US President Donald Trump has once again denied any involvement with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying he has been “totally exonerated” and has “nothing to hide.”Addressing reporters, Trump said investigations had cleared him of wrongdoing. “I have nothing to hide. I’ve been exonerated. I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein,” he said, adding that Democrats “went in hoping that they’d find it and found just the opposite.”

Trump also claimed that Epstein had opposed his political ambitions. “Jeffrey Epstein was fighting that I don’t get elected with some author, a sleazebag, by the way,” he claimed.During the interaction, Trump further suggested that other political figures, including former president Bill Clinton, had been drawn into scrutiny related to Epstein. Taking jabs at the Democrats, he added, “it’s really interesting because they’ve been pulled in. Think of it. They’ve been pulled in. Clinton and many other Democrats have been pulled in.”He also hit back at Hillary Clinton’s claims that, “she and her husband are getting pulled into the Epstein matter to divert attention from [Trump]” and that his “administration has something to hide”. In response to reporter’s questions on the accusations, Trump said, “No, no. They’re getting pulled and that’s their problem. I don’t know. They’re going to have to see what happens. But I watched her in Munich, and she seriously has Trump derangement syndrome.“Epstein died in 2019 in federal custody while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His links to prominent figures across politics, business and entertainment have remained a subject of public attention and ongoing scrutiny.This comes after a batch of released Justice Department files referenced past contact between Donald Trump and investigators probing Jeffrey Epstein. According to a 2019 FBI interview summary, former Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter claims Trump called during the mid-2000s investigation and expressed relief authorities were taking action, stating that people had long known about Epstein’s conduct. The document also records Trump as saying he had banned Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club and left a gathering after noticing teenagers present. Trump has previously said he cut ties with Epstein more than 20 years ago.The release of the Epstein files led to investigators reviewing allegations and tips involving several prominent figures, including Trump, but officials said they did not find credible information warranting further investigation into sexual misconduct claims against him. The records also confirm prosecutors issued a subpoena to Mar-a-Lago in 2021 during their case against Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.

The upcoming T20 World Cup Group B fixture between Zimbabwe and Ireland is far more than just another league game — it could decide Australia’s fate and shape the Super 8 line-up.On Monday, Sri Lanka stormed into the Super 8s with a dominant eight-wicket win over Australia. Pathum Nissanka’s breathtaking unbeaten 100 off 52 balls powered the chase of 182, while the Sri Lankan spinners derailed Australia after a flying 104-run opening stand between Mitchell Marsh (54) and Travis Head (56). The result left Australia teetering on the brink.With three wins in three matches, Sri Lanka have already sealed qualification. Zimbabwe sit second with two wins in two games and a healthy net run rate (NRR) of +1.984. Australia, now third with one win in three matches and an NRR of +0.414, are in serious danger. Ireland, placed fourth with one win in three games (NRR +0.150), are still mathematically alive. Oman are eliminated.The equation is simple yet dramatic.If Zimbabwe beat Ireland, they will qualify for the Super 8s — and Australia will be knocked out of the tournament. However, if Ireland win, the group opens up dramatically. Net run rate will then come into play, with Australia needing a strong victory over Oman and hoping the NRR swings in their favour.Zimbabwe have already shown their pedigree by outplaying Australia earlier in the tournament. But Ireland, fighting for survival, will view this as a golden opportunity.In essence, the Zimbabwe-Ireland clash is a virtual knockout — not just for themselves, but for Australia too.

Other Fixtures – Tuesday, 17 February

With ‘Dhurandhar’, Sara Arjun emerged as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cinema. Her heartfelt portrayal in Aditya Dhar’s film left a lasting impact on viewers, earning her admiration nationwide. Adding to the praise, Kangana Ranaut has now commended Sara’s performance, expressing encouragement for the budding star.

