India Slams Pakistan Over PoK Elections, Demands Action on Cross-Border Terrorism

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested over remarks linked to actor Trisha, granted station bail

DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested in connection with alleged controversial remarks linked to actress Trisha. The Madras High Court intervened and ordered his release on station bail following police questioning. The arrest triggered widespread protests by DMK workers across Tamil Nadu. A political war of words erupted between the ruling TVK government and the opposition over the incident. Udhayanidhi denied the allegations, claiming his remarks had been misrepresented and taken out of context.

India May Reintroduce Merchant Fees on UPI Transactions

India is considering reinstating the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions, a fee that merchants pay to banks and payment service providers for processing digital payments. MDR was previously waived on UPI to encourage adoption of digital payments across the country. Credit card transactions in India currently attract an MDR of around 1.5%. The potential reintroduction of MDR on UPI could have significant implications for merchants, payment service providers, and the broader digital payments ecosystem.

‘Complete farce’: India slams Pak over civilian killings in PoK during polls

UP Deputy CM Maurya links madrassa education to extremism, draws sharp criticism

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya made controversial remarks claiming that madrassa graduates develop a terrorist-like mindset. Speaking to reporters at Vidhan Bhavan, he alleged that students from such institutions do not chant patriotic slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' or sing 'Vande Mataram'. His comments were reported by news agency PTI. The remarks drew strong condemnation from senior Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav.