**PM Modi Turns 76: Nation Celebrates**

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 76th birthday on September 17, receiving warm wishes from President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Ministers, and leaders across party lines. President Murmu praised his visionary leadership and dedication to nation-building. Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed his transformative governance. Opposition leaders also extended greetings. September 17 is also observed as Seva Diwas by the BJP, with workers undertaking social service activities nationwide to mark the occasion.

A U.S. lawmaker introduced an amendment to the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) specifically naming India due to its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defense system. The move aims to penalize nations engaging in significant defense transactions with Russia. India completed the S-400 deal despite U.S. warnings, straining bilateral ties. While the U.S. had previously considered waiving sanctions for India given their strategic partnership, this amendment signals growing Congressional pressure to hold allies accountable for Russian defense dealings.

Alexandre Arnault, son of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, was appointed to Nike's Board of Directors. He serves as EVP of Products and Communications at LVMH, overseeing Tiffany & Co. after its acquisition. His appointment signals Nike's push to elevate its brand through luxury expertise amid efforts to revitalize sales. Arnault, in his early 30s, brings experience in luxury branding and digital innovation. The move strengthens ties between sportswear and high fashion industries.

BJP celebrated PM Narendra Modi's 76th birthday on September 17, 2025, with grand festivities starting from an 11:59 PM countdown. Party workers across India cut cakes, displayed massive photo installations, and played the popular Bollywood song 'Swag Se Swagat' to welcome the occasion. Leaders shared tributes on social media, hailing Modi's leadership. BJP organized welfare drives, blood donation camps, and food distribution as part of "Seva Saptah" (service week) to mark the celebration nationwide.

Security forces conducted a successful late-night counter-terrorism operation in Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir, eliminating two terrorists. The encounter was launched after intelligence inputs about terrorist presence in the area. Security personnel, including the Indian Army and J&K Police, cordoned off the area and engaged the militants. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to neutralize terror threats in the region, particularly along the Jammu belt, which has seen increased infiltration attempts recently. Identities and affiliations of the slain terrorists are being investigated.

**ट्रंप की फेड से ब्याज दर कम करने की मांग**

अमेरिकी पूर्व राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप ने फेडरल रिजर्व (Fed) द्वारा ब्याज दरें बढ़ाने के फैसले की कड़ी आलोचना की। ट्रंप ने मांग की कि फेड तुरंत ब्याज दरें घटाकर 1% या उससे कम करे। उनका कहना है कि ऊंची ब्याज दरें अमेरिकी अर्थव्यवस्था की वृद्धि को रोक रही हैं, कारोबार और रोजगार पर नकारात्मक असर डाल रही हैं। ट्रंप ने फेड चेयरमैन जेरोम पॉवेल पर भी निशाना साधा, उन्हें अर्थव्यवस्था को नुकसान पहुंचाने का जिम्मेदार ठहराया। हालांकि, फेड एक स्वतंत्र संस्था है जो महंगाई नियंत्रण और आर्थिक स्थिरता के आधार पर निर्णय लेती है। विशेषज्ञों का मानना है कि राजनीतिक दबाव से मौद्रिक नीति प्रभावित नहीं होनी चाहिए।

The Indian government has questioned Meta's claim of being an "intermediary" platform, arguing that Facebook and Instagram actively participate in advertising by curating, targeting, and profiting from ads. The Centre contends that Meta exercises editorial control over ad content, making it more than a passive intermediary under IT laws. This distinction matters because intermediary status grants legal immunity from liability for user-generated content. If Meta loses this status, it could face greater accountability for misleading or harmful advertisements on its platforms, significantly impacting its business model in India.

