In the first semifinal of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, South Africa defeated England by 125 runs on Wednesday, turning the tables on the same opposition after they were bowled out for 69 against England at the ACA Stadium.

After destroying England with a clinical effort, South Africa advanced to their first-ever Women’s World Cup final. With an incredible 169 off 143 balls, captain Laura Wolvaardt spearheaded the attack and her batting will go down in World Cup legend.

With composure and accuracy, she reached her century off 115 balls before launching a late-innings assault in which she amassed 69 runs off her final 28 deliveries. In addition to being the highest score by a South African in a Women’s ODI World Cup, her innings, which included 20 fours and four sixes, helped the Proteas amass an incredible 319/7.

Marizanne Kapp’s first burst rattled England, who were pursuing a record target, and they were reduced to 1-3. England were bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs as Marizanne, who had momentarily left the field due to cramping, returned to finish with 5-20 after taking five wickets.

Despite a short glimmer of optimism from Alice Capsey (50) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (64), England never fully bounced back from the early meltdown as they fell victim to South Africa’s unrelenting discipline and scoring pressure. As the ghosts of Bristol 2017 and Christchurch 2022 were buried, it was a night of atonement for South Africa.

Two of the Proteas’ greatest match winners, Marizanne and Laura, stepped up with performances that defined their careers. Now, South Africa can relax and watch Australia and India fight for a spot in the final on Sunday. After forcing Heather Knight to hack on to her stumps without bothering the scorers in a double-wicket maiden over, Marizanne castled Amy Jones through the gate for duck, giving South Africa a great start to their defense.

Laura opened up further by sweeping Sophie for four and then lofting Charlie for six in the midst of all of this, reaching her first World Cup hundred on her 115th delivery. She then flied and lofted Charlie for two fours after heaving and pulling Nat for six and four on successive balls.

After pulling Nat for four and then heaving her for six, Laura continued her assault. Pulling Linsey for six, then slog-sweeping and sweeping her for a hat-trick of fours, she increased her 150. Despite Laura’s miscued loft to long-on off Lauren, her outstanding innings and Chloe and Nadine’s towering shots made sure South Africa reached the 300-mark, with a massive 69 runs coming in the final five overs.

Brief scores:

South Africa 319/7 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 169, Tazmin Brits 45; Sophie Ecclestone 4-44, Lauren Bell 2-55) beat
England 194 all out in 42.3 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 64, Alice Capsey 50; Marizanne Kapp 5-20, Nadine de Klerk 2-24) by 125 runs

The Union government has announced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025, recognising the exemplary achievements of the country’s top scientists and innovators in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, and the Vigyan Team award are the four categories in which the esteemed honor is given out.

The Vigyan Shri honors outstanding achievements in particular domains, while the Vigyan Ratna honors lifetime contributions to science and technology.

The Vigyan Yuva award is given to young scientists under 45 who have shown exceptional accomplishments, while the Vigyan team award honors the joint efforts of teams of researchers or innovators.

These four areas collectively encompass 13 fields, including engineering, medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, and space science.

“The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar honors the country’s scientific and technological visionaries with the goal of inspiring the next generation, bolstering the research environment, and quickening India’s ascent to prominence as a global leader in S&T innovation. The Ministry of Science and Technology stated that the honorees would receive separate notifications about the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Award ceremony, which will take place in due time.

Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, a distinguished astrophysicist, received the 2025 Vigyan Ratna award posthumously.

Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh (Agricultural Science), Dr. Yusuf Mohammad Seikh (Atomic Energy), Dr. K Thangaraj (Biological Sciences), Jayan N (Space Science and Technology), Professor Mahan Mj (Mathematics and Computer Science), Professor Pradeep Thalappil (Chemistry), Professor Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit (Engineering Sciences), and Dr. S Venkata Mohan (Environmental Science) are among the recipients of the Vigyan Shri award.

Vigyan Yuva Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar has chosen fifteen young researchers for the honor. Agricultural scientists Dr. Jagdis Gupta Kapuganti, Dr. Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia, Dr. Debarka Sengupta, Dr. Deepa Agashe, Dr. Dibyendu Das, Dr. Waliur Rahaman, Professor Arkaprava Basu, Professor Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Dr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Dr. Shweta Prem Agrawal, Dr. Suresh Kumar, Physics, Surhud Shrikant More, Space Science & Technology, Ankur Garg, and Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam are on the list.

