Nine-year-old Arshi Gupta has etched her name in Indian motorsport history by becoming the first Indian female to win the FMSCI National Karting Championship (Rotax) in the Micro Max class. The Delhi Public School, Faridabad student clinched the title at Meco Kartopia, Bengaluru, racing against competitors aged 8–12. Remarkably, she achieved this feat in only her second competitive season, becoming both the first Indian female and the youngest-ever champion in the Rotax series’ 21-year history.
Season highlights and decisive round
Racing for Leapfrog Racing, Arshi, born on 18 October 2016 in Faridabad, built her title momentum with a win in Round 3 at the Madras International Karting Arena in August 2025, followed by dominant performances in Coimbatore. In the Bengaluru finale, she stormed from mid-grid to victory in the Pre-Final and then controlled the Final from pole position to secure the national crown.
Racecraft and skill
Competing in the Micro Max category demands precision, consistency, and composure. Arshi impressed with clean starts, tactical overtakes, and mature tyre management—traits that belied her age. Her ability to adapt across circuits with varying grip and technical layouts showcased exceptional race intelligence for a nine-year-old.
Early start and training pathway
Arshi’s journey began when her father noticed her natural flair for speed during cycling sessions. Under coach Rohit Khanna, she began structured karting training in Gurugram in 2023. Her first major outing came at the Meritus Cup in 2024, and she entered the Rotax Nationals in 2025 as the youngest female competitor. International stints in the UAE (five months) and the UK (10 weeks) further refined her pace and discipline.
She also holds an India Book of Records title as the youngest female to earn a National Karting Licence, and represented Team India at the Asia Pacific Motorsports Championships in Sri Lanka (September 2025), finishing fourth in her class.
We’ve long seen banks offer easy loans against gold, but now the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is adding a new sparkle – loans against silver. With the “Lending Against Gold and Silver Collateral Directions, 2025” coming into effect on April 1, 2026, borrowers can soon pledge their silver ornaments and coins for quick cash, just like gold.
Who Can Lend and Who Can Borrow
Under the new norms, commercial banks, small finance banks, regional rural banks, co-operative banks, NBFCs and housing finance companies can all extend loans against silver. However, loans against bullion (primary silver or gold) or financial assets like ETFs or mutual funds are not allowed. Only jewellery, ornaments and coins qualify.
How Much You Can Pledge
The RBI has set clear limits:
Gold ornaments: Up to 1 kg
Silver ornaments: Up to 10 kg
Gold coins: Up to 50 g
Silver coins: Up to 500 g The loan tenure for bullet repayment-style loans can’t exceed 12 months.
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio The amount you can borrow depends on the LTV ratio:
Up to ₹2.5 lakh – 85%
₹2.5–5 lakh – 80%
Above ₹5 lakh – 75% This means for every ₹100 worth of silver, you can get up to ₹85 as a loan.
Valuation & Transparency
Valuation will be based on the lower of the last day’s or 30-day average price, as published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange. Only the intrinsic metal value counts gems or stones are excluded. Borrowers must be present during valuation, receive a certificate, and all loan documents must be in their preferred language.
Collateral & Auction Rules
Collateral will be stored in secured vaults, with surprise audits for safety. Once a loan is repaid, silver or gold must be returned within 7 working days or lenders pay ₹5,000 per day for delays. If the borrower defaults, lenders can auction the pledged items, but only after proper notice and at a reserve price of at least 90% of current value.
With these detailed norms, the RBI has not just expanded access to credit but also ensured trust, transparency, and accountability proving that silver too, can now shine as collateral.
Records are meant to be broken, but Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary didn’t just break one, he obliterated them all. The 25-year-old right-hander set the cricketing world ablaze by scoring the fastest fifty in First-Class history, reaching the landmark in just 11 balls during a Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh.
Eight Sixes. One Dream. Eternal Glory.
Walking in at No. 8 with Meghalaya cruising at 576 for 6, Akash unleashed a storm that no one saw coming. Facing bowler Limar Dabi, he struck six consecutive sixes in a single over, followed by two more in the next rewriting what power-hitting means in red-ball cricket. By the time Meghalaya declared at 628, Akash was unbeaten on 50 off just 14 balls, his innings glittering with pure audacity and confidence.
