Afghanistan will make their Champion Trophy debut against South Africa at the renovated National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan has developed a reputation for being the surprise package in global tournaments, having impressed in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, boasts a powerful and dynamic batting lineup, making them strong contenders for the title despite recent inconsistencies in form.

Afghanistan and South Africa have faced each other five times in ODIs, with the Proteas leading the head-to-head 3-2. However, Afghanistan made history last year by securing their maiden ODI series win over South Africa, clinching a 2-1 victory in Sharjah.

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College (BBSBEC) organized a special lecture on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, where renowned language expert Dr. Rajesh Sharma emphasized the vital role of languages in shaping identities, cultures, and societies.Dr. Sharma highlighted that languages are not merely a means of communication but serve as a reflection of ethos and traditions. He stressed the significance of preserving native languages to maintain cultural diversity and foster inclusivity.The event witnessed active participation from students and faculty members, who engaged in an insightful discussion on the relevance of languages in today’s globalized world.The program commenced with a formal welcome by Principal Dr. Lakhvir Singh, who also presented a token of gratitude to Dr. Sharma on behalf of the BBSBEC family. Dr. Amritbir Singh, Head of the Department of Applied Sciences, played a key role in organizing the event.Dr. J.S. Oberoi, Head of the Training and Placement Cell, also graced the occasion, while Dr. Mohinderpal Kaur conducted the stage proceedings.The lecture was attended by esteemed faculty members, including Dr. Bikramjit Singh, Dr. Arishu Kaushik, Prof. Gagandeep Singh, Dr. Sarbjeet Kaur, Dr. Harleen Kaur, Prof. Sonia, Prof. Manpreet Kaur, and Prof. Parneet Kaur.The event successfully underscored the importance of linguistic heritage and its preservation for future generations.

In a further push to the local manufacturing, the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the newly-launched iPhone 16e, is now being assembled in India for domestic market as well as for exports, as industry experts on Thursday cleared the air around the new device being compared to now-retired iPhone SE.

The new Apple device, with A18 chip, breakthrough battery life, Apple Intelligence, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, is being manufactured/assembled for local consumption as well as for export to select countries.

According to experts, iPhone 16e is not iPhone SE4 and the whole “comparison is futile”.

The Morena police of Madhya Pradesh have apprehended the main accused responsible for shooting a five-year-old child thereby “intentionally” claiming his life in Jaura police station area of the district. The child was attending a relative's wedding with his parents and grandparents when he was shot.

According to the official, the suspect committed the crime over a trivial matter -- the child's grandfather had asked him not to brandish the country-made firearm since the children were playing and the wedding procession was about to arrive. Reacting to the grandfather's admonishment, the accused initially left but later returned and fired shots at the child.

India's domestic benchmark indices ended lower for the third consecutive session on Thursday as selling was seen in the IT, pharma and financial services sectors.

Sensex ended at 75,735.96 down by 203.22 points or 0.27 per cent. The index had touched an intra-day high of 75,794.15 but also saw a low of 75,463.01 before closing.

The Nifty index ended almost unchanged at 22,913.15, slipping by 19.75 points or 0.09 per cent. The broader index traded between 22,923.85 and 22,812.75 during the session.

According to experts, another day passed with Nifty remaining confined within a narrow range, failing to break beyond a defined level.

A meeting of Chief Ministers of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-ruled states got underway in the national Capital on Thursday, hours after the grand swearing-in of new Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her Cabinet ministers at the city’s iconic Ramlila Ground.

The meeting was attended by the CMs of BJP-ruled states and those ruled by key constituents of the NDA alliance -- TDP and JD(U).

TDP President and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu attended the meeting, however Bihar CM Nitish Kumar was conspicuous by his absence.

In a major boost for Vicky Kaushal's latest film, "Chhaava," the movie has been declared tax-free in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, including its capital Bhopal, and Goa.

The film, which is generating a lot of buzz for its gripping storyline and Vicky Kaushal's powerful performance is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. On February 19, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav made the announcement during a public gathering held on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary.

Taking to his X handle, Mohan Yadav wrote, "On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary, I announce tax-free release of the Hindi film 'Chhava' based on his son Sambhaji Maharaj.”

The Goa government has also declared that "Chhaava" tax-free in the state. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the same via a post on his X handle. He tweeted, “Victory to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj! It gives pleasure to me to announce that movie "Chhava" based on the life & sacrifice of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, will be Tax Free in Goa. The Movie exploring the valor, courage of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for Dev, Desh and Dharma played by Vicky Kaushal, is bringing the glorious history to the screen. The sacrifice of the second Chhatrapati of the Hindavi Swarajya, who valiantly fought against Moghuls, the Portuguese is an inspiration for all of us. The one who was ready to sacrifice for the nation and religion, Was the shadow of the lion, Shivaji. A great warrior, supreme and mighty, Only one Shambhu king ruled.”

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested ten fishermen, hailing from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, for allegedly trespassing into its territorial waters.

Three mechanised fishing boats were also seized during the late-night operation on Wednesday.

Tamil Nadu coastal police officials confirmed that the fishermen were apprehended for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Following the arrests, the families of the detained fishermen, along with local fishing communities, have urged both the Central and State governments to take immediate action to secure their release.

Fishermen's association leaders have announced plans for large-scale protests in Rameswaram and other coastal areas on Thursday, condemning the continued arrests.

Just ten days ago, on February 9, Sri Lankan authorities arrested 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized their mechanized fishing boat.

The fishermen, who had set out to sea from Rameswaram, were taken to Jaffna for questioning.

In a tragic incident, three members of a family died of electrocution near Pegadapally village in Telangana's Nizamabad district on Thursday.

The deceased were identified as residents of Satapur in Renjal Mandal of the same district.

Gangaram, his wife Balamani and their son Kishan were hunting for wild boars when they accidentally came in contact with a live electric wire in an agriculture field. They died on the spot.

Alerted by locals, police rushed to the spot and shifted the bodies to the Government Hospital in Bodhan for autopsy.

Meanwhile, in another incident, a youth drowned in a lake in Medchal Malkajgiri district. According to police, the youth and his friends arrived at the lake at Yadgarpally near Keesara from Hyderabad to celebrate his birthday.

The youth, identified as Surya, drowned while swimming in the lake.

According to police the deceased hailed from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and was residing in Hyderabad.

The Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki India, on Thursday announced a new mid-term plan with a "rethink" in its strategy as "the business environment has changed due to declining market share in India" and the growing electrical vehicles segment.

In its new mid-term plan for 2025-30, the company has identified India as its "most important market". Maruti Suzuki aims to create a manufacturing capacity of producing 4 million cars annually to reclaim a 50 per cent market share in India and use the country as a global export hub as well.

The auto major plans to expand its EV lineup starting with the e-Vitara, and is aiming to launch four new EV models by FY30 in a segment where its rivals like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra already have a varied EV portfolio in India.

"In India, we will promote further localisation in line with the growth of the electric vehicle market," the company said.