India has strongly criticised the US decision to suspend the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program for eight major IT firms, including Indian giants like TCS and Wipro. New Delhi also condemned US Vice President JD Vance's description of foreign professionals as "indentured servants," calling it "unwarranted and deeply offensive." The move is expected to impact thousands of Indian tech professionals seeking permanent residency in the US and further strains bilateral ties.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has criticised the newly introduced fees on UPI payments, stating they will lead to increased inflation for the common man. He dismissed government claims that customers would not be burdened, arguing that merchants would pass on the costs. Hooda demanded the immediate withdrawal of these fees, highlighting that the government's move contradicts its 'Digital India' initiative.
'India should not trade away its energy security for temporary tariff relief. Neither signing a trade agreement nor stopping Russian oil purchases can protect it from future US action.'
Parliament embraced Gen Z lingo during a Lok Sabha debate on the crucial anti-paper leak amendment bill.
Amid renewed speculation about political realignments and a potential merger, senior leaders from two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule clarified her party's position on the proposed Delimitation Bill, stating that while a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across states would be hard to oppose, any final decision would be made after discussions within the INDIA bloc.
The bill, introduced on Thursday, was conceived by Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal and late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and has the support of over 60 lawmakers.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has ordered a Vigilance probe into corruption allegations related to the 2006 KSTP road project, implicating incumbent Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who was then the PWD secretary. The investigation also concerns the death by suicide of a Malaysian engineer involved in the project, who reportedly named Kumar in his suicide notes. The probe revives a case that was allegedly "hushed up" after a change in government.
The Maharashtra government has cancelled leaves for employees across 11 departments involved in drought management to assess widespread crop damage, particularly affecting soybean. This follows the declaration of drought in 265 talukas and the announcement of relief measures. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is on an assessment tour, facing protests from Congress workers demanding immediate farmer relief.
Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline shutdown could make crude costlier for India as refiners face fewer supply routes and rising freight and insurance costs.
'Your retirement corpus isn't just a big pile of cash for 'one day' -- it is the salary you pay yourself when you no longer want to go to work.'
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the JD(U) will thoroughly study the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before deciding on its stance, indicating they will not oppose it without valid reasons. This position contrasts with the RJD's strong opposition and highlights the JD(U)'s independent approach within the NDA.
China has strongly rejected a US bill that would impose tariffs on countries, including India, for purchasing Russian oil and gas. Beijing views the "Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026" as an act of "long-arm jurisdiction" and interference in its sovereign trade relations, asserting that its economic cooperation with other nations is based on equality and mutual benefit.
A two-day weekend would help employees recover physically and mentally. They would return better prepared for branch work that demands patience, judgment, and accuracy, asserts Tamal Bandyopadhyay.
Apple Pay has officially launched in India, integrating with CCAvenue and partnering with Axis Bank to bring secure and convenient mobile payment solutions to millions of iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users across a vast network of merchants.
Indian cricket fans travelled thousands of kilometres, paying exorbitant prices for tickets and travel, to witness the India-Pakistan men's cricket final at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a stadium back home.
The Indian government has introduced a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000 made to merchants, effective from October 15, with a comprehensive framework set to take full effect by October 15, 2026. This policy aims to regulate transaction fees while protecting small merchants and person-to-person transactions.
India posted a formidable total of 211 for six against Pakistan in the men's cricket final at the Asian Games, driven by explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma (61 off 28 balls) and Tilak Varma (unbeaten 51 off 22 balls).
The Congress party has criticised the government's recent notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for users to be charged fees, particularly for transactions above Rs 2,000. The party claims the government lacks transparency and questions if the move is to benefit American firms. The government, however, states that charges are necessary for the system's sustainability and infrastructure upgrades, with the Finance Minister clarifying that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has ended its protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border after receiving written assurances from the Punjab government. The government has pledged to convene a state Assembly session within a month to address issues concerning river waters, agriculture, and farmer loans, including resolutions against old water agreements and certain central bills.
Did love make Bhagat Singh a weaker revolutionary? In a heated argument once, Sukhdev accused him of allowing his fascination with a woman to come in the way of revolutionary duty. Bhagat Singh's answer, in a letter days later, was a defence of love as a revolutionary's strength, not a weakness. On Bhagat Singh's 119th birth anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra looks at the friendship, arguments and ideas that bound him and Sukhdev together.
