News for 'Commons'

All about UPI charges: Will merchants pass on MDR to customers?

All about UPI charges: Will merchants pass on MDR to customers?

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

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.

CAGR vs XIRR: Why are most SIP investors are reading their returns wrong!

CAGR vs XIRR: Why are most SIP investors are reading their returns wrong!

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The SIP culture has been rapidly growing in India among retail investors. As per AMFI data, monthly SIP contributions crossed 31,961 crore in July 2026, which is nearly a 10x jump from 3,122 crore recorded in April 2016.

CAGR vs XIRR: Why are most SIP investors are reading their returns wrong!

CAGR vs XIRR: Why are most SIP investors are reading their returns wrong!

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The SIP culture has been rapidly growing in India among retail investors. As per AMFI data, monthly SIP contributions crossed 31,961 crore in July 2026, which is nearly a 10x jump from 3,122 crore recorded in April 2016.

Daayra Review: Potent Kareena, Prithviraj

Daayra Review: Potent Kareena, Prithviraj

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Its unresolved, noncommittal conclusion is exactly the sort of anticlimactic reality Daayra wants to bring our attention to. Neither justice nor revenge can undo the fate met by the world's Nirbhayas or Arushis, observes Sukanya Verma.

10 CV Tips To Get Hired

10 CV Tips To Get Hired

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Weak verbs and poor language can make even impressive achievements seem ordinary, points out Nayagam PP, a career coach and founder of EduJob360.

UEFA Seeks Evidence Against FIFA President Infantino In Swiss Case

UEFA Seeks Evidence Against FIFA President Infantino In Swiss Case

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

UEFA is seeking evidence in a US court for a potential Swiss criminal case against FIFA President Gianni Infantino concerning his abandoned World Cup commercial-rights plan.

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from major emerging economies to address global challenges like trade disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and the economic impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India, as chair, aims to position BRICS as an economic growth engine, focusing on the Global South's food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit also highlights the grouping's expansion and its growing influence in global governance.

Adults can nominate queer partners for medical decisions, Centre tells HC

Adults can nominate queer partners for medical decisions, Centre tells HC

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that adults, including those in non-heterosexual relationships, should be allowed to nominate partners for medical decision-making in cases of incapacity. This submission comes in response to a petition seeking recognition of same-sex partners as medical representatives, with the government stating this approach aligns with existing legal and ethical frameworks, respecting patient autonomy and ensuring continuity of care.

Pakistani Naval Captain Was Reckless, Incompetent

Pakistani Naval Captain Was Reckless, Incompetent

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

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).

After quitting BJP, Annamalai launches 'common man politics' for Tamil Nadu

After quitting BJP, Annamalai launches 'common man politics' for Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has launched a new political movement focused on 'common man politics,' rejecting personality cults and hereditary power, aiming to position Tamil Nadu as the premier state in India.

Nepal floods: 275 Indians remain missing

Nepal floods: 275 Indians remain missing

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs reported that 275 Indians remain missing following devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, while 166 others have been rescued. India has supplied 95 tonnes of relief material and deployed 54 personnel, including rescue and forensic experts, to assist Nepal. The death toll in Nepal has reached 1,295, with thousands still missing, and significant infrastructure damage reported. India has also highlighted the need for developed countries to lead in climate change action.

New UPI Merchant Fee Ignites Fierce Political Debate

New UPI Merchant Fee Ignites Fierce Political Debate

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

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.

Brics Grain Exchange: A Game-Changer or Too Many Hurdles?

Brics Grain Exchange: A Game-Changer or Too Many Hurdles?

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Brics proposal for a Grain Exchange, aimed at challenging the dominance of Western trading firms, faces significant operational and implementation hurdles, including settlement currency, regulatory frameworks, and limited participation from key members like India, according to experts.