The Aroma Mission team from CSIR was recognized for their contributions to agricultural research with the Vigyan Team award.

Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, wished all the recipients well and said, “Your exceptional contributions across various fields of science, technology, and innovation exemplify the very best of Indian research and serve as an inspiration to the entire scientific community.”

“The honors embody the attitude of dedication, inventiveness, and curiosity that characterize Indian science. They encourage a new generation of scholars to push the limits of knowledge and innovation in addition to honoring individual brilliance,” he continued on social media site X.

The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India convened a committee of scientific leaders that reviewed nominations that were received through the national awards portal last year.

OpenAI said Tuesday that all Indian users who join up during a special campaign period beginning November 4 will receive free access to ChatGPT Go for a year.

On the same day, OpenAI will celebrate its first DevDay Exchange event in Bengaluru, and this offer is part of that celebration.

OpenAI’s freshly released ChatGPT Go membership plan allows users to access several of the platform’s more sophisticated capabilities, such as longer memory, more image production, higher message limits, and the capacity to upload more files and images.

The most recent GPT-5 model from OpenAI powers all of these capabilities.

In response to user requests for a more cost-effective approach to utilize ChatGPT’s sophisticated technologies, the plan was initially introduced in India in August of this year.

In just one month after its debut, ChatGPT’s paid user base more than doubled in India.

OpenAI enhanced ChatGPT in response to this robust response. Visit about 90 nations globally.

India is one of ChatGPT’s fastest-growing and second-largest markets at the moment.

Every day, millions of people nationwide—including professionals, developers, and students—use ChatGPT to expand their creativity, pick up new skills, and create original projects.

The new offer supports the government’s IndiaAI Mission, which seeks to increase access to artificial intelligence tools and foster creativity throughout the nation, and underscores OpenAI’s ongoing “India-first” strategy.

Additionally, OpenAI is collaborating with government-led projects, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of AI tools.

The free 12-month offer will also be available to current ChatGPT Go members in India; further information will be released soon.

The way Indian people utilize ChatGPT Go has inspired the company, according to Nick Turley, Vice President and Head of ChatGPT.

“We’re making ChatGPT Go freely available for a year in advance of our first DevDay Exchange event in India so that more people can easily access and benefit from advanced AI.” We can’t wait to see what incredible things our users will create, discover, and accomplish with these capabilities,” he said.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rejected Jana Small Finance Bank’s (SFB) application to become a universal bank, the bank announced on Tuesday, stating that it did not meet the necessary qualifying requirements.

Early in current fiscal year (FY26), the bank filed its application after fulfilling a crucial requirement under the RBI’s framework: keeping net non-performing assets (NPAs) below 1% and gross NPAs below 3% for two years in a row.

But according to the central bank, the application was returned because it did not meet other eligibility requirements.

In its stock exchange filing, the lender with its headquarters in Bengaluru stated, “In continuation of our letter dated June 9, we wish to convey that the RBI has returned the application made for Voluntary Transition to Universal Bank due to non-fulfillment of the criteria mentioned in the RBI circular in this regard.”

Shares of Jana SFB dropped 2.14 percent to Rs 446.4 on the BSE after the announcement.

The stock has dropped by Rs 7.05, or 1.55%, over the previous month, but it has gained Rs 9.40, or 2.14 percent, over the last five days.

The shares of Jana SFB have decreased by Rs 68.95, or 13.35%, over the past six months. However, the stock is still up Rs 43.90, or 10.87 percent, year-to-date (YTD).

With 802 branches serving more than 12 million customers in 23 states and two Union Territories, Jana Small Finance Bank was founded in 2018 and is currently the fourth-largest small finance bank in India.

The bank posted a net profit of Rs 75 crore in the second quarter of FY26, bringing its first-half profit to Rs 177 crore.

It had a net interest margin (NIM) of 6.6%, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of 2.8%, and net NPAs of 0.9%.

