The Eastern Cape police have launched a manhunt for two suspects who allegedly raped and robbed five matric pupils in the Mqhekezweni Administrative area. The incident took place while the pupils were preparing for their matric final exams. The province's education MEC, Fundile Gade, has expressed shock and condemnation towards this barbaric act and has promised to provide necessary support to the victims and their families.
Japan's national football team, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, secured a convincing 2-0 win against Saudi Arabia in their Group C match of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The Samurai Blue have now recorded three consecutive victories, moving five points clear at the top of their group. A goal from Daichi Kamada and a late header from substitute Koki Ogawa sealed an important victory for Japan's World Cup dream.
The alliance between BJP and JD(S) in Karnataka is facing a new challenge as they must determine a joint candidate for the upcoming Assembly bypoll in Channapatna. BJP MLC C P Yogeshwara has stated that he will run as an independent if the coalition does not choose him. With a bypoll triggered by HD Kumaraswamy's resignation, the BJP leadership has been holding discussions with Yogeshwara to decide on a candidate. Yogeshwara, who has held the Channapatna seat five times in the past, is pushing for his experience to be considered.
West Indies' Nicholas Pooran displays his six-hitting prowess with a stunning 98 runs off just 53 balls, leading his team to a dominant victory against Afghanistan in their final Group C match of the T20 World Cup. Pooran's impressive display, including 8 sixes and 6 fours, helps the two-time champions amass a formidable 218 for five, the highest total for the West Indies in T20 World Cups. Despite Afghanistan's attempts to chase down the target, the massive total proves too much to handle, with West Indies' Gulbadin Naib taking two crucial wickets. While the loss may be a setback for Afghanistan, they have secured a berth in the Super Eight and captain Rashid Khan remains optimistic about their performance in the upcoming matches.
NDA candidate for Anakapalli Lok Sabha constituency C M Ramesh speaks to media about the voters' enthusiasm to elect the alliance government after witnessing five years of "anarchic rule and most corrupt State government." He warns against potential disruptions during the counting day and promises top priority to the development of Anakapalli. Expressing certainty in the alliance parties' victory in Andhra Pradesh, he also addresses allegations of corruption against the ruling party and predicts a clean sweep for the NDA at the Centre.
After being expelled from the Congress for "anti-party statements", former Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam has called the party "organisationally disturbed". He specifically named five power centres within the party, one of them being general secretary K C Venugopal. Once considered a part of the "reformist" young brigade of the party, Venugopal has made a significant U-turn in his loyalty to the Congress. Despite facing challenges in his political career, Venugopal has risen through the ranks and is now a key player in the party's decision-making.