Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select high-value UPI transactions is not a tax or cess, and its collections will not go to the government. She explained that MDR is a charge within the digital payments ecosystem, shared among participants to maintain infrastructure, and will not be passed on to consumers. The NPCI's new framework, effective October 15, applies a 0.4% MDR on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, with most transactions remaining free and small merchants exempt.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated several Indian athletes for their medal-winning performances at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. He specifically lauded silver medallists Ancy Sojan (long jump), Anahat Singh (squash), Abhay Singh (squash), Sarvesh Kushare (high jump), and bronze medallists Harita Bhadra (200m), Tejaswin Shankar (decathlon), and Parul Chaudhary (steeplechase), highlighting their dedication and achievements.
Trisha, daughter of Jharkhand Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Dipika Pandey Singh, was among four people killed when their car rammed into a stationary truck on Marine Drive Road in Jamshedpur. The accident occurred in the early hours, also claiming the lives of Sarthak Agarwal, Naman Gupta, and Vanshika Khandelwal.
Students and political parties in Odisha are protesting widespread errors in school textbooks, demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond. The CJP has extended support to the Navnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan's 'satyagraha', while the state government has begun distributing corrected textbooks.
The BJP spent Rs 286.99 crore on the West Bengal elections, surpassing the Congress's total expenditure of Rs 248.55 crore across five states and a Union territory. The report details spending by major parties in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, highlighting significant financial disparities and campaign outlays.
The second edition of the 'Adi Kailash High Altitude Ultra Marathon' has begun in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, attracting over 1,100 participants from 26 states across various challenging races, including 70 km and 42 km events.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at 15 locations connected to former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen and others, probing alleged financial irregularities in Durga Puja preview shows organised by massArt, an organisation headed by Sen's wife. The investigation under PMLA focuses on the alleged collection and diversion of Rs 50-60 crore and potential links to a private art gallery.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered immediate action against those who allegedly attacked a Bihu troupe in Sribhumi district, stating that any insult to the state's culture will not be tolerated. Following his directive, 13 people have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and AASU president Utpal Sarma also condemned the incident, emphasising the importance of Bihu to Assamese identity.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that using terrorism as an "instrument of statecraft" is unacceptable and cannot be justified. He highlighted that terrorism persists because some states do not exhibit "zero tolerance" and allow political calculations to override historical lessons. Speaking at an event, Jaishankar emphasised the indivisibility of peace and called for stronger global resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms.
'Therefore, Beijing comes to wrong conclusions.'
As Israel prepares for parliamentary elections on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical test of his leadership amidst the fallout from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, the ongoing Gaza war, and significant domestic challenges.
BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu was detained by Punjab Police after he waved a liquor bottle, eggs, and tomatoes at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's cavalcade, claiming he was 'returning' items previously thrown at his own convoy and protesting alleged misgovernance.
Two individuals were killed and three injured in a firing incident in Moga, Punjab, on Sunday evening. Police suspect old enmity as the motive and have arrested five people in connection with the case, though the assailants remain at large. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who allege a complete collapse of law and order under the current state government.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a cabinet expansion and reshuffle for early next week, urging party members not to lobby for positions as the list is finalised. He also discussed various issues with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, including the LG's health, the National Dental Commission Act, and the plight of Kashmiri pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia due to flight cancellations and high airfares. Abdullah also declined to comment on LAC patrolling, stating it's outside J&K's purview post-Ladakh's separation.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede, which killed 19 people, was primarily due to human error. He visited victims' families, assured assistance, and announced an inquiry by a retired judge, with the report expected within three months. The CM also plans to meet puja committees on October 26 to discuss future safety measures.
Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) is poised to make history by becoming the first club from Nagaland to compete in the Indian Football League (IFL), with its debut scheduled for the 2026-27 season starting October 30. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio lauded the club's entry, highlighting its potential to inspire youth and provide a platform for local football talent. NUSC's formation in 2024 and its arrangement with Aizawl FC underscore a significant step for football in the Northeast region.
Kolkata Police have arrested a man in Dum Dum for allegedly posting derogatory comments and circulating false information about West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP leaders on social media. The arrest followed a complaint, and the accused is scheduled to appear in court later on Monday.
Power, patronage and money fuel politics in drought: And the ruling party controls all of those, points out Aditi Phadnis.
The Election Commission has announced elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal on October 16. The BJP is expected to retain eight seats in UP and gain one in West Bengal, increasing its overall strength. The Samajwadi Party is also likely to gain one seat in UP, while Mayawati's BSP faces the prospect of losing its representation in Parliament.
A Delhi-based man, Ritesh Pandey, has been arrested in connection with an alleged sting operation targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Police are investigating his links to a mobile phone used to upload the controversial videos and are examining the digital trail. Siddaramaiah has called the operation "totally concocted", while his son alleged involvement of Congress members. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has assured a transparent and thorough investigation, promising to expose those behind it.
'Murugan did not come back voluntarily. He was asked to leave. He had a lucky run as a minister.'
Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh was asked to deboard a state-run BMTC bus by its conductor because he did not have exact change for his ticket. The conductor, unaware of the passenger's identity due to his mask, insisted on exact change or UPI payment, which the minister could not provide. This incident occurred during the minister's incognito inspection of the transport department's functioning.
