Some decades are worth remembering exactly as they were, unfiltered, because that's the only way the people who survived them get to be seen at all, points out Binu Alex.
The Congress party has criticised the government's new 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, terming it a "Modi tax". Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, allege that this move will ultimately burden consumers through price hikes and accuse the government of succumbing to American pressure to dilute India's zero-MDR policy. The government states the charge will support banks and fintechs.
Nepali security forces have intensified search and rescue operations across the flood-hit areas, using helicopters and ground teams to evacuate survivors and search through mud and debris.
The operation remains challenging as destroyed roads and bridges have cut off several remote communities, while hundreds of people are still missing.
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.
A 47-year-old man, Gulzar Singh, from Dirba in Sangrur district, allegedly died by suicide after consuming poison. In a purported video, he questioned Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the unabated supply of 'chitta' (synthetic drugs) in the area, stating his son was addicted. Opposition parties have seized on the incident, demanding a probe and justice for Gulzar Singh, putting the Mann-led AAP government under pressure regarding the drug menace in the state.
The Congress party has criticised the Modi government over a notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for imposing fees, especially on transactions above Rs 2,000. Rahul Gandhi claimed the government is surrendering to American pressure, while Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the potential burden on common citizens amidst inflation. The government's notification prohibits charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 but remains silent on higher amounts, sparking fears of a "Digital Payments Tax."
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.
'We are living in the belief that our building will not fall.'
Kanpur police are seeking 15 days' custody of Shalu, daughter-in-law of slain pharmaceutical trader Vineet Manocha, for intensive interrogation. Shalu is alleged to be the mastermind behind Manocha's brutal murder, having reportedly hired two men for Rs 6 lakh. Her husband, Subrat, also remains under scrutiny, with police examining call records and deleted messages to uncover the full conspiracy.
The liver is the second-largest organ in the human body and carries out hundreds of essential functions every day. It filters harmful substances from the bloodstream, processes medicines and converts the food you eat into nutrients your body can use.
Mahant Deependra Giri reached the Amarnath cave shrine on August 28, 2026, leading the Chhari Mubarak after a traditional journey through the Himalayas via Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, culminating in the final puja on Shravan Purnima.
Chumbak is silly, loud, chaotic and genuinely funny in bits, discovers Deepa Gahlot.
Delhi Police has implemented a comprehensive multi-layered security system for the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, deploying 15,000 personnel, 200 paramilitary companies, and over 500 CCTV cameras. The arrangements aim to ensure maximum security for visiting dignitaries while minimising public inconvenience, with extensive coordination across agencies and states, and robust measures at the main venue, Bharat Mandapam.
With the right exercises and regular strength training, you can improve and get back to feeling strong and pain-free, suggests rediffGURU Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) stated that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) "is distributed only amongst the UPI ecosystem, to further invest into infrastructure resilience, innovation, cybersecurity (protecting the UPI infrastructure with banks and non-banks) and customer service."
The government is introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant payments above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends the zero-MDR regime, aiming to fund UPI infrastructure and sustainability, as the previous government subsidy was insufficient to cover operational costs. Payments between individuals and most everyday merchant transactions will remain free.
China emphasises proper handling of differences and a long-term perspective for bilateral ties ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS summit and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to stabilise relations following the 2020 Ladakh standoff and strengthen BRICS cooperation.
Indian golfer Pranavi Urs expresses confidence in the women's team for the Asian Games, emphasising consistency, strong driving, and creating birdie opportunities over chasing specific low scores. She highlights the team dynamic with Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar and discusses her preparation, international experience, and areas for improvement in her game.
Ahead of Ganeshotsav, which commences on September 14, Rediff's Divya Nair visits a workshop in Mumbai where young girls, most of them first-timers, are using their brushes to bring Lord Ganesha to life.
Ishan Kishan discusses how taking on the captaincy for Jharkhand in 2024, following the loss of his BCCI central contract, significantly contributed to his personal and cricketing development. He highlights the increased responsibility, situational awareness, and focus on team goals that leadership instilled in him, exemplified by his recent double century for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final.
