The FBI uncovered a Russian government-backed assassination plot targeting a US-based dissident and Ukrainian supporters. The scheme involved recruiting operatives to conduct surveillance and plan attacks on critics of the Kremlin living in America. Federal authorities arrested suspects linked to Russian intelligence services. The plot aimed to silence opposition voices and intimidate Ukraine's allies on US soil. The DOJ emphasized this as a serious national security threat, highlighting Russia's escalating efforts to export political violence abroad, undermining democratic freedoms.

Karnataka Minister has demanded strict action, including booking culprits under attempt to murder charges, against those involved in a fake drug racket uncovered in the state. The racket reportedly involved manufacturing and distributing counterfeit medicines, posing serious health risks to unsuspecting patients. The minister emphasized that selling fake drugs endangers lives and should be treated as a heinous crime. Authorities have been urged to crack down on the network, arrest all involved, and ensure stringent punishment to deter such life-threatening criminal activities in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

MUFG's Dragon Funds, the private equity arm linked to Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, is strengthening its investment focus on India-Japan and Asia-Pacific markets. The firm is eyeing a new fund targeting approximately $600 million to capitalize on growing opportunities in the region. This move reflects increasing investor confidence in India's economic growth and deepening bilateral ties between India and Japan. Dragon Funds aims to invest in mid-market companies across sectors, leveraging cross-border synergies between Asian economies for value creation and expansion.

Yes Bank shares surged 4% after global brokerages Citi and Morgan Stanley identified the lender as a key beneficiary of proposed UPI interchange charges. The Reserve Bank of India and NPCI are considering introducing merchant charges on UPI transactions, which could generate significant revenue for banks processing these payments. Yes Bank, being one of the largest UPI transaction processors in India, stands to gain substantial fee income, potentially boosting its earnings. Analysts believe this move could improve the bank's profitability and diversify revenue streams beyond traditional lending, making it an attractive investment opportunity amid India's growing digital payments ecosystem.

**Fake Freedom Fighter Certificates Expose MBBS Admission Fraud**

Four medical students were booked after authorities discovered they secured MBBS admissions using fraudulent freedom fighter dependent certificates. These certificates entitled them to reserved quota seats meant for genuine descendants of freedom fighters. An investigation revealed the documents were forged, and the students illegally occupied seats, depriving deserving candidates. Police registered cases of cheating, forgery, and fraud against the students and those who facilitated the fake certificates. Authorities are probing deeper to identify officials or agents involved in the racket. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in the admission verification process and has prompted calls for stricter document authentication. Educational boards may now implement enhanced verification mechanisms to prevent such frauds in future admissions.

# CAT 2026 Registration Update

CAT 2026 के लिए रजिस्ट्रेशन की डेडलाइन अभी खत्म नहीं हुई है। उम्मीदवारों के पास 22 सितंबर 2026 तक आवेदन करने का मौका है। IIM द्वारा आयोजित इस प्रवेश परीक्षा के लिए इच्छुक अभ्यर्थी आधिकारिक वेबसाइट iimcat.ac.in पर जाकर फॉर्म भर सकते हैं। CAT परीक्षा MBA और संबंधित प्रबंधन कार्यक्रमों में प्रवेश के लिए देशभर के IIMs और अन्य प्रमुख बिजनेस स्कूलों में मान्य है। अभ्यर्थी अंतिम तिथि का इंतजार न करें और जल्द आवेदन करें।

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi's visit to Kerala for a friendly match between Argentina and Kerala Blasters sparked controversy. Reporter TV, a Malayalam news channel linked to CPI(M), allegedly aired defamatory content against Messi's visit organizers. Police launched searches at the Reporter TV office and four other locations in connection with complaints filed. The raids drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and media groups, who termed it an attack on press freedom. The incident intensified political tensions in Kerala, with CPI(M) condemning the police action as politically motivated. The friendly match itself attracted massive public interest, but the surrounding row overshadowed the sporting event.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the government's plan to construct hostels accommodating 10,000 students across the capital. The initiative aims to provide affordable and safe accommodation for students from other states and underprivileged backgrounds pursuing higher education in Delhi. The hostels will be built near major university clusters to ensure easy access. Gupta emphasized that this move will ease the housing burden on students and support their academic aspirations, making Delhi a more student-friendly city.

From October 15, NPCI enforced new UPI rules prohibiting banks, apps, and merchants from charging users for basic transactions. The 8 free services include: person-to-person transfers, merchant payments, bank account balance checks, setting/changing UPI PIN, failed transaction reversals, QR code payments, raising complaints, and linking bank accounts. These rules aim to promote digital payments by ensuring zero additional charges on everyday UPI transactions, benefiting millions of users across India.

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates despite President Trump's repeated calls to keep them low. The Fed, led by Chair Jerome Powell, maintains its independence in setting monetary policy based on economic data, including inflation and employment. Trump has publicly criticized rate hikes, arguing they hinder economic growth. However, the Fed views gradual increases as necessary to prevent overheating. Markets closely watch "Decision Day" for signals on future policy direction, as higher rates impact borrowing costs, stocks, and the dollar.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine could pull all of Europe into a broader conflict with Putin. Speaking during a visit to Kyiv, Merz reaffirmed Germany's strong support for Ukraine, pledging continued military and financial aid. He emphasized that Europe's security depends on Ukraine's ability to defend itself. Merz urged NATO allies to stay united, cautioning that any sign of weakness could embolden Russia to expand aggression beyond Ukraine's borders.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed law professor and adviser Asif Nazrul as the sole authority to decide whether Bangladesh will withdraw from the 2025 ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The decision comes amid political tensions between Bangladesh and India. Nazrul, a member of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, will assess security and diplomatic factors before making the final call. Bangladesh is grouped with other teams in the tournament's initial stage. The BCB awaits his verdict as the event approaches, with concerns over player safety and bilateral relations influencing the deliberation. This unprecedented move highlights how geopolitics continues to impact international cricket.

Stock market indices opened higher as investors anticipated a technical rebound following recent sharp declines. Benchmark indices like the Sensex and Nifty gained in early trading, driven by bargain buying in oversold stocks across banking, IT, and auto sectors. Positive global cues and easing foreign investor outflows supported sentiment. Analysts noted markets were recovering from oversold levels, prompting short-covering. However, experts cautioned that sustained recovery depends on global economic signals, corporate earnings, and foreign fund flows in coming sessions.

India's government has introduced Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions for large merchants with annual turnover exceeding ₹40 crore. Small merchants and person-to-person transfers remain free. The MDR revenue will be distributed among payment ecosystem participants—issuing banks, acquiring banks, and payment apps like PhonePe and Google Pay—to sustain infrastructure and incentivize digital payment adoption. This move aims to ensure long-term financial viability of UPI's ecosystem while maintaining free access for small businesses and consumers.

In June 2019, Saudi-led coalition forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone heading toward Mecca, Islam's holiest city. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched the explosive-laden drone, escalating their cross-border attacks amid the ongoing Yemeni civil war. The coalition condemned the attack as a direct threat to millions of Muslim worshippers. This incident intensified international criticism of the Houthis and heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The coalition vowed to continue defending Saudi airspace and sacred sites.