CRICKET-IND/WIS-SCOREBOARD India vs West Indies – 3rd day, 1st Test

Scoreboard of the third day of the first Test between India and West Indies here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.

WEST INDIES 1st innings 162

INDIA 1st innings 448 for five dec’d

WEST INDIES 2nd innings

John Campbell c Sadharsan b Jadeja 14

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Reddy b Siraj 8

Alick Atahanze c and b Sundar 38

Brandon King c Rahul b Jadeja 5

*Roston Chase b Yadav 1

+Shai Hope c Jaiswal b Jadeja 1

Justin Greaves lbw b Siraj 25

Khary Pierre not out 13

Jomel Warrican c Gill b Siraj 0

Johann Layne c Siraj b Jadeja 14

Jayden Seales c and b Yadav 22

Extras (b4, nb1) 5

TOTAL (all out; 45.1 overs) 146

Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-24, 3-34, 4-35, 5-46, 6-92, 7-98, 8-98, 9-122, 10-146.

Bowling: Bumrah 6-1-16-0, Siraj 11-2-31-3, Jadeja 13-3-54-4, Yadav 8.1-3-23-2, Sundar 7-1-18-1.

Toss: West Indies elected to bat after winning the toss.

Result: India defeat West Indies by an innings and 140 runs to lead the two-match series 1-0.

Player-of-the-Match: Ravindra Jadeja.

Umpires: Alex Wharf, Richard Illingworth.

TV Umpire: Paul Reiffel.

Reserve Umpire: Jayaraman Madanagopal.

Match Referee: Andy Pycroft.

CRICKET-IND/WIS-INNINGS West Indies (162) vs India (448-5 dec’d) – 3rd day, 1st Test

India declared on their overnight score of 448 for five, an overall lead of 286 runs against West Indies, at the start of play on the third day of the first Test here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.

Scores

WEST INDIES 162.

INDIA 448-5 in 128 overs (Dhruv Jurel 125, Ravindra Jadeja 104 not out, KL Rahul 100, Shubman Gill 50, Yashasvi Jaiswal 36; Roston Chase 2-90).

TOBAGO-TOURISM-Jolé St. John is 2025 CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress winner

Sixteen-year-old Jolé St. John, Tobago’s Junior Secretary of Tourism, has been crowned winner of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) 21st Regional Tourism Youth Congress, held Thursday at Hilton Barbados Resort.

Part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), the Congress saw St. John impress judges and delegates with innovative ideas on sustainable tourism, digital transformation and heritage experiences. Her performance earned her the title of Regional Junior Minister of Tourism until the 2026 Congress.

The event brought together 15 students, aged 14-17, from across the Caribbean, each serving as a Junior Minister/Commissioner of Tourism. Participants delivered prepared presentations on key topics reshaping the industry, including the shift from the traditional three S’s of Caribbean tourism (sea, sun, sand) to the new three S’s (smart technology, sustainable practices, social inclusion).

They also tackled mystery questions designed to spark imagination and problem-solving – from how to position their destinations in new and creative ways to how tourism products can evolve to remain fresh and impactful. Their responses showcased both quick thinking and genuine passion for the sector.

Second place went to Caleader Lewison, Junior Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, who will serve as CTO’s Junior Secretary-General of Tourism. Third place was awarded to Aylani Morris Seymour, Junior Minister of Tourism for the Cayman Islands. In addition, Isaiah Toney, Junior Minister of Tourism for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, received an honorary mention for outstanding qualities beyond the standard scoring.

The Congress, chaired by last year’s winner Keyana Warner of Nevis, featured a judging panel of tourism leaders: Rosetta West-Gerald, CEO of the Montserrat Tourism Authority; Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos; and Chief Judge Charlene Drakes, Manager of Stakeholder Engagements, Caribbean Region for Carnival Corporation and plc.

In the lead-up to the competition, participants joined enrichment activities including a masterclass on AR/VR in tourism led by Ed and Claudia Limon and Scott Bowie of Winged Whale Media; a career readiness workshop on personal branding and leadership with Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image; and a field trip by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) to highlight sustainable initiatives such as the Oceana Innovation Hub and Barbados’ cultural history.

