28Oct, 2026
    India, Mexico Officially Begin Preferential Trade Pact Talks

    India, Mexico Officially Begin Preferential Trade Pact Talks

    The government said on Wednesday that India and Mexico had taken a decisive step towards strengthening their economic partnership by signing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).

    Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Mexico’s Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, Luis Rosendo Gutierrez Romano, formally launched negotiations for the trade agreement.

    “Our shared ambition: expand trade, unlock investment, strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries,” the Department of Commerce said in a statement on X.

    The department added that India and Mexico aimed to turn their untapped potential into tangible prosperity through balanced, ambitious and mutually beneficial negotiations.

    The proposed India-Mexico trade agreement is expected to cover several key Indian exports, including automobiles, textiles, footwear, plastics, steel, chemicals and toys. These products currently face tariffs of up to 50 per cent under Mexico’s new tariff regime.

    Official trade data show that India’s merchandise exports to Mexico reached $5.73 billion in 2025-26, with automobiles accounting for the largest share at $1.92 billion.

    Commerce Secretary Agrawal arrived in Mexico City for a two-day official visit to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries. During his visit, he held discussions with Fernando Gonzalez Saiffe, Director General for Asia-Pacific at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, or SRE), on bilateral relations and opportunities for mutual learning and cooperation by leveraging their respective strengths and advancements.

    Agrawal welcomed Mexico’s keen interest in expanding political exchanges and reaffirmed India’s commitment to mutual growth and prosperity.

    He highlighted the strong complementarities between the two economies, India’s robust growth of around 7 per cent, and the vast untapped potential for trade, investment and business partnerships. He noted that the proposed PTA could open new avenues for economic cooperation, strengthen business ties and build stronger connections across the Pacific to promote shared prosperity.

    The Commerce Secretary also met Indian and Mexican business leaders to explore new opportunities, address challenges and deepen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

    28Oct, 2026
    Cyclone Arnab Hits Coastal Andhra, Triggering Heavy Rainfall

    Cyclone Arnab Hits Coastal Andhra, Triggering Heavy Rainfall

    The very severe cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ continued to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday morning and is likely to complete its landfall by the afternoon, the State Disaster Management Authority said.

    The cyclone began making landfall in the early hours of Wednesday and currently lies about 30 km from Narsapuram.

    Heavy rain and gusty winds continued to lash the erstwhile undivided districts of Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna.

    Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain urged people to remain alert. He said the cyclone had been crossing the coast for about two hours.

    Authorities have reported no loss of life so far. However, strong winds uprooted trees and electric poles and damaged crops across the affected areas. Preliminary reports indicate that the cyclone hit the Godavari districts hardest. Floodwaters inundated low-lying areas in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district, while fallen trees disrupted electricity supplies in some areas.

    Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference to assess the cyclone’s impact and review relief operations. Around 32,000 personnel, from District Collectors to field-level staff, participated in the exercise.

    The Chief Minister also convened a special review meeting with senior officials from the Electricity, Irrigation, Roads and Buildings (R&B), Agriculture, Urban Development and Panchayat Raj departments.

    Naidu sought updates on crop damage and instructed officials to prepare preliminary estimates. He also directed them to communicate the state government’s response and relief measures to the Central government.

    The Chief Minister praised the administrative machinery for working throughout the night and urged officials to maintain the same dedication until the cyclone’s impact subsides and normalcy returns.

    Authorities have reported no casualties so far. “It is due to the proactive measures taken by the administrative machinery that we have been able to prevent any loss of life. Efforts must be made to minimise property damage as much as possible,” Naidu said.

    He stressed the need to restore normalcy in cyclone-hit areas as quickly as possible and reassure residents about their safety. He also directed officials to make full use of the ‘Mana Mitra’ system, which allows people in affected areas to bring their concerns directly to the government.

    Naidu instructed officials to clear trees blocking roads within the next two hours and remove fallen trees from national highways in real time.

    He also directed electricity officials to restore power in affected areas as soon as the high-velocity winds subside.

    The Chief Minister asked officials to ensure that cyclone shelters had adequate supplies of food, drinking water and medical facilities.

    He further instructed them to prevent floodwater from entering agricultural fields and take measures to protect horticultural crops. “Implement robust measures to prevent breaches in the embankments of ponds and canals,” he said.

    Naidu also directed officials to keep National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams on standby to respond to emergencies.

    27Oct, 2026
    Top 5 Fastest Centuries in T20I Cricket: At a Glance

    Top 5 Fastest Centuries in T20I Cricket: Record-Breaking Batting Performances

    Twenty20 International cricket is one of the most exciting formats of the game, where batters have limited time to build an innings and must score runs quickly to give their teams a competitive advantage.

    Unlike Test cricket and One-Day Internationals, T20Is reward aggressive stroke play, innovative shot-making, and the ability to dominate bowlers from the very first delivery. Among the most spectacular achievements in this format is scoring a century in fewer than 40 balls.

