Google Pay launched the Google Pay Flex Axis Bank credit card on Wednesday, introducing a revolutionary way to use credit in India. Built on the RuPay network, this digital card combines the simplicity of UPI payments with the flexibility of credit cards, making everyday transactions easier for millions of users.

The Flex card allows users to scan and pay at any merchant using UPI while spending on credit. Therefore, people can now enjoy credit benefits without carrying physical cards. Moreover, Google Pay has made the entire process completely digital, eliminating paperwork and long waiting periods.

Key Features of Flex Card

Sharath Bulusu, Senior Director of Product Management at Google Pay, explained that Flex focuses primarily on everyday transactions rather than large purchases. Additionally, the card serves diverse customer segments across different geographies and use cases.

Instant Rewards System

Unlike traditional credit cards, Flex offers immediate rewards after every transaction. Users earn “Stars” that they can redeem instantly, with one Star equaling one Rupee. Consequently, customers don’t need to wait until month-end to use their rewards.

Furthermore, the app provides flexible repayment options. Users can compare three-month or six-month EMI plans directly within Google Pay and choose what suits their cash flow best. This transparency helps people manage their finances more responsibly.

Additional Google Pay Features

Google Pay also introduced “Pocket Money” under the UPI Circle framework. This feature allows parents to give their children supervised spending access with monthly limits up to ₹15,000. Parents receive notifications for every transaction and can approve requests individually or set automatic limits.

Moreover, Google Pay now lets users rate merchants with stars, which feeds directly into Google Maps. This integration makes ratings more seamless and credible for everyone.

Safety and Security

Google Pay claims it prevented financial fraud worth nearly ₹13,000 crore last year. Since October 2024, the platform displayed 4.1 crore warnings against suspected scam transactions. Additionally, for Android 11+ users, the app now displays instant alerts if someone attempts to open Google Pay while screen-sharing with unknown callers.

The platform’s AI chatbot helps users who report fraud incidents, increasing scam detection rates by 21%. These safety measures ensure secure transactions for all users.

With over 530 million users and 23 million merchants onboarded, Google Pay continues to expand India’s digital payment ecosystem. The Google Pay Flex Axis Bank credit card represents a significant step toward democratizing credit access while maintaining simplicity and security.

Interested users can join the waitlist directly within the Google Pay app as the rollout continues across India in the coming months.

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has launched a 17cr traffic infra boost project to transform the city’s congested roads. MLA Kulwant Singh inaugurated the construction work on Tuesday, marking the beginning of major infrastructure upgrades across Mohali.

The project will create three new dumbbell-shaped roundabouts and upgrade several existing junctions. These improvements aim to reduce traffic jams, enhance road safety, and provide relief to thousands of daily commuters who face severe bottlenecks during peak hours.

Project Locations and Status

The most critical work will happen near Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan, where heavy traffic creates daily chaos. Additionally, the light point connecting multiple sectors has become notorious for long jams during morning and evening rush hours.

GMADA Executive Engineer Sukhwinder Singh Matharu explained that construction will proceed in four phases. Therefore, the authority has implemented a detailed traffic diversion plan to minimize public inconvenience. Consequently, vehicles from Kharar will now use the Purva Apartments road, which leads directly to the airport.

The entire project carries an estimated cost of Rs 17.71 crore. Moreover, authorities expect to complete the work by October 2026. However, vehicular movement should resume on most routes within one to one-and-a-half months.

Source: The Indian Express

MLA Kulwant Singh announced additional development plans during the inauguration. He promised to propose naming the new roundabout after Amar Shaheed Jathedar Baba Hanuman Singh. Furthermore, he revealed plans to lay the foundation stone for a women’s hostel in Sector 66 soon.

Singh emphasized that five roundabouts have already been constructed in Mohali. The current project builds on this success to create a comprehensive traffic solution. Meanwhile, he clarified that ongoing anti-encroachment drives follow strict court directions and should not be politicized.

The expansion of the Mohali Municipal Corporation limits will further accelerate pending development works. As a result, residents can expect faster implementation of long-awaited infrastructure projects.

This 17cr traffic infra boost represents the Punjab government’s commitment to Mohali’s holistic urban development. The improvements will significantly enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and make daily commutes safer for everyone.

Indian opener Prithvi Shaw experienced a roller-coaster ride at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. Initially, no team showed interest in him despite his base price of just ₹75 lakh. However, the day ended with an unexpected twist that brought him back to his IPL family.

The Painful Start

The auction began badly for Shaw. His name appeared in the first session, but surprisingly, no franchise placed a bid. Subsequently, the auctioneer called his name again during the accelerated auction round. Unfortunately, he faced rejection once more.

This double disappointment clearly hurt the 26-year-old cricketer. Consequently, he took to Instagram and posted a heartbreak emoji with the words “It’s Ok.” This emotional response showed how deeply the rejection affected him.

Prithvi Shaw at 9:10 PM: uploaded a sad story after going unsold even in Round 2.

9:17 PM: sold to DC for ₹75L in round 3.

Story deleted. God’s plan. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/463IFPhuDX

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) December 16, 2025

The Dramatic Turnaround

Just when Shaw seemed finished with the IPL 2026, something unexpected happened. Towards the end of the auction, Delhi Capitals suddenly revived his name for a third time. Moreover, they picked him up at his base price of ₹75 lakh.

Shaw’s IPL Journey

The young opener responded quickly to this good news. Within just six minutes, he deleted his heartbreak post. Instead, he shared the Delhi Capitals’ welcome post featuring himself with captain Axar Patel. Furthermore, he captioned it “Back to my family” with a heart emoji, showing his happiness.

Recent Form and Struggles

Shaw’s IPL journey hasn’t been smooth recently. Between 2023 and 2024, he scored only 304 runs from 16 games. Therefore, the Delhi Capitals released him before IPL 2025. Additionally, he missed the entire 2025 season without a team.

However, Shaw worked hard on his game during this difficult period. Recently, he showed promising form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26. Specifically, he scored 183 runs in seven matches with a strike rate above 160. This performance proved he still possesses the talent that made him famous.

Career Highlights

Shaw’s cricket journey started brilliantly. As a teenager, he scored an incredible 546 runs in a Harris Shield match – the highest score in organized cricket since 1901. Subsequently, he captained India to victory in the 2018 U19 Cricket World Cup.

International Career Stats

• Test matches: 5 games (debut: October 2018 vs West Indies)
• ODIs: 6 games (last match: July 2021 vs Sri Lanka)
• Fastest Ranji double century: Achieved in October 2024

Moreover, Shaw represented Northamptonshire in England’s County Championship during 2023-24. Recently, he switched from Mumbai to Maharashtra for domestic cricket opportunities.

Why Delhi Capitals Picked Him?

Several factors likely influenced DC’s decision. First, Shaw knows the team culture well from his six-year association. Second, his recent domestic form shows improvement. Third, at ₹75 lakh, he represents excellent value for money. Finally, his experience opening the batting adds depth to DC’s squad.

What This Means Going Forward?

This comeback gives Shaw a crucial opportunity to revive his career. He needs consistent performances to regain selectors’ attention for international cricket. Additionally, playing for his familiar franchise removes adjustment pressures.

The emotional Instagram journey captured cricket fans’ attention nationwide. His honest reaction to rejection resonated with many people. Furthermore, the quick turnaround from despair to joy created a heartwarming story.

In conclusion, Prithvi Shaw gets another chance to prove himself at the highest level. His return to Delhi Capitals completes a circle that started in 2018. Now, cricket fans eagerly wait to see if this homecoming produces the performances that once made him India’s most promising young talent.