It has offered a rare moment of relief, allowing them to sit down, talk, smile and feel human again amid days of uncertainty and hardship.
The Indian government has clarified that consumers will not be charged for UPI transactions, and most merchant transactions will also remain free. This comes amidst speculation following an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Any future merchant discount rate (MDR) would be nominal, threshold-based, and aimed at ensuring UPI's long-term sustainability and infrastructure development.
The Payments Council of India has confirmed that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will continue to be free for consumers and small merchants, despite a recent Lok Sabha Bill. This clarification addresses concerns about potential charges, emphasising that while a sustainable financial model for UPI infrastructure is being developed, transaction charges will not be passed on to users or small businesses.
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to ensure all roads have properly demarcated, encroachment-free spaces for pedestrians, emphasising that the right to walk on a footpath is a fundamental right.
The Bombay Bar Association and senior lawyer Satish Maneshinde have strongly criticised the use of police force against students protesting the NEET leak issue in Mumbai. Maneshinde has offered pro bono legal assistance to any student facing legal action, while the BBA emphasised the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and dissent.
Ninety-two remote villages in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, once a Maoist stronghold, will hoist the national flag for the first time since Independence on August 15. This historic event signifies the end of left-wing extremism in these areas, with the state government leading an extensive campaign to foster national pride.
Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi has strongly criticised the Election Commission's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it is 'focussed more on exclusion' and has 'played havoc with democracy' by disturbing free and fair elections.
Visit places without emissions, car noise pollution.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has issued a comprehensive order mandating free drinking water for customers in all food establishments, banning food served in newspapers, and introducing rigorous operational standards. These new regulations aim to improve food safety, hygiene, and transparency across hotels, restaurants, and other food service providers in the state.
Sunit Chowrasia, nephew of SSP Chawrasia, fired a bogey-free eight-under 62 to take a two-shot lead after the second round of the DP World PGTI NexGen Vijay Kumar Memorial tournament in Lucknow. He now stands at eight-under 132, while overnight leader Abhishek Kumar is in second place.
Free, customizable "fan bands" have become the unexpected must-have souvenir at the 2026 World Cup, with over 700,000 distributed. Sponsored by Bank of America, these charm wristlets feature subtle branding and have gone viral, even appearing on resale platforms. This marketing strategy offers a counterpoint to the tournament's high ticket and merchandise prices, proving that unique, free items can create significant fan engagement and brand visibility.
Eight individuals have been arrested in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district for allegedly attempting to storm the Falta police station to free jailed TMC leader Jahangir Khan. Police have named Khan's wife as the alleged mastermind behind the foiled plan, which involved mobilising supporters during a protest.
The CPI(M) has strongly opposed the Union government's proposal to levy charges on UPI transactions, calling it a "breach of public trust" and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the legislation. The party highlighted that the government had previously promoted UPI as a free public utility, encouraging widespread adoption, and now seeks to monetise this infrastructure. They also linked this move to a broader trend of increasing banking charges.
Real Madrid have secured France defender Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer from Liverpool, signing him until June 2030.
Bengaluru golfer Khalin Joshi has significantly extended his lead to seven shots at the J&K Open, finishing day two at 13-under 129. His bogey-free round of 66 included three birdies and an eagle, leaving competitors Rashid Khan and Angad Cheema trailing. The tournament saw 50 players make the cut at one-over 143, despite a shortened hole due to waterlogging.
Two individuals have been arrested in Jharkhand's Giridih district for their alleged involvement in freeing a cybercriminal and damaging a police vehicle during a raid. A police team attempting to arrest Chudaman Mandal was attacked by a group of miscreants, leading to Mandal's escape and damage to the police vehicle. An FIR has been lodged against 21 named and 25 unidentified persons, with further raids underway.
State Bank of India (SBI) is extensively using artificial intelligence to underwrite nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in MSME loans and automate the processing of cheques up to Rs 10,000. This AI adoption aims to enhance efficiency, free up employee bandwidth, and improve customer service across various banking functions.
A simple SIP-first approach can help reduce debt, avoid EMIs and build lasting financial freedom through disciplined spending, advises Ramalingam Kalirajan
Hariyali Teej is the one day your wardrobe gets full permission to go green. From delicate sage and regal emerald to zingy lime and rich olive, every shade feels festive.