His feat shattered the previous record held by England’s Wayne White (12-ball fifty in 2012) and outpaced India’s fastest First-Class fifty (15 balls by Bandeep Singh). In doing so, Akash carved his name into cricket’s global folklore.
From Lean Patch to Lightning Strike
What makes his achievement even more inspiring is his journey. Having endured a string of low scores in recent games, Akash’s resurgence began with a fighting fifty against Bihar, a spark that turned into a wildfire in Surat.
Adding to the fairytale, Akash also struck early with the ball, proving his mettle as a complete cricketer.
A Star from the Hills Who Lit Up the Nation
In a season of extraordinary Ranji moments, Akash Kumar Choudhary’s 11-ball masterpiece stands apart, a reminder that dreams don’t just come true; sometimes, they soar beyond imagination. From Meghalaya’s valleys to cricket’s record books, Akash has arrived to script many more success stories.
India’s contemporary foreign policy trajectory reflects a marked recalibration toward diversifying partnerships within the Global South. Against the backdrop of evolving global alignments, economic vulnerabilities, and emerging power centres, New Delhi’s outreach to strategically significant yet previously peripheral regions underscores its intent to expand its diplomatic spectrum. The strengthening of partnerships with Armenia in the South Caucasus and Argentina in Latin America reveals an integrated approach to advancing India’s geopolitical, economic, and energy security interests. Both relationships illustrate India’s strategic pursuit of multi-vector diplomacy, consolidating its position as a pivotal actor fostering South–South cooperation amid a shifting global order.
Reframing India–Armenia Defence and Strategic Engagement
India’s engagement with Armenia has deepened substantially in recent years, anchored in mutual security priorities and shared concerns about regional stability. The defence domain has become the linchpin of this partnership. India’s export of high-value military hardware, including multi-barrel rocket launch systems and advanced counter-drone technologies, aligns with Armenia’s defence modernization efforts and demonstrates India’s emergence as a credible supplier in the international defence market. These transactions are more than commercial exchanges; they signify a convergence of strategic interests and reinforce India’s readiness to support like-minded partners facing asymmetric security challenges.
Beyond defence sales, New Delhi has institutionalized political consultations with Yerevan, seeking to establish a sustained dialogue on peace, connectivity, and stability across the South Caucasus. For India, strengthening relations with Armenia serves dual objectives—enhancing its geostrategic footprint in Eurasia and ensuring that its interests are represented in a region historically dominated by external powers. Through targeted diplomatic initiatives, capacity-building assistance, and defence cooperation agreements, India is positioning itself as a stabilizing force and credible stakeholder in Armenia’s security architecture. This alignment not only enhances bilateral trust but also introduces an additional vector for India’s engagement with Eurasian geopolitics, which aligns with its broader policy of counter-balancing regional rivalries and securing routes for trade and energy diversification.
Deepening India–Argentina Cooperation in Agriculture and Energy
India’s expanding engagement with Argentina demonstrates its intent to build long-term economic partnerships rooted in complementarity and resilience. As one of Latin America’s leading agricultural producers, Argentina has emerged as a strategic contributor to India’s food security framework. Bilateral trade in essential agricultural commodities such as soy, sunflower oil, and animal feed has grown substantially, helping India to mitigate vulnerabilities in its domestic supply chain while enabling Argentina to diversify export markets. This cooperation represents a pragmatic dimension of India’s economic diplomacy—leveraging agricultural collaboration to secure essential resources while strengthening South–South interdependence.
The energy component of the India–Argentina relationship is equally significant. With rising global demand for critical minerals, India’s collaboration with Argentina on lithium exploration and procurement represents a forward-looking dimension of its energy security strategy. Argentina’s prominence as a key member of the global “lithium triangle” provides India access to indispensable raw materials required for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicle production. Through investments in joint ventures, research collaborations, and supply chain development, India aims to establish long-term partnerships that can sustain its domestic manufacturing ecosystem and clean-energy transition. The synergy between food and energy trade exemplifies a comprehensive partnership model—one that addresses India’s domestic developmental priorities while reinforcing South–South industrial and technological cooperation.
Connectivity, Multipolarity, and Strategic Autonomy
The parallel development of India’s engagements with Armenia and Argentina aligns with its broader objective of creating a resilient and diversified network of partnerships across the Global South.
