In a remarkable display of resilience, John Campbell notched his first-ever Test century, propelling the West Indies to a strong position in the second cricket Test against India. By lunch on Day 4, the West Indies had reached 252-3 in their second innings, narrowing India’s lead to a mere 18 runs. Campbell’s 115-run innings, crafted from 199 balls, was the cornerstone of a 177-run partnership with Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten on 92, inching closer to his third Test century. Skipper Roston Chase also contributed with a steady 23 not out. The morning session saw only one wicket fall, with Campbell dismissed lbw by Ravindra Jadeja on a sluggish Delhi pitch. Earlier, the West Indies had been bowled out for 248 in their first innings, trailing India’s mammoth 518. Despite being forced to follow on, Campbell’s heroics have kept the visitors in contention, averting the threat of an innings defeat. India, leading the two-match series 1-0 after a commanding victory in the first Test, faces a rejuvenated West Indies side that has shown significant improvement in their batting performance. Campbell’s century, the first for the West Indies in this series, was celebrated with fervor by the team, marking a pivotal moment in their fightback.
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Bus crash in mountainous region of South Africa kills at least 42 people
A devastating bus accident in northern South Africa has resulted in the deaths of at least 42 people, with 49 others sustaining injuries, according to authorities. The incident occurred on Sunday evening around 6 p.m. on the N1 highway near Louis Trichardt, approximately 400 kilometers north of Pretoria. The bus, which was en route to Zimbabwe, veered off the road and plunged down a steep embankment. Among the victims were seven children, 17 men, and 18 women. Six individuals are in critical condition, while 31 others have serious injuries and have been transported to various hospitals. A critically injured child was airlifted for urgent medical care. Rescue operations continued late into the night, with images showing the blue bus overturned and rescuers working diligently to locate victims. The bus was carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals returning to their home countries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, noting the tragedy occurred during the country’s annual transport month, which emphasizes road safety. This incident follows a similar bus crash in Limpopo province last year, which claimed 45 lives. The AP Africa news team reported the details from Cape Town.
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Pakistan police officer killed as authorities attempt to stop pro-Palestinian march
In Lahore, Pakistan, violent confrontations broke out on Monday between police and thousands of demonstrators participating in a pro-Palestinian march, resulting in the death of at least one police officer and injuries to dozens more, according to police and eyewitness accounts. Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar reported that protesters opened fire on law enforcement, leading to the fatal shooting of an officer and multiple injuries among the police force. While Anwar did not confirm any casualties among the protesters, the political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) claimed that many of its supporters were also killed or wounded. Videos released by TLP depicted several vehicles ablaze, including a truck transporting party officials leading the ‘long march’ that commenced in eastern Pakistan on Friday, with plans to proceed from Lahore to the capital, Islamabad. The march has been marred by escalating violence, with police arresting over 100 individuals during a protest on Saturday. The latest clashes erupted when protesters attempted to dismantle shipping containers placed by police to obstruct their path. Demonstrators clashed with police in Lahore before camping in the nearby town of Muridke and resuming their march. TLP leader Saad Rizvi, who was among the injured, urged security forces to cease firing in a pre-dawn video, expressing readiness to negotiate. The protesters aimed to stage a rally outside the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, but police came under fire while attempting to disperse the crowd. The U.S. Embassy had issued a security alert last week, warning of potential disruptions and advising U.S. citizens to exercise caution. The TLP, known for its disruptive and often violent demonstrations, has faced mixed reactions online, with some accusing the Pakistani government of overreacting by blocking major roads preemptively. Pakistan Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry questioned why TLP resorted to violence instead of advocating for peace in Gaza. The TLP, which gained prominence in Pakistan’s 2018 elections by campaigning on the defense of the country’s blasphemy law, has organized pro-Palestinian rallies in recent years, with this march specifically targeting the U.S. embassy to express solidarity with Palestinians.
