News for 'Sunday Times'

Swadeshi Jagran Manch Calls For Government To Reconsider UPI Transaction Fee

Swadeshi Jagran Manch Calls For Government To Reconsider UPI Transaction Fee

Rediff.com5 days ago

The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has urged the government to reconsider imposing a merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, arguing that the costs do not warrant such a move. This comes after the government announced a 0.4 per cent fee on merchant transfers over Rs 2,000 from October 15, while assuring that person-to-person and small payments remain free. SJM co-convener Ashwani Mahajan highlighted that banks have not demanded MDR and that UPI has reduced their transaction costs.

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

Rediff.com7 days ago

New Delhi was told it had given something up; in reality it had stopped talking about it, notes Dr Abhishek Puri.

Delhi won't shut for BRICS Summit, but VVIP routes face curbs

Delhi won't shut for BRICS Summit, but VVIP routes face curbs

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a detailed advisory regarding traffic restrictions and diversions during the upcoming BRICS Summit from September 12-13. While Delhi will not be shut down, commuters should expect temporary stoppages and diversions, especially on routes used by VVIP convoys. The advisory covers movement for residents, essential services, public transport, and advice for exam candidates and hospital visitors, urging reliance on official updates.

England Cricket Board delegation assesses security for Pakistan ODI tri-series

England Cricket Board delegation assesses security for Pakistan ODI tri-series

Rediff.com6 days ago

A security delegation from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has arrived in Pakistan to review arrangements for England's upcoming ODI tri-nation series tour. The delegation will inspect venues and meet officials to ensure security plans are robust for the series, which also involves Sri Lanka and runs from October 18 to 31.

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Rediff.com7 days ago

The CPI and CPI(M) have announced they will contest one Assembly segment each in the upcoming Tamil Nadu bypolls, while continuing their outside support for the ruling TVK. This decision creates a five-cornered contest and highlights the Left parties' independent stance, aimed at preventing indirect BJP influence and addressing public issues.

Lamine Yamal: 'I deserve Ballon d'Or this year'

Lamine Yamal: 'I deserve Ballon d'Or this year'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal believes his World Cup success with Spain and LaLiga title with Barcelona should give him the advantage over Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe in the race for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.

New Research Explains Why Venus's Moon May Have Crashed Into It

New Research Explains Why Venus's Moon May Have Crashed Into It

Rediff.com6 days ago

New research suggests that Venus's slow spin rate and strong gravity likely caused any hypothetical moon it once had to crash into the planet. This study, led by astrophysicist Stephen Kane, models planetary interactions and indicates that Venus did not require a catastrophic event to lose a moon, but rather its inherent physical properties led to its absorption. This finding has implications for understanding moon retention in other slowly rotating terrestrial planets.

Global uncertainty prompts FPIs to pull Rs 5,109 cr from Indian govt bonds

Global uncertainty prompts FPIs to pull Rs 5,109 cr from Indian govt bonds

Rediff.com6 days ago

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have withdrawn nearly Rs 5,109.21 crore from Indian government securities under the fully accessible route (FAR) in just three days, driven by global uncertainty, elevated crude prices, rising US Treasury yields, and a depreciating rupee.

Raj local polls: Jolt to CM Sharma as Independents sweep his home turf

Raj local polls: Jolt to CM Sharma as Independents sweep his home turf

Rediff.com6 days ago

Independents have secured nearly two-thirds of urban wards in Bharatpur and Deeg districts, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's home turf, significantly outperforming the BJP and Congress in local body elections. This unexpected surge sets the stage for a political battle as both major parties vie for the support of these Independent councillors to form civic boards.

Kareena Kapoor's Top 10 Performances

Kareena Kapoor's Top 10 Performances

Rediff.com5 days ago

From the adorably vain Poo to the free-spirited Geet, Kareena Kapoor Khan has delivered some memorable performances.

Why RBI Backs UPI MDR For Transactions Over Rs 2,000

Why RBI Backs UPI MDR For Transactions Over Rs 2,000

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has endorsed the introduction of a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move, which levies a 0.4 per cent fee on merchant payments above the threshold, aims to bolster the long-term sustainability and growth of India's digital payments ecosystem. The RBI clarified that person-to-person (P2P) transactions and small person-to-merchant (P2M) payments below Rs 2,000 will remain free for users, ensuring no direct charge on customers.

Niki Prasad's all-round show in vain as India A women lose to Australia

Niki Prasad's all-round show in vain as India A women lose to Australia

Rediff.com5 days ago

Australia Women 'A' defeated India 'A' by 30 runs in Mullanpur, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match unofficial T20I series, largely thanks to Katie Mack's unbeaten 83.

Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday's Hair Colouring Tips

Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday's Hair Colouring Tips

Rediff.com6 days ago

Want to switch up your hair colour but not quite ready for a dramatic transformation? We get it. Here are some celeb-approved tips.

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Rediff.com4 days ago

TMC MP Mahua Moitra was allegedly pelted with eggs by BJP workers during a visit to Nadia district's Tehatta area, despite police presence. Moitra invoked a recent Supreme Court observation regarding her apprehension of such attacks, questioning police inaction and alleging contempt of court. The BJP has condemned the act but denied involvement.

NSE IPO: 'Demand Is Unexpectedly Large'

NSE IPO: 'Demand Is Unexpectedly Large'

Rediff.com5 days ago

Shares will be allocated across different institutional investors, including domestic mutual funds, other domestic institutions and FPIs.

Boxer Parveen Hooda Aims For Asian Games Redemption After Ban

Boxer Parveen Hooda Aims For Asian Games Redemption After Ban

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian boxer Parveen Hooda is set to compete in the Asian Games, aiming to win a medal after her previous bronze was revoked due to a WADA suspension for whereabouts failures. Her comeback journey has been marked by significant challenges, including changing weight categories multiple times, overcoming injuries, and adapting her training to a new division. Hooda is determined to prove herself and achieve a podium finish, viewing it as unfinished business.

UEFA 'On Course' to Find Challenger to FIFA President Infantino

UEFA 'On Course' to Find Challenger to FIFA President Infantino

Rediff.com4 days ago

UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister stated that UEFA is actively seeking a credible challenger to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the upcoming March election, emphasising the need for a candidate capable of uniting football's confederations and delivering lasting governance reform, rather than merely installing a European figurehead.

Raj local polls: Meet candidates who got just one vote, or even zero

Raj local polls: Meet candidates who got just one vote, or even zero

Rediff.com6 days ago

In Rajasthan's recent urban local body elections, several candidates experienced unusual results. A BJP candidate and a Congress candidate each secured only one vote, while an RLP candidate received zero votes. These outcomes occurred across different municipalities in Didwana-Kuchaman, Nagaur, and Balotra districts, with one candidate alleging foul play in the vote count.

Smriti Mandhana: 'Don't Look At Me Like A Bechari'

Smriti Mandhana: 'Don't Look At Me Like A Bechari'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'I hate sympathy,' says India's vice-captain and top-ranked batter Smriti Mandhana.

Defending Champions India Face Organisational Chaos At Chess Olympiad

Defending Champions India Face Organisational Chaos At Chess Olympiad

Rediff.com5 days ago

Defending champions India experienced significant organisational issues upon arrival in Samarkand for the Chess Olympiad, with players facing a five-hour delay in hotel room allotment. This caused frustration among players and coaches, though organisers assured the situation was being resolved.

Can India overtake 107-medal tally at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games?

Can India overtake 107-medal tally at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Ambitious India out to match Hangzhou benchmark in Nagoya.

Mayawati slams nephew for 'spreading rumours' about her health

Mayawati slams nephew for 'spreading rumours' about her health

Rediff.com7 days ago

BSP chief Mayawati has accused her nephew Akash Anand, recently expelled from the party, of being involved in spreading rumours about her ill health. She detailed a phone call made by Akash to a party in-charge inquiring about her health and reiterated her stance on keeping family members away from political positions, except for her brother Anand Kumar who assists her. She also mentioned the ongoing protest by panchayat assistants in Uttar Pradesh.

US lawmaker wants India named in Russia Sanctions bill

US lawmaker wants India named in Russia Sanctions bill

Rediff.com6 days ago

US lawmakers are racing to amend the Russia sanctions bill before recess. One amendment specifically names India, China, and other countries as potential targets for 100% tariffs due to their oil trade with Russia. Another significant amendment proposes to scrap the tariff section entirely, while others address presidential waiver powers and aid to Ukraine.

He Created The MumbaiCha Raja Ganesh Idol

He Created The MumbaiCha Raja Ganesh Idol

Rediff.com4 days ago

Sculptor Akash Tirmal explains how he designed the 22 feet idol of Ganesh Galli's MumbaiCha Raja using Plaster of Paris, without any readymade moulds.

Iran would have wiped out Israel if...: Trump

Iran would have wiped out Israel if...: Trump

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is attempting to remove him from office, believing a Democratic administration would permit them to develop nuclear weapons. Trump vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities and stated he has no regrets about his confrontational approach, claiming he would act the same way again. He also linked the ongoing conflict to rising stock markets and oil prices, and controversially suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz.

