Royal Challengers Bangalore's men's team, led by Virat Kohli, paid tribute to the women's team, captained by Smriti Mandhana, after their historic Women's Premier League 2024 (WPL) victory. Despite the men's team's IPL title drought, they celebrated the women's triumph, recognizing their achievement. Mandhana dismissed comparisons between Kohli's IPL success and her team's victory, emphasizing Kohli's inspirational leadership for India. She stressed the importance of respecting Kohli's contributions, asserting the need to treat the men's and women's teams separately and appreciate their respective accomplishments.            

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned of severe food insecurity in Gaza, with the entire population facing acute shortages. Blinken called on Israel to prioritize providing aid to those in need. UN agencies have cautioned that northern Gaza could face famine by May without a halt in fighting and an increase in humanitarian assistance. Efforts to secure a ceasefire continue, with Israeli negotiators scheduled to meet in Qatar. Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns persist, with calls for access for journalists and criticism over restrictions on aid distribution. The situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention in Gaza.

The Lokpal has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra's alleged involvement in cash-for-query charges. The probe comes after the anti-corruption watchdog found "sufficient prima facie evidence" against Moitra, directing the CBI to investigate all aspects of the allegations within six months. Moitra is accused of providing access to her official MP ID to post questions on the Lok Sabha portal on her behalf in exchange for favors. The Lok Sabha ethics committee had recommended her expulsion for sharing her login credentials. Moitra denies the allegations.

The body of Prabal Kushwaha, a 24-year-old yoga teacher found hanging in China, returned to Gwalior, India, evoking sorrow and raising suspicions of foul play. Kushwaha's family dismissed claims of suicide, alleging involvement of a Chinese woman and her Indian companion in his death. Despite efforts to contact him, communication ceased after late December, leading to concerns. Kushwaha's father sought assistance from Indian authorities to repatriate his son's body. Previously, Kushwaha encountered the individuals in Bengaluru during his yoga diploma pursuit before relocating to Beijing for employment. Investigations continue into the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.

IPL franchise RCB underwent a significant rebranding ahead of the 17th season, officially changing their name to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The announcement was made during the RCB Unbox event in Bengaluru, aligning with the city's official renaming in 2014. Led by captain Faf du Plessis, the team unveiled their new jersey for the upcoming season, emphasizing a deeper connection with the local culture and identity. The event, graced by players like Virat Kohli and Smriti Mandhana, also featured performances by renowned artists, marking a strategic move to rejuvenate the team's image and strengthen its bond with fans.

Internal UN documents obtained by The Guardian reveal a systematic campaign of obstruction and harassment against UN staff working with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank by Israeli military and authorities since the Gaza conflict's onset. Incidents include alleged blindfolding, beating of UN personnel, and the use of UN facilities as firing positions during raids resulting in Palestinian casualties. UNRWA, which operates schools and health clinics in the West Bank, documented 135 incidents since October, citing violations of privileges and immunities. Israel denies intentional harassment, but incidents highlight growing tensions and potential destabilization in the region.            

Union Minister and BJP leader, Smriti Irani, rebuked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, urging him to refrain from fighting in the name of religion. Irani, who defeated Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Amethi, emphasized the importance of addressing issues rather than religious affiliations in politics. She highlighted the need for true leadership grounded in principles rather than fear of defeat. Irani also criticized Gandhi's alleged glorification of poverty and martyrdom, while recounting her own challenging journey in Amethi.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to deliver the inaugural Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by March 31. This marks a significant milestone in the Rs 48,000-crore Defence Ministry deal for 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets. With over 65% indigenous components, the Tejas Mark 1A underscores India's prowess in aerospace technology. Planned deployment at Rajasthan's Nal airbase strengthens defense capabilities near the Pakistan border. HAL aims to fulfill the IAF's requirements and boost the nation's defense preparedness.

Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian private space startup, prepares for a historic test-flight with its Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket powered by a semi-cryogenic engine. The rocket, weighing 580 kilograms, will launch from Sriharikota, targeting a height of 20 kilometers. This marks India's first private rocket launch from its own pad. Powered by a single-piece 3D printed engine, Agnikul aims to revolutionize satellite launches with customizable, transportable vehicles. With investments totaling $40 million and a young, dynamic team, Agnikul signals India's potential as a key player in the global space industry.

Actor Vijay faced chaos as fans mobbed his car upon his return to Kerala after 14 years for the shoot of his upcoming film, "Greatest of All Time." The frenzy led to his vehicle being badly dented, with windows shattered and glass scattered around. Videos of the incident went viral, showing fans blocking roads and causing a massive traffic jam. Vijay, despite the chaos, remained composed, waving at fans from inside the car and trying to calm them down. He has yet to address the situation publicly.