The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has deferred the implementation of a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on Person-to-Merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000. Originally set for October 15, the new date will be announced after Diwali, providing relief to users and merchants, especially during the festive season. The decision came amidst opposition concerns about the levy burdening consumers.
The Union Sports Ministry has committed a grant-in-aid of Rs 2000 crore to the Gujarat Government for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. This funding, based on 2025 rates and expected to reach Rs 2500 crore by 2030, will be disbursed from the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) scheme. Ahmedabad won the bid last year to host the centenary edition, which is anticipated to be a grand event featuring 15 to 17 disciplines, unlike the scaled-down Glasgow Games.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has deferred the implementation of a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI payments above Rs 2,000, originally set for October 15, until after Diwali.
Sanju Samson smashed 56 off 22 balls to join India's 100-six T20I club as the team became the second nation to cross 2,000 sixes in the format.
Abhishek Sharma joined India's 2,000-run T20I club with a blistering 69 off 30 balls, equalling Suryakumar Yadav's calendar-year sixes record and registering his seventh powerplay fifty.
'These limits will change. Very soon restrictions, restrictions will come.'
The Indian government has confirmed there will be no rollback of the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective from October 15. Despite opposition, officials state the decision aims to make the UPI ecosystem self-sustainable and secure, with charges applying only to merchant payments, not person-to-person transactions.
Tax experts clarify that merchants will pay 18% GST on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. However, registered merchants can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC), mitigating the tax burden. This move is expected to generate significant GST revenue for the exchequer while funding payment infrastructure.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has endorsed the introduction of a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move, which levies a 0.4 per cent fee on merchant payments above the threshold, aims to bolster the long-term sustainability and growth of India's digital payments ecosystem. The RBI clarified that person-to-person (P2P) transactions and small person-to-merchant (P2M) payments below Rs 2,000 will remain free for users, ensuring no direct charge on customers.
A high-level committee, including representatives from banks and payment associations, is set to decide on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants. While person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions up to Rs 2,000 remain free, the move follows a recent amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, sparking debate and clarification from the Finance Minister that only certain high-value merchant transactions might incur charges.
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has surpassed 2,000 international runs, achieving the milestone with an explosive 57 off 22 balls against Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium. This performance marks a significant return to form for Samson, who has also had a stellar year in T20Is, including a 'Player of the Tournament' award in the T20 World Cup.
A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. The plea argues that the levy was introduced without adequate statutory safeguards, transparency, or public consultation, and questions its constitutional validity and potential adverse effects on merchants and consumers.
Merchants will be subject to an 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, but can mitigate this burden by claiming input tax credit (ITC), according to tax experts.
The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends nearly six years of fully free UPI payments, though person-to-person (P2P) transfers and small P2M payments remain free. The charges aim to bolster investment in UPI infrastructure, with specific exemptions and caps for essential sectors.
Goa successfully hosted the sixth edition of Ironman 70.3, attracting over 2,000 triathletes from 30 countries. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant flagged off the event, reiterating the state's commitment to promoting sports tourism and positioning Goa as a premier destination for such international events.
Sachin Tendulkar opens up about his captaincy days, reveals why Ganguly and Dhoni top his list of favourite leaders and shares his admiration for Temba Bavuma.
An alleged drug peddler, Hariram Jat, who had been hiding in Nepal for nearly a year, was arrested in Sikar, Rajasthan, with 98.40 grams of MDMA. Police had offered a reward for his capture, and he was apprehended on Saturday based on a tip-off.
Sachin Tendulkar delighted fans on Reddit by using a popular Malayalam movie dialogue to playfully deflect a question about his advice to Sanju Samson.
'My parents were crying because they were so excited that I was on screen, that it was an YRF film, and it was opposite Rani Mukerji.'
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has launched a probe after seizing Rs 36,500 from a document writer's agent, suspected to be bribe money, during a surprise inspection at the Edakkara sub-registrar office in Malappuram. An additional Rs 2,000 in unaccounted cash was also recovered from employees. A preliminary inquiry is underway to determine if a case should be registered.
The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) is encouraging pensioners to adopt Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) through face authentication technology. A nationwide campaign is underway to facilitate this process, aiming for digital empowerment and convenience for pensioners, including those in remote areas.
Indian Army athlete Biten Singh clinched the men's title at the sixth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, setting a new course record of 4 hours, 24 minutes and 29 seconds. Over 2,000 triathletes from 30 countries participated in the endurance event. Singh, who trained while serving in Tawang, had aimed to break the record after withdrawing from the 2024 edition. Marina Shliakhtina won the women's category, and Team Fit Swaggers Goa secured the relay title.
J&K Bank MD and CEO Amitava Chatterjee defended the surcharge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, stating it is necessary for the system's long-term sustainability. He also discussed the shift of household savings to mutual funds, the bank's profit growth, and India's consumption-based economy.
Delhi Police arrested 62-year-old Vishwanath Singh alias Munna, who had been absconding for over 26 years in a murder case from 2000. The victim, Jai Prakash, was found injured in 1998 and later died. Investigations revealed Singh allegedly murdered Prakash with a hammer due to suspicion of an illicit affair with his wife, staging it as a hit-and-run. Singh was declared a proclaimed offender in 2001 and was traced through family members after years of changing residences and identities.
