The Supreme Court has refused to grant an interim stay on the imposition of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, which is set to take effect from October 15. The court has agreed to examine the challenge to this new fee and has issued notices to the Centre, RBI, and NPCI, seeking their responses within four weeks. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) argues that the levy lacks statutory safeguards, transparency, and public consultation, and could adversely affect merchants and consumers.
'Their functioning is flawed, they are not accountable, they are opaque, they are non-transparent, they have lost credibility.'
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of acting as a 'weapon' for the ruling BJP, while MNS leader Raj Thackeray demanded the cancellation of Maharashtra's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, amidst a large protest march in Mumbai.
UPI transactions saw a 27% volume increase and 20% value increase in the first half of the current fiscal year. Despite a slight moderation in September, the digital payment system is set to implement a 0.4% merchant discount rate on transactions over Rs 2,000, aiming for a sustainable revenue model. Small merchants and person-to-person payments remain exempt, and UPI's global presence continues to expand.
In a major disclosure, Anwar Gargash, an adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, has officially termed the cockpit attack aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight a "dangerous terrorist act," marking the first time a top Emirati official has formally classified the attempted crash in such terms.
'UPI has been free since Covid, so why is the government charging us now?'
Indian badminton doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, world No. 5, suffered a surprising first-round exit at the Asian Games, losing to Thailand's Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Peeratchai Sukphun. The duo cited a demanding schedule, lack of recovery, and mental struggles as factors, while also acknowledging their opponents' strong performance.
Zinedine Zidane's France were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in their Nations League match at the Stade de France. Michael Olise opened the scoring for France, but Alessandro Bastoni equalised for Italy. The match also saw France reduced to 10 men late in the game. In another Group A1 fixture, Belgium secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Turkey.
Abhijeet Dipke has issued a strong call to Indian opposition parties, urging them to boycott elections if they genuinely believe the electoral process is rigged, arguing that their continued participation only legitimises alleged unfairness.
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.
Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu voiced strong displeasure regarding the "not really well organised" badminton scheduling at the Asian Games, citing three matches in 24 hours and insufficient recovery time.
From Azhar and Sanju to Thackeray and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Bollywood has often struggled to tell controversial true stories without turning their subjects into heroes.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled against compelling employees to wear Santa Claus red caps, stating such actions can hurt religious sentiments and are not permitted in India's democratic system. The court partly allowed a plea challenging criminal proceedings against an individual accused of forcing subordinates to wear the caps, clarifying how such cases should be treated under law.
Fintech firm BharatPe has publicly supported the government's new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for UPI merchant transactions, which introduces a 0.4% fee on transfers over Rs 2,000. The company has also distanced itself from its former co-founder Ashneer Grover's strong criticism of these changes, stating his remarks are personal and do not reflect BharatPe's official position. BharatPe believes the new framework will strengthen digital payment economics while protecting consumers and small merchants.
A member of the National Traders' Welfare Board (NTWB) has urged the central government to withdraw its decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective from October 15. He warned that the new charge, which will be borne by merchants, could negatively impact business growth and lead to higher prices, contradicting the government's 'ease of doing business' policy.
Government sources clarify that the 0.4% merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, will not be passed on to consumers. The charge, paid by merchants, aims to create a sustainable revenue framework for the digital payments ecosystem, with funds shared among banks and UPI entities. Small merchants using QR codes for up to Rs 1 lakh monthly are exempt.
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.
Virat Kohli, after becoming the second batter to reach 15,000 ODI runs and scoring his 55th ton, stated that personal milestones are not his primary focus.
The opposition has strongly criticised the government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15. They allege the move is a result of US pressure and will lead to increased commodity prices, calling it a "betrayal" of the common man. The government, however, clarifies that customers will not be charged, and the MDR applies only to merchants for larger transactions.
Fintech company BharatPe has expressed strong support for the government's new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for UPI merchant transactions, which introduces a 0.4% fee on transfers exceeding Rs 2,000. The company explicitly distanced itself from critical remarks made by its former co-founder Ashneer Grover, clarifying that his views do not represent BharatPe's stance. BharatPe CEO Nalin Negi highlighted that the framework aims to strengthen digital payment economics, protect consumers and small merchants, and expand adoption in underserved markets, with most transactions remaining unaffected.
The Congress party has accused the Indian government of imposing new charges on UPI transactions due to pressure from the United States, specifically to benefit American card companies. The opposition party demanded the withdrawal of the decision, calling it "anti-national" and alleging it fills the coffers of US firms while burdening Indian citizens. The government, however, clarified that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges apply only to commercial transactions above Rs 2,000 and are not levied on consumers, a stance supported by the BJP which accused Congress of spreading "fake news".