Sourav Ganguly defends Shami, optimistic about Ishan Kishan's Test return

Sourav Ganguly defends Shami, optimistic about Ishan Kishan's Test return

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Former captain Sourav Ganguly defends veteran pacer Mohammed Shami against claims of neglect by selectors, praising his domestic performances. Ganguly also expresses optimism about Ishan Kishan's potential return to Test cricket, highlighting his strong form in recent domestic finals.

FDA suspends licences of Mumbai's iconic Cafe Mondegar, 3 other eateries

FDA suspends licences of Mumbai's iconic Cafe Mondegar, 3 other eateries

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of popular Mumbai restaurant Cafe Mondegar and three other food establishments due to serious food safety and hygiene violations. This action is part of an intensified crackdown by the FDA, which also saw inspections of 38 establishments, seizure of substandard food products worth over Rs 15 lakh, and action against banned gutkha products totalling Rs 1.35 crore in seized goods and vehicles across Maharashtra.

Can Yoga Help Reduce Bloating?

Can Yoga Help Reduce Bloating?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Yoga may help improve digestion and reduce bloating by relaxing the body, reducing stress, and encouraging healthy movement of the digestive system, says rediffGURU Pushpa R, founder of Radiant Yoga Vibes.

Sending troops to Ukraine means...: Putin's warning to Europe

Sending troops to Ukraine means...: Putin's warning to Europe

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Putin has issued a stark warning to European nations, declaring that any deployment of troops to Ukraine would be met with 'war with Russia'.

I Stood Where Every Man Died A Hero's Death

I Stood Where Every Man Died A Hero's Death

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The soil mingled with the blood of 114 soldiers, gathered from the battlefield, has been preserved in a glass bottle in Rezang La. When the frozen bodies of the were recovered, they had their rifles in hand, fingers on the trigger, pointed towards the enemy. The mountains they defended will never forget them. Neither should we.

TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti Emphasises Safeguards For AI In Telecom Networks

TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti Emphasises Safeguards For AI In Telecom Networks

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti has called for robust safeguards, human oversight, and intervention capabilities as Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into telecom networks. While acknowledging AI's potential to transform network management and threat detection, Lahoti stressed the need for responsible AI deployment, risk assessments, and clear accountability to ensure consumer trust and prevent misuse, especially in combating online fraud.

India rescues five-year-old kid among three more nationals in Nepal

India rescues five-year-old kid among three more nationals in Nepal

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

India has rescued three more nationals, including a child, from Nepal's flood-hit Trishuli Bazaar, bringing the total evacuees to 169, while 275 Indians remain missing. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 1,907 Indians safely crossed into Nepal from China and India continues to provide extensive relief materials and expert teams to assist Nepal in its recovery efforts following the devastating flash floods.

Hindu Outfit's Visit Provokes Eiffel Staff Strike

Hindu Outfit's Visit Provokes Eiffel Staff Strike

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Eiffel Tower employees launched a strike, leading to the iconic landmark's closure, after allegations surfaced that female staff were asked to vacate their posts during a visit by the Hindu religious organisation BAPS.

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

BRICS nations have successfully reached a consensus on a joint statement following extensive negotiations, with India playing a crucial role in bridging differences, particularly among West Asian members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, despite regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

World Elephant Day: Haathi Mere Saathi

World Elephant Day: Haathi Mere Saathi

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

India has over 22,000 wild elephants. May their tribe increase.

Nepal's Hindu Rashtra Debate

Nepal's Hindu Rashtra Debate

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Nepal's Hindu groups have sought an all-party discussion on restoring Hindu-nation status within three months.

How UPI Rewired India's Money Story

How UPI Rewired India's Money Story

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Digital money is gradually starting to behave like software. It's no longer inert -- sitting passively in accounts. In the not-so-distant future, your money could become 'smart' and 'active,' understanding your preferences, paying your bills automatically, optimising your returns, and managing your risks -- all without you having to manage the details.

Sebi Chief: Initial Liquidity Issues with CAS Seen Across Global Markets

Sebi Chief: Initial Liquidity Issues with CAS Seen Across Global Markets

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey acknowledged that all global jurisdictions experienced lower liquidity during the initial implementation phases of the closing auction session (CAS), a stock price determination framework introduced in India on August 3.

