Residents of Chellanam and nearby villages in Kerala's Ernakulam district expressed immense relief as authorities began removing chemical-contaminated soil that had been illegally dumped, posing serious health and environmental risks. The toxic waste, suspected to contain hazardous industrial chemicals, had reportedly caused skin ailments, respiratory issues, and water contamination among locals. Following sustained protests and complaints, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board intervened, directing immediate remediation. Agencies commenced excavation and safe disposal of the laced soil to authorized facilities.

An NRI (Non-Resident Indian) living in the US posted a viral video showing a completely deserted luxury neighbourhood at 6 PM, highlighting the quiet, isolated lifestyle in America. The video aimed to discourage Indians dreaming of moving to the US, questioning "What will you even do coming to America?" The empty streets with grand houses but no people sparked debate online about loneliness, lack of community life, and the stark contrast with India's bustling neighbourhoods. Many agreed that despite material wealth, the US lifestyle can feel isolating, while others defended the peace and privacy. The post reignited discussions about the trade-off between financial opportunities abroad and the vibrant social connections back home in India.

**प्रवर्तन निदेशालय (ED) का बड़ा पुनर्गठन 2027 से लागू होगा। नए ढांचे के तहत PMLA (धन शोधन निवारण अधिनियम) के लिए 50 जोन और FEMA (विदेशी मुद्रा प्रबंधन अधिनियम) के लिए 5 जोन बनाए जाएंगे। इसका मुख्य उद्देश्य मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग और विदेशी मुद्रा उल्लंघन मामलों की जांच तेज करना है। ED ने जांच पूरी करने का लक्ष्य 1.5 साल (18 महीने) रखा है, जो अभी काफी अधिक समय लेती है। यह कदम लंबित मामलों को कम करने, जवाबदेही बढ़ाने और क्षेत्रीय स्तर पर मजबूत निगरानी तंत्र स्थापित करने के लिए उठाया गया है।**

US mortgage rates are surging as 10-year Treasury yields reached levels not seen in 19 years, driven by persistent inflation, strong economic data, and the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance signaling rates will stay higher for longer. Since mortgage rates closely track the 10-year Treasury, rising yields directly push borrowing costs up, with 30-year fixed rates exceeding 7%. This dampens housing affordability, slows homebuying activity, and reduces refinancing. Investors fear prolonged tight monetary policy, while government deficit spending increases bond supply, further pressuring yields upward.

India faces escalating risks from Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, threatening the critical Bab-el-Mandeb strait—a chokepoint for global trade. The Iran-backed Yemeni group targets ships linked to Israel and its allies, disrupting shipping routes vital for India's oil imports and exports to Europe. Rising freight costs, insurance premiums, and longer reroutes via the Cape of Good Hope impact India's economy. New Delhi has deployed naval vessels to safeguard merchant ships and Indian crew members in the region.

**CPI(M) Leader Baby Calls for Public Guidance**

Senior CPI(M) leader Baby John urged people to come forward and guide the Communist Party of India (Marxist) to strengthen its grassroots connection. He emphasized that the party needs constructive input from the public to address current political and social challenges effectively. Baby stressed that the party must remain open to criticism and suggestions to stay relevant. He called on intellectuals, workers, and common citizens to actively engage with CPI(M) to reshape its policies and regain public trust in a changing political landscape.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) are set to launch two partly solar-powered, electric ro-ro (roll-on, roll-off) ferries in Kochi, Kerala. These eco-friendly vessels aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable water transport. The ferries will carry vehicles and passengers across Kochi's backwaters, easing road congestion. Equipped with solar panels and electric propulsion, they mark a significant step toward green maritime mobility in India.

**Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)** is a fee charged to merchants by banks/payment service providers for processing digital transactions. It's a percentage deducted from each transaction amount.

The Indian government has proposed a **0.4% MDR on UPI payments exceeding ₹2,000**, which **merchants (businesses) will bear**, not customers. This move aims to sustain UPI infrastructure and compensate banks and fintech companies facilitating transactions. Previously, UPI had zero MDR, promoting digital adoption. The new rule targets large-value merchant transactions, keeping small payments fee-free to protect small businesses and consumers. Critics argue it may discourage digital payments, while supporters say it ensures long-term UPI ecosystem sustainability. Consumers won't face extra charges; only merchants accepting payments above ₹2,000 will pay.

The US 10-year Treasury yield surged to its highest level since 2007, driven by growing expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain its aggressive monetary tightening stance. Strong economic data, including resilient labor markets and persistent inflation, fueled bets on additional rate hikes. Higher yields reflect increased borrowing costs, impacting mortgages, corporate debt, and equities. Investors recalibrated portfolios as the "higher for longer" narrative gained traction, pressuring bond prices and raising recession concerns amid tightening financial conditions globally.

The Karnataka High Court criticized the trial court handling the Renukaswamy murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa. The trial court had sought a probation officer's report before granting pardon to an approver (witness turning state's evidence), which the High Court deemed procedurally incorrect. The HC clarified that seeking such a report is unnecessary at the pardon stage, as probation reports are relevant only during sentencing. The approver's testimony is crucial for the prosecution's case against Darshan and co-accused, charged with kidnapping and murdering fan Renukaswamy over alleged derogatory messages to actress Pavithra Gowda. The HC's intervention aims to expedite proceedings and ensure proper legal procedure is followed.

A 5-year-old female elephant named Durga is being transferred from Assam to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Animal rights activists have raised serious concerns over the transfer, questioning the legality and welfare implications. They argue the young elephant may suffer due to the long journey, climate change, and captivity conditions at the temple. Activists also allege procedural violations in obtaining transfer permissions. PETA and other organizations have urged authorities to halt the move, emphasizing that temples are unsuitable environments for elephants. Supporters of the transfer claim proper approvals were obtained. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over using elephants in religious institutions across India.

The Supreme Court has given Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav a final two-week deadline to deposit ₹2 crore in a cheque-bounce case. The case stems from a dishonoured cheque related to a financial dispute. The court warned that failure to comply would result in serious legal consequences, including potential imprisonment. Yadav has previously faced legal troubles in similar financial matters, including serving jail time in 2018 for failing to repay a loan. This is his last opportunity to settle the dues.

A man suffered severe fractures to both legs and spine after being struck by a speeding car in a hit-and-run incident in Greater Noida. The victim was reportedly walking or crossing the road when the vehicle hit him at high speed before fleeing the scene. Bystanders rushed the injured man to a nearby hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Police have registered a case and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify and track down the driver. Authorities urge witnesses to come forward with information.

**खैबर पख्तूनख्वा के मुख्यमंत्री अली अमीन गंडापुर ने गिरफ्तारी से पहले पुलिस पर जमकर भड़के। उन्होंने कहा कि अगर भारत के एजेंडे पर काम होता रहा तो पाकिस्तान के टुकड़े हो जाएंगे। गंडापुर PTI चीफ इमरान खान की रिहाई की मांग को लेकर विरोध प्रदर्शन कर रहे थे। पाकिस्तान सरकार ने उनका पासपोर्ट ब्लॉक कर दिया। उन पर देशद्रोह और हिंसा भड़काने के आरोप लगे। इस्लामाबाद मार्च के दौरान सुरक्षाबलों से झड़प हुई, जिसमें कई लोग घायल हुए।**

The NPCI has introduced a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.02% on UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000 for mutual fund and stock market transactions, capped at Rs 300 per transaction. This applies to payments made via UPI for purchasing mutual funds, stocks, and other securities. The move aims to create a sustainable revenue model for payment service providers. Transactions below Rs 2,000 remain free. This change affects investors using UPI for market investments, effective from April 2025.