addresses potential disruptions to vital shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

A shocking incident unfolded in Damoh where a 16-year-old boy was brutally murdered. Eyewitnesses claim the accused then engaged in cannibalistic acts. Police have arrested the suspect, who has a prior murder conviction. The investigation into the motive behind this horrific crime is ongoing. The victim's body has been sent for postmortem.

On March 4th, the newlyweds Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda marked their love story with an extravagant reception in Hyderabad. Accompanied by a heartfelt video montage, they expressed their heartfelt gratitude for all the love and support from fans and friends alike.

A loco pilot, recovering from surgery, faced a senior official's demand for proof of illness for sick leave extension. In a desperate act, he revealed his surgical wound. The incident, caught on video, went viral, leading to his brief suspension, which was later revoked after union intervention. He claims repeated demands for proof.

Jasprit Bumrah achieved a historic milestone, claiming his 500th international wicket during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England. This feat places him among India's elite bowlers, reinforcing his status as a formidable modern-era fast bowler. Bumrah's consistent performance across formats continues to be a significant asset for the Indian team.

Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad sparked controversy by claiming the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not allow the International Cricket Council to conduct doping tests on Indian players. However, India’s testing system operates under the National Anti-Doping Agency, which follows global anti-doping rules set by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Kantara actress Sapthami Gowda has voiced concerns over inappropriate filming angles by paparazzi at public events, sparking a wider conversation. Veteran actor Shiva Rajkumar publicly supported her, urging media to respect women and avoid objectification. Other actresses have also joined the discussion, highlighting the need for dignity for female artists.

Delhi experienced its hottest day of the season with the maximum temperature reaching 34.3°C, seven degrees above normal. This sharp rise is attributed to clear skies and dry weather, with temperatures expected to climb further. Night temperatures are also trending upwards, settling at 18.2°C, five degrees above normal.