Sara Arjun celebrates Maha Shivratri 2026

Recently, Sara joined the Maha Shivratri celebrations at the Isha Foundation this year, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere and cultural festivities. Sharing her experience through a video message to her followers, she said, “Namaskaram and a very happy Maha Shivratri to all of you. I had a very good time. I can’t really explain how grateful and blessed I feel to be here. We have witnessed so many brilliant performances so far. I can’t wait for all the dancing to start.”

Kangana Ranaut lauds Sara Arjun for her authenticity

Kangana Ranaut shared the video on her Instagram Story, applauding Sara Arjun for her authenticity and grounded nature. She wrote, “Remarkable young woman, authentic and rooted, do well kid I am rooting for you. #saraarjun #dhurandhar #ishayogacenter.”

Kangana Ranaut praises ‘Dhurandhar’ and Aditya Dhar

Earlier, Kangana had also lauded ‘Dhurandhar’, expressing her admiration for the film and its creator. She wrote, “I watched #dhurandhar and had a great time . Totally inspired by the art and craft of this masterpiece but honest huge admiration for the intent of the filmmaker. Dear Aaditya Dhar ji, border pe hamare defence forces, sarkar mein hamare Modi ji aur Bollywood cinema mein aap, khoob kambal kutayi karo in Pakistani terrorists ki, maza aa gaya (On our border, it is our defence forces; in the government, it’s Prime Minister Modi; and in our cinema, it’s you. Beat up those Pakistani terrorists. Had so much fun), whistled and clapped all the way!! Superb work by everyone, lekin Dhurandhar of this show is the filmmaker himself @adityadharfilms. Congratulations Yami Gautam.”

Sara Arjun’s ‘Dhurandhar’ connects with audiences

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy action thriller ‘Dhurandhar’ garnered mixed reviews from critics but connected strongly with audiences. The film features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Akshaye Khanna.

The ninth match of the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 on 17^th February at 8:00 AM IST will feature India A Women and Nepal Women battling it out at Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok.

Get the best IN-W-A vs NP-W Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 6^th match of the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026. Expert analysis and more.

IN-W-A vs NP-W Match Preview:

India A Women started their Group A campaign with mixed results, as they secured one win from two matches and therefore claimed the second position on the points table. Moreover, they showed positive intent in key moments and managed to convert one opportunity into valuable points, which kept them in contention for the top spot.

Meanwhile, Nepal Women endured a difficult start to the tournament. They played two matches but failed to register a victory in either contest, and consequently, they slipped to the bottom of the Group A standings. Additionally, their struggles in crucial phases prevented them from building momentum throughout their outings.

Thus, the points table clearly reflected the gap in early performance between the two teams. While India A Women gained stability with a crucial win, Nepal Women now need a strong turnaround to recover and avoid finishing the group stage without points.

Also Read: Mike Hesson to be sacked? Pakistan head coach under fire for shocking toss decision vs India

IN-W-A vs NP-W Head-to-Head Record:

IN-W-A vs NP-W Weather & Pitch Report:

Record of chasing teams:

IN-W-A vs NP-W Playing 11s (Predicted):

India A Women Playing 11:

1) Humairaa Kaazi

2) Vrinda Dinesh

3) Tejal Hasabnis

4) Anushka Sharma

5) Radha Yadav ©

6) Mamatha Madiwala (wk)

7) Tanuja Kanwer

8) Prema Rawat

9) Minnu Mani

10) Saima Thakor

11) Jintimani Kalita

Nepal Women Playing 11:

1) Puja Mahato ©

2) Rubi Poddar (wk)

3) Seemana KC

4) Samjhana Khadka

5) Sita Rana Magar

6) Kabita Kunwar

7) Rubina Chhetri

8) Riya Sharma

9) Bindu Rawal

10) Manisha Upadhayay

11) Roma Thapa

Hot Picks for IN-W-A vs NP-W Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

Captaincy Picks:

Top Picks:

Budget Picks:

IN-W-A vs NP-W Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:

