News for 'key bills'

US Open PIX: Pegula trumps Navarro in 'Battle of the Billionaires' to enter semis

US Open PIX: Pegula trumps Navarro in 'Battle of the Billionaires' to enter semis

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Jessica Pegula defeated Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American US Open quarter-final dubbed the 'Battle of the Billionaires', securing her spot in the semi-finals for the third consecutive year.

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Rajya Sabha has passed The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which aims to replace a British-era law and allow digital and virtual records to be admissible as evidence in courts. This legislation aligns with contemporary digital banking practices and extends a uniform evidential framework to various financial entities, including NBFCs and fintech companies. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the bill's role in strengthening public confidence and safeguarding customer privacy. The bill's passage, however, saw an Opposition walkout over unrelated issues.

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Can your money be protected against online frauds like hacking, digital arrests, etc?

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

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

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

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.

Lok Sabha Passes Bill Amending Transgender Rights: Key Changes Explained

Lok Sabha Passes Bill Amending Transgender Rights: Key Changes Explained

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha has approved an amendment to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, sparking debate over its impact on LGBTQ rights and the definition of 'transgender' in Indian law.

Why Opposition Calls New UPI MDR A Surrender To US Pressure

Why Opposition Calls New UPI MDR A Surrender To US Pressure

Rediff.com5 days ago

Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, and RJD, have strongly criticised the government's decision to impose a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 made to merchants. They allege the move is a result of "American imperialism" and will lead to increased commodity prices, while the government maintains the charge is on merchants and not consumers, with person-to-person transactions remaining free.

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking strong opposition from political parties and traders. Despite accusations of foreign influence and demands for a rollback, the finance ministry and top functionaries have stated there will be no reversal, citing the need for a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem.

India Faces 100% US Tariff Risk Over Russian Oil

India Faces 100% US Tariff Risk Over Russian Oil

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The US senate last week passed a bill that would allow Washington to impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.

Honeymoon murder: Raja Raghuvanshi's wedding bill sparks fresh dispute

Honeymoon murder: Raja Raghuvanshi's wedding bill sparks fresh dispute

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Nearly 15 months after the marriage of local businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, who was killed during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, the wedding caterer on Tuesday approached the police in Indore to seek their help in the recovery of alleged outstanding payment of Rs 2.82 lakh, an official said.

Opposition Demands Rollback Of UPI MDR Fee, Cites US Pressure

Opposition Demands Rollback Of UPI MDR Fee, Cites US Pressure

Rediff.com5 days ago

The opposition has intensified its criticism of the government's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh allege the move is a result of US pressure, particularly from American card companies, and demand an immediate rollback, warning of increased costs for consumers.

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to opposition parties to support the delimitation-linked Women's Reservation Bill, highlighting its 40-year struggle. The bill aims to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increase Lok Sabha seats, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. Despite previous setbacks and ongoing efforts to secure numbers, the government continues to push for this crucial legislation.

Why Opposition Calls UPI MDR A Betrayal And US Appeasement

Why Opposition Calls UPI MDR A Betrayal And US Appeasement

Rediff.com5 days ago

The opposition has strongly criticised the government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15. They allege the move is a result of US pressure and will lead to increased commodity prices, calling it a "betrayal" of the common man. The government, however, clarifies that customers will not be charged, and the MDR applies only to merchants for larger transactions.

CRPF suspends DIG for sharing messages opposing CAPF Bill

CRPF suspends DIG for sharing messages opposing CAPF Bill

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Central Reserve Police Force has suspended a senior DIG-rank officer for sharing content allegedly "against" the government during the recent passage of the Central Armed Police Force bill, which the cadre officers of these forces had called discriminatory.

Congress Labels New UPI Charges As 'Modi Tax', Alleges US Pressure

Congress Labels New UPI Charges As 'Modi Tax', Alleges US Pressure

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Congress party has criticised the government's new 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, terming it a "Modi tax". Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, allege that this move will ultimately burden consumers through price hikes and accuse the government of succumbing to American pressure to dilute India's zero-MDR policy. The government states the charge will support banks and fintechs.

