Indian two-wheeler buyers are increasingly opting for feature-rich, higher-end variants and premium motorcycles, driven by technology, safety, and easier access to finance, according to TVS Motor Company. The company is also exploring alternative electric motor technologies to secure its supply chain amidst growing EV penetration.
A gym trainer, Vijay Kumar, was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants in south Delhi's Aya Nagar. Police suspect personal enmity and are investigating a possible link to a long-running village rivalry, including other recent violent incidents in the area.
Bollywood's biggest names gathered at the Ambani family's Antilia residence for grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Olympic Council of Asia Director General Husain Al Musallam defended Japan's decision not to have a dedicated Athletes' Village for the Aichi-Nagoya Games, citing cost and sustainability. This comes amidst criticism over accommodation chaos. Musallam confirmed that future Asian Games in Doha (2030) and Riyadh (2034) will feature dedicated villages, emphasising flexibility and legacy considerations. He also supported the increasing number of athletes, highlighting the importance of sport in current global crises.
Nikhil Rasal from Satara and Adarsh Mitra Mandal of Gharat Aali, Alibag, have used their Ganpati decorations to highlight the work and public service associated with Tukaram Mundhe, commissioner of food and drug administration turning the festival into a platform for social awareness.
The Congress party has strongly criticised the Modi government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000, alleging it is a result of US pressure to benefit American card companies. The party also linked this move to broader US actions against India, including tariffs and H-1B visa issues, coining the term "Narendra's Ongoing Trump Appeasement." The government, however, clarified that consumers will not bear the charge, which applies only to merchants.
The captain of the Pakistani naval ship was overconfident, reckless and professionally incompetent. He displayed false bravado and by his actions would have caused grievous injuries to his men onboard and severely damaged the ship. On the other hand the captain of INS Kolkata maintained his cool, composure, displayed excellent seamanship skills and maintained his course and speed to avoid a major catastrophe. Comparison of the two captains shows the levels in professional competence of the two navies which are miles apart, points out Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has stated that the national team is yet to receive government clearance to participate in the men's Asian Champions Trophy in India, refuting claims of confirmed participation.
Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall after a prolonged dry spell, leading to waterlogging in some areas. The India Meteorological Department has warned of intense showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, along with forecasts for high and low tides.
The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% transaction fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking a political row. The Congress party has labelled it a "Modi tax" and accused the government of succumbing to US pressure, while the BJP has defended the move, clarifying that consumers will not be charged and small vendors are protected. The finance ministry reiterated that the charge is on merchants, not customers.
Petrol pump dealers seek exemption from the proposed 5 UPI charge on fuel purchases above 2,000, citing pressure on their margins.
Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, Mamata Banerjee's party's candidate for the Rejinagar by-election, initially announced his withdrawal from the contest due to harassment of workers and symbol unfamiliarity, but retracted his statement within hours after intervention from the party's top leadership and Mamata Banerjee herself, confirming he will now contest the October 6 poll.
Legendary Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has provided crucial insights into India's preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, advocating for squad continuity and consistent game time for players. He stressed the importance of avoiding last-minute changes and building belief within the chosen squad, drawing lessons from past tournament performances. Yuvraj also highlighted the need for a balanced team with match-winners, adaptable to various conditions, echoing Australia's successful World Cup strategy.
A Kishore Kumar song, a birthday cake, a prince's break from protocol to thank his driver, a Persian painting on the ceiling of the presidential residence -- the BRICS Summit had many memorable moments.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has endorsed the introduction of a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move, which levies a 0.4 per cent fee on merchant payments above the threshold, aims to bolster the long-term sustainability and growth of India's digital payments ecosystem. The RBI clarified that person-to-person (P2P) transactions and small person-to-merchant (P2M) payments below Rs 2,000 will remain free for users, ensuring no direct charge on customers.
Xi brought in asymmetrical power play by stating that India should have 'strategic cognition' and 'strategic judgement made on the basis of the stage of development the two countries are at'. This is a very nuanced way of asserting China's coercive diplomatic posture and reflects Beijing's penchant to unleash border instability at will, restrict rare earth metal exports, exert pressure on India at global and regional orders, asserts China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.
A gym trainer, Vijay Kumar, was shot dead in south Delhi's Aya Nagar. Police are investigating a possible link to a longstanding village rivalry and are verifying a social media post by gangster Himanshu Bhau claiming responsibility. This incident follows other violent deaths in the area, including a dairy businessman's murder, also linked to the Himanshu Bhau gang. Family members deny Vijay Kumar had personal enmity, suggesting he was caught in an ongoing family feud.
Salman Khan joined his family and other celebrities in the joyous Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at brother Sohail Khan's residence in Mumbai.
Indian shooter Vidarsa Vinod, making her Asian Games debut at 27, secured a silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle team event. Despite missing an individual final, Vinod maintained a calm demeanour, treating the continental stage like any other competition. Her journey from an NCC cadet to an international medallist highlights her rapid progression and adaptability, especially as she only recently started training in the 10m air rifle discipline.
