India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded an unprecedented 24.51 billion transactions valued at Rs 29.8 lakh crore in August, largely propelled by the Raksha Bandhan festival. This surge marks a 22% annual increase in volume and 20% in value, highlighting the expanding reach and depth of the UPI ecosystem. Experts anticipate further growth during the upcoming festive season, while UPI's international acceptance now spans 11 countries.
An FIR has been registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Haldwani following a complaint from a Valmiki community member. The complaint alleges Gandhi gave a casteist interpretation to a religious ritual performed after an AICC chief's programme, hurting community sentiments. The case involves provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, stemming from a political row over a 'purification yajna' at a rally venue.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a public health advisory on the seasonal surge in Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, urging people not to self-medicate with antibiotics and antivirals and advising immediate medical attention for severe symptoms.
China has issued a Level-IV alert due to a newly formed barrier lake at the Tibet-Nepal border, warning of a high risk of breaching and flooding downstream areas. The lake, formed at the confluence of Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, has accumulated an estimated two million cubic metres of water, with inflows expected to increase, raising concerns for areas including Gyirong Port.
'...Because they want to sexually engage with multiple people, so be it.'
Several Indian cities report a surge in influenza cases, prompting state governments to issue advisories asking people to mask up in public spaces and follow basic respiratory hygiene.
H1N1 influenza cases have seen a recent increase in Delhi and parts of North India. Experts confirm it's a known strain, not more virulent, and advise precautions, especially for high-risk individuals like the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. They stress the importance of rest, hydration, and medical consultation for severe symptoms, while also noting that most cases are mild and self-limiting.
A long-standing Janmashtami celebration in Kolkata's Mominpore, known for its syncretic culture with significant Muslim participation, is undergoing a major change. BJP leader Rakesh Singh has taken charge, forming an exclusively Hindu organising committee, sparking a debate about religious harmony, political influence, and the nature of shared festivals in the city.
'Improved law and order and transparent governance have helped change UP's investment image.'
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd (TMPV) has launched its new brand identity, TATA.CARS, aiming to appeal to a younger demographic with a focus on smarter, greener, and more connected mobility experiences.
The Supreme Court has stayed further proceedings in an FIR against Kotdwar gym operator Deepak Kumar, known as 'Mohammad Deepak', who gained prominence for confronting Bajrang Dal workers. The case stems from an incident where Deepak defended a Muslim shopkeeper, leading to a viral video and subsequent legal challenges.
'He is celebrated more for his melancholic songs although he sang an equal number of happy songs.'
'There is enough room for two Kings during the festive season.'
From Pink and Thappad to Aadukalam and Game Over, these 10 films showcase Taapsee Pannu at her most powerful and versatile.
Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed that ending his coaching relationship with his father, Apostolos, brought much-needed calm and rebuilt his confidence, leading to a strong first-round win at the US Open.
A new barrier lake has formed near the source of Nepal's Bhote Koshi River, with Chinese authorities warning of a potential breach. This poses a fresh flood risk to downstream areas in Nepal, prompting warnings for residents and calls for diplomatic consultations to manage cross-border glacier risks.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has affirmed that Indian electronic voting machines (EVMs) are manufactured by public sector companies and operate without internet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring their security and reliability.
Nepal has launched a diplomatic initiative to secure climate-related compensation from major greenhouse gas emitters, asserting that post-disaster assistance for recent deadly flash floods should be viewed as a moral and legal liability, not charity. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal highlighted Nepal's disproportionate suffering from global warming despite negligible emissions, citing rapid glacier melt and extreme mountain disasters. The country has formally approached the Loss and Damage Fund board for urgent financial aid following a catastrophic flash flood in the Bhotekoshi river basin.
The United States launched military action against two Iranian launch systems on Larak Island, prompting Iran to claim retaliation with ballistic missile launches targeting two US air bases in Jordan.
The flash floods in Nepal's Nuwakot district have left a trail of destruction, damaging homes, roads and infrastructure and disrupting lives.
Four individuals, including a student, were injured when a sound box system collapsed during the pre-release event for actor Yash's film 'Toxic' at Malla Reddy University in Hyderabad. The incident occurred after attendees climbed the structure, leading to a police case against the event organisers and university management.
