Month: February 2025

Anushka Sharma showered love on her husband and cricketer Virat Kohli after he broke multiple records in the anticipated clash with Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai today.

Actress Anushka is quite active on social media when it comes to praising her husband, Virat, for his achievements. The Champions Trophy clash between India and Pakistan was another addition to it. Virat scored a not-out 100* in 111 balls, with his knock laced with seven fours, leading team India to the victory.

Celebrating the Indian team’s victory and Virat’s historic century, Anushka shared a snap of her husband that featured his thumbs-up hand gesture on the screen.

Virat and Anushka tied the knot on December 11, 2017 in Italy. The duo was blessed with Vamika on January 11, 2021. The couple was tight-lipped about their second pregnancy. On February 15, 2024, they became parents to son Akaay.

Virat scored 100* in 111 balls, with his knock laced with seven fours. His runs came at a strike rate of 90.09.

In 299 ODIs, Virat has scored 14,085 runs at an average of 58.20, with 51 centuries and 73 fifties. His best score is 183.

Coming to all of international cricket, Virat now has 27,503 runs at an average of 52.38 in 547 matches and 614 innings, with 82 centuries and 142 fifties. His best score is 254*. He is now the third-highest run-getter in all of international cricket, overtaking Ponting, who has made 27,483 runs at an average of 45.95, with 71 centuries and 146 fifties with the best score of 257.

Against Pakistan in ODIs, Virat has 778 runs in 17 matches and 17 innings at an average of 59.84, with four centuries and two fifties. His best score is 183.

This is Virat’s sixth century in ICC ODI events and his first in ICC Champions Trophy. Also, he has tied with Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores in ICC ODI events with 23 such scores. (ANI)

Pope Francis remains in critical condition, according to the Vatican, with blood tests showing mild signs of kidney failure “which is currently under control,” the Vatican said on Sunday, as the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia in both his lungs, CNN reported.

The Vatican added that the Pope, who has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, has not experienced any further respiratory crises since Saturday evening, as per CNN.

Some of his blood tests indicate “an initial, mild, renal failure, which is currently under control,” the Vatican added, noting that the Pope continues to be “vigilant and well-oriented.”

Pope Francis, who continues to receive oxygen, took part in the Holy Mass from the apartment set up on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital on Sunday morning, according to the statement. Those taking care of him during his hospitalization also took part.

“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for pharmacological therapies to provide some feedback, require that the prognosis remain reserved,” the Vatican stated.

In a post on X, the Pope thanked his followers for their prayers around the world.

“I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!” the post read.

He experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen, Vatican news reported on Sunday.

As per Vatican News, Pope Francis had a peaceful ninth night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital where he is being treated for double pneumonia.

Vatican News said on Saturday evening, sharing the update on the Pope’s health stating, “The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger. This morning, Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen.” (ANI)

Virat Kohli continued to live up to his reputation of ‘Chase Master’ by delivering a knock for the ages, sealing a six-wicket victory for India against the arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy group stage match on Sunday in Dubai.

Despite using everything in their arsenal, Virat singlehandedly proved to be a hurdle that Pakistan couldn’t overcome. He orchestrated a masterclass with the bat to cap off India’s success and send Pakistan on the verge of elimination.

With his prolific form, Virat completed 14,000 ODI runs while steering India to a memorable victory over India’s bitter rival.

In pursuit of a 242-run target, Rohit Sharma preserved his fireworks for Naseem Shah and launched a blistering attack before Shaheen Afridi cleaned up his middle stump with an inswinging yorker on 20(15).

After a swift 31-run opening stand, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli held India’s inning with a touch of caution and aggression. Gill played the role of aggressor while Virat anchored the partnership.

With Naseem and Shaheen proving to be ineffective in the powerplay, skipper Mohammad Rizwan introduced tearaway Haris Rauf into the attack.

In his first over of the match, Haris almost got the breakthrough after Gill pulled the ball straight to Khusdil Shah, who squandered the opportunity. After the drop chance, a few sulking faces were already visible on the Pakistan team.