India's Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra discusses the emotional and physical challenges of missing the Asian Games due to a ligament injury. He shares his process of accepting the setback, focusing on rehabilitation, and preparing for future competitions, while also offering advice to fellow athletes and aspiring javelin throwers.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has made a rare move by nominating two Rajya Sabha members as "special invitees" to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. This decision comes as the contentious Bill, referred to the 31-member JPC for detailed examination, faces opposition demands for its withdrawal.
BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has voiced concerns over the Centre's decision to introduce Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, urging protection for small traders and common people. This move has sparked a political debate, with the BJP defending the charges as beneficial for digital infrastructure and largely not impacting consumers, while the Congress and traders' associations criticise it as an additional burden.
The Trinamool Congress has submitted new names and symbols to the Election Commission for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, following an interim order that temporarily barred the party from using its original name and "flowers and grass" symbol due to an ongoing internal dispute and split. The party submitted its choices under protest.
Pakistan is set to participate in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in India, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirming the union government's policy allows multi-lateral engagements despite bilateral tensions. The tournament, featuring six nations including India and Pakistan, will be held from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, with free entry for all matches.
Regional OTT platform STAGE is set to release India's first AI-made biopic on farmer leader Sir Chhotu Ram. The project leverages artificial intelligence for various aspects of filmmaking, from visualisation to character generation, aiming to reduce production costs and expand storytelling possibilities for underserved cultures and languages.
Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi has sought to intervene in a Delhi High Court case regarding the collapse of a hostel building in Satya Niketan, which resulted in seven deaths. The court acknowledged her experience despite opposition from the Centre, Delhi government, and MCD, who were given three days to respond to her plea. The High Court had previously ordered an inquiry into the September 6 collapse, highlighting concerns about housing safety and regulatory measures.
The CPI and CPI(M) have announced they will contest one Assembly segment each in the upcoming Tamil Nadu bypolls, while continuing their outside support for the ruling TVK. This decision creates a five-cornered contest and highlights the Left parties' independent stance, aimed at preventing indirect BJP influence and addressing public issues.
A trade body in Jharkhand, FJCCI, has urged the Union Finance Minister to withdraw the proposed 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants. The body argues that this charge will significantly increase operating costs for businesses, especially MSMEs and retailers, who rely on the current zero-MDR regime for digital payments.
The father of a Nithari case victim has questioned the death of Surendra Koli, alleging he was murdered and did not die by suicide. Koli, who was acquitted in all Nithari cases, was found hanging in Haridwar. Police are investigating, while the victim's father claims Koli was about to reveal important information and points to Moninder Singh Pandher as the main culprit.
Lucknow police have arrested two individuals for allegedly abducting a youth and holding him captive for four days over an unpaid mobile phone instalment. The victim was reportedly forced to do labour work and had one unit of blood drawn against his will and sold. The accused, one of whom worked for a credit services company, also allegedly extorted money online from the victim.
From unexpected cameos to sneaky Easter eggs, these Hindi films have quietly created some wonderfully weird cinematic universes of their own.
India's badminton contingent is set to begin its Asian Games campaign, with the men's team aiming to improve on their previous silver medal and the women's team seeking a second medal. Key players like Lakshya Sen, Satwik-Chirag, PV Sindhu, and Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand are expected to lead the charge against strong opponents like Japan, China, and Korea in both team and individual events.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasized that both nations must show sensitivity to each other's core issues and be guided by mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest. Modi highlighted the critical importance of peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control for the development of India-China relations, while also addressing concerns regarding Taiwan and Tibet.
A special NIA court in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district has sentenced all 10 convicts in the 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist attack to death. The attack, which occurred on May 25, 2013, resulted in the deaths of 29 people, including prominent Congress leaders.
Pakistan fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram has voiced his disappointment over the state of the country's cricket, particularly in Test matches. He attributes the team's struggles to a significant lack of quality batting talent emerging in recent years, despite the Pakistan Super League's existence. Akram also highlighted the need to revive club cricket and maintain consistency in team selections.
Legendary Indian hockey player Harbinder Singh reminisces about India's historic first Asian Games gold medal in 1966, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan. He shares insights into the team's motivation, the challenging final match played with 10 men, and the evolution of hockey over the decades, including concerns about declining domestic spectator interest and India's prospects for future Asian Games.
India's national security adviser was in Dhaka for roughly three-quarters of the day on Thursday to prepare the ground for Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to New Delhi.
A BEST electric bus in Mumbai's Goregaon area crashed into a Metro rail pillar after grazing a car, injuring two people. The incident occurred on Monday evening, and the injured were treated and discharged. Police have registered a case against the bus driver.
Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal reflects on his challenging 2026 season, marked by injuries and mental toll. He discusses his decision to stop "playing the victim" and focus on enjoying the game rather than solely chasing results, a mental shift that has improved his performance in recent months.
Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has threatened legal action if the "character assassination" campaign targeting his family over the 2020 Disha Salian death case does not cease. His son, Aaditya Thackeray, also denied any connection to Salian, whose death is now under CBI investigation following a Bombay High Court order.