By engaging strategically with countries situated along distinct regional axes, India is reinforcing its vision of strategic autonomy while reducing dependency on traditional geopolitical blocs. In the case of Armenia, this involves deepening political and security ties within Eurasia to strengthen India’s connectivity alternatives beyond conventional supply routes. In Argentina’s case, it entails expanding India’s economic footprint across Latin America, contributing to diversified access to markets and critical resources. These twin partnerships also symbolize India’s commitment to advancing a multipolar global order that gives greater agency to emerging economies.
By building sustainable relationships with partners across distinct continents, India reinforces the principle that global governance should reflect equitable participation and collective progress. This multipolarity-oriented diplomacy also strengthens India’s capacity to serve as a bridge between regions, facilitating cooperation, trade, and knowledge exchange among developing nations. The strategic complementarity of these relationships underscores India’s evolving role—not merely as a regional power, but as a global partner advocating inclusive development and shared stability.
Policy Implications and Forward Pathways
The consolidation of India’s relations with Armenia and Argentina offers clear policy implications extending beyond bilateralism. For India’s policymakers, these partnerships represent experimental blueprints for broader South–South collaboration. The defence and strategic cooperation with Armenia sets a precedent for India’s role as a reliable security partner capable of contributing to regional equilibrium without direct intervention. Meanwhile, the agricultural and energy cooperation with Argentina illustrates the potential for interregional supply chains rooted in sustainable growth and technological collaboration.
Going forward, expanding institutional engagement mechanisms such as joint commissions, business forums, and technology dialogues will be critical. India’s focus should remain on integrating these bilateral initiatives into a broader framework of South–South cooperation that enhances trade connectivity and facilitates knowledge exchange in sectors like renewable energy, defence manufacturing, and agri-tech. The sustained success of these relationships also depends on synchronized diplomatic outreach, alignment with domestic policy objectives such as “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” and proactive engagement with regional organizations such as CELAC and the Eurasian Economic Union. These multilateral linkages can further amplify India’s strategic visibility while offering platforms for policy synchronization and cross-regional cooperation.
Conclusion
India’s evolving partnerships with Armenia and Argentina exemplify a deliberate strategic recalibration designed to advance South–South cooperation and reinforce India’s global stature as a pragmatic and reliable partner. Through defence cooperation with Armenia, India asserts its growing influence in Eurasian stability; through agricultural and lithium partnerships with Argentina, it strengthens its trade diversification and energy security. Together, these engagements mark a decisive transition in India’s foreign policy—from regional balancing to global bridge-building. As India continues to adapt to the complexities of the twenty-first-century order, its diplomacy with Armenia and Argentina will serve as pivotal instruments for both expanding strategic depth and fostering a more balanced and interconnected world economy.
(This article has been written by Vanshika Chaudhary. She is a post graduate in Political Science and has been a college topper)
The roar of “Thala! Thala!” is set to echo once again across Chepauk. The man, the myth, the heartbeat of Chennai, MS Dhoni is back! Just when fans had begun to wonder if the 2025 season was his last dance, Dhoni has silenced all speculation with one of the most heartwarming comebacks of the year confirming his return for IPL 2026 with Chennai Super Kings.
At 44, most would have hung up their boots, but Dhoni is built differently. For nearly two decades, he’s carried the hopes of millions, calm in chaos, fearless under fire. His decision to don the yellow jersey once again is more than just a sporting announcement; it’s an emotion. It’s a promise that the man who built an empire of loyalty, discipline, and belief isn’t done yet.
For CSK fans, this is nothing short of a festival. After a tough 2025 season, the sight of Dhoni walking out at Chepauk that slow stride, the slight nod, the thunderous crowd chanting “Mahi! Mahi!” will be goosebump-worthy. The legend who has given Chennai five IPL titles and countless memories is ready to take charge once again, not for records or glory, but for love- love for the game, the city, and the people who never stopped believing in him.
MS Dhoni’s comeback isn’t just a headline, it’s a heartbeat returning. The Captain Cool of Indian cricket is back in yellow, and once again, the IPL will shine brighter because Thala never leaves, he only returns.
Ryan Williams, a name that now symbolizes passion, sacrifice, and belonging has taken one of the boldest steps in modern football. The 32-year-old midfielder, born in Perth, Australia, gave up his Australian citizenship to officially become an Indian and fulfil his dream of playing for the Indian national football team.
