The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a closure report in the death case of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found hanging at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020. The CBI submitted its findings to a special court in Mumbai, which will now decide whether to accept the report or order further investigation. Initially, the Mumbai Police's report indicated suicide, with no evidence of forced entry and the absence of a suicide note. Following allegations from Rajput's family against Rhea Chakraborty and others, the case was transferred to the CBI. Forensic specialists at AIIMS later dismissed claims of poisoning and strangulation.

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, featuring performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Disha Patani, and Karan Aujla. Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), added star power by introducing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli to the audience. The inaugural match saw KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, facing RCB under new captain Rajat Patidar. This encounter marked the first time since 2008 that KKR and RCB opened the IPL season, rekindling memories of the league's inaugural match where Brendon McCullum's explosive 158* set the tone for IPL's success. Both teams have undergone significant changes, with new leadership aiming to set a positive tone for the season. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt are off to an aggressive start in their run chase. RCB need a modest 175 runs to win the match but have the threat of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy to deal with in the middle overs. (PC, Cricket Addictor & Smartprix)

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, implicated in the $2-billion Punjab National Bank fraud, has been located in Belgium, where he reportedly sought medical treatment. Indian authorities, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), have initiated extradition proceedings to bring him back to India. Choksi, who had been residing in Antigua and Barbuda since fleeing India in 2018, obtained a Belgian "F residency card" in November 2023, facilitated by his wife, a Belgian national. This development raises concerns about potential mobility within Europe, complicating extradition efforts. The Indian government is actively collaborating with Belgian authorities to expedite Choksi's return to face charges related to the massive bank fraud.   (PC, Zee Business & Fashion Express)

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced on March 22, 2025, at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, featuring defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The opening ceremony dazzled attendees with performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Disha Patani, and a special appearance by Shah Rukh Khan. KKR started strong, with Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narine (44) forging a 100-run partnership. However, RCB's Krunal Pandya shifted momentum, claiming three pivotal wickets, including Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh. Suyash Sharma further dented KKR's innings by dismissing Andre Russell for just 4 runs. At 150/6 in 15.4 overs, KKR's lower order faces the challenge of accelerating the run rate to set a competitive total. (PC, The Indian Express & Sports Tak)  

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, featuring defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Both teams introduced new captains: Ajinkya Rahane for KKR and Rajat Patidar for RCB. KKR's lineup boasted key players like Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and overseas talents Quinton de Kock and Moeen Ali. RCB's squad included stalwart Virat Kohli, explosive opener Phil Salt, and all-rounder Krunal Pandya. Historically, KKR has dominated this matchup, winning four of the last five encounters. Notably, in their previous season's clash, KKR edged out RCB by a single run in a thrilling finish at Eden Gardens. (PC: The Economic Times)

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has expressed his eagerness to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli in the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens. Acknowledging Kohli's past performances against him, Chakaravarthy stated, "He has batted well against me, and I would like to do well against him also." The spinner emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, noting that he has been working on new deliveries to enhance his game. He also highlighted the need to approach each IPL season afresh, regardless of past successes, and praised the team's bolstered international lineup, including additions like Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje.   (Picture Courtesy: PTI)

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced at Kolkata's Eden Gardens with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). RCB's new captain, Rajat Patidar, won the toss and elected to bowl first, noting the hard surface. KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, fielded a lineup featuring Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakaravarthy. RCB's playing XI included Virat Kohli, Philip Salt (wicketkeeper), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, and Yash Dayal. The pitch was expected to favor batting, but weather forecasts predicted a 45% chance of rain during match hours, potentially affecting play.  ( Picture Courtesy: Sportskeeda & Jagran Josh )

In Pune, a 32-year-old IT professional, Dinesh Popat Thombre, has been arrested for the murder of his 27-year-old live-in partner, Jayashree Vinay More. The couple, together for over five years, had a three-year-old son. Tensions arose due to Thombre's suspicions of infidelity and financial disputes. On November 24, a heated argument in their car near Bhumkar Chowk escalated, leading Thombre to fatally strike More with a hammer in the presence of their child. He then transported her body approximately 130 kilometers to Khambatki Ghat in Satara district for disposal. Subsequently, he abandoned their son in Alandi and reported More missing to the Wakad police. Authorities became suspicious following the discovery of More's body and inconsistencies in Thombre's statements, leading to his arrest.

Former Indian Cricketer Aakash Chopra has identified Rajat Patidar as the pivotal player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. Patidar, who joined RCB in 2021 and was re-signed in 2022, has been appointed team captain, succeeding Faf du Plessis. Chopra emphasized that Patidar's performance could "make or break" RCB's season, highlighting his proficiency against spin and impressive six-hitting ability. Last season, Patidar amassed 395 runs at a striking rate of 177.13, including five half-centuries. Chopra also noted that while Virat Kohli remains crucial, Patidar's role is central to RCB's success. RCB has retained only three players: Kohli, Patidar, and Yash Dayal, and has assembled a well-balanced squad for the upcoming season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 commenced on March 22 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens with a star-studded opening ceremony. Bollywood icon and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, inaugurated the event with an inspiring speech. Renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal captivated the audience with her melodious performance, followed by electrifying acts from actress Disha Patani and singer Karan Aujla. The ceremony also featured a drone show, cake cutting, balloon release, and concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. Post-ceremony, the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders faced Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the season's opening match. This year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to host opening ceremonies at all 13 venues, featuring various Bollywood celebrities.