IN-W-A vs NP-W Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

• Keeper – Kajal Shrestha
• Batters – Vrinda Dinesh (vc), Anushka Sharma
• All-rounders – Radha Yadav ©, Minnu Mani, Kabita Kunwar, Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar
• Bowlers – Saima Thakor, Tanuja Kanwer, Prema Rawat

IN-W-A vs NP-W Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

• Keeper – Kajal Shrestha
• Batters – Vrinda Dinesh, Anushka Sharma ©, Puja Mahato
• All-rounders – Radha Yadav, Minnu Mani, Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar
• Bowlers – Saima Thakor (vc), Prema Rawat, Anu Kadayat

IN-W-A vs NP-W Dream11 Prediction Today Match 9 Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 Players to Avoid:

IN-W-A vs NP-W Dream11 Prediction Today Match 9 Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 Expert Advice:

IN-W-A vs NP-W Match Winner Prediction:

Looking at the squad strength, India A Women is expected to win this match.

On his last day as Bangladesh chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus on Monday claimed that the interim govt led by him has been able to firmly restore the country’s sovereignty, national interests and dignity in foreign policy – an allusion to former PM Sheikh Hasina’s proximity to India. “Bangladesh is no longer a country with submissive foreign policy or dependent on the instructions and advice of other countries, today’s Bangladesh is confident, active, and responsible in protecting its independent interests,” said Yunus in a televised address to the nation, a day ahead of the interim govt handing over power to the new govt led by BNP’s Tarique Rahman.Tarique, the son former premier Khaleda Zia, will take oath of office as Bangladesh’s PM along with his cabinet members on Tuesday.In his around 25-minute speech, Yunus – who took charge of Bangladesh on Aug 8, 2024, as chief adviser – did not miss out on mentioning the “Northeast region”. Bangladesh can provide huge potential for economic prosperity for the Northeast region, including India’s “seven sister states, Nepal and Bhutan”.“Through economic zones, trade agreements, and access to duty-free markets, a strong foundation will be established for this region to become a global manufacturing hub,” he said. “Our open sea is not just a geographical boundary, it is an open door for Bangladesh to connect with the global economy,” Yunus saidHis comments last year that India’s “landlocked Northeast faced the prospect of becoming an extension of Chinese economy” had led to further straining of New Delhi-Dhaka ties, which had hit a low after Hasina’s ouster as PM.Before his address, Yunus on Monday participated in a brief farewell ceremony at his office, drawing the curtains on a tenure marked by anti-India posturing, rise of extremism, unabated attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, and instability. Yunus had little to say in his speech to officials, except for thanking then for their support.

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman will take oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, alongside newly elected Members of Parliament following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in 2024.Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, led the BNP to a landslide victory in the February 12 general elections after returning from a 17-year exile. The party secured more than 151 seats in the 300-member parliament, while the BNP-led alliance won 212 seats, according to the Bangladesh Election Commission. Jamaat-e-Islami, which contested separately after previously being allied with the BNP, emerged as the second-largest party with 77 seats. The Awami League, led by Hasina, was barred from contesting the polls.Elected BNP MP Rashiduzzaman Millat told ANI, “The oath-taking ceremony for the parliament members will be held at 9:30 am at our parliament bhawan. At 4.00 pm, there will be another session for the ministerial oath. PM Modi and the Prime Minister of Pakistan will not be coming,” the elected BNP MP told ANI on Monday.India will be represented at the ceremony by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the ministry of external affairs said. “The Speaker’s participation at this important event underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations,” the MEA statement read.Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over whether elected MPs will be required to take a second oath as members of a proposed constitutional reform council, as reported by Prothom Alo. Questions have been raised about whether such a council will be formed immediately to implement proposals under the July National Charter.Sources within the BNP told Prothom Alo that the party favours adherence to the existing constitution, which provides only for the swearing-in of MPs and does not mention any constitutional reform council. They argued that any additional oath would require constitutional incorporation and questioned the legal basis of the July National Charter Implementation Order from the outset.