BJP vs Congress: How big was their election fund gap in 5 state polls?

BJP vs Congress: How big was their election fund gap in 5 state polls?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party received nearly Rs 1,473 crore at its central headquarters alone during the last five state assembly elections, more than seven times the Rs 207 crore in net receipts reported by the Congress across its central and state units, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission.

Photos: Sabalenka digs deep to oust Noskova, charges into 6th straight US Open semis

Photos: Sabalenka digs deep to oust Noskova, charges into 6th straight US Open semis

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Aryna Sabalenka overcame Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in a pulsating three-set thriller, saving her title defence and reaching a sixth consecutive US Open semi-final after a tense tiebreak.

Sharad Pawar's MPs meet Modi, discuss 'Maharashtra issues'

Sharad Pawar's MPs meet Modi, discuss 'Maharashtra issues'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A delegation of NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MPs, led by Supriya Sule, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss various issues concerning Maharashtra, including drought, onion prices, and river pollution. The meeting, which lasted about 15 minutes, did not include discussions on the FCRA Amendments Bill, which Sule opposes. This follows a previous meeting between Sharad Pawar, Sule, and the PM regarding student and farmer issues.

Maggi, Kurkure, Lay's products seized as FDA busts expiry date racket

Maggi, Kurkure, Lay's products seized as FDA busts expiry date racket

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A food tampering racket in Navi Mumbai, involving the alteration of expiry dates on popular brands like Maggi and Lay's, has been busted by the Maharashtra FDA and Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch, leading to the seizure of products worth over Rs 75 lakh.

Doping Scandal Hits Indian Wrestling Ahead Of Asian Games

Doping Scandal Hits Indian Wrestling Ahead Of Asian Games

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Greco Roman wrestler Deepak has failed a dope test, leading to his withdrawal from the Asian Games contingent. This marks the third doping case for Indian wrestling ahead of the continental event, further reducing India's representation. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) found clomifene in his sample, a prohibited substance. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) decided to withdraw him to avoid potential penalties from the world governing body.

Cong-ruled states to challenge Mines Act in SC

Cong-ruled states to challenge Mines Act in SC

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Congress-ruled states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, are preparing to challenge the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, in the Supreme Court. They allege the new law undermines states' rights by restricting their powers to levy taxes on mineral resources, a claim the Centre denies, stating it aims for uniform mineral rates.

Midnight Thriller At US Open! Alexander Zverev Survives Sonego Scare In First Round

Midnight Thriller At US Open! Alexander Zverev Survives Sonego Scare In First Round

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Alexander Zverev, the German top seed, narrowly defeated Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in a gruelling five-set match, continuing his pursuit of a second Grand Slam title after winning the French Open in June.

UPI fee: Why govt is putting a price on big merchant payments

UPI fee: Why govt is putting a price on big merchant payments

Rediff.com5 days ago

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."

New UPI Charges: Understanding The Impact On Digital Payments

New UPI Charges: Understanding The Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com5 days ago

The government is introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant payments above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends the zero-MDR regime, aiming to fund UPI infrastructure and sustainability, as the previous government subsidy was insufficient to cover operational costs. Payments between individuals and most everyday merchant transactions will remain free.

AI Is Changing Work, Not Cutting Jobs

AI Is Changing Work, Not Cutting Jobs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'It requires new skilling, new ways of working, and new structures. That's the reality.'

Assam assembly passes UCC bill, excludes scheduled tribes

Assam assembly passes UCC bill, excludes scheduled tribes

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Assam Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, aiming to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion. This makes Assam the third state in India to pass such a bill, following Uttarakhand and Gujarat.

