75% of India's 60 million digital-payment merchants have never recorded a transaction above 2,000.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has mandated that service providers offer voice-and-SMS-only tariff plans, without bundled data, with a minimum validity of 30 days or less, aiming to provide more affordable and shorter-duration options for consumers who do not require data.
China's Zheng Qinwen has made a remarkable comeback at the US Open, reaching the quarter-finals after overcoming a chronic elbow injury and a significant drop in rankings.
A former BJP MLA, Narendra Pawar, and a dismissed police constable, Shailesh Patil, have been booked in Thane for allegedly gangraping a 22-year-old woman after holding her captive at gunpoint at a farmhouse. The woman was reportedly coerced into consuming alcohol before the assault.
Alexander Zverev, the German top seed, narrowly defeated Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in a gruelling five-set match, continuing his pursuit of a second Grand Slam title after winning the French Open in June.
Experts laud the decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move, along with a dedicated fund for small merchants, is seen as crucial for creating a sustainable digital payments ecosystem, incentivising expansion in rural areas, and funding innovation while keeping most transactions free for users.
Cody Gakpo scored a stoppage-time equaliser for the Netherlands, securing a 1-1 draw against Germany in their Nations League opener, spoiling Juergen Klopp's debut as Germany's coach. Other Nations League matches saw Erling Haaland lead Norway to victory over Denmark, Portugal defeat Wales, and Greece snatch a late win against Serbia.
Suraj Meena, a non-Ladakhi runner, achieved a significant feat by finishing second in the 122km Silk Route Ultra Ladakh Marathon, clocking 12 hours and 35 minutes. He highlighted the extreme difficulty of high-altitude running for outsiders and shared his unique training and travel methods, including cycling to the event.
Suraj Meena, a non-Ladakhi marathoner from Rajasthan, achieved a remarkable feat by finishing second in the 122km Silk Route Ultra Ladakh Marathon. He completed the challenging high-altitude race in 12 hours and 35 minutes, setting a new record for non-Ladakhis and highlighting the extreme difficulty of running in such conditions. Meena also cycled 2,400km from Jaipur to Ladakh to participate.
Suraj Meena, a non-Ladakhi marathoner from Rajasthan, achieved a remarkable second-place finish in the 122km Silk Route Ultra Ladakh Marathon, clocking 12 hours and 35 minutes. This performance set a new record for non-Ladakhis in the event, significantly beating the previous best. Meena highlighted the extreme difficulty of high-altitude running for those not acclimatised and shared his unique training approach, which included cycling 2,400km from Jaipur to Ladakh.
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have withdrawn Rs 20,974 crore from Indian equities in September, driven by global uncertainties, higher US interest rates and bond yields, elevated crude oil prices, and a weakening rupee.
New head coach Zaheer Khan's biggest challenge at CSK will be to decide on the future of talisman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who incidentally recommended him for the top post.
Alexander Zverev, the top seed and French Open champion, endured another gruelling five-set match at the US Open, defeating Quentin Halys 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3 to advance to the third round.
BSP chief Mayawati has accused her nephew Akash Anand, recently expelled from the party, of being involved in spreading rumours about her ill health. She detailed a phone call made by Akash to a party in-charge inquiring about her health and reiterated her stance on keeping family members away from political positions, except for her brother Anand Kumar who assists her. She also mentioned the ongoing protest by panchayat assistants in Uttar Pradesh.
The August 26, 2026 flash flood and mudslides devastated Nepal, leaving homes destroyed, families grieving, and thousands unaccounted for.'Drone views reveal mud-covered villages while survivors search for belongings and mourn loved ones. Relief operations continue as military and police forces airlift survivors, transport victims, and assist communities in the aftermath of the disaster.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the United States from September 23 to 25 for summit talks with US President Donald Trump, with discussions expected to cover critical economic and trade issues, including AI, and the recently signed US sanctions law targeting countries buying Russian oil and gas.
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.
Tennis icon Roger Federer was presented with his International Tennis Hall of Fame ring at the US Open's Arthur Ashe Stadium, two days after his induction. The ceremony, led by Kim Clijsters, saw Federer display his ring to an erupting crowd, celebrating his illustrious career which includes 20 major titles and a record 310 weeks as world No. 1.
Alexander Zverev's recent US Open victory is a testament to his family's unwavering support, particularly his mother Irina, who ensured his type 1 diabetes never hindered his tennis ambitions, transforming him from a 'nearly man' to a two-time major champion.
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.
