The NCP (SP) has demanded a complete rollback of the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. The party termed the move a "direct assault" on small traders and shopkeepers, accusing the Modi government of "double standards" by burdening small merchants while large industrialists benefit from loan write-offs.
Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, has presented a proposal for the Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) group to sell its 18.37 per cent stake in Tata Sons for approximately 25,000 crore, aiming to address the SP group's liquidity needs without a public listing of Tata Sons.
A 49-year-old physical education teacher, Shashidhar, accused of sexually assaulting children, died after jumping from the third floor of the Bengaluru South district Superintendent of Police's office complex in Ramanagara. He was arrested under the POCSO Act, and the incident, captured on CCTV, occurred while he was being escorted for judicial custody procedures.
A Samajwadi Party office bearer, Mohammad Usman, has been booked by police in Moradabad for allegedly offering namaz without permission at the Circuit House and obstructing traffic. The action followed a viral video and complaints from Hindu organisations, leading to charges under BNS sections for public nuisance and obstruction.
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.
Four individuals, including an aide to Samajwadi Party MP Laxmikant, alias Pappu Nishad, have been arrested in connection with the abduction of Vishal Kumar. Kumar had previously filed a complaint against the MP under the Prevention of Atrocity Act. Police rescued Vishal Kumar within 24 hours, thwarting a plan to take him to Ayodhya and kill him.
The Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) Group, the second-largest shareholder in Tata Sons, has publicly endorsed a listing of the Tata Group's holding company, aligning with the board's push for greater transparency and public accountability despite opposition from the Tata Trusts.
IIT Bombay has begun replacing ceiling fans with wall-mounted fans in its hostels following the recent death by suicide of a second-year B Tech student, Sahil Wakode. This move, which has drawn criticism from an NCP (SP) spokesperson, comes after a previous student suicide in July and aims to address the broader issue of student mental health and suicide prevention on campus.
BJP MLC Parinay Fuke claimed NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar was considering joining the Congress, citing deteriorating relations with Supriya Sule. In response, Pawar accused Fuke of shielding alleged corruption, particularly concerning illegal sand businesses, paddy procurement issues, and irregularities in an employment guarantee scheme, challenging him to address farmers' concerns instead of making baseless claims.
Six villagers in Fatehpur district were arrested after allegedly tying a telecom technician to a mobile tower. The incident occurred following prolonged 5G network outages, with residents demanding resolution to connectivity issues. Police rescued the technician and subsequently arrested six individuals who were later released on bail.
Bihar Police have arrested three individuals in connection with a deeply disturbing viral video from Jamui showing the harassment of a young couple, an incident that has sparked widespread social media outrage and strong political condemnation.
A significant boardroom battle has erupted at Tata Sons, India's largest conglomerate, following the board's decision to proceed with a public listing and extend N Chandrasekaran's tenure as executive chairman, moves opposed by Noel Tata, who represents the majority shareholder Tata Trusts.
Researchers from IIT Guwahati and BHU have devised an eco-friendly biological method to treat textile wastewater, specifically targeting toxic azo dyes. Their novel bacterium, 'Brevundimonas sp. AJZ05', effectively degrades 98.50 per cent of Direct Blue-6 dye, producing non-toxic byproducts, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical treatments.
Police in Jamui, Bihar, have arrested two main accused in the molestation of a minor girl, bringing the total arrests to five. The arrests followed an encounter where the accused were injured. The incident, captured in a viral video, has ignited a fierce political debate between the ruling NDA and opposition parties over law and order in the state.
A late-night meeting between leaders of the ruling NCP and Opposition NCP (SP) at the Maharashtra Chief Minister's residence has sparked intense speculation about shifting political dynamics in the state. This comes as the BJP reportedly seeks support for the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill, which proposes to increase Lok Sabha seats and initiate delimitation, a move criticised by Congress leader P Chidambaram for potentially disadvantaging states that controlled population growth.
A 62-year-old man, Pravesh Dubey, was found murdered in his home in Behrin village, Kannauj. Police are investigating the incident, working to identify the killers and determine the motive.
A local BJP leader, Uma Bhushan Tanti, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in Bhagalpur, Bihar. Police suspect political enmity and have formed four teams to investigate the murder, with family members naming suspects.
Following the murder of a trader in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, after a social media dispute, widespread protests have erupted. Demonstrators, led by Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad, are demanding the death penalty for the accused, compensation for the victim's family, and action against negligent police personnel, three of whom have already been suspended.
A government school principal in Bihar's Nawada district, Mahesh Prasad Yadav, has been arrested following allegations of molesting girl students. Police initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint, recording student statements, and examining CCTV footage. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the serious case further.
SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has revived the long-standing discussion about dividing Uttar Pradesh, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him the state could be split into four parts after a caste census. Rajbhar's statement, made at a rally in Deoria, links the division to the 27% reservation issue and suggests a Rajbhar could become chief minister of a new Purvanchal state. The demand for UP's division has historical precedents, notably from former Chief Minister Mayawati.
'The issue appears to be less about Chandrasekaran personally and more about the direction Tata Sons should take.'
Police in Nuh, Haryana, have arrested two individuals and seized over 2 kg of heroin, valued at approximately Rs 4.30 crore. The accused were intercepted in a vehicle after a tip-off, and a case has been registered under the NDPS Act as investigations continue to dismantle the drug trafficking network.
A former CRPF jawan was fatally stabbed and his brother seriously injured by five relatives in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, following a dispute over abusive language. The incident occurred at the jawan's dairy farm, and three accused have been arrested.
The Election Commission has announced that elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal will take place on October 16. This includes 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh, one from Uttarakhand, and a bypoll in West Bengal, with significant implications for party representation, particularly for the BJP and BSP.
A 70-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by his neighbour's family in Kharad village, Muzaffarnagar, while selling vinegar. Police have registered a murder case against five accused who are currently absconding. The incident led to local protests, and security has been heightened in the village.
A 32-year-old man died after allegedly falling unconscious at a police post in Jammu, leading to protests by his family and locals who claim custodial torture. Police have ordered both departmental and magisterial inquiries into the incident, assuring action against any wrongdoing. Four police personnel have been attached to headquarters.
A man was allegedly tied to a tree and beaten by a mob in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after he and another youth went to meet a woman. Villagers suspected them of attempting abduction. A video of the incident went viral, prompting police to register a case against the two men for alleged abduction and to investigate the assault by the mob.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has indicated a potential Union cabinet reshuffle soon and extended an invitation to eight NCP (SP) MPs to join the NDA, even if Sharad Pawar declines. He urged the opposition faction to set aside ideological differences for development. However, NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto dismissed Athawale's offer, calling him a "floater." Athawale also addressed the issue of reservation, stating it's a constitutional right.
'Nanandan Yadav was hiding in the Madwa Pahari locality when the police surrounded him. He tried to flee, and was shot during the encounter.'
A Haryana-based singer, Bhupendra Dhingra, has been arrested for allegedly posting a video on fake social media accounts claiming responsibility for the murder of Haryanvi YouTuber Ankit Balyan. Dhingra admitted his intention was to increase social media followers, while police had already identified the actual shooters, two of whom were killed in an encounter. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the encounter deaths.
Students who missed out on securing a seat through the CAP can now apply for master of management studies 2026-27 at WeSchool, Mumbai.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced a new dress code of blue T-shirt and jeans for the party's student wing, Chhatra Sabha, along with a two-week student awareness campaign. The move aims to connect with young people in educational institutions, familiarise them with the party's ideology, and promote socialist values. Yadav explained the symbolism of the blue colour, associating it with ideology, democracy, the Constitution, and the 'Bahujan samaj', while jeans represent rebellion and workers. The initiative is part of the party's broader PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak, and also Prem, Daya, Apnapan) campaign to establish social justice.
Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Wednesday hinted at an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
More than a dozen Shiv Sena functionaries, including district and city unit chiefs and an MLA's son, have been booked for allegedly assaulting, abusing, and threatening hospital staff in Palghar. The incident occurred after 'govindas' injured during Dahi Handi celebrations were brought for treatment, and a dispute arose over medical bills. The NCP (SP) has condemned the incident, calling it an attack on the medical system and the rule of law, and demanded strict action.
Waterlogging at the newly-built Noida International Airport in Jewar after heavy rains has ignited a political dispute between the Samajwadi Party and the BJP government. While SP chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the infrastructure, airport authorities stated the temporary water accumulation was cleared within 30 minutes without disrupting operations. BJP MLA Dhirendra Singh defended the development, accusing the opposition of politicising the issue.
'...but should prepare for listing unless a court grants effective interim relief.'
Six companies made their stock market debut on Thursday, setting a new record for the most mainboard listings on a single day since at least 1996.
Jat leaders and khap heads in Shamli are set to meet district officials to address concerns regarding the murder of Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan. This follows an emergency panchayat held after Balyan was shot dead on August 26, a crime linked to the Gogi gang, which has already led to the killing of two sharpshooters in a police encounter.
Sanjukta Parashar, an IPS officer with a formidable background in counter-insurgency, has made history by becoming the first woman inspector general of the CRPF's elite CoBRA force.
Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry's statement will be watched closely against the backdrop of the listing battle as well as the Tata leadership contest, with veto votes being cast over the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as chairman of Tata Sons for a third term.
