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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the proposed 0.4 per cent MDR on select UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 is not a tax or surcharge, with collections staying within the payment ecosystem and consumers not bearing the charge

India’s credit card spending growth slowed in August, with HSBC and Jefferies flagging muted momentum and profitability pressures. Card additions rose 10.3 per cent year-on-year, while UPI continued to dominate digital payments amid changes to the merchant discount rate framework

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of the Make in India initiative as it completed 12 years, citing growth in electronics, mobile phones and defence production. He also called for greater self-reliance and a spirit of service.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved a resolution in the Assembly seeking restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory. The resolution calls upon the Centre to restore statehood and follows earlier resolutions and repeated demands by the elected government

The Delhi High Court agreed to urgently hear a woman’s plea alleging CJP leaders circulated an AI-morphed vulgar image of her alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An FIR has been registered, while she seeks immediate removal and blocking of the content

Researchers from IIIT-Delhi and MS Swaminathan Research Foundation developed SICKLE, a multi-satellite dataset combining imagery and field data to help AI identify crops, track growth stages and predict yields. The dataset covers 388 plots, 21 crop types and 209,000 images

Orry reflected on his ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 15’ experience, saying intense challenges created strong bonds and trust among contestants. However, he noted relationships formed under pressure can change after returning to normal life. Orry was eliminated following a stunt injury

Director Karthik Subbaraj has described his newly released film ‘Dorothy’, starring Keerthy Suresh, as the most emotional story he has told. He said the film is based on real incidents from the 1990s and urged audiences to avoid spoilers.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu plans to develop Rayalaseema as a global horticulture hub across 10 districts and 201 clusters. The proposed project involves nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in public and private investment to boost production and exports

Indian squash players secured three medals at the Asian Games after Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar reached the mixed doubles semifinals, while Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh advanced in singles. Joshna secured her sixth Asian Games medal, extending her record appearance tally

The government is evaluating revised financial bids from Fairfax Financial Holdings and Emirates NBD for a 60.72 per cent stake in IDBI Bank. The strategic sale resumed in July after earlier bids fell below the reserve price set by the government

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India’s mixed 4x400m relay team after the quartet won silver at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya. India clocked 3:14.46, finishing just 0.08 seconds ahead of Vietnam in a thrilling final.

Scientific evidence suggests plants can sense sound waves, but claims that specific music boosts growth remain poorly supported. Research indicates plants may respond to natural sounds such as running water or insects, while effects vary by species and environmental conditions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BJP workers to focus on social reform and positive change rather than vote bank politics. Interacting with Seva Yatra participants, he highlighted rural development, women’s self-reliance and the importance of service and grassroots engagement

Ekkaa Electronics has filed draft papers with Sebi to raise Rs 725 crore through an IPO, comprising a fresh issue of Rs 525 crore and an OFS of Rs 200 crore. Proceeds will support debt repayment, working capital and corporate needs

The strategic importance of the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits has shaped centuries of maritime rivalry. From Zheng He and Portuguese dominance to British and US influence, history shows extra-regional powers can control chokepoints temporarily, while local actors retain significant leverage

Hyderabad’s famous Balapur Ganesh laddu prasadam fetched Rs 39 lakh at auction on Friday, Rs 4 lakh more than last year. Urban Group head Sama Praneeth Reddy won the bidding after intense competition from locals and an NRI.

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali unveiled Alia Bhatt’s first look from the period drama ‘Love & War’, presenting her in a glamorous cabaret-inspired avatar. The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia and Vicky Kaushal, is scheduled to release in theatres on January 21, 2027

Nani-starrer ‘The Paradise’, directed by Srikanth Odela, collected Rs 76.90 crore globally on its opening day, including Rs 54.90 crore domestically and Rs 22 crore overseas, according to Sacnilk. The Telugu film explores oppression and social discrimination

Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet won gold in the mixed 10m air pistol final with an Asian-record score of 484.6 points at the Asian Games. NRAI president Kalikesh Singh Deo hailed their performance after India’s earlier disappointing pistol events.

A video allegedly showing the harassment and molestation of a girl at Bihar’s historic Mandar Hill has surfaced online, prompting police to register an FIR against six to seven unidentified youths. Investigators suspect the footage was recorded in April and are tracing its origin

Pakistani security forces reportedly killed several Afghan Taliban fighters during a border clash in Balochistan after alleged attempts to enter Pakistani territory. The escalation followed Pakistan’s air and drone strikes on Afghanistan, which Kabul said killed four civilians

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged opposition parties to stop contesting elections if they believe polls are rigged, arguing participation legitimises the process. His remarks came amid scrutiny of Election Commission functioning after reports said two commissioners raised objections 14 times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Seva Yatris to pursue self-reliance, public service and national welfare while interacting with participants of the Seva Yatra. The journey connects Varanasi and Vadnagar, promoting community engagement, youth participation and service activities across villages and towns