2026 Winners: 5 Airports That Make Flying A Pleasure

2026 Winners: 5 Airports That Make Flying A Pleasure

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

World's Top 5 Airports of 2026 based on votes from passengers across the globe in the 2025-2026 World Airport Survey by SKYTRAX.

India's payment system interoperability push finds no mention in BRICS declaration

India's payment system interoperability push finds no mention in BRICS declaration

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

India's proposal to link BRICS payment systems, including central-bank digital currencies (CBDCs), was notably absent from the grouping's New Delhi Declaration, despite being a key agenda item for India's chairmanship. This omission leaves the 16-year effort for trade in local currencies without a settled payment architecture, with the declaration only 'acknowledging' the work of the BRICS Payment Task Force.

Raj local polls: BJP wins 4 of 10 civic bodies; Independents emerge as key players

Raj local polls: BJP wins 4 of 10 civic bodies; Independents emerge as key players

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The ruling BJP has increased its lead over the Congress in the Rajasthan urban local body elections, winning 3,587 wards against Congress's 3,050. Independents also performed strongly, securing 2,024 wards. While BJP secured a clear majority in Udaipur, Congress won in Ajmer and Pali. Bharatpur, the Chief Minister's hometown, saw Independents leading. These elections are a crucial test for the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls.

Why Is Colombo Still Biased Against Jaffna?

Why Is Colombo Still Biased Against Jaffna?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'The way the government behaves, sometimes I ask myself: Are not Tamils Sri Lankans too? Why do you discriminate so much?'

Man with uterus, fallopian tubes undergoes surgery

Man with uterus, fallopian tubes undergoes surgery

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

A 26-year-old man seeking infertility treatment was found to have a uterus and fallopian-tube-like structures, along with undescended testes, revealing a rare congenital condition called Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS) that had remained undiagnosed until adulthood.

'China Should Have Alerted Nepal'

'China Should Have Alerted Nepal'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

'The trigger for the flood was definitely natural, but the damage that it caused was human-made.'

Bachchan Name Pressure? Navya Naveli Nanda Says...

Bachchan Name Pressure? Navya Naveli Nanda Says...

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

'Everyone has a surname, and I think everyone has an equal responsibility to live up to that name.'

For Didi: 8 Raksha Bandhan Recipes

For Didi: 8 Raksha Bandhan Recipes

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Cook up a Raksha Bandhan meal for your sis. Head into the kitchen and surprise her with a meal that will make her real khush.

'Ganeshotsav Is No Longer The Same'

'Ganeshotsav Is No Longer The Same'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'Earlier, Ganeshotsav was social. Now it is all about social media.'

The Prince And The Driver

The Prince And The Driver

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

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.

Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar Review: Gripping Cop Drama

Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar Review: Gripping Cop Drama

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar is a gripping cat-and-mouse game that benefits from smart writing.

'Bank Customers Have Become Demanding'

'Bank Customers Have Become Demanding'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

'Ultimately, banks are a channel for people to get some long-term return, and this means banks need to adjust their asset-liability mismatch.' 'Customers also need long-term deposits, say those of three-five years. How would they get them if returns on those deposits do not climb?' 'Otherwise, on fixed deposits, a senior citizen doesn't get anything.'

No country should...: US reacts to Modi meeting Iran Prez

No country should...: US reacts to Modi meeting Iran Prez

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated he does not believe India and Iran are pursuing a trade deal, despite a recent meeting between their leaders. He acknowledged that many countries engage with the Iranian regime but reiterated President Trump's warning against helping Iran evade sanctions, threatening penalties for nations that do so.

8 Nations With Highest Doctor-To-Population Ratios: Where Is India?

8 Nations With Highest Doctor-To-Population Ratios: Where Is India?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

How well is your country's healthcare system staffed? We compare the density of essential healthcare professionals across countries, based on figures from World Population Review.