India

Mobile Retailers Plan 'No UPI Day' on Oct 2 to Oppose Proposed MDR Charges

Mobile phone retailers across India will observe a 'No UPI Day' on October 2 in protest against a proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions. The proposed charge of 0.4% would apply to UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, with implementation slated for October 15. The All India Mobile Retailers Association has raised concerns that the additional cost would disproportionately burden small retailers. The government has clarified that the MDR will not be passed on to consumers, though merchants remain unconvinced. Retailers are calling for UPI to retain its zero-MDR status to protect small businesses.

Google Earth discovery led to 3 new butterfly species and a new snake

Boeing Finds Software Bug in 737 MAX That May Affect Navigation

Boeing has identified a software glitch in its 737 MAX aircraft that could potentially disrupt the plane's navigation system. The issue surfaces when pilots alter their planned flight path after abandoning a landing attempt, a procedure known as a go-around. The discovery was reported by The Wall Street Journal. Boeing is aware of the defect and is expected to work on a fix to address the navigation concern.

CAT member recuses from hearing Sanjiv Chaturvedi’s plea – 17th such instance for IFS officer in 13 years

Google at 28: A Look at Its Unique Offices and Data Centers Worldwide

Google, marking its 28th anniversary, operates offices and data centers in over 200 cities across six continents. Each location reflects local culture and design, incorporating regional artwork and eco-friendly architectural practices. The tech giant also pursues adaptive reuse projects, repurposing existing buildings as part of its sustainability efforts. Offices are designed with employee well-being in mind, featuring innovative layouts and green initiatives. Google continues to expand its global footprint with investments in AI research, electric vehicle infrastructure, and environmental restoration projects.

28 'fighters', mostly ex-Afghan security personnel, killed after crossing from Pak

Florida homeowner given 3 days to clear pool area amid 335-home development

Joe Donzelli purchased his home in Tamarac, Florida, in 2015, partly for its pool, enclosed patio, and golf-course views. Developer 13th Floor Homes is now converting the former Woodlands Country Club into a 335-home residential project. The developer claims that parts of Donzelli's backyard may encroach on its property. Donzelli says he was initially given just three days to remove the pool area. However, a Broward County property map appears to show his patio falls within his own boundary.

Rs 21,000 crore in minerals: Can Bihar turn geological discoveries into operating mines?

US Agencies Unknowingly Bought $2M Software Linked to Russian Company

Several major US federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, reportedly purchased software worth approximately $2 million from a company with Russian ties. The agencies were apparently unaware of the software's origins at the time of purchase. The purchases raise significant concerns about supply chain security and vetting processes within sensitive government departments. The incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in how US agencies screen technology vendors for potential foreign connections.

Egypt warned Israel of imminent Hamas threat days before October 7 attack

Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel visited Israel on September 26, 2023, warning officials that Gaza was on the verge of a violent escalation. Kamel urged Israel to offer economic concessions to Hamas as a way to defuse the growing tension. Israeli officials reportedly did not take concrete action in response to the warning. Multiple alerts about a potential Hamas offensive were also raised by Egypt and other countries in the days leading up to the October 7 attack.

Prepaid Mobile Users to Get 30-Day Recharge Plans, Says Raghav Chadha

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has announced that prepaid mobile users will soon have access to 30-day recharge plans. The move is aimed at providing greater flexibility to consumers in choosing their recharge cycles. This change is expected to particularly benefit users who rely mainly on voice calls and SMS rather than data services. Chadha framed the development as a positive step for telecom consumers in India.

'Left' in crisis: From Kerala rift to Delhi rout, old fault lines deepen

'Wrong message to society': Rijiju attacks Rahul over Gyanesh Kumar resignation demand

Vijay's TVK Party Rolls Back RTI Restrictions After Public Outcry

Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government withdrew a controversial order that sought to restrict public access to certain RTI-related information. The move had drawn significant backlash from citizens and transparency advocates. The original order would have shielded sensitive law and order documents from public scrutiny, including inquiry reports on police firing incidents, custody deaths, and police torture cases. Following the criticism, the government reversed its decision, restoring public access to such records.

AI Drone Warfare a Once-in-Three-Centuries Shift, Warns Retired Army Commander

Retired Lt General Raj Shukla made a striking assessment of AI-powered drone warfare at the NDTV Defence Summit 2026. He described the development as a transformative, epoch-defining moment occurring once in three centuries. The former Army commander indicated that this technological shift poses a challenge even greater than that presented by China. His remarks underscored the urgency for India to reckon with the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare driven by artificial intelligence and drone technology.

Anahat and Abhay Singh win silver in squash at Asian Games; India also bags bronze

India's Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh both claimed silver medals in squash at the Asian Games. Anahat lost her women's singles final to Malaysia's Sivasangari Subramaniam, while Abhay was defeated by Ng Eain Yow in the men's singles final. Reaching the final marked a notable milestone for Anahat in the women's singles event. India also secured a bronze medal in the mixed doubles event, adding to the country's overall squash tally at the Games.

LPU Students Protest Alleged Campus Rape, Climb MiG-23 and Tank on Grounds

Hundreds of students gathered at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, on Sunday morning following reports of an alleged rape on campus. A female student was reportedly assaulted by an outsider within the university premises. The protest turned dramatic as agitated students climbed atop a MiG-23 aircraft and a tank displayed on the campus grounds. The demonstrations reflect growing student anger over safety and security concerns at the institution.

Ladakh firing: Sonam Wangchuk demands inquiry report, cases withdrawal

Manasi Mridha breaks barriers as Kolkata's first female Pink Cab driver

Manasi Mridha, a Kolkata resident who faced abandonment and limited education in childhood, overcame significant personal hardships to carve a unique career path. She became a mother at a young age and was later widowed, forcing her to seek various means of income for survival. Through the Azad Foundation's Women on Wheels programme, she gained professional driving skills and training. Mridha went on to become Kolkata's first Pink Cab driver, marking a landmark moment for women in the city's transport sector.

Homes Evacuated Near US Base in England Over Explosives Threat

Gloucestershire Police have ordered the evacuation of several properties in Whelford, a village in western England. The action follows the detention of a number of men on suspicion of explosives-related offences. The evacuated area is located near a US military base in the region. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the nature of the suspected threat or the identities of those detained.