Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, former Britain prince and brother of King Charles III, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to reports. The arrest comes amid his alleged links to infamous Epstein Files.UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacted to the development, saying “nobody is above the law,” as reported by the BBC.Andrew, who turned 66 on the same day, was taken into custody by Thames Valley Police. He is also the first senior royal to be arrested in modern history.

News photographers captured officers arriving to raid prince Andrew’s residence on his 66th birthday.The police conducted a search at the Royal Family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The raid came after emails linked to the case were released by the US department of justice. Its officers searched two addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.It is understood that neither King Charles nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.Charles said earlier in the day that it was with “deepest concern” that he learned about the arrest of his younger brother, the former prince Andrew.Newly released documents appeared to show that Andrew had shared potentially confidential papers with Epstein when he was serving as the UK’s trade envoy.At least nine police forces in the UK have said they are reviewing reports that appear to link the former prince to Epstein.Andrew was born on February 19, 1960, at Buckingham Palace. In his younger years, he was popular with the British public. He served as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy and took part in the 1982 Falklands War against Argentina.He was seen as friendly and easy to talk to, unlike his older brother Charles, who was considered more formal.However, over the years, his image was damaged by repeated controversies, and public opinion turned against him.Public anger grew again after allegations resurfaced that he had sexual encounters with Virginia Giuffre, who was trafficked by Epstein, including twice when she was 17. Andrew has denied all wrongdoing.

Here’s what we know so far

The cricketing world has long been captivated by the statistical tug-of-war between India’s Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s Babar Azam. Fans and pundits alike have spent years dissecting cover drives and strike rates to determine who truly wears the crown of this generation’s premier batter. However, following Pakistan’s recent lackluster showing against India in the T20 World Cup, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has stepped in to settle the debate with a blunt, reality-checking perspective.

The tension peaked during a high-stakes chase in Colombo. Chasing 176, Pakistan needed their captain to anchor the innings. Instead, Babar fell for a meagre 5 off 7 balls, dismissed by Axar Patel after a shot selection that left many scratching their heads. For Karthik, it wasn’t just about the low score; it was about the mentality behind the dismissal.

Dinesh Karthik delivers strong take on Virat Kohli and Babar Azam comparison

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik didn’t hold back, categorizing Babar’s early departure as a lack of competitive resolve. While Babar is often heralded for his technical elegance, Karthik pointed out a fundamental flaw in his approach during crunch” moments—the very moments where Kohli has built his legend.

“I cannot imagine Virat Kohli playing that shot that early in the innings. That is submission,” Karthik remarked. He argued that greatness isn’t defined by how you play when the sun is shining, but by how you absorb pressure when the walls are closing in. According to Karthik, Babar’s dismissal showed a lack of belief in what it takes to drag a team across the finish line.

While Kohli is famously dubbed the ‘chasemaster’ for his ability to calculate risks and stabilize an innings under duress, Babar’s failure to shoulder that responsibility in Colombo has led to a firestorm of criticism. With Pakistan slumping to a 61-run defeat, the calls for a leadership overhaul in the Pakistan camp have grown deafening, further distancing Babar from the legendary status Kohli already occupies.

Also READ: Varun Aaron explains what’s holding India back in T20 World Cup 2026 campaign

T20 World Cup run of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam in different editions

To understand why Karthik’s critique carries such weight, one only needs to look at the statistical gulf between the two players on the grandest stage of T20 cricket. The numbers tell a story of consistency versus flashes of brilliance.

The data highlights a staggering difference in impact. Kohli’s average of 58.72 over a decade of World Cup cricket is nearly double that of Babar’s. Perhaps more telling is the boundary count; Kohli has cleared the ropes 35 times compared to Babar’s 9, despite Babar playing in an era where power-hitting has become the standard.

