Elite international and Indian runners are gearing up for the Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday, with many targeting personal bests and sub-60 minute finishes. Two-time winner Birhanu Legese and 2023 runner-up Charles Mbatha Matata are among the top contenders, alongside Indian hopefuls Kartik Karkera and Kiran Matre. In the women's field, 2022 winner Irine Cheptai and India's Lili Das are also aiming for strong performances.
India's Women's T20 team secured a four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first match of the bilateral series on Friday, overcoming an early batting collapse thanks to a crucial partnership between debutant Niki Prasad and veteran Deepti Sharma. Zimbabwe, led by Kelis Ndhlovu and Sharne Mayers, posted 114 for five.
Hundreds of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters and student activists held flash protests across Connaught Place, Palika Bazaar, and Mandi House on Friday, calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations, which included slogans, placards, and participation from student bodies and Left leaders, led to significant police deployment, disruption of commercial activity, and the detention of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. Police had denied permission for the planned 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march, citing prohibitory orders.
Police in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested four individuals, including the wife and her alleged lover, in connection with the murder of a 45-year-old utensil trader. The victim, Umashankar Kaushal, was found dead near a canal on Thursday. Investigations revealed a conspiracy stemming from the wife's relationship, which the trader opposed.
A Thai woman was apprehended in Gurugram by the CM Flying Squad for overstaying her visa and entering India via Nepal. Her landlord was also booked for failing to file the mandatory 'C-Form' for foreign national accommodation.
Mumbai Police's Crime Branch has arrested two individuals, Machhinder Ankush Pashte and Vaibhav Vilas Harad, for allegedly extorting Rs 80 lakh from a businessman. The duo was caught red-handed accepting an instalment of Rs 30 lakh in Andheri (West), having previously collected Rs 40 lakh using forged documents and threatening the victim with a pistol.
India's foreign exchange reserves experienced a notable decline of USD 8.578 billion, settling at USD 726.027 billion for the week ending October 9, marking a continued downward trend from their September peak.
Anvay Dravid, son of Rahul Dravid, scored a magnificent 151 runs, leading Karnataka Under-19 to a five-wicket victory over Gujarat in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, securing their spot in the knockouts. His partnership with Dhruv Krishnan was crucial in chasing down a large target.
Nida Khan, an accused in the alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion case at TCS Nashik, appeared before a family court on Friday for a divorce petition filed by her husband, Moin Khan. Both parties attended a counselling session, and the next hearing is set for November 20.
A man in Latur, Maharashtra, allegedly stabbed a woman to death with a screwdriver following a dispute. He later surrendered to the police and confessed to the crime. The accused has been arrested, and an investigation is underway.
AI-managed services firm RapidCanvas, with a significant employee base in India, announced on Friday that it has raised USD 29 million (approximately Rs 275 crore) in Series B funding. The round was led by Vertex Ventures SEA and India, with participation from Hitachi Ventures and existing investors. The company plans to use the funds to expand its go-to-market teams, partner network, and grow its employee base and engineering teams in India, the US, and Brazil, while also investing in product development.
A special CBI court in Ahmedabad has granted bail to Ankit Pandey, an accused in a cyber fraud case involving a call centre that allegedly defrauded US residents of over USD 7.21 million. The fraudsters posed as US law enforcement, falsely accusing victims of child pornography access, and coerced them into paying fines or handing over gold. Pandey's defence cited weak evidence, arguing only an IP address linked him to the crime.
A fast-track court in Nashik, Maharashtra, has sentenced Vijay Sanjay Khairnar to death for the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl late last year. The court termed the gruesome crime "rarest of the rare" and also ordered Rs 10 lakh financial assistance for the victim's family. The prosecution, led by Ujwal Nikam, relied on circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies to secure the conviction.
Kanpur police have uncovered a Rs 2.66-crore cyber fraud operation, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the identification of 89 bank accounts nationwide. The investigation began after a bank manager reported alleged fake complaints filed by one of the accused, Akhil Singh Chauhan, who was denied banking facilities. The fraud involved a fake investment scheme that targeted an exporter, with money routed through numerous mule accounts.
A 50-year-old man in Barnala allegedly murdered his wife with an axe in a field on Friday before returning home and consuming poison, leading to his own death. Police are investigating the motive, with preliminary reports suggesting the husband's drug addiction may have caused family disputes.
Three members of a family were arrested in Beed district, Maharashtra, for allegedly attempting to murder and molest a woman police constable inside a police station on October 12. The accused reportedly tried to strangle her with a dupatta over a dispute.
South Africa, reeling from a 214-run defeat in the first Test against Australia, is determined to level the series in the second Test starting Sunday in Gqeberha. The hosts are expected to make several team changes, including the return of paceman Kagiso Rabada, as they look to overcome batting fragilities exposed in the previous match. Australia, despite their dominant win, might consider workload management for their fast bowlers amidst forecasts of persistent rain.
India has issued a new advisory for its citizens in Saudi Arabia, urging them to follow local instructions, stay indoors during aerial attacks, and be aware of ongoing flight disruptions. The advisory follows an October 10 attack on Riyadh airport that injured several Indians, with some still hospitalised. Major Indian airlines have cancelled flights to Saudi cities until late October, impacting travellers and Umrah pilgrims.
Chola Chiefs, already out of playoff contention, defeated defending champions Rajputana Royals 5-3 in the Archery Premier League Season 2. This loss jeopardises the Royals' chances of defending their title, leaving them with eight points and one match remaining. Chiefs' victory was attributed to a tactical change in their shooting order, with archers like Alejandra Usquiano and Rajat Chauhan playing crucial roles.
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood believes reverse swing will be a crucial factor in the ongoing three-test series against South Africa, attributing its resurgence to the abrasive pitches. He successfully utilised this technique in the first test, which Australia won, and expects similar conditions for the second test in Gqeberha. Hazlewood also reflected on his recent performance and career longevity.
