The Economic Times

Cricket authorities have issued a strong statement. Players must not be excluded based on their nationality. This comes amid concerns that Indian-owned teams in The Hundred might ignore Pakistani cricketers. The ECB is committed to preventing discrimination. Selections will be based solely on cricketing merit. Many Pakistani players have registered for the upcoming auction.

Coulomb Litech has secured Rs 20 crore in seed funding to bolster its manufacturing and expand its presence in India's EV sector. The IIT Kanpur alumni-founded startup specializes in fast-charging, long-life battery systems for medium and heavy EVs, including material handling equipment and electric tractors.

JJK S3 Ep 8: The high-stakes action of the Culling Game arc reaches a fever pitch as Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 8 prepares for its global rollout. Following the intense psychological and physical battles of previous weeks, fans are eager to see the next move from Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has responded to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remarks on Gaza. The BJP accused the Congress leader of selective outrage. They referred to her as the 'female Ghajini of Indian politics'. This criticism comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Israel. The BJP stated that condemning the October 7th attacks in Israel requires moral courage.

Did Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif beg US President Donald Trump to stop India's attack on Pakistan? Trump in his State of the Union address, claimed that Shehbaz Sharif would have died if not for my involvement. 35 million people said the Prime Minister of Pakistan would have died if it were not for my involvement, Trump said, sparking a buzz online.

India is expanding its global trade partnerships amidst international uncertainty. The nation now has preferential trade access to almost two-thirds of global commerce. Nine free trade agreements have been signed with developed economies. Discussions are underway with the Gulf Cooperation Council, Israel, and Chile. Trade with Australia and the UAE has doubled post-FTAs.

An Indian court has ruled against enforcing Australian family court orders in a property settlement case involving cricketer Shikhar Dhawan. His former wife must refund nearly Rs 5.7 crore. The court found Australian property settlement laws inconsistent with Indian statutes. Dhawan's former wife did not appear in the Indian court proceedings. This ruling follows Dhawan's recent marriage.

A court in Muzaffarnagar acquitted 37 individuals accused in the 2013 communal riots case that left eight people dead, citing insufficient evidence. Additional District and Sessions Judge Manjula Bhalotiya noted that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Apple is set to introduce touch-screen MacBooks. These new models, likely 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros, are anticipated by late 2026. They will feature OLED displays and Apple's Dynamic Island. The interface will adapt for touch, complementing keyboard and trackpad use.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of a Class 8 NCERT textbook. The book mentions corruption in the judiciary. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated this is a grave concern. He emphasized that the institution will not be defamed. Law will take its course. The court is perturbed by the content. This matter is being addressed urgently.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has assured strict legal action following allegations of racial abuse against three women from Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi's Malviya Nagar. Arrests have been made. Rijiju emphasized that incidents targeting people from the Northeast are taken seriously. He stated that the government prioritizes the region and will protect its dignity.

The Indian Navy will enhance its coastal defence with the commissioning of INS Anjadip. This advanced vessel is designed for anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters. It will detect, track, and neutralize enemy submarines. The ship also supports coastal surveillance and search and rescue missions. INS Anjadip's induction strengthens India's maritime security.

US Air Force F-22 fighter jets have landed in Israel. This deployment occurs amid rising tensions between the US and Iran. American military assets are increasing in West Asia. Diplomatic talks on Iran's nuclear program are ongoing. Israeli officials anticipate a potential US strike. Numerous fighter jets have been observed heading to the Middle East.

Odisha Vigilance Raid: A routine bribe trap in Odisha led to a massive discovery. Vigilance officials found over Rs 4 crore in unaccounted cash, gold, and property documents at a senior mines official's home. The official was arrested for accepting a Rs 30,000 bribe. This is the biggest cash seizure in a trap case in the state.

C/2026 A1 comet: Astronomers are tracking a newly discovered comet, C/2026 A1 (MAPS), which has the potential to become one of the brightest celestial objects of the decade by April 2026. Discovered on January 13, 2026, by a team of amateur astronomers in the Atacama Desert, this sungrazer belongs to the legendary Kreutz family, known for producing comets that can occasionally outshine the full Moon.

