Photographer (L-R): Krishna Pal, Rajesh, Mohit Sharma

New Delhi: The Times Internet Half Marathon brought together emerging talent, showcasing speed, ambition and promising athletic journeys in the under-29 10-kilometre category.had to secure the top spot Krishnapal28, who clocked an impressive chip time of 34:00. Having started his running journey in 2019, Pal shared that his interest in the sport was sparked after reading about marathons in a newspaper. What started as curiosity soon turned into commitment and has been going on ever since.Currently working with Tata Power Services, Pal said the support from his organization has played a vital role in pursuing his passion. Looking ahead, his aim is to represent India at the Olympics. Reflecting on the event he said that despite participating in many marathons, this edition was an excellent experience.was ranked second by RajeshJoe finished with a chip time of 35:40, only a minute behind the leader. Despite missing out on the top spot by a narrow margin, Rajesh remained optimistic, saying his focus is on improvement and he sees each race as a step forward. He said that while it might not have been his day, the experience was both positive and inspiring.went to third place Mohit Sharma21, who clocked a chip time of 36:19. Sharma, who started running during his school days four years ago, initially took up the sport out of interest. It was only after his speed was noticed that he began to take it more seriously. He qualified for national level competitions in school and is now focused on progressing to the national level. The Under-29 category sees a mix of raw talent and growing ambition, with runners at different stages of their journey coming together on a common platform.As the race took off across the capital, the category highlighted not only the performances but also the aspirations of the next generation of athletes, with each step bringing them closer to their goals.

Saudi Arabia executes Iraqi men after conviction in drug smuggling case on northern border / Image: File

saudi arabia Several Iraqi citizens convicted of attempting to smuggle narcotics into the kingdom through the northern border area have been hanged, according to an official statement issued by the Saudi Interior Ministry on Wednesday, April 30.The ministry said the accused were hanged after being arrested by Saudi security officials, investigated by prosecutors and later convicted by special courts on drug trafficking charges. The sentence was later upheld by the Saudi Court of Appeal. Supreme Court before a royal order authorized the execution. The ministry did not immediately disclose the exact method of execution in its public statement, in line with standard Saudi practice.According to Saudi state media and regional reports, the case is linked to cross-border drug smuggling involving the kingdom. IraqSpecifically through the Northern Frontier Province, the location of the Arar border crossing, which is one of the main land gateways between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.The Saudi Interior Ministry has identified the killed Iraqi citizens as individuals guilty of trafficking banned drugs into Saudi territory. Arabic media reports said the men were found guilty of transporting illegal drugs through border routes used by organized trafficking networks operating throughout the region. Authorities did not publicly release full operational details of the seizure, including the quantity or exact type of narcotics involved.In its statement, the interior ministry stressed that Saudi Arabia “will continue to strike hard” against anyone attempting to target the kingdom’s youth and society through drug trafficking. The ministry said the kingdom would impose “harsh legal penalties” against smugglers and smugglers under Saudi law.

Saudi Arabia’s anti-drug action

The executions are the latest in a sweeping anti-drug campaign launched by Saudi authorities amid growing concerns over drug trafficking along the Gulf borders. Saudi Arabia has sharply increased arrests, seizures and executions in drug trafficking cases over the past two years, particularly involving amphetamine pills, captagon and hashish shipments entering from neighboring countries.Saudi authorities have repeatedly linked organized drug trafficking to regional criminal networks operating through Iraq, Syria and Jordan. The Interior Ministry and the Directorate General of Narcotics Control have announced several large-scale interceptions in recent months, involving millions of Captagon pills hidden inside trucks, food shipments and industrial cargo entering the state.Earlier in April 2026, Saudi Arabia executed seven people in one day on separate drug trafficking convictions linked to amphetamine trafficking operations, according to announcements by the official Saudi Press Agency. Many of those hanged were foreign nationals.Human rights organizations that monitor the use of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia say the number of executions in the kingdom has increased significantly since 2021. Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported increased use of the death penalty in narcotics-related cases after a brief lull during prior reform announcements made by Saudi authorities.Rights groups estimate that dozens of foreign nationals have been executed on drug charges in Saudi Arabia in the last year alone, including citizens of Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Iraq.