Ian Gooding-Edghill, Chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners and Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, praised the delegates: ‘What I saw in each and every one of you is not only dedication, commitment, but I saw passion, real passion . you certainly were not shy and you delivered with grace.’

Event emcee Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilisation and Development, underscored the significance of the forum: ‘Our Congress is more than a friendly competition . it is a launchpad propelling the next wave of tourism visionaries, advocates and innovators who will guide the future of this vital industry for the Caribbean.’

The 2025 Congress featured students from 15 CTO member countries and territories: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tobago.

ATHLETICS-TRINIDAD-Stewart claims silver at World Para Athletics Championships

Trinidad and Tobago’s Akeem Stewart continued his impressive showing at the World Para Athletics Championships by capturing silver in the men’s F44 discus here on Friday.

Competing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Stewart produced a season’s best throw of 59.64 to finish behind eventual winner, Andres F Mosquera Neira of Colombia, who won gold with a personal best effort of 60.26 metres.

Former Paralympic gold medallist, Dan Greaves of Great Britain was third in 52.42 metres.

The F44 classification is for field athletes, who demonstrate normal functionality with their throwing arm but have lower limb impairments.

During the 2017 edition of the championships, Stewart broke world records in the men’s F44 javelin with a golden effort of 57.32 and in the F44 shot put with a throw measured at 14.08 metres.

CRICKET-IND/WIS-LEAD Jadeja’s all-around brilliance leads India annihilation of West Indies in opening Test

Ravendra Jadeja followed up his unbeaten century with a four-wicket haul as West Indies’ batting capitulated once again to gift India a dominant victory by an innings and 140 runs inside three days in the opening Test here on Saturday.

The all-rounder ended on 104 not out after India declared their innings overnight on 448 for five, leaving the visitors with the mammoth task of having to score 287 runs to make them bat again.

However, Jadeja, who was named Player-of-the-Match, returned to bamboozle the top order with his left-arm spin and help bowl out the West Indies for 146 before tea on the third day and give the home side a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

It was yet another disappointing batting performance by the Windies, and marked the fourth consecutive Test match that they were beaten inside three days, dating back to the three-match Test series against Australia in July.

Left with the unenviable task of having to bat three days to save the match, openers John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul would have been hoping for lengthy stays at the crease following their failures in the first innings.

But pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj made their short stays at the crease uncomfortable, especially Chanderpaul, who was lucky not to have been dismissed on at least two occasions.

India didn’t have to wait long for the breakthrough though, with Nitish Kumar Reddy pulling off a spectacular catch diving to his left to get rid of Chanderpaul for eight after he skied his pull shot off Siraj to square leg.

Following a similar script from the first innings, Campbell was dismissed soon after when he guided a delivery from Jadeja straight into the hands of Sai Sudharsan at short leg to be out for 14, as West Indies slipped to 24 for two.

Brandon King made just five before his outside edge off Jadeja was snapped up at slip by KL Rahul and the match was all but over when skipper Roston Chase was bewildered by a ball from spinner Kuldeep Yadav that spun past his bat to hit the top of off stump and leave the visitors in tatters at 35 for four.

Sha Hope faced 14 balls for his solitary run before he tried to cut a short delivery from Jadeja and was caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal at short third man to hasten West Indies’ demise at 46 for five.

The pair of Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves carried their side to lunch without any further losses at 66 for five, but the writing was already on the wall.

They shared a 46-run partnership, the best of the innings, to give West Indies faint hope of possibly pushing the match into a fourth day.

But 12 runs away from a well-deserved half century, Athanaze tried to turn off spinner Washington Sundar into the leg side, but the ball found the leading edge and popped into the air for the bowler to take the simplest of catches.

The Windies then lost the wickets of Greaves for 25 and Jomel Warrican for a duck, in the space of two balls to slump to 98 for eight.

It took the efforts of last man Jayden Seales, who scored a counterattacking 22 off 12 balls, Johann Layne, who scored 14 and Khary Pierre, who ended unbeaten on 13, to get the West Indies up to their eventual total.

The match came to an end when Yadav had Seales caught and bowled, to give India captain Shubman Gill his first Test victory on home soil.