Argentine footballers Lautaro Martinez, Leandro Paredes, Emiliano Martinez, and Alexis Mac Allister have paid emotional tributes to Lionel Messi following his announcement to retire from international football, reflecting on his profound impact on their careers and the national team.
The rising water level in the Narayani-Gandak river following heavy rainfall in Nepal has increased the flood threat in villages along the river in Maharajganj district, officials said on Sunday.
A devastating flood in Baireni, Nepal, transformed a school playground into a sea of sand and buried classrooms under sludge. Timely warnings from teachers, prompted by an upstream guardian, allowed 400 students to evacuate safely just before the flood hit. The school remains closed, covered in debris, while UNICEF estimates 17,000 children need humanitarian aid following the floods that killed over 900 people.
If an OTT series can make a young person curious about the armed forces, make a family understand the sacrifices made by those in uniform, or simply make someone walk up to a veteran and say, "Thank you for your service," then it has achieved something far more important than merely getting its history right, notes Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).
It is about proving that the agency can still deliver when the stakes are high.
'I wanted to make an out-and-out entertainer, a film where people could come into the theatre, laugh, have fun, and walk out feeling entertained. That was my thought when I took up Korean Kanakaraju.'
Composer and singer Amaal Mallik has announced a temporary hiatus from music production, citing the need to prioritise his health and well-being.
Delhi Police are actively investigating the alleged gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl on a sleeper bus, mapping the vehicle's route using CCTV footage and mobile data, and uncovering multiple challans issued against the bus for violations, including operating without a permit. Forensic evidence is being processed, and the incident has drawn comparisons to the Nirbhaya case.
American Sofia Kenin defeated compatriot Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6(6) in a US Open first-round match that started at 12:13 am on Monday, marking the latest start in women's tournament history.
Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi stated that Islam is "greater" than other religions and expressed a desire to visit Mecca, despite being a non-Muslim. These remarks, made at a mass marriage event, drew sharp criticism from BJP leader R Ashoka, who accused the minister of portraying Sanatana Dharma in an inferior light and demanded his apology or removal from the cabinet by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Devastating flash floods in Nepal's Bhote Koshi River, triggered by a glacier or ice rock collapse, have resulted in 175 recovered bodies and hundreds missing, including tourists. India has promptly responded by providing 10 tons of humanitarian aid and medical supplies, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying condolences and assuring full support to Nepal.
Every family has that one sister who has her life completely together, the one who falls in love with everything, the one who refuses to follow the rules and, of course, the one who believes more is always more.
'Wages have not risen. Rural wages have stagnated. The growth was 0.7 per cent last year. For casual and irregular labour, the wage growth is negative.'
Following devastating floods in Nepal, Kathmandu has initiated mass burials for unidentified victims as morgues have exceeded capacity. Security forces are burying bodies with markers and collecting DNA samples for future identification. The government has amended the Unidentified and Unclaimed Bodies Management Guidelines, 2021, to facilitate the management of disaster victims, including provisions for autopsies, DNA collection, and temporary burial with identification markers.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday called for a protest march in Delhi on September 5, accusing the Centre of failing to honour the promises made on July 25 to convince the outfit to withdraw its 36-day agitation against examination irregularities.
Delhi is experiencing a significant surge in H1N1 (swine flu) cases, with over 1,777 infections reported this year, a six-fold increase from last year. Doctors highlight that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses are most susceptible to severe infection. The rise has prompted increased inquiries about seasonal influenza vaccination, and medical experts are cautioning against self-medication and delayed consultation, urging early medical attention for severe symptoms.
A special POCSO court in Vadodara has sentenced five men to life imprisonment for the gang-rape of a minor girl during Navratri two years ago. The court described the crime as "most heinous" and ordered Rs 10 lakh compensation for the survivor, emphasising the seriousness of violence against women, especially during a religious festival.
Namrata Karad, founder of Ahikoza by BRHAM, opens up about going from working on a Hugo Boss sales floor to seeing her bags carried by Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian...
