Maharashtra is grappling with an escalating drought crisis, with 305 talukas now declared drought-hit, prompting the state government to announce Rs 5,000 in financial aid for farmers before Diwali and extend comprehensive relief measures.
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.
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.
'The Rs 35,000 crore of capex every year, I don't get to sign 35 paise out of this.'
The flydubai near-tragedy showed how the gratuitous conflicts their governments started in West Asia have made the world unsafe for them (and unfortunate co-passengers of other nationalities), points out Kanika Datta.
Ram Purnekar, son of murdered Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar, has demanded a CBI probe into his father's killing, alleging political pressure on Thane police. He also accused former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband Rajendra of being the "masterminds" behind the September 29 murder.
East Bengal lost 2-3 to Iraq's Al Shorta in their second AFC Champions League Two group match on Tuesday, despite taking the lead twice through David Lalhlansanga's brace. Al Shorta scored two quick goals in the second half to secure the win, leaving East Bengal winless in two matches and failing to capitalise on a late numerical advantage.
Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal stated that his satcom venture, Eutelsat OneWeb, is 'significantly ahead' of Elon Musk's Starlink in the Indian satcom queue, having applied for a licence five years ago, and expressed a desire to receive regulatory approval before Starlink.
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has officially approved the renaming of the Noida International Airport at Jewar to 'Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar', a move Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described as a "major gift" to the state.
The Payments Council of India has confirmed that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will continue to be free for consumers and small merchants, despite a recent Lok Sabha Bill. This clarification addresses concerns about potential charges, emphasising that while a sustainable financial model for UPI infrastructure is being developed, transaction charges will not be passed on to users or small businesses.
Online video games are emerging that recreate scenes from the Jantar Mantar protests in Delhi. Games like 'Jantar Mantar Chalo', 'Bhaag Neha Bhaag', and 'Jantar Mantar to Jail' allow players to experience elements of the demonstrations, from gathering crowds and dodging police to collecting 'Accountability' and 'Democracy' coins. Creators, inspired by news and real-life events, developed these games rapidly using AI and coding, gaining significant traction online.
'India is a large source of Spotify's future audience growth because it is the largest market in the world.'
'Nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra has been drought-prone on and off, and climate change is making it worse.'
Sustained selling by foreign investors is weighing on domestic equities, with the benchmark Sensex and Nifty 50 down 15.60 per cent and 14.4 per cent, respectively, this year.
The Bombay High Court affirmed the right of students to protest alleged malpractices in MPSC examinations, stating they are not anti-social elements. The court stressed the state's duty to ensure impartial exams and asked the government to submit a roadmap within three weeks, while also urging students to return to their studies.
Delhi Police have taken stringent measures to prevent the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march in Connaught Place, deploying thousands of personnel and citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS due to risks of traffic disruption, stampede, and threats to public safety.
Elon Musk has renewed his criticism of Mukesh Ambani regarding Starlink's entry into India, accusing Ambani's supporters of hypocrisy for simultaneously claiming Starlink can't compete with low prices and that it poses a strong competitive threat. Musk argues that competition would benefit Indian consumers and that Starlink would adjust pricing if too expensive. He also shared reports alleging Reliance-funded political donations. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated India does not permit monopolies and that multiple players, including Starlink, have received satcom licences.
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.
If the new MDR regime is rolled out from the middle of this month, as scheduled, it should count as one of the boldest political actions by the Modi government on an economic-policy issue, and a signal that it is less worried about erosion of political capital it draws from one of its key constituencies, notes A K Bhattacharya.
Barcelona continued their formidable LaLiga campaign with a commanding triumph over Real Betis with Lamine Yamal delivering another standout performance.
At the border, places that you had just seen on a map, suddenly acquire a life. Looking at the vast expanse of quiet land, you realise an emotional connect, a sense of belonging binds you to a piece of land which is not merely territory, but a part of who you are.
It was beautiful to watch two successful actors speak about their career and personal journeys -- the highs and lows -- with such mutual admiration, notes Divya Nair.
Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) has sent a letter to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw calling for a nationwide prohibition on billboards, television, online and other advertisements for meat, beginning on October 2.
