At the Times Internet Half Marathon, the real pace of the race was not just made by speed, but by mastery of control. The pace bowlers – steady, disciplined and focused – became the silent architects of the course, guiding hundreds of runners towards their goals with precision.In the 10K category, his impact was immediate. The groups of runners moved forward in rhythm, led by fast bowlers like Sonu Kumar and Gaurav Kumar, who set a strong, consistent pace and finished close to their 60-minute targets at 57:30 and 58:30. For many participants, this meant running with clarity rather than pressure. With over a decade of running experience and a strong commitment to promoting fitness within the community, Jitendra Advani brings leadership and stability to the course. Along with her, Payal Badlani maintained a well-balanced pace for the 70-minute group, with the two finishing at 1:09:16 and 1:06:54.The same discipline was applied in groups of 80 and 90 minutes. Sunil Kumar Johri and Abhay Kohli ensured that the runners remained steady in the middle section, while Rita Basu and Shalu Dudeja guided the participants to a strong finish within 90 minutes. For Shalu, this moment has deep meaning – from once starting out with a recovery walk to now leading others with over 100 podium finishes behind her.21K told a story of endurance and control. Vimal Bhatt and Sanjay Panghal set the tone early on and finished the nearly 2-hour race at a steady pace. Pankaj Kumar Tiwari and Sankalp Kant led the 2:15 group in accuracy, finishing in almost perfect sync at 2:12:00 and 2:11:59.For the 2:30 group, Tauseef Shaikh and Deepak Gupta maintained a steady rhythm across the distance, finishing at 2:25:14 and 2:29:01. Utkarsh Himalaya, who is relatively new to the race, converted consistent effort into confidence to take on the half marathon, finishing strong at 2:43:35. With them, Ruhi Singh’s journey – from personal progress to empowering communities of female runners in cities – added a powerful sense of purpose, as she completed her race in 2:50:31.As the race progressed and fatigue set in, the pacers became more than just timekeepers. They become running anchors – helping runners maintain their pace, stay focused, and push through the toughest sections.Pacers didn’t run for recognition in the Times Internet Half Marathon. Yet, in each runner who was strong, steady, and close to their goal, their influence was undeniable – making them the true backbone of the race.

New Delhi: Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India even as he unveiled a sweeping and radical 100-point governance agenda targeting VIP culture at home, political influence in campuses and bureaucracy, delays in public service, free health care access for the poor, safe public transport for women and stress-free schooling for young children. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said, “The government of Nepal has accepted the invitation and the foreign ministries of both countries are now preparing for the visit.” He indicated that the visit to New Delhi would be Shah’s first major diplomatic outreach since assuming office. The last official visit of a Nepalese PM to India was by Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” in June 2023.Meanwhile, introducing a number of changes, the new government in Kathmandu has proposed to cut the number of federal ministries, ban political affiliations for sections of the state machinery and replace party-affiliated student bodies with non-partisan platforms.The reform plan directly aims at political influence in education and the civil service. Under the new mandate, party-affiliated student organizations in schools and universities are to be dismantled within 90 days and replaced with non-partisan student councils or “student voice” platforms. Announcing the move, Shah said, “Schools and colleges will no longer serve as grounds for political activity, but will function solely as centers of learning.”Shah has asked government offices to remove photographs of political leaders and banned government advertisements in private media outlets. And in announcements greeted with applause, Shah said ministers and government employees should send their children to government schools, rename universities with foreign or colonial names and offer jobs to the families of students killed during the 2025 protests.A key part of the new package targets preferential treatment in public life, including barriers around VIP convoys and privileges, while also demanding tighter accountability in institutions. The agenda also includes a “Zero Pending Files” campaign to reduce bureaucratic delays and a proposal to reduce the number of federal ministries to 17.Gen Z activists who were at the forefront of the September 2025 protests are now watching to see whether the new government delivers on its promises. Majid Ansari, 25, a final year law student, said, “Laws should be made delivery-oriented and state authorities should be reorganized from the perspective of the common people. The overall reform is about simplifying governance and making public services accessible.”

New Delhi: The Times Internet Half Marathon has consistently emerged as one of the capital’s premier fitness events, bringing together thousands of participants from across the country. More than just a race, it serves as a platform promoting health, stamina and community spirit. With over 17,000 runners taking to the streets of Delhi this year, the marathon reflected the growing awareness around fitness and wellness in urban India.

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A person’s potential is often defined by his willpower. A powerful example of this can be seen in the journey Ajit Kumar SinghDeputy Inspector General (DIG), Border Security Force. At the age of 58 and a kidney transplant survivor, she not only participated in the Times Internet Half Marathon as the chief guest but also participated in the 10 kilometer race, demonstrating resilience and determination. He flagged off the marathon before joining the participants at the start line. His decision to run, despite a prominent medical history that might discourage many, reflects a life guided by discipline and mental strength qualities developed over decades of service. bsf.Held on the streets of Delhi, the marathon brought together over 17,000 participants in a celebration of health and stamina. Runners from diverse backgrounds participated, each with individual motivations ranging from fitness goals to personal milestones. Among them, Singh’s presence was not for show, but for his quiet message. Despite there being reasons that could have held them back, they decided to participate, underscoring the importance of resilience in everyday life.Health experts often emphasize that physical well-being is closely related to mental and emotional health. However, it is often ignored in the fast-paced lifestyle. Events such as the Times Internet Half Marathon aim to address this by encouraging individuals to prioritize fitness and wellness. Singh’s participation served as a powerful reminder of this message. His story reflects a broader truth that inspiration is most effective when it is demonstrated through action. In a crowd of thousands, one person’s resolve had the potential to resonate far beyond the finish line. As the marathon ended, it left behind more than just numbers and finish times. It reinforced a larger message that flexibility is a choice, and the limitations we often accept rarely define us.

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New Delhi: BJP leaders in Bihar on Monday said the party’s first chief minister in the state will be identified on Tuesday, as Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is expected to reach Patna to oversee the transition of power.Chouhan, who has been appointed a central observer by the BJP high command for the election of the new legislature party leader, will visit Bihar on a day when JDU president Nitish Kumar is expected to step down as chief minister.