    A T20I century is a remarkable accomplishment in itself, but reaching 100 runs in just 27, 29, or 30 deliveries places a batter in an extraordinary category. Such performances require exceptional timing, power, confidence, and an almost perfect understanding of the match situation.

    As of October 2026, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan holds the record for the fastest century in men’s T20 International cricket, having reached his hundred in only 27 balls against Cyprus in June 2024. Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad follows with a 29-ball century, while India’s Abhishek Sharma has climbed to third place with his explosive 30-ball hundred against Afghanistan in September 2026. Three other batters—Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Sikandar Raza, and Finn Allen—have also scored T20I centuries in just 33 deliveries. Source: Guinness World Records and published T20I statistics.

    This article explores the fastest centuries in men’s T20I cricket, highlighting the batters, their innings, the records they established, and the significance of their performances.

    The following table covers the five fastest century records by delivery count, including all three batters tied on 33 balls. As a result, the list contains six innings across five ranked positions.

    Rank Player Team Balls to 100 Opposition Year

    1 Sahil Chauhan Estonia 27 Cyprus 2024
    2 Muhammad Fahad Turkey 29 Bulgaria 2025
    3 Abhishek Sharma India 30 Afghanistan 2026
    4 (tie) Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton Namibia 33 Nepal 2024
    4 (tie) Sikandar Raza Zimbabwe 33 Gambia 2024
    4 (tie) Finn Allen New Zealand 33 South Africa 2026

    Note: The rankings are based on the number of balls required to reach 100 runs, not the total number of deliveries faced in the completed innings. Players who achieved the milestone in the same number of balls share the same rank. Source: T20I fastest-hundred records.

    1. Sahil Chauhan – 27-Ball Century for Estonia Against Cyprus

    1. Sahil Chauhan – 27-Ball Century for Estonia Against Cyprus

    Final score: 144 not out off 41 balls
    Date: 17 June 2024
    Venue: Happy Valley Ground, Episkopi, Cyprus

    Sahil Chauhan occupies the top position on the list of the fastest centuries in men’s T20 International cricket. Representing Estonia, he produced a breathtaking innings against Cyprus on 17 June 2024, reaching his hundred in just 27 deliveries.

    His achievement was historic because it broke the previously established barriers for scoring a century in T20 cricket. Before Chauhan’s extraordinary innings, the record for the fastest hundred in a senior T20 match belonged to West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who scored a 30-ball century for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League in 2013.

    Chauhan went even further, reaching three figures three balls faster than Gayle’s famous effort. His innings demonstrated that extraordinary power-hitting was not limited to the biggest cricketing nations or the most commercially prominent leagues.

    He eventually finished unbeaten on 144 runs from 41 balls, striking six fours and 18 sixes. His 18 maximums also established a record for the most sixes in a single men’s T20I innings, making the performance even more remarkable. Source: Guinness World Records.

    The scale of Chauhan’s achievement becomes clearer when considering the demands of the format. A batter must score 100 runs while facing fewer than five overs’ worth of deliveries. Every boundary, every change in field placement, and every decision to attack or defend becomes important.

    Chauhan’s innings combined clean striking with relentless aggression. Rather than simply accumulating runs through singles and occasional boundaries, he repeatedly cleared the boundary rope and kept the pressure firmly on the opposition bowlers.

    His final score of 144 not out was also an indication that he did not slow down after reaching his century. Many batters become more cautious after passing 100, but Chauhan continued attacking and transformed an outstanding individual performance into an unforgettable T20I record.

    Why this innings matters: Chauhan’s 27-ball hundred is the benchmark for explosive batting in men’s T20 internationals. It also illustrates the growing global reach of the format, in which players representing emerging cricketing nations can create records that attract international attention.

    2. Muhammad Fahad – 29-Ball Century for Turkey Against Bulgaria

    2. Muhammad Fahad – 29-Ball Century for Turkey Against Bulgaria

    Final score: 120 off 34 balls
    Date: 12 July 2025
    Venue: National Sports Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria

    Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad occupies second place in the rankings with a sensational century against Bulgaria. He reached 100 runs in only 29 balls during a T20 International match played on 12 July 2025.

    Fahad’s innings was another example of how quickly a batter can change the direction of a T20 match. Scoring at such a pace puts enormous pressure on the bowling team because conventional defensive strategies become difficult to sustain when a batter consistently finds the boundary.

    After reaching his century, Fahad continued to attack and finished with 120 runs from 34 deliveries. His innings included 10 fours and 12 sixes, combining conventional boundary hitting with powerful aerial strokes.

    Turkey used the innings to build a formidable total of 237 runs. The team subsequently secured a 59-run victory over Bulgaria, with Fahad’s performance playing a central role in the result. He was also recognised as the Player of the Match. Source: Fastest T20I century records.

    One particularly impressive feature of Fahad’s achievement is that he reached the century milestone in fewer than 30 balls. In a format where a batter may have only 20 deliveries to make a meaningful contribution, crossing 100 in 29 balls represents an extraordinary scoring rate.