Mohamed Salah has arrived in Istanbul, greeted by hundreds of fans, ahead of his expected free transfer to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, marking a new chapter after nine successful years at Liverpool.
A government school in Raholi, Tonk, Rajasthan, has launched its own student-run newspaper, 'Raholi Shiksha Samachar' and 'Raholi Education Times', to address the lack of newspaper access in rural areas and provide students with a platform for creativity and journalism skills.
An Indian-flagged merchant vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, with 13 Indian nationals aboard, was attacked off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea. All 13 Indian crew members have been successfully rescued, and India has condemned the attack, calling for an end to targeting commercial shipping in the region.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes K L Rahul performs best when not burdened by captaincy.
The White House has launched a major crackdown on the 'Great Transhipment Scam', accusing India and over 40 other nations of helping Chinese exporters bypass US tariffs by misrepresenting the origin of goods. The US plans to use AI-driven monitoring and anti-transhipment clauses in future trade agreements to strengthen enforcement.
Seasoned golfer Vani Kapoor, along with amateurs Ayesha Gupta and Riya Jadon, finished the first round of the Women's Pro Golf Tour in a shared lead at 4-under 67. The tournament saw strong performances from several players at the Clover Greens layout.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached the Supreme Court to challenge an Allahabad High Court order that directed the CBI and ED to verify allegations of disproportionate assets against him. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on August 17. The Allahabad High Court had expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's progress and ordered a fresh affidavit, also allowing the ED to proceed if illegality was found during its inquiry. The case stems from a plea by a BJP worker alleging disproportionate assets and dual citizenship.
Researchers at IIT Indore have developed a non-invasive technique to detect early signs of oral cancer using saliva and a swab sample. This method is economical, quick, and aims to make early screening more accessible, especially in rural areas, offering an alternative to painful biopsies. The findings, published in the British Journal of Cancer, show distinctive molecular changes before the disease becomes clinically obvious.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) anticipates disbursing approximately 4,700 crore in incentives under the automotive PLI scheme in FY27, more than double the previous two years, while also exploring financing mechanisms for electric buses and trucks and promoting domestic manufacturing of critical EV components.
Verify a content creator's Sebi registration, qualifications and certifications before acting on their advice.
At what age should society stop regulating life choices and allow people to make their own?
FC Goa's AFC Champions League Two campaign concluded with a 0-3 loss to Turkmenistan's FC Arkadag, relegating the Indian club to the AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asian club football.
Chelsea have announced the signing of experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson on a two-year contract after his departure from Brentford, marking a significant addition to their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
The grieving parents of Sarthak Mattoo, who died in an alleged hit-and-run incident in southwest Delhi, have made an emotional video appeal for justice, questioning the pace of the police investigation and demanding strict action against those responsible.
From guns to handlooms. From forest trails to a public runway. Women who had once been associated with that conflict walked into the spotlight wearing Bastar's traditional textiles.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is reportedly 'happy, cheerful and playing his football' under new manager Jose Mourinho, despite being in the final year of his contract and facing speculation about a potential move to Arsenal.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) proceeded with a discussion on former student Umar Khalid's book, "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power," despite the university cancelling the original venue booking. The event, planned to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, was held outside an academic building after the JNUSU condemned the university's "arbitrary" decision.
The Maharashtra government has issued strict directives to local authorities, mandating an immediate ban on illegal dhabas, eateries, and commercial structures within national highway Right of Way. The order requires demolition of existing encroachments within 60 days, formation of highway safety task forces, and mandates prior clearance from NHAI or PWD for any new licenses in highway safety zones, aiming to enhance commuter safety and clear obstructions.
The Bar Council of India initially directed state bar councils not to enrol 2026 NALSAR University of Law graduates due to alleged student protests against the CJI's convocation participation. However, following widespread social media criticism, the BCI reversed its decision, allowing students to enrol while an inquiry into the instigators continues.
Shillong Lajong FC secured their place in the Durand Cup quarter-finals by topping Group E after a 3-3 draw with Langsning FC, while East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC also advanced as the best second-placed teams.
After nearly 19 years, exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata, calling it a deeply emotional homecoming.