Gill and Virat stitched up a 69-run partnership before mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed forced a breakthrough. A carrom ball from Abrar did the trick, leaving Gill baffled by the turn it extracted. Gill was beaten by Abrar’s spin and returned with a handy knock of 46(52).

Shreyas Iyer joined hands with Virat and orchestrated a partnership that broke the backbone of Pakistan’s defence. Virat adopted the policy of watching the ball till the end while Shreyas pulled out a flurry of reverse sweeps to keep Pakistan’s attack at bay.

With a sublime stroke, Virat dispatched the ball towards the boundary rope for a four to celebrate his 74th ODI fifty. Bowlers changed at the other end but failed to break past the formidable partnership brewing between Virat and Shreyas.

In the 31st over, Shreyas took the aerial route by ambling down the pitch and clobbering the ball over deep mid-wicket for a towering maximum. He went on to complete his 21st ODI fifty with a single in the 37th over.

In the 39th over, an excellent catch from Imam-ul-Haq off Khushdil Shah brought an end to Shreyas’ exploits on the crease with a score of 56(67). Hardik Pandya came in, muscled the ball away to four and pulled it to Rizwan off Shaheen to return to the dressing room with 8(6).

Virat continued to labour hard for his record-extending 51st ODI century and eventually got his hands on it with a delicious cover drive, sealing a six-wicket win for India with more than seven overs to spare.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan’s openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, provided a solid start, putting up 41 runs before Hardik Pandya broke the partnership. Imam-ul-Haq soon followed, run out by Axar Patel for 10, leaving Pakistan at 47/2.

Babar Azam’s 23 off 26 balls, including five boundaries, was a highlight of the innings. Pakistan reached their fifty in 9.4 overs. Saud Shakeel and captain Mohammad Rizwan rebuilt the innings with a crucial 104-run partnership.

Shakeel brought up his half-century off 63 balls, while Rizwan scored a patient 46 off 77 deliveries, including three boundaries, before being cleaned up by Axar Patel in the 33rd over, reducing Pakistan to 151/3.

Soon after, Shakeel was dismissed for 62 by Pandya, bringing Pakistan to 159/4. Tayyab Tahir failed to make an impact, bowled by Ravindra Jadeja for just 4, causing Pakistan to slip to 165/5.

Pakistan reached 200 in 42.3 overs but lost three quick wickets, with Salman Agha (19) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (0) falling in quick succession. Naseem Shah contributed 14 before being dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav. Pakistan were 222/7.

Kuldeep Yadav was India’s standout performer, claiming 3/40 in his nine overs. He became the latest Indian bowler to reach 300 international wickets. Pandya, who completed 200 international wickets, finished with 2/31.

Haris Rauf was run out for 8, while Khushdil Shah played a crucial late knock of 38 off 39 balls, helping Pakistan reach 241. Shah was the last to depart, as Harshit Rana claimed his first wicket of the match.

Pakistan’s lower order struggled to accelerate the scoring, with Khushdil Shah’s 38 off 39 balls being the only notable contribution.

Pakistan managed 241 in 49.4 overs. Except for Mohammed Shami, all Indian bowlers chipped in with wickets. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja picked up a wicket each, while Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer with 3/40 in his nine overs. (ANI)

Actor Vivek Oberoi is in Dubai to cheer the Indian team in its Champions Trophy match against Pakistan and was seen enjoying the cricketing tussle with former Indian team seamer Venkatesh Prasad.

A cricket match between arch-rivals –India and Pakistan– is always a matter of anticipation and thrill for cricket fans.

Actor Vivek, known for films like ‘Saathiya’, ‘Omkara’ and ‘Masti’, displayed his love for cricket by sharing his photo from the stands of the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy match in Dubai.

In the picture, the ‘Saathiya’ actor is seen wearing an Indian cricket jersey and is joined by Venkatesh Prasad. The photo also features the actor’s son Vivaan.

While sharing his fan love for Venkatesh, the actor recalled the famous encounter between India and Pakistan in the cricket World Cup in 1996 at Bangalore. He also paid his gratitude to the former pacer for blessing his son.

