Times of India

Former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul highlighted the immense pressure on India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand. They cited the weight of fan expectations and India's recent struggles at the Narendra Modi Stadium, including losses in major finals, as potential challenges for the home team.

Ravichandran Ashwin backs young opener Abhishek Sharma for the T20 World Cup final despite his struggles, urging the team to persist with him. Ashwin, however, advised Abhishek to better understand match situations and avoid 'headless batting,' emphasizing timing over brute force. He stressed keeping the talented opener in a good mental space for the crucial clash.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a sit-in protest, accusing the BJP and Election Commission of a conspiracy to disenfranchise voters by removing genuine names from electoral rolls. She highlighted instances of living individuals being declared dead, vowing to expose the alleged plot ahead of the EC's visit and upcoming assembly polls.

Karnataka plans to ban social media for children under 16, aligning with global efforts to curb digital exposure. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the policy, aiming to address concerns over screen addiction and mental health. While welcomed by educators, experts caution about potential FOMO and withdrawal, urging careful implementation and support for children.

Extra Bookings Only For Households

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s rumored wedding plans may face unexpected attention as another high-profile celebrity wedding is scheduled around the same time. Sources claim the overlap could reignite discussions about Swift’s past relationship, potentially drawing comparisons online. The pop star reportedly hopes her big day remains focused on her relationship with Kelce rather than past headlines resurfacing.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026. The meeting followed India's condolences over the killing of Iran's supreme leader. Khatibzadeh emphasized the importance of upholding international law against perceived atrocities and aggression.

Two IAF pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishth and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, were killed when their Su-30MKI jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district during a training sortie. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat airbase and lost contact shortly after. Duragkar was known for his participation in Operation Sindoor last year.

Domestic cooking gas prices are set to rise from Saturday, with a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder increasing by Rs 60 nationwide. Commercial cylinders will also see a Rs 115 hike. This marks the first significant domestic LPG price change since April 2025. Despite global energy concerns, the government assures comfortable energy supply and diversified import sources.

A government primary school headmistress in Chitrakoot district has been suspended. A video showing a student giving her a foot massage during school hours went viral. The incident occurred at the Naya Bazar school. The headmistress denies the allegations, claiming the video is doctored. An inspection report led to her suspension.

Lok Sabha will debate a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla on March 9, moved by Congress and allies over alleged partisan conduct. Despite NDA's majority rendering the motion's defeat inevitable, it will test opposition unity. Whips have been issued by both BJP and Congress for the crucial vote.

A Bangladeshi national walks free after 21 years in jail for murder. The Calcutta High Court ruled he was a minor when the crime occurred. Another convict from Birbhum district also gained freedom after 14 years on similar grounds. The court emphasized juvenile justice laws.

The Bombay High Court ruled that religious symbols in a home do not prove conversion to Christianity, emphasizing the need for documentary evidence like baptism certificates. The court set aside a caste scrutiny committee's decision, which had denied a Scheduled Caste certificate based on such inferences, and directed its issuance.

AIIMS graduate Anuj Agnihotri has clinched the top spot in the Civil Services Examination 2025, with 958 candidates recommended for various services. Medical, engineering, law, and commerce graduates once again dominated the prestigious exam. Rajeshwari Suve secured the second rank, followed by Ekansh Dhull at third.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized self-reliance as crucial for navigating global uncertainty, citing supply chain realignments and rising maritime activities. He highlighted India's growing domestic defence production, which surpassed Rs 1.5 lakh crore in FY24-25, with exports reaching Rs 24,000 crore. Singh also stressed the importance of technological dynamism and private sector participation in achieving defence 'atmanirbharta'.

The National Commission for Women is launching nationwide 'Mahila Jan Sunwais' in 500 districts across 25 states until March 14. This initiative aims to resolve approximately 15,000 complaints, with a focus on domestic violence and dowry harassment. NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar will lead hearings in five states lacking commission chairpersons, bringing support directly to women in distress.

Britain is piloting a scheme offering up to £40,000 per family to failed asylum-seekers to leave voluntarily. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated this aims to save taxpayer money, as hotel accommodation costs are substantial. Families have seven days to decide, or face forced removal. The government is also making refugee status temporary and introducing new legal routes.

The Florida Panthers acquired forward Vinnie Hinostroza from the Minnesota Wild just hours before the NHL Trade Deadline. The Panthers' general manager, Bill Zito, signed Hinostroza in 2020, which makes this trade a reunion for the two players. The experienced forward will help Florida during its important season-ending matches because he provides essential depth to its roster.

Mumbai ACB arrested a private individual and detained two senior Maharashtra GST officials for allegedly demanding Rs 1.25 crore in bribe from a Nashik businessman. The private person was caught accepting Rs 20 lakh, the first installment, on behalf of the officials to expedite a GST investigation.