Jadeja ended with figures of 4-54, Siraj took 3-31 and Yadav 2-23.

The second Test match bowls off at Delhi on Friday.

ANTIGUA-POLITICS-Antigua and Barbuda, Sri Lanka establish diplomatic relations

Antigua and Barbuda and Sri Lanka have officially established diplomatic relations, following the signing of an agreement on Friday in Washington, D.C.

The agreement was signed by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, on behalf of their respective governments.

‘The establishment of diplomatic ties between Antigua and Barbuda and Sri Lanka will enhance the existing friendly relations and cooperation in the political, socio-economic and cultural spheres for the mutual benefit of the two countries,’ said a joint statement from the ministries of the two countries.

The agreement comes as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. Sri Lanka previously hosted the summit in 2013.

‘Antigua and Barbuda and Sri Lanka can work together to ensure the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting is a success for the Organisation and all member states,’ Ambassador Sanders said.

He said that before CHOGM in Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne was ‘working toward establishing diplomatic relations and visa waiver agreements with as many Commonwealth countries with which such arrangements do not already exist’.

Blue Ribbon cancels October 8 hearing on flood-control projects

The October 8 Senate Blue Ribbon hearing to continue the inquiry into corruption in flood control projects has been cancelled ‘until further notice,’, according to panel chairman Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Saturday, citing several reasons.

Only the one for Oct 8 is cancelled, but the inquiry is not being suspended, his office clarified in response to reporters. This, as speculation – with apparently pro-Duterte camps fueling it – swirled anew, there may be attempts by some quarters to shield former Speaker Martin Romualdez from the fallout.

Lacson had earlier vowed there would be no cover-up and no party, no matter how powerful, would be shielded. Former Senate President Chiz Escudero, in a lengthy, scathing speech last week, had denounced what he saw as the apparent direction of all investigations – to stop before it reaches the former speaker. Escudero accused Romualdez of being behind a ‘script’ that would pin down several senators and other personalities in the ghost and substandard flood-control projects that caused billions in tax money to be plundered.

In a text message shared with reporters on Saturday, Lacson said, ‘Initially, I had scheduled a hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 8, upon the request of Sen JV Ejercito to summon former DPWH RD IVB Paçanan.

‘To maximize the discussions, I checked with the DOJ if the supposed ‘tell-all’ affidavit/s of the Discayas were already available. Corollary to that, I also checked with the office of the executive judge of Manila RTC if they have concluded the investigation on the possible violations of the notarized document involving TSgt [Orly] Guteza and Atty Espera,’ Lacson added.

‘Having been informed that both would not be ready within one week, not to mention that the BRC hearing will conflict with the budget and CA [Commission on Appointment] hearings, I informed SP Sotto of the cancellation until further notice,’ the Senate President Pro Tempore said.

The affidavit of Guteza, whose BRC testimony became controversial because he was brought in by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta without even informing Lacson, became the subject of an investigation of the RTC court after the lawyer whose name was listed as the notary public in his statement claimed her name was used without her consent.

Senate sources explained that even if the chamber adjourns for recess as scheduled on October 10, they can still conduct committee hearings. Only the plenary session is suspended.

American educators train Pinoy teachers in AI and literacy tools

ON September 26 and 27, the Embassy of the United States’ Regional English Language Office (RELO) hosted a two-day intensive training in Mactan, Cebu that equipped 48 educators from various regions with innovative strategies for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in their classrooms.

American English Language fellows Laura Roach, Maryann Miller, and Michael Schapiro facilitated the professional development session. According to the embassy, they are highly-qualified professionals in US TESOL or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages selected by the US Department of State for 10-month assignments abroad to support public diplomacy and educational capacity building.

The workshop ‘The Educator’s Edge: Mastering Literacy, AI, and Critical Thought,’ focused on creating an integrated learning module that guides learners from basic language skills to critical thinking skills. The module will serve as a tool for the educators to utilize in their own classrooms and share with their colleagues, creating a multiplier effect in enriched pedagogical practices.

