As part of the Department of Posts, the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) unveiled its Self Help Group (SHG) Savings Account on Thursday with the goal of fostering financial inclusion and empowering women-led SHGs throughout rural India.

The IPPB SHG Savings Account is intended to be a zero balance, zero fee account to guarantee affordability; it is digitally enabled to make onboarding simple; and it is made available through the extensive network of Post Offices and Postmen/Gramin Dak Sevaks.

The main features are no minimum initial deposit, no Monthly Average Balance (MAB), a maximum balance limit of Rs 200,000, quarterly interest payments at the applicable savings rates, no fees for cash deposits and withdrawals, one complimentary physical account statement each month, no fees for closing an account, and no fees for issuing a QR card.

“Our goal at IPPB is to make banking straightforward, affordable, and inclusive for every Indian. R Viswesvaran, MD and CEO of IPPB, stated that the SHG Savings Account is a step toward empowering women-led SHGs by giving them a dependable and affordable banking solution.

Viswesvaran stated, “We aim to empower SHGs to participate more actively in the formal financial ecosystem and promote sustainable economic growth by utilizing our doorstep banking model and digital infrastructure.”

Self Help Groups have played a key role in promoting rural economic change in India and are strongly associated with major initiatives like the National Rural Livelihoods Mission under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and initiatives funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

IPPB seeks to increase financial access for SHGs by combining doorstep banking services with digital on-boarding, supported by the Department of Posts’ (DoP) unmatched postal network and its own digital capabilities, which are leveraged by a large network of postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS).

Global experts said on Wednesday that India is increasingly seen as a major force with the potential to influence global peace, economic stability, and technological advancement.

Speaking on the margins of the Economist Enterprise “Resilient Futures Summit 2026” Here, they highlighted India’s growing capacity to navigate geopolitical instability, foster multilateral collaboration, and promote breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and new technologies.

The ever-changing nature of worldwide terrorism and changing trade dynamics have brought considerable uncertainty to the global economy, according to Danny Quah, Li Ka Shing professor of economics at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.

Beyond trade disruptions, Quah stressed that a more serious worry is the erosion of global trust and the weakening of multilateral structures that have historically supported international collaboration.

“India can play a big role in it, and if India makes an effort, there will be peace. India is being watched by the rest of the world for a peace agreement. People are looking to India to provide the right leadership, in my opinion. “India still has the right to choose what is acceptable,” he said.

In support of this viewpoint, Ian Blatchford, Director of the London Science Museum, emphasized India’s unique and positive outlook on artificial intelligence.

“According to public polls conducted in America and Europe, the majority of people are concerned about artificial intelligence. In India, the reverse is the case. India is investing in the infrastructure for artificial intelligence hubs while also giving serious thought to its implications, according to Blatchford.

Additionally, Blatchford lauded the Global South’s overall accomplishments, with a focus on India’s development path.

“Even as it struggles with issues like growing energy demand, the nation is attempting to strike a balance between economic progress and the necessity to raise living standards,” Blatchford said.

“This is in contrast to Western economies that have already reaped the benefits of decades of prosperity,” he said.

In the 41st game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen led Sunrisers Hyderabad to a stunning chase of 243 and a six-wicket victory against the Mumbai Indians.

The once-difficult target soon turned into an exhilarating exhibition of aggressive hitting.

SRH demonstrated their resolve in chasing 244 from the start. Abhishek wasted no time in unleashing a six off Jasprit Bumrah, the champion of the T20 World Cup, after hitting Trent Boult over covers in the first over.

Soon after, Head joined in, hitting Boult with a series of boundaries, including a slice over backward point that went for six through Naman Dhir’s hands, followed by two more hits over deep point and backward point. After three overs, SRH surged to 43 for 0.

Mumbai’s effort to retaliate with spin failed, as Abhishek and Head destroyed Will Jacks in the fifth over, hitting 19 runs with strong strikes. Head was able to find the boundary frequently, although even Mumbai’s powerplay bowler AM Ghazanfar was unable to stop them.

After five overs, SRH’s score had risen to 74/0, and it then increased even more by scoring 28 runs off Bumrah in his first two overs, which included a 99-meter six that went straight down the field. By the end of the power play, SRH had scored 92 for 0 in six overs, which was the joint-best score MI had ever given up during this period.