A new report by UBS, a multinational investment bank that has a bullish view on emerging markets (EM) and a “attractive” view on Indian equities amid expectations for earnings recovery, claims that the simplification of the GST, income tax reductions, and central bank easing will increase consumption in India.

“We upgrade EM equities (MSCI EM) to Attractive, reflecting a constructive macro backdrop and improving financial conditions on the back of Fed easing and a softer US dollar,” UBS analysts said. Mainland China, India, Brazil, and Indonesia are our top markets.

Since the asset class’s inception, the argument for investing in EM companies has changed considerably since, according to the financial services company, many EM stocks represent much more than just a bet on commodities and financials.

According to UBS, emerging markets are one of the few places in the world that provide direct exposure to structural tech growth, along with the US.

Because emerging markets include both more cyclical economies like Brazil and domestically oriented ones like India, they also serve as portfolio diversifiers.

The MSCI Emerging Markets targets set by UBS have been increased to 1,420 by December 2025 (up 2.2% from the current level of 1,389) and 1,470 for June 2026.

India’s economy is expected to grow at a solid pace of 6.6% this year (FY26), up from 6.5% in 2024 (FY25), according to the most recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) regional economic outlook report for Asia. This rise is attributed to strong Q2 growth and GST 2.0 changes.

Since April 2025, the outlook for India has brightened since robust Q2 growth and the GST reform are anticipated to offset the adverse effects of rising US tariffs on the demand for Indian goods.

Despite both internal and foreign problems, the Asia-Pacific region’s economies have shown resilience in 2025, registering stronger-than-expected economic growth in the first half of the year. However, the IMF stated that rising protectionism and higher US tariffs will probably lower demand for Asian exports and eventually hinder GDP in the near future.

The government is making significant efforts to position the nation as a leader in next-generation communication technology worldwide, according to data released on Sunday.

With the goal of making India a center for cutting-edge telecom innovation by 2030, the government is now concentrating on creating 6G technology under its “Bharat 6G Vision,” building on the quick implementation and uptake of 5G.

India’s 6G strategy, according to the government, is founded on the ideas of universal access, affordability, and sustainability.

In addition to encouraging domestic research, innovation, and cooperation with international partners, the objective is to guarantee that all citizens enjoy the advantages of fast connectivity.

The project is directly related to the country’s objective of creating a “developed India,” or “Viksit Bharat,” by 2047.

After 5G, sixth-generation, or 6G, technology will be the next significant advancement in wireless communication. It is anticipated to have nearly zero data transfer latency and be 1,000 times faster than 5G.

Real-time applications like sophisticated robotics, smart cities, remote surgery, and immersive virtual worlds will be made possible by this.

The government has started a number of projects to aid in the development of 6G. To promote research and innovation, it has provided funding for two cutting-edge testbeds: the Advanced Optical Communication Testbed and the 6G Terahertz (THz) Testbed.

In order to improve industry-academia cooperation and get the ecosystem ready for 6G, 100 5G laboratories have also been established in academic institutions around India.

In order to integrate India’s research and development efforts with the global 6G roadmap, 104 research projects pertaining to 6G network ecosystems have been approved thus far.

To encourage domestic R&D in telecom technology, the government has also established the “Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF).”

With an emphasis on both 5G and 6G technologies, 115 projects totaling more than Rs 310 crore have been approved under the initiative thus far.

The establishment of the “Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA),” a collaboration between the government, business, academia, and research organizations, is a significant step in realizing this objective.

The partnership seeks to establish an independent, internationally competitive advanced telecommunications technology ecosystem.

Aditya Sarpotdar’s “Thamma” is the fifth film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. Ayushmann Khurrana, Paresh Rawal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are its main actors. On October 21, 2025, the horror-comedy was launched in theaters. There is also a crossover between the movie and Varun Dhawan‘s “Bhediya.”

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana talked candidly about a heartwarming experience in which he said that veteran Paresh Rawal made him think of his deceased father.