    His innings also highlights the importance of maintaining momentum after a fast start. Reaching 50 quickly is valuable, but converting that start into a century requires continued concentration, accurate shot selection, and the ability to punish changes in bowling strategy.

    Fahad’s 120 off 34 balls placed him among the most destructive batters in the history of men’s T20Is. Although Chauhan’s 27-ball record remains faster, Fahad’s performance established a remarkable benchmark of its own.

    Why this innings matters: Fahad’s century demonstrates that major T20I batting records are not exclusive to established international teams. His performance for Turkey reinforced the increasingly competitive nature of international T20 cricket and showed how an exceptional individual innings can shape an entire match.

    3. Abhishek Sharma – 30-Ball Century for India Against Afghanistan

    3. Abhishek Sharma – 30-Ball Century for India Against Afghanistan

    Final score: 108 off 34 balls
    Date: 17 September 2026
    Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, India

    India’s Abhishek Sharma entered the record books with a spectacular century against Afghanistan in September 2026. He reached 100 runs in just 30 balls, becoming the fastest Indian batter to score a century in men’s T20 International cricket.

    His achievement also placed him third on the all-time list, behind Sahil Chauhan and Muhammad Fahad.

    Abhishek finished with 108 runs from 34 deliveries, hitting nine fours and 11 sixes. His innings was an outstanding display of modern T20 batting, combining attacking intent with the ability to score boundaries against different types of bowling.

    The performance was particularly significant for Indian cricket. Before Abhishek’s innings, Rohit Sharma held India’s fastest T20I century record with a 35-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in December 2017. Abhishek surpassed that mark by five deliveries. Source: Board of Control for Cricket in India.

    Abhishek’s achievement also underlined the evolution of India’s approach to T20 batting. Modern Indian batters increasingly look to attack from the beginning rather than spending a substantial portion of their innings settling in. This strategy can produce enormous rewards when a batter finds the right balance between aggression and execution.

    His 30-ball hundred was especially impressive because he scored it against Afghanistan, a side that has developed a competitive T20I team and possesses a range of bowling options. Reaching three figures so quickly against international opposition is a demanding test of skill and temperament.

    Abhishek’s performance was also the culmination of a productive series. He finished the three-match contest with 229 runs at an average of 76.33 and a strike rate of 269.41, earning the Player of the Series award. Source: BCCI.

    The significance of his century extends beyond the Indian record. By reaching 100 in 30 balls, Abhishek moved into third place in the global rankings and became the fastest batter to achieve a T20I century against a Test-playing nation.

    Why this innings matters: Abhishek’s century illustrates India’s changing T20 batting philosophy and establishes a new standard for Indian power-hitters. His achievement also places him among the most explosive international batters of the modern era.

    4. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton – 33-Ball Century for Namibia Against Nepal

    4. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton – 33-Ball Century for Namibia Against Nepal
    Final score: 101 off 36 balls
    Date: 27 February 2024
    Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal

    Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton made history in February 2024 when he scored a century off just 33 balls against Nepal. At the time, it was the fastest hundred in men’s T20I cricket, setting a record that would stand until Sahil Chauhan produced his extraordinary 27-ball innings later that year.

    Loftie-Eaton’s achievement was particularly notable because it came during a competitive international fixture rather than a domestic T20 tournament. His century demonstrated the value of aggressive batting in a format where momentum can change dramatically within a few overs.

    He finished with 101 runs from 36 deliveries, including 11 fours and eight sixes. His innings combined boundary hitting with an exceptional scoring rate, allowing Namibia to build momentum against Nepal.

    The 33-ball milestone was a major moment in T20I history. It demonstrated that a century could be achieved in substantially less time than previously expected and encouraged renewed discussion about the limits of power-hitting in international cricket.

    Loftie-Eaton’s innings was also important for Namibian cricket. Namibia has established itself as a competitive associate nation, and performances of this nature help showcase the quality of its players on the international stage.

    The fact that Loftie-Eaton held the record for only a few months does not diminish his achievement. Records in T20 cricket are often short-lived because batters are continually developing new ways to attack bowlers, and the conditions that enable record-breaking innings can emerge in unexpected matches.

    Why this innings matters: Loftie-Eaton’s 33-ball century was a landmark achievement for Namibia and an important turning point in the evolution of the T20I century record. It established a new standard that would soon be matched by other explosive batters.

    5. Sikandar Raza and Finn Allen – Joint Record Holders with 33-Ball Centuries

    5. Sikandar Raza and Finn Allen – Joint Record Holders with 33-Ball Centuries

    Final score: 133 not out off 43 balls
    Date: 23 October 2024
    Venue: Ruaraka Sports Club Ground, Nairobi, Kenya

    The fifth entry in this article covers two additional performances because Sikandar Raza and Finn Allen reached their centuries in the same number of balls as Loftie-Eaton. Both scored hundreds in 33 deliveries, tying for the fourth-fastest position in men’s T20I history.

    Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza produced an extraordinary innings against Gambia in October 2024, reaching his century in 33 balls before finishing unbeaten on 133 from 43 deliveries.

    His innings included seven fours and 15 sixes, highlighting his ability to dominate bowling attacks through powerful and consistent boundary hitting. Raza’s performance was a reminder that experienced international batters can still produce exceptional scoring rates when they combine confidence with effective shot selection.

    Reaching a hundred in 33 deliveries is remarkable, but Raza’s final total of 133 not out demonstrates how much more damage a batter can inflict after reaching the milestone. His continued aggression ensured that the innings was not merely a fast century but a substantial individual contribution.

    Raza has long been recognised as an influential all-rounder and leader for Zimbabwe. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him an important figure in the country’s T20I setup.

    His century against Gambia also illustrated the significance of T20 cricket for developing international teams. Matches between established and emerging sides can provide opportunities for players to make history and help expand interest in the global game.

    Why this innings matters: Raza’s 33-ball century combined remarkable scoring speed with an imposing final total. It also reinforced his reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s most influential T20 performers.

    6. Finn Allen – New Zealand Against South Africa

    6.Finn Allen – New Zealand Against South Africa
    Final score: 100 not out off 33 balls
    Date: 4 March 2026
    Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India

    New Zealand’s Finn Allen joined the 33-ball century club with an explosive unbeaten hundred against South Africa in March 2026.

    Allen’s performance was especially notable because it came against a major international opponent. Scoring at this rate against an established bowling attack requires precise timing, strong power-hitting, and the ability to recognise scoring opportunities immediately.

    He reached his century in 33 balls and finished unbeaten on exactly 100 from those same 33 deliveries. His innings included 10 fours and eight sixes, showcasing a mixture of boundary options rather than relying entirely on maximums.

    Allen is known for his aggressive approach at the top of the order. His batting style is well suited to T20 cricket, where an explosive opening partnership can place the opposition under pressure before the middle overs begin.

    His century against South Africa also demonstrated the importance of maintaining a high scoring rate against quality opposition. Although a rapid hundred can occur in a variety of international fixtures, doing so against a major cricketing nation adds another dimension to the achievement.

    Allen’s inclusion among the fastest T20I centurions reflects the growing importance of power-hitters in New Zealand’s limited-overs strategy. His innings showed how quickly a batter can transform a match when timing and execution come together.

    Why this innings matters: Allen’s 33-ball hundred established him among the fastest-scoring batters in men’s T20Is and demonstrated his ability to deliver extraordinary performances against high-profile international opposition.

    What Makes a Fast T20I Century So Special?
    Scoring a century in T20 cricket requires a combination of technical ability, physical strength, mental composure, and match awareness. The fastest centuries are particularly remarkable because the batter must achieve a high scoring rate without allowing the opposition to regain control.

    Several factors contribute to these performances.

    1. Aggressive batting from the beginning
    Fast centuries often begin with an attacking approach during the powerplay. Batters who identify scoring opportunities early can build momentum and put bowlers under immediate pressure.

    2. Effective boundary hitting
    Fours and sixes are crucial to rapid scoring. A batter who consistently finds the boundary can reach a century in fewer deliveries while reducing the need to rely on singles and twos.

    3. Reading the opposition’s bowling strategy
    Successful T20 batters recognise changes in pace, length, and line. They adapt to variations and identify which deliveries can be attacked safely.

    4. Confidence and concentration
    Maintaining a high scoring rate requires confidence, but reckless aggression can lead to dismissal. The fastest centurions combine attacking intent with the discipline to choose their shots effectively.

    5. Match conditions
    Pitch characteristics, ground dimensions, weather, and bowling quality can influence scoring rates. While these factors may create opportunities, the batter must still execute exceptionally well to convert them into a record-breaking century.

    How T20I Centuries Have Evolved

    The history of fast T20I centuries reflects the broader development of the shortest international format. In its early years, a century in 40 balls or fewer was a rare achievement. As players developed more powerful hitting techniques and teams became increasingly comfortable with aggressive batting, the boundaries of what seemed possible began to change.

    Loftie-Eaton’s 33-ball century in February 2024 was a major milestone. Chauhan then reduced the record to 27 balls in June 2024, while Fahad’s 29-ball hundred in 2025 established another remarkable benchmark. Abhishek Sharma’s 30-ball effort in September 2026 further demonstrated how rapidly the record books can evolve.

    These performances also illustrate the growing international reach of T20 cricket. Players from associate nations such as Estonia, Turkey, and Namibia have produced innings that stand alongside those of players from established cricketing countries.

    The development of specialised T20 techniques, including innovative shots, improved bat speed, and greater emphasis on boundary percentage, has contributed to this evolution. As coaching methods and player preparation continue to improve, further record-breaking innings remain possible.

