Following the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, a Maharashtra village, Dhondalgaon, recalls how his NAAM Foundation funded a water conservation project ten years ago, transforming it from a drought-prone area to a 'tanker-free' and economically thriving community. The project, which involved desilting barrages, boosted agriculture and dairy farming, and eliminated farmer suicides.
The Indian Super League (ISL) has partnered with YouTube to stream all 163 matches live and free for the 2026-27 season, aiming to expand its digital reach and remove subscription barriers.
The GST Council has approved a proposal allowing pharmaceutical companies to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on free samples and goods destroyed or written off due to expiry, effective from the next fiscal year. This move aims to support manufacturing, liquidity, and exports within the sector.
Bengaluru golfer Khalin Joshi secured his third title of the season, winning the inaugural Rs 1 crore Nava Raipur Open 2026 Golf tournament. He finished with a bogey-free three-under 31 in the final nine-hole round, overcoming weather delays and tough competition to claim the victory by one stroke.
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.
As international investigations intensify into the mid-air security scare aboard the Flydubai flight, Israel's i24 News reported that an Emirati source has revealed that among the belongings of the Omani co-pilot were leaflets and publications from "Free Palestine" groups, alongside pro-Palestinian material.
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.
Researchers at IIT Madras have patented a chemical-free antibacterial surface that physically eliminates harmful bacteria, including "superbugs," without relying on antibiotics or disinfectants. This innovative technology uses specially engineered nanostructures to rupture bacterial cell walls, offering a sustainable solution to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) for biomedical and public health applications.
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 javelin thrower Rohit Yadav secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games with a throw of 84.35m, marking his first major international medal. This achievement has relieved him of years of pressure from family and friends, allowing him to compete with a freer mind. Despite not achieving his personal best, Yadav is optimistic about future competitions, aiming for 88m-90m throws next year and dedicating his medal to his father.
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.
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has moved the Supreme Court to intervene in a significant case concerning the interpretation of legislative privileges of MLAs and their impact on freedom of speech. A seven-judge Constitution bench will hear the matter from October 6. Kamra's involvement stems from privilege proceedings against him in the Maharashtra Assembly over his comedy special. The case also revisits a 2003 matter involving journalist N Ravi, highlighting conflicting views on whether fundamental rights override legislative privileges.
'Regulations give a particular minimum amount of shares to be given in the OFS or IPO -- without which one cannot do the IPO.' 'We got that number on the day of filing of updated DRHP -- sufficient for us to go live with the IPO.'
Economic think tank GTRI has urged the Indian government to withdraw the proposed UPI charges, set to begin on October 15, arguing that the digital payment system should remain free for merchants and consumers. GTRI warns that these charges could lead to higher prices, reduced earnings for small businesses, and weakened household demand, while also benefiting international card networks by eroding UPI's price advantage. The think tank also called for an independent audit of UPI's running costs.
Refusing to travel to India citing "sensitive bilateral situation", Pakistan on Wednesday asked the Asian Hockey Federation to shift its Asian Champions Trophy matches to a neutral venue.
The Delhi High Court is set to hear petitions concerning the alleged closure of Jantar Mantar as a protest site and reported assaults on protesters. Lawyers argue that the closure infringes on the right to free speech, especially as no alternative sites were designated. Separately, Delhi Police have denotified Jantar Mantar and named three new protest locations.
The Supreme Court on Sunday issued a notice to the Centre and passed several directions regarding metro and train services, internet access, and peaceful assembly in Delhi, following a plea for contempt proceedings over alleged violations during the CJP protest. The court emphasised the protection of fundamental rights and the need for lawful conduct during protests.
Ramlila Maidan, recently designated as one of Delhi's new protest sites, is proving to be a costly and difficult option for demonstrators. With no free dates for the next two and a half months and booking fees exceeding Rs 1 lakh, it contrasts sharply with the previously free Jantar Mantar. The ground, rich in political history, also poses logistical challenges due to its busy commercial location and impact on traffic.
