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South Africa all but sealed a Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semifinal spot with a dominant 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a rain-affected game at Colombo. Chasing a DLS target of 121, openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits powered the chase in 14.5 overs, marking their seventh century stand and fourth consecutive victory.
The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to allow National Guard deployment in Chicago, escalating its clash with Democratic governors over domestic military use. A federal judge had paused the deployment of troops from Illinois and Texas for immigration support. After an appeals court upheld the block, Trump filed an emergency appeal.
Telangana Congress, BJP, and BRS support the BC JAC bandh today, October 18, protesting the High Court’s stay on 42% BC reservation in local body elections. Schools are closed for Diwali, government offices remain open, and RTC buses may run reduced services. Shops in Hyderabad will close. Police urge peaceful participation, warning against disruptions.
During the state funeral of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a stampede broke out at a crowded soccer stadium, killing two and injuring over 100. Massive crowds had gathered to mourn the iconic reformer. The tragic incident underscores the deep public emotion and Odinga’s powerful legacy in Kenyan politics.
CPI(Marxist-Leninist) has announced 20 candidates under the INDIA bloc seat-sharing deal, 14 for phase one and six for phase two. The list includes six SC candidates, one woman, and two new seats for Rajgir and Pipra constituencies. So far, 18 have filed nominations, with 10 repeats, four newcomers, and one candidate dropped.
Twenty people fell about 20 feet after a balcony collapsed on Stetson Street in Cincinnati’s Corryville. Multiple injuries were reported, with bystanders rushing to help. Emergency teams quickly secured the area and provided medical aid. Officials are investigating the cause. A video circulating online shows the balcony giving way during an event.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board pulled out of the upcoming tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka after three local cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike. The players were returning home after a friendly match in Paktika. The ACB called it a “cowardly attack” and withdrew as a mark of respect and national mourning.
Kiran Abbavaram’s “K-Ramp,” directed by debutant Jains Nani and starring Yukti Thareja, releases worldwide today. Promoting the film, Kiran reflected on Dilruba’s shortcomings, citing delays and treatment issues that diluted its concept. He thanked fans for their support while admitting the team couldn’t fully deliver on the promise of the earlier film.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu reflected on navigating fame with vulnerability, saying authenticity is a journey shaped by struggle, not perfection. She believes ambition without purpose is empty, and true success lies in using influence to uplift others. From humble beginnings to stardom, she found meaning not in applause but in impact and self-awareness.
“Tribanadhari Barbarik,” starring Satyaraj, Vasistha Simha, and Satyam Rajesh, is trending on Amazon Prime after a poor theatrical run. This gripping kidnap drama impresses OTT viewers with strong performances and a tight screenplay. Satyaraj commands the screen, Satyam Rajesh adds emotional depth, and the film’s realistic tone earns audience praise.
A Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province killed three Afghan cricketers, Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, igniting national outrage. The Afghanistan Cricket Board condemned the “cowardly attack” and pulled out of a tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The strike violated a fragile ceasefire amid ongoing peace talks in Doha.
Kiran Abbavaram’s much-anticipated rom-com ‘K-Ramp,’ directed by Jains Nani in his debut, hits theaters today instead of Friday for personal reasons. The team hopes the upcoming Diwali holiday will help the film sustain momentum and achieve strong box office numbers. Yukti Thareja leads alongside a talented supporting cast in this festive entertainer.
Trump urged Ukraine and Russia to “stop where they are” and end the war following his meeting with President Zelenskyy. His call signals a push for a ceasefire rather than continued fighting, reflecting growing impatience with the prolonged conflict and hinting at pressure on Ukraine to halt its efforts to reclaim lost territory.
India plans to spend ₹65,400 crore by 2035 to procure around 1,100 engines for fighter jets, including Tejas and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. SV Ramana Murthy highlighted the need for indigenous engine development, testing infrastructure, private sector participation, and international partnerships to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
US President Donald Trump reiterated that India will soon stop buying Russian crude, framing it as part of efforts to pressure Moscow to end the Ukraine war. He claimed Prime Minister Modi informed him of the decision, though Indian officials stated they were unaware of any such conversation, highlighting conflicting accounts between the two leaders.