Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar defended Babar Azam after heavy criticism from Pakistan greats, suggesting a technical adjustment to improve his form. Speaking to Basit Ali on YouTube, Gavaskar advised Babar to narrow his stance for better movement and shot selection. “If he does that, his run-making ability will return,” he said. Babar, struggling across formats, faces mounting pressure after Pakistan’s early Champions Trophy exit. Gavaskar praised Babar’s elegant strokeplay, highlighting his flick against India. Babar gets a final chance to silence critics in Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh on February 27.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman warned that the country's sovereignty is at risk due to political turmoil and societal infighting. Speaking at a military event, he said the anarchy is “of our own making” and criticized the inefficiency of law enforcement. He urged national unity to prevent further instability. The crisis follows the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government last August. Meanwhile, student leader Nahid Islam resigned from the interim government ahead of his expected party launch. Bangladesh’s general elections are scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.

AAP has dismissed speculation that Arvind Kejriwal will enter Rajya Sabha from Punjab. Senior leader Somnath Bharti stated that Kejriwal has a "big responsibility" for AAP's national expansion. Speculation arose after AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora was fielded for the Ludhiana West bypoll. Party spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar also denied the claims, saying media reports were incorrect. BJP’s Amit Malviya suggested Arora’s nomination was meant to clear Kejriwal’s path. Kejriwal recently lost his New Delhi seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma in the Delhi elections.

A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a stationary Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at Pune's Swargate depot. The accused, Dattatraya Gade, has a criminal record, and police have launched a manhunt. Authorities suspended 23 security guards over security lapses. Shiv Sena (UBT) workers vandalized the depot, demanding accountability. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar condemned the crime, calling for the death penalty. Police are intensifying efforts to arrest the accused. Security at the depot is being reviewed to prevent future incidents. The government has assured strict action against negligence.

A report by Blume Ventures reveals that 1 billion Indians lack discretionary spending power, with the country's consumer class limited to 130-140 million people. The growing wealth disparity has driven "premiumisation," benefiting luxury brands while affordable goods struggle. India's top 10% now hold 57.7% of national income, up from 34% in 1990, while the bottom 50% have seen their share shrink. The middle class faces stagnating wages and declining financial savings. Experts warn that AI-driven job losses and reduced household spending could impact India's economic trajectory, despite temporary boosts from rural demand and tax incentives.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, stranded on the ISS since September, will return earlier than expected aboard SpaceX's Dragon. Originally set for a June return via Boeing’s Starliner, delays forced NASA to reassign them. The agency will now launch Crew-10 on March 12 using an older Dragon capsule, making way for Crew-9’s return by mid-March. The decision follows extended delays and growing concerns over their prolonged stay. NASA’s Steve Stich acknowledged spaceflight’s challenges, stating, “Unexpected hurdles are part of the mission.” The duo will return after Crew-10's arrival, ending their eight-month mission.

Rahul Gandhi skipped the holy dip at the Kumbh Mela for the second time, calling it a "government and photo-op event." Congress leaders like Sachin Pilot and DK Shivakumar, however, participated, signaling internal discomfort. The party’s leadership aims to counter BJP’s Hindu outreach but faces criticism for its stance. Gandhi previously declared himself a "janeu-dhaari Shiv bhakt" but dismissed the Ram Mandir ceremony as a BJP event. With Uttar Pradesh crucial for Congress, avoiding religious events could hurt its electoral prospects. Internal debates continue over balancing secularism with Hindu voter outreach.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported Donald Trump’s proposal for the US, Russia, and China to cut their defense budgets by 50%. Calling it a “good idea,” Putin stated Moscow is open to discussions with Washington. However, China’s President Xi Jinping rejected the proposal, citing national security concerns and the need for military expansion. Trump emphasized that reducing military spending could fund other priorities. Moscow’s stance hints at a possible truce in Ukraine, while Beijing remains committed to increasing its defense budget. China currently has the world’s second-largest military budget after the US.

Pakistan’s Punjab Police dismissed over 100 officers for refusing security duties during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The officers, assigned to safeguard teams between Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and hotels, either remained absent or refused duties, citing long working hours. Punjab IGP Usman Anwar ordered strict action, stating there’s “no room for negligence” in international event security. The sackings follow a high alert on threats against foreign nationals. Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed reports of security concerns, claiming Pakistan is hosting the event “peacefully.” Pakistan’s team has already exited the tournament after defeats to India and New Zealand.

Kerala Police are probing the shocking murder of five people by 23-year-old Afan in Thiruvananthapuram, focusing on financial debt rather than drug use. Afan, who confessed and is hospitalised, allegedly killed his grandmother, uncle, aunt, younger brother, and girlfriend before surrendering. The family owed ₹64 lakh to multiple lenders, and Afan had recently pawned stolen gold. Investigators await toxicology reports and digital evidence. His mother, also attacked, is recovering. Authorities are working to bring Afan’s father back from Saudi Arabia. Police have deployed 25 officers to investigate the brutal killings.