Saudi-Iraq border security concerns

Saudi Arabia’s Northern Border Province has become one of the kingdom’s most sensitive security areas due to its proximity to Iraq and broader regional instability. The Arar Crossing serves as an important commercial and religious transit route connecting Saudi Arabia with Iraq, especially during the pilgrimage season.Saudi security officials say criminal trafficking groups are increasingly taking advantage of remote desert areas and cross-border smuggling routes to transport drugs into the Gulf. Iraqi officials have also acknowledged the growing regional drug problem, particularly involving methamphetamine and Captagon trafficking networks that have expanded following years of conflict and instability throughout the region.In several recent statements, Saudi officials have argued that drug trafficking poses a direct threat to national security and social stability. The Ministry of the Interior has frequently described drug trafficking as an attempt to “target the state’s youth” and undermine public security.The state’s anti-narcotics operations are coordinated through multiple agencies, including the Ministry of the Interior, border guards, customs officials, and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. Saudi authorities regularly publish videos and photographs of intercepted shipments as part of public awareness campaigns warning against drug trafficking.

Human rights criticize Saudi executions

The latest executions have again drawn criticism from international rights organizations, which oppose the use of the death penalty for drug-related crimes. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International argue that international law limits the death penalty to “the most serious crimes”, generally understood to include intentional murder, and say that drug crimes should not qualify for execution.Rights groups have also raised concerns over past Saudi cases involving foreign nationals, including access to legal representation, interpreter services and allegations of forced confessions.However, Saudi Arabia maintains that all defendants receive full judicial review under the kingdom’s legal system before sentences are imposed. Saudi officials stress that harsher penalties are necessary to stop organized trafficking operations and protect society from the spread of narcotics.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday reserved its order on Congress leader Pawan Kheda’s anticipatory bail plea, with Kheda telling the court that “it is not necessary to humiliate Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma by arresting him” in the passport controversy case involving his wife.During the hearing, Kheda told the court that the allegations against him are a matter of hearing. He further said, “Some of the sections imposed against me are bailable, others do not require arrest.”Khera also said that if he does not get anticipatory bail in the case registered against him in Assam, “then the purpose of pre-arrest bail is defeated.”The bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar reserved its decision after hearing the arguments of both the sides.Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Kheda, said there was no need for custodial interrogation in the case and reiterated that the arrest was unnecessary.Opposing the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Assam government, told the court that Khera had shown “fake” and “tampered with” copies of the passport of the chief minister’s wife. He also alleged that Kheda was absconding and spreading the video, while adding that the claims of multiple citizenship were false.The case stems from allegations made by Kheda in relation to Riniki Bhuiyan Sharma, following which criminal complaints were filed against him at the Guwahati Crime Branch under the provisions of the Indian Justice Code.Khera has challenged the April 24 order of the Gauhati High Court, which had refused to grant him anticipatory bail.Earlier, the Telangana High Court had granted him seven days transit anticipatory bail. However, Assam Police moved the top court against Rahat, following which the Supreme Court stayed the transit bail and directed Khera to approach the Gauhati High Court.It is expected that the apex court will now pronounce its order on Khera’s anticipatory bail plea at an appropriate time.

प्रदेश कांग्रेस प्रभारी कुमारी शैलजा छह मई से गढ़वाल क्षेत्र का दौरा करेंगी। पांच दिवसीय दौरे के दौरान वह पौड़ी, रुद्रप्रयाग, चमोली और टिहरी जिलों में कार्यकर्ताओं के साथ बैठकें करेंगी और पार्टी कार्यक्रम और रणनीति पर चर्चा करेंगी।

London stabbing declared ‘terrorist incident’

London’s Metropolitan Police have arrested a 45-year-old man over the stabbing of two Jewish men in the north London suburb of Golders Green, in what authorities have now classified as a ‘terrorist incident’.The suspect, a British citizen born in Somalia, was detained on suspicion of attempted murder after being released from hospital and remains in police custody.The victims, aged 76 and 34, suffered stab wounds but were in stable condition after being treated at the scene and taken to hospital, police said. The area, which has a large Jewish population, has seen a series of anti-Semitic incidents in recent weeks.

Anti-terrorism investigation underway

Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Laurence Taylor said counter-terrorism officers were investigating whether the attack deliberately targeted the Jewish community.Commissioner Mark Rowley described it as an “attack on British Jews” and said the suspect had a history of serious violence and mental health problems.Police released footage showing officers confronting the suspect, using a stun gun and disarming him after he allegedly refused to show his hands, raising fears he might be carrying an explosive device.

Leaders condemn ‘anti-Semitic attack’

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident as “absolutely appalling” and anti-Semitic, and said that “attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan also condemned the violence and promised to increase high-visibility policing in the area.Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called for “meaningful action”, warning that words alone are not enough as fear grows within the community.