Karthik’s point remains clear: Greatness is measured by the ability to thrive in the eye of the storm. Until Babar can replicate Kohli’s knack for match-winning resilience, the debate may well be a conversation with only one name at the top.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: India vs South Africa Super 8 Ticket Prices, Booking Details

India likely to join US-led Pax Silica alliance (IANS)

NEW DELHI: India is likely to formally join the US-led Pax Silica strategic alliance on Friday, amid efforts by New Delhi and Washington to finalise a proposed trade deal and advance other initiatives to strengthen ties.Pax Silica is an initiative aimed at building a secure, resilient and innovation-driven supply chain for critical minerals and artificial intelligence (AI).India’s expected entry in February 2026 would bring its large talent pool, semiconductor ambitions and strategic location into the alliance, giving New Delhi a seat in shaping the future economic and technology architecture.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor last month announced an invitation to New Delhi to join the alliance.“We recognise that a reliable supply chain is indispensable to our mutual economic security,” according to the Pax Silica declaration.“We also recognize that artificial intelligence represents a transformative force for our long-term prosperity and that trustworthy systems are essential to safeguarding our mutual security and prosperity,” it said.“We believe that economic value and growth will flow through and across all levels of the global AI supply chain, driving historic opportunity and demand for energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, technological hardware, infrastructure, and new markets not yet invented,” it said.

What is Pax Silica?

Pax Silica, launched in December 2025 to secure the global AI and semiconductor supply chain and reduce dependence on non-aligned nations, includes the United States, Japan, South Korea and other trusted partners. Member nations currently include Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.The initiative aims to build a secure, resilient and innovation-driven supply chain for critical minerals and artificial intelligence (AI). A Pax Silica Summit was held in Washington on December 12, where partner nations signed the Pax Silica declaration outlining a shared vision of deep economic and technology cooperation across supply chains — from raw materials through semiconductors and AI infrastructure — and a commitment to mutual prosperity and security.One of the key pillars of Pax Silica is establishing a durable economic order to drive AI-powered prosperity across partner nations.

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India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (AP Photo/Solomon Chingono)

India have completed their T20 World Cup group-stage assignments and now brace for a far sterner examination in the Super 8s. The defending champions will face tougher opposition in the next phase, including 2024 runners-up South Africa, the West Indies and Zimbabwe. So far, India have underlined their status as title holders by sweeping aside every challenge in the opening round. Speaking on Ash ki Baat, Ravichandran Ashwin lauded the team’s consistency but admitted that the performance against the Netherlands was not flawless. He pointed out that Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with care, while Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh were positioned to lift the scoring rate at the right moment. Ashwin emphasised that even when India are not at their sharpest, their overall strength makes them difficult to beat.

“Surya played a very diligent knock. For the acceleration point, Dube, Hardik, and Rinku were there. They knew they could catch up on the scoring rate. But India weren’t extremely good today (vs Netherlands) with the bat, not extremely efficient. But it is such a solid team that even on their ordinary day, they can put you away. They were below par, not at their best. But still, with Varun Chakaravarthy bowling so well, the Netherlands could not pick him. Jasprit Bumrah got swing in the Powerplay and bowled yorkers too,” he said on Ash ki Baat. Ashwin also discussed Tilak Varma’s approach in the shortest format, especially as he works his way back after injury. He underlined that T20 success does not always depend on brute force and highlighted the value of timing and placement. “Tilak Varma is coming back after an injury. We talk about power and strength, but sweet spot and timing are the basic essence of batting. Tilak is not a big power hitter. For him, timing and finding the sweet spot are most important. Please remember, you can play like Vaibhav (Sooryavanshi), but you can also play like Tilak, who relies on timing and picks the gaps,” Ashwin said. Elsewhere, Pakistan confirmed their Super Eights qualification with a win over Namibia, joining India from Group A. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe progressed from Group B, the West Indies and England advanced from Group C, while South Africa and New Zealand moved ahead from Group D in the 20-team tournament. With Australia and New Zealand already assured of entry into the 2028 edition as co-hosts, all teams that have reached the Super Eights, including New Zealand alongside Australia, have now secured qualification for that event.

