'Treating stock brokers as merchants for MDR is fundamentally misplaced.'
Nearly a month after devastating flash floods in Nepal, search operations are ongoing for approximately 6,000 people who remain unaccounted for. The floods, originating near the Nepal-Tibet border, caused widespread destruction, killing over 1,400 in Nepal and 43 in China, and damaging critical infrastructure. Identification of recovered bodies is a major challenge, often requiring DNA testing due to severe damage.
India on Tuesday firmly rejected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's reference to Jammu and Kashmir during his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), asserting that the issue pertains strictly to the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
UST, a California-based technology company, highlights India's unique opportunity to build an AI-native semiconductor ecosystem, bypassing older models. Speaking at SEMICON India 2026, UST COO Gilroy Mathew emphasised India's advantage in investing in infrastructure and talent at the right time, enabling it to create AI-native manufacturing and supply chains for future competitiveness.
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.
The Vande Bharat Express has successfully achieved a speed of 100 kmph over the world's highest Chenab Railway Bridge and India's first cable-stayed Anji Bridge. This significant speed enhancement on the 111-km Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link project will reduce travel time and improve rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for a global framework to combat cross-border cyber frauds and deepfakes, highlighting the need for governments, tech companies, telecom operators, and financial institutions to collaborate. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Modi stressed that technology thrives on trust and that India is ready to share its expertise in tackling cyber threats. He also noted the rapid expansion of 5G and the success of digital governance initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer.
The Supreme Court has issued comprehensive directives to the Delhi Police Commissioner to enhance safety for women and minor girls in Delhi-NCR. These measures include forming dedicated police teams, conducting vulnerability audits of public spaces, improving lighting and CCTV surveillance, and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms. The court also sought reports on the functioning of fast-track courts, utilisation of sexual offender databases, and the Mission Shakti programme.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced the company's intention to invest an additional USD 13 billion in India by 2030, focusing on expanding AI and cloud infrastructure.
GIS intelligence solutions provider Mirai Aerospace Systems and Software Solutions has signed an MoU with US-based GreenValley International Inc to strengthen India's geospatial and LiDAR remote sensing manufacturing base. The collaboration focuses on local assembly, manufacturing, technical support, and the development of AI-driven LiDAR applications, aiming to meet India's growing demand across various sectors.
Chhattisgarh is rapidly emerging as a significant sports destination in India, driven by state government initiatives to host major events and develop infrastructure. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the state's commitment to sports, exemplified by the DP World PGTI Nava Raipur Open 2026 golf championship, inaugurated with cricket legend Kapil Dev. These efforts aim to foster talent, promote sports tourism, and transform the state's image, including positive changes in regions like Bastar.
Left parties have strongly condemned the government's decision to impose charges on UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, with CPI General Secretary D Raja alleging the move was made under "US pressure" to favour foreign payment companies. Both CPI and All India Forward Bloc demand the withdrawal of this "anti-people decision," arguing it burdens consumers and merchants while undermining UPI's role as a public digital infrastructure. They highlight concerns that the charges weaken India's digital sovereignty and serve commercial interests of foreign corporations like Visa and Mastercard.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed his determination to blacklist contractors and suspend officials responsible for delays and shoddy execution of infrastructure projects. He plans to personally inspect the delayed Mumbai-Goa Highway in October and urged the Goa government to develop roadside amenities and promote green initiatives along the route. Gadkari also highlighted the importance of infrastructure for economic growth and sustainable development.
Seven of them posted losses, led by Air India, with their combined net loss widening to Rs 31,823 crore in FY26 from Rs 17,553 crore a year earlier and Rs 1,555 crore in FY20.
Olympian Maheshwari Chauhan discusses the significance of India's historic women's skeet bronze medal at the Asian Games, highlighting it as a turning point for the discipline. She believes the medal, achieved with Raiza Dhillon and Parinaaz Dhaliwal, signals a new era for Indian shotgun shooting, driven by a younger generation, improved training, and a stronger foundational ecosystem.
Asian Games double silver medallist Vidarsa K Vinod has condemned the cyberattacks faced by fellow medallist Ancy Sojan, advocating for support for athletes and respect for their individuality. Returning to her hometown, Vidarsa also shared her journey into shooting and highlighted the improved support for athletes from the state government.
A new HCLTech study reveals that 84% of global wealth management firms recognise the need to redesign their operating models for AI, yet less than 10% are prepared for the transition. The report identifies "blind spots" in ambition, execution, and strategy, hindering effective AI implementation and measurable business outcomes.
The Delhi government has approved real-time monitoring of PM2.5 and PM10 sources in collaboration with IIT-Delhi and the procurement of 30 EV-based mechanical road sweepers to combat winter air pollution. These measures aim to strengthen ground-level dust removal and scientifically identify pollution sources throughout the year.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Ankit Satishchandra Pandey in connection with a transnational cyber-financial fraud case. Pandey allegedly defrauded US nationals of over USD 7 million by impersonating US federal agency officials through illegal call centres in Gujarat, coercing victims into transferring funds and purchasing gold.
