Making UPI payments fee-based for some transactions could enhance mental reservations against digital payments -- which have largely been overcome -- once more. Do we want to regress?, asks R Jagannthan.
A "petrol langar" offering free fuel coupons in Chandigarh was postponed due to heavy rains, leading to disappointment among a large crowd that had gathered. The organiser, Rakesh Trehan, known as "Raja D King," rescheduled the event and plans to distribute coupons for three days.
As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.
Indian spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has suggested introducing free-hits in Test cricket to curb the increasing problem of no-balls, a concern highlighted by Indian spinners overstepping 10 times in the ongoing Test against Sri Lanka. He acknowledged the issue and the efforts being made to rectify it.
Making several announcements in the assembly, Vijay, fulfilling TVK's key electoral assurances, announced three free cooking gas cylinders and also declared that the Parandur greenfield airport project will be shelved.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined a comprehensive plan to empower India's youth, including training one crore youngsters in artificial intelligence skills and providing free online coaching for competitive examinations, aiming to position them at the forefront of the nation's journey to become a developed nation by 2047.
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.
Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio was acquitted after prosecutors dropped sex-video sharing charges, while three former youth players received suspended sentences and the club opened disciplinary proceedings.
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.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari symbolically destroyed nearly 2 lakh bottles of banned cough syrup in Balurghat using a road roller. This act, aimed at combating drug addiction among youth and curbing smuggling to Bangladesh, highlights improved coordination between BSF and state police. Adhikari also announced a new medical college for Balurghat during his visit.
SCTIMST and Invasive Technologies have launched "Chitra Core," a new drug-eluting coronary stent designed with significantly less metal to reduce complications. This indigenous innovation, developed in collaboration, aims to provide advanced and cost-effective cardiac care, building on decades of Indian medical device development. The institute is also developing a unique TiN-coated stent for global markets.
Lionel Messi scored four goals, including a hat-trick, to lead Inter Miami to a dominant 7-1 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer, ending their five-game winless streak and moving them to second in the Eastern Conference.
The Indian contingent for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya will undergo orientation sessions focusing on empathy and mutual respect. For the first time, a Safeguarding Officer will accompany the 768-strong team to provide support, counsel distressed athletes, and enforce a code of conduct, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for performance. The officer's role, mandated by the Olympic Council of Asia, includes confidential reporting and potential accreditation suspension for serious violations.
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.
Tennis star Coco Gauff and her mother are speaking out against acquaintances who only resurface to ask for free tickets to the US Open. Gauff revealed that her mother's recent Instagram post, which bluntly told friends and family to stop asking for tickets, was a much-needed intervention after years of absurd requests, particularly during the New York tournament.
Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that threatening students with punitive action for expressing different views or asking questions is unconstitutional and a misuse of power. He emphasised that universities should foster free thinking and disagreement, as tolerance and dissent are fundamental constitutional values essential for a liberal democracy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a two-nation tour to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, where he will attend the SCO Summit. He aims to advance India's vision for the region, focusing on security, connectivity, and opportunity, and to strengthen strategic partnerships in Central Asia, fostering a region free from terrorism.
A Pakistani court has ordered the return of 21-year-old Hindu girl Shirimati Reeta to her parents after she was allegedly lured, pressured to convert to Islam, and marry a Muslim man. Reeta, who had gone missing from Sindh, was recovered by police in Punjab and stated in court her desire to return home, highlighting the ongoing issue of forced conversions among minority girls in Pakistan.
Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra turned tragic with two fatalities and over 130 'Govindas' injured. A seven-year-old boy died in Mumbai after a brick column collapsed, while a woman was crushed by an iron frame in Pune. Authorities are investigating the incidents, and political leaders have urged for safety during the festivities.
'I know China will implode. It is scientifically impossible for China to control a nation through the barrel of a gun.'
The task force's move to directly solicit views from students, parents and teachers marks a parallel effort to bring education stakeholders into the reform process.
The dupatta has officially met its match. Why spend half the evening pinning, pleating and desperately trying to keep a piece of fabric from slipping off your shoulder when you can simply throw on a cape and call it a day?
The Asus VM240 AiO combines a sleek, space-saving design with AMD Ryzen 5 performance, a 24-inch display and AI-powered features. Priced at Rs. 66,990, the all-in-one desktop is now available to buy in India, offering a clutter-free setup for work, entertainment and everyday computing.
Sona Olickal's style feels like a sunny little wardrobe vacation. There's plenty of breezy femininity, playful prints and bohemian ease, but the Once More actress can just as easily switch into rich silks, statement jewellery or cool streetwear.
Bukayo Saka's second-half goal secured a 1-0 victory for Arsenal against Aston Villa, marking their second consecutive win in the Premier League season.
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.
Angad Cheema delivered a career-best, bogey-free 11-under 61 in Round 2 of the Rs one-crore Telangana Open, establishing a two-shot lead at 13-under 131. Delhi's Rashid Khan is in second place, while Hyderabad's Vishesh Sharma holds third. The cut was made at one-under 143, with 50 players advancing.
The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship is one of India's major scholarship programmes, designed to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections. The scholarship covers students from Class 9 onwards, including those pursuing higher education in India and abroad, helping ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of quality education.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has pledged to ensure justice for Nishu Azad's father, who was severely injured during protests at Jantar Mantar. Paswan has filed a formal complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who allegedly assaulted Azad's father and boasted about it, claiming political connections. Bhardwaj has since been detained. Paswan also called for an investigation into molestation allegations against a state minister from his party.
'Wages have not risen. Rural wages have stagnated. The growth was 0.7 per cent last year. For casual and irregular labour, the wage growth is negative.'
Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji has addressed concerns raised by leading cricketing nations regarding accommodation and facilities for the upcoming Asian Games. Miyaji clarified that hotel stays are offered, teams can make their own arrangements, and temporary yet comfortable facilities have been prepared for players, including washrooms and dressing rooms, despite tight timelines and resource limitations.
A bipartisan US body claimed that religious freedom conditions in India remained on the downward trajectory in 2026, citing restrictions on activities of NGOs, censorship and transnational repression.
Visit places without emissions, car noise pollution.
Dhruv Sheoran and Vishesh Sharma have taken the joint lead at the Telangana Golconda Masters, both carding course-record scores of 10-under 60. The duo holds a one-shot advantage after the first round of the Rs 1 crore tournament. Amardeep Malik is in solo third, one stroke behind.
Expired food articles were seized during inspections conducted at 23 paying guest accomodations across the city on Friday and noticies were issued to them, officials said.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has imposed a national ban on Churchill Brothers FC Goa for player registration, following a directive from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee due to unpaid dues to English forward Kurtis Owen Guthrie. The Goan club, however, claims the matter has been resolved with full payment made and a request sent to FIFA to lift the ban.
AG.AL has been crowned the Esports World Cup 2026 Club Champion, winning a USD 7 million prize from a record-breaking USD 75 million total pool. Their victory was secured after a dramatic win in Trackmania, capping a seven-week competition.