Head was especially unstoppable, scoring a 20-ball half-century as Abhishek hit him shot for shot. The needed rate was less than 10 runs per over at one point, while SRH was scoring at 15. 75 runs per over.

But when Ghazanfar took two wickets in as many balls, dismissing Abhishek (45) and the in-form Ishan Kishan (0), the game briefly changed course. Head (76) was then dismissed by Hardik Pandya, giving MI a ray of hope.

However, Klaasen ensured that there was no long-term recovery. Before smashing four boundaries off Ashwani Kumar in a single over, he hit Ghazanfar over midwicket and deep midwicket.

Klaasen maintained his excellent season by hitting a half-century in 22 deliveries, then scoring another 19 runs in the next over from Ghazanfar, bringing the tide back in favor of SRH.

With a brief cameo from Salil Arora, who hit 14 off 6 balls, he concluded his innings undefeated at 65.

Previously, Mumbai had a solid score of 243/5, thanks to a strong century from Ryan Rickelton and a strong start with Jacks. The pair mounted a strong counterattack against Pat Cummins after a cautious start, scoring 21/0 in two overs and then 78/0 by the conclusion of the powerplay, which was their second-highest this season, at a run rate of 13.

Rickleton replicated Jack’s 46 runs from 22 deliveries, which included five fours and two sixes, with 37 runs from 18 balls, which included three fours and three sixes.

Rickelton then increased the tempo, scoring a half-century in 23 balls and driving MI beyond 100 in only 7. 4 overs, which was their quickest performance of the year. Rickleton continued to perform well, even though he lost wickets at the other end, including those of Suryakumar Yadav, Jacks, and Naman Dhir.

He faced each bowler with confidence, especially hitting 22 runs off only seven balls against Harsh Dubey at a strike rate of 314. 3. In an amazing innings, he smashed the quickest century ever by a Mumbai Indians player in just 44 balls, as MI scored 202/3 in 16 overs. Rickelton continued to the end, increasing MI’s score to 243/5, with the support of Hardik’s 31 off 15 in a 56-run partnership.

Led by Head, Abhishek, and Klaasen, SRH’s exceptional batting ensured that even a massive total of 243 was insufficient on a night when scoring over 200 seemed commonplace, raising the bar for T20 chases at Wankhede.

Brief scores:
Mumbai Indians 243/5 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 123 not out, Will Jacks 46; Praful Hinge 2-54, Nitish Reddy 1-31)
Sunrisers Hyderabad 249/4 in 18.4 overs (Travis Head 76, Heinrich Klaasen 65; AM Ghazanafar 2-51, Hardik Pandya 1-39)

For the first time, the two South Caucasus nations will host a FIFA tournament when Georgia and Armenia serve as co-hosts of the 2029 U-20 World Cup, as announced by the international soccer governing body.

On the eve of the 76th FIFA Congress, the combined proposal was approved at a FIFA Council session held in Vancouver, Canada on April 28.

Twenty-four teams compete in the championship round of the tournament, which has been held biennially since 1977.

The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) described it as an exceptional accomplishment, telling Xinhua that it demonstrates the international football community’s great trust and will provide young Armenian players and supporters the chance to experience a World Cup environment in their own nation.

The FFA president, Armen Melikbekyan, stated that holding this competition is crucial for both federations. He went on to say that he is certain that both Georgia and Armenia will host the World Cup with honor and do all they can to ensure the event stands out in the annals of FIFA’s youth tournaments.

The tournament will have a long-lasting impact on the growth of football in the area, according to Levan Kobiashvili, president of the Georgian Football Federation (GFF).

For the first time in the history of independent Georgian football, we will host a world-class competition under the auspices of FIFA, making this a truly remarkable occasion, according to Kobiashvili.

Since the first event in 1977, which Tunisia hosted under its previous name of FIFA World Youth Championship, which persisted until 2005, the competition has been held every two years. The event’s current name was adopted in 2007.

The men’s Under-20 World Cup is promoted by FIFA as the tournament of tomorrow’s superstars.

Twenty-three tournaments have been staged so far, and twelve different countries have won the championship. Brazil U20 has five championships, making it the second-most successful team behind Argentina U20, which has six.

