Times of India

India has dominated Group A, securing a Super 8 spot. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe advance from Group B, surprisingly eliminating Australia. England, West Indies, New Zealand, and South Africa also confirmed their places. Pakistan faces a crucial match against Namibia for the final berth, with USA and Netherlands also in contention under specific circumstances.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that the India-US interim trade deal safeguards farmers' interests, emphasizing imports only for self-sufficiency gaps. He criticized Rahul Gandhi's allegations as baseless and highlighted past UPA government policy failures. Chouhan also launched Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI platform for farmer support, underscoring the NDA's commitment to agricultural welfare and technology.

Sidharth Malhotra’s father, Sunil Malhotra, has passed away. The last rites were completed in Delhi in the presence of close family members. The actor, along with his wife Kiara Advani, rushed to the capital as soon as he received the news to attend the funeral and stand by his loved ones during this difficult time.

A 22-year-old man was arrested in Delhi for allegedly opening doors of moving vehicles while riding his bike, an act captured in a viral video. Police are searching for his accomplice. In a separate incident, another man was apprehended for performing bike stunts after India's cricket victory.

Veteran leader Mani Shankar Aiyar asserts Congress historically thrives on internal dissent, warning suppression leads to downfall. Citing Indira Gandhi's Emergency and historical figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, Aiyar argues disagreement, not conformity, is the party's strength. He challenges the current leadership to embrace diverse opinions, fearing doom if dissent is stifled.

India and France elevated their relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Mumbai. The two nations signed over 20 agreements, expanding cooperation in defense, trade, critical minerals, and innovation, including joint missile production and helicopter assembly.

Senior representatives from Reliance Industries Ltd. and the Adani Group are actively scouting candidates at the event, where aspiring professionals are presenting their résumés and GitHub portfolios to highlight their technical projects and expertise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Bangladesh's new prime minister Tarique Rahman on his electoral victory and appointment, extending an invitation to visit India. Modi highlighted the deep-rooted friendship and shared aspirations between the two nations, emphasizing mutual prosperity and security. He expressed eagerness to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors.

Ramadan 1447 AH preparations are underway globally, with moon-sighting crucial for its commencement. In Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, the crescent moon is expected on February 17th, potentially starting fasting on February 18th. India anticipates sightings on February 18th, with fasting possibly beginning February 19th. Official announcements are pending.

Ishan Kishan has made a remarkable comeback in the T20 World Cup, scoring consecutive half-centuries and playing a crucial role in India's Super 8s qualification. His match-winning 77 against Pakistan, characterized by fearless yet calculated strokeplay, has been highlighted as a testament to his form and clear role at the top of the order.

The “FAFO” trend actions, bringing quick consequences, played out live on camera this week. Boxer Deen the Great, whose real name is Nurideen Shahid Shabazz, was involved in an awkward confrontation during Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s double-date livestream. What began as a relaxed and friendly stream quickly turned tense after Deen the Great approached powerlifter and influencer Larry Wheels and his wife, Sheyla Wheels.

Jackson once explained the purpose behind his activism with characteristic clarity, saying, “We have to build a movement that lifts people up, that gives them dignity and the power to shape their own destiny.” This emphasis on dignity became central to his political philosophy. He did not view civil rights solely as a legal struggle but as a transformation of self-worth, and he understood that this transformation required constant public affirmation.

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has opted to skip his Class 10 board examinations to prioritize his burgeoning cricket career. Fresh off a stellar performance at the U-19 World Cup 2026, where he was India's leading run-scorer, Vaibhav is now set to play for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.

Tarique Rahman has been sworn in as Bangladesh's new Prime Minister, marking a significant shift after decades of female leadership. Son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Rahman returns from exile to lead the nation following the BNP's landslide victory in the recent general elections. His appointment signals a new era for Bangladesh's political landscape.

Mani Shankar Aiyar's critique of "Rahulian" politics sparks debate on the Congress's ideological shift from Nehruvianism to civil society influence. Analyst Rasheed Kidwai suggests Aiyar, though isolated, highlights a party increasingly shaped by non-dogmatic, issue-driven approaches, moving away from traditional party structures and veteran leadership's influence.

Rohit Sharma and Wasim Akram's warm hug before the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash stole the show, contrasting with the on-field no-handshake policy. Despite pre-match camaraderie, India dominated the game, crushing Pakistan by 61 runs thanks to Ishan Kishan's 77 and stellar bowling performances, securing their Super Eight spot.