'I feel a little bad. I am not a machine': Sanju Samson

'I feel a little bad. I am not a machine': Sanju Samson

Rediff.com5 days ago

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson admits that external criticism affects him, but he has developed the maturity and experience to manage it, while also supporting the team's leadership for making difficult selection decisions in the best interest of the squad.

Why I Refuse To Romanticise The 1980s

Why I Refuse To Romanticise The 1980s

Rediff.com7 days ago

Some decades are worth remembering exactly as they were, unfiltered, because that's the only way the people who survived them get to be seen at all, points out Binu Alex.

Market Experts Endorse Sebi's Expiry-Day Reforms to Tackle Volatility, Manipulation

Market Experts Endorse Sebi's Expiry-Day Reforms to Tackle Volatility, Manipulation

Rediff.com7 days ago

Market experts have largely supported Sebi's proposed changes to the expiry-day trading framework, including delinking derivatives settlement prices from cash-market closing prices and discontinuing live indicative index values during the Closing Auction Session (CAS), believing these will address volatility and manipulation.

Muzaffar Ali: 'Asha Bhosle Was Never Just A Voice'

Muzaffar Ali: 'Asha Bhosle Was Never Just A Voice'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

'Ashaji has not left the human heart. That is her true mehfil. That is where she resides -- unfading, unending.'

PIX: Harry Brook scores 114 off 49 balls as England crush Sri Lanka in first T20I

PIX: Harry Brook scores 114 off 49 balls as England crush Sri Lanka in first T20I

Rediff.com5 days ago

England secured a commanding 119-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20 international. Harry Brook's unbeaten 114 off 42 balls, supported by Jos Buttler's 80, propelled England to a massive total of 254-4. Sri Lanka struggled in their chase, being bowled out for 135, with Sonny Baker taking 3 wickets. This win gives England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

BMW India CEO: Remove EV Road Tax Caps to Boost Adoption

BMW India CEO: Remove EV Road Tax Caps to Boost Adoption

Rediff.com7 days ago

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, has urged state governments like Delhi to remove price caps on road tax benefits for electric vehicles (EVs), arguing that such limits deter luxury-car buyers and hinder the transition to cleaner mobility in pollution-affected regions.

9 Recipes To Please Lord Ganesha

9 Recipes To Please Lord Ganesha

Rediff.com7 days ago

Ganesh Chaturthi is a time for prayer, family and always feasting. Nine recipes for you.

Dhiraj ends 16-year wait with historic archery gold

Dhiraj ends 16-year wait with historic archery gold

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian recurve archer Dhiraj Bommadevara has won a historic gold medal at the Archery World Cup Final in Saltillo, Mexico.

India crush Sri Lanka for record women's T20 Asia Cup crown

India crush Sri Lanka for record women's T20 Asia Cup crown

Rediff.com7 days ago

Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana's explosive partnership propelled India to 183/5 in the Women's T20I Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. Despite a late slowdown, their record-breaking fifties laid a strong foundation for India's innings.

Resident Evil Review: Wicked Fun!

Resident Evil Review: Wicked Fun!

Rediff.com4 days ago

Zach Cregger's Resident Evil delivers a scary, bloody and surprisingly funny ride that mostly gets away with its bold choices.

Messi, Ronaldo To Play In Same Team In Tevez Farewell Match

Messi, Ronaldo To Play In Same Team In Tevez Farewell Match

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to play on the same team for the first time in Carlos Tevez's farewell match at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera in December.

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj get 3 weeks interim bail

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj get 3 weeks interim bail

Rediff.com5 days ago

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been granted three weeks' interim bail by a Delhi court in a case involving the alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a Jantar Mantar protest. Bhardwaj was previously in judicial custody after being detained following public outrage over his claims of assault and political connections.

UCC will be implemented in Maha after panel report: CM Fadnavis

UCC will be implemented in Maha after panel report: CM Fadnavis

Rediff.com7 days ago

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said that the state government has already constituted a committee to prepare the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and that the law will be implemented after the committee submits its report.

Mammootty@75: His 10 Best Detective Dramas

Mammootty@75: His 10 Best Detective Dramas

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

From Yavanika to The Truth, these 10 Mammootty films prove that the superstar has always had a nose for gripping mysteries and unforgettable investigators.

After weeks of lull, heavy rains lash Mumbai; IMD predicts more showers

After weeks of lull, heavy rains lash Mumbai; IMD predicts more showers

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall after a prolonged dry spell, leading to waterlogging in some areas. The India Meteorological Department has warned of intense showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, along with forecasts for high and low tides.