Iran has warned the United States of retaliation if subjected to military aggression, saying all US bases and assets in the region would become “legitimate targets” in such a scenario.In a strongly worded letter addressed to the UN secretary general, António Guterres, and members of the security council, Iran accused the United States of issuing unlawful threats of force and urged the Council to act “without delay” to prevent further escalation.While reiterating that it “neither seeks tension nor war” and will not initiate any conflict, Iran made clear that it would respond if attacked.“In the event that it is subjected to military aggression, Iran will respond decisively and proportionately in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations,” the letter stated.It added that in such circumstances, “all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets” as part of Iran’s defensive response. Tehran said the United States would bear “full and direct responsibility” for any “unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences.”Iran urged the security council to use its authority and good offices to ensure that the US “immediately ceases its unlawful threats of the use of force.”Tehran also said it noted that it has engaged “constructively, with seriousness and in good faith” in nuclear talks with the US.The warning to the UN comes against a backdrop of rising military posturing and hardening rhetoric on both sides.On Thursday, Iran conducted its annual military drills with Russia, even as a second US aircraft carrier moved closer to the Middle East — a visible reminder of the growing strategic pressure in the region. The developments have underscored the fragile situation between both Washington and Tehran, as the two nations signal that they are prepared for conflict if nuclear negotiations collapse.US President Donald Trump has repeatedly cautioned Iran that failure to reach a deal would carry consequences. In his latest remarks, he suggested the window for diplomacy may be closing fast, saying he believes 10 to 15 days is “enough time” for Iran to reach an agreement.“It’s proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran, and we have to make a meaningful deal. Otherwise, bad things happen,” Trump said on Thursday.While there has been no official indication of imminent military action, the convergence of diplomatic deadlines, visible force deployments and escalating rhetoric has kept tensions high, placing US-Iran relations under intense international scrutiny.

Eric Dane, best known for his roles in the hit medical drama series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and the teen-drama ‘Euphoria‘, passed away on Friday. He was 53.Dane, who openly spoke about his battle with ALS and became an advocate in spreading awareness over the past few years, reportedly passed away from the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known also as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The news of his demise comes less than a year after he went public about the diagnosis.

Eric Dane’s announces his death in a statement

“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” said a statement that requested privacy for his family. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”

Eric Dane’s battle with ALS

In April 2025, Dane announced he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells controlling muscles throughout the body.He became an advocate for ALS awareness, speaking a news conference in Washington on health insurance prior authorization. “Some of you may know me from TV shows, such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” which I play a doctor. But I am here today to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS,” he said in June 2025. In September of that year, the ALS Network named Dane the recipient of their advocate of the year award, recognizing his commitment to raising awareness and support for people living with ALS.Eric Dane pens memoirA memoir by Dane is scheduled to be published in 2026. “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments” will be released by Maria Shriver’s The Open Field, a Penguin Random House imprint. According to Open Field, Dane will look back upon key moments in his life, from his first day at work on “Grey’s Anatomy” to the births of his two daughters and learning that he has ALS. “I want to capture the moments that shaped me — the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted — so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart,” Dane said in a statement around the book’s announcement. “If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling.”

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday released a 20-point “chargesheet” against the BJP-led Assam government, accusing chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and using state machinery to create fear among minorities.The chargesheet was unveiled in Guwahati ahead of the upcoming elections to the 126-member Assam Assembly. The Congress alleged that the BJP government had failed to fulfil key promises made during its decade-long tenure.

