World

Tropical Cyclone Gezani killed at least nine people in Madagascar after hitting the eastern port city of Toamasina with powerful winds. Authorities issued red alerts for flooding and landslides. The storm later weakened to a tropical storm as it moved westward.

A Russian drone destroyed a home in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, killing a father and his three young children and seriously injuring their pregnant mother. Officials say Russia launched 129 drones overnight, as civilian casualties continue to rise.

Nine people were killed in a mass shooting at a high school and a nearby home in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Police said the suspected shooter died by suicide. Authorities are investigating the motive, while leaders expressed shock and grief.

Pakistan defeated the USA by 32 runs in a Group A match of the T20 World Cup in Colombo. Sahibzada Farhan scored 73, while Pakistan’s spinners shared seven wickets. Shubham Ranjane’s fifty was not enough to stop Pakistan’s second win

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has seen record fan engagement, with 647 million video views, 107,781 in attendance over the opening weekend, and strong growth from non-traditional cricket nations. Streaming on ICC.tv also surged with new language feeds

Kazakhstan’s Sofiya Shulzhenko set a world record in the 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Asian Championship in Delhi. India added two gold medals, with Prachi Gaikwad starring in juniors, as the hosts maintained their lead in the medal tally

West Indies legend Ian Bishop said the team is missing a wrist spinner despite starting their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a win over Scotland. He also highlighted workload concerns for coach Daren Sammy and captain Shai Hope ahead of England clash

Bas de Leede struck an unbeaten 72 as the Netherlands defeated Namibia by seven wickets in their Group A clash of the T20 World Cup. The Dutch chased down 156 with ease, keeping their Super 8 hopes alive after a loss to Pakistan

New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen smashed unbeaten fifties to chase down UAE’s 174-run target with ease in Chennai. Their 175-run stand set a tournament record as the Black Caps sealed a commanding 10-wicket win in the T20 World Cup

Pakistan's Supreme Court allowed PTI lawyer Salman Safdar to meet jailed former PM Imran Khan and report on his living conditions. This will be the first legal visit since December, while family and lawyer visits remain restricted over political concerns.

Estonia’s intelligence chief says Russia has no intention of ending the Ukraine war and is stalling talks with the US. While Washington claims progress, experts question whether President Putin genuinely wants peace or believes he can still win.

The Indian women’s cricket team has arrived in Australia for a multi-format series starting February 15. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead across formats, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain. The tour includes three T20Is, three ODIs, and a one-off Test

Michael Leask starred with a quickfire cameo and four wickets after George Munsey’s 84 as Scotland crushed Italy by 73 runs in their Group C T20 World Cup clash in Kolkata. Italy folded for 134 in 16.4 overs

Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 48 guided Zimbabwe to a dominant eight-wicket win over Oman in their T20 World Cup clash in Colombo. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava starred with the ball, sharing six wickets as Oman were bowled out for 103

South Africa defeated Canada by 57 runs in their T20 World Cup opener in Ahmedabad. Aiden Markram scored 59, while David Miller and Tristan Stubbs added a quick 75-run stand. Lungi Ngidi took four wickets as Canada managed 156

Pakistan is likely to withdraw its boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India after Bangladesh’s request. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said a decision will be announced soon, with ICC and BCB discussions continuing ahead of the February 15 clash

Manu Bhaker missed gold in a tense shoot-off against Vietnam’s Thuy Trang Nguyen, while Esha Singh won bronze in the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship. Naamya Kapoor clinched junior gold and Anjali Bhagwat bronze as India’s medal tally reached 60

China reacted to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s landslide midterm victory, citing structural and ideological trends. Beijing emphasized adherence to bilateral agreements, criticized Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks, and highlighted ongoing diplomatic tensions, including travel advisories and trade restrictions on Japanese goods.

At least 53 people, including two babies, are dead or missing after a migrant boat capsized off Libya. Human traffickers exploit unstable conditions, forcing migrants onto unsafe vessels, while survivors report losing family members during the perilous central Mediterranean crossing.

Iraq has executed a former senior security officer from Saddam Hussein’s era for his role in the 1980 killing of Shiite cleric Mohammed Baqir al-Sadr. The case highlights continued efforts to prosecute crimes linked to past repression.

Norwegian ambassador Mona Juul has resigned after scrutiny over her past contact with Jeffrey Epstein. The decision follows reports that Epstein left millions to her children and comes amid a wider review of ties involving senior Norwegian figures.

Pakistani security forces killed a senior TTP commander, Maulana Younis alias Billa, during an operation in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police said he was involved in planning attacks against law enforcement agencies and civilians.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure from within his Labour Party after a scandal involving former diplomat Peter Mandelson. The crisis has cost him his chief of staff and raised fresh doubts about his leadership just 18 months into office.

Iranian authorities have arrested senior reformist figures as part of a broader crackdown on dissent following deadly protests. The move comes amid renewed nuclear talks with the United States and growing regional tensions involving Israel and Iran.