Indian esports athletes are rigorously training for the Asian Games in Nagoya, aiming for medals and challenging the traditional perception of gaming as merely a leisure activity. With professional support and coaching, players are balancing academics and intense practice, hoping to elevate esports to mainstream sporting status in India.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to India for the BRICS summit is a pivotal diplomatic event poised to significantly impact bilateral ties and global cooperation amidst ongoing international instability.
A hooch tragedy in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, has claimed 11 lives, with investigations pointing to a suspected link with cheaper spurious liquor supplied from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. This incident echoes previous tragedies in the Bundelkhand region, highlighting the ongoing issue of cross-border alcohol trade.
A proposed Rs 1,200 crore Secretariat-Assembly complex in Pattinapakkam, Chennai, has ignited significant opposition from local fishing communities and various political parties. Residents fear displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental damage, citing ancestral rights and broken promises. Political leaders across the spectrum are urging Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to reconsider the site, highlighting concerns about ecological impact, traffic, and financial priorities.
The challenge for India lies in navigating complex landscape to its best advantage. The BRICS Summit will test its navigation skills, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.
'Modi had his own cricket team in his school days. He was a good cricketer.'
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of six hotels, restaurants, and other food establishments in Mumbai due to food safety and hygiene violations, including improper storage and the use of analogue paneer. This action is part of an ongoing inspection drive.
Behind Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive batting lies years of relentless hard work, family sacrifices, and a training routine few young cricketers could endure.
Heavy rainfall in Delhi led to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic congestion, bringing the national capital to a standstill, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert for further heavy rain.
The Ganga river in Varanasi is experiencing a significant rise in water level, disrupting daily activities along the ghats. This has led to severed connectivity between ghats, relocation of cremation activities at Manikarnika Ghat, and growing concern among residents as the river approaches its danger mark.
A female cheetah named Nirva, part of India's reintroduction programme, was successfully rescued from Shivpuri district after an 11-day search. The 6-year-old South African cheetah had gone missing from Kuno National Park, and her satellite collar was malfunctioning. Forest officials, with local support, located and replaced her collar, confirming she is healthy.
rediffGURU Anu Krishna advises a distressed daughter-in-law as to how she can deal with an interfering mother-in-law while protecting her own peace and marriage.
The FCNR (B) stratagem relies on using public money to defend the rupee. The State subsidises foreign borrowing to attract dollars. This tool requires large-scale borrowing to make a material difference against a gross external flow of $11 billion a day. A commensurately large fiscal cost falls upon the exchequer. The ministry of finance will choose how much it is willing to spend in exchange for this round number, points out Ajay Shah.
'How will this woman find her? And how does that affect her, because it's not a biological relationship.'
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that revised NCERT textbooks for classes 10 to 12 are being prepared in "mission mode," while textbooks for classes 1 to 9 under the new National Curriculum Framework have already been released. He emphasised NCERT's role in building a 'Viksit Bharat' and highlighted the need for curricula to evolve with AI advancements and the importance of India's young population as a global asset.
Some see in the CJP the potential of weakening the Opposition. Hence the BJP/RSS's 'softly softly catchee monkey' approach, with co-option being the ultimate aim, points out Aditi Phadnis.
BJP MP Raghav Chadha addressed the 12th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, highlighting India's digital transformation journey. He emphasised how technology is widening access and promoting inclusion, citing UPI's success, affordable data, and robust data protection laws. Chadha also discussed India's digital cooperation with Uzbekistan and the importance of digital rights, safety, and skill development for all citizens.
Gold futures experienced their seventh consecutive daily decline, falling to Rs 1.5 lakh per 10 grams, driven by escalating military exchanges between the US and Iran which have pushed oil prices higher and intensified concerns over inflation and potential interest rate hikes.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay issued a stern warning against personal attacks, double-meaning insults, and derogatory language targeting women, particularly in political discourse. Speaking in the Assembly, he recalled past humiliations faced by late CM J Jayalalithaa and condemned recent incidents involving women personalities, stressing that such behaviour would face immediate legal consequences. He also outlined his administration's vision for public security and zero-tolerance against crime.
Despite a record-breaking opening day, Toxic has experienced a significant and disheartening decline in its box office collections.
