If the new MDR regime is rolled out from the middle of this month, as scheduled, it should count as one of the boldest political actions by the Modi government on an economic-policy issue, and a signal that it is less worried about erosion of political capital it draws from one of its key constituencies, notes A K Bhattacharya.
When it pretends to be deaf, a situation can snowball into something it cannot contain. The government cannot dismiss public anger merely because protests are inconvenient or politically embarrassing, asserts Ramesh Menon.
UEFA has formally requested answers from FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding his presidency, specifically questioning the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project and the FIFA Peace Prize, with a deadline of November 2.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi announced that the Centre and the Sports Ministry are fully supporting Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar's urgent surgery in London. Sreeshankar, who won a silver at the Asian Games, sustained an injury and will undergo ligament reconstruction on October 13, with the Centre covering all costs for his treatment and rehabilitation.
India's cybersecurity agency, CERT-In, has issued a critical advisory warning about autonomous AI agents accessing sensitive data of Indian organisations without authorisation. Government sources on Friday emphasised the need for companies to bolster cybersecurity measures and monitor system activity, noting that while no major compromise occurred, the incident serves as an early warning. Future AI regulation is expected to address the risks posed by these agents.
The Government of Karnataka has called for enhanced collaboration with the BFSI and FinTech sectors to bolster its technology ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions. This initiative, discussed at an Industry Meet, aims to foster partnerships between government, industry, and academia, particularly through programmes like 'Government First', in preparation for the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026.
Congress MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has criticised the Punjab government following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Warring demanded Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's resignation, citing deteriorating law and order and the government's failure to curb the drug menace. He also questioned the accused's licensed weapon and announced support for a Punjab Bandh on October 15.
National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar urged protection officers to prioritise "first response" in domestic violence cases, emphasising sensitive handling and immediate intervention to prevent tragedies. She highlighted that the success of protection officers lies in timely protection for women, not just file processing. Rahatkar stressed the importance of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and called for a comprehensive "One Woman, One Support System" approach involving various services, continuous training, and prevention through awareness and empowerment.
The Indian government has challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's criticism of levying fees on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 to merchants. The government highlighted that a parliamentary standing committee, which included Congress MPs, had previously backed a tiered Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for UPI. This move aims to ensure the financial sustainability of the UPI ecosystem and reduce its dependence on government subsidies, a concern raised by the committee due to the significant funding gap between allocations and operational costs.
Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of widespread corruption, claiming its downfall is imminent. His remarks follow a CBI case against an OSD to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other officials, leading to protests by BJP workers. Former Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar also criticised the AAP, highlighting the high court's role in the investigation.
Before protesting against the State, the citizen should not have to ask: Sir, may I protest, please?, asserts Prem Panicker.
The Supreme Court has refused to grant an interim stay on the imposition of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, which is set to take effect from October 15. The court has agreed to examine the challenge to this new fee and has issued notices to the Centre, RBI, and NPCI, seeking their responses within four weeks. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) argues that the levy lacks statutory safeguards, transparency, and public consultation, and could adversely affect merchants and consumers.
France is preparing for fresh demonstrations on October 24 with a "massive" police deployment and extended curfews, following days of violent unrest. The protests, initially sparked by school conditions, have broadened into a nationwide campaign against rising living costs and declining public services, leading to over 2,500 arrests and significant damage.
AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj has criticised the Delhi government's handling of women's safety after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped at Aastha Kunj Park, leading Lady Shri Ram College to shift classes online. Bharadwaj questioned the BJP government's achievements in ensuring safety and highlighted daily crimes against women, while also alleging harassment of opposition leaders.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has removed over 4,700 books, including banned publications, from colleges across the Union Territory after a comprehensive review of nearly 2.2 million publications. This action follows a controversy over objectionable content and aims to uphold constitutional values and national integrity in higher education institutions.
The Bombay High Court has observed that while peaceful demonstration is a fundamental right, factors like a protestor's credentials and public inconvenience must be considered before restricting police action. The court directed the Maharashtra government to respond to petitions alleging illegal detention during recent anti-CEC protests and also noted the need to consider protesters' antecedents.
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.
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) has threatened to suspend the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) due to its failure to finalise a new constitution and hold elections as directed by the Delhi High Court. The international body cited breaches of good governance principles and has given EFI until September 28 to provide an explanation before its board considers suspension on October 13. The crisis stems from long-standing governance disputes and divisions within the ad-hoc committee appointed to oversee the federation.
The family of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, has refused to perform his last rites, demanding justice and a CBI probe. The murder has triggered a political controversy, with opposition leaders criticising the state government's handling of the drug menace and law and order.
Eight workers were killed and 12 injured when a speeding car ran them over on the Lehragaga-Jakhal road in Sangrur, Punjab, on Sunday. The incident, which occurred near Alisher village, involved workers engaged under the VB-G RAM G scheme. Allegations of significant ambulance delays have emerged. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the deceased's families and free treatment for the injured, promising swift arrest of the absconding driver.