“The legend! So good to see you Venky Anna and thank you for blessing my son! Who can forget that Ind-Pak match where you dismissed Amir Sohail! Battles like that are what make Ind-Pak matches so memorable!”

Apart from Vivek, several other actors have also been spotted at Dubai Stadium to watch the match. Bollywood Actress Avneet Kaur, who will be next seen in Tom Cruise starrer Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, was also seen cheering for the Indian cricket team from the Dubai Stadium stands.

Taking to her Instagram handle, the actress shared a beautiful picture while sharing the latest updates of the cricketing clash.

She donned a blue striped dress for the occasion. Avneet wrote, “Indiaaaa Indiaaaa. Excited for second innings?”

Coming to the match, India’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance, dismissing Pakistan for 241 in a crucial Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. After Pakistan opted to bat first, Indian bowlers struck regularly to restrict their opponents.

Pakistan’s openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, provided a solid start, putting up 41 runs before Hardik Pandya broke the partnership. Imam-ul-Haq soon followed, run out by Axar Patel for 10, leaving Pakistan at 47/2.

Kuldeep Yadav was India’s standout performer, claiming 3/40 in his nine overs. He became the latest Indian bowler to reach 300 international wickets. Pandya, who completed 200 international wickets, finished with 2/31.

Haris Rauf was run out for 8, while Khushdil Shah played a crucial late knock of 38 off 39 balls, helping Pakistan reach 241. Shah was the last to depart, as Harshit Rana claimed his first wicket of the match.

India is currently chasing the target with one wicket down. Rohit Sharma departed at the score of 20 by Shaheen Afridi. Shubhman Gill and Virat Kohli are currently batting, helping India to reachthe target. (ANI)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his willingness to step down as president in exchange for peace and the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO) membership for Ukraine.

Kyiv School of Economics President Tymofiy Mylovanov shared a video of Zelenskyy responding to a question from BBC News in Ukrainian. Zelenskyy stated that he is focused on Ukraine’s security today and not staying in power for decades.

According to the post shared on X by Mylovanov, Zelenskyy was asked whether he was ready to step down for peace. In response, Zelenskyy stated, “I am ready to step down for peace If no peace, I am happy to step down in exchange for NATO for Ukraine I am focused on security for Ukraine here and today and not staying in power for decades.”

Earlier on February 20, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Special Presidential Envoy for Russia and Ukraine Keith Kellogg in Kyiv to discuss the battlefield situation, how to return Ukraine’s prisoners of war and effective security guarantees.

Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s readiness for a “strong, effective” investment and security agreement with US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has sought peace from the very second of the war between Russia and Ukraine. He emphasised that strong ties between the US and Ukraine benefit the entire world.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy stated, “I had a productive meeting with @SPE_Kellogg–a good discussion, many important details. I am grateful to the United States for all the assistance and bipartisan support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. It’s important for us–and for the entire free world–that American strength is felt. We had a detailed conversation about the battlefield situation, how to return our prisoners of war and effective security guarantees.”

“Ukraine has sought peace since the first second of this war. We must and can ensure that peace is strong and lasting–so that Russia can never return to war. Ukraine is ready for a strong, effective investment and security agreement with the President of the United States. We have proposed the fastest and most constructive way to achieve results. Our team is ready to work 24/7. Success unites us all. Strong Ukraine-U.S. relations benefit the entire world. I thank General Kellogg for the joint work to achieve important results,” he added.

The meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump’s envoy came a day after US President Donald Trump targeted his Ukrainian counterpart over the ongoing war in Ukraine. It said that the United States has spent USD 200 billion more than Europe, while Europe’s financial contributions are “guaranteed” and the US gets no return.

Trump accused Zelenskyy of persuading the United States to invest billions of dollars in a war he believed could not be won, questioning the allocation of resources and Europe’s lack of equal financial contribution. Trump also called Zelenskyy a dictator without elections.

Sharing a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending $350 billion dollars, to go into a war that couldn’t be won, that never had to start, but a war that he, without the US and “TRUMP,” will never be able to settle.”

The post added, “The United States has spent $200 billion dollars more than Europe, and Europe’s money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back. Why didn’t sleepy Joe Biden demand equalization, in that this war is far more important to Europe than it is to us — We have a big, beautiful ocean as separation. On top of this, Zelenskyy admits that half of the money we sent him is “MISSING.” He refuses to have elections, is very low in Ukrainian polls, and was only good at playing Biden ‘like a fiddle.’ A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a country left.” (ANI)

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli completed 14,000 runs in ODI cricket, becoming only the third cricketer to do so.

The 36-year-old Indian legend reached this milestone during the ICC Champions Trophy match against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

During the match, Virat raced to his 23rd fifty in ICC ODI events, tying with legendary Sachin Tendulkar. However, one of the most special moments of the match came in the 13th over bowled by Haris Rauf when he hit a brilliant drive to the left of mid-off for a four, completing his 14,000 ODI runs.

He is the third batter after Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs in 463 ODIs) and Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs in 404 matches) to reach the milestone.

Coming to the match, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Pakistan was off to a fine start, with Babar Azam (23 in 26 balls, with five fours) unleashing some fine drives in the 41-run opening partnership. After two quick wickets, Pakistan was 47/2.

Skipper Mohammed Rizwan (46 in 77 balls, with three fours) and Saud Shakeel (62 in 76 balls, with five fours) had a 104-run partnership, but they ate up a lot of deliveries. After the end of this partnership, Khushdil Shah (38 in 39 balls, with two sixes) did put up a fight with Salman Agha (19) and Naseem Shah (14), but Pakistan was bundled out for 241 runs in 49.4 overs.

India needs 242 runs to keep their semifinal hopes going and they are cruising towards a win. (ANI)

It’s no secret that Shraddha Kapoor loves food, and her latest post proves she is a true foodie!

The actress recently attended a wedding and shared a series of pictures on Instagram, but what caught everyone’s attention was her love for pani puri.

Dressed in a beautiful brown ethnic outfit, the ‘Stree’ actress looked stunning as she enjoyed the popular street food.

She even joked about losing count of how many she ate, writing in her caption, “Ginna bhool gayi phir yaad aaya shaadi mein toh unlimited hoti hai #panipurilovers” (I forgot to count, then remembered that they are unlimited at weddings).

Take a look at her fun video

Shraddha was last seen in ‘Stree 2’ opposite RajKummar Rao. Recently, the makers of the Stree franchise announced the release date for the third instalment of this horror-comedy film.

Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film is slated for a 2027 release. According to the announcement by Maddock Films, Stree 3 is set to hit the big screens on August 13, 2027.

Sharing the news on Instagram, Maddock Films wrote, “Dinesh Vijan presents the genre-defining lineup of #MaddockHorrorComedyUniverse–8 theatrical films that will take you on a wild ride of laughter, spooks, thrills, and screams!”

The Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkumar Rao starrer Stree 2, which faced a box-office clash with Akshay Kumar’s ‘Khel Khel Mein’ and John Abraham’s ‘Vedaa’ on August 15, 2024, quickly became the top choice for moviegoers, surpassing the other two by a huge margin.

The film also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana.

Actors Varun Dhawan and Akshay Kumar also made special cameos in the film. (ANI)

Punjabi singer and actor Guru Randhawa has been hospitalized after he suffered serious injuries while performing a stunt for his upcoming film, ‘Shaunki Sardar’.

Taking to his Instagram account on Sunday, Randhawa shared an update on his health with fans, posting a picture of himself lying in a hospital bed, wearing a cervical collar.

Talking about his injury, Randhawa wrote in his caption, “My first stunt, my first injury, but my spirit remains unbroken. A memory from the sets of Shaunki Sardar. Bahut mushkil kaam hai action waala, but I will work hard for my audience.”

Take a look at his post

Soon after he shared the picture, fans flooded the comment section to wish the actor a speedy recovery.

“Get well soon, champ,” wrote one fan.

“Get well soon, paahji,” wrote another.

“I can’t see this post love you paji,” added a third user.

Earlier in January, the singer hinted at potential issues with the music label T-Series and assured his fans that he would resolve it soon in a post.

Taking to his X handle, the Lahore singer responded to a fan who accused the music label T-Series of allegedly blocking Guru from working independently or with another label.