Among the issues raised, the party said that the government did not grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six indigenous communities as promised. It also alleged that the BJP had failed to increase the daily wages of tea garden workers to Rs 351.The Congress further accused the state government of “rampant corruption,” claiming that the CM, some of his close ministers and their family members had “accumulated wealth illegally.” The chargesheet also alleged that the government engaged in “bulldozer justice” and carried out selective evictions targeting minorities, according to news agency PTI. Priyanka Gandhi, who is chairperson of the Congress screening committee for the Assam polls, is on a two-day visit to the state to finalise the party’s list of candidates. She was received at the airport by Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and other senior leaders.Soon after arriving, she visited the revered Kamakhya Temple atop the Nilachal Hills to offer prayers. “I sought the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, and I am feeling very good after offering prayers at the temple,” she told reporters.Speaking about the party’s preparations, Gandhi said that she would personally meet party leaders and workers to gather feedback before distributing tickets.“I am meeting everyone and taking their suggestions and feedback. That is what we will do for two days, trying to meet as many people individually as we can. Members of the screening committee have been going to every district. They will take feedback and then assess it. Our efforts are to distribute the tickets well and contest the elections strongly,” she said.When asked about alliance talks, she said people should “wait and watch what happens.”Meanwhile, CM Sarma expressed confidence that the BJP would return to power in the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Addressing a BJP ‘Booth Vijay Sankalp Sabha’ in Guwahati, Sarma highlighted development initiatives in Assam, including the recently approved underwater tunnel in the Brahmaputra River connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh. He described it as “an unimaginable gift to Assam.”“This time we will win, by making a record. What we want was given by the Prime Minister to Assam… What we can’t imagine, the Prime Minister has given an unimaginable gift to Assam,” Sarma said.

The stage is set for an intriguing clash in the Caribbean as West Indies Women host Sri Lanka Women in the 1st ODI of their three-match series at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada.

With both teams eyeing crucial ICC Women’s Championship points, this match serves as a vital barometer for their 50-over form heading into a busy 2026 calendar.

West Indies Women: The return of the stars

The big news for the Maroon Warriors is the return of their captain, Hayley Matthews, who is back after a lengthy shoulder injury. The squad is bolstered by the presence of the legendary Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor, giving them a massive edge in experience. Under Head Coach Shane Deitz, the Windies are seeking “revenge” after losing their previous ODI series to Sri Lanka in 2024.

Key player: Matthews. Her all-round ability to dominate with the bat and provide crucial breakthroughs with her off-spin makes her the undisputed MVP.

Sri Lanka Women: The giant killers

Ranked 6th in ODIs (above West Indies at 9th), Sri Lanka arrives with momentum and a settled core. Led by the powerhouse Chamari Athapaththu, the visitors rely heavily on her explosive starts. Their bowling attack is spin-heavy and disciplined, which could trouble the Windies’ middle order if they fail to rotate strike.

Key player: Kavisha Dilhari. She has evolved into a world-class all-rounder. Her ability to finish games with the bat and her handy off-breaks will be vital in Caribbean conditions.

West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women, 1st ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 20; 07:30 pm IST/ 02:00 pm GMT/ 10:00 am Local
• Venue: National Cricket Stadium, St Georges, Grenada

National Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The surface at St. George’s is traditionally known for being balanced but slightly leaning toward the bowlers as the game progresses. Historically, the pitch offers a good bounce early on, allowing batters to play their shots. While the new ball might zip around under the morning humidity, the track is expected to slow down significantly. Spinners from both sides—like Afy Fletcher and Inoka Ranaweera—will likely dictate the middle overs. Teams winning the toss often prefer to bowl first. The early morning moisture can assist seamers, and chasing has generally been more successful at this venue in limited-overs formats.

Also READ: Star batter returns as BCCI update India Women’s squad for the ODI series against Australia

Squads

West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry (vc), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shunelle Sawh, Stafanie Taylor

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi De Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwandi, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Nimasha Madushani, Malki Madara, Kawya Kavindi

West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women, Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• West Indies Women wins the toss and bowls first
• Sri Lanka Women’s powerplay score: 40-50
• Sri Lanka Women’s total score: 200-220

Case 2:

• Sri Lanka Women wins the toss and bowls first
• West Indies Women’s powerplay score: 50-60
• West Indies Women’s total score: 220-250

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: Sri Lanka name strong Women’s ODI squad for West Indies tour

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.