Afghanistan cricketers withdraw from first players auction ahead of 11th edition of cricket tournament pakistan super league (PSL), amid tensions related to signing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and the broader diplomatic situation between the two countries.Players including Mujeeb ur Rehman, Seddiqullah Atal, Muhammad Nabi, Waqar Salamkheil and Fazal Haq Farooqi have signed up for the auction to be held in Lahore on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported.However, the players later withdrew their names after Peshawar Zalmi faced backlash over the outright signing of Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gulbaaz.PSL chief executive Salman Nasir said some Afghanistan players were part of the auction pool but were not selected by any team.“There were a few Afghan players in the auction but no franchises were awarded,” Nasir said, according to PTI.He added that tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan had an impact on the situation.“There was a serious backlash after Zalmi signed Gubaz and after Gubaz quit the PSL due to the breakdown in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. So other players also decided to do better to avoid the backlash,” he said.Relations between the two countries have been tense since the Pakistani military launched airstrikes in parts of Afghanistan late last year, saying it was targeting militants.Several Afghan players criticized the Pakistani government on social media and received responses from Pakistani accounts.Gubaz has previously played for three PSL seasons. He represented Multan Sultans in the 2021 tournament and Islamabad United in the 2022 and 2023 tournaments. In 15 games, he scored 318 runs at a strike rate of 159.79, including a half-century. He also signed up for the 2026 IPL auction but remains unsold.
‘No abuse of anyone’: Priyanka Gandhi denies Rijiju’s claims that MPs misbehaved with Speaker India News
New Delhi: Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Federal parliamentary affairs minister on Thursday flatly rejected Kieron RijijuClaiming that she encouraged MPs who allegedly misbehaved in Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s chamber, she called the allegation a “lie” and insisted that no abuse took place.She said accusations that she incited protesting MPs were “completely false”, adding, “We did not abuse anyone.” A day earlier, Rijiju claimed that 20 to 25 MPs entered the speaker’s chamber, abused him and threatened the prime minister, although senior leaders present did not intervene.“They (MPs) are egging them on. If our MPs behave inappropriately towards anyone, our leaders will stop them. But their (Congress) leaders are inciting the lawmakers to quarrel,” Rijiju said.On Thursday, the federal minister shared what he said was an “illegal video clip” taken by an MP showing members of the opposition in the speaker’s chamber last week. MPs went there to protest bjp MP Nisikant Dubey’s remarks against former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.“This is an illegal video shot by an MP when 20 to 25 MPs entered the Speaker’s Chamber, insulted him and threatened the Prime Minister. Our party believes in debate and discussion and never encourages physical threats by MPs,” Rijiju said in a post accompanying the video.“We did not abuse anyone. One or two MPs were agitated and they expressed this. He also said that I was encouraging them, which is a lie. I sat quietly. Finally, I calmly said a few words to the Speaker,” Press Trust of India reported. The exchange marked the latest flashpoint between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress party at a time of heightened tensions in parliament. (Based on input from each agency)
South Korea says Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter positioned as heir
Candace Owens: ‘Go get Erica Kirk…’: Candace Owens faces growing criticism for comments about Charlie Kirk’s widow News of the World
Tensions over Candace Owens’ comments about Erika Kirk have reached new flashpoints, and their impact is growing by the day. What started as tough questions on the podcast have now prompted public warnings from critics who worry the rhetoric goes too far. Debates are no longer limited to political differences. It has turned into concerns about safety and liability.Frank McCormick added fuel to the fire by being outspoken on X, arguing that the consequences of making the accusation public could be dangerous. His post described the situation as urgent and deeply disturbing, drawing attention to the real-world impact words can have in a tense atmosphere.
Why are critics warning Candace Owens’ comments about Erica Kirk could have serious consequences?
McCormick doesn’t mince words. When one of Candace Owens’ deranged cult members decides to seek justice for Charlie, she sets out to murder Erica Kirk. I’m not kidding. This must stop now. ” His warning was accompanied by a screenshot of Owens’ own post, which read: “On September 10th, we received shocking confirmation about Erica Kirk’s inner circle. If we had a justice system, Erica would be taken in by the police for questioning at this point.“These remarks were at the center of the storm. Owens repeatedly questioned the events surrounding him Charlie Kirk‘s assassination, suggesting there are inconsistencies that deserve closer scrutiny. Her critics argue that publicly calling for Erika Kirk’s questioning is overstepping the mark, especially since law enforcement has yet to announce such action.Timing is important. Owens shared her comments after claiming to have received new information about Erica Kirk’s “inner circle.” McCormick was quick to respond, expressing concern that the fiery language could inspire unstable supporters to take action on their own. His concern is not about political differences. It’s about the risk of escalating an already emotional situation.Public discourse has become sharper, more personal, and sometimes unstable. In high-profile cases, speculation can spread faster than proven facts. For some observers, this is the heart of the matter. They argue that when influential voices treat accusations as almost certain, the ripple effects can be unpredictable.Owens hasn’t given up on questioning questions she believes remain unanswered. Critics like McCormick say tone and meaning are as important as the issue itself. The fight is part of a larger battle over who is responsible for what in digital media, where words travel quickly and reactions can do the same.
