Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has accused ex-captain Shahid Afridi of pressuring him to convert to Islam, leading to discrimination that hindered his career. Kaneria, Pakistan's highest wicket-taking spinner, revealed that while Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Akhtar supported him, Afridi and others isolated him, refusing to eat with him and frequently discussing religious conversion. Kaneria emphasized his unwavering commitment to Hinduism, stating, "My religion is everything to me." He also claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) didn't support him due to his faith, fearing he might break records. Kaneria praised India for providing equal opportunities to all cricketers, contrasting it with his experiences in Pakistan.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes the Gunners can overcome Real Madrid in the upcoming UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, provided they exhibit unwavering self-belief and deliver a flawless performance. Reflecting on past encounters, Henry emphasized that even teams playing exceptionally well have struggled against Los Blancos, underscoring the need for Arsenal to be impeccable from the first whistle. He stated, "To beat Real Madrid, you need the perfect game from minute one... Even if you are perfect, it might not be enough." Henry's remarks come as Arsenal prepare to face the reigning champions, aiming to replicate their historic 2006 victory when Henry's goal secured a win at Santiago Bernabéu.

In a significant move reflecting linguistic pride, the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, has replaced the Indian Rupee symbol (₹) with the Tamil script 'ரூ' (derived from 'Rubai', meaning Rupees in Tamil) in the 2025-26 state budget logo. This decision emerges amidst ongoing disputes between the DMK-led state government and the BJP-led central government over the National Education Policy's three-language formula, which Tamil Nadu perceives as an imposition of Hindi. The state's steadfast opposition to the policy underscores its commitment to preserving linguistic and cultural identity. While supporters hail the logo change as a bold affirmation of Tamil heritage, critics argue it undermines national unity. Notably, the official Indian Rupee symbol was designed in 2010 by Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam, a Tamilian and son of a former DMK MLA.

Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, 79, has been extradited to The Hague to face ICC charges of murder as a crime against humanity. His bloody war on drugs allegedly killed thousands, mostly urban poor. While Duterte defends his actions, rights groups highlight police abuses. His arrest, a first for an Asian ex-leader, signals a rare ICC success in holding the powerful accountable. However, questions remain about political motivations, with Duterte’s allies alleging a Marcos-driven agenda. The trial will test the ICC’s credibility, especially after its unenforced warrants for Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu. Duterte, now in ICC detention, awaits his first court appearance, marking a pivotal moment in international justice.

Indian athletes have delivered an outstanding performance at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, securing a total of nine medals over the first two days. On the second day, India added two gold, two silver, and one bronze to their tally. In Snowboarding, Bharti clinched her second gold in the Novice Slalom Final (division F25), while Harshita Thakur earned a bronze in division F26. In Alpine Skiing, Nirmala Devi won gold in the Intermediate Giant Slalom Final (division F06), with Radha Devi (division F01) and Abhishek Kumar (division M02) securing silver medals. The Indian contingent, comprising 30 athletes and 19 support staff, is competing in six events: Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Alpine Skiing, Speed Skating, Floorball, and Cross Country Skiing.

In Punjab's Mohali, scientist Abhishek Swarnkar died after being assaulted by his neighbour during a parking dispute. A surveillance video captured the altercation, showing the neighbour pushing Swarnkar to the ground and thrashing him. Swarnkar, who worked at a government lab, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Police have registered a case and arrested the accused. A relative said, “He was a peaceful man, and this was shocking.” The incident has sparked outrage over escalating violence in neighbourhood disputes. Authorities are investigating further.

Mumbai's Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust has accused former trustees of misappropriating over ₹1,500 crore and conducting black magic rituals on hospital premises. A forensic audit revealed significant financial irregularities, leading to multiple FIRs and an ongoing investigation by the Economic Offences Wing. Trustees discovered seven urns containing human hair and skulls, suggesting occult practices. The trust is urging swift action to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

In Uttar Pradesh, authorities have implemented measures to maintain communal harmony during Holi. In Aligarh, four mosques in sensitive areas have been covered with tarpaulin by the Masjid Intezamia Committee to prevent any untoward incidents. Circle Officer Abhay Pandey stated that discussions were held with religious leaders before deciding to cover the mosques. Similarly, in Bareilly, mosques along the Ram Baraat procession route have been covered with tarpaulin. Senior Superintendent of Police Ghule Sushil Chandrabhan led a police march along the proposed route, ensuring that all mosques were properly covered to prevent disturbances. In Shahjahanpur, around 40 mosques along the route of the traditional 'Laat Saab' procession are being covered with plastic sheets to prevent miscreants from throwing color on the structures and disturbing communal harmony.

Lithuanian national Aleksej Besciokov, co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, was apprehended in Varkala, Kerala, by local police in coordination with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Besciokov is wanted in the United States for allegedly facilitating the laundering of billions of dollars through Garantex, which has been linked to transnational criminal organizations, including those involved in hacking, ransomware, terrorism, and drug trafficking. The U.S. Department of Justice recently unsealed an indictment against Besciokov, charging him with conspiracy to commit money laundering and other offenses, each carrying significant prison terms. The arrest was executed based on an Interpol Red Notice and a provisional arrest warrant issued by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at Patiala House Courts in Delhi.

The US plans to impose tariffs on Indian medicines, which may increase drug prices for millions of Americans. India supplies nearly half of all medicines used in the US, including essential drugs for heart disease and mental health. Experts warn that tariffs could lead to shortages and make some medicines unaffordable. India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently visited the US to negotiate a trade deal. Indian drug companies say shifting production to the US is too costly. Both countries are under pressure to find a solution before tariffs take effect in April.