NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

India defeated Pakistan by 88 runs in the Women’s ODI World Cup game played at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Indian side continued their unbeaten record 12-0 against arch rivals in Women’s ODI. Earlier, India posted a total of 247 for the loss of 10 wickets in their 50 overs batting first. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 159 runs in 43 overs.    Harleen Deol top-scored for India with 46, followed by Richa Ghosh with 35 and Jemima Rodrigues with 32. Diana Beg took 4 wickets for Pakistan. Chasing 248 runs, Pakistan never was in the race with the run rate always under 4 per over while it regularly lost wickets. Barring Sidra Amin with 81 runs and Natalia Pervaiz, who scored 33, none of the other Pakistan players could make any significant contribution to the score. Kranti Goud and Deepti Sharma took three wickets each, while Sneh Rana took two wickets. Earlier, a toss controversy erupted after Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was heard calling “tails,” but officials declared “heads” and awarded Pakistan the toss—India’s next match against South Africa at Vishakhapatnam on Thursday.

Another European country, Lithuania, suspended its air traffic at Vilnius Airport late last night after hot air balloons were reportedly flying in its airspace, which led to flights being diverted to neighbouring countries. The airport operator cited safety concerns, with flights diverted to neighbouring Latvia and Poland, while several departures were cancelled. One incoming flight from Copenhagen returned to Denmark.    This comes after European aviation has been facing an imminent shutdown of its air traffic in recent weeks due to drone sightings and airspace violations amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict in Poland, Romania, Germany, among others. Lithuania is a NATO member and firm supporter of Ukraine, shares a 679-km border with Belarus, which is a Russian ally. In August, it declared a 90-km no-fly zone near the Belarusian border to counter increasing drone incursions and strengthen national security.

Heavy rainfall across Bihar has severely disrupted normal life, with at least 16 people losing their lives in lightning strikes and rain-related incidents over the past 24 hours. Muzaffarpur district reported the highest toll with four deaths, followed by three in Jehanabad. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the loss of lives. Rohtas and Kaimur districts are witnessing flood-like situation due to the rising water level of Karmanasha river and its tributaries, while Sasaram town saw widespread waterlogging.   Heavy rain has also led to severe waterlogging in parts of Patna, Saran, Siwan, and Gopalganj districts. Train services have been disrupted due to fallen trees on railway tracks while flights at Patna Airport were affected due to adverse weather conditions. The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy rainfall alert in several parts of the state today.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line following negotiations over the Gaza ceasefire, and that this proposal has been shared with the Palestinian militant outfit Hamas. Making the announcement on a social media platform, President Trump said that once Hamas confirms the arrangement, a ceasefire will take effect immediately, resulting in both a hostage and prisoner exchange.   Mr Trump’s remarks came hours after the US President shot off a warning for the Palestinian militant group yesterday. The new US-brokered peace plan to end the war in Gaza appears to have gained tentative backing from both Israel and Hamas, raising hopes for a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of hostages being held in Gaza in the coming days.   In a brief statement last night, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, diplomatic and military pressure got them to this point and added that Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarised the easy way or the hard way. His remarks come as Israel and Hamas prepare to take part in indirect talks in Cairo, Egypt, with the US sending envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner to join them to discuss the release of hostages in Gaza.

In the ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup, India will take on Pakistan in their second game of the tournament at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo today. The match is scheduled to start at 3 PM Indian Standard Time. India women won their opening game after beating Sri Lanka by 59 runs through the DLS method. Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in their tournament opener.   Despite the high-voltage nature of India-Pakistan contests, the women’s fixture has historically been one-sided. India holds a dominant 11-0 record in ODIs against their rivals. For India, the match is a step toward semifinal qualification, while for Pakistan, it remains a chance to break a long-standing losing streak. Meanwhile, Yesterday’s match between Sri Lanka and Australia at the R Premadasa Stadium was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain in Colombo. Both teams shared a point each with no action as the rain delayed the toss and showers intensified soon after.

