India

Govt Bars Banks from Charging Fees on UPI Transactions Up to Rs 2,000

The Indian government has directed banks and payment system providers to not impose any charges on UPI transactions valued up to Rs 2,000. The order also covers payments made through RuPay debit cards, keeping them free for users. This directive comes amid political debate over the potential monetisation of UPI infrastructure. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had accused the Centre of quietly opening the door to levying fees on UPI payments.

'Once again surrendering to US pressure': Rahul slams govt over UPI fee exemption limit

‘Felt I could have died’: Detained by Taliban, woman on solo Afghanistan trip recounts ordeal

India Gains Turkey, Jordan as Rice Buyers After Iran Trade Disrupts

Indian rice exports to Iran have dropped significantly due to disruptions in direct trade between the two countries. However, India has offset some of these losses by securing new buyers in Turkey and Jordan. The shift reflects how ongoing regional conflict has reshaped trade flows across the Middle East. Despite reduced demand from Iran, Indian rice continues to find markets throughout the broader Middle East region.

As Bihar gets over 200 new colleges, what’s next for its teachers? Training at Oxford

Theodore Roosevelt's 1901 Buffalo Inauguration Reenacted 125 Years Later in Same Room

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site in Buffalo, New York, marked the 125th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's swearing-in with a historical reenactment. Roosevelt originally took the presidential oath on September 14, 1901, in the library of Ansley Wilcox's Buffalo home following the death of President William McKinley. The reenactment took place in the same room where the historic event occurred. Actor Joe Wiegand portrayed Roosevelt, recreating the arrival by train before delivering the 35-word presidential oath.

Alia Bhatt Has Been Writing Monthly Emails to Daughter Raha Since Birth

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has been composing heartfelt monthly emails to her daughter Raha since she was born. Each email contains photos and videos, functioning as a personal digital diary of Raha's early years. Alia plans to share this collection of memories with Raha when she turns fifteen. The gesture reflects how deeply parents cherish their children's formative moments and wish to preserve them for the future.

PIL Filed in Karnataka HC Against State's Order Limiting Vande Mataram to Two Stanzas

A public interest litigation has been filed in the Karnataka High Court challenging a state government directive issued on September 8. The order mandates that only the first two stanzas of the national song 'Vande Mataram' be sung at official state functions. The petitioner has questioned the Karnataka government's authority to impose such a restriction on the national song. The case raises legal questions about whether a state government holds the power to limit the rendition of 'Vande Mataram' at public events.

Indians Return Home from UK, US Amid Rising Visa Costs and Stricter Rules

A growing number of Indians living and working in the UK and US are returning to India due to escalating visa costs and tightening immigration policies. The UK has revised its skilled worker visa requirements at least twice in the past two years, raising the minimum salary threshold significantly. The threshold climbed from approximately $35,409 in 2024 to around $52,303 by April, and further to nearly $56,358 by July 2025. While these returnees are choosing to come back, many face the trade-off of accepting lower salaries in the Indian job market. The trend reflects broader global shifts in immigration policy that are prompting skilled Indian professionals to reconsider their options abroad.

Lady Gaga on Art, Love and Moving Beyond Shock Value

Pop star Lady Gaga has spoken about the evolution of her artistic philosophy, shifting her focus from shock-driven expression to messages of love and positivity. In the current era of social media dominance, she believes creativity can inspire audiences without relying on provocation. Her message has resonated across diverse audiences and professional fields beyond the entertainment industry. Gaga emphasizes that love and human connection remain central values in both art and everyday life.

BJP Fields Late Aide's Mother Hasirani Rath for Nandigram Bypoll

The BJP has named Hasirani Rath as its candidate for the upcoming Nandigram bypoll in West Bengal. She is the mother of a former aide to state BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who passed away in May. The announcement was made on Tuesday. The decision to field Rath appears to be a tribute to her late son's association with Adhikari and the party.

