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.
Maharashtra minister and Asian Cricket Council board member Adv. Ashish Shelar has been unanimously elected as the president of the E Sports Games Federation (ESGF) in India. Shelar, who also holds portfolios for Electronics, IT, AI, and Cultural Affairs, aims to enhance platforms, training, and opportunities for India's growing esports community, especially with the Indian team participating in the upcoming Asian Games.
The Indian athletics team for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan has undergone significant changes, with Commonwealth Games medallist Yashvir Singh replacing an injured Neeraj Chopra.
Former Mumbai U-19 cricketer Anaya Bangar can play elite women's cricket in Australia from March 2027, subject to Cricket Australia's eligibility criteria.
The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends nearly six years of fully free UPI payments, though person-to-person (P2P) transfers and small P2M payments remain free. The charges aim to bolster investment in UPI infrastructure, with specific exemptions and caps for essential sectors.
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.
Southern chief ministers fear population stabilisation could reduce their parliamentary representation and tax devolution benefits.
Glimpses of our leaders at work on Wednesday: From photography and policy meetings to honours for veterans and high-level consultations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a new investment platform, based on the New Development Bank (NDB), to fund projects in trade, infrastructure, logistics, and technology across BRICS nations, emphasising that the grouping's expanding economic cooperation is not 'against anyone' but aims to advance members' national interests.
A new UN Security Council report has 'officially attributed' the November 2025 Red Fort terror attack in New Delhi, which killed about 15 people, to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The report highlights AQIS's evolution into a regional terrorist entity and its efforts to establish networks.
The Mumbai Cricket Association has established the Ajinkya Rahane Scholarship Fund, backed by Sharad Pawar, to support grassroots cricketers and develop Mumbai's Maidans.
Non-resident Indians are increasingly investing in luxury homes in India, driven by geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the Iran war. This trend is observed across major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and the National Capital Region, with developers noting a significant rise in NRI pre-sales. While some see it as a temporary shift, others believe India is becoming a stable, long-term investment destination for NRIs, especially those from West Asia.
The BRICS grouping adopted a consensus joint declaration in New Delhi, successfully navigating differences on the West Asia conflict but notably omitting any direct mention of US strikes on Iran or Iranian military attacks on Gulf Arab nations. The declaration also criticised Israel's actions in Gaza and called for a concerted approach against terrorism.
Pakistan is set to host the 14th South Asian Games in April next year across Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, after a six-year delay. While the South Asia Olympic Council has approved the dates and venues, India's participation remains uncertain due to political tensions, despite its representative attending the planning meeting.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) are reportedly dissatisfied with the arrangements and facilities for the upcoming Asian Games cricket tournament in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Concerns include inadequate dressing rooms, distant washrooms, and small hotel rooms. As a result, India might send a 'B' team instead of the previously announced full-strength squad, pending a report from a BCCI observer.
A working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) reveals a continuous decline in the rate at which foreign-owned firms invest in fixed assets in India since the FY20 peak, contrasting with a steady increase from Indian business groups.
The upcoming Women's Asia Cup in Dubai could reignite a controversy for the BCCI regarding the trophy presentation if India reaches the final, as Pakistan's Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the ACC chief, might be on the dais, recalling a similar incident with the men's team last year.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced his opposition to the upcoming event at Madison Square Garden where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora. Mamdani, however, noted that the city might lack jurisdiction to cancel the private event, which has also drawn protests from various interfaith and civil rights organisations.
A recent Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report reveals that over 70,500 corruption complaints were lodged against various government bodies last year, with banks and the Railways accounting for the highest numbers. While a significant portion of these complaints has been disposed of, thousands remain under process, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing corruption within public sector entities.
Indian wrestler Jaspreet Kaur has been sanctioned by the International Testing Agency (ITA) after testing positive for prohibited stimulants, octodrine and heptaminol, during the Asian Beach Games. She accepted the anti-doping rule violation, leading to disqualification of her results, with further sanctions from United World Wrestling possible.
The reforms, undertaken by the Department of Defence Production, remove stakeholder consultation for exports of non-lethal defence items to most destinations, while retaining safeguards for sensitive countries.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training has reconstituted the Textbook Development Team for class 11 and 12 political science with a mandate to integrate cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems and inclusion, with at least four of the members having direct or indirect links with the RSS.
The OCA has asked India and other national Olympic bodies not to seek late additions to their Asian Games contingents as Japan struggles to accommodate more than 15,000 participants.
Neetal Narang has been appointed as India's first Safeguarding Officer for the upcoming Asian Games, a role mandated by the Olympic Council of Asia.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the ICC and BCCI over incidents involving Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, warning that leniency could encourage repeat behaviour.
Shafali Verma's explosive 64 set up India's 159 before Deepti Sharma's record-breaking 3/0 destroyed Thailand's chase, sealing a 94-run Asia Cup victory on her landmark 150th T20I.
The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has tragically risen to 903, with 4,247 people still reported missing, including security personnel and foreigners. India has dispatched an 18-member team of forensic experts to assist with DNA analysis and identification of victims.
Indian banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are undertaking a comprehensive review and reset of their engagement terms with fintech firms, driven by the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) draft Guidance on Regulatory Expectations for Data Governance and the stringent compliance requirements of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and its 2025 Rules.
Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has issued an apology to law students, particularly those from NALSAR, for any hurt caused by the recent controversy surrounding their convocation and enrolment, urging them to make independent decisions.
A new study by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed an integrated land-use regression (iLUR) model to map environmental noise across Delhi. This innovative approach combines geographical and real-time traffic data, including vehicle counts, speeds, and honking, to provide a more accurate and cost-effective understanding of noise distribution in the city's complex urban landscape. The model aims to help authorities plan targeted measures for noise control.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that while artificial intelligence (AI) can augment judicial reasoning, it cannot substitute judicial conscience, and a permanent apex body is proposed to supervise AI adoption and accountability within the judiciary.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has honoured the late batting great Dilip Sardesai by unveiling the 'Dilip Sardesai Gate No. 3 Board' at the Wankhede Stadium on his 86th birth anniversary.
'It beggars belief that Saudi Arabia would deploy military force against India, a top partner and market.'
Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, who led the commission investigating the Babri Masjid demolition, has passed away at 87. His distinguished career included serving as Chief Justice of the Madras and Andhra Pradesh High Courts, and a long tenure at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has launched an indefinite statewide strike, protesting the government's decision to allow homoeopaths to register under the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) and prescribe allopathic medicines after a six-month course.
The Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 season will commence on October 16, with new regulations limiting foreign players to three in the starting line-up to boost local talent. Clubs also committed to enhancing youth development through AIFF academy accreditation.
Supreme Court Justice V Mohana recused herself from a 2016 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions for the speedy disposal of criminal cases against lawmakers. This development follows a report by amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria, which revealed over 4,000 pending criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), including chief ministers from 14 states. The Supreme Court has previously issued directives to high courts to establish special benches to monitor and fast-track these trials.
Indian companies' overseas expansion plans are holding strong despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia, driven by structural factors like supply-chain diversification, free trade agreements, and market expansion, according to Ajay Sharma, managing director and head of banking at HSBC India.
The Bombay High Court has ordered resident doctors in Maharashtra to immediately end their strike, which was protesting the registration of homoeopaths under the Maharashtra Medical Council. The court expressed grave concern over patient safety and warned of wage stoppage, leading the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) to agree to call off the protest.