Increasing anti-Semitic incidents raise concerns

Authorities and community leaders have pointed to a sharp increase in anti-Semitic incidents across Britain since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in late 2023.According to the Community Safety Trust, almost 3,700 incidents were recorded last year, more than double the previous year.Officials also warned that some individuals may be influenced or supported by hostile foreign actors, raising broader national security concerns.Independent terrorism watchdog Jonathan Hall described the situation as “the biggest national security emergency” since a wave of attacks in 2017.

Government announces £25 million funding boost

In response, the UK government has announced an additional £25 million of funding to strengthen the security of Jewish communities, The Independent reports.The package will support increased police patrols and protective measures at synagogues, schools and community centres.Security Minister Dan Jarvis said legislation would also be stepped up to target individuals acting as proxies for state-sponsored groups under the National Security Act.

Tension has increased due to series of recent attacks

The stabbing follows a number of incidents in Golders Green, including an arson attack on an ambulance belonging to the Jewish Volunteer Emergency Service and another suspected arson attack on a memorial wall.The incidents have raised concerns among residents of the area, where about half the population of 15,000 is Jewish.Community groups reported that the suspect was seen attempting to stab passers-by before being captured.

Nine people arrested in raids in Britain on charges of ‘modern slavery’ and rape.

Nine people linked to a religious group have been arrested in Crewe, Cheshire, following allegations of rape, sexual assault, forced marriage and modern slavery in a major police operation in Britain, according to the BBC.More than 500 officers carried out a coordinated early morning raid on three properties linked to a group called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol). The organization, founded in the early 2000s by followers who emerged from Shia Islam, currently has an estimated 150 members based in the city.Cheshire Police said it was alerted to the allegations last month, with the claims reportedly dating back to 2023. The investigation focuses on a crime that involved a woman who was a member of the group at the time.A police spokesperson said the inquiry focused on individuals, adding that “it is not related to religion itself.”Those arrested include six men and three women of different nationalities, including American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish and British. They face a variety of charges including human trafficking, rape, sexual assault, forced marriage and modern slavery crimes.Among them, a 35-year-old Spanish man has been arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage, while a 30-year-old Mexican man is being held on suspicion of sexual and forced marriage crimes as well as human trafficking. Others include individuals suspected of modern slavery and sexual assault crimes.Separately, 13 more people were arrested on suspicion of public order offences, who police said were not linked to the main investigation.The raids took place shortly before 09:00 BST, with a heavy police presence reported in parts of Crewe. Emergency services were seen near the King George V playing fields, while roads around Victoria Avenue and near Queen’s Park were temporarily closed.Searches were carried out at several locations, including Webb House and properties in Nantwich Road. Police said they are working with the local authority to support residents and ensure safety measures.A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said, “Our priority is to ensure that those who have been displaced are safe and supported.”The operation was supported by Europol with assistance from authorities in Ireland and Sweden.

उत्तर प्रदेश के बुलंदशहर जिले के खुर्जा इलाके में पुलिस और बदमाशों के बीच मुठभेड़ में एक कुख्यात अपराधी मारा गया. स्वाट टीम, खुर्जा नगर थाना पुलिस और अनूपशहर थाना पुलिस की संयुक्त कार्रवाई में 50 हजार रुपये का इनामी बदमाश जीतू सैनी घायल हो गया, जिसे बाद में अस्पताल में मृत घोषित कर दिया गया. इस मुठभेड़ के दौरान इलाके में अफरा-तफरी का माहौल बन गया. पुलिस ने मौके से हथियार और कारतूस भी बरामद किये हैं. इस कार्रवाई को हाल ही में हुए तिहरे हत्याकांड से जोड़कर देखा जा रहा है.

चेकिंग के दौरान मुठभेड़ शुरू हो गई
पुलिस के मुताबिक टीम सुबह संदिग्ध वाहनों की चेकिंग कर रही थी. तभी धारऊ चौकी के पास स्कूटर सवार दो युवक दिखे। पुलिस ने उन्हें रोकने की कोशिश की, लेकिन वे रुकने के बजाय पुलिस पर फायरिंग करते हुए भागने लगे. अचानक हुई इस घटना से इलाके में हड़कंप मच गया.

पुलिस ने पीछा किया, जवाबी कार्रवाई की
पुलिस टीम ने बदमाशों का पीछा किया और उन्हें झाझर रोड के पास घेर लिया। खुद को घिरा देख बदमाशों ने दोबारा फायरिंग शुरू कर दी. आत्मरक्षा में पुलिस ने जवाबी कार्रवाई की, जिसमें एक बदमाश गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गया. उसका साथी अंधेरे का फायदा उठाकर भाग निकला, जिसकी तलाश जारी है.