Gurugram Hit-And-Run Accused Fled Fearing Mob Attack, Says Lawyer

A hit-and-run incident occurred in Gurugram involving accused Kalyan Bainsla. His lawyer has come forward to explain why Bainsla fled the scene after the collision. According to the lawyer, the accused was afraid of being lynched by the crowd present at the spot. The lawyer also alleged that the riders involved were greater in number and were travelling at high speed at the time of the incident.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar accepts India omission, calls 2022 T20 World Cup likely his last

Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has acknowledged that his 2022 T20 World Cup appearance may have been his final one for India, following the team's semifinal exit. Despite strong IPL performances reigniting speculation about a national team comeback, he has accepted his current exclusion from the squad. Bhuvneshwar admitted feeling he deserves another chance but clarified that a return is not his only driving motivation. The seamer's consistent showings in the IPL have kept the conversation around his potential recall alive among fans and analysts.

Ohio community bids to turn old coal land into 850-acre public forest

A coalition of local stakeholders in Southeast Ohio is working to acquire approximately 850 acres of former coal land for a new community forest. The proposed Sugar Creek Community Forest would serve as a green corridor connecting Wayne National Forest with Strouds Run State Park. Beyond providing public recreational access, the project is designed to advance regenerative conservation practices in the region. Supporters also expect the initiative to drive economic development in the surrounding area.

New Jersey's Clementon Park shuts down after 119 years, 52-acre site listed for sale

Clementon Park and Splash World in New Jersey has announced it will permanently close after 119 years of operation. The current owner, IB Parks & Entertainment, made the announcement on September 9, though no specific reasons were given for the decision. The 52-acre property has been put up for sale, with the owners expressing hope that a buyer will preserve the park's legacy. The park is expected to complete its final season in 2026 before shutting down for good.

'Umar Khalid is a nationalist': Cong leader hits out at ABVP amid documentary row

India's BRICS Chairmanship Highlights Its Emerging Role as Global Mediator

India hosted the BRICS 2026 summit and managed to keep the grouping functional despite deep internal disagreements among member nations. Rather than resolving the bloc's underlying tensions, New Delhi focused on preventing a breakdown of the proceedings. This diplomatic balancing act has drawn attention to India's growing ability to manage multilateral forums with divergent interests. The episode reinforces India's positioning as a bridge-builder between the Global South and Western powers. Analysts now see India's real challenge as sustaining this neutral mediator role while managing its relationships with Western allies.

Sydney gardener pays homeless man $100 for yard work, offers dignity over charity

Sydney-based gardener Nathan Stafford offered a homeless man named Robert the opportunity to earn money rather than accepting spare change. Robert helped Stafford clear leaves from a street in the rain and was paid $100 for his work. Stafford, who has personally experienced homelessness, said his intention was to provide Robert with respect, dignity, and a sense of purpose. In addition to the payment, Stafford also arranged food and warm clothing for Robert.

Kerala Vlogger Claims Afghan Authorities Threatened Her With Arrest in Bamyan

A woman travel vlogger from Kerala has alleged that local authorities in Bamyan, Afghanistan, threatened to arrest her during a solo trip. This comes after she had previously claimed to have been detained by the 'Mujahideen' in the country. The vlogger shared her account publicly, drawing attention to the risks faced by solo travelers, particularly women, in Afghanistan. The incidents highlight the challenges and dangers of independent travel in the Taliban-governed nation.

Gangster Himanshu Bhau claims responsibility for Delhi gym trainer's murder

Gangster Himanshu Bhau has claimed responsibility for the killing of a 30-year-old gym trainer in south Delhi. The trainer was shot dead by assailants on a motorcycle near Hansa Chowk. Bhau made the claim via a social media post, which police are currently working to verify. Investigators believe the attack may be rooted in a longstanding family rivalry that has previously resulted in deaths. No arrests have been made so far, with authorities conducting raids to locate the suspects.