Ahead of IPL 2024, MS Dhoni's return to cricket sparks speculation about his retirement. Childhood friend Paramjit Singh believes Dhoni, known for his fitness, may extend his career beyond this season. Singh, owner of 'Prime Sports', recalls his pivotal role in Dhoni's early career, including securing his first bat sponsor. Despite viral practice videos fueling retirement rumors, Singh remains optimistic about Dhoni's longevity. CSK, led by Dhoni, prepares to defend their title in IPL 2024, aiming for a record sixth championship. The cricket world eagerly awaits Dhoni's future decisions beyond the upcoming season.

Pakistan refutes Indian claims that the Karachi-bound ship seized in Mumbai was carrying equipment for a nuclear programme. The Pakistan Foreign Office asserts the vessel was transporting a commercial lathe machine for an automotive company in Karachi, emphasizing transparent banking channels and commercial use. Describing the seizure as unjustified, Pakistan condemns India's actions as a violation of international norms. Indian officials maintain the seized CNC machine had potential military applications, citing discrepancies in shipping details. Investigations continue into the incident, amid tensions between the two nations.

A British-registered cargo ship, the Rubymar, sank two weeks after being attacked by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden. Yemen's government reported the vessel, carrying fertilisers, was drifting and taking on water before sinking. The incident marks the first ship sunk by the Houthis in the Red Sea region. Concerns arise over potential environmental damage. The ship, operated by a Lebanese firm, was flagged in Belize and owned by a British company. Efforts are underway to address the environmental impact of the ship's cargo. The Houthis continue attacks on vessels, impacting global maritime trade.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging his decisions like demonetization and GST have devastated small businesses, leading to higher unemployment. Speaking during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi asserted that India now has more joblessness than Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan combined. He also accused the Centre of favoring the affluent with Indian Railways policies, claiming the poor are excluded from "elite trains." Gandhi's remarks come amidst his ongoing yatra and ahead of his participation in the opposition's INDIA bloc rally in Patna.

Sahil Verma, a seaman II in the Indian Navy, has been reported missing from an Indian Naval Ship since February 27. The Western Naval Command in Mumbai has launched a large-scale search operation to locate him. A high-level board of inquiry has been initiated to investigate the incident. The Navy has deployed ships and aircraft in the search effort, which is ongoing. The circumstances surrounding Verma's disappearance remain unclear. The Navy is actively investigating the matter to determine the cause of the incident.    

A police constable and a Maoist were killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district during an anti-Naxal operation. Constable Ramesh Kurethi of the Bastar Fighters unit succumbed to injuries sustained in the gunfight. The exchange occurred in a forest near Hidur village, prompted by intelligence indicating Naxalite presence. Authorities recovered the Maoist's body and an AK-47 rifle. This incident follows a recent encounter where three CRPF personnel were killed in Bastar. The area, known for frequent skirmishes, witnessed a deadly clash in 2021 that claimed 23 soldiers' lives.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw disclosed that the collision between two passenger trains in Andhra Pradesh last October, which claimed 14 lives and injured over 50, was caused by distracted drivers watching a cricket match on their phones. The incident occurred on the Howrah-Chennai line in Vizianagaram district. Vaishnaw emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures, including systems to detect driver distractions. While the official probe report is pending, preliminary findings attributed the tragedy to the Rayagada Passenger train's crew, who violated norms by passing defective auto signals.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Kolkata Metro's first under-river tunnel on March 6, reducing travel time for commuters from Sector V to Howrah. The tunnel, spanning 520 meters with an internal diameter of 5.55 meters, allows trains to ply 32 meters below the Hooghly river bed. This milestone makes Howrah the deepest metro station in India. The initiative aims to significantly decrease travel time, with the train expected to cover the distance in just 27 minutes. Airtel has also pledged uninterrupted connectivity for commuters through high-capacity nodes installed 35 meters below the river.

Pro-Khalistan groups staged protests near Indian consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, deemed a terrorist in India. Despite their efforts, both consulates remained unaffected as they were closed for the weekend. Police presence kept protesters at bay, with limited impact on operations. The protests, organized by separatist group Sikhs for Justice, aimed to avenge Nijjar's assassination. Meanwhile, High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma addressed an event in Surrey, where RCMP blocked entrances amid fiery exchanges with protesters. Verma later described the event as well-attended and covered various topics.    

A Russian drone strike on an apartment block in Odesa, Ukraine, claimed the lives of seven people, including an infant and a two-year-old. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attributed the tragedy to delayed weapon supplies, stating that the attack, utilizing Iranian-supplied Shahed drones, aimed to instill fear rather than strategic military gain. Rescuers continue to search for survivors amid the rubble, with eight individuals wounded and several apartments destroyed. Zelenskiy condemned the attack, underscoring the ongoing civilian toll of Russia's invasion. The incident highlights the urgent need for international support to defend Ukraine against further aggression.