The Women’s Cricket World Cup has set unprecedented milestones, drawing a staggering 60 million viewers for its first 13 matches, as announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday. This edition marks a historic moment as it becomes the first women’s tournament to offer a prize purse exceeding that of the previous men’s ODI World Cup, with a total of $13.88 million up for grabs. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, features eight teams vying for the coveted title, set to be decided in the final on November 2. According to ICC and JioHotstar data, viewership has surged five-fold compared to the 2022 edition. A highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan on October 5 in Colombo broke records as the most-watched women’s international cricket match, attracting 28.4 million viewers. Defending champions Australia are aiming for their eighth title, while hosts India seek their first-ever Women’s World Cup victory. Notably, Pakistan is playing all its matches in Colombo under a compromise agreement allowing both India and Pakistan to compete at neutral venues in multi-nation tournaments.
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The Wealth Circle to make Middle East debut at IgKnightED’25
The Wealth Circle (TWC), a global investment and learning platform, is set to make its Middle East debut at IgKnightED’25, an innovation ecosystem developed in collaboration with Khaleej Times. The event, which integrates media, mentorship, and market access, aims to connect founders, investors, and policymakers through curated events, summits, and digital communities. This partnership will introduce investor education, live deal showcases, and masterclasses to the event experience. TWC’s participation is part of the BIT Summit by Khaleej Times Events, now in its fourth edition, focusing on capital readiness and credible investment pipelines for startups. Following its soft launch at IgKnightED’25, TWC plans to roll out a full platform and native mobile app. The expansion into the Middle East and India aligns with the rapid growth of regional startup ecosystems, supported by initiatives like Dubai’s Future District Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Hub71+ Digital Assets Hub, Saudi Arabia’s National Technology Development Program, and India’s Startup India mission. TWC aims to bridge the gap in access to capital, mentorship, and trusted networks by offering curated deal flow, investor-led masterclasses, and private networking forums. The platform also provides quarterly-updated frameworks and databases to help ventures scale responsibly. Leading TWC is Nick Ayala, a U.S.-based entrepreneur and licensed investment adviser with over 15 years of experience in fintech, private markets, and financial services. Ayala has founded five companies, successfully exiting four, and has raised and advised on over USD 1 billion in private equity, venture, and real estate deals through his firm, Align Equity Group.
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Dubai: Indian, Afghani expats win $1 million in draw, share investment plans
In a life-changing event at Dubai International Airport, two expatriates—an Indian and an Afghan national—emerged as the latest millionaires in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. Danny Telis, a 47-year-old Indian construction manager based in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, clinched the $1 million prize with ticket number 0542, purchased on September 23. A long-time participant in the promotion, Telis expressed his gratitude, stating, “This is a dream come true.” He plans to invest in Dubai, a city he once called home for 13 years. Telis is the 261st Indian national to win the Millennium Millionaire promotion, highlighting the significant participation of Indians in the draw. Meanwhile, Mohammad Khan Barakzai, a 44-year-old Afghan entrepreneur residing in Dubai, secured his $1 million win with ticket number 1700, purchased online on the same day. Barakzai, who runs an interior decoration company in Business Bay, is the first Afghan national to achieve this feat since the promotion’s inception in 1999. Following the millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw awarded three luxury vehicles to Indian expatriates. Chinmay Joshi, a 31-year-old strategic alliance manager from Mumbai, won a Mercedes Benz S500, while Melwin Pontes and Seetaraman Venkataraman secured an Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100 motorbike and a BMW S 1000 XR, respectively. Venkataraman, a 67-year-old business development manager in Abu Dhabi, plans to use the proceeds from selling his bike to fund his children’s education. The event underscores Dubai’s reputation as a hub of opportunity and fortune for expatriates.
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Why Pakistan and the Taliban are at war with each other
A 48-hour ceasefire between the Taliban administration and Pakistan has brought a temporary lull to one of the world’s most volatile borders, the 2,640-kilometre Durand Line. While the truce offers a brief respite from the intense fighting that has claimed dozens of lives on both sides, it is widely seen as a fragile pause rather than a step toward lasting peace. Witnesses describe the recent violence as unprecedented, with skirmishes escalating into full-scale warfare. The conflict underscores deeper systemic issues, particularly the resurgence of militancy in Pakistan, which analysts link to the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan now faces a security nightmare, with the Taliban accused of sheltering the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned militant group responsible for hundreds of attacks. The Global Terrorism Index ranks Pakistan as the world’s second most terrorism-affected country, highlighting the severity of the crisis. The Taliban’s victory has emboldened various militant groups, including the TTP, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), and Baloch separatists, leading to a surge in terrorist attacks. Despite Pakistan’s military campaigns and diplomatic efforts, the situation remains dire. The Taliban administration faces a policy dilemma: curbing the TTP risks internal dissent, while inaction fuels cross-border violence. Pakistan has shifted from cautious diplomacy to coercive measures, including air strikes in Afghanistan and the expulsion of undocumented Afghans. The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, offers a temporary reprieve, but analysts warn that without structural changes, the border will remain a powder keg. The fall of Kabul in 2021, once celebrated in Pakistan as a strategic victory, has become the source of its most complex security crisis in decades.