    However, the fastest century is not necessarily the most valuable innings in every match. A batter must still consider the required run rate, wickets remaining, opposition strength, and the team’s overall objective. A rapid century that contributes to a victory can be particularly memorable, but different match situations demand different approaches.

    Conclusion

    The fastest centuries in men’s T20 International cricket represent some of the most extraordinary displays of batting in the modern game. From Sahil Chauhan’s record-breaking 27-ball hundred to Muhammad Fahad’s 29-ball effort and Abhishek Sharma’s 30-ball century, these performances demonstrate the incredible scoring potential of the T20 format.

    Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Sikandar Raza, and Finn Allen have also secured their places among the fastest centurions with their remarkable 33-ball hundreds. Together, these innings illustrate the expanding boundaries of international batting and the growing competitiveness of T20 cricket worldwide.

    As the format continues to evolve, the race to produce the fastest T20I century will remain one of cricket’s most fascinating statistical contests. Sahil Chauhan currently holds the record, but the aggressive approach of modern batters means that his remarkable achievement may not remain untouched forever.

    For fans, these centuries are more than numbers in a record book. They are examples of skill, courage, power, and the extraordinary entertainment that makes T20 International cricket one of the most popular forms of the game.

    Article accuracy note: Rankings are based on men’s T20 International centuries and the number of balls faced to reach 100, using records available as of October 2026. Domestic T20 competitions, franchise leagues, and women’s T20I records are excluded from this ranking.

    27Oct, 2026
    Dr PK Mishra urges AI-powered early warning systems to curb disaster risks

    Dr PK Mishra urges AI-powered early warning systems to curb disaster risks

    Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, on Tuesday called for a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction, stressing that the next decade must prioritise protecting development, reducing economic losses and saving lives.

    Addressing a meeting of senior officials on disaster risk reduction, convened by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and co-chaired by India and the United Kingdom, Dr Mishra highlighted the growing links among climate change, urbanisation, infrastructure expansion and environmental degradation.

    He emphasised the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning and multi-hazard early warning systems in reducing disaster risks. He stressed that authorities must translate warnings into timely action and ensure access to necessary funding. He also called for advance planning of recovery mechanisms to ensure that reconstruction addresses existing vulnerabilities rather than reproducing them.

    Dr Mishra noted that improvements in early warning systems, preparedness and emergency response have saved lives, but economic losses remain high. He urged authorities to move beyond departmental silos and adopt a holistic approach to understanding risks and their cascading consequences.

    Referring to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Dr Mishra called for faster implementation through 2030 and greater investment in prevention, mitigation and institutional capacity.

    He highlighted India’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, including the Ten-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction introduced in 2016 and the amendments to the Disaster Management Act in 2025.

    Reaffirming India’s commitment to international cooperation, Dr Mishra highlighted the establishment of the G20 Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. He also underscored India’s continued efforts to strengthen global collaboration in disaster risk reduction during its BRICS Chairship.

    Dr Mishra outlined three key priorities: improving the understanding of emerging and interconnected risks; investing more effectively in resilience across public finance, infrastructure, cities and natural systems; and strengthening institutions through practical international cooperation.

    27Oct, 2026
    3rd T20I: Abhishek’s blitz seals India’s series win over New Zealand

    3rd T20I: Abhishek's blitz seals India's series win over New Zealand

    Abhishek Sharma smashed a record-breaking century to power India to a series-clinching victory over New Zealand in the third T20I at the Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday.

    Abhishek unleashed a stunning assault, smashing his fourth T20I century with 113 runs off just 38 balls. His explosive innings helped India chase down the 199-run target in just 13.2 overs, with six wickets to spare. The victory gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

    Abhishek also registered his 11th T20 century, making him the Indian player with the most hundreds in the shortest format. He surpassed veteran batter Virat Kohli, who has scored 10 T20 centuries.

    Abhishek now ranks third on the list of players with the most T20 centuries, behind Chris Gayle (22) and Babar Azam (13).

    While Abhishek dominated the New Zealand attack, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also made a strong impression after opening the innings. He smashed 45 runs off 19 balls as India’s batters shattered multiple records and put the New Zealand bowlers under immense pressure.

    India recorded the highest-ever powerplay total in men’s T20I cricket, scoring 118 without losing a wicket in the first six overs. The team surpassed Romania’s previous record of 116/0 against Serbia in 2021.

    Abhishek and Sooryavanshi tore into New Zealand’s depleted bowling attack and raced towards the target. India also crossed the 100-run mark in just five overs, recording the second-fastest team hundred in T20 cricket. Eswatini hold the record after reaching 100 in 4.5 overs against Mozambique earlier this year.

    The Men in Blue also reached their team fifty in just 2.2 overs, matching the fastest mark in T20 cricket. Papua New Guinea achieved the same feat against Vanuatu, while Romania also reached the milestone in 2.2 overs against Serbia.