The Daytona 500 was meant to be a milestone moment for Michael Jordan and his NASCAR team. Instead, a brief interaction during the celebrations has become the centre of attention. Jordan attended the race to support driver Tyler Reddick, whose last-lap move secured victory in what is widely regarded as NASCAR’s most prestigious event. The win marked the first Daytona 500 triumph for Jordan’s co-owned team, 23XI Racing, and prompted emotional celebrations on the track. Reddick described the moment as “just incredible how it all played out” and admitted he had already “lost my voice from screaming.” But while the result carried sporting significance, a short clip filmed during the celebrations quickly began circulating online and shifted the conversation away from the race itself.

The moment that sparked debate

The footage shows Jordan standing behind Reddick’s six-year-old son Beau during the post-race celebrations. As the crowd gathered and drinks were sprayed, Jordan repeatedly reached toward the back of the child’s shirt, making small pinching motions, before his hand briefly brushed the back of the boy’s legs. Beau turns around, apparently reacting to the contact. There is no indication of wrongdoing in the clip and the child does not appear distressed. Still, once the video spread across social media, interpretations diverged sharply. One user wrote, “This is another level of weirdness.” Another added, “Tugging/tickling a kid in a crowded celebration might look off without context. Hope it’s just over-the-top excitement, but optics matter.” A third posted, “That’s inappropriate unless that’s his child or they have a good relationship.” More hostile reactions also appeared. “Straight to jail,” one person wrote, while another declared, “Goat debate is over. MJ is no longer the goat.” Others went further, posting, “Michael Jeffrey Epstein Jordan is disgusting,” and “searches the Epstein files for Michael Jordan”. At the same time, a different group of viewers interpreted the clip as harmless. “He’s obviously just playfully teasing the kid,” one fan wrote. Another said, “Looks to me like he’s getting his hand wet off the kid’s shirt then wiping it on his leg. I don’t see anything weird.” Some suggested the child had been drenched during the celebration: “His driver’s son got drenched during the celebration and he was only trying to help get it off him. Honestly, who would want their child drenched in beer?” Others believed there was a practical reason, writing, “Maybe there is more to it, someone said the kid got ice down his shirt.” The authenticity of the clip was also questioned. “Has someone verified this video?” asked one user, while another insisted, “This is lighthearted, I don’t see anything wrong with this.”

Context around the relationship

Those defending the moment pointed to the long-standing relationship between Jordan and the Reddick family. Jordan and Reddick share close ties through NASCAR, and the connection stretches back further than the team itself. Reddick previously said Jordan knew his father-in-law, former baseball pitcher José DeLeón, during his time around the Chicago White Sox organisation. He believes there may even be a photo of Jordan holding his wife Alexa as a baby, recalling: “I’ve seen a couple photos Alexa and her mom have… I think there’s even a picture, I could be wrong, of MJ holding Alexa as a baby.” Because of that history, some viewers saw familiarity rather than intrusion. “Oh stop it. That’s the winner’s oldest son. MJ is clearly like FAMILY,” one comment read. Another added, “Normal behaviour with kids. Sometimes you gotta bother them to get them to talk to you.” Jordan himself has spoken about the personal meaning NASCAR holds for him, recalling watching races with his family for hours in North Carolina and saying the sport connects him to home. The Daytona victory therefore carried emotional weight beyond competition, something visible in the celebrations before the video surfaced online.

A celebration overshadowed

The debate unfolded during what had otherwise been a major achievement for 23XI Racing. Reddick led only a single lap of the race, but it was the one that mattered, taking the chequered flag in front of more than 150,000 spectators and lifting the Harley J. Earl Trophy alongside Jordan. Neither Jordan nor the team has addressed the viral clip publicly. The moment remains a brief fragment of a crowded celebration, interpreted in opposing ways by viewers who either saw an awkward gesture or a familiar one.