‘No CM talk at AICC, leadership will take call as and when deemed appropriate’: DK Shivakumar | India News
NEW DELHI: Seeking to quell speculations about a leadership change in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said there was no discussion on the chief minister’s post during the All India Congress Committee meeting with the Congress leadership.Addressing reporters in the national capital, Shivakumar said the party leadership will take a decision in due course and the focus remains on the broader vision and goals of the organisation. “We will not have any discussion on this. The party has a vision and goals. The success of the party is important. The senior leaders are there and they will take the call whenever they think it is in the interest of Karnataka and the country,” he said.
Shivakumar also refused to reveal details of his meetings during the visit, claiming that internal political discussions were not suitable for public airing. “I don’t think I need to disclose who I met inside Janpath No. 10. We are not ready to discuss politics on the streets. We met our high command and discussed what needs to be discussed,” he said, adding that the visit was “to discuss political issues, not just to breathe air”.Speculations over power-sharing arrangements in Karnataka have persisted since November last year, when the Congress government passed halfway through its five-year term. The debate has been fueled by statements from some party MLAs. Earlier this week, Congress MP Iqbal Hussain claimed that 80-90 MPs had expressed their preference for Shivakumar to the high command, while urging party colleagues to maintain discipline and avoid public statements that could embarrass the leadership. However, when Shivakumar was asked about the matter in Delhi, he said he had the support of all 136 MLAs.Meanwhile, the opposition has seized on the opportunity of internal unrest. R Ashok, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and leader of the Karnataka Assembly, said the repeated discussions over the chief minister’s post reflected a deeper struggle within the Congress party. “The same issues have been coming up over the past two years. We heard about the 50-50 government and 2.5 years later, that date has also passed. It’s a fight between the old and new Congress,” he said.
IRS Alert: Warning to People Claiming 2 Specific Tax Credits – What to Know
this IRS A stark warning has been issued about tax credits. It’s worth noting that points work differently than deductions. The credit reduces the tax due but does not reduce your taxable income.

For example, consider an individual who receives a $2,000 tax credit. If they owe $5,000 in taxes, their $2,000 credit means they only owe $3,000.
However, if they receive a $2,000 deduction, it will only lower their taxable income. Therefore, if their income is $50,000, they will only pay $48,000 in taxes.
Learn more | Why PayPal, Venmo and Cash App payments could affect your 2025 taxes
Their $2,000 line of credit saved them $2,000. However, if they were in the 22% tax bracket, the $2,000 deduction could save them $440.
Anyone eligible for credits must always claim them. However, those claiming two of the most popular tax credits will receive a warning from the IRS.
IRS warning
The IRS says If a person claims two specific tax credits, their refund will come much later than other filers. These two taxes include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit.
submitted by tax return Refunds are usually available within 21 days of filing electronically. According to the IRS. However, those who applied for these credits will have to wait until at least March 2 to receive their refunds.
It’s worth noting that refunds will arrive early only if the filer chooses direct depositand there were no other issues with their returns.
Learn more | February 11 Social Security Contributions: What to know about eligibility, schedules, special circumstances, and more
The reason for delaying tax refund is PATH Act of 2015A law that prohibits the Internal Revenue Service from issuing Earned Income Tax Credit refunds or Additional Child Tax Credit refunds until mid-February, regardless of how early in the tax filing year a taxpayer files their tax return.
The extra time allows the IRS to take additional steps to combat fraud. The IRS verifies an individual’s income and whether you qualify for the credit they claim.
“By law, we cannot issue EITC or ACTC refunds before mid-February. This includes your entire refund, not just the portion related to the credit you claimed on your tax return,” the IRS website states. “If you claim the EITC or ACTC, we may need more information from you on your tax return. We will send you a letter if required.”
Elon Musk tops list of ‘America’s greatest innovators’: See where Sam Altman and Jensen Huang rank | World News
Breakthrough innovative ideas in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and enterprise platforms help drive economic growth. Not surprisingly, the Forbes 250 Elon Musk Ranked number one among America’s greatest innovators. Musk is reportedly the only person to have founded five companies valued at billions of dollars in different industries. The Forbes 250 list identifies the greatest innovators who have brought breakthroughs to markets, transformed industries, and created industries. The list selects the top ten U.S. innovators who have made significant contributions to economic growth based on creativity, breadth, engagement and business impact.
