Times of India

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urged deep inner reflection and devotion this Mahashivratri, emphasizing meditation and chanting to elevate spiritual practice. Prime Minister Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh extended greetings, praying for well-being and prosperity. The festival celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, observed with reverence across India.

A major tragedy was averted in Patna's VVIP area when an over-speeding SUV collided with a police patrol vehicle near the chief minister's residence. The forceful impact damaged both vehicles, with the SUV smashing through a guardrail. While a female police officer sustained injuries, others were safe, and four individuals were detained for questioning.

Tens of thousands of Indian and Pakistani fans have converged on Colombo for the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash, turning the city into a fortress with massive security deployment. Beyond politics and critique, the match has energised local livelihoods, packed the stadium to capacity and reaffirmed why this rivalry remains cricket’s most powerful spectacle.

Kedarnath Temple will welcome devotees from April 22, concluding its winter hiatus. The auspicious reopening date was fixed on Mahashivratri at the shrine's winter seat. This marks the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra, with Badrinath opening on April 23, and Gangotri and Yamunotri on April 19. Thousands are expected to participate in the pilgrimage.

Rajkummar Rao's recent appearance at a film festival has sparked online buzz due to a noticeable change in his hair and facial features. Sporting a patchy beard and thinner hair, fans expressed shock and concern, with some struggling to recognize the actor. Speculation suggests this transformation might be preparation for his role in the upcoming Sourav Ganguly biopic.

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai have announced revised, shorter working hours for Ramadan 2026, from February 19th. These adjustments aim to accommodate fasting practices and ensure efficient service delivery for the large Filipino community in the UAE. Residents are urged to book appointments early and rely on official advisories for updated information.

Recent disappearances in Balochistan, including at least seven individuals in Panjgur and Karachi, are linked to Pakistan's security apparatus. Residents reported raids and detentions, with families of those taken, like Zulfiqar and Zakir Noor, receiving no information, raising fears of secret confinement.

An American mother raising her daughters in India shares relatable social media comparisons of parenting styles. Her viral reel highlights differences in sleeping arrangements, baby carrying, feeding, bedtime routines, discipline, and even milk preparation. These everyday contrasts reveal how cultural values shape childhood, emphasizing that each approach expresses care in its own unique way.

IBM is set to triple entry-level hiring in 2026, a significant shift from its 2023 stance on AI replacing jobs. These roles are being redefined, with junior developers focusing more on customer interaction and less on routine coding. This move aims to prevent future talent shortages and acknowledges AI's role in reshaping, not eliminating, work.

Harbhajan Singh defended Abhishek Sharma after Mohammad Amir called him a “slogger” ahead of the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. Harbhajan said Abhishek is a skilled and determined batsman with a full range of shots, not someone who blindly hits the ball. He criticised critics for judging without facing him and urged Abhishek to prove himself with a big innings for India.

A new terror outfit, 'Ansar Interim,' formed by radicalised doctors, has been exposed by J&K Police. The group, allegedly linked to Al-Qaeda, planned subversive activities, including IED attacks. Investigations revealed procurement of explosive materials and attempts to recruit members, with a key operative planning a VBIED blast.

Saudi Arabia's Exceptional Talent Premium Residency now welcomes more entities, but strict salary requirements remain. Researchers need SR14,000 monthly, while scientific/healthcare pros require SR35,000. Top executives must earn SR80,000. This selective program targets experienced professionals and leaders, offering five-year renewable residency with family benefits and property ownership.

India’s 14-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will skip his CBSE Class 10 board exams due to a busy cricket schedule. Despite completing formalities, his family and school decided he wasn’t prepared. The U19 World Cup star has broken multiple records but can’t play for India’s senior team yet due to age rules. Once he turns 15 in 2026, a senior debut is expected.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be debated and voted on March 9. The second part of the Budget session, starting the same day, is expected to be "interesting" with crucial legislation. Rijiju warned that continued opposition protests could be detrimental to them and suggested potential cracks in opposition unity.