The International Cricket Council has rejected key demands made by the Pakistan Cricket Board over the India match at the T20 World Cup, reports said. The PCB asked for the return of India-Pakistan bilateral series, higher revenue, and assurances against past controversies. It also sought financial support for Bangladesh after their exit from the tournament. The ICC said it had nothing extra to offer Bangladesh beyond its regular share of earnings. ICC officials urged Pakistan to end the boycott, warning it could harm the sport. A final decision is expected after approval from the Pakistan government. (PC: AFP)

An unauthorised balloon entered restricted airspace at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Monday, causing a security scare. The balloon was spotted drifting over the airport premises. CISF personnel quickly intercepted and seized it. Officials said the balloon belonged to a private construction company based in Hoskote. It was reportedly launched from outside the airport but went off course after operators lost control. Aviation rules strictly ban drones and balloons near airports due to safety risks. A complaint has been filed at the airport police station. Devanahalli police have registered a case and are investigating possible negligence behind the incident. (PC: News18)

India’s interim trade deal with the United States is likely to take effect next week, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. The deal will start after the White House signs an executive order. Under the agreement, US tariffs on Indian goods will drop from 50% to 18%. Goyal said this will improve access for Indian products in the US market. Nearly half of India’s exports may face zero duty. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to visit New Delhi in March to sign the final legal document. The deal aims to reduce trade barriers and support exporters.

US technology companies are using H-1B visas to hire artificial intelligence experts because there are not enough skilled workers inside the country. A Forbes report says firms like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and Apple depend on foreign engineers and researchers for AI work. Many of these workers are international students trained in US universities. In 2025, over 80% of new H-1B jobs at major tech firms were linked to AI roles. However, tighter visa rules and higher fees may slow hiring and push companies to move AI jobs outside the US.

Indian Railways plans to launch another Vande Bharat Express train for Karnataka. The new semi-high-speed train will run on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route. It will be operated by the South Western Railway zone. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the service will start after electrification and safety checks are completed. The train is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities. Officials said it will improve regional connectivity and boost the state’s economy. Karnataka currently has 22 Vande Bharat train services. The Centre has allocated ₹7,748 crore for railway projects in the state. (PC: Ministry of Railways/File)

A luxury Lamborghini crash in central Delhi left six people injured on Sunday afternoon. The car was driven by Shivam Mishra, son of a billionaire tobacco businessman from Kanpur. Eyewitnesses said the car suddenly lost control near the Ring Wala area. It hit an auto-rickshaw, a motorcycle, and then climbed onto the pavement. The family claimed Shivam suffered a seizure while driving. Police said they are checking the medical claim. No FIR has been filed yet. Locals stopped the car and alleged that private bouncers tried to take the driver away. An investigation is ongoing. (PC: HT)

Pakistan may agree to play India in the T20 World Cup 2026 if the ICC accepts three conditions set by the Pakistan Cricket Board, according to a report. PCB officials discussed the issue with ICC delegates in Lahore, along with Bangladesh board chief Aminul Islam. The report says PCB wants a higher share of ICC revenue, restoration of bilateral cricket with India, and strict enforcement of a handshake protocol between teams. Pakistan had earlier announced it would not play the February 15 match. ICC officials are trying to find a solution. Bangladesh is also part of the talks and may seek compensation as discussions continue. (PC: India Today)

Indian oil refiners, including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Reliance Industries, are avoiding purchases of Russian crude for April delivery to support New Delhi’s effort to finalize a trade agreement with the United States by March that would lower tariffs and deepen economic cooperation. These firms have declined trader offers for Russian oil in March and April, although some previously scheduled March deliveries remain. India’s imports of Russian oil have already fallen sharply from 2025 peaks, driven partly by diversification to other suppliers and geopolitical pressures. A key private buyer, Nayara, won’t import Russian crude in April due to maintenance. (PC: Reuters)

Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison under the city’s national security law after being convicted in December of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious material through his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. The ruling by three judges comes after a legal saga beginning with his arrest in August 2020 and marks one of the most high-profile applications of the Beijing-imposed law. Lai, 78, will serve this term alongside nearly six years from a previous fraud conviction. The sentence has drawn international criticism as emblematic of declining press freedom in Hong Kong. (PC: AFP)

Bollywood’s beloved singer Arijit Singh marked his first live performance since announcing his retirement from playback singing with an emotional show in Kolkata at the Netaji Indoor Stadium. The concert featured a special collaboration with sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar and percussionist Bickram Ghosh, where they performed songs including a rendition of the Bengali classic “Maya Bhora Raati.” Fans greeted Arijit with thunderous applause, visibly moved by his return to the stage despite his earlier announcement to step back from film music. The appearance underscores his ongoing connection with live music even as he redefines his musical journey.