Chef Sabyasachi Gorai proves how delicious meat-free meals can be by filling in crisp tacos with juicy pulled plant-based meat, topped with fresh vegetables and Mexican flavours.
The Congress party has strongly criticised the Modi government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000, alleging it is a result of US pressure to benefit American card companies. The party also linked this move to broader US actions against India, including tariffs and H-1B visa issues, coining the term "Narendra's Ongoing Trump Appeasement." The government, however, clarified that consumers will not bear the charge, which applies only to merchants.
The Congress party has accused the Modi government of succumbing to US pressure by introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000 for merchants. The party alleges this move aims to benefit US card companies and links it to broader US actions against India, including tariffs and H-1B visa issues. The government, however, clarifies that consumers will not be charged.
Indian hockey stars Hardik Singh and Manpreet Singh shared their thoughts on the recent Asian Games gold medal win, which also secured their qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics. They discussed their dietary plans, coach Craig Fulton's positive influence, and the team's belief in their attacking prowess.
CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya has strongly criticised the newly introduced Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI transactions, labelling it a "UPI tax" and demanding its immediate rollback. He drew parallels with demonetisation, arguing that the new framework would negatively impact small shopkeepers, MSMEs, and ordinary citizens by increasing prices.
The Election Commission has issued an interim order preventing rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), led by Mamata Banerjee and Arup Roy, from using the party name and its "Flowers and Grass" symbol during the upcoming West Bengal by-elections. Both groups have been directed to submit preferred names and symbols by Friday morning for recognition and allotment for the bypolls, as the EC undertakes a substantive determination of the party dispute.
The Enforcement Directorate has attached fresh assets worth Rs 442 crore belonging to online gaming company Gameskraft and its app RummyCulture, bringing the total frozen assets in the money laundering probe to Rs 2,843 crore. The agency alleges the company used bots to defraud users and generated proceeds of crime through platform commissions.
From meme-worthy poster carrying youngsters to an E20 petrol hater to the disenfranchised and youth with spine, the CJP's Shivaji Park rally on Friday saw them all.
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has appointed Ishan Anand, Mayawati's younger nephew, as its new national coordinator. This decision follows the removal of his elder brother, Akash Anand, from all party responsibilities. The appointment was made at a national executive meeting, where Mayawati reiterated the party's commitment to avoiding dynastic politics.
A court in Bhiwandi, Thane, rejected the anticipatory bail application of former BJP MLA Narendra Pawar in a gangrape case. The court deemed the allegations grave and a prima facie case, necessitating custodial interrogation. Pawar and another accused, Shailesh Patil, are accused of gangraping a woman at a farmhouse after luring her there.
Defending champions India secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asian Games hockey semifinal, thanks to a last-minute goal by Abhishek. India initially led 3-0 but allowed Pakistan to stage a comeback, scoring three goals to level the score before Abhishek's decisive strike with just 45 seconds remaining. The win sends India to the final, though their second-half performance raised questions.
India's Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra has warned that the upcoming rabi (winter) crop season is likely to be challenging for rainfed areas due to the strengthening El Nio weather pattern, potentially affecting foodgrain production. This comes as Maharashtra declares drought in nearly 74 per cent of its talukas, highlighting the immediate impact of climate change.
The Finance Ministry has refuted allegations that US pressure influenced the decision to levy a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI payments. It clarified that NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI to foster a domestic payment ecosystem and that the MDR introduction aims to create a sustainable revenue model for smaller domestic companies, thereby protecting India's sovereignty in digital payments.
Haier has expanded its television portfolio in India with the Mini LED M70 series, bringing premium display technology, gaming-focused features and smart connectivity to a range of screen sizes.
The Indian women's hockey team defeated defending champions China 1-0 to win their first Asian Games gold medal in 44 years, securing a direct berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Lalremsiami scored the winning goal, and goalkeeper Savita Punia made crucial saves.
India's women's hockey team secured a historic gold medal at the Asian Games, defeating defending champions China 1-0. This victory, marked by Lalremsiami's early goal and a resilient defensive performance led by goalkeeper Bichu Devi, also earned India direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, ending a 44-year wait for the title.
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.
Researchers have discovered a method to externally manipulate a cell's automatic waste clearance process, known as autophagy. This breakthrough, involving the protein LC3, could offer new therapeutic targets for diseases like cancer and Parkinson's, where cellular cleansing mechanisms are often impaired.
Spain, led by a brace from Lamine Yamal, defeated Croatia 4-1 to extend their unbeaten run and maintain a perfect start in the Nations League. Meanwhile, England secured a 2-0 victory over 10-man Czech Republic with goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane, also continuing their strong performance in the tournament.