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Eco-friendly Diwali: Sustainable decor ideas to add sparkle to your festivities
As Diwali approaches, millions worldwide are preparing to celebrate the festival of lights, with home decoration being a central focus. This year, many are embracing sustainable practices to adorn their homes, blending tradition with eco-consciousness. Here are some innovative ideas to make your Diwali celebrations both festive and environmentally friendly.
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US, UK ramp up pressure on India, China to cut Russian oil imports
Amid escalating tensions in the Ukraine conflict, the United States and the United Kingdom have intensified their efforts to persuade India and China to reduce their reliance on Russian oil. US President Donald Trump announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to cease Russian oil imports, a claim swiftly refuted by India’s foreign ministry, which stated it was unaware of any such conversation between the leaders. Indian officials, currently engaged in trade negotiations in Washington, face mounting pressure to curb Russian oil purchases as a condition for finalizing a trade deal. Meanwhile, British authorities imposed sanctions on major Russian oil firms, including Lukoil and Rosneft, as well as Chinese refiner Shandong Yulong Petrochemical and several port operators. Despite these measures, Russia remains confident, with Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak affirming continued cooperation with India. China has condemned the sanctions, labeling them as unilateral and unjustified. As geopolitical tensions rise, the global energy market braces for potential disruptions, with oil prices remaining stable for now.
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Cambodia to repatriate 59 South Korean nationals: national police
In a significant development, Cambodia’s National Police announced on Thursday that 59 South Korean nationals, including four women, will be repatriated to their home country on Friday. According to an official press release, these individuals were either rescued by Cambodian authorities or detained for involvement in various criminal activities. The repatriation process is being coordinated in collaboration with the South Korean Embassy in Cambodia. This move comes amidst reports from South Korean media, citing the South Korean Foreign Ministry, which indicated that approximately 80 South Korean nationals in Cambodia remained unaccounted for as of August. The Cambodian authorities have confirmed that they are actively conducting search and investigation operations to locate these missing individuals. This repatriation highlights the ongoing efforts by both nations to address issues of safety and legal compliance among their citizens abroad.
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Weekly quiz: What award did this sleepy spider win a 10-year-old?
This week, Manchester witnessed an outpouring of grief as thousands gathered to pay their final respects to boxing icon Ricky Hatton, whose funeral procession drew massive crowds. Amidst this somber event, Sebastien Lecornu resumed his former role, and Cynthia Erivo, the star of ‘Wicked,’ captivated the cast of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ with her performance. However, while these moments captured public attention, a myriad of global developments unfolded over the past seven days. To test your awareness of these events, Ben Fell has curated a quiz that challenges your memory of recent happenings. Whether you attempt last week’s quiz or explore the archives, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the broader world beyond local headlines. Additionally, a striking photograph of spiders offers a glimpse into the intricate beauty of nature.
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Diwali: 4 recipes you must try this festive season
As the Festival of Lights approaches, renowned chefs have unveiled their signature recipes to elevate your Diwali celebrations. From opulent appetisers to decadent desserts, these culinary creations promise to add a touch of luxury to your festivities. Chef Harangad Singh’s ‘Mercedes Chaat’ stands out as a symbol of indulgence, featuring layers of dehydrated moong dal, tempered yoghurt, and a trio of chutneys, crowned with 24-carat gold leaf. For those seeking a savoury delight, Chef Jitender Singh Negi’s ‘Dahi ke Sholey’ offers a crispy yogurt-based kebab, perfect with mint chutney. Chef Vidisha Bathwal’s ‘Corn Cheese Kebab’ combines sweet corn, mashed potatoes, and cheese, delivering a fusion of textures and flavours. Lastly, Chef Kunal Kapur’s ‘Mewa Paakh Tart’ is a masterpiece of dry fruit caramel, paired with smoked fig ice cream, offering a rich and aromatic dessert experience. These recipes not only celebrate the essence of Diwali but also showcase the artistry of Indian cuisine.
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Reese Witherspoon on writing a thriller: ‘What do girls in bikinis have to do with solving crime?’
Reese Witherspoon, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘The Morning Show,’ has co-written her debut novel, ‘Gone Before Goodbye,’ with bestselling author Harlan Coben. The thriller centers on Maggie, a talented surgeon caught in a deadly conspiracy, a character inspired by Witherspoon’s upbringing in a medical military family. Growing up, Witherspoon questioned the portrayal of women in James Bond films, which influenced her decision to create a female protagonist defined by her skills rather than her appearance. Witherspoon, who also runs a successful book club, expressed both excitement and apprehension about her foray into writing. She emphasized her reverence for authors and her desire to create complex female characters, a mission she continues through her production company, Hello Sunshine. The novel, set for release on October 23 in the UK, is already generating buzz, with Coben hinting at a potential adaptation. Witherspoon, reflecting on her multifaceted career, sees this as a new creative frontier, proving that creativity knows no age limits.