In the previous edition of the tournament, which took place in Chile in 2025, Morocco took first place. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan will co-host the following edition in 2027.

With Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited announcing his affiliation ahead of the debut of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, Shreyas Iyer has been named the official brand ambassador for a Formula 1-supported sim racing program in India.

The program, which is organized under an agreement that gives Mumbai Falcons the right to host an official Formula 1-sanctioned sim-racing event, seeks to establish a planned national platform for upcoming esports racing talent throughout the nation. The program represents a major advance in integrating esports and motorsport into India’s larger sports environment.

Iyer is considered one of India’s most dependable players across formats and has also established a strong rapport with younger audiences outside of cricket, making him a smart option to represent the program and its goal of attracting a new generation of athletes.

“Sport has always been about identifying your advantage and maintaining the discipline necessary to take advantage of it. I didn’t need much convincing after hearing about the realistic route that Mumbai Falcons is creating to help young Indians progress from their current situation to their potential future. Iyer, Brand Ambassador for the F1 Program in India, which is headed by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, stated, “This is the sort of initiative I would have wanted access to growing up, and I’m proud to be part of what’s coming. ”

The FIA Formula 1 World Championship’s official game, F1 25, will be used to simulate actual circuits, formats, and team settings in order to create a realistic racing experience.

Ameet Gadhoke, Managing Director of Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, stated that the initiative is intended to address structural deficiencies in India’s sports sector and unleash untapped potential. He went on to explain the vision behind the project.

“Our conviction that India possesses world-class sporting talent led us to establish Mumbai Falcons; Structural flaws have, nevertheless, limited the potential. Another major step in that direction is collaborating with Formula 1 to make the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 a reality.

Shreyas exemplifies the type of athlete we had in mind when designing this program, combining athletic prowess and discipline with genuine connection with the younger, aspirational generations that make up the emerging demographic. India has never seen anything like the platform we’re about to launch in this field. “The entire scope of this project will be disclosed shortly,” Gadhoke stated.

The MFRL app will accept registrations for the competition starting on April 30, with online qualifiers followed by simulator sessions held in cities. The national championship, which is set to take place in Mumbai in November, will mark the conclusion of the competition.

The most ambitious national initiative to date by Mumbai Falcons is using esports to provide Indian youngsters with a route into competitive racing in a global format.

The local currency plummeted to a record low on Thursday under pressure from a spike in global crude oil prices amid growing hostilities between the US and Iran, falling below the 95-per-dollar threshold.

After hitting a record low of 95. 07 in early trade, the currency fell to an intraday low of 95. 126 against the US dollar before falling further to about 95. 20 throughout the session.

The fall also comes after hawkish messages from US Federal Reserve officials, which have boosted the dollar and increased US bond rates. The central bank, headed by Jerome Powell, maintained benchmark interest rates at its most recent policy session.

So far, the rupee has lost around 5. 8% of its value in 2026.

In the meanwhile, as the US increased pressure on Iran, crude oil prices continued to rise, adding to their highest close in almost four years. Fears of ongoing supply interruptions have increased as a result of Washington’s actions to confiscate tankers with ties to Tehran and its indication that its naval blockade will not be loosened.

Brent crude prices were about $120 a barrel after rising more than 6% on Wednesday to their highest point since June 2022. It was trading at around $114. 10 per barrel on Thursday, which is a 3% increase over the previous close.

Similar to this, the price of US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was last recorded at $110. 28 a barrel, up about 3% from above $107.

Iranian authorities have made no indication that they are backing down, and US President Donald Trump has stated that he will not remove the naval blockade of Iran’s ports until a nuclear agreement is reached.

The negative attitude was also seen in India’s stock markets, where the Sensex and Nifty indexes fell about 1% in early trading.

In the 40th game at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Tuesday, Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey combined for an amazing unbroken 77-run partnership in just 32 deliveries to lead Rajasthan Royals to an exciting six-wicket win over the Punjab Kings.

The duo made the chase appear simple despite the game being close after 14 overs and the required run rate being over 12. Ferreira and Dubey targeted the pace bowlers and made the most of the absence of the spinners.

In his comeback over, Arshdeep Singh was hit for three fours, while Marco Jansen gave up a four and a six. Demonstrating composure and excellent hitting to complete the chase and deliver Punjab Kings their first loss of the season, the pair maintained their assault on Arshdeep.

