New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Batting first in Lahore, New Zealand posted 362/6. Kane Williamson (102) and Rachin Ravindra (108) led the charge with centuries. South Africa started well while chasing 363, but they lost wickets in the middle overs. David Miller scored a century off the last ball, but it was not enough. Kagiso Rabada’s dismissal sealed South Africa’s fate. New Zealand will face India in the final on March 9 in Dubai.

Here & Now 365 won the "Campaign of the Year" award at the 'GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards 2025' in London. The awards celebrate the achievements of Britain’s ethnic minorities.   The agency was recognised for its Vatika #RootForMe campaign. The campaign used comedy to address important social issues. It focused on the gender pay gap, racial and religious bias, and inclusion for women of colour.   Comedians Shazia Mirza and Sikisa led the campaign. It combined humour with real facts to spark conversations. The campaign included live performances, social media engagement, and large-scale outdoor ads. It was displayed in Times Square, NYC, and the London Tube.   Founder Manish Tiwari said, “This campaign was about real change. We are proud to receive this award.”   Here & Now 365 had also received a Special Commendation for the campaign at the Marketing Week Awards 2024. The agency continues to create impactful campaigns that promote diversity and inclusion.

Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, head of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, has warned that NATO armies are not adequately prepared for the rapidly evolving nature of drone warfare. Three years into the war with Russia, Ukraine has developed AI-powered targeting systems and laser defenses to counter enemy drones, while NATO forces lag in adapting to these modern threats. Sukharevskyi stressed that drones are far more cost-effective than traditional weaponry and are reshaping the battlefield. He urged NATO to accelerate its integration of advanced drone warfare tactics to remain competitive.

The US has stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine that could help target locations inside Russia, a Ukrainian source told Sky News. However, intelligence-sharing has not ceased entirely, with selective information still provided for strikes on Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. The move follows Donald Trump's decision to pause all military aid to Ukraine after tensions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The development marks a setback for Kyiv as it battles Russian forces. Meanwhile, a British man accused of fighting for Ukraine has been sentenced to 19 years in a Russian prison.

India secured a spot in the Champions Trophy final, defeating Australia by 4 wickets while chasing 265 in Dubai. KL Rahul, who finished unbeaten on 42 off 34 balls, had an intense post-match chat with Travis Head. The moment went viral, with fans recalling Rahul’s struggles in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. This time, the roles were reversed—Head departed for 39, and Rahul played a crucial role in India's victory. Former cricketers lauded Rahul’s redemption, with Aakash Chopra remarking, “Ab koi nahi bolega.” India awaits the winner of South Africa vs New Zealand.

A Hong Kong-based firm, CK Hutchison, has agreed to sell its majority stake in two key Panama Canal ports to a BlackRock-led group in a $22.8B deal. The move follows pressure from former US President Donald Trump, who argued that Chinese influence over the canal poses a national security threat. The deal involves 43 ports globally but requires Panamanian approval. Panama, which took full control of the canal in 1999, rejects US claims, with President Mulino reaffirming its sovereignty. CK Hutchison insists the sale is purely commercial. BlackRock, alongside Swiss firm Terminal Investment Limited, will assume ownership amid ongoing geopolitical tensions over control of the vital trade route.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru airport for smuggling 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had been tracking her. She was sent to judicial custody until March 18. Her stepfather, Karnataka DGP K Ramachandra Rao, said he had no connection to her activities. He stated she got married four months ago and had not visited since. Congress MLA AS Ponnanna said she would be treated like any accused. Ranya, known for Maanikya and Pataki, claimed she was on a business trip. The investigation is ongoing.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is navigating a delicate diplomatic path amid escalating tensions between the United States, Europe, and Ukraine. Advocating for a "cool heads" approach, Starmer aims to serve as a bridge between U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders, notably French President Emmanuel Macron, to prevent potential U.S. tariffs detrimental to the UK's economy. In response to Trump's abrupt shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine, Starmer convened talks in London, proposing a peace plan and a "coalition of the willing" to uphold it. While some European nations express hesitancy in committing troops, Starmer's measured diplomacy seeks to harmonize transatlantic relations and fortify European security.   

  Kannada actress Ranya Rao, arrested at Bengaluru International Airport for attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold worth over ₹12 crore from Dubai, employed a consistent modus operandi to evade detection. She made multiple trips to Dubai, reportedly 30 times over the past year, frequently wearing the same modified jacket and belt designed to conceal gold bars. Leveraging her connections, Rao allegedly identified herself as the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao and secured police escorts upon arrival to bypass customs scrutiny. Authorities are investigating potential involvement of law enforcement personnel and links to a broader smuggling syndicate. 

US President Donald Trump said he received a letter from Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, stating Ukraine is ready for peace talks. Trump read parts of the letter during his address to Congress, quoting Zelensky’s willingness to work under his "strong leadership." Trump also claimed Russia had shown interest in ending the war. The announcement follows a tense Oval Office meeting where Trump accused Zelensky of delaying peace. The two leaders also discussed a rare earth minerals deal, but Ukraine left without signing. Zelensky has not confirmed the letter but previously said it was time to “make things right.”