Headlines Trending in India and World: Politics, E-Commerce, Lifestyle, Sports, Health & Entertainment on 22nd February 2025
The ‘Biggest’ Stories in World and Indian Headlines – February 22nd, 2025
1. Scientists Discover New Coronavirus in Bats That Could Infect Humans
A team of researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, led by Shi Zhengli, has identified a new coronavirus strain in bats that has the potential for animal-to-human transmission. The virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, has sparked concerns due to its similarity to the virus that caused COVID-19.
According to a study published in the journal Cell, the new virus can enter human cells through the same mechanism as COVID-19, raising concerns among scientists. However, researchers emphasize that HKU5-CoV-2 has not yet been detected in humans, making the immediate risk relatively low.
With COVID-19 still fresh in global memory, scientists are now closely monitoring this virus for potential mutations or transmissions that could lead to another outbreak. While it is too early to predict its impact, experts stress the importance of continued research and surveillance to prevent another pandemic-like situation.
2. Kash Patel Takes Oath as FBI Director with Girlfriend Alexis Wilkins Present
Kash Patel, an Indian-origin lawyer and former national security official, has officially been sworn in as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His appointment was confirmed by a close 51-49 vote in the US Senate, with Republican Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats in opposition.
During the oath ceremony, Patel was accompanied by his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, a country singer and Republican press secretary. Wilkins, who has gained popularity for her contributions to conservative media and political discourse, was seen standing proudly beside him, later sharing a video of the ceremony on her social media.
Born in New York to Gujarati parents, Patel has held several key national security positions, including a role at the National Security Council (NSC), where he worked on counterterrorism operations. With his new position, he has vowed to rebuild the FBI into a more transparent and accountable agency, aligning with President Donald Trump’s agenda.
3. Shikhar Dhawan Spotted with ‘Mystery Woman’ at ICC Champions Trophy
Shikhar Dhawan, who is serving as an ambassador for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, was recently seen in the stands during India’s match against Bangladesh in Dubai. However, the cricketer quickly became the center of social media speculation after being spotted sitting next to a mystery woman.
A video of Dhawan with the woman, identified as Sophie Shine from Ireland, has gone viral, fueling rumors of a possible romantic connection. Reports indicate that Dhawan follows Shine on social media, but there has been no official confirmation regarding their relationship.
Some clips circulating online show Dhawan attempting to avoid the camera, which has only added to the speculation. As fans and media speculate about this possible new relationship, Dhawan remains tight-lipped on the matter.
4. $1.5 Billion Crypto Theft from Bybit Exchange Sparks Market Crash
The cryptocurrency market faced a major setback after a massive $1.5 billion hack on the Bybit exchange, marking the largest crypto theft in history.
Following the attack, Bitcoin prices dropped by 2.1% to around $96,057, while Ether suffered a more severe loss of 7%, hitting $2,650. Smaller altcoins, including XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin, recorded deeper losses.
Bybit’s CEO Ben Zhou confirmed that hackers gained control of one of the exchange’s offline Ethereum wallets, with stolen assets already being moved and sold through various channels.
Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic reported that the Bybit hack surpasses the previous record of $611 million stolen from Poly Network in 2021, making it the largest cryptocurrency theft ever recorded.
5. Eknath Shinde’s “Do Not Take Me Lightly” Comment Sparks Political Speculation
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made a strong statement on Friday, declaring, “Do not take me lightly.” His comment has fueled speculation about tensions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, especially amid ongoing political power struggles.
Shinde’s remark came while addressing a death threat he recently received via email, which warned of a bomb attack on his car. While he downplayed the threats, his firm words about not being taken lightly were interpreted as a political warning.
In 2022, Shinde led a rebellion within Shiv Sena, toppling the MVA government and aligning with the BJP. His latest comments have led analysts to believe that political dynamics within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance are shifting once again.
6. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) Free Upgrade for PC Coming on March 4
Rockstar Games has announced a free upgrade for Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) on PC, set to roll out on March 4, 2025. The update will bring several features previously exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game, including:
- Hao’s Special Works performance upgrades for vehicles
- Improved graphics and faster loading times
- Animal encounters in GTA Online
- GTA+ Membership access for PC players
Players who already own GTA V on PC will receive the upgrade at no cost, ensuring that longtime fans can experience enhanced gameplay without extra charges.
7. Billionaire Pankaj Oswal’s Daughter Speaks Out After Arrest in Uganda
Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of Indian billionaire Pankaj Oswal, has spoken out about her illegal detention in Uganda, where she was wrongfully accused of kidnapping and murder.
Oswal was detained for five days and then arrested for two weeks under allegations of involvement in the disappearance of Mukesh Menaria, an employee of her father. However, Menaria was later found alive in Tanzania, proving the accusations false.
Oswal claimed her human rights were violated during the ordeal, revealing that Ugandan police refused to provide a search warrant and forced her into a police van against her will. She was also detained despite posting bail.
After weeks of legal battles, she finally secured bail on October 21, 2024, and is now planning legal action against Ugandan authorities for wrongful detention and harassment.
8. Mumbai Indians Edge Out RCB in Last-Over Thriller in WPL
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 delivered yet another nail-biter as Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a last-over thriller.
Chasing 167 runs, MI’s Harmanpreet Kaur played a captain’s knock, guiding her team to a narrow victory. However, the turning point came when Amanjot Kaur smashed back-to-back sixes in the 19th over, sealing MI’s win with just two balls to spare.
Despite a valiant effort by Ellyse Perry for RCB, Mumbai’s disciplined chase and strategic gameplay helped them secure a crucial victory.
9. Ryan Rickelton’s Century Creates Champions Trophy Record
South African cricketer Ryan Rickelton smashed 103 runs against Afghanistan, setting a new record for most centuries in the first three games of a Champions Trophy edition.
His knock led South Africa to a 315/6 total, ultimately helping them secure a convincing 107-run victory. This marks the fifth century in just three games of the tournament, surpassing all previous records for the Champions Trophy.
With high-scoring matches dominating this year’s tournament, experts believe the conditions in Pakistan are highly favorable for batsmen.
10. Sunil Gavaskar Criticizes Virat Kohli’s Batting Technique After Poor Performance
Virat Kohli’s struggles against spin bowling continue to be a major talking point after his disappointing performance against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy opener.
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar raised concerns about Kohli’s technique, particularly his tendency to open the bat face too early, making him vulnerable against wrist spinners.
Since the 2023 World Cup, Kohli has managed only 137 runs in six ODI innings, prompting experts to call for adjustments in his batting approach. With India still in contention for the Champions Trophy, Kohli will need to address these weaknesses to deliver match-winning performances.
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