In 2024, Guru Randhawa collaborated with international artists and bands. The singer teamed up with Rick Ross for the track, “Rich Life.”

Last month, the actor also visited the Maha Kumbh Mela and took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.

Taking to Instagram, he shared a video from his spiritual visit. “Blessed to take a sacred dip in Maa Ganga at Prayagraj, where faith flows and spirituality thrives. Starting my new journey with God’s blessing. Har Har Gange!” shared Guru, reflecting on the profound peace and positivity the holy waters brought him.

Randhawa is known for chart-topping songs like Lahore, Patola, High Rated Gabru, and others. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned against divisive forces, stating that a group of leaders is nowadays attempting to ridicule religion and is bent on dividing people.

PM Modi also alleged that on many occasions foreign powers attempt to weaken the sovereignty of the country by joining hands with these people.

Addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute for Cancer in Chhattarpur, PM Modi said,

“Nowadays we see that there is a group of leaders who mock religion, ridicule it, are engaged in dividing people and many times foreign powers also try to weaken the country and religion by supporting these people. People who hate the Hindu faith have been living in some phase or the other for centuries,” the Prime Minister said.

With West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent “Mrityu Kumbh” remarks triggering a political slugfest, PM Modi said, without naming anyone, “People who have fallen into the mentality of slavery keep attacking our faith, beliefs and temples, our religion, culture and principles. These people abuse our festivals, traditions and customs. They dare to attack the religion and culture which is progressive by nature. Dividing our society and breaking its unity is their agenda.”

“At this time, Dhirendra Shastri has been making people aware of the mantra of unity in the country for a long time. Now, he has reached another resolution in the interest of society and humanity. This is the plan to build this cancer institute. That means now, here in Bageshwar Dham, you will get the blessings of bhajan, food and healthy life…,” Prime Minister Modi said.

He further added, “In a very short time, I have had the good fortune of visiting Bundelkhand, the land of heroes, for the second time and this time, I have received a call from Balaji. It is the grace of Lord Hanuman that this centre of faith is now going to become a centre of health as well. I have just performed the ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ of Shri Bageshwar Dham Medical Science and Research Institute here. This institute will be built on ten acres of land. In the first phase itself, a facility of a hundred beds will be ready in it. I congratulate Dhirendra Shastri for this noble work and congratulate the people of Bundelkhand…”

The medical and Science research institute will include a state-of-the-art cancer hospital, set to be built over 36 months at a cost of Rs 218 crore.

Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh. (ANI)

Pope Francis, who has been hospitalised for over a week experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen, Vatican news reported on Sunday.

As per Vatican News, Pope Francis had a peaceful ninth night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital where he is being treated for double pneumonia.

Vatican News said on Saturday evening, sharing the update on the Pope’s health stating, “The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger. This morning, Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen.”

The Vatican News said that the blood tests conducted on Sunday revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anaemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions.

It noted that Pope Francis however remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more fatigued than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded.

As per the Vatican News, during a press conference in Rome’s Gemelli hospital on late Friday afternoon, Dr Sergio Alfieri, the head of the team taking care of the Pope, and Dr Luigi Carbone, the Vice Director of the Vatican’s healthcare service, said that they believed the Pope would be hospitalised for “at least” the entirety of the next week, and that Pope Francis is not “in danger of death,” but he’s also not fully “out of danger.”

Dr Alfieri emphasised that the Pope is not attached to a ventilator, although he is still struggling with his breathing and consequently keeping his physical movements limited. Notably, the physician said that the Pope is sitting upright in a chair, working, and joking as usual. Alfieri said that when one of the doctors greeted the Pope by saying “Hello, Holy Father”, he replied with “Hello, Holy Son.”

When enquired by journalists on what their greatest fear is regarding Pope’s health, the doctors noted that there is a risk that germs in the Pope’s respiratory tract might enter his bloodstream, causing sepsis.

Vatican News quoted Dr Alfieri who said that he was confident that Pope Francis would leave the hospital at some point and return to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican – with the proviso that when he does so, his chronic respiratory issues will remain. (ANI)