Earlier in the chase, the 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s lightning-fast start gave Rajasthan a boost. Sooryavanshi made a great impression after Yashasvi Jaiswal handed him the strike. Even though Arshdeep Singh began with two perfect yorkers, the rookie responded with 6, 4, 4, which contributed to RR’s 15-run first over. He kept up his attack on Lockie Ferguson and Jansen, hitting sixes and boundaries with little difficulty.

Before Arshdeep switched up his approach and induced him to slice a low full toss into the air, where Shreyas Iyer caught it, Sooryavanshi sped to 43 off 16 balls, blasting three fours and five sixes.

In his innings, Sooryavanshi hit 400 runs in just 167 balls, at an amazing strike rate of 238. 09, which is the quickest time any player has ever achieved 400 runs in an IPL season. After four overs, RR had scored 66/1, having previously gone over 50 runs in 3. 2 overs.

After Sooryavanshi was fired, Jaiswal seized control after having been silent at first. He got his fifty off 26 balls, scoring 4, 6, 4 against Arshdeep and 51 off 27. Nonetheless, Yuzvendra Chahal played a key role for PBKS, taking out Jaiswal before taking Riyan Parag (29). RR managed only 25 runs in the next four overs, and Dhruv Jurel (16 off 20) was also dismissed.

Chahal’s strikes, however, changed the course of the match, despite Harpreet Brar’s tight bowling, which only allowed 25 runs in his four overs. The necessary run rate was rising steadily at one point, and RR needed 100 runs in 52 balls.

In spite of this, Ferreira and Dubey were able to reverse the situation. During the final few overs, they dismantled the PBKS bowling assault by using calculated targeting of the seamers and daring hitting, which prevented any more setbacks.

PBKS had a respectable 222/4 in the earlier part of the game after choosing to bat first. Jofra Archer got off to a solid start by dismissing Priyansh Arya (29), but Prabhsimran Singh held the innings together with 59 runs off 44 balls. Iyer contributed 30 runs to a 59-run partnership off 33 balls, while Cooper Connolly, 30, provided assistance.

Marcus Stoinis’ spectacular, undefeated 62 off 22 balls was the highlight, as it helped Punjab surpass 220.

Brief scores:
Punjab Kings 222/4 in 20 overs (Marcus Stoinis 62, Prabhsmiran Singh 59; Yash Punja 2-41, Jofra Archer 1-40)
Rajasthan Royals 228/4 in 19.2 overs (Donovan Ferreira 52, Yashasvi Jaiswal 51; Yuzvendra Chahal 3-36, Arshdeep Singh 1-68)

Seeking stakeholder opinions on steps to speed up last-mile digital connectivity and enhance broadband access, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a consultation document on Monday regarding the expansion of public Wi-Fi networks nationwide.

Despite the fact that data use is increasing rapidly, the report examines the current regulatory landscape and identifies major barriers limiting the rollout of public Wi-Fi, especially in rural and underserved regions.

It evaluates the present state of public Wi-Fi deployment, including infrastructure deficits and demand trends, while also analyzing international deployment models and global best practices to identify insights for India.

Clearly establishing the roles of stakeholders, such as the central and state governments, local organizations, telecom service providers (TSPs), internet service providers (ISPs), and private players, is a key component of the consultation, particularly for rollout in rural areas, cities, and busy public spaces, in order to create feasible and scalable models.

The regulator has also asked for opinions on important operational topics, including billing structures, authorization standards, user authentication methods, and smooth network roaming. These are all areas that are thought to be crucial to enhancing user experience and network interoperability.

Furthermore, the TRAI has emphasized the necessity of sustainable business models and has requested feedback on both direct and indirect revenue streams in order to guarantee the long-term viability of public Wi-Fi infrastructure.

At a time when public Wi-Fi is increasingly being viewed as a crucial facilitator of inexpensive internet access and digital inclusion, complementing mobile broadband networks, the consultation paper arrives.

Stakeholders have until May 25 to submit written feedback to the TRAI, and June 8 to submit counter-comments. The regulator’s official website has the article.