Williams’ journey is extraordinary not just because of what he achieved, but because of what he gave up. Leaving behind the privileges of an Australian passport, he chose to follow his heart and wear the tricolour, proving that identity is more about emotion than paperwork.
His Indian roots run deep. Williams’ mother was born in an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai, and his grandfather, Lincoln “Linky” Grostate, represented Bombay in the Santosh Trophy in the 1950s.
Football runs in his blood and now, India runs in his heart. After an impressive career across clubs in England and Australia including stints at Fulham, Barnsley, Oxford United, and Perth Glory Williams joined Bengaluru FC, where he found more than just a team. He found a home. Encouraged by Indian captain Sunil Chhetri, Williams decided to take the ultimate leap to renounce his Australian passport and become an Indian citizen.
His citizenship ceremony, conducted by Chhetri himself, was emotional and symbolic. Williams’ heartfelt message said it all: “Honoured to make official what’s long felt true… India, I’m one of your own!”
Ryan Williams’ decision isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a statement. A statement of love, loyalty, and belief in Indian football’s future. In an era where players chase money and fame, Williams chose meaning. He didn’t just join a team; he joined a nation.
India is set to enter a new era of digital connectivity and it’s beginning right from the heart of Maharashtra. In a historic move, Elon Musk’s Starlink is officially rolling out its high-speed satellite internet service in India, starting with Maharashtra, marking a monumental leap in the country’s journey toward a truly connected future.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that Maharashtra will be the first Indian state to formally collaborate with Starlink, calling it a game-changing step in bringing satellite-enabled internet to even the most remote corners of the state.
“This collaboration will ensure Maharashtra leads India in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure,” Fadnavis announced on X.
Starlink, a venture by Musk’s SpaceX, uses a network of low-orbit satellites to deliver lightning-fast internet to areas where traditional networks fail to reach. The initiative will be especially transformative for rural schools, healthcare centres, and underserved communities, ensuring digital equality across regions.
This development follows major telecom partnerships earlier this year: Jio Platforms and Bharti Airtel both struck deals with SpaceX to bring Starlink internet to their customer base, signalling the dawn of a new tech collaboration between Indian telecom giants and Musk’s space internet network.
Starlink’s Vice President of Business Operations, Lauren Dreyer, expressed excitement about the India launch, saying, “We’re looking forward to connecting schools, medical facilities and beyond in the most remote and unconnected areas once Starlink receives final approvals.”
The announcement aligns with a broader wave of global tech investments pouring into India. With Google investing $15 billion to build its largest AI hub outside the U.S. and companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity entering Indian markets, the country is fast becoming the world’s next digital powerhouse.
Starlink’s arrival is not just a tech milestone it’s a moment of national pride. India’s digital sky just got wider, faster, and limitless.
The heartbeat of India just got another reason to beam with pride Mumbai has officially been crowned the happiest city in Asia for 2025, according to Time Out’s latest global happiness survey. The poll, which gathered insights from over 18,000 urban residents across major Asian metros, highlights what every Mumbaikar already knows: happiness in this city isn’t found in silence, but in its beautiful chaos.
Why Mumbai Is Beaming with Joy
1. Happiness in the Hustle: For 94% of Mumbai’s residents, the city itself sparks joy. From early morning train rushes to the glittering skyline at Marine Drive, happiness here isn’t about calmness, it’s about rhythm, resilience, and relentless hope.
2. A City That Feels Like Family: Nearly 9 out of 10 people said they feel happier in Mumbai than anywhere else they’ve lived. It’s a place where neighbours become friends, where strangers lend a hand, and where community is not a concept, it’s a way of life.
3. The Happiness Curve Is Rising: The survey revealed that 87% of Mumbaikars feel the city’s happiness levels have grown in recent years. From improved infrastructure to inclusive spaces and booming career opportunities, Mumbai continues to evolve and people are feeling the difference.
4. Where Dreams Fuel Joy: It’s impossible to separate Mumbai from its dreamers. The pulse of Bollywood, the promise of possibilities, and the magnetic pull for ambition all give Mumbai an optimism that’s infectious.
5. Happiness Served Hot: Ask any local: joy tastes like a plate of vada pav or bhel at a street corner. Mumbai’s iconic food culture keeps spirits high, one spicy bite at a time.
The Other Happy Hotspots of Asia
Following Mumbai on the 2025 happiness index are Beijing, Shanghai, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Seoul each city shining in its own unique way.