The training also provided hands-on experience to implement American-developed instructional technology. Educators were given a showcase and hands-on experience with six US AI and education technology tools designed to personalize learning and increase classroom efficiency. These will enable teachers to streamline tasks like content creation, assessment, and differentiation, allowing them to focus more on student interaction and critical thought development.

The US Embassy’s Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna framed the initiative as an investment in a critical bilateral relationship: ‘The paradigm of this activity was specifically designed by our American trainers for the professional development of Filipino educators. This program is a concrete example of the robust bilateral cooperation and shared values [with the Philippines, providing revolutionary techniques, and showcasing American excellence in English teaching in the country].’

The program is the latest in a series of initiatives by the US Embassy’s RELO to support education in the Philippines. American English Language fellows are currently teaching and assisting in projects at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Southern Leyte State University, and Mariano Marcos State University, actively building long-term collaborations in education.

Coursera sets up tailored, data-backed solution for skills devt across teams

LEADING global online learning platform Coursera Inc. has launched Skill Tracks-a data-backed learning solution mapped to specific occupations that guides learners from foundational knowledge to expert proficiency through verified skill paths.

Powered by Coursera’s Career Graph, which uses millions of labor market data points, third-party competency frameworks, and a proprietary skills taxonomy, Skill Tracks precisely maps the relationships between jobs, skills, and learning content, ensuring organizations can close skill gaps quickly.

Four Skill Tracks are currently available: Software and Product, IT, Data, and GenAI, with more to follow. Each offers a structured learning experience that clearly defines the vital skills and courses employees need at each role and experience level. The solution integrates expert content, hands-on practice, and skills verification, enabling employees to apply new skills immediately and drive measurable business outcomes faster.

With Coursera Skill Tracks, leaders can ensure their teams have the right skills to boost innovation, productivity, and retention.

‘Companies are deploying new technology faster than their people can keep pace, and they need learning solutions that are adaptive and personalized,’ said Coursera CEO Greg Hart. ‘Coursera Skill Tracks deliver a learning experience built around occupations and job tasks, [being a major step in] helping learners master the right skills to grow their careers. By blending technical skills with institutional expertise, hands-on practice, and skill verification, Skill Tracks ensure training is relevant and immediately applicable.’

Skill Tracks are available to existing Coursera customers with access to the full catalog. New customers can purchase Skill Tracks individually or bundled with the full catalog. To learn more about how Coursera Skill Tracks can accelerate skills development, technology adoption, or workforce transformation, visit coursera.org/enterprise.

DepEd grateful for amended & higher fund for education sector

EDUCATION chief Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara lauded lawmakers for approving amendments to the proposed 2026 budget that would significantly expand resources for priority education programs.

In a statement, Angara said the additional funding would help ensure the delivery of priority programs and advance quality and inclusive education.

He issued such after the House Committee on Appropriations’ Budget Amendments Review Sub-Committee approved increases aligned with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget wishlist, including a P22.5-billion boost for Basic Education Facilities to fast-track the construction, completion, and rehabilitation of classrooms, as well as the procurement of school furniture.

The new allocation also authorizes local government units (LGUs) and public-private partnerships (PPP) to serve as partners in classroom construction.

In Filipino, the Education secretary thanked Congress for increasing the budget for education, highlighting its significance in adding more classrooms, chairs, and feeding programs to improve the situation in our schools.

The School-Based Feeding Program also received P1.88 billion in additional funds, on top of the P11.8 billion under the National Expenditure Program. It will provide nutritious meals to millions of learners in public schools and improve learning outcomes.

Other approved amendments include the Alternative Learning System and Flexible Learning Program: P306 million, Special Needs Education Program: P193 million, Indigenous Peoples Education Program: P79.6 million, and the Madrasah Education Program: P26.25 million.

Under the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program or ‘ARAL,’ lawmakers also approved additional support for public-school teachers, including P579.5 million for overload pay and P984 million for the compensation of non-DepEd tutors.

The ARAL program is DepEd’s recovery initiative to support struggling learners through tutorial services.

With additional funds in place, Angara underscored the importance of ensuring swift and proper implementation to deliver immediate results.

He said that the key is to properly implement the programs so that DepEd can catch up with delayed projects that will allow learners and teachers to immediately feel the results.