Ashok Ahir is a former BBC journalist and director of comms at the Wales Office

The Welsh Rugby Union has appointed Ashok Ahir to the newly created role of director of corporate affairs.

The former director of communications for the Wales Office and deputy director of Communications with the UK Cabinet Office started his media career as a BBC News and BBC Cymru Wales journalist, before spending more than a decade leading the BBC’s politics team in Cardiff.

For the past four years he has been director of communications and engagement at the qualifications regulator, Qualifications Wales.

In his new role he will help shape the WRU’s public voice – supporting engagement with fans, partners, communities, media and wider public life.

READ MORE: The WRU on its financial outlook after £6m deficit to plan on Six Nations and autumn internationalsREAD MORE: Scarlets Rugby extends sponsorship tie-up with food wholesaler Castell Howell

Chief executive of the WRU Abi Tierney, said: “Ashok brings extensive communications and media expertise and a strong understanding of the public and political landscape in Wales and across the UK. We are delighted to welcome him to the WRU at such an important time for the organisation.

“The cultural significance of rugby to the nation cannot be understated and Ashok’s remit will be to enhance and develop our strategic approach, by highlighting and emphasising this fundamental strength of, and central focus for, the WRU.”

Mr Ahir, who lives in Penarth said: “I am both excited and honoured to be joining the WRU in this role.

“Welsh rugby holds a unique place in the life of the nation, and I will work with colleagues across the organisation and the wider game to support the aims and ambitions of our One Wales strategy, helping to tell the story of the game in Wales with clarity, confidence and authenticity.”

Mr Ashir is also the current president of the National Library of Wales. For many years he chaired the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

India is facing one of its toughest external-sector challenges in years as rising oil prices, foreign investor exits, a weakening rupee, and slowing capital inflows put pressure on the country’s economy. Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran described the situation as a “live balance of payments stress test,” warning that India’s ability to manage imports, currency stability, and foreign exchange flows is now under real-time scrutiny.

The Balance of Payments (BoP) is essentially a record of all financial transactions between India and the rest of the world. It tracks how much money flows into the country through exports, foreign investments, remittances, and loans, versus how much flows out through imports, overseas investments, debt repayments, and travel spending. A healthy BoP helps maintain currency stability and strong foreign exchange reserves, while a deficit can weaken the rupee and trigger inflationary pressure.

India’s heavy dependence on imported energy makes the situation especially serious. The country imports nearly 90% of its crude oil and around half of its gas requirements. As global crude prices rise due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, India’s import bill has surged sharply. Since oil purchases are made in dollars, increased demand for foreign currency weakens the rupee and makes imports even costlier.

Economists say the stress test has intensified because several economic pressures are hitting simultaneously. India depends heavily on the Middle East not only for oil and gas, but also for fertilizer inputs, remittances from Indian workers abroad, and export markets. Any instability in the region therefore directly impacts India’s economy.

According to a report by JPMorgan, India’s capital inflows have slowed dramatically. Net capital inflows averaged 2.6% of GDP between 2015 and 2019, but fell to 1.4% in 2024 and nearly vanished in 2025 due to declining foreign direct investment and continued selling by foreign portfolio investors.
At the same time, India’s current account deficit is expected to widen significantly. Economists estimate it could rise to 2.5% of GDP in FY27 compared to 0.9% the previous year. The overall BoP deficit may widen to between $65 billion and $70 billion, marking the third straight year of deficits. HSBC noted that India now faces the twin challenge of reducing its current account deficit while attracting sustainable capital inflows.

The pressure is already visible in trade data. India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to $28.38 billion in April as crude oil imports hit a six-month high. Foreign investors have also pulled out more than $20 billion from Indian equities since tensions linked to Iran escalated, adding further strain to the rupee, which has weakened by over 5% since the conflict intensified.

The last time India experienced consecutive BoP deficits on this scale was after the global oil shocks of the 1970s. Economists often compare the risks to earlier crises such as the 1991 balance of payments crisis, when India’s foreign exchange reserves had fallen dangerously low.

Nageswaran believes the current challenge is not temporary but structural. He has identified four major global shifts reshaping the world economy: geopolitical fragmentation, technology bifurcation, energy transition policies, and rising geopolitical risks. According to him, India must prepare for a prolonged period of uncertainty affecting trade, capital flows, and energy security.

Despite the pressure, the CEA said India still has strong foundations, including fiscal consolidation, infrastructure investment, and reforms carried out over recent years. However, he stressed that managing the current account, financing deficits, and preventing further rupee depreciation will remain India’s biggest macroeconomic priorities in FY27.

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama posted 41 points, 24 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 49 minutes during Game 1 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals on May 18, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record at least 40 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game.

The 22-year-old Spurs center joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to achieve 40-plus points and 20-plus rebounds in a conference finals debut. He also became the fourth player in NBA history — alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — to post at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a single playoff game.

Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game during the 2025-26 regular season while shooting 51.2 percent from the field. He earned Defensive Player of the Year honors as the youngest recipient in league history and led the NBA in blocks for the third straight season.

Through the 2026 playoffs, Wembanyama has posted multiple double-doubles and continued elite production. In earlier rounds he recorded 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a Western Conference Semifinals game, shooting better than 70 percent from the field in that contest.

Shaquille O’Neal has publicly praised Wembanyama’s game. O’Neal called him “the first perfect big man” after a Spurs playoff win, citing his ability to score, defend, shoot and play as a team player.

Wembanyama has surpassed O’Neal for the most games with eight or more blocks by a player under age 23. He has also set early-career benchmarks in defensive production and combined statistical output.