America’s Ten Greatest Innovators
Source: Forbes
great american innovator
Elon Musk
Elon Musk runs or founded companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, xAI, and The Boring Company. Tesla made electric cars popular around the world. SpaceX reduces the cost of sending rockets into space by reusing them. Other companies focus on brain technology, artificial intelligence and tunnel transportation.
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos started Amazon as an online bookstore. It slowly grew into the largest online retailer in the world. Nowadays, people can order almost anything with just a few clicks. Amazon Web Services is the part of the company that many people don’t see, and it powers websites and businesses with cloud computing. Bezos is now focused on Blue Origin, a space company aiming to support future space missions.
bill gates
Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft and helped popularize personal computers in homes and offices. Programs like Word and Excel became everyday tools. Later, he gave up his day-to-day affairs to focus on charity work. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he supports health programs around the world, including efforts to help eliminate polio in India.
george lucas
George Lucas created Star Wars and changed the film industry. He showed that movies could make huge revenue from toys and merchandise, not just movie tickets. He also founded companies such as Industrial Light and Magic, which improved the special effects of movies.
Jen-Hsun Huang
Jensen Huang leads Nvidia, a company that once focused primarily on video game graphics cards. Over time, Nvidia’s chips have become increasingly important for artificial intelligence and data centers. Today, many artificial intelligence systems rely on Nvidia technology. His early focus on advanced computing helped the company become a centerpiece of the artificial intelligence industry.
Sam Altman
Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI. His company develops artificial intelligence tools used by businesses, students and governments. Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, and Ultraman often talks about its benefits and risks. At only 40 years old, he is one of the leaders in the field of artificial intelligence.
Phil Knight
Phil Knight is the co-founder of Nike. The company doesn’t just sell sneakers; It has built a strong global brand. By partnering with famous athletes and focusing on strong marketing, Nike has become one of the most recognized sports companies in the world.
Martina Rothblatt
Martine Rothblatt first helped create SiriusXM satellite radio. Later, she founded the biotech company United Therapeutics. The company develops drugs and is researching the use of genetically modified animals for organ transplants.
Ted Turner
Ted Turner creates CNN, the first 24-hour news channel. Many were skeptical of the idea at first. It went on to become a global news source. Turner also established media networks such as TBS and helped promote classic films through Turner Classic Movies.
Vinod Khosla
Vinod Khosla was the co-founder of Sun Microsystems and later became a venture capitalist. He made early investments in companies such as Square, DoorDash and OpenAI. His approach focuses on supporting risky but promising technology ideas.
Elon Musk’s mother reacts quickly after announcement
Shortly after the news broke, Meyer Musk retweeted the Forbes cover on X and added just two words: “Proud Mom.” This simple message said a lot, and followers were quick to react. Someone congratulated her. Others praised the family’s journey. Amid all the headlines, the moment felt personal, almost quiet.
Congress’s ‘alone’ gamble in West Bengal: Why the decision to ditch the Left might be the right one India News
New Delhi: Yes congress Is the decision to go it alone in West Bengal a bold political move considering the long-term interests of the party? Or is the move fraught with political risk in a state where the great old party has been virtually wiped out? The Congress party, facing an existential crisis in the state, has broken its alliance with the Left and declared to win all 294 seats alone in the upcoming assembly elections. Now, consider the following facts:
- In the 2021 parliamentary elections, the Congress party could not get even a single seat in the 294-member parliament
- Congressional vote share plummeted to 3.03% in the 2021 assembly elections, the lowest ever in the state
- In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress won only one seat.
In both elections, the Congress aligned with the Left against a common enemy – the ruling Trinamool Congress and its leaders. Mamata Banerjee. The Congress party’s electoral strategy and political campaign centered on a very strong anti-Mamata theme, led by the then party president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a staunch and outspoken critic of the Trinamool chairman.