    New Zealand’s bowlers endured a difficult outing, with Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson missing the match due to fitness concerns. Returning pacers Kyle Jamieson and Matthew Fisher, along with captain Mitchell Santner, managed to claim wickets. Jamieson took two wickets, while Fisher and Santner claimed one each.

    Jamieson dismissed the dangerous Abhishek for 113 in the 10th over, while Fisher removed Sooryavanshi for 45 in the eighth over. Jamieson later dismissed Sanju Samson for 18, and Santner sent Shreyas Iyer back for five in the 13th over after the Indian batter holed out to deep mid-wicket.

    However, New Zealand had already lost control of the contest. Tilak Varma (1) and Naman Dhir (4) guided India home in the 14th over to seal a six-wicket victory.

    Earlier, Daryl Mitchell struck a career-best 89 not out off 52 balls to guide New Zealand to 198/3. The hosts reached 100/2 at the halfway stage and looked set for a bigger total, but India’s bowlers tightened their lines and restricted them during the final overs.

    Mitchell anchored the innings and remained unbeaten on 89, while Bevon Jacobs contributed 39 off 23 balls. However, New Zealand failed to deliver the late surge they needed to push the total beyond 200.

    New Zealand stood at 123/3 after 12 overs as they prepared for a final assault. India’s bowlers adapted well to the conditions, targeting fuller lengths and yorkers to exploit the ground’s longer straight boundaries and shorter square boundaries.

    India conceded just 63 runs in the final seven overs through disciplined bowling. The visitors rotated four bowlers during the death overs and successfully restricted the hosts.

    Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh praised Abhishek’s explosive century and Sooryavanshi’s contribution after India sealed the third T20I to take an unassailable 3-0 lead.

    Yuvraj also took a playful dig at his own batting while congratulating Abhishek on X.

    “You still can’t get 50 off 12 can you @OfficialAbhi04! Looks like two left-handers batting in their backyard! And I can’t make 100 of 30 or 34 balls. Well played sir @OfficialAbhi04! Great innings aur apne single bhi le liye. Good stuff on the other end by #VaibhavSooryavanshi! Devastating combination! Hats off to @IamSanjuSamson, playing at no. 3 as a complete team man! Well-bowled by our bowlers to keep the score under 200! Great series win congratulations Team India,” Yuvraj wrote.

    India have now secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, clinching another T20I series against New Zealand.

    Brief Scores:
    New Zealand 198/3 (Daryl Mitchell 89*, Finn Allen 40; Arshdeep Singh 1-33, Axar Patel 1-36)
    India 199/4 13.2 overs(Abhishek Sharma 113, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 45; Kyle Jamieson 2-45, Mitchell Santner 1-17)

    26Oct, 2026
    PM Modi attends 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, meets delegates

    PM Modi attends 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, meets delegates

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on Monday and interacted with foreign delegates at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House complex in New Delhi.

    The forum, which began earlier in the day, brought together parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries to discuss ways to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and promote people-centric development.

    Presiding Officers and parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries attended the event alongside Union Ministers, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Presiding Officers of State Legislatures, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.

    Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the meeting and welcomed delegates from BRICS member nations. He emphasised the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation among participating countries.

    In his inaugural address, Birla highlighted the significance of hosting parliamentary delegations from BRICS member nations in India, the world’s largest democracy.

    “On this occasion, the presence of parliamentary delegations from BRICS member nations in India, coming to the world’s largest democratic nation and sharing a joint commitment, will in itself be a special experience,” he said.

    Birla said the presence of BRICS parliamentary representatives in India reflected their shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and democratic values.

    He also noted that the BRICS Parliamentary Forum marks its 20th anniversary this year. He pointed to the organisation’s rapid expansion and its growing capacity to influence global developments and international relations.

    The Lok Sabha Speaker highlighted BRICS’ global significance, noting that its member nations represent nearly half of the world’s population, cover about one-third of the global landmass and account for a substantial share of the global economy and international trade.

    “These reflect our collective strength and global responsibility,” he said.

    Birla acknowledged the geographical, cultural, linguistic and social differences among BRICS countries but stressed that their shared commitment to democratic values and humanity united them.

    He also thanked BRICS member nations for unanimously adopting the joint statement at the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s chairmanship.

    Birla underscored the role of parliaments in building mutual understanding and trust among nations, easing international tensions and addressing global challenges through peaceful means.

    “Parliaments can play a special role in strengthening mutual understanding and trust, reducing international tension and resolving global challenges peacefully,” he said.

    The Lok Sabha Speaker further highlighted BRICS’ potential to strengthen the Global South’s voice and influence in international affairs.

    “BRICS has the ability to become an empowered voice of the Global South. We have to make sure that our ambitions are not just limited to mere discussion, but should also be practical and achievable,” he said.

    26Oct, 2026
    BHASHINI AI boosts multilingual access in academia and research

    BHASHINI AI boosts multilingual access in academia and research

    Voice-first AI and translation tools can help expand multilingual access to academic and research content, government officials said.