How the Indian Air Force's strategic deployment of Mirage 2000 jets and precision laser-guided bombs during Operation Safed Sagar delivered a 'decisive and crushing blow' to the enemy, playing a pivotal role in India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War.
Goa is actively expanding its tourism appeal beyond traditional beaches by strategically positioning itself as a premier international destination for sporting events. This initiative aims to attract athletes and sports enthusiasts globally, diversify tourism offerings, and ensure year-round visitor engagement, fostering economic opportunities for local communities.
Four individuals have been arrested by the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar Police in Maharashtra for allegedly constructing approximately 2,000 unauthorised structures on land earmarked for the Virar-Alibaug Multi-modal Corridor project. The accused reportedly forged documents to illegally claim compensation, exploiting advance intelligence about state land acquisition between 2022 and 2023. The ongoing investigation has uncovered a wider criminal conspiracy, leading to severe charges under the Indian Penal Code.
Delhi Police have arrested two men in Mathura for allegedly operating a cyber fraud scheme that used fake health camps to collect Aadhaar and biometric details from villagers. These details were then used to activate over 3,000 e-SIM cards, linked to frauds worth Rs 2.64 crore. The accused sold activated e-SIMs for profit, with payments made via cryptocurrency.
Veteran batter Paras Dogra has become only the second player to feature in 150 Ranji Trophy matches, joining Wasim Jaffer. Dogra achieved this milestone during his side's match against Baroda on Monday. He has been a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket, also having played in the IPL.
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 510 crore belonging to the Reliance Anil Ambani Group (RAAG) in connection with alleged bank fraud and money laundering cases involving Reliance Home Finance Limited, Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd., and Reliance Communication Ltd. The attached assets include aircraft, land parcels, windmills, and financial instruments.
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has taken over as the new Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal A P Singh. An accomplished fighter pilot with extensive experience, Dixit brings a distinguished career spanning four decades to his new role, having held various command and staff appointments.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has called for continued institutional support for Indian badminton players, highlighting the significant financial challenges faced by younger shuttlers without sponsors. She pointed out the vast disparity in prize money between tennis and badminton, despite similar high expenses for international competitions. Sindhu's comments come after she and Lakshya Sen had to self-fund their recent European tour, prompting a discussion on investment in India's sporting future.
Shuchita Patel, an Indian-American Democrat, is making a historic bid for Forsyth County Commissioner in Georgia, a region with a dark racial past. Running against a 16-year unopposed incumbent, Patel aims to bring change and stand up to what she calls a "bully" opponent, driven by a desire to create a better community for future generations amidst a deeply divided American political landscape.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly has passed a motion urging the central government to completely withdraw the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. Chief Minister V D Satheesan and CPI MLA K Rajan highlighted concerns that the MDR would increase business costs, harm small businesses, and reduce the appeal of digital payments, while the BJP argued it would not affect general public or small merchants.
Over 2,000 pulmonologists and healthcare professionals from India and abroad will gather in Jaipur for NAPCON 2026 to discuss the increasing burden of pulmonary diseases and the critical impact of air pollution on lung health. The conference, organised by the National College of Chest Physicians, India, and the Indian Chest Society, will feature discussions on diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions like COPD and asthma, alongside advances in interventional pulmonology.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan announced India's plan to significantly expand its space operations with four functional launch pads by 2029, including a new SSLV complex at Kulasekarapattinam. He stressed the importance of private sector partnerships to meet global demand and foster economic growth. Narayanan also detailed upcoming Gaganyaan uncrewed tests within the next two months and revealed plans for a collaborative Chandrayaan-5 lunar mission with Japan.
This year's Ekta Diwas parade in Kevadia, Gujarat, will feature around 2,000 artists from 126 Naxal-affected districts and celebrate the significant achievement of ending armed Naxalism in the country. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the annual event on October 31, which also commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary. The celebrations will include cultural performances, innovative tableaux, and will honour security forces while promoting tourism to the Statue of Unity.
Actor Tiger Shroff recently escaped unhurt after a shooting incident in Juhu, Mumbai, making him the latest Bollywood figure to be targeted. This event brings to light a history of similar attacks on film personalities, including filmmaker Rohit Shetty earlier this year, Salman Khan in April 2024, Rakesh Roshan in 2000, and the assassination of Gulshan Kumar in 1997. Comedian Kapil Sharma's restaurant in Canada was also targeted last year.
The Pune Municipal Corporation is undertaking extensive road upgrades across 84 kilometres in preparation for the Pune Grand Tour (PGT) 2027, an international Category 2 cycling competition. These works include improving road surfaces, repairing footpaths, standardising signage, and expediting utility-related infrastructure to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the six-stage event scheduled from January 26 to 31.
Lewis Hamilton secured his first pole position for Ferrari at the Mexico City Grand Prix, a feat that brought back memories of Michael Schumacher's dominant years with the Italian team. At 41, Hamilton also became the oldest pole-sitter since Mario Andretti in 1982, expressing his joy at rewarding Ferrari and reflecting on his enduring passion for the sport.
