More Today's Headlines
Government Bars Charges on UPI and RuPay Payments Up to Rs 2,000, Allows Future Fees on Higher Transactions
The Indian government has notified that banks and payment system providers cannot impose charges on UPI transactions and RuPay debit card payments up to Rs 2,000. This move, under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, ensures small-value digital payments remain free for both payers and recipients. While the notification protects low-value transactions, it allows for the possibility of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on higher-value merchant payments, though no such fees have been implemented yet. The government has emphasized that person-to-person UPI payments will continue to be free.
BJP Leads Rajasthan Urban Local Body Elections; Congress and Independents Make Gains
Rajasthan's 2026 urban local body elections saw the BJP emerge as the leading party, winning 4,179 wards and securing majorities in key municipal corporations including Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota, and Bhilwara. The Congress won 3,613 wards, with notable victories in Jhalawar and Bikaner, while independents played a decisive role, especially in Bharatpur, the Chief Minister's home district. The Aam Aadmi Party and CPI(M) made gains in select councils. Technical glitches delayed mayoral polls in four corporations. The results reflect a competitive political landscape ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Air India Faces Show-Cause Notice After Three Italians Bypass Immigration at Delhi Airport
Three Italian nationals flew from Amritsar to Delhi and then to Munich without completing mandatory immigration clearance at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on September 4. The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a show-cause notice to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, seeking an explanation for procedural lapses under the airline's hub-and-spoke operations. The Home Ministry has convened a meeting of senior officials from various agencies to review the incident and assess security and immigration protocols. Air India has not publicly commented on the matter.