    BHASHINI’s multilingual AI ecosystem integrates language datasets, AI models, APIs and applications to support various language technology needs.

    The platform has recorded more than 10 billion cumulative AI inferences. It supports text in 36 Indian languages, voice in 23 Indian languages and 35 international languages.

    BHASHINI’s website translation plugin also enables multilingual access across more than 800 government websites, according to an official statement.

    The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under Digital India Corporation (DIC) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), participated in the 29th International Symposium on Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD-2026), held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi from October 23 to 25.

    Representing DIBD, Baishali Chakraborty led a session on BHASHINI’s multilingual artificial intelligence capabilities and their potential to make scholarly knowledge accessible across languages.

    The session explored how BHASHINI’s Language-First Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can help higher education institutions, libraries and research repositories overcome language barriers and expand access to academic content.

    A live demonstration of Shrutlekh showcased real-time speech transcription with simultaneous translation. The demonstration highlighted its potential applications in lecture halls, research seminars, conferences and academic discussions.

    The session also examined how AI-powered translation could support electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs), including lengthy and specialised academic documents. Presenters showcased BHASHINI Pragati, a document translation workbench developed for the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), to demonstrate structured document translation and review.

    According to the official statement, the workbench can process large documents ranging from 100 to 500 pages while incorporating quality checks and data security measures.

    Harshad Sharma, Senior Manager (Finance) at DIBD, said making research and scholarly knowledge accessible across Indian languages would help build a more inclusive knowledge ecosystem.

    He added that BHASHINI’s multilingual AI capabilities, including document translation and speech technologies, could help universities, libraries and research repositories reach wider audiences. Sharma also stressed the importance of engaging with academic institutions to understand their needs and develop reliable solutions for translating theses, dissertations and other research content across languages.

    25Oct, 2026
    2nd T20I: Tilak shines, Nitish supports as India beat NZ 2-0

    2nd T20I: Tilak shines, Nitish supports as India beat NZ 2-0

    Tilak Varma delivered another clutch performance to lead India’s comeback win against New Zealand in the second T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.

    India stood at 70/5 after 10.5 overs when Tilak smashed an unbeaten 51 off just 26 balls to turn the game around. His explosive knock guided India to a thrilling four-wicket victory as the visitors chased down New Zealand’s 180 with one ball to spare.

    Nitish Kumar Reddy also played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls before hitting the winning runs off Jacob Duffy’s fifth delivery in the final over. The victory gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

    Tilak and Nitish outshone Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips, who had helped New Zealand build a competitive total and put India under pressure. Santner exploited the spin-friendly conditions to claim four wickets for 21 runs. The slow surface also helped the pace bowlers, making run-scoring difficult on the same pitch that had witnessed India chase 226 in the series opener.

    Earlier, Phillips smashed 70 off 43 balls, while Bevon Jacobs contributed 58 off 46 deliveries to help New Zealand post 180/5 on a challenging surface.

    India began the chase with eight consecutive dot balls as Matt Henry bowled a maiden over to Sanju Samson, beating the batter’s bat three times. Abhishek Sharma broke the silence on the ninth delivery but soon miscued a shot against Jacob Duffy towards deep point.

    Abhishek could have departed for just one run when Nathan Smith caught him at deep square leg in Duffy’s second over. However, Duffy overstepped, and the umpire called a no-ball to give the Indian opener another chance.

    Abhishek capitalised immediately, hitting a four off the next delivery. India accelerated to 37 without loss in four overs after the difficult start.

    New Zealand soon regained control as Duffy dismissed Samson for 14 with a slower delivery that the batter hit straight to cover. Returning batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also failed to make an impact, scoring just four off eight balls before Daryl Mitchell took a sharp catch at cover off Nathan Smith.

    Captain Santner then strengthened New Zealand’s grip on the contest. He dismissed Abhishek in his first over when the batter failed to clear deep mid-wicket. Santner struck twice more in the 11th over, removing Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel to leave India struggling at 71/5.

    Naman Dhir fought back with an aggressive 31 off 17 balls to keep India in the contest. Although Bevon Jacobs dropped a straightforward catch at point, Dhir made New Zealand pay for the mistake. He also attacked Michael Bracewell in the 14th over, smashing a six and a four.

    Santner ended Dhir’s resistance in his final over to complete his four-wicket haul, leaving India with a steep challenge. However, Nitish joined Tilak at the crease, and the pair refused to surrender.

    India needed 46 runs from the final 18 balls when Nitish and Tilak attacked Duffy for 17 runs in his third over. Tilak opened the 18th over with consecutive fours, benefiting from a misfield by Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket.

    The Indian vice-captain continued his assault, pulling a crucial four before launching a six to finish the over. Their late surge reduced the target to 11 runs from the final six balls.

    Duffy bowled the final over with New Zealand forced to bring an extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle because of a slow over rate. Tilak struck a boundary through cover off the second ball and reached his half-century with a couple on the next delivery.