The telecom industry’s expansion was emphasized by the TRAI earlier this month. Due to significant user mobility and market competition, there were as many as 14. 63 million requests for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in March 2026.

With 1,282. 33 million wireless subscribers, the majority of India’s 1,330. 58 million total telephone subscribers were wireless users.

The number of broadband users, on the other hand, totaled 1,065. 88 million.

With 778. 79 million customers, urban areas still held the majority of subscribers, while rural areas had 551. 79 million.

With urban tele-density at 151. 47% vs 60. 46% in rural areas, overall tele-density (M2M cellular mobile connections) was 93. 26%.

The newly signed India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will unlock a wide range of possibilities in important sectors of society, from farmers and small firms to startups and students, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, calling it a revolutionary move for inclusive growth.

According to a tweet from Prime Minister Modi on the social media platform X, the agreement is a “landmark moment” in bilateral relations, demonstrating strong trust, shared values, and expanding aspirations between the two countries.

He emphasized that the agreement’s goal is to boost trade, empower various segments of society, and hasten India’s path toward progress.

“Today is a historic day for the cooperation between India and New Zealand. Today’s signing of the India-New Zealand FTA will give our development partnership a boost like never before, and I am thrilled about it,” Prime Minister Modi said.

The Prime Minister said, “It mirrors the profound faith, shared ideals, and aspirations that unite our two countries. ”

He also emphasized New Zealand’s $20 billion investment pledge, pointing out that it will improve collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, innovation, and technology, laying the groundwork for a more vibrant economic partnership.

Prime Minister Modi stated, “This agreement will be very beneficial for our farmers, youth, women, MSMEs, artists, entrepreneurs, students, and innovators. ”

“It will open new avenues for growth, create opportunities, and deepen our synergy across sectors,” he said.

Similarly upbeat, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon referred to the agreement as a “historic milestone” that heralds a new era in relations between the two nations.

Luxon stated that the discussions started only 13 months ago, after his trip to India, and praised the ministers and officials of both nations for coming to a thorough understanding so quickly.

“India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, but our trade relationship has only begun to scratch the surface of its potential. Prime Minister Modi and I were able to see that an FTA would represent a huge potential for our two nations, he said.

As the indigenously created 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu reached first criticality on April 6, India is now prepared to be the second nation, after Russia, to run a commercial-scale fast breeder reactor, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday.

The minister said this reactor, which was created by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and constructed by BHAVINI, represents the beginning of the second phase of India’s three-stage nuclear power program.

It uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel to generate more fuel than it uses. This was stated to a workshop of legislators and members of the legislative assembly on Small Modular Reactors.

In the third phase of its nuclear plan, India is getting closer to using its enormous thorium deposits thanks to this accomplishment.

India will be the second nation in the world, after Russia, to have a commercial-scale fast breeder reactor in operation, he said.

The importance of this accomplishment, according to Dr. Singh, is that it advances India to the third phase of its nuclear plan, which is focused on utilizing its enormous thorium resources.

With India in the latter phases of building its own, Russia is now the only nation that runs commercial fast breeder reactors (FBRs). Most of these programs, particularly those in the US, the UK, France, Japan, Germany, and China, are currently closed, even though numerous countries have historically built or run experimental fast reactors.

With reference to recent progress in India’s three-stage nuclear program, Dr. Singh stated that the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor’s successful installation represents a major advance toward the second stage of the program, allowing for more effective nuclear fuel utilization and opening the door for potential use of India’s enormous thorium resources in the future.

The Minister went on to say that nuclear energy would be essential to India’s transition to clean energy and long-term sustainability objectives, especially in reaching the objective of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

Singh emphasized the growing demand for trustworthy and uninterrupted sources of clean energy in industries like data infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, where nuclear power will be essential.

The minister also emphasized the need for programs that promote private sector involvement in increasing India’s nuclear energy capacity, such as the SHANTI Act, policy support, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). He stated that the recently established Nuclear Mission, which has a budget of Rs 20,000 crore, intends to build five SMRs by 2033.

In addition, the minister said that SMRs will be helpful for captive power production, especially in industry, densely populated areas, distant communities without grid connections, thermal plant repurposing, and more.

He said that reaching the objective of Net Zero by 2070 would depend on having a balanced energy mix that includes nuclear, renewable, and other clean energy sources.