India's spin-bowling all-rounder Naman Dhir discusses how his experience as a batter enhances his ability to read opponents while bowling. He elaborates on his strategy for dismissing Kamil Pooran in the recent T20I match against West Indies and outlines his role as a batting all-rounder in the Indian team, emphasising his reliance on line, length, and pace variations.
The Indian government has expanded its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by signing agreements with four spiritual organisations. These partnerships aim to enhance grassroots awareness, prevention, recovery, and social mobilisation efforts against substance abuse, leveraging the extensive reach of these groups.
A Delhi court has rescinded a Look-Out Circular (LOC) against Akash Gupta, an accused in a Rs 247-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, stating that the seriousness of an allegation cannot be the sole reason for its continued operation. The court noted Gupta's cooperation and previous adherence to travel conditions.
Geopolitical disruptions have made shipping times unpredictable and raised costs for Volvo Car India, which may have to increase vehicle prices if the situation persists, its Managing Director Jyoti Malhotra said on Monday.
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have withdrawn Rs 44,166 crore from Indian equities in October, pushing the total outflows for the year past Rs 3 lakh crore, driven by elevated crude oil prices, a stronger US dollar, higher US bond yields, and the allure of AI-led rallies in North Asian markets.
India has advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to 'remain calm and vigilant' due to an evolving security situation, including drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which recently resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to several others.
The Allahabad High Court has issued a strong warning against routinely converting distressed or failed marriages into criminal cases, stating that such a practice could fundamentally affect the institution of marriage. The court quashed an FIR alleging dowry harassment and assault in a case involving a brief period of cohabitation, emphasising that criminal proceedings should not be a substitute for matrimonial court adjudication.
Novak Djokovic backed Jannik Sinner's decision to end his 2026 season early, saying prioritising long-term recovery over a rushed comeback could extend his career and maximise future success.
The Supreme Court has granted the Centre an extension until October 15 to file its response on petitions concerning the closure of metro stations and disruption of train services in Delhi during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court also deferred a crucial hearing, issued notice on a petition challenging the immunity of election commissioners, and sought a Delhi Police officer's presence regarding alleged assaults on women journalists. Earlier, the court had directed authorities to ensure normal public transport and prevent unlawful detentions.
An Indian national was killed and ten others injured in an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy confirmed the death and ongoing medical care for the injured. India has strongly condemned the repeated attacks, which Saudi Arabia blames on Yemen's Houthis, and called for an immediate cessation of violence.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that the INDIA bloc will stage a major protest in Delhi on Monday to protect voting rights, following meetings with the President and a planned meeting with the Chief Justice of India. He accused PM Modi and Amit Shah of attempting to protect Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and criticised the Centre for denying an AIIMS facility to Keralam despite past assurances. Venugopal affirmed the bloc's commitment to ensuring free and fair elections and expressed hope for AIIMS if they come to power.
The Indian Army has launched 'Bharat Rice', a superior-quality rice for defence forces, aimed at improving ration quality and logistics. This initiative, spearheaded by the Directorate General of Supplies and Transport, involves direct supply to Army Supply Depots, including remote areas, and an MoU with FCI for infrastructure utilisation during contingencies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted its significance for soldier welfare, operational readiness, and national security, emphasising logistics as combat power.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's decision to skip the BRICS summit in India, calling it "immature" and detrimental to Bangladesh's national interest. She argued that the absence lost opportunities for economic development and that foreign policy should not be driven by personal considerations. Hasina also highlighted the current "grave national crisis" in Bangladesh and her intention to return to restore democracy.
Hurt and humiliation is skin deep in Reporting Live's truth-seeking, which is why its cynical view of a crusader's fate leaves no impact, notes Sukanya Verma.
The INDIA bloc, comprising 17 opposition parties and civil society members, met at Rahul Gandhi's residence to strategize against alleged "vote chori" and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site. Leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Tejashwi Yadav, vowed to continue their united political and people's resistance, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and asserting that those responsible for undermining democracy would be held accountable.
An anti-drug activist, Parvinder Singh alias Jhota, was allegedly shot dead by a medical store owner in Mansa, Punjab, after confronting the owner about the illegal sale of intoxicating substances.
'Without that one critical irrigation, the entire crop can be lost.'