Interestingly, when the Congress and the Left fired hard at Mamata, the ruthless bjp Make progress and occupy your opponent’s space. The story of the 2021 Assembly elections in West Bengal is the rise of the BJP as the main opposition party and the simultaneous crushing defeat of the Congress and the Left in state politics.Therefore, while the Congress party’s vote share in the Assembly fell from 44 votes in 2016 to 0 votes in 2021, the BJP’s score increased from 3 votes in 2016 to 77 votes in 2021. In terms of vote share, the pattern is even more worrying. The Congress party’s support fell from 12.25% to 3.03%, while the BJP’s support jumped from 10.16% to 37.97%.The Congress’s decision to contest alone may signal the party’s determination to embark on a long and difficult road to revival, but it may overlook the stark reality of the party’s waning presence and influence in West Bengal. Has the party had enough time to make its presence felt among voters? All the more so when its main rivals – the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party – have made strides in wooing voters.Mamata goes all out to win fourth termMamata Banerjee and her Trinamool have launched an all-out offensive against the Election Commission…from the streets of Kolkata to the Supreme Court in the national capital. Mamata also announced many welfare-driven measures in the interim budget to set the electoral narrative ahead of the high-stakes polls.Some important announcements include:
- Women’s ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme increases by Rs 500 per month
- Proposal to create new portal to extend social security benefits to gig workers
- The state government will launch a scheme called ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ to provide a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 to unemployed people in the age group of 21 to 40 years until they find a job or for a period of up to five years. The program will be launched from April
- Anganwadi workers, helpers’ allowance increased by Rs 1,000 each
- ASHA workers will get additional Rs 1,000 per month
- Citizen volunteers and Green Police personnel get Rs 1,000 monthly salary increase
- Allowances for government employees increased by 4%
BJP in overdrive The BJP is also in overdrive as it once again attempts to wrest power from the Trinamool Congress. Top BJP leaders in Bengal and Delhi have been mercilessly attacking Mamata Banerjee, linking almost every incident in the state to the Trinamool government’s failure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have addressed many political rallies in the voting state. BJP president Nitin Nabin has been holding meetings with all stakeholders to motivate the party cadre.Here are some of the key initiatives the BJP has taken:
- Designated assembly leader for all 294 seats
- Announced to take charge of key seats like Nandigram, Siliguri, Darjeeling, Malda, Asansol Dakshin, Asansol Uttar, Kolkata Port etc.
- Sankalpa Patra State Committee formed with 11 members
Congress acts in absentia Unfortunately, amidst all this political hubbub, Congress has so far failed to act. After the debacle in the past elections, the Congress leadership appears to have taken few practical steps beyond a leadership change in the state. In September 2024, Shubhankar Sarkar succeeded Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as the Congress Party president in West Bengal. Since Adil is a staunch critic of Mamata Banerjee and the biggest obstacle to an alliance with the Trinamool, the change of guard was interpreted as a change in the party’s attitude towards the Trinamool chief. However, once it became clear that Mamata was not interested in any cooperation, the Congress had no choice but to go it alone in the assembly polls. Given the Congress’ stake in Kerala, where the CPM-led LDF is its main rival, continuing in alliance with the Left is not an option.After taking office, Shubhankar Sarkar said that the 2026 parliamentary elections and strengthening the organization are his two current tasks. However, with the 2026 election battle just months away, he appears far removed from achieving any of those goals. Is “going solo” the best way forward?Over the years, the Congress party has lost political prominence to regional parties in states. Many regional parties have grown in states at the expense of Congress. Any attempt by the big party to regain political space will be met with resistance from these national parties, leading to friction. This contradiction has been at the heart of the Congress’ troubled alliance with regional parties. It is against this backdrop that the party’s decision to go it alone in West Bengal should be analyzed. The Congress party, which has been silent in the state assembly for the past five years, has nothing to lose. If the leadership can inspire party cadres to start fresh on the ground, Bengal could become a template for the Congress in other states facing similar challenges. One wonders what is stopping the Congress leadership from adopting this course correction after the debacle in the 2021 elections and even in the Lok Sabha in 2024. Well, better late than never!
DD Iconic newscaster Sarla Maheshwari dies at 71 India News
New Delhi: Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognizable faces of Durdarshan’s retro era, passed away on Thursday. She is 71 years old.Doordarshan National confirmed her death through a post on social media, where the broadcaster remembered her as a cherished and distinguished newscaster whose voice and presence left a lasting mark on the world of Indian television journalism.Doordarshan National wrote onHer understated style and calm demeanor won her the trust and affection of viewers across the country, the public broadcaster wrote.Senior news anchor Shami Narang, who worked with Maheshwari, also paid his respects.“I am extremely saddened to announce the untimely demise of my former syndicated news anchor Sarala Maheshwari at Doordarshan. She was the epitome of elegance and courtesy. She was not only beautiful on the outside but even more beautiful on the inside, she had an extraordinary command of languages and was a treasure trove of knowledge. She was a treasure trove of knowledge at Doordarshan Her presence on screen has a unique aura. She respects everyone and uplifts every space she belongs to. I pray God grant her eternal peace to the Maheshwari family. Om Shanti,” Narang wrote in a post on X.Maheshwari became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s, when Doordarshan dominated Indian television news. For nearly three decades, from 1976 to 2005, she delivered Hindi news bulletins with calmness and clarity, winning praise for her measured tone and impeccable diction.Her broadcasting journey began while she was pursuing her PhD at Delhi University. After successfully auditioning as an announcer, she gradually moved into news reading and remained a steady presence as Indian television transitioned from the black-and-white era to color broadcasts.With her calm authority and elegant delivery, Sarla Maheshwari represents a generation of news anchors that defined on-screen credibility.