The full Election Commission team, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, will meet officials from various enforcement agencies, along with nodal officers from the police department and central forces, in Patna today – the second and final day of their visit to Bihar. The team is on a two-day visit to assess preparations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Later today, the Commission will also review poll preparedness with the State Chief Electoral Officer, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police.   A press conference has been scheduled for this afternoon to brief the media on the outcomes of the two-day review. On the first day of the visit yesterday, the Commission held a marathon meeting in Patna with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from all 38 districts. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar instructed officials to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. He also directed them to identify vulnerable areas and implement confidence-building measures for voters.   Emphasis was laid on the strict monitoring of fake news and misinformation on social media. Earlier, the Commission held consultations with representatives of 12 recognised political parties. The BJP, JD(U), and RJD requested that polling be conducted in two or fewer phases, while most parties urged that voting take place after Chhath Puja, preferably in the first week of November.

In the United Kingdom, nearly 500 people have been arrested in central London during a mass protest in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action. Demonstrations went ahead despite widespread calls from ministers and police to postpone the protests following Thursday’s deadly synagogue attack in Manchester. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and several Jewish organisations had also urged protesters to cancel the demonstrations, calling the protests deeply insensitive in the wake of the attack.   1,000 people took part in demonstrations, voicing opposition to what they called genocide in Palestine and backing Palestine Action – a group which was proscribed by the UK government in Jul,y making it illegal to show any support or affiliation to them. The group was added to the UK’s list of terrorist organisations due to its direct action tactics against companies linked to Israel’s military. The Metropolitan Police confirmed 492 arrests, including people aged between 18 and 89.

India won three medals on the penultimate day of the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi yesterday. With this, the country took its overall tally to 18 – comprising six gold, seven silver, and five bronze – marking its best-ever performance in the history of the championships. Ekta Bhyan in Women’s Club Throw F51 and Soman Rana in Men’s Shot Put F57 claimed silver, while Praveen Kumar took bronze in the Men’s High Jump T64. At the previous edition of the competition in Kobe, Japan, India had won a total of 17 medals, including six gold, five silver and six bronze.   In Women’s Club Throw F51, Ekta produced a season-best 19.80 meters to finish second in the final. She delivered a series of consistent throws without a single foul, saving her best effort for the last. Tokyo 2020 Paralympics champion Zoia Ovsii of Ukraine secured gold with 24.03 meters, while neutral para athlete Ekaterina Potapova claimed bronze at 18.60 meters. In the men’s shot put F57, Soman Rana earned his maiden World Para Athletics Championships medal, throwing 14.69m to finish second. Iran’s Yasin Khosravi took gold with a world record of 16.60 meters, while Finland’s Teijo Koopikka secured bronze at 14.51 meters.   Praveen Kumar clinched bronze in the men’s high jump T64 with a season-best clearance of 2 meters. The 22-year-old Indian para athlete cleared 1.94 meters, 1.97 meters and 2.00 meters before failing at higher heights. The gold went to Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov at 2.03 meters, with Great Britain’s Jonathan Broom-Edwards taking silver, having cleared 2 meters on his first attempt. The 12th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships has drawn over 2000 athletes from 104 nations, competing across 186 events. India’s 73-member squad featured 54 men and 19 women. The competition will conclude today.

In a historic feat, Project Himank of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has surpassed its own Guinness World Record by constructing the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass, 19,400 feet above sea level in Ladakh. This overtakes the previous record at Umling La (19,024 feet) set in 2021.   Led by Brig Vishal Srivastava, the BRO team hoisted the National and BRO flags at the site. The new road, part of the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche alignment, holds strategic significance, forming a third key axis to Fukche village near the border. It also promises to boost tourism in Ladakh, offering breathtaking views of the Indus Valley.   This achievement showcases BRO’s engineering excellence in extreme terrains.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the PM-SETU scheme will connect the country’s youth with the world’s skill demands. He highlighted that, under the scheme, the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) network is being prepared to meet the current industry skill requirements and anticipate future demands over the next ten years. Mr Modi stated this while announcing the launch of the PM SETU scheme during the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh in New Delhi yesterday. On the occasion, Mr Modi unveiled various youth-focused initiatives worth over 62 thousand crore rupees, giving a decisive push to education, skilling and entrepreneurship across the country. The Prime Minister said,the  PM-SETU scheme will benefit over one thousand ITIs across the country as they will be upgraded and modern machines will be introduced.