Shubhankar Sharma retained a two-shot lead after the third round of the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship on Friday, despite an even-par 72. Bengaluru's Manoj S and Italy's Michele Ortolani are his closest challengers heading into the final round.
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.
India firmly dismissed the concerns raised by the United Nations human rights body on Sunday regarding the security measures implemented ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janta Party demonstration in Delhi, branding the remarks as "unwarranted" and an "unacceptable interference" in domestic matters.
A report by IIT-Bombay professors recommends reducing the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions from 0.40 per cent to 0.08 per cent. It suggests that banks should fund the UPI ecosystem using their net interest margins from CASA deposits, rather than relying on MDR. The report also addresses transaction costs, credit card MDR, and ATM withdrawal allowances, aiming to ensure UPI's long-term sustainability and public trust by proposing remuneration only from large merchants.
Indian-origin filmmaker Arafat Sheikh was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Dulles International Airport. Sheikh, a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, was taken into custody on September 24 despite having a student visa and a pending immigration application, according to the "Free Arafat Sheikh" campaign. ICE is responsible for detaining non-citizens for suspected immigration violations.
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.
FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC played out a 1-1 draw in the second match of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season on Saturday. Irfan Yadwad gave Chennaiyin the lead in the 64th minute, but Chiki's headed equaliser in the 75th minute secured a point for FC Goa after both teams had chances, including hitting the woodwork.
'If Gyanesh Kumar had some shame he would have resigned and would have taken agni pariksha.'
The Delhi High Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on October 16 concerning the right to peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. The plea seeks directions to authorities to permit demonstrations and declare peaceful protest as part of free speech, following recent protests and alleged police actions. Another PIL regarding assaults on protesters was adjourned to November.
Assam Police's Special Task Force (STF) seized Yaba tablets worth Rs 10 crore and arrested one person in Kamrup district. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the bust, highlighting the state's commitment to combating drug menace as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
Yoga expert Pushpa R recommends these three yoga poses that will help you relax and ease the discomfort of frozen shoulder.
Discover how to effortlessly elevate your Navratri Day 4 festive look with stunning blue accessories.
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.
A report by IIT Bombay suggests that the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions needs rationalisation before implementation to safeguard public trust in the digital payments system, highlighting that UPI's long-term economic benefits outweigh potential incremental income from merchant fees.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is organising a protest in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities and the deletion of names from voter rolls. CJP leaders claim activists have been detained and faced restrictions while travelling to the capital for the demonstration.
Former world number one Justin Rose believes more golfers are considering leaving LIV Golf to play on the DP World Tour, aiming for eligibility in next year's Ryder Cup. He also shared his evolving career goals, prioritising creating lasting memories over solely winning Major championships, and expressed his excitement about returning to India for the DP World India Championship after 22 years. Rose highlighted India's growing importance in global golf.
Punjab FC's IFA Shield campaign concluded after a narrow 3-4 defeat on penalties to defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the semi-final. The match remained goalless after 120 minutes of competitive play, with both teams creating chances before the shootout decided the winner.
Punjab & Sind Bank MD and CEO Swarup Kumar Saha clarified that merchants cannot pass on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges to customers for UPI payments, ensuring consumers only pay the displayed price. The new MDR structure, effective October 15, applies a 0.4% charge on P2M transactions above Rs 2,000, with specific flat rates for certain sectors, but small-value transactions remain free.
A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sub-inspector allegedly died by suicide in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district after shooting himself with his service weapon. The incident, which occurred on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, is under investigation. This tragic event is part of a larger pattern, with nearly 200 police and paramilitary personnel dying by suicide in the state over the past eight years due to various personal and professional issues.
India has issued an advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia, urging them to stay indoors during aerial attacks and follow local instructions, amidst ongoing tensions and drone/missile attacks by Houthi rebels. The advisory follows an attack on Riyadh airport that killed one Indian national and injured several others, leading to flight suspensions by Indian carriers.
Maharashtra is grappling with an escalating drought crisis, with 305 talukas now declared drought-hit, prompting the state government to announce Rs 5,000 in financial aid for farmers before Diwali and extend comprehensive relief measures.
