Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has confirmed that Indian cricket star Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their second child. De Villiers revealed that Kohli withdrew from the first two Tests against England to be with his family during this special time. Praising Kohli's decision to prioritize family, de Villiers emphasized that such moments are invaluable. Kohli's absence, cited by the BCCI as personal reasons, sparked speculation, but de Villiers assured fans of Kohli's well-being and underscored the importance of respecting the family's privacy. Kohli and Anushka, married since 2017, celebrated their daughter Vamika's third birthday in January.          

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) condemned model-actor Poonam Pandey's fake death stunt, demanding an FIR against her. Criticizing the use of cervical cancer for self-promotion, AICWA expressed concern over the credibility of death news in the film industry. Pandey's team had earlier announced her demise on Instagram, sparking outrage. In response, Pandey clarified her intention was to raise awareness about cervical cancer, apologizing for the stunt. Despite her explanation, AICWA insisted on legal action to prevent exploitation of such stunts for personal gain. The incident reignites discussions on ethics and publicity in the entertainment industry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani will be bestowed with the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. PM Modi described it as an "emotional moment" and praised Advani's significant role in shaping India's development. Advani, a respected statesman, served as Deputy Prime Minister and held key ministerial positions during his illustrious career. Known for his commitment to transparency and integrity, Advani's parliamentary contributions have been lauded. PM Modi emphasized the exemplary standards set by Advani in political ethics and national unity, highlighting the privilege of learning from him.

India seized control of the second Test against England with an impressive display on day two in Visakhapatnam. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's magnificent 209 laid the foundation for India's dominance, guiding them to a formidable total of 396 in the first innings. Jasprit Bumrah then wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming six wickets for just 45 runs as England were bowled out for 253, conceding a substantial first-innings lead of 143. Despite a quick start from Zak Crawley, England faltered, with skipper Ben Stokes' 47 not proving enough. India, led by Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, extended their lead to 171, ending the day at 28-0.        

Late Friday night, Central Oklahoma experienced a 5.1 magnitude earthquake, with its epicentre near Prague, 57 miles east of Oklahoma City. Residents in Shawnee, Stillwater, and Tecumseh also reported feeling the tremors. The US Geological Survey reported the quake as shallow, only 3 kilometres deep, amplifying its intensity. While no immediate damages were reported, residents were cautioned about potential aftershocks. This event follows a series of earthquakes in January, including two above magnitude 4.0. Human activities such as fracking have been linked to seismic events in the region, with the 2016 5.8 magnitude earthquake attributed to wastewater injection from oil and gas production.

Model-actor Poonam Pandey refuted reports of her demise from cervical cancer, unveiling a unique campaign to raise awareness. Pandey took to Instagram, emphasizing the preventability of Cervical Cancer through HPV vaccination and early detection. The announcement countered an earlier statement by her manager confirming her death. Pandey urged for critical awareness, asserting, "Cervical Cancer didn’t claim me, but tragically, it has claimed the lives of thousands." Renowned for her social media presence, Pandey's initiative aims to dispel misinformation and empower women against the disease's impact. With her resilience, Pandey strives to bring an end to the devastating effects of cervical cancer.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored India's pivotal role in advancing African interests and stimulating discussions on UN reform during its G20 presidency. Speaking at the book launch event for 'India and the Future of G20: Shaping Policies for a Better World', Jaishankar highlighted the positive reception from African leaders, emphasizing their gratitude for India's significant step in Africa's rise. He also noted the broader implications of India's initiatives, sparking debates on multilateralism and UN reform. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appreciated India's G20 presidency, acknowledging its contribution to reinvigorating multilateralism and strengthening UN goals.          

Three individuals of Indian origin residing in Canada, Ayush Sharma, Guramrit Sidhu, and Subham Kumar, are facing extradition to the US following their arrest in a Canada-US joint operation targeting a drug trafficking ring spanning Mexico, Canada, and the US. The operation, codenamed 'Dead Hand', involved a coordinated effort by American and Canadian law enforcement agencies. The accused are suspected of conspiring to traffic substantial quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from 40 years to life in prison, with Sidhu potentially facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.          

In a commanding display of cricket prowess, India secured a spot in the ICC Under-19 World Cup semifinals by defeating Nepal by a resounding 132 runs. Sachin Dhas and skipper Uday Saharan emerged as the heroes, crafting contrasting centuries that propelled India to a formidable total of 297/5. Nepal's chase faltered under the pressure of Saumy Pandey's lethal bowling, culminating in a collapse from which they couldn't recover. With this victory, India, now with eight points, sets up a semifinal clash against South Africa. The match showcased India's dominance and determination, affirming their status as strong contenders for the tournament title.          

India and the Maldives have reached a consensus on operating three aircraft in the archipelago, with Indian military personnel set to be withdrawn by May. Following discussions between the high-level core group, solutions were devised to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medevac services. While the details weren't disclosed by India, the Maldives specified the timeline for personnel replacement. Bilateral ties, strained by the Maldives' pivot towards China, have prompted discussions to enhance cooperation. The next core group meeting, focused on bolstering defense, security, economic, and development partnerships, is scheduled for late February in Male.