Sahil S. hailing from Kerala, has recently been awarded the Bharat Seva Puraskar 2025 by the Veyil Foundation, a recognition that underscores his remarkable contributions to the nation. This prestigious honor highlights his exemplary service with the Assam Rifles, one of the esteemed regiments of the Indian Army. Sahil's unwavering dedication and commitment to his responsibilities have not only brought him this significant accolade but have also established a high standard for excellence in national service. His journey reflects a deep sense of duty and a passion for making a difference, which resonates with the core values of the Bharat Seva Puraskar. Currently stationed in Bandipora, Kashmir, Sahil plays a crucial role in ensuring national security while also engaging with the local community. The region presents unique challenges, and his work goes beyond traditional military duties; it encompasses initiatives aimed at building trust and fostering goodwill among the residents. By bridging the gap between the armed forces and the civilian population, Sahil exemplifies a holistic approach to service that is vital in today’s complex socio-political landscape. His efforts not only enhance security but also promote a sense of unity and support within the community, showcasing the multifaceted nature of his role. As a beacon of inspiration for the youth of India, Sahil S. embodies the ideals of courage, dedication, and selflessness. His achievements at such a young age serve as a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, anyone can make a meaningful impact on their country. By receiving this esteemed award, he encourages others to pursue their aspirations and contribute positively to society. Sahil's story is a testament to the potential within each individual to serve the nation with pride and commitment, motivating future generations to follow in his footsteps and embrace the spirit of service. Sahil S. and 72 others found themselves entangled in a legal dispute regarding their appointments to the central forces. Recently, a division bench of the Kerala High Court issued a directive to the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), mandating that they finalize the posting process for Sahil and his fellow candidates within the next eight weeks. This ruling marks a significant turning point for those affected, as they have been waiting for their appointments amidst the legal complexities that have delayed their careers. What makes Sahil's victory particularly noteworthy is that he took it upon himself to represent his case in court. Despite being a polytechnic graduate with no formal legal training, he bravely navigated the judicial system, advocating for his rights and those of his peers. Since June 2022, he has been tirelessly arguing his case before both a single judge and the division bench, demonstrating remarkable determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Sahil's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-advocacy. His efforts not only highlight the challenges faced by individuals caught in bureaucratic delays but also serve as an inspiration for others who may find themselves in similar situations. As the SSC gears up to implement the court's order, Sahil and the other candidates can finally look forward to the realization of their long-awaited appointments, marking the end of a challenging chapter in their lives.

Dr. Vasikarla Pavankumar, a highly respected professional from Delhi, India, has been awarded the prestigious Bharat Seva Puraskar 2025 by the Bharat Seva Society. The award is one of the nation’s highest honors recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to public welfare and societal development. Dr. Vasikarla PavanKumar's recognition comes as a result of his exemplary service in the Ministry of Home Affairs, where he has made significant contributions to national safety, administrative efficiency, and interdepartmental collaboration. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Vasikarla PavanKumar has consistently championed innovation in governance, focusing particularly on strengthening the internal security framework of the country. His work has played a critical role in streamlining operations within the Ministry of Home Affairs, introducing forward-thinking policies and reforms that have directly impacted the lives of millions. Known for his analytical acumen and strategic planning, he has spearheaded several key initiatives addressing issues such as border security, disaster management, and public grievance redressal. One of the defining aspects of Dr. Vasikarla PavanKumar’s approach has been his emphasis on inter-agency cooperation and community engagement. Recognizing that the challenges faced by the Ministry are often multi-faceted, he has worked tirelessly to create bridges between various government departments, fostering a culture of transparency and coordinated action. His leadership has not only enhanced operational synergy but also ensured that the voices of local communities are heard in the policymaking process. The Bharat Seva Puraskar stands as a symbol of national gratitude, awarded only to those whose dedication to service extends beyond the call of duty. Dr. Vasikarla PavanKumar's selection underscores the profound impact of his work, both within the corridors of government and across the broader social landscape. His efforts have contributed to a more secure, responsive, and citizen-focused administrative system, aligning with the core values upheld by the Bharat Seva Society. Upon receiving the award, Dr. Vasikarla PavanKumar expressed deep humility and reiterated his unwavering commitment to public service. He emphasized that the recognition was not just a personal milestone, but also a tribute to the tireless efforts of his colleagues and the support of the Ministry. “This honor belongs to everyone working towards a safer and more resilient India. It strengthens our resolve to serve with integrity and purpose,” he stated. As Dr. Vasikarla PavanKumar continues his impactful journey in public administration, his recognition with the Bharat Seva Puraskar is expected to inspire a new generation of civil servants and public officials. His story serves as a reminder that meaningful change is possible when vision, leadership, and compassion come together in service of the nation.