World

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi is poised for a landslide victory in Sunday’s snap lower house election. Exit polls suggest her LDP-led coalition could secure a majority, allowing her to advance right-wing policies on defense, economy, and immigration.

A Russian airstrike in Kramatorsk kills one and injures two. Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says the US has set a June deadline for a peace deal, with the next round of trilateral talks likely to be held in Miami amid ongoing Donbas fighting.

Hundreds of traders protested in Baghdad against new customs tariffs of up to 30%, citing rising costs and corruption. The fees have caused port backlogs and nationwide strikes, while Iraq’s Supreme Court is set to rule on a related lawsuit.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu will make a state visit to the UK on March 18 and 19. It will be the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to Britain in nearly 40 years.

Former French culture minister Jack Lang has resigned as head of the Arab World Institute after alleged financial links to Jeffrey Epstein triggered a tax investigation. Prosecutors are also examining the role of Lang’s daughter.

Pakistan has delayed granting Starlink a licence due to data security concerns, geopolitical sensitivities and competition from Chinese firms. Officials fear satellite internet services could bypass monitoring systems, prompting caution despite growing interest in expanding connectivity.

Palestinians gathered at the Rafah crossing hoping to travel after its limited reopening under a ceasefire. Despite high medical demand, only a small number have crossed, with many reporting delays and mistreatment.

Iran’s Foreign Minister said the country’s strength comes from resisting global powers, even as talks with the US continue. While Iran insists it will enrich uranium, Washington has increased military pressure in the region.

The Dalai Lama’s office has firmly denied any association with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, following media reports citing US Department of Justice documents. The statement rejects claims of meetings or donations, clarifying the spiritual leader’s complete lack of involvement.

Former editor Martin Baron slams Bezos for attempting to curry favour with President Donald Trump, calling the turmoil at the Post “near-instant, self-inflicted brand destruction”

At least four Indian students were injured in an attack in Ufa, Russia, leading to swift intervention by the Indian Embassy in Moscow. Officials confirmed the incident late on Saturday and assured that the injured are receiving medical care.

The PCB will consult its government on Sri Lanka Cricket’s request to reconsider boycotting the India match in the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka warned of financial losses and image damage if the marquee clash on February 15 in Colombo is cancelled

The ICC has asked the PCB to explain invoking force majeure to boycott the India match in the T20 World Cup. Citing government instructions, PCB faces scrutiny as ICC stresses selective participation undermines the tournament and may trigger disciplinary action

Netherlands pacer Paul van Meekeren said his team lost to Pakistan in their T20 World Cup clash due to poor execution in the final overs. Faheem Ashraf’s unbeaten 29 off 11 balls sealed Pakistan’s three-wicket win in Colombo

West Indies defeated Scotland by 35 runs in their T20 World Cup opener at Kolkata. Shimron Hetmyer’s 64 lifted the Windies to 182/5, while Romario Shepherd’s 5/20, including a hat-trick, bowled out Scotland for 147 in 18.5 overs

Pakistan defeated Netherlands by three wickets in their T20 World Cup opener at Colombo. Faheem Ashraf’s unbeaten 29 off 11 balls rescued Pakistan after a collapse, while Salman Mirza’s 3/24 restricted Netherlands to 147 in 19.5 overs

India defeated USA by 29 runs in their T20 World Cup opener at Wankhede. Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 84 rescued India after a collapse, while Mohammed Siraj’s 3/29 ensured USA’s chase ended at 132/8

Two US Democratic senators have urged the Department of Defense to review SpaceX following reports of hidden Chinese investments, warning that foreign influence in a key defence contractor could pose serious national security risks.

Rudrankksh Patil won gold in men’s 10m air rifle at the Asian Championship, with Arjun Babuta second. India also secured team gold and swept the junior podium as Himanshu, Ansh Dabas and Suresh Pranav clinched medals

India’s Aadrash Ram Jothi Shankar clinched bronze in men’s high jump with a 2.19m effort at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Tianjin. Praveen Chithravel and Yogita finished fourth in triple jump and shot put as Chinese athletes dominated

England sealed the Mixed Disability T20I series 4-1 with a nine-wicket win over India in Jaipur. Akash Singh’s 51 and Ravindra Sante’s 33 lifted India to 125, but Angus Garant Brown’s 62 powered England to a comfortable chase

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in Colombo with India defending their crown, Italy making a debut, and Pakistan’s refusal to face India adding intrigue. Twenty teams will compete in a tournament mixing politics, passion, and cricketing drama

Indian cueist Keerthana Pandian settled for silver at the Asian Snooker Championships in Doha after losing 1-3 to defending champion Narantuya Bayarsaikhan. The 23-year-old, who impressed throughout the tournament, faltered in the final despite a strong semifinal win

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s stunning 175 off 80 balls powered India to a 100-run win over England in the U-19 World Cup final at Harare. Supported by Ayush Mhatre’s leadership and disciplined bowling, India posted 411 and bowled England out for 311