Satnam Singh and Salman Khan secured India's first-ever men's double sculls bronze medal at the Asian Games, a significant achievement amidst an otherwise disappointing performance by the Indian rowing team. The team faced internal controversy regarding last-minute crew changes, which some rowers found disturbing. Despite the challenges, Satnam and Salman's bronze was lauded by the Prime Minister, and their individual journeys highlight their dedication to the sport.
Iran has conveyed seven conditions to the United States through Qatari mediators for starting negotiations to end the ongoing war, while warning that Tehran is prepared for a "decisive war" if Washington rejects its demands.
India's Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza has reached the women's singles semifinals in Teqball at the Asian Games, putting her one win away from securing the country's first-ever medal in the sport. She topped her group after defeating Japan's Yuina Sakamoto and Cambodia's Koemyean DY. The Indian mixed doubles pair of Quimcy and Mohammed Anas Imran Beg also remain in contention for a medal through the repechage round despite an earlier quarterfinal loss. Teqball is making its debut at the Asian Games.
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.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has criticised the BJP government's proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on high-value UPI transactions, calling it a "chungi" (tax) on digital payments. He alleged the move was an attempt to extract money from people's transactions, contradicting the government's goal of a trillion-dollar economy. The new UPI framework will impose a 0.4% MDR on person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, with certain sectors having a flat Rs 5 MDR.
Lovepreet Gill, Punjabi model and actress, is making a significant impact as a strong contestant on Bigg Boss 20.
In 100 days in office, Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ordered five SITs. This would appear to be some kind of a record, points out Aditi Phadnis.
A Haryana-based singer, Bhupendra Dhingra, has been arrested for allegedly posting a video on fake social media accounts claiming responsibility for the murder of Haryanvi YouTuber Ankit Balyan. Dhingra admitted his intention was to increase social media followers, while police had already identified the actual shooters, two of whom were killed in an encounter. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the encounter deaths.
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to play his first domestic first-class match since 2019, a move that follows the Pakistan Cricket Board's controversial decision to send back seven players and sack coaches after the recent Test tour of England.
'Treating stock brokers as merchants for MDR is fundamentally misplaced.'
Novak Djokovic, a four-time champion, suffered a shock first-round exit at the US Open, losing to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set match, marking his earliest Grand Slam departure since 2006.
Pro Ref chief Howard Webb confirmed that VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus were stood down after 'tunnel vision' led to the incorrect awarding of Erling Haaland's goal in the Manchester derby, acknowledging the error to Manchester United.
Ben Shelton's victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open quarter-finals marked the first time in 149 years that no male player with a one-handed backhand reached a Grand Slam semi-final, highlighting the decline of the elegant stroke in modern tennis.
The ongoing US conflict with Iran has cost the Trump administration an estimated $45.1 billion, according to a Pentagon estimate provided to the US Congress on Friday, CNN reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Alexander Zverev defeated Luciano Darderi to reach the US Open quarter-finals, marking his fourth consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final appearance this year.
The Indian coal ministry announced that 147 commercial coal blocks auctioned since 2020 are expected to attract approximately 55,000 crore in capital investment, generate 490,000 jobs, and contribute significantly to state revenues.
rediffGURU Radheshyam Zanwar, founder of Zanwar Classes, clarifies doubts and guides young aspirants on eligibility for science, and engineering entrance exams.
A political controversy has erupted over the inclusion of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha's name in Delhi's electoral rolls. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged procedural irregularities, questioning how his name appeared in the Rajinder Nagar constituency's voter list despite the draft rolls showing fewer entries. Poll officials confirm Chadha's name was added through the updation process after being removed from Punjab's rolls, while Chadha dismisses AAP's claims as a 'bitter ex' reaction.
An 81-year-old man, Asgarali Vohra, who claims to be a schoolmate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has found relief in a long-standing land dispute. After Vohra met PM Modi to appeal for a CBI probe, a firm linked to a BJP MLA, Seven Eleven Construction, backed down, surrendering its construction permit and withdrawing a police complaint against Vohra. The dispute involved a prime plot in Palghar district that Vohra bought in 1989, which he alleged was encroached upon by two firms.
The Saudi-led coalition issued a stern warning to Yemen's Houthi rebels after intercepting a drone targeting Mecca, Islam's holiest city. Describing it as a "hostile and terrorist act," the coalition declared the security of holy sites a "red line" and vowed deterrent measures. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with both sides exchanging accusations of military operations and civilian targeting.