The 7-foot-4 Frenchman, drafted first overall in 2023, has started in multiple All-Star Games and earned Rookie of the Year in 2023-24. His playing style combines perimeter shooting, rim protection and ball-handling skills rarely seen at his size.

San Antonio advanced to the 2026 Western Conference Finals with Wembanyama anchoring the lineup. The Spurs improved dramatically on defense with him on the court, ranking among the league’s top units.

Wembanyama’s statistical milestones include joining O’Neal, Olajuwon and Abdul-Jabbar in rare playoff performances. His Game 1 conference finals showing echoed dominant outings by historical big men while occurring at a younger age.

Through 181 career games entering the 2026 playoffs, Wembanyama averaged 23.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists. His career field-goal percentage stands at 48.4 percent.

The Spurs organization built around Wembanyama with complementary talent, including rookie Dylan Harper. The team returned to deep postseason play for the first time since 2017.

Wembanyama represented France at the 2024 Olympics, winning silver. His international experience contributed to his development ahead of his third NBA season.

At 235 pounds, Wembanyama has continued adding strength while preserving mobility and length. This physical profile differs from traditional centers like O’Neal, who played near 300 pounds in his prime.

League records show Wembanyama’s pace of production in blocks, scoring efficiency and rebounding. He has achieved multiple high-output games combining points, rebounds and blocks.

O’Neal and other analysts have drawn direct comparisons. Discussions focus on Wembanyama’s versatility versus the interior dominance of past greats such as O’Neal, Olajuwon, Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and others.

Wembanyama’s contract runs through at least the 2026-27 season. His presence has increased attention and ticket demand for Spurs games.

Historical centers built legacies over long careers with multiple championships and individual awards. Wembanyama’s early body of work has generated widespread debate about his potential trajectory.

The Spurs face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama’s performance in Game 1 helped secure a series lead.

As the 2026 NBA playoffs continue, Wembanyama’s role remains central to San Antonio’s run. His on-court impact and statistical profile sustain ongoing conversations about his place among the league’s elite centers.

This article was written by

RIO DE JANEIRO — Neymar has been named in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving the 34-year-old forward a chance to appear in his fourth tournament as the national team pursues a record-extending sixth title.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti announced the roster on May 18, 2026, during a gala event in Rio de Janeiro. Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, returns to the national team after a prolonged absence caused by injuries.

Neymar suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during a 2023 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. He underwent multiple procedures and rehabilitation periods while playing for Santos in Brazil. He has made limited club appearances in 2026, with reports indicating 15 matches across 31 possible games this season.

Ancelotti addressed Neymar’s fitness at the squad announcement. “We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition,” the coach said. “He will be an important player in this World Cup.”

The forward has not played for Brazil since 2023. His inclusion displaced other candidates, including Chelsea’s João Pedro, and became one of the most discussed aspects of the roster selection.

Brazil opens Group C play against Morocco on June 13, 2026, at New York/New Jersey Stadium, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland. The group stage will test the team’s depth as it aims to advance deep into the knockout rounds.

Neymar previously featured in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Brazil reached the quarterfinals in 2022 before losing to Croatia on penalties. The team has not won the tournament since 2002.

The squad combines veteran experience with emerging talent. Key forwards alongside Neymar include Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid, Raphinha of Barcelona, Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha and others. Midfield and defensive options feature players from top European clubs.

Ancelotti, who took over as Brazil coach, emphasized experience in certain positions. He noted Neymar’s ability to create a positive environment in the group. The coach indicated Neymar could still improve his fitness before the opening match.

Neymar reacted emotionally to his selection. He posted on Instagram about “tears of pure happiness” and has expressed determination to contribute. In past statements, he described the 2026 tournament as a major goal that motivated his recovery.

Brazil enters the tournament as one of the strong contenders. Betting markets have listed the Selecao among the top favorites alongside several European sides. The team’s path includes a favorable group stage draw.

Injuries have shaped Brazil’s preparation. Several players, including Rodrygo and Estevão, missed the final squad due to fitness issues. Neymar’s recovery trajectory positioned him for selection despite limited recent international minutes.

The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Matches will span multiple venues across the three countries. Brazil’s group games are scheduled in U.S. stadiums.

Neymar currently plays for Santos following earlier stints at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. His club form in 2026 has been managed carefully to preserve fitness for international duty. Reports indicated Santos provided positive fitness updates to the Brazilian federation ahead of the squad announcement.

The Brazilian Football Confederation and Ancelotti monitored Neymar’s condition closely in the months leading to the final roster decision. He underwent additional examinations, including for calf issues, in the lead-up to selection.

Brazil’s squad depth includes goalkeepers such as Alisson and defensive options with European experience. The attacking lineup features speed and creativity that could complement Neymar’s playmaking if he earns minutes.

Preparation matches and training camps will determine Neymar’s role. Ancelotti has flexibility with the 26-player roster as the tournament approaches. Brazil has not released detailed minutes expectations for individual players.

The Selecao’s history includes five World Cup titles, the most of any nation. Success in 2026 would extend that record. The team qualified strongly under previous coaching before Ancelotti’s appointment.

Public reaction in Brazil was immediate and celebratory. Fans chanted Neymar’s name at the announcement event. Social media and streets across the country reflected widespread support for his return.

Neymar’s club contract and future remain separate from his international participation. His focus has centered on reaching peak condition for the June start of the tournament.

FIFA World Cup rules allow roster changes for serious injuries up to a certain point before the tournament. Brazil’s current list is considered final barring exceptional circumstances.

As the tournament nears, all eyes remain on Brazil’s preparation and Neymar’s integration. The team will train in the lead-up to its Group C opener while monitoring player fitness across the squad.

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,300 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.