Times of India

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is reportedly set to be appointed as the head coach of the Test side. This move comes after the role remained vacant for nearly five months, with Azhar Mahmood temporarily overseeing the team. Sarfaraz's coaching credentials were bolstered by his success with the U-19 team, and an official confirmation is expected soon.

A Pentagon official revealed alarming AI contract restrictions that could halt military operations. These limitations, found in contracts with Anthropic, prevented planning for potential combat scenarios. The dispute escalated when an AI executive questioned its use in a high-profile mission, leading to Anthropic being deemed a security risk and banned from government work, while OpenAI secured a new deal.

India and England, both two-time T20 World Cup champions, clash in a highly anticipated semifinal at Wankhede Stadium. With a balanced semifinal record and a chance to become the first three-time winners, this encounter promises intense rivalry. Both teams have relied on collective efforts, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

Ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal, Indian cricketers sought blessings at Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple. Despite a challenging tournament run, the team showed resilience, boosted by Sanju Samson's stellar performance. Facing a strong England side, India's key players and spin attack will be crucial for success on a potentially difficult pitch.

India’s equity market, valued at around $5 trillion, has trailed most major global peers since late 2024 due to slower profit growth and limited participation in artificial intelligence-linked stocks.

Amid escalating tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliation, the United States has ordered non-emergency staff and family members to depart its consulates in Lahore and Karachi due to safety risks. Washington also authorized voluntary departures from diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, and Oman as a precautionary measure.

Middle East air travel is severely disrupted following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent missile attacks. Thousands are stranded, resorting to overland journeys and expensive last-minute flights. Expatriates in Dubai face uncertainty, with some companies relocating staff. Despite escalating tensions, daily life in parts of the UAE continues with an air of normalcy.

Israel has warned that any successor to Iran's Supreme Leader will be a target for elimination, vowing to crush the regime's capabilities. This declaration follows the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the potential selection of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor. The IDF is preparing for further actions amid ongoing airstrikes against Hezbollah and Iranian security sites.

Petronet LNG shares plummeted nearly 12% after reports of Qatar declaring force majeure on natural gas supplies due to an Iranian drone strike. This production halt has led to significant supply cuts for Indian industries, impacting sectors reliant on gas imports. The disruption also affected other gas distributors and is driving up global energy prices.

Yash's 'Toxic' release is postponed by four months to June 4, 2026, due to Middle East tensions impacting global reach. Makers aim for a wider audience connection with this delay. Fans laud the decision, seeing it as a 'perfect move' that also avoids a box office clash with Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2', allowing both films to thrive.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has shattered viewership records in India, attracting over 500 million fans, the highest ever for the tournament. This milestone, celebrated by ICC chairman Jay Shah, highlights the event's global and accessible vision. Digital engagement also soared, with JioHotstar peaking at 60.5 million concurrent viewers as the tournament heads into its knockout stages.

South Korea's Kospi index experienced a dramatic 12% tumble, triggering a trading suspension after a significant sell-off led by market heavyweights. This sharp decline follows a previous session's fall amid escalating Middle East tensions, raising questions about whether it's a pause or a turning point for the AI-fueled rally.

Nepal is at a critical juncture as nearly 19 million voters elect a new House of Representatives. This election is significantly influenced by a youth-led uprising that challenged the political establishment, fueled by resentment over unemployment and perceived elite excess. The vote reflects a generational demand for accountability and change.

Amid escalating West Asia tensions, India's Ministry of External Affairs has established a special control room to assist its citizens residing in the region. The government is closely monitoring the evolving situation and remains in contact with regional governments and international partners to ensure the safety of nearly one crore Indians living there.

Following protests over Iran's supreme leader's death, Jammu and Kashmir schools closed until March 7. Meta blocked local newspaper accounts, drawing criticism for censorship. Authorities registered cases against political figures for allegedly spreading misleading content, while the LG urged calm amidst ongoing demonstrations.

Erbil, Iraq, witnessed drone attacks on a US military base and a hotel Wednesday. Near Baghdad International Airport, another drone was intercepted, with no reported casualties or damage. These incidents follow a pattern of increased targeting of US military sites in the region amid heightened US-Iran tensions, with Iran-aligned militias vowing to continue their action

The CIA is reportedly planning to arm Kurdish forces in Iran to incite a popular uprising, with the Trump administration in talks with opposition groups and Kurdish leaders. This move aims to draw Iranian security forces away from urban centers, potentially aiding civilian protests and straining Tehran's military resources.

A tragic accident on the Palamaneru highway claimed the lives of five family members traveling from Bengaluru to Tirupati. Their car collided with a stationary truck, with police suspecting overspeeding and driver fatigue as contributing factors. Relatives have been notified and are en route to the scene.

Daryl Mitchell, son of former All Blacks player John Mitchell, found his passion for cricket despite a rugby upbringing. John encouraged Daryl's choices, leading him to excel in cricket. Daryl's journey showcases dedication, embracing challenges, and a mature approach to success and failure, making him a vital player for the Black Caps.