Parliament was informed that UPI has onboarded 55.49 crore users by June 2026, with transactions reaching 24,162 crore in volume and Rs 314 lakh crore in value in FY 2025-26. The platform, operated by NPCI, is expanding internationally through NIPL, facilitating cross-border payments and assisting other nations in building similar systems. Significant efforts are also underway by the Government, RBI, and NPCI to enhance the security and transparency of UPI transactions, including risk-based limits, security frameworks, and public awareness campaigns against cyber-crime.
The Maharashtra health department is sending samples from poultry workers in Nandurbar district to the National Institute of Virology for human avian flu testing as a precautionary measure after a bird flu outbreak.
Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra stated that the alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya temple was a 'disgraceful blot' and expressed confidence that the temple management system would be improved to prevent future incidents.
A 59-year-old woman in Malappuram district has died of a Shigella infection, the Kerala health department confirmed on Friday. Officials also reported 18 fresh cases of the bacterial disease across the state.
Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.
The Maharashtra government has announced a ban on the sale of 'Sting' energy drink and other intoxicating substances within a 500-metre radius of schools. This decision comes amidst concerns about the health impact of such beverages on schoolchildren, with the Food and Drug Administration directed to enforce the new restriction and schools urged to conduct awareness programmes.
Delhi Police has registered an FIR against unidentified individuals following violence, stone-pelting, and vandalism of police vehicles during a protest near Regal Cinema in Connaught Place. The incident occurred a day after clashes during the "Sansad Chalo" march injured over 118 police personnel. Security has been heightened across the national capital, and efforts are underway to identify those involved using CCTV footage.
Police in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seized 131 cattle ahead of Bakri Eid, resulting in eight persons being apprehended.
Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, acknowledged supervisory lapses at the Ayodhya Ram temple following alleged donation theft, but stated he would not resign as he does not consider himself personally at fault. He estimated the theft could be around Rs 3 crore and criticised SBI for not verifying employee credentials.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra has suspended its planned July 20 strike following the Bombay High Court's intervention in a doctor assault case. However, the medical fraternity has issued a strong warning to the Maharashtra government, threatening an indefinite statewide strike from August 9 if their demands for enhanced doctor safety, including amendments to existing laws and a new ordinance, are not met.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has ended its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET issue after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the government accepting all their demands. The agreement includes compensation for suicide victims' families, withdrawal of FIRs, and future discussions on examination system reforms.
The Supreme Court has informed the Centre that it will closely monitor the steps taken to curb NEET examination paper leaks, emphasising that 'ad hocism has caused trouble for years' and demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the examination process.
A committee investigating the fatal Chembur tree crash has recommended fines of Rs 5 lakh on the roadwork contractor and Rs 2 lakh on the supervising consultant. The panel found no prima facie fault with BMC's garden and roads departments but suggested implementing a Standard Operating Procedure for urban tree safety and appointing tree experts to oversee pruning work to prevent future incidents.
Many of them travelled to Delhi in groups or connected with other participants through WhatsApp groups and activist networks. These networks helped them coordinate their travel, decide meeting points and stay in touch during the protest.
Heavy police and central forces deployment outside Mamata Banerjee's Kolkata residence has sparked a political row. The TMC alleges it's to prevent her from visiting the family of an 11-year-old rape and murder victim in Baruipur, while the BJP claims it's routine security. This comes amidst public outrage and violence following the girl's death.
The government will lift restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel to commercial and industrial consumers from July 1, easing emergency measures imposed to manage fuel supplies.
A Class 11 student in Ghaziabad, India, died after being stabbed during an altercation. Police have arrested three suspects and are searching for the remaining two. The incident has sparked concern, with calls for increased vigilance and justice.
A portion of a link road connecting the Kanpur-Lucknow National Highway with the Ganga Expressway in Unnao district caved in after the first monsoon rain, raising concerns about construction quality and prompting repair work.
