The Finance Ministry has clarified that the decision to impose a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 was made independently, refuting claims of foreign influence. The ministry stated the policy aims to build a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem, with MDR funding infrastructure and supporting small merchants.
The Finance Ministry has dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI transactions. It clarified that NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI and do not favour international cards. The ministry also asserted that the MDR, applicable to person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000, is unlikely to increase cash transactions or cause inflation, with measures in place to prevent burdening consumers.
The Tata Curvv EV Series X keeps its distinctive coupe-SUV design but becomes a more attractive package with a standard 55kWh battery, more features and a lower starting price of Rs 16.99 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki India announced a price hike of up to Rs 20,000 on select models, effective from September 2026, marking its third increase since May, citing continuous increases in input costs and inflationary pressures.
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.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has inaugurated India's first Industrial Autonomy & Engineering Lab in Pune, a "lights-out factory lab" designed to advance AI-led manufacturing. The facility features a robotic battery pack assembly line, enabling manufacturers to prototype and scale AI-first production systems with minimal human intervention, simulating self-optimising factories.
The Finance Ministry has clarified that the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, is not expected to increase cash transactions or cause inflation. The ministry also dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the decision, asserting that the policy aims to promote RuPay credit cards within the UPI ecosystem, and a monitoring mechanism will ensure the MDR burden is not passed on to consumers.
The United States and the European Union have strongly criticised India's trade policies at the World Trade Organization review, highlighting concerns over high tariffs, quality-control orders (QCOs), and restrictions on digital trade and services, which they argue undermine India's economic openness.
A court in Mumbai sentenced a customs clearing agent to two years' imprisonment in four cases of import duty evasion, while acquitting three others due to flawed investigation by the CBI.
Tata Group's British luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) announced plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 4,000 roles over the next two years, aiming for 1.7 billion in savings to enhance sustainable profitable growth and invest in future technologies.
In August, Hyundai recorded its highest ever domestic sales for the month with 54,396 units sold, marking a 23.6 per cent Y-o-Y increase. The Creta Electric currently anchors Hyundai's mass-market electric portfolio, while the Ioniq 5 caters to the premium end
Researchers have for the first time directly visualised how two DNA molecules, despite their identical negative charges, zip together. This breakthrough, achieved using high-powered atomic force microscopy and advanced simulations, confirms the 'DNA zipper' model, revealing that positively charged metal ions act as molecular bridges to facilitate this crucial biological process. The discovery has significant implications for understanding genetic recombination, gene silencing, chromosome packaging, cancer development, and future biotechnology.
Sculptor Akash Tirmal explains how he designed the 22 feet idol of Ganesh Galli's MumbaiCha Raja using Plaster of Paris, without any readymade moulds.
Triptii Dimri and AP Dhillon were spotted at the high-profile Apple launch event in California, where the tech giant unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 18 Pro series and the groundbreaking foldable iPhone Duo.
The Bombay high court has taken a firm stance against a Thane restaurant, denying relief and criticising it for serving banned analogue paneer, underscoring the critical importance of food safety and consumer rights in Maharashtra.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director, Rahul Navin, has issued directives to intensify action against Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) frauds involving "large haircuts" and to address delays in police registering FIRs based on ED's requests. The agency also aims to fast-track high-profile trials under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and enhance internal coordination and efficiency.
Chennai Customs officials seized over 10 kg of suspected high-grade hydroponic ganja from a passenger arriving from Bangkok at Anna International Airport.
Customs officials at Delhi's IGI Airport seized over 6 kg of hydroponic weed, valued at Rs 2.1 crore, from an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok. The high-potency cannabis was found during baggage screening, leading to a case under the NDPS Act.
Phishing sites mimicked SBI, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank to steal card details and OTPs.
Customs officials at Delhi's IGI Airport have seized 15.38 kg of hydroponic weed, valued at Rs 5.38 crore, which was concealed inside two geysers carried by passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur. Two individuals have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the wider drug-smuggling network.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council's October 7 meeting will focus on 'GST 2.0' process reforms, including e-invoicing and input tax credit rules, while also addressing complex issues surrounding the taxation of the digital economy and cryptocurrency.
Android's September Drop brings smarter AI, easier messaging and practical everyday features.
The new range brings Ola's 46-series LFP cells to its most affordable scooter lineup aimed at India's mass-market electric vehicle (EV) buyers.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the year's top television achievements, creating unforgettable moments.
'There is mis-alignment in strategic thinking of the board and management.' 'As the business environment and customer behaviour evolve rapidly, boards are increasingly looking for leaders who can bring new ideas and challenge legacy approaches.'
A new report, the Digital Credit and Inclusion Index (DCII) 2026, reveals that Tier-2 cities are spearheading digital credit adoption in India. The study, a collaboration between Pahle India Foundation and Amazon Pay, highlights that salaried women are borrowing more than men and that digital credit is primarily used for consumption, with limited productive use.
A third generation murtikar and probably one of the first in her family, Manaswi Bagwe, a self-taught sculptor, is quietly pushing the boundaries of idol-making.
State-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) is strategically planning to enter the wealth management segment by early 2027 and significantly expand its credit card portfolio, aiming to tap into lucrative markets largely dominated by private-sector banks.
Salesforce has entered a multi-year partnership with FIDE, becoming the title sponsor for the 2026 and 2028 World Championship Matches and the 2027 Women's World Championship Match, and integrating its AI solutions to enhance FIDE's operations, player rankings, and fan engagement.
'The way the government behaves, sometimes I ask myself: Are not Tamils Sri Lankans too? Why do you discriminate so much?'
'...in which our names are written with our phone numbers.'
IndiGo, India's largest airline, experienced intermittent issues with its core reservation platform on Friday, affecting online services for customers. This follows a similar disruption on Wednesday, though the airline stated the issues have since been resolved.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a large-scale network involved in fraudulently importing South-East Asian areca nuts into India. The syndicate falsely declared the nuts as Bangladeshi origin to evade customs duty, leading to a potential revenue loss of over Rs 2,500 crore. Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the scam.
The companies that grow are the ones that adapt quickly, embrace technology thoughtfully and never lose sight of the customer.
The Customs Commissionerate (Preventive), Kochi, has seized multiple SUVs and arrested a used luxury car showroom owner as part of 'Operation Numkhor', an ongoing investigation into the smuggling of luxury vehicles from Nepal and Bhutan.
Repeated increases in new luxury-car prices, driven partly by the rupee's depreciation against the euro, are expanding the market for certified pre-owned vehicles.
Keeping KYC information accurate and current should, therefore, be seen not merely as meeting a regulatory requirement, but as an important part of safeguarding one's own financial identity and safety, explains RBI Deputy Governor J Swaminathan.
Two juveniles, aged 14 and 15, have been apprehended in northeast Delhi's Welcome area after a complaint about food taste at a hotel allegedly escalated into a stabbing incident. A 25-year-old hotel worker was attacked with a knife-like object. Police registered an FIR and recovered the weapon, a vegetable-cutting knife.
With Konarc, the company has moved deeper into the mass-market e2W segment.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor Rohit Jain has warned that financial institutions' increasing reliance on a small number of common technology providers, including cloud and AI model providers, could create a new source of systemic risk. He highlighted 'speed, concentration and opacity' as key risks, noting that a disruption at one provider could rapidly spread across multiple institutions, amplifying existing financial risks.
