In the 2025 Champions Trophy final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India's spinner Varun Chakaravarthy delivered a pivotal moment by dismissing New Zealand's Glenn Phillips for 34 runs. In the 38th over, Chakaravarthy bowled a flighted googly outside off-stump; Phillips attempted a cut shot, but the ball sharply turned back, sneaking between bat and pad to hit the stumps. This wicket left New Zealand at 165/5 after 37.5 overs. Earlier, New Zealand's openers, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young, provided a strong start with a 51-run partnership. However, Indian spinners consistently broke partnerships, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja also contributing crucial wickets. At 41 overs, New Zealand stood at 175/5, with Daryl Mitchell nearing a half-century.

During the Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was visibly animated during a drinks break after the 15th over. The incident occurred when Shubman Gill was late to join the team huddle, prompting Rohit's outburst. Fans on social media speculated that Gill's delay led to the captain's frustration. Earlier in the match, India's spinners had given the team an advantage by securing three wickets within 13 overs. Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Will Young for 15, while Kuldeep Yadav took the crucial wickets of Rachin Ravindra (37) and Kane Williamson (11). Despite the on-field tension, India maintained their dominance in the game.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized with anti-India graffiti on Sunday. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the "despicable act" and urged authorities to take strict action. The temple’s Public Affairs wing denounced the incident as "another show of hate against Hindus." The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) linked the act to rising Hinduphobia. Similar incidents occurred in Sacramento and New York last year. The Chino Hills Police Department has yet to issue a statement. Hindu groups have called for enhanced security at places of worship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention on January 9, 2025, at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The event, attended by representatives from over 75 countries, celebrated the contributions of the Indian diaspora. PM Modi welcomed Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), highlighting Odisha's rich heritage and cultural landmarks like Konark and Dhauli. He also emphasized the importance of events like Bali Yatra. Additionally, the Prime Minister flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, enhancing connectivity for the Indian diaspora.  

Billionaire Elon Musk has advocated for the United States to exit NATO, arguing that it "doesn't make sense" for the country to bear the defense costs of Europe. Musk's remarks, made in response to a social media post, come as NATO approaches its 76th anniversary, with the alliance's future under scrutiny. Former President Donald Trump also recently criticized NATO, stating that the US should not defend countries that fail to meet defense spending commitments. These developments signal growing tensions regarding NATO's financial structure and the US's role in the alliance.

Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa has called for peace after clashes left at least 745 Alawite civilians dead in massacres across coastal regions, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The violence erupted after an ambush on government forces, escalating into widespread fighting between Assad loyalists and the new Islamist-led government. Hundreds have fled Latakia and Tartus, with many seeking refuge at a Russian military base. The UN’s special envoy, Geir Pedersen, expressed alarm over civilian casualties, urging all sides to prevent further destabilization. The death toll has surpassed 1,000.

Star India batter Virat Kohli was seen waving at his wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The moment, captured on camera, went viral on social media. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first, with Rachin Ravindra scoring a quick 37. However, India's spinners, led by Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, took crucial wickets to shift momentum. The match remains intense as India aims for another ICC trophy.

A night of music at Sanapur Lake in Bengaluru turned tragic as two men were arrested for the brutal rape of an Israeli tourist and her host. In an unrelated incident, the body of an Odia tourist was discovered, believed to be the victim of a murder. The disturbing crimes unfolded amidst a lively crowd, leaving both locals and tourists in shock. Authorities have taken the suspects into custody and are continuing their investigations into the violent events that disrupted the otherwise peaceful evening.  

One body has been recovered from the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) Tunnel in Nagarkurnool, Telangana, where a collapse on February 22 trapped eight workers. The body was found stuck in a machine with only a hand visible. As rescue operations enter their 16th day, officials have employed cadaver dogs and advanced technology to assist the efforts. Telangana's irrigation minister has ordered the use of robots to aid in the rescue. The state government is leveraging the best available technology to navigate the challenges of the 14-kilometre-long tunnel's final section.

  A recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), confirms that the water quality during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj was suitable for bathing. The event, held from January 13 to February 26, 2025, attracted over 66 crore devotees to the Sangam. The CPCB conducted bi-weekly water monitoring from January 12 onwards, including auspicious bathing days, at five locations on the Ganga River and two on the Yamuna River. Their statistical analysis indicated that the water quality met bathing standards throughout the festival.