    Tilak showed his frustration when Nitish declined a tight second run, but Nitish made amends by hitting a double towards deep backward square leg off the penultimate ball to seal the victory.

    Earlier, Phillips and Jacobs had rescued New Zealand after the hosts lost three wickets for just 41 runs in 5.2 overs. Phillips scored 70 off 43 balls, while Jacobs made 58 off 46 deliveries as they stitched together a 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

    The pair rebuilt the innings on the same surface that had hosted the high-scoring opening T20I. However, the pitch offered greater assistance to bowlers this time, as batters struggled to score against hard lengths.

    India’s bowlers exploited the conditions with disciplined spells, particularly during the powerplay and at the death. Arshdeep Singh claimed two wickets, helping restrict New Zealand to 180/5.

    The hosts posted a competitive total, but Tilak and Nitish’s late assault ensured India crossed the finish line to strengthen their lead in the series.

    Brief Scores:
    New Zealand 180/5 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 70, Bevon Jacobs 58; Arshdeep Singh 2-33, Prince Yadav 1-30)
    India 181/6 in 19.5 overs (Tilak Varma 51, Naman Dhir 31; Mitchell Santner 4-21, Nathan Smith 1-34)

    23Oct, 2026
    AI unlikely to trigger mass layoffs; reskilling to open new opportunities

    AI unlikely to trigger mass layoffs; reskilling to open new opportunities

    AI pioneer Andrew Ng said artificial intelligence is unlikely to cause mass job losses and will instead create new opportunities for workers who reskill.

    He urged students and professionals to acquire new skills rather than fear machine-driven job losses. Ng made the remarks at the NDTV World Summit.

    He called on education providers and training programmes to prepare people for the changing nature of work instead of focusing solely on skills that employers demand today.

    Ng said current AI systems cannot yet eliminate the vast majority of jobs. He added that AI often boosts worker productivity, helping businesses expand and hire more people. “There will be hope and it’s not nearly as bad as the hype says it will,” he said.

    He accused many businesses of exaggerating the threat of AI-driven job losses to inflate their perceived potential or attract public relations attention. He also cited recent data suggesting that AI creates more jobs than it destroys.

    Ng pointed to software engineering as an example of how AI can reshape employment rather than reduce it. “Certainly, in the United States, the number of software engineer job postings is up because when we make software engineers much more productive, we want to hire a lot more of them,” he said.

    He expects similar trends across other sectors as businesses adopt AI tools more widely.

    “We’re readying them not for the jobs of 2026 or even, heaven forbid, the jobs of 2024, but for the jobs of 2028 and beyond. So that’s the challenge ahead of us,” he said.

    However, a recent paper by MIT Institute Professor and economist Daron Acemoglu warned that the current direction of AI development could deepen inequality and increase job losses unless the industry prioritises tools that complement workers.

    Acemoglu argued that policymakers and industry leaders should shift the AI debate away from artificial general intelligence (AGI) and speculative fears towards practical policies that encourage the development of “pro-worker” AI systems.

    23Oct, 2026
    Govt renews push to build future-ready data leaders

    Govt renews push to build future-ready data leaders

    Dr Saurabh Garg, Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) as a key training institution for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS).

    PR Meshram, Director General (Data Governance) at MoSPI and chairman of the Committee for Reforming Capacity Building of ISS officers, submitted the committee’s report to Dr Garg.

    The committee included senior MoSPI officials, knowledge partners and industry experts. Dr Garg commended the committee and the NSSTA team for their efforts and comprehensive, forward-looking recommendations to prepare future-ready data leaders.

    According to an official statement, implementing the recommendations will strengthen India’s capacity-building framework and equip ISS officers to meet emerging data requirements and contribute to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

    The committee reviewed existing ISS training programmes, identified emerging skill requirements and recommended future-oriented training aligned with Mission Karmayogi’s Competency Based Capacity Building (CBCB) framework.

    The proposed framework addresses the evolving responsibilities of ISS officers in data governance, advanced analytics, emerging technologies and evidence-based policymaking, supporting the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

    The committee prepared the report through a consultative, evidence-based process. It drew on the Statistical Training Needs Assessment, existing ISS training programmes, Mission Karmayogi frameworks, international best practices, committee deliberations and stakeholder consultations, the statement said.

    The report outlines a future-ready capacity-building roadmap built around three interconnected components.

    The System of Today reviews the existing ISS training ecosystem, capability-building practices and institutional arrangements at NSSTA.

    The System of Tomorrow establishes a role-linked, competency-based framework covering seven priority capability pillars.

    Strategic Recommendations propose actionable measures to strengthen ISS training, develop future-ready competencies and enhance NSSTA’s institutional capacity, helping the academy transition to the envisioned system.

    The report also presents an integrated framework covering the ISS training ecosystem, capability pillars and institutional architecture. It defines role-specific expectations and assesses the functional, domain-specific and behavioural competencies officers need to perform their duties effectively.

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