From major setbacks in Indian cricket to intense political maneuvering and global tensions escalating, today's top stories cover high-stakes developments across sports, politics, and international affairs. Jasprit Bumrah’s injury blow ahead of the Champions Trophy has forced Team India into last-minute changes, while millions throng the Triveni Sangam for the sacred Maghi Purnima bath at the Maha Kumbh. Meanwhile, PM Modi pushes for AI reforms at the Paris Summit, Manipur stares at President’s Rule, and Trump’s latest executive order stirs controversy.
Here’s a look at the top news stories shaping the day:
Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of Champions Trophy 2025; Varun Chakravarthy Replaces Jaiswal
In a major setback for Team India, pace ace Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a persistent lower back injury, the BCCI confirmed on Tuesday night. The injury, sustained during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, has kept Bumrah out of action, and despite rehabilitation efforts, he has failed to recover in time for the marquee tournament.
As his replacement, young pacer Harshit Rana has been included in the final 15-member squad. In another selection shake-up, the selectors have dropped opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, opting instead for mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has been in red-hot form in white-ball cricket.
The Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan, but India’s matches will be held in Dubai. The Men in Blue will face Bangladesh on February 20, Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 3 in the group stages.
Maha Kumbh: Over 90 Lakh Devotees Take Holy Dip on Maghi Purnima
Millions of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for the sacred Maghi Purnima snan (bath) at the Maha Kumbh 2025. The ‘mela’ administration reported that by 8 AM on Wednesday, over 90 lakh pilgrims had already taken the holy dip, with an estimated 2.5 crore expected throughout the day.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings on the occasion while monitoring crowd control and traffic management measures from Lucknow. This Maghi Purnima snan marks the conclusion of Kalpavas, with nearly 10 lakh Kalpvasis preparing to depart after a month of religious observance.
PM Modi Pushes for Bias-Free AI at Paris Summit, Urges Investment in India
Speaking at the India-France CEO Forum in Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on global businesses to invest in India, highlighting its robust policy continuity and pro-business environment. He reiterated India's ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 and stressed the country’s advancements in AI, space technology, and the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
At the AI Action Summit, which he co-chaired with French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi emphasized the need for bias-free AI and responsible innovation to prevent the risks of algorithmic discrimination. He also met with Google CEO Sundar Pichai and US Vice President JD Vance, discussing ways to boost India’s digital transformation.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Jabs Congress Over ‘MLA Exodus’ Claims
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann dismissed Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa’s claims that 30 AAP MLAs were in talks to switch parties, calling it "false propaganda". "He has been saying this for the last three years; let him first count Congress' own MLAs in Delhi," Mann quipped.
The remarks came after AAP’s heavy defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, where Arvind Kejriwal and top AAP leaders met with Punjab’s 91 MLAs to strategize for the 2027 Punjab elections. Both the BJP and Congress took digs at Kejriwal, with BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa accusing him of "dreaming of becoming Punjab CM" after losing Delhi.
BJP Fails to Name Manipur’s New CM; President’s Rule Looms
Three days after Biren Singh’s resignation, the BJP remains undecided on his successor, fueling speculation that President’s Rule may be imposed in Manipur. BJP’s state in-charge Sambit Patra met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and key state leaders, but no final decision has been made.
Ministers Thongam Biswajit, Thockchom Satyabrata Singh, and Yumnam Khemchand Singh are reportedly contenders for the CM post, but internal party differences have delayed the decision. If President’s Rule is imposed, the state government’s functions would be transferred to the Centre, as per Article 356 of the Constitution.
Lucknow Court Summons Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Army Defamation
A Lucknow court has summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear on March 24, following a defamation complaint over his alleged remarks against the Indian Army. The case was filed by a former Border Roads Organisation (BRO) director, who accused Gandhi of making derogatory statements during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022.
Trump Halts Anti-Bribery Law, Indirectly Benefiting Adani Group
In a major policy shift, US President Donald Trump has paused enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a federal law prohibiting US companies from bribing foreign officials. This decision could impact legal proceedings against Indian industrialist Gautam Adani, who faces US charges related to a $250 million bribery scheme.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Department of Justice (DoJ) had accused Adani and associates of corrupt dealings to secure solar energy contracts. Following the charges, Adani Group’s stocks plunged by nearly 20%, though the company has denied all allegations.
UK Cracks Down on Illegal Migrants, Targets Indian Restaurants
The UK Home Office has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigrants, conducting raids across Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and other small businesses.
In Humberside, seven arrests were made at an Indian restaurant, while six more were detained in South London during a raid on a grocery warehouse. The UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed that immigration enforcement raids have surged by 48% compared to last year, with over 600 arrests made in January alone.
Israel Warns Hamas: ‘Return Hostages or War Resumes’
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, warning that if nine Israeli hostages are not released by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will be scrapped, and IDF will resume full-scale attacks in Gaza.
Sam Altman Rejects Elon Musk’s $97.4 Billion Bid for OpenAI
A public feud between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Tesla chief Elon Musk has erupted after Musk offered a staggering $97.4 billion to acquire OpenAI. Altman swiftly rejected the bid, stating that "OpenAI is not for sale", and accused Musk of acting out of insecurity.