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who recently clashed with Congress over the 'Vande Mataram' controversy, has now sided with the Centre on rolling out UPI transaction fees. Omar expressed support for the government's move, stating, "We don't appreciate things until we have to pay for them." He suggested that nominal charges on UPI transactions could help sustain digital payment infrastructure. This stance surprised many, as Omar's National Conference often opposes BJP-led central policies. His dual stand—against Congress on national symbols and with the Centre on fintech—signals independent positioning ahead of key political developments.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has expressed uncertainty over Pakistan's participation in the Asian Champions Trophy scheduled in India. PHF revealed that obtaining visas from India remains the major hurdle, as political tensions between the two nations continue to affect sporting ties. PHF officials stated they are awaiting clearance from the Pakistan government and Indian visa approvals for the team. Without timely visas, Pakistan may be forced to withdraw from the prestigious tournament. PHF urged Asian Hockey Federation to intervene and ensure smooth participation, emphasizing sports should remain separate from politics.

Punjab is pioneering drone technology to detect stubble-burning farm fires that often evade satellite monitoring due to cloud cover or small fire sizes. The state government plans to deploy drones across key agricultural districts to ensure real-time identification and faster response to crop residue burning, a major contributor to severe air pollution in North India, especially Delhi-NCR, during the post-harvest season. This initiative aims to strengthen enforcement against violators, as satellite-based systems like NASA's VIIRS and MODIS sometimes miss short-duration fires. The move complements existing penalties and subsidies for crop residue management machinery, reflecting Punjab's intensified efforts to curb farm fires amid Supreme Court directives and growing public health concerns over hazardous air quality levels.

ITC has once again raised prices of select cigarette brands, making popular brands like Classic Connect and Gold Flake Super Star costlier for consumers. The price hike comes amid rising input costs and increased government taxes on tobacco products. ITC, India's largest cigarette manufacturer, periodically revises prices to maintain profit margins. The move is expected to impact millions of smokers nationwide. Health advocates welcome higher prices as a deterrent to smoking, while consumers express dissatisfaction over the frequent increases.

# UPI MDR vs Debit Card vs Credit Card: व्यापारियों पर कितना बोझ?

भारत में डिजिटल पेमेंट पर MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) अलग-अलग है। UPI और RuPay डेबिट कार्ड पर सरकार ने जीरो MDR लागू किया है, यानी व्यापारियों को कोई चार्ज नहीं देना पड़ता। डेबिट कार्ड (Visa/Mastercard) पर MDR 0.40%-0.90% तक होता है, जो ₹2000 से कम/ज्यादा ट्रांजैक्शन पर निर्भर करता है। क्रेडिट कार्ड सबसे महंगा है, जिस पर 1.5%-2.5% तक MDR लगता है। इसलिए छोटे व्यापारी UPI को प्राथमिकता देते हैं। सरकार डिजिटल इंडिया को बढ़ावा देने के लिए UPI पर सब्सिडी दे रही है।

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 76th birthday on September 17, 2025. To mark his 25 years of continuous public service—starting as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and serving as PM since 2014—the BJP launched the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan." Under this campaign, party workers nationwide organized blood donation drives, health camps, cleanliness initiatives, and food distribution programs. Leaders and supporters extended wishes, highlighting Modi's development agenda and welfare schemes for the underprivileged.

The historic Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, commenced its grand Kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) after extensive renovation works. This sacred ritual, performed periodically to restore the temple's spiritual energy, involves elaborate Vedic rituals, holy water sprinkling on gopurams, and prayers by thousands of priests. Lakhs of devotees gathered to witness this auspicious event. Heavy security arrangements were made, and the state government supported the ceremony. The temple, a UNESCO-recognized heritage site dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, last held its Kumbabishekam years ago. Chief Minister and dignitaries attended. The multi-day event featured special poojas and cultural programs.

Rajnath Singh, India's Defence Minister, praised PM Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in government, spanning his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister (2001-2014) and Prime Minister (since 2014). Singh highlighted that Modi's leadership has transformed India's global standing, boosted economic growth, strengthened national security, and empowered millions through welfare schemes. He credited Modi's vision for initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, and infrastructure development, stating that Modi's journey has given the nation a new, progressive direction and inspired confidence among citizens.