Despite decades of efforts towards energy transition, oil will remain the critical energy source for all nations for some decades. We can hope for peace opening the Strait of Hormuz, but must prepare for war closing it, points out former foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.
An 8-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a security guard in Mumbai's Pydhonie area, leading to his arrest and widespread public protests. Hundreds gathered outside the police station, demanding swift justice and stricter laws, drawing attention from political figures like MLA Rohit Pawar.
The Ayodhya Police are intensifying their investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, preparing to seek custodial remand for three more accused. A Special Investigation Team's preliminary report found prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during donation counting, with CCTV footage showing personnel concealing cash.
The Ayodhya Police are intensifying their investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, preparing to seek custodial remand for three more accused. A Special Investigation Team's preliminary report found prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during donation counting, with CCTV footage showing personnel concealing cash.
The Department of Space has directed that requests for voluntary retirement or resignation from Group 'A' Scientific and Technical personnel associated with the prestigious Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and other important missions should not be accepted as a matter of routine.
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has successfully restored electricity to over 2 lakh consumers in the flood-affected Vasai-Virar region within 12 hours of floodwaters receding, deploying boats to inspect submerged transformers and repair damaged infrastructure.
Maharashtra's Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat sparked a political storm with his controversial comments regarding a fatal tree fall incident in Mumbai, which killed an 11-year-old boy and injured four others, initially suggesting such incidents are 'not in human hands' before clarifying his stance.
India's Code on Wages mandates strict payout deadlines, two-day full and final settlements, universal wage coverage and capped deductions to safeguard employees and enhance payroll transparency nationwide.
Delhi Police have arrested a man for allegedly placing objectionable material at the gate of a temple in the Dayalpur area of northeast Delhi. An FIR was registered, and an investigation is underway to determine the motive and any other individuals involved.
Police forces from several adjoining districts were requisitioned to man key junctions, sensitive locations and government buildings in the Lutyens' area ahead of the march.
The Indian government has issued a notice to Telegram, demanding a crackdown on the widespread dissemination of pirated films and OTT content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting seeks an Action Taken Report within 15 days, emphasizing a shift towards platform accountability for copyright infringement, which is deemed a criminal offence.
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina says the World Cup's new anti-time-wasting rules have been a major success, speeding up play, reducing injuries and improving discipline while defending VAR's controversial decisions.
Security has been increased at a 'jhalmuri' stall in Jhargram, West Bengal, after its owner allegedly received death threats following a visit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his election campaign.
A struggling Indian team, led by Shreyas Iyer, is desperate to secure a consolation victory against England in the fifth T20 International in Southampton to avoid a humiliating 0-4 series whitewash.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has sought to allay security concerns surrounding the upcoming Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, emphasising that safety measures and contingency plans are in place despite regional instability.
An 11-year-old student was killed and four others injured when a roadside Peepal tree fell on a school bus carrying 12 children in Mumbai's Chembur area. The incident has raised questions about civic preparedness and public safety.
Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju has urged banks to adopt the MuleHunter AI tool developed by RBI to identify and prevent mule accounts used in cyber financial frauds. The meeting also discussed 'Operation Octopus' by Hyderabad Police and emphasised coordinated efforts and intelligence sharing.
The Congress escalated its campaign against alleged examination irregularities by marching to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, transforming the issue into a direct challenge to his political authority and demanding the resignations of top government officials.
India is developing legislation to criminalise the trafficking and administration of performance-enhancing drugs to athletes, aiming to combat doping and uphold sports integrity.
The glimpses from heightened security across Kashmir on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to submit its final report to the Uttar Pradesh government shortly, sources said on Thursday.
Heavy rainfall of 600 mm in 24 hours triggered multiple landslides in the Karjat-Lonavala Ghat section on the Mumbai-Pune line, severely disrupting rail traffic and leading to cancellations, diversions, and short-terminations of numerous trains.
