Times of India

Assam's Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia downplayed former state Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah's defection to the BJP, stating it won't impact upcoming elections. Saikia highlighted that local Congress leaders and workers from Borah's constituency remain loyal, assuring no significant harm to the party's prospects. Borah, after 32 years with Congress, officially joined the BJP on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party for its "shirtless" protest at the AI Impact Summit, calling it "dirty and shameless" politics. The protest by Indian Youth Congress workers, who wore T-shirts with the slogan "India-US Trade Deal Compromised," drew widespread condemnation, including from allies. Four IYC workers were sent to police custody.

Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced concerns over Suryakumar Yadav's cautious batting approach in the T20 World Cup, suggesting it hinders finishers like Hardik Pandya. While acknowledging Suryakumar's adaptability against the USA, Manjrekar believes the captain has since become overly conservative, potentially risking India's scoring potential, especially when setting or chasing large totals.

The Reserve Bank of India has established a high-security data center in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to protect critical financial systems. This strategic location minimizes exposure to cross-border threats and seismic risks, ensuring operational continuity. The facility supports core banking functions and enhances the safety and resilience of India's financial infrastructure.

Former CIA officer John Kiriakou claimed the US has decided to launch military strikes on Iran within days, citing a source who visited the White House. He said internal divisions exist, with JD Vance and Tulsi Gabbard opposing action, while Marco Rubio backs it, as US forces reposition across the Middle East.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh attacked the Centre over the proposed India-US interim trade pact, calling it “Abki baar Trump se haar” and demanding it be put in cold storage and renegotiated. He warned agri import liberalisation would hurt farmers across states and questioned the deal’s timing amid US tariff turmoil after a Supreme Court ruling against Donald Trump’s earlier measures.

Brothers Morne and Albie Morkel will face off as rival coaches in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash between India and South Africa. Morne coaches India's bowling attack, while Albie serves as a consultant for South Africa, both aiming for victory despite their family ties. Their childhood backyard rivalries are now amplified on the international stage.

Sohail Khan visited father Salim Khan at Lilavati Hospital amid his minor brain haemorrhage and ventilator support since Feb 17. Paparazzi caught him leaving with security. Family upset over media leaks; celebs like Ranveer Singh, Aamir Khan visited.

IDFC First Bank reported a Rs 590 crore discrepancy in Haryana government deposits at its Chandigarh branch, suspending four employees. The bank has initiated a forensic audit and is working with other banks to recover funds. This disclosure follows Haryana's directive for departments to close accounts with specific private lenders due to suspected financial irregularities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat services in Uttar Pradesh, dedicating development works worth Rs 12,930 crore. The 82 km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, designed for speeds up to 180 kmph, enhances regional connectivity. The Meerut Metro, operating on the same infrastructure, is set to become India's fastest metro network.

A 19-year-old student from Tripura was allegedly confined, assaulted, and raped by her live-in partner in Gurugram. Her mother and lawyer claim she endured prolonged torture, including being burned and cut, with attempts on her life. Police are investigating the serious allegations.

Prime Minister Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, highlighted AI's role in animal healthcare and agriculture, showcasing innovations at the AI Impact Summit. He also remembered Jayalalithaa, urged embracing Indian culture over foreign influences, and cautioned against digital fraud, emphasizing the importance of local products and organ donation.

Cricket star Shikhar Dhawan, after retiring from international play, married his girlfriend Sophie Shine on February 21, 2026, in an intimate Delhi-NCR ceremony. The couple, who met in Dubai and made their relationship Instagram official in May 2025, celebrated their union with friends and family. This marks a new, happier chapter for Dhawan following his divorce.

Eight individuals with alleged links to Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh-based extremist groups were apprehended in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Intelligence reports indicated a potential terror plot targeting Delhi's Red Fort and prominent temples. The arrests followed specific inputs about a module planning subversive activities, with digital materials being analyzed to uncover a wider network.

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advised T20 World Cup opener Abhishek Sharma to adjust his shot selection against off-spinners, urging him to settle in before attacking. Pathan highlighted Abhishek's tendency to play across the wicket too early. He also praised Ishan Kishan's current form but cautioned about his approach against wide deliveries.

Anthropic's new AI tool, Claude Code Security, scans for code vulnerabilities, prompting a multi-billion dollar stock market crash in the cybersecurity sector. While existing scanners use pattern matching, this AI reasons like a human researcher, identifying complex flaws. Despite its research preview status and human oversight requirement for fixes, the market reacted sharply to the potential disruption.