Pakistan is considering forfeiting its T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India, according to media reports. The Pakistan Cricket Board has discussed the option of skipping the February 15 fixture in Colombo to show solidarity with Bangladesh. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the proposal and its possible effects. A source was quoted as saying, “A total boycott is not the priority, but Pakistan could forfeit the India match.” The report added that the PCB may present the move as a government directive, arguing this would protect it from ICC sanctions linked to political interference. (PC: NDTV)

Indian singer Arijit Singh has announced he will no longer take on new playback singing assignments, prompting tributes from fans across the country. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the 38-year-old said, “I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey.” Playback singing, where singers record songs for actors to lip-sync on screen, is central to Bollywood films. Singh became one of the industry’s most recognisable voices over the past decade. Fans described his voice as “the sound of our heartbreaks and celebrations”. Reports say Singh will complete existing projects and continue making independent music outside commercial cinema. (PC: BBC)

The identity of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was confirmed through personal belongings after a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning. The impact and fire were so severe that the faces of the five victims could not be recognised. Locals and first responders said Pawar was identified by the wristwatch he was wearing, along with his clothes. A resident at the site said the watch was clearly visible on his hand. The detail drew attention because a clock is the election symbol of the Nationalist Congress Party, which Pawar led. Police and officials later completed formal identification procedures. (PC: X)

More than 1,200 stray dogs have been killed across Telangana in the past month, most of them by poisoning, activists and police records show. The deaths were reported from several districts, including Hanumakonda, Kamareddy, and Nagarkurnool. Animal welfare groups say the killings began after gram panchayat elections, where some candidates promised to remove street animals. Police have filed cases in a few villages under animal cruelty laws. Activists claim the actual number may be higher due to under-reporting. The incidents have triggered protests and renewed debate on stray animal management, including sterilisation and vaccination, as ordered by the Supreme Court. (PC: India Today)

Indonesia has begun using thermal scanners at major airports after two Nipah virus cases were confirmed in India, officials said. The measures include checks at Bali’s international airport, which handles large numbers of foreign visitors. Last year, about 5.89 million overseas tourists visited Bali, including many from India. Tourists told Reuters the move reflects lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, though some said the risk remains low. Nipah is carried by fruit bats and animals such as pigs. It can cause fever and brain inflammation. The virus can spread between people, but usually requires close and prolonged contact. (PC: Reuters)

A civil aviation ministry note has detailed the final radio exchanges before the Learjet 45 carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed at Baramati. The aircraft took off from Mumbai at 8:10 am and contacted Baramati at 8:18 am. Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield. The pilots made two landing attempts after reporting the runway was not visible. During the approach, cockpit voice records included the phrase, “Runway not in sight, oh shit,” according to the transcript cited by officials. At 8:43 am, the crew confirmed visual contact and was cleared to land. A minute later, ground staff saw flames near Runway 11. All five people on board died. (PC: X)

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi in Parliament on Thursday. The meeting lasted about 90 minutes. Afterward, Tharoor said the discussion was constructive and that all sides were moving together on the same page. The meeting followed reports of strain between Tharoor and the party after his recent remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his absence from some key party meetings. Sources said Tharoor sought the meeting to share his views and concerns. They added the party would try to address these issues ahead of the Kerala assembly election later this year. (PC: NDTV)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said ties with China are in a “good, strong place” after talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Downing Street called the meeting productive and said both sides will keep frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement. Officials said progress was made on easing whisky tariffs and expanding visa-free travel for UK visitors to China. Xi said China-UK relations have seen twists and turns, but engagement is unavoidable. Starmer received a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People and met Premier Li Qiang. The leaders are expected to sign agreements, including a border security pact to disrupt small boat engine supplies. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned whether India was moving away from the goal of a casteless society while hearing a case on UGC regulations. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the 2012 UGC rules will remain in force until further orders, pausing the new 2026 regulations. The court said reforms must promote equality while protecting those who need support. It warned against segregation in education and said unity must be reflected in institutions. The bench also noted inequalities within reserved groups and raised concerns about separate hostels or practices that could divide students. The matter will be heard again on March 19.

The black box of the chartered aircraft that crashed near Baramati, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has been recovered, the Civil Aviation Ministry said. The Bombardier Learjet 45 went down on Wednesday while trying to land at the Baramati airstrip near Pune. The plane caught fire on impact and was fully gutted. All five people on board were killed. Officials said teams from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and the DGCA reached the site the same day. The black box will help investigators reconstruct the final moments of the flight. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. (PC: X)