A BJP MP has asked the Union Home Minister to rename Delhi. He wants the capital city to be called Indraprastha. The MP believes this name reflects the city's ancient past. He argues that restoring historical names is part of reclaiming India's identity. This move reignites discussions about history and identity in India.

Donald Trump stated Pakistan's Prime Minister claimed 35 million lives would have been lost without his intervention. This was during his address regarding tensions between India and Pakistan. Trump portrayed himself as key to de-escalating the situation. India has previously rejected third-party mediation in easing tensions.

Australian shares surged on Wednesday, February 25, with the S&P/ASX 200 closing at a fresh 100-day high, up 1.17%. The market is now just 0.02% shy of its 52-week peak, driven by strong performances in Information Technology and Consumer Staples. Tabcorp Holdings and Helia Group were top gainers, while Domino's Pizza led the decliners.

Haryanas State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested four individuals, including two former IDFC First Bank employees and two private business owners, in connection with the Rs 590-crore IDFC First Bank fraud involving Haryana government accounts. The arrests follow the banks disclosure of the fraud and the registration of an FIR, as the state government sets up a committee to investigate.

Indian and European spice associations have agreed to work together on food safety and sustainability. This partnership aims to ensure Indian spices meet European Union standards. Both groups are committed to consumer health and ethical practices. They will share information and cooperate on regulations. This move is crucial for Indian spice exports to Europe.

India stumbled against South Africa in the T20 World Cup, triggering concern among fans but optimism from former coach Ravi Shastri. He argues the loss could prove invaluable, giving the dressing room time to review plans and adjust combinations.

Quote of the day: There are some lines that feel less like advice and more like a life compass. This is one of them. Spoken by Steve Jobs during his famous 2005 Stanford commencement speech, these words have travelled far beyond Silicon Valley. They have been quoted in classrooms, offices, start-up garages and quiet bedrooms where someone is wondering what to do with their life.

A tourist from Bhopal tragically lost his life in a road accident in North Goa. His family's car was hit from behind by a rented Mahindra Thar SUV. The incident occurred at the Happy Bar junction in Assagao. The victim died at the spot. Other family members sustained minor injuries. A baby in the car was unharmed.

Dog Lick sepsis treatment: After a UK woman lost her limbs and suffered multiple cardiac arrests after a casual dog lick caused sepsis on a small cut, concerns have been raised about the infection. Dog lick sepis symptoms include fever, chills, low blood pressure. You should immediately consult a doctor when you develop fever and swelling increases. You can prevent the infection by avoiding letting dogs lick open wounds and cleaning any licked area with soap and water.

A new book challenges the term 'Middle East', calling it an outdated imperial label. It proposes 'West Asia' to describe a region now deeply connected to Asia. This shift demands a new U.S. strategy focused on building order and partnerships. India's role is highlighted as a key player in this evolving geopolitical landscape.

President Donald Trump made several claims during his State of the Union address. Fact-checkers have examined these statements. The economy, job growth, foreign wars, tariffs, medicine prices, crime rates, immigration, taxes, elections, and historical events were among the topics discussed. Many of Trump's assertions were found to be exaggerated or inaccurate.

India and Israel are stepping up their joint campaign against terrorism, agreeing to deepen collaboration across training, cybersecurity, and intelligence sharing. Their efforts now prioritise emerging dangers such as weaponised drones and AI-driven terror tools. Both countries have denounced recent attacks on their soil, underscoring that this expanded security partnership is anchored in a robust and growing strategic relationship.

President Donald Trump stated Iran is developing missiles capable of reaching the United States. He also accused Tehran of working to rebuild its nuclear program. Trump emphasized his preference for diplomacy to resolve these issues. However, he warned that the US is prepared to use force if negotiations fail. Talks between the US and Iran are ongoing.

Mexico's most powerful cartel leader, El Mencho, is dead. His death leaves a void in the Jalisco New Generation cartel. This could lead to infighting and rival groups seizing territory. Other major cartels like Sinaloa and Crtel del Noreste remain active. Authorities are targeting these organizations and their leaders.