In the end, Mumbai’s win isn’t just about statistics, it’s about spirit. It’s proof that happiness doesn’t need perfection; it just needs people who keep smiling through the traffic, the chaos, and the dreams that never stop chasing the sunrise.
When you land in Japan, you’ll quickly realize it’s a world where *nobody says “No”, they simply live it. Beneath the neon lights of Tokyo and the calm of Kyoto lies a web of unwritten rules designed to preserve harmony, respect and social ease. Here are eight behaviours that may surprise you but follow them and you’ll fit right in.
1. No tipping. In Japan, for service staff, tipping can come across as awkward or even insulting. Great service is considered standard; adding extra money is not expected.
2. No phone calls on public transport. Buses, trains and especially subways are kept quiet. Talking on your phone is seen as disruptive to the community’s peace.
3. No eating while walking. Stopping to eat is the norm; wandering the pavement with a snack marks you as outsider. Clean streets and respect for others explain why.
4. No shoes indoors. From homes to certain restaurants and temples, you’ll find shoes left at the doorstep. It’s about cleanliness and minding your place.
5. No public displays of affection (PDA) like overt kissing or hugging. While not illegal, physical intimacy in public spaces is rare and may feel out of place, the focus is on subtlety and group comfort.
6. No trash bins on every corner and no littering. The streets stay clean because people carry their trash until they find a receptacle. It’s collective responsibility.
7. Roads and crossings follow order even when empty. Jay-walking or ignoring crosswalks in Japan attracts notice. The white lines are respected even when no car is in sight.
8. No unnecessary chatter in elevators or other shared spaces. Silence in elevators, trains or other close-quarters reflects mindfulness of others’ comfort. Even small talk is toned down.
These aren’t laws but the heartbeat of Japanese social life – quiet, considerate, seamless. For a visitor, the reward isn’t just avoiding faux-pas but glimpsing how a society thrives by putting others first. Respect the “Nos” and you’ll discover Japan not just as a destination but as an experience.
India’s digital transformation is no longer just a vision, it’s happening right in our hands. From booking flights and filing taxes to storing essential documents and investing in government bonds, official apps launched by the Government of India are simplifying everyday life for citizens. Here’s a look at seven must-have government apps that bring convenience, transparency, and efficiency to your fingertips, a true reflection of a Digital India in motion.
1. DigiYatra What it is: A digital travel credential app launched by the Digi Yatra Foundation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) that uses facial recognition so you can pass through airport entry, security and boarding with minimal document checks. Why you should have it: If you fly domestically in India, this app can reduce queuing and speed up the process, your face becomes your boarding pass.
2. AIS for Taxpayers What it is: A mobile application provided by the Income Tax Department that lets taxpayers view their Annual Information Statement (AIS), Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS) and provide feedback on the data. Why you should have it: It gives you visibility into what the tax department has recorded (TDS, dividends, etc.), helping you verify before filing returns making your tax life simpler and less risky.
3. RBI Retail Direct What it is: A platform from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) enabling retail investors to open a “Retail Direct Gilt (RDG)” account and invest in government securities (G-Secs), Treasury Bills and Sovereign Gold Bonds. Why you should have it: If you want a safe, direct route to invest in government bonds without brokers, this app/panel gives you access useful for savings and diversification.
4. RailOne What it is: A “super app” launched by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) on behalf of Indian Railways integrating ticket booking, live train tracking, grievances, e-catering and more. Why you should have it: Travelling by train? This single app combines many services you’d otherwise use multiple apps or websites for simplifying your journey.
5. mParivahan What it is: Official app for storing your driving licence (DL) and vehicle registration certificate (RC) digitally, recognized by Indian traffic authorities. Why you should have it: Avoid carrying physical documents, and in case of checks or travelling, you’ll have digital credentials handy safer and more convenient.
6. DigiLocker What it is: A government-approved cloud storage app/service under MeitY (Ministry of Electronics & IT) where you can store verified digital documents (like licence, certificates) and get them issued digitally by agencies. Why you should have it: Helps you access important documents anytime, present them digitally for services, and reduce dependency on physical copies.
7. UMANG What it is: Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) – a mega app that provides multiple government services (Centre, States) on one platform: payments, certificates, schemes, etc. Why you should have it: One stop shop for many government services instead of multiple apps; saves time and gives you access to both central and local services digitally.