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Cummins ‘unlikely’ to be fit for first Ashes Test
Australia’s cricket captain, Pat Cummins, has cast doubt on his availability for the first Ashes Test against England in Perth next month, citing ongoing recovery from a back stress injury. The 32-year-old fast bowler, who last played competitively in July, has resumed running but has yet to incorporate bowling into his rehabilitation. Cummins described his chances of playing in the opening Test as “less likely than likely,” emphasizing the need for at least four weeks of bowling preparation to ensure match readiness. With the first Test scheduled for November 21, Cummins’ tight recovery timeline raises concerns about his participation in the series. Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, echoed these concerns, stating that Cummins would require significant preparation to be fit for the high-stakes contest. Should Cummins miss the Test, former captain Steve Smith is expected to lead the team, with Scott Boland stepping into the bowling attack. Cummins’ injury woes are a recurring theme in his career, dating back to his Test debut at 18, when he suffered a heel injury. Despite his challenges, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket’s most formidable bowlers, with 309 Test wickets and a legacy of leading Australia to victories in the World Test Championship, World Cup, and Ashes series. His potential absence could significantly impact Australia’s bid to retain the Ashes urn, which they have held since 2018. Meanwhile, England faces its own fitness concerns, with captain Ben Stokes nursing a shoulder injury. As both teams grapple with key players’ fitness, the upcoming Ashes series promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
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Boy, 11, shoots farm worker dead in tragic South Africa accident, police say
A tragic incident in Thabazimbi, Limpopo province, has once again highlighted the critical issue of firearm safety and parental responsibility in South Africa. An 11-year-old boy allegedly shot and killed a farm worker while attempting to hunt guinea fowls on a farm. According to police reports, the child ‘accidentally discharged’ the firearm, though the exact details of the incident remain under investigation. The boy’s 43-year-old father has been arrested and is expected to face charges of negligent handling of a firearm. Both are scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered the body of a man believed to be in his 30s lying on his side with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The firearm involved has been seized as evidence. Limpopo police chief Thembi Hadebe emphasized the importance of firearm safety, stating, ‘This heart-breaking incident serves as a reminder that firearms must be handled with the utmost care and stored securely at all times.’ Hadebe further stressed that parents and guardians must ensure children do not have access to firearms under any circumstances. The incident has deeply shocked the local farming community and sparked public concern about the risks of children accessing weapons in rural households. This tragedy follows another recent case in Eastern Cape province, where an eight-year-old boy fatally shot his seven-year-old cousin with his father’s firearm. The boy’s 48-year-old father was charged with failure to safeguard the weapon. These incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter firearm regulations and heightened awareness of child safety in South Africa.
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A nation pauses: Ukraine’s daily moment of remembrance endures through intensified Russian attacks
Every morning at 9 a.m., Ukraine comes to a standstill. Traffic lights turn red, and the rhythmic sound of a metronome fills the air, signaling a minute of collective reflection. Drivers step out of their vehicles, bowing their heads in silence. From cafes and schools to the front lines, Ukrainians pause to honor those who have lost their lives in Russia’s full-scale invasion. This daily ritual, initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2022, has become a profound national tradition, uniting the country in grief and resilience. In Kyiv’s Maidan Square, a growing memorial adorned with flags, photos, and candles serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made. Among the mourners are four friends holding signs that read, “Stop. Honor.” Their bond is tied to Iryna Tsybukh, a 25-year-old combat medic killed by a landmine in eastern Ukraine last year. Her death galvanized the nation and deepened the significance of the daily observance. Kateryna Datsenko, co-founder of the civic group Vshanuy, emphasizes that the ritual is not about death but about celebrating the lives and passions of the fallen. Despite escalating Russian missile and drone attacks, Ukrainians continue to gather each morning, finding strength in shared grief and solidarity. City officials have synchronized Kyiv’s traffic lights to ensure the capital joins the nationwide pause. For many, like activist Daria Kolomiec, the moment is both collective and deeply personal, a reminder of the resilience and unity that define Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
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US calls for China to release 30 leaders of influential underground church
The United States has called for the immediate release of 30 leaders from one of China’s largest underground Christian networks, including Zion Church founder Jin Mingri, who were reportedly detained in coordinated raids across multiple cities over the weekend. According to the US-based non-profit organization ChinaAid, Jin Mingri was arrested early Saturday morning after a team of 10 officers searched his home. The Chinese Communist Party, which promotes atheism and maintains strict control over religious practices, has not yet commented on the arrests. This crackdown is being described as the most extensive in decades, with Christians facing pressure to join state-sanctioned churches led by government-approved pastors. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the arrests, stating that they highlight the CCP’s hostility toward Christians who reject party interference in their faith. This incident adds to the growing tensions between the US and China, already strained by trade disputes and export controls. Under President Xi Jinping, China has intensified its suppression of religious freedom, particularly targeting Christians and Muslims. Despite these challenges, unregistered house churches, including Zion Church, have continued to grow. Founded by Jin Mingri in 2007 with just 20 members, Zion Church now boasts a network of approximately 10,000 followers across 40 cities. The church has faced repeated crackdowns, including a ban in 2018 after resisting government demands to install security cameras. ChinaAid has labeled this latest wave of arrests as unprecedented, likening it to the mass purges of the Cultural Revolution. Jin Mingri’s wife, Liu Chunli, expressed her anguish in a letter, describing her heart as filled with ‘shock, grief, sorrow, worry, and righteous anger.’ Despite the arrests, Jin Mingri remains steadfast, expressing hope for a revival of faith in the face of persecution.
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Nobel economics prize goes to 3 researchers for explaining innovation-driven economic growth
STOCKHOLM (AP) — The 2023 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences has been awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their pioneering contributions to understanding innovation-driven economic growth. The trio’s work has shed light on the mechanisms of ‘creative destruction,’ a concept central to economic progress, where new innovations displace older technologies and businesses. Mokyr, from Northwestern University, Aghion, affiliated with the College de France and the London School of Economics, and Howitt, from Brown University, were recognized for their efforts to quantify and explain this phenomenon. The Nobel Committee highlighted their research as essential for sustaining long-term economic growth and avoiding stagnation. Aghion, expressing his astonishment at the honor, emphasized his commitment to reinvesting the prize money into his research laboratory. He also voiced concerns about protectionist policies, particularly in the U.S., warning that such measures could hinder global growth and innovation. The laureates’ work builds on the foundational ideas of economist Joseph Schumpeter, who first articulated the concept of creative destruction in his 1942 book, ‘Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy.’ Aghion and Howitt’s 1992 mathematical model further advanced the understanding of this process. The prize, valued at 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million), was split equally between Mokyr and the duo of Aghion and Howitt. The award, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, was established in 1968 and has since been awarded to 96 laureates, only three of whom have been women. While technically not one of the original Nobel Prizes, it is presented alongside them on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. Last year’s economics prize honored researchers who explored the disparities between rich and poor nations, emphasizing the role of open societies in fostering prosperity. This year’s announcement follows last week’s Nobel honors in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, and peace.
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Carter Gordon added to Wallabies squad for Japan and Europe tests
In a swift turn of events, Carter Gordon has been reinstated into Australia’s national rugby union team, the Wallabies, just hours after regaining eligibility by departing the National Rugby League (NRL). The 24-year-old flyhalf was added to the squad to fill the void left by Tom Lynagh, who started against the British and Irish Lions, and Noah Lolesio, who has been sidelined since sustaining an injury in the opening match against Fiji. Gordon’s return to rugby union was confirmed on Monday, following his departure from the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans and his subsequent signing with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia. Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt announced a 34-man squad for the upcoming five-test northern tour, which includes matches in Japan and Europe. Schmidt emphasized the importance of integrating Gordon back into the team, while also prioritizing the long-term development of Lynagh, who is recovering from injuries sustained during the Rugby Championship. Gordon, who debuted for the Wallabies in 2023 and played eight tests before his brief stint in rugby league, will now have the opportunity to reestablish himself in the 15-a-side code. The squad also features returning players Dylan Pietsch and Andrew Kellaway, who have recovered from injuries, and includes uncapped players Aidan Ross and Kalani Thomas. The Wallabies’ tour will commence with a match against Japan in Tokyo on October 24, followed by tests against England, Italy, Ireland, and France throughout November.
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Abandoned dogs in Ethiopia’s capital get little care. A woman wants to change that
In the bustling streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the plight of stray dogs has found an unlikely champion in Feven Melese, a 29-year-old music graduate turned animal rights activist. Amid the cacophony of urban life, Melese’s soft whistle resonates as she tends to the city’s forgotten canines. Her modest shelter on the outskirts of the capital provides refuge for 40 dogs, while she feeds an additional 700 weekly. Over the past two years, Melese has successfully rehomed more than 300 dogs, challenging the traditional Ethiopian view of dogs as mere protectors rather than cherished companions. As Addis Ababa’s skyline transforms with new high-rises, the city’s estimated 200,000 stray dogs face dwindling spaces to roam. Many are abandoned by owners relocating to pet-restricted apartments, exacerbating the crisis. Authorities, grappling with rabies outbreaks, have faced backlash for poisoning strays ahead of major events. Melese’s shelter, though rudimentary, offers solace to injured dogs like Konjit, who wears a neck brace after surviving a road accident. Her childhood compassion for strays has blossomed into a lifelong mission, supported by fellow activists like Luna Solomon and Biruk Dejene. Together, they advocate for humane solutions, including mass vaccinations, sterilization programs, and adoption incentives. Despite limited resources, Melese remains steadfast in her efforts to reshape societal attitudes and secure a brighter future for Addis Ababa’s canine population.