Sir Dorabji Tata Trust has submitted its response to governance complaints filed by two trustees, with the Maharashtra charity commissioner expected to decide the next course of action.
Karmayogi Bharat and OpenAI have signed an MoU to enhance AI capacity development across India's civil services. This partnership aims to equip government personnel with AI skills through the iGOT Karmayogi platform, fostering confident and responsible AI use for improved public outcomes and a future-ready civil service under Mission Karmayogi.
The Karnataka government is collaborating with ElevenLabs to explore pilot projects using voice AI across various sectors including skilling, investment promotion, healthcare, culture, and citizen services. This initiative aims to leverage advanced AI to enhance accessibility and efficiency of government services, with a strong focus on responsible AI use and safeguards against misinformation.
The Maharashtra government has promised strict action and full support in the investigation into the firing incident targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai. Police have formed 15 teams to apprehend the assailants, with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang reportedly claiming responsibility, though this is unverified. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured Shroff of swift action.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has issued a stern warning against gang wars and vowed a strong response after Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff's car was fired upon in Mumbai.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has condemned the firing incident on Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai, raising concerns about the safety of film personalities. The incident, which injured Shroff's driver and an autorickshaw driver, is the second such attack on a film personality, prompting calls for immediate investigation and action from authorities. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has reportedly claimed responsibility, and three suspects were detained on Monday.
The move comes days after the Delhi police said false information linked to the recent students' protest was being circulated through fake social media posts.
A 27-year-old man died in Ludhiana after allegedly consuming medicine purchased from a chemist shop, leading to a protest where a mob vandalised the shop. Police have taken the chemist into custody, and a Congress MP has criticised the state government over the incident.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar outlined the critical factors for the media and entertainment sector's next growth phase, including robust intellectual property, sustainable revenue models, and disciplined investments. Speaking at the CII Big Picture Summit, he emphasised the government's role in fostering an environment for creative enterprises and addressing challenges posed by digital platforms and AI. The CII White Paper also projected a USD 100 billion Indian M&E sector, advocating for stronger IP and regulatory reforms.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called actor Tiger Shroff and spoke to him following the firing incident and assured him that the accused would be traced and apprehended at the earliest.
The Maharashtra government has cancelled leaves for employees across 11 departments involved in drought management to assess widespread crop damage, particularly affecting soybean. This follows the declaration of drought in 265 talukas and the announcement of relief measures. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is on an assessment tour, facing protests from Congress workers demanding immediate farmer relief.
Government departments are establishing Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to promptly address and counter misleading or fake content circulating on social media. These teams will monitor digital platforms, verify information, and coordinate with fact-checking units to ensure timely and accurate responses to misinformation, with some ministries already having formed their QRTs.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal challenged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to bring jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to Mumbai for interrogation following a series of attacks, including one on actor Tiger Shroff. Sapkal alleged that the Bishnoi gang operates with government blessings and questioned why Bishnoi has not been interrogated despite his alleged involvement in high-profile cases. He also criticised Fadnavis's handling of law and order and the alleged misuse of police.
The Bombay High Court affirmed the right of students to protest alleged malpractices in MPSC examinations, stating they are not anti-social elements. The court stressed the state's duty to ensure impartial exams and asked the government to submit a roadmap within three weeks, while also urging students to return to their studies.
The Haryana Congress has strongly criticised the BJP government's two-year tenure in the state, alleging widespread misgovernance, unfulfilled election promises, a surge in crime, and rampant corruption. Senior Congress leaders, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja, highlighted issues faced by farmers, traders, and youth, demanding accountability and a white paper on the government's performance.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that Mumbai Police will track down those responsible for the firing incident targeting actor Tiger Shroff, including their handlers. The police have leads and believe the accused are operating from outside Maharashtra, possibly abroad. Fadnavis also criticised the Opposition's stance on law and order.
Arjuna Awardee and Indian kabaddi team member Ritu Negi was controversially dropped from Himachal Pradesh's cash award list for Asian Games gold medallists, reportedly due to her marriage in Haryana.
The Supreme Court clarified that it was not taking cognisance of media reports suggesting government authorities tendered unconditional apologies in contempt proceedings related to restrictions during an October 10 protest. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta explained that apologies are procedural, and authorities have defended their actions, citing reasons like maintaining public order and intelligence inputs. The court emphasised that media coverage was not relevant to its proceedings.
Modi's greater weakness is his inability since July when he directed the exit of Dharmendra Pradhan, to come up with a political counter strategy. Security measures and executive orders as seen in recent days will only likely further weaken him and make him as lame duck a premier as many prior to him, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh included, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.
Opposition parties in Punjab have strongly criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government following the murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa. They allege a breakdown of law and order and "jungle raj," demanding accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and a CBI probe into the killing. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of those fighting the drug menace in the state.