GMR Aero Technic (GAT) and StandardAero have signed an agreement to establish an authorised service centre in India for on-wing engine support in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This partnership aims to combine StandardAero's engine aftermarket expertise with GMR Aero Technic's MRO capabilities, offering a comprehensive range of specialised engine maintenance services to minimise aircraft downtime and enhance operational efficiency for airlines and operators in the region.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for a breakfast meeting in New Delhi to discuss India-Malaysia relations. The meeting, also attended by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, followed earlier talks between PM Narendra Modi and Ibrahim on trade, semiconductors, infrastructure, and defence. Malaysia is a key partner for India within BRICS and ASEAN.
Mumbai International Airport is set to reduce 265 weekly international flights from October 25 to facilitate the redevelopment of Terminal 1. This move, impacting 46 airlines including IndiGo and Air India, has raised concerns among carriers and global aviation bodies like IATA, who advocate for collaborative planning over mandated relocations.
Virat Kohli impressed Eknath Shinde with his humility during their London meeting, while the duo discussed Maharashtra's development, sports, youth talent and the cricketer's upcoming ODI milestones.
India successfully facilitated a significant diplomatic meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. This interaction, a diplomatic breakthrough given ongoing West Asia conflicts, occurred as BRICS adopted a declaration urging restraint and protection of civilians in the region, highlighting the bloc's commitment to peace and stability.
Google's Gemini reportedly hacked three companies in the first known breakout, after the model accessed the internet and breached external systems during an evaluation of its cybersecurity capabilities.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has requested the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to gather data on IT infrastructure and available space from government institutions. This initiative aims to establish new testing centres for the computer-based NEET-UG examination, which is set to be implemented from 2027 following a recent paper leak and NTA's ongoing overhaul.
India's Next-Gen GST reforms are proving instrumental in driving robust economic growth, simplifying tax compliance, and fostering a more inclusive business environment across the nation, aligning with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat', writes Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
India has achieved its highest-ever annual Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow of USD 94.53 billion in FY 2025-26, with cumulative FDI reaching USD 843 billion since 2014-15, announced Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have also significantly boosted investment, production, exports, and job creation.
A career break does not erase the experience that came before it. But the labour market can act as though it does. The more women invest in building professional careers, the more costly an interruption can become. How, then, do we enable women to make a comeback? Whose responsibility is it? asks Radha Roy Biswas.
'It's A Cat And Mouse Game.'
Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar has urged the government to maintain zero-fee UPI transactions for several more years, arguing that the benefits of UPI as a public good outweigh the costs. This comes amidst the government's recent decision to introduce a 0.4% fee on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, a move that has drawn criticism.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant increase in fees for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme, effective November 30. This programme allows foreign investors, including many from India, to obtain permanent residency by investing in US commercial enterprises and creating jobs. The fee hikes, some more than doubling, are intended to fund USCIS operations, which are largely supported by fees rather than taxes.
India needs to move beyond ease and cost of doing business and focus on the "speed of doing business" as the next leg of reforms to sustain economic growth and private investment, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President R Mukundan said.
Top defence officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye have affirmed their commitment to the Makkah Defence Alliance, a trilateral pact aimed at collective security against threats, particularly from Yemen's Houthi rebels. The alliance, formed last month, considers an attack on one as an attack on all, and its members met in Riyadh to discuss intelligence sharing, military coordination, and capability integration to defend Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
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."
Jay Meena, once a mischievous schoolboy rusticated for a prank, has made history by winning India's first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis. His journey from a troubled youth to a bronze medallist at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is a testament to destiny and the guidance of his coach. Meena hopes his achievement will boost the sport's profile in India and pave the way for its inclusion in future events like the Commonwealth Games.
RNFI Services Ltd has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator - Physical (PA-P). This approval allows the company to expand its financial infrastructure into physical, offline, and in-store payments, complementing its existing regulated financial services portfolio.
Indian educational institutions are adopting physical modifications like "anti-suicide" fans and barriers to prevent student suicides, drawing parallels with measures taken by foreign universities such as Houston, Cornell, Harvard, and NYU. While these measures are seen as "bandaid solutions" by some, experts suggest restricting access to lethal means is a valid part of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy, alongside crucial mental health support.
Industry body Assocham has welcomed the new UPI framework for large-value merchant transactions, effective October 15. This framework introduces a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on person-to-merchant UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, with a cap of Rs 300 for transactions over Rs 75,000. The move aims to enhance UPI sustainability, support innovation, and mitigate fraud, while protecting small merchants and ensuring most everyday transactions remain free.
BRICS leaders, in their New Delhi Declaration 2026, have called for wider access to Artificial Intelligence resources and stronger international cooperation to ensure the technology is safe, secure, inclusive, and reliable. The declaration outlines a broad technology agenda covering AI, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, telecom, quantum technologies, and advanced manufacturing, committing to implement the grouping's statement on 'Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence'.