Gujarat CID-Crime has registered FIRs against three political outfits Swatantrata Abhivyakti Party, Satyavadi Rakshak Party, and Garib Kalyan Party for allegedly orchestrating a 'poll donation scam' amounting to Rs 314 crore in tax evasion. These parties reportedly collected donations, returned money after deducting commissions, and facilitated tax rebates for donors, with chartered accountants also implicated. The scam involved submitting false contribution reports to the Election Commission.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of quietly paving the way for imposing fees on UPI transactions, alleging it's a surrender to American pressure. The government's recent notification exempts charges only up to Rs 2,000, sparking concerns that higher value transactions and eventually all UPI payments could incur fees. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, clarified that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers, and supports digital infrastructure.
'If crude remains above $100 per barrel, with restricted retail-price increases, OMCs could face negative petrol and diesel marketing margins, higher LPG under-recoveries, higher crude-landing, freight and insurance costs, working capital and debt accumulation and inventory losses if crude subsequently corrects sharply.'
India concluded its Asian Games campaign in Nagoya with a creditable fourth place, securing 85 medals, including 21 golds. The final days saw a surge in gold medals, notably from the cricket and hockey teams, and historic individual wins by 17-year-old archer Kumkum Mohod and golfer Pranavi Urs.
NBA superstar LeBron James has officially joined the Philadelphia 76ers, taking a significant pay cut to pursue another NBA championship. He expressed excitement about the team's talent, including Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid, and his decision was influenced by his close friendship with Maxey. James' arrival has generated immense buzz in Philadelphia, with fans hoping he can bring the franchise its first title since 1983.
India's Monsoon session of Parliament remains formally unprorogued 40 days after adjournment, setting a new record. This unusual delay fuels speculation that the government intends to introduce a key legislation, possibly an amendment to the women's reservation law, without convening a new session. The proposed amendment aims for a 50 per cent seat expansion to address concerns over delimitation.
Lovlina Borgohain has made history by becoming the first Indian woman boxer to reach consecutive Asian Games finals, assuring at least a silver medal.
The FBI has placed gangster Satinderjeet Singh, known as Goldy Brar, on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, offering a USD 1 million reward for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group's violent activities across North America.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said that the state government has already constituted a committee to prepare the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and that the law will be implemented after the committee submits its report.
The Indian government has mandated that banks and payment providers cannot levy charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 or on payments made via RuPay debit cards. This directive follows an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, aiming to sustain and expand the digital payments ecosystem.
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.
India's economy is projected to lose momentum in the second half of fiscal 2026-27, with tighter financial conditions, elevated energy prices, and broadening inflation pressures posing significant risks, according to DBS Bank economist Radhika Rao.
Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in the women's 49kg event at the Asian Games, ending a 12-year wait for this prestigious honour. This marks India's first Asian Games weightlifting medal since 1998, adding to Chanu's impressive collection of Olympic, World, and Commonwealth medals.
Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has finally secured an Asian Games medal, winning silver in the women's 49kg event in Nagoya. This achievement marks India's first weightlifting medal at the Asian Games since 1998 and completes Chanu's impressive collection of accolades, including an Olympic silver and World Championship titles.
Indian tennis players Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh face challenging draws in the Asian Games men's singles, with tough opponents early in their campaigns. While singles prospects appear difficult, India holds strong medal hopes in men's and mixed doubles events, with top-seeded pairs.
Indian tennis players Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh have received challenging draws in the Asian Games men's singles competition, with both facing tough opponents early on. While India has no representation in women's singles, strong doubles pairings offer better medal prospects, with coaches expressing optimism.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced significant declines in early trade, driven by soaring crude oil prices amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, coupled with weak global market trends and foreign fund outflows.
Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his three-day visit to the US, stating that his discussions with President Donald Trump had injected "new substance" into the China-US relationship. Both leaders expressed optimism for future cooperation, with agreements reached on certain trade goods and discussions held on AI capabilities.
Despite receiving poor reviews, the cast and crew of Haiwaan gather in Mumbai for a star-studded screening.
Zoho has launched Zia Chat, a unified AI interface designed to streamline business operations across various functions by providing a single conversational platform for information, lead generation, and data analysis. Concurrently, the company has expanded into vertical SaaS with seven new industry-specific applications for sectors like retail, automotive, healthcare, and education, reinforcing its position as a homegrown alternative to global tech giants.
