Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the Pahalgam terror attack, questioning his silence and accusing Pakistan of harboring terrorists. Kaneria defended his loyalty to Pakistan despite being Hindu, highlighting the discrimination faced by Hindus there. The Pahalgam attack — the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama tragedy — drew widespread condemnation globally. Leaders from around the world, along with prominent voices from the cricketing fraternity and other industries, expressed their condolences to the victims and their families.
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The Bengal government has suspended 12 doctors from Midnapore Medical College and Hospital following the death of a woman post-C-section. A CID probe has been ordered to establish criminal negligence. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized accountability and mandated eight-hour hospital shifts for senior doctors. The preliminary report highlighted negligence, improper procedures, and the unsanitary use of RL batches.
The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, refutes claims of an advantage in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy by playing all matches at one venue. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak emphasises that success comes from performance rather than location. He adds that discussing past results against New Zealand is irrelevant for the final match.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta assured that despite the empty state coffers left by the previous AAP government, the BJP is committed to implementing the Rs 2,500-per month honorarium scheme for eligible women. Approximately 38 lakh women could benefit from this scheme, which is projected to cost over Rs 11,000 crore annually. The assembly session will prioritize development projects and address misuse of funds in previous reports.
Violence has surged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the M23 rebel group seizing Goma, leading to mass instability. The jailbreak of over 4,000 inmates and attacks on embassies have intensified the chaos. Rwanda’s controversial involvement and the struggle over resource-rich territories exacerbate the conflict, risking broader regional unrest and severe humanitarian consequences.
At a pre-Budget meeting, PM Modi stressed the need for 7-8% growth to achieve developed nation status by 2047, considering global challenges and geopolitical tensions. Economists provided suggestions on boosting employment, farm productivity, exports, and the value chain, while addressing climate change and energy transition.
German President Steinmeier dissolved Parliament and set February 23 for new elections after Chancellor Scholz's coalition collapsed. Scholz is now leading a minority government. Elon Musk and JD Vance faced backlash for endorsing the far-right AfD party. Musk's support via social media drew criticism for aligning with a group known for its controversial positions.
Indian space-tech startups Pixxel, Digantara, and XDLINX Space Labs successfully launch satellites to monitor earth and space objects aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission. Pixxel's Firefly constellation achieves India's first private satellite constellation with high-resolution imaging. Digantara enhances space safety, and XDLINX introduces E-band communication technology.
Elon Musk highlighted a discrepancy between the 4.6 million active U.S. government credit cards and the 2.1 million federal employees, raising concerns about potential misuse. This followed the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) audit, which deactivated 470,000 cards across 30 agencies. The initiative, spurred by a Trump executive order, aims to cut costs, though experts caution about potential operational delays.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis questioned Uddhav Thackeray's stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to be introduced in Lok Sabha. The bill faces opposition from Congress-led INDIA bloc and Muslim organizations, with Shiv Sena (UBT) having left the BJP alliance in 2019.
Gyanesh Kumar is set to become India's next Chief Election Commissioner, replacing Rajiv Kumar upon his retirement. Gyanesh Kumar, a retired IAS officer, has been recommended by the selection committee. His appointment process has sparked controversy with the Congress party urging the government to defer the selection until the Supreme Court hears a relevant petition.