Ayushmann Khurrana recently shared on Instagram that his father used to chant “Ayushman Bhav” whenever he caressed his feet. Ayushmann felt as though his father, his guardian angel, was bestowing blessings upon him once more when he saw Paresh Rawal utter the same words in the movie “Thamma.” The actor posted pictures and a touching message on Instagram on Friday to commemorate the success of his most recent movie, “Thamma.”

“This family has seen a lot in the last few years,” He wrote. Thamma’s success resembles a lovely heavenly light. It is the outcome of the prayers of all the people here, young and old. Every time I touched my father’s feet, he would exclaim, “Ayushman Bhav.” It seemed as though my father and guardian angel had blessed me when Paresh ji stated Ayushman Bhav in the movie.

“The audience, my late father, and my family have showered Thamma with love.“ If you happen to see an overwhelmed me at a suburban theater, don’t be shocked. I might stop by to say hello and thanks,” he continued.

Rashmika Mandanna took to social media to reflect on her amazing filmmaking journey.

She wrote, “Ahh… where do I even start…This movie has been more than simply work from the first call sheet to the final cut; it’s been a journey of heart, grit, humor, bruises, and mornings we didn’t want to wake up for and nights we didn’t want to finish.

“To our amazing director, @aditya_a_sarpotdar sir, my heart is full of respect for you,” she wrote in appreciation of the director’s faith in her. You pushed me because you trusted me. You helped us get there because you saw what the movie might be.

I’m thrilled to have appeared on screen alongside Paresh Rawal, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Ayushmann Khurrana.

According to Rashmika, “@ayushmannk, @pareshrawalofficial sir, @nawazuddin._siddiqui sir doing scenes with you is so effortless and natural.. sooo happy we got to work on this one together..”

We all know these tales, but this is the first time we’re actually getting to see them, so I guess that’s what ties us all together,” Rashmika continued. That’s why it’s so widely celebrated, and I believe that people of all ages adore it.

According to a recent report, “Indian immigrants are the most economically beneficial immigrant group” in the US, contributing to GDP growth and lowering the national debt.

An average Indian immigrant lowers the US “national debt by over $1.6 million over 30 years and increases GDP more than immigrants from any other country,” according to the Institute’s analysis, which was released on Thursday.

The study also found that H-1B visa holders increase GDP the highest by legal status, with an average H-1B visa holder lowering debt by $2.3 million and increasing GDP by $500,000 after 30 years.

The Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow and report’s author, Daniel Martino, referred to South Asian immigrants—particularly Indians—as the “most fiscally positive group.”

He estimates that ending the H-1B visa program would result in a $26 billion economic decline and a $185 billion increase in the US debt over a ten-year period.

The paper also suggests instituting a wage-based visa system and discontinuing the H-1B lottery.

The report was released on Thursday, the same day the White House pledged to defend the administration’s assault on H-1B visas in court.

Prioritizing American workers has always been the president’s top focus, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. These lawsuits will be contested in court by the administration. We are aware that the H-1B visa system has been overrun with fraudulent applications for far too long, which has reduced American salaries. Therefore, the President put these new policies into place in part because he wants to improve this system.

The largest business group in the nation, the US Chamber of Commerce, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration last week, claiming that the new visa regulations were “illegal.”

The plaintiff claimed that if the visa fee were to be imposed, it would “inflict significant harm on American businesses” and compel them to “either drastically increase their labor costs or hire fewer highly skilled employees for whom domestic replacements are not readily available.” The lawsuit was filed in the Washington district court.

Trump’s September 19 declaration was also described as “blatantly illegal” and a “boon to America’s economic rivals.”

Following a lawsuit against the Trump administration on October 3 by a combination of unions, educators, and religious organizations, it was the second significant domestic legal challenge to the new H-1B regulations.

Additionally, the US Department of Homeland Security released new guidance earlier this week that included a number of exemptions and carveouts regarding the $100,000 H-1B visa application fee.

The new rules state that employees who transfer from another visa category, like F-1 student status, to H-1B visa status would not be charged the $100,000 cost.

Only new visa petitioners who are not in the United States and do not currently possess a valid H-1B visa are covered by the proclamation.

Over 70% of all H1-B visas granted in 2024 went to workers who were born in India, mostly as a result of a significant backlog in applications and a large number of highly qualified Indian immigrants.