BRICS Summit: India's Dollar Dilemma

BRICS Summit: India's Dollar Dilemma

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The challenge for India lies in navigating complex landscape to its best advantage. The BRICS Summit will test its navigation skills, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

PhonePe Launches UPI 123Pay For Feature Phones, Boosting Financial Inclusion

PhonePe Launches UPI 123Pay For Feature Phones, Boosting Financial Inclusion

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Fintech giant PhonePe has launched 'PhonePe UPI 123Pay', a new service enabling UPI transactions for feature phone users without requiring an internet connection. This initiative aims to bring digital payment capabilities to over 200 million feature phone users, promoting financial inclusion across India.

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The ruling NDA coalition in India faces a significant challenge in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament due to insufficient numbers. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the NDA needs to secure additional support or abstentions from other parties to achieve this.

'Zealots overlooked...': Tharoor questions full Vande Mataram rendition

'Zealots overlooked...': Tharoor questions full Vande Mataram rendition

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Centre's new mandate requiring the full rendition of the National Song, Vande Mataram, alongside the National Anthem at official functions. Tharoor argues that the extended duration could lead to a decrease in respect rather than an increase, citing practical considerations for audiences. The amendment bill, which grants Vande Mataram equal statutory penal protection as the National Anthem, recently received presidential assent.

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Less than two months after ending the TMC's 15-year rule in the state, the BJP government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.

Does GPay/PhonePe Affect CIBIL Score?

Does GPay/PhonePe Affect CIBIL Score?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

It's not about how much you earn -- it's about how you borrow and repay.

OTT Releases: Alpha, Bandar, I, Nobody

OTT Releases: Alpha, Bandar, I, Nobody

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Enjoy Alia-Sharvari's fighter fervour, back to back Bobby Deol and tons more on OTT this week.

Beware Of These Scams!

Beware Of These Scams!

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Do not share OTPs, PINs, authentication codes, card numbers, card verification values (CVVs), KYC details, security answers, Internet-banking passwords or Aadhaar-based authentication credentials through SMS, e-mail or phone calls.

Bengal to fast-track CAA hearings, 23,000 get citizenship: CM Suvendu

Bengal to fast-track CAA hearings, 23,000 get citizenship: CM Suvendu

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said that hearings of applications for citizenship under the CAA will soon be over, and so far the state has issued certificates to 23,000 people out of 2.30 lakh applicants.

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on digital transactions applies to merchants, not customers, and aims to support banks and fintech in infrastructure investment. She countered Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claims, stating that a committee will decide on MDR only after Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a process currently stalled by parliamentary disruptions.

Student among 4 hurt as sound system collapses at Yash's 'Toxic' event

Student among 4 hurt as sound system collapses at Yash's 'Toxic' event

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Four individuals, including a student, were injured when a sound box system collapsed during the pre-release event for actor Yash's film 'Toxic' at Malla Reddy University in Hyderabad. The incident occurred after attendees climbed the structure, leading to a police case against the event organisers and university management.

'Russian Oil Is Backbone Of India's Energy Security'

'Russian Oil Is Backbone Of India's Energy Security'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

'In the current environment, India is effectively paying a premium for supply security and diversification.'

Satwik-Chirag Advance To China Masters Semifinals

Satwik-Chirag Advance To China Masters Semifinals

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, fought hard to defeat Denmark's Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, securing their spot in the China Masters Super 750 semifinals. This victory continues their strong performance following recent successes. Meanwhile, veteran Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth's journey in the men's singles quarter-finals concluded after a straight-games loss to Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu.

TN House demands 543-seat LS formula, 33% women quota from 2029

TN House demands 543-seat LS formula, 33% women quota from 2029

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted a resolution, moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, urging the Union government to permanently fix the Lok Sabha strength at 543 and implement 33 per cent women's reservation by 2029. The resolution also opposes delimitation that could disadvantage states successful in population control.

Mayank And Pratitee Lead India To Double Gold At Asian Junior Chess Championship

Mayank And Pratitee Lead India To Double Gold At Asian Junior Chess Championship

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

India's Mayank Chakraborty and Pratitee Bordoloi secured gold medals in the Open and Girls categories, respectively, at the Asian Junior Classical Chess Championship, leading the host nation to a memorable double victory and a total of four medals.