The Supreme Court has permitted Ashish Mishra, an accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case and son of former Union minister Ajay Mishra, to travel to his hometown for Diwali celebrations. The court also emphasised the need for a timely conclusion of the trial, noting that 90 out of 131 witnesses have been examined and a new judge and prosecutor have been appointed.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay congratulated para-athlete Sivarajan Solaimalai for winning a silver medal at the fifth Asian Para Games and announced a Rs 50 lakh cash incentive. The government praised Solaimalai's dedication, highlighting his achievement as an inspiration for other aspiring athletes.
Maharashtra ministers are divided over the use of high-decibel DJ systems during Hindu festivals. While Minister Yogesh Kadam asserts that festival sound will not be stopped, his colleagues Sanjay Shirsat and Meghana Bordikar advocate for adherence to noise pollution norms, with Bordikar citing a personal tragedy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also called for a return to traditional celebrations and a consensus on restricting DJ systems.
A 40-year-old revenue department official, Lakshmikant Munda, was allegedly killed at his home in Ranchi, Jharkhand, by unidentified persons. Police have launched an investigation, considering angles like robbery and old enmity, and a Special Investigation Team has been formed to nab the culprits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone conversation to discuss recent developments in West Asia, emphasising the urgent need for peace and stability. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership.
Kerala's Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph stated that criticism regarding the state government's initial decision for a preliminary inquiry in the alleged CMRL payments case, involving former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his family, would subside following a recent Supreme Court verdict. Health Minister K Muraleedharan also affirmed that the SC order vindicated the government's cautious approach, which prioritised a preliminary inquiry over immediate FIR registration based solely on the ED's request.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Opposition parties, including Congress and AAP, stating that protests are futile and asserting that the NDA will form the next government in Punjab. He also spoke about Yamuna cleaning projects and accused previous Delhi governments of pollution.
Bengaluru Police have arrested Ritesh Pandey, a Delhi-based man, in connection with the uploading of a purported sting operation video targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on social media. This marks the first arrest in the case, which involves allegations of a political conspiracy and an ongoing investigation into the video's origin and circulation.
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has accused Chief Minister VD Satheesan of "selective secularism" following the arrest of a YouTuber for allegedly making communal remarks about a Fort Kochi cafe. Chandrasekhar questioned the ruling Congress and CPI(M)'s political culture, which he claims disrespects religious sentiments, while other leaders like Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and MP Hibi Eden condemned the communal remarks and defended Kerala's secular fabric and tourism.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan have strongly criticised the Maharashtra government, particularly Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. They cited recent incidents like the firing at actor Tiger Shroff and the murder of a Shiv Sena worker, demanding a "regime change" and accountability from the government.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a major controversy on Sunday with his remark "Modi ka baap bhi jayega" during an event in Patna, in response to an audience member's comment about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statement drew sharp condemnation from senior leaders of the BJP and other NDA allies, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who criticised the use of "indecent and unparliamentary language" and demanded an apology from the Congress.
The CBI has taken over the investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, Punjab. A special team has been formed, including drug controllers, forensic experts, and GST officials, to examine all angles of the killing. The takeover follows the Punjab government's consent and a notification extending CBI's jurisdiction. Ashwani Kumar, accused of the shooting, has been apprehended. Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the CBI probe, fulfilling the family's demand.
Glimpses of the Indian Air Force's spectacular aerial display over the Ganga in Varanasi.
Telangana IT Minister D Sridhar Babu stated that Gen Z will be the driving force behind the next wave of AI and green innovation. He urged young innovators to use their skills to solve real-world challenges, particularly in sustainability. The launch of the Green Skills and Applied AI Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad, a partnership between Telangana's IT Ministry, Microsoft, 1M1B, and MeitY Startup Hub, aims to equip graduates with industry-relevant skills in AI, green pharma, solar energy, EVs, and wind energy, with 100 job offers already announced.
The Bharatiya Janata Party launched a nationwide protest against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's "indecent and offensive" remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where Kharge retorted "Modi ka baap bhi jayega" during a speech.
Militants ambushed 14 Meitei men in Manipur on Monday, killing three and injuring three others. The attack, which occurred in the Sunurok hills, sparked widespread protests in Imphal, with locals placing bodies outside the Chief Minister's residence. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the killings and held security review meetings, while the opposition Congress demanded his resignation, citing the state's ongoing ethnic violence since May 2023. Security forces have launched a combing operation with drones and sniffer dogs.
Maharashtra BJP MLC Parinay Fuke has criticised MNS chief Raj Thackeray, alleging that Thackeray's public statements and influence are solely due to the police security provided by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Fuke claimed Thackeray would not leave his home if the security was withdrawn. The MNS, through leader Sandeep Deshpande, retorted that security decisions are institutional, not personal, and challenged the BJP to withdraw it. This exchange follows Thackeray's recent criticisms of the state government.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the state government's firm support for power employees, pledging to challenge the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission's (HERC) decision to grant a parallel electricity distribution licence to a private company for Gurugram and Nuh districts before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL). The government is appealing to unions to defer their planned three-day strike while making arrangements to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
