The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an RSS-affiliated economic body, has strongly opposed the government's proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000. MDR is a fee merchants pay to banks for processing digital payments. SJM argues this move would discourage digital payments, burden small merchants, and contradict India's push for a cashless economy. The proposal aims to compensate banks for UPI infrastructure costs, but critics fear it will reverse UPI's massive adoption growth driven by its zero-cost model.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested a suspected Al-Qaeda operative during a raid in the state. The suspect was found in possession of bomb-making instructional videos and materials linked to terror activities. Investigators are probing his connections to Pakistan-based handlers and terror networks. Authorities revealed he was allegedly radicalized online and was planning disruptive activities in India. Electronic devices seized during the arrest are being analyzed for further leads. The case highlights ongoing threats from cross-border terror modules, with agencies coordinating to dismantle sleeper cells operating within the country.

An 11-year-old girl tragically died during a Ganesh Chaturthi procession in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, after her hair got entangled in an electric generator mounted on a procession vehicle. The girl, standing near the float, was pulled into the machine when her hair was caught in the generator's moving parts, causing fatal injuries. She was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Police registered a case and launched an investigation into negligence by the procession organizers.

Meta has officially launched Meta One globally, a unified subscription service for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp users. The plan offers enhanced creative tools, deeper personalisation options, and improved connectivity features across all three platforms. Subscribers gain access to exclusive content creation tools, profile customisation, and priority support. Meta One aims to elevate user experience by integrating premium features seamlessly across Meta's ecosystem, empowering users to express themselves uniquely while staying better connected with their communities worldwide.

Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, has been plagued by a foul rotting fish smell, alarming residents. However, the stench isn't from fish but from massive blooms of dead marine algae and organic matter washing ashore along the coastline. Experts link the phenomenon to rising sea temperatures, pollution, and untreated sewage dumped into the Arabian Sea, which fuels algal blooms. When these organisms die and decompose, they release sulfur compounds creating the unbearable odor. Environmental groups warn this reflects a growing ecological crisis, urging authorities to address coastal pollution and waste management.

In a landmark verdict, the NIA Court awarded the death penalty to 10 Maoist cadres for the 2013 Jhiram Ghati massacre in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. The ambush killed 29 people, including Congress state president Nand Kumar Patel, former minister Mahendra Karma, and senior leader V.C. Shukla. The Maoists attacked a Congress convoy returning from a political rally. This was one of India's deadliest Naxal attacks. The court also convicted others with life imprisonment for the conspiracy.

**PB Fintech Share Price Update:**

PB Fintech (PolicyBazaar की पैरेंट कंपनी) का शेयर 5% से ज्यादा उछला। इसकी वजह IRDAI का बड़ा फैसला है। IRDAI इंश्योरेंस कमीशन स्ट्रक्चर में बदलाव की तैयारी कर रहा है। रिपोर्ट्स के मुताबिक, IRDAI कमीशन कैप हटाने पर विचार कर रहा है, जिससे इंश्योरेंस डिस्ट्रीब्यूटर्स को ज्यादा कमीशन मिल सकता है। इससे PB Fintech जैसे ऑनलाइन इंश्योरेंस एग्रीगेटर्स को सीधा फायदा होगा, क्योंकि उनकी रेवेन्यू बढ़ेगी। निवेशकों ने इसे पॉजिटिव सिग्नल माना और शेयर में जोरदार खरीदारी हुई।

The Indian government has firmly rejected demands to withdraw the newly introduced 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. Despite strong opposition from fintech companies, merchants, and digital payment advocates who argue the charge will discourage digital payments and hurt India's cashless economy push, the government maintained its stance saying "no rollback." The MDR will be borne by merchants, not consumers. Critics fear it contradicts the zero-MDR policy introduced in 2020 to promote UPI adoption.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a new "associate member" status for like-minded countries, specifically pitching it for Canada. This unprecedented concept would allow non-EU nations closer ties with the bloc without full membership, covering areas like defense, security, and trade. The proposal comes amid shifting transatlantic relations under U.S. President Trump's trade policies, pushing allies like Canada toward stronger European partnerships. Canadian PM Mark Carney welcomed deeper EU cooperation as both sides seek to counterbalance American protectionism.

The Centre informed the Madras High Court that only the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) holds the authority to grant sanction for prosecuting IAS officers, as they are cadre-controlled by the Central government. This submission was made during a case involving prosecution of an IAS officer. The Centre clarified that state governments cannot independently sanction such prosecutions without Central approval. This highlights the protective framework governing civil servants and ensures that politically motivated prosecutions are prevented, maintaining bureaucratic independence and accountability through proper channels.

Indian trader bodies are opposing the government's proposed 0.4% MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) warned this move contradicts the Digital India mission and threatens to discourage digital payments during the festive season. Traders argue the charge burdens small businesses and consumers, vowing to promote cash transactions instead. Currently, UPI is zero-cost. If implemented, festive sales could shift back to cash, undermining years of digital payment progress. The government and NPCI are yet to finalize the decision amid growing backlash from merchants nationwide.

महुआ मोइत्रा ने आरोप लगाया कि BJP कार्यकर्ताओं ने उन पर अंडे फेंके और हमला किया। TMC सांसद ने कहा कि यह घटना उनके दौरे के दौरान हुई, जहां BJP समर्थकों ने उन्हें निशाना बनाया। उन्होंने गंभीर आरोप लगाते हुए कहा कि स्थानीय पुलिस भी इस हमले में शामिल थी और उसने हमलावरों को रोकने की कोई कोशिश नहीं की। मोइत्रा ने इसे लोकतंत्र पर हमला बताया और कहा कि विपक्षी नेताओं को डराने-धमकाने की यह साजिश है। उन्होंने इस मामले में कड़ी कार्रवाई की मांग की।

Opposition MPs have raised serious concerns over the government's proposed plan to introduce fees on UPI merchant payments, warning it could burden small traders and consumers who rely heavily on digital transactions. They argue this contradicts the government's push for a cashless economy and Digital India initiative. The fee proposal aims to compensate banks and fintech companies for transaction costs. Critics fear it may discourage digital adoption, pushing users back to cash. The government has yet to finalize the decision, with Finance Ministry officials stating consultations are ongoing. Opposition demands the service remain free to promote financial inclusion.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) faces escalating pressure as US-Iran tensions intensify across the Middle East. The "red line" refers to threats near Mecca, while the "Gate of Tears" is Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical shipping chokepoint near Yemen. Iran-backed Houthi rebels threaten Saudi borders and Red Sea shipping lanes. MBS is caught between ally Washington's aggressive Iran stance and the risk of direct conflict on Saudi soil, jeopardizing his Vision 2030 economic reforms and regional stability ambitions.

Petrol pump dealers across India are threatening to accept only cash payments if a proposed ₹5 charge on UPI transactions above ₹2,000 is implemented. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is considering introducing an interchange fee on high-value UPI transactions, which would burden fuel retailers operating on thin margins. Dealer associations argue this added cost would erode profits, as fuel margins are already slim at around ₹2-3 per litre. They warn consumers may face inconvenience if digital payments are refused. The move has sparked debate over keeping UPI free versus sustainable payment infrastructure.