Fri Feb 21 12:41:33 UTC 2025: **February 21, 2025**

**Kerala Wins Ranji Trophy Semifinal in Dramatic Finish**

AHMEDABAD, INDIA – Kerala secured a historic victory in the Ranji Trophy semifinals against Gujarat on Friday, overcoming a significant deficit to clinch a two-run lead and advance to their maiden final. Facing a seemingly insurmountable task at the start of the final day, Kerala exhibited remarkable resilience to secure their place in the final against Vidarbha.

**High Court Dismisses BJP Leader’s Bail Plea**

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA – The Kerala High Court dismissed the anticipatory bail application of BJP leader P.C. George on Friday. George faces charges related to hate speech under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Kerala Police Act.

**India Expresses Concern Over USAID Funding Reports**

NEW DELHI, INDIA – The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern on Friday over reports alleging that USAID provided $21 million to influence voter turnout in India. The MEA stated that such reports raise serious concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs. The BJP has pointed fingers at the Congress party.

**Stalin Rejects Pradhan’s Criticism of NEP**

CHENNAI, INDIA – Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin responded to criticism from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) on Friday, asserting that Tamil Nadu will adhere to its two-language policy.

**India, Pakistan Hold Talks to De-escalate LoC Tension**

POONCH, INDIA – Amidst heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu, Indian and Pakistani army officials held talks on Friday in Poonch district to de-escalate the situation following recent skirmishes.

**Supreme Court Seeks Response on YouTuber’s Plea**

NEW DELHI, INDIA – The Supreme Court sought responses from the Maharashtra and Assam governments on Friday regarding a plea by YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani challenging an FIR registered in Guwahati related to allegations of obscenity in one of his online shows.

**Other News:**

* Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was discharged from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi on Friday.
* A Mumbai court ruled that sending suggestive messages to an unknown woman at night constitutes obscenity.
* Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly was unharmed in a car accident.
* External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in South Africa. Mr. Jaishankar stressed the importance of the G20’s ability to harmonize viewpoints.
* Top Saudi commentators have called for a two-state solution ahead of an Arab summit.
* Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for strong US ties following Donald Trump’s remarks.

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