India will face Bangladesh in their opening Champions Trophy match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 20, 2025. The pitch is expected to favor pace bowlers, with Mohammad Shami and Arshdeep Singh set to benefit from seam movement. Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace department remains strong. Weather conditions are predicted to be overcast, with temperatures ranging from 26°C in the morning to 23°C in the evening, providing ideal conditions for cricket. The match could see both pace and spin play key roles, particularly in the latter half.  

British and European forces could soon be deployed to Ukraine to secure peace in the aftermath of a ceasefire with Russia. The force, expected to number under 30,000 troops, would focus on key areas such as cities, ports, and nuclear power plants, providing reassurance to the Ukrainian public and facilitating the return of displaced citizens. Additionally, air policing and warships for maritime security are being considered. This deployment would depend on US backing, with the goal of deterring any further Russian aggression, though Russia strongly opposes such a force.    

Afghanistan will face South Africa in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 21 at Karachi's National Bank Stadium. The weather forecast predicts pleasant conditions with a temperature of 31°C and minimal chances of rain. South Africa leads the head-to-head ODI record 3-2. Afghanistan’s squad is led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, featuring strong batters like Gurbaz and Zadran, while Rashid Khan leads the spin attack. South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, will rely on key players like Rabada, Jansen, and Miller.  

As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues, Hamas will return the bodies of four Israeli captives, including members of the Bibas family, in Gaza’s Khan Younis. Meanwhile, Gaza authorities claim Israel is blocking essential humanitarian aid, including mobile homes and bulldozers. The Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 50,000 Palestinian deaths from the ongoing conflict, with many more presumed dead. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for the end of Israel's occupation in southern Lebanon. The death toll in Israel stands at over 1,100 due to the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.

The Supreme Court has stayed an order from the Lokpal, which had granted jurisdiction to probe high court judges. The court found the development "disturbing" and issued notices to the Centre, the Lokpal office, and the complainant. The Lokpal had earlier directed that complaints about high court judges influencing cases be forwarded to the Chief Justice of India for consideration. The case concerns allegations that a high court judge had influenced another judge and a district judge to favor a private company with which he had past connections.  

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma downplayed concerns over Mohammed Shami's recent low wicket tally ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Shami, who made his return to international cricket last month after a long break, has played only two ODIs and two T20Is. Despite his modest returns, Rohit emphasized that the primary goal was to reintegrate Shami into the Indian squad. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Shami’s experience is crucial to leading India’s pace attack, which also features young bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.

Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, was appointed Delhi's Chief Minister by the BJP after their legislature party meeting. As the BJP takes charge, Gupta faces multiple significant challenges. These include fulfilling major election promises, such as disbursing Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women by International Women's Day (March 8). Additionally, managing Delhi’s finances, improving infrastructure, and addressing the pollution crisis, especially cleaning the Yamuna, will be crucial. The new government will need to quickly implement its commitments while balancing fiscal health and administrative efficiency.

Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, will be sworn in as Delhi's new Chief Minister today at a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan. This marks the BJP's return to power in the capital after 26 years. The event will be attended by 20 state leaders, film stars, industrialists, and diplomats. Spiritual leaders such as Baba Ramdev and Baba Bageshwar Dhirendra Shastri will also be present. Gupta's cabinet will include six members, with BJP leaders like Manjinder Sirsa and Pankaj Kumar Singh. The BJP won 48 out of 70 assembly seats in the recent election.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has alleged that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to India with the intent to influence its political landscape. He suggested that USAID aimed to support the election of a candidate other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This claim has raised concerns about foreign interference in India's democratic processes. The U.S. government has not officially commented on Trump's assertion. The allegation adds to ongoing debates regarding the role of foreign aid in domestic politics.

Rekha Gupta, a seasoned but low-profile BJP leader, has been appointed as Delhi's fourth woman Chief Minister. With nearly three decades of political experience, Gupta rose from a student leader to her latest position, defying expectations. Her recent success came after BJP’s historic win in Delhi, marking a significant political shift. Gupta, who had previously served as a councillor and chairperson of the education committee, surprised many with her election victory, especially as she was not a frontrunner. She will be sworn in on Thursday at Ramlila Maidan.