Ajinkya Rahane has criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its selectors for their lack of communication regarding his exclusion from the national team. He expressed frustration over being left out without prior discussion, highlighting the absence of feedback on his performances. Rahane emphasized the importance of transparent communication between players and management to foster trust and improve team dynamics. His comments shed light on the internal challenges within the Indian cricket setup.

In Nadia, West Bengal, tension escalated when BSF personnel were attacked while attempting to seize a large stock of contraband Fencidil in Mathurapur, Krishnagar. The BSF vehicles were vandalized, and jawans were physically assaulted during the confrontation. The situation on the Bengal border remains extremely tense, with local residents and alleged smugglers clashing with security forces. Authorities have yet to issue a full statement, but the incident highlights the increasing challenges faced by border security in combating illicit trade.

A U.S. military plane recently deported 104 Indian nationals, including Daler Singh, who had spent six months and $45,000 to enter the U.S. illegally. The deportees, aged 4 to 46, were handcuffed and leg-chained during the flight to Amritsar, Punjab. This action aligns with President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown and has sparked criticism in India, especially ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington. India's Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, emphasized the need to target the illegal migration industry while easing visa processes for legitimate travelers.

YouTuber Samay Raina and influencer Apoorva Mukhija are set to appear before the National Commission for Women (NCW) for questioning regarding a controversial episode of Raina's show India’s Got Latent. The episode, featuring Ranveer Allahbadia, sparked backlash due to inappropriate remarks. This led to legal action, with multiple FIRs filed in Mumbai and Guwahati. While Raina expressed regret, Allahbadia has yet to comply with NCW summons, and is also seeking Supreme Court intervention. Mukhija has already given her statement to Mumbai Police and pledged full cooperation.

Gujarat Giants aim to build on their batting improvements, with Ashleigh Gardner leading the charge, while Mumbai Indians seek to bounce back from a narrow loss and fix their middle-order issues. Giants' opener Beth Mooney has shown form, but Laura Wolvaardt needs to step up. Gardner has led both with bat and ball. Mumbai Indians are hoping for a stronger performance from Yastika Bhatia and their lower order, alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership. Their bowling unit remains reliant on Shabnim Ismail, despite the controversial run-out issues.

Hyderabad techie Rohit Rao Madasu, inspired by his late father, para-athlete Srinivas Rao, has embarked on a mission to scale the world's highest peaks. Beginning his mountaineering journey in 2018, Rohit aims to conquer the tallest mountains on all seven continents, with Mt. Everest as his ultimate goal. His passion grew after his father's passing in 2021. Notable climbs include Mt. Kilimanjaro and various peaks in the Himalayas. Rohit’s dream is to complete his journey, including South America's Mt. Aconcagua, but he seeks financial support to continue his adventurous pursuit.

Former President Donald Trump has indicated a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future, as discussions between US and Russian officials are set to take place in Saudi Arabia. Despite growing concerns from Ukraine and Europe about concessions on Ukrainian territory, Trump expressed confidence that Putin wants peace. Meanwhile, European leaders warn against appeasement, comparing the situation to pre-World War II negotiations. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is ready to send British troops to maintain peace if a resolution is reached.

Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, downplayed the India-China tensions, stating they are often exaggerated and result from a confrontational approach. He argued that collaboration, rather than confrontation, should be the focus, as ongoing hostility can create unnecessary enemies. In response, BJP spokespersons criticized Pitroda's stance, pointing out historical land concessions and alleging ties between Congress and China through a 2008 MOU. During a joint press conference, US President Trump expressed hope for improved US-China relations, and offered to mediate on India-China border disputes, emphasizing diplomatic cooperation to ease global conflicts, including Russia-Ukraine tensions.

After the BJP's historic victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, securing 48 out of 70 seats, the party is set to meet on February 19 to choose the next Chief Minister. Parvesh Verma, Vijender Gupta, and Bansuri Swaraj are leading candidates. Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal, has emerged as a prominent contender due to his strong political lineage and ties to the influential Jat community. The BJP is also considering appointing two deputy CM positions to ensure broader community representation. The decision will be made ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for February 20.

Taiwan has detected 24 Chinese military aircraft near the island as a Canadian warship transited the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese aircraft, including drones and fighter jets, were conducting "joint combat readiness patrols" around Taiwan. China's military radioed the Canadian frigate, warning it to change course. The transit occurred after two US vessels also passed through the strait, further escalating tensions. The US and its allies assert the strait is an international waterway, with China criticizing these maneuvers as heightening security risks. Taiwan remains firm on rejecting Beijing's claims and emphasizes that only its people can determine their future.