Newly released records show how convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein cultivated close ties with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering favors and gifts while receiving preferential treatment. A federal investigation launched in 2019 examined whether officers helped him evade scrutiny at his private island. Though subpoenas were issued, no charges have been publicly filed against the officials involved.

In his State of the Union speech, President Donald Trump promoted an optimistic narrative about the economy, citing expansion and lower prices. Still, many households report feeling squeezed by rising expenses and stagnant wages. The event highlighted the intense political polarization gripping the nation. A visit from the US men's hockey team offered a short-lived sense of common ground.

Congress has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel. The party alleges the Prime Minister is showing moral cowardice by embracing Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu. Congress leaders stated that Gaza has been reduced to rubble and illegal settlements are expanding. They recalled India's past solidarity with Palestine. The Prime Minister's visit aims to boost defense and trade cooperation.

New York flights cancelled: Thousands of flights were cancelled and delayed at the New York airports as a historic blizzard threatens to bury the region in at least two feet of snow. You can expect more cancellations and delays on Wednesday and passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates. No respite in the weather is expected as of now.

Today's word of the day 'exculpatory' means serving to show that someone is not guilty or not at fault.

BSNL Director Vivek Banzal Prayagraj Visit protocol: A planned visit by a senior BSNL director to Prayagraj has been cancelled. This follows an internal office order detailing arrangements for personal items like underwear and soap that went viral on social media. Nearly 50 officials were assigned tasks for the visit. BSNL stated norms were not followed and action has been taken.

The right to have children faces modern challenges. Economic pressures and societal support systems impact parenthood decisions. Lee Kuan Yew believed everyone has a right to reproduce. However, unequal conditions shape outcomes. Strengthening education and opportunity, not restricting rights, is key. This approach addresses demographic concerns by improving systems for all.

Garena Free Fire Max players can get free items using redeem codes. These codes are 12-character alphanumeric strings. They are valid for a short time and can be used only once. Players should redeem them quickly. The article provides redeem codes for February 25, 2026.

Bill Gates addressed Gates Foundation employees about his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. He acknowledged it was a mistake to spend time with Epstein and involve foundation executives. Gates stated he did nothing illicit and did not spend time with Epstein's victims. The foundation confirmed Gates took responsibility for his actions during a town hall meeting.

ICSI Result time: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India will announce CS Executive and CS Professional December 2025 exam results today. Candidates can check their scorecards on the official website, icsi.edu. The CS Professional results are expected at 11 am, followed by the CS Executive results at 2 pm. These examinations were held offline in December 2025.

RJ Princy Parikh has been a victim of serious online abuse and received rape threats and body-shaming comments after she posted a reel with cricketer David Miller. Princy Parikh posted a reel with Miller after India lost the match to South Africa in the T20 World Cup. Parikh had to remove the reel from Facebook, and she said she would file a police complaint.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic two-day visit to Israel, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bolster the strategic partnership. The leaders reviewed progress and explored further cooperation in technology, defence, agriculture, and trade, while also exchanging views on regional and global issues.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez and spin legend Saqlain Mushtaq engaged in a heated on-air debate regarding all-rounder Shadab Khan's place in the national T20 World Cup squad. Hafeez questioned Shadab's consistent selection and role, while Saqlain defended the need for player support.

A sweeping purge under President Xi Jinping has removed or sidelined around 100 senior People's Liberation Army officers since 2022, including top commanders and allies. A study by Center for Strategic and International Studies says the shake-up has hollowed out leadership ranks, raising doubts about Chinas near-term readiness for major operations, including against Taiwan, despite ongoing military modernization efforts.

Donald Trump stated he prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. He also claimed his intervention saved the life of Pakistan's Prime Minister. These included conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand, and the India-Pakistan dispute. His remarks came during his State of the Union address.

Hyundai Motor Group is reportedly planning a multi-billion-dollar investment in South Korea's west coast, focusing on robotics, an AI data center, and hydrogen infrastructure. This move aligns with the group's broader strategy to expand into artificial intelligence for autonomous driving and robotics, building on previous commitments and recent deals with Nvidia.