अस्पताल में मृत्यु हो गई
घायल बदमाश की पहचान खुर्जा नगर के मोहल्ला पंजाबियान निवासी जीतू सैनी के रूप में हुई। उसे तुरंत सामुदायिक स्वास्थ्य केंद्र ले जाया गया, जहां से उसे जिला अस्पताल रेफर कर दिया गया। वहां डॉक्टरों ने उसे मृत घोषित कर दिया।

पुलिसकर्मी भी घायल हो गये
इस मुठभेड़ में कुछ पुलिसकर्मी भी घायल हुए हैं. स्वाट टीम प्रभारी इंस्पेक्टर मोहम्मद असलम और हेड कांस्टेबल मोहित कुमार गोली लगने से घायल हो गए। बुलेटप्रूफ जैकेट की वजह से बाकी पुलिसकर्मियों की जान बच गई.

हथियार बरामद, हत्या से जुड़ा मामला
पुलिस ने मौके से एक अवैध पिस्तौल, जिंदा कारतूस और खोखा बरामद किया है. इसके अलावा बिना नंबर प्लेट की एक एक्टिवा स्कूटी भी मिली है। बताया जा रहा है कि जीतू सैनी हाल ही में हुए तिहरे हत्याकांड का मुख्य आरोपी था, जिसमें जन्मदिन की पार्टी के दौरान तीन लोगों की गोली मारकर हत्या कर दी गई थी.

जांच जारी, अन्य आरोपी फरार
इस मामले में पांच आरोपियों को पहले ही गिरफ्तार किया जा चुका है. बाकी फरार आरोपियों की तलाश जारी है. पुलिस का कहना है कि जल्द ही सभी आरोपियों को पकड़ लिया जाएगा और कड़ी कार्रवाई की जाएगी.

New Delhi: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge On Thursday, while not paying much attention to the tussle between Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar over the post of Chief Minister, he said that the party will resolve this confusion as soon as possible.“A day before this, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara had said that if Kharge becomes the Chief Minister, everyone will welcome him in the ruling Congress party.Talking to reporters, Kharge rejected the speculations and said that decisions regarding him are taken by Sonia Gandhi.“You (media), he (Parmeshwar) and people at the top say it would be better if I become (Chief Minister). But, more than luck, according to my ideology and my service to the party so far, Sonia Gandhi takes decisions about me,” he said.He said, “But now this question does not arise. There is already a Chief Minister here. If Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and I together have to take any decision towards change, it will take some time. Let’s wait and see.”Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have been pushing for his elevation amid rumors of a power-sharing deal with CM Siddaramaiah if the party wins the 2023 assembly elections.Amid speculation about change of leadership in Karnataka, Parameshwara said on Wednesday that everyone in the ruling Congress party would welcome Kharge, a senior leader with immense experience, if he becomes the Chief Minister.As soon as the Congress government in Karnataka completed half its term in November last year, the power struggle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar intensified. Several DKS MLAs and MLCs camped in Delhi to put pressure on the party high command to make him the next Chief Minister.DK Shivakumar further fueled speculation after claiming that “a confidential understanding on leadership change between five-six leaders” had been reached soon after the Congress’s massive victory in the 2023 elections.The Deputy Chief Minister made the first reference to the power agreement, but failed to provide further details. “It’s confidential. I don’t want to speak on it publicly,” he said.The leadership tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculations about a possible change of chief minister after the Congress government completes half of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. The speculation has been fueled by an alleged “power-sharing” arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar when government formation in 2023.After the victory of Congress in Karnataka Assembly in 2023, the party high command was confused about the CM face. After several days of deliberations, the party went ahead with Siddaramaiah’s name given his seniority and popularity. However, an agreement was reportedly reached that DK Shivakumar would take over the reins in the second half of the government.

Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 playoff hopes have been dashed after their six-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite Ryan Rickelton’s brilliant 123*, MI’s bowling problems persist, leaving them with a tough task of winning almost all the remaining matches. Their poor net run rate makes qualification more complicated, requiring dominant wins. With 2 wins (4 points) in 8 games and an NRR of -0.784, they are far away from the pack.

A night when 243 should have been enough, Mumbai Indians Their IPL 2026 playoff hopes may be out of reach. Despite Ryan Rickelton’s explosive 123* at the Wankhede to help Mumbai reach the huge score, they lost to a relentless effort by Sunrisers Hyderabad. The six-wicket defeat, their sixth defeat of the season, leaves MI at the bottom, with almost a must-win situation in every remaining game.One thing is clear that Mumbai Indians are already in deep trouble. With 2 wins (4 points) in 8 games and an NRR of -0.784, they are far from the pack, and with IPL 2026 business fast approaching, the margin for error is almost gone.