💳 Banks asked to keep UPI MDR charges from consumers

The Centre plans to task the Indian Banks’ Association with public awareness campaigns regarding the new MDR. This move comes as a 0.4% MDR will be applied to some person-to-merchant UPI transactions over ₹2,000 starting October 15. This fee aims to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the UPI ecosystem, funding infrastructure like cybersecurity. However, the government directs banks to prevent these merchant costs from being passed onto consumers for smaller transactions. Furthermore, person-to-person UPI transactions and those under ₹2,000 will remain free from this levy. 💸

⚖️ SC orders CBI probe into Sai Krishna death

The Supreme Court questioned the handling of 25-year-old Gade Sai Krishna's custodial death in Vijayawada, citing delayed FIR and missing CCTV footage. The bench has stayed related proceedings and brought the CBI into the case, while issuing notices to the state DGP and Police Commissioner. This development has sparked fresh political attacks from the YSR Congress Party against the Chandrababu Naidu government. The court is actively supervising the matter and has sought case records from the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The case is scheduled to be heard again in October to determine further steps. 🧐

⚖️ NY AG sues Polymarket over illegal gambling claims

New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against Polymarket, alleging violations of state laws against illegal gambling. The suit was filed in a Manhattan state court, following similar actions against Kalshi and Coinbase Financial Markets. Authorities are seeking civil penalties and profit surrender, citing concerns over problem gambling, especially among those under 21. James described the markets as "quintessentially gambling," pointing to a specific wager on July 24, 2026. Polymarket countered that they preferred direct engagement over public legal action. ⚖️

🔎 Karnataka forms SIT for fresh Soujanya case probe

The Karnataka state government has formed a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the 2012 Soujanya case. This probe was initiated in Dakshina Kannada district, following an FIR re-registered by the CBI. The Supreme Court directed the fresh investigation to be completed within three months. Inspector-General of Police N. Shashikumar has been appointed as the SIT chief to head the inquiry. The SIT has jurisdiction across Karnataka under the BNSS, 2023.

🤝 US, Iran explore phased deal over Hormuz Strait

US and Iranian negotiators are discussing a phased arrangement in New York to ease tensions. The proposal involves Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington lifting economic blockades. This potential deal aims to resolve the conflict in stages, with the first step being the lifting of the blockade and reopening the waterway. However, these talks are complex as both sides have strong leverage and want meaningful concessions. Gulf states are also watching closely, pushing for de-escalation while demanding freedom of navigation. 🚢

👮 Stalin denies shielding Veeramani in POCSO case

DMK President MK Stalin stated that no orders were issued during the DMK government to protect R Veeramani regarding the POCSO case. Stalin strongly accused the ruling TVK of politicizing the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls ahead of bye-elections. The case involved Gem Granites Chairman R Veeramani, who was arrested in August over these allegations. While the DMK claims impartial action before, Stalin criticized the TVK's alleged inaction in similar past incidents. The Tamil Nadu government has since placed two senior IPS officers under compulsory wait amid this controversy. 👮

⚠️ Kochi bus drivers booked for reckless driving

Two private bus drivers have been booked by the Central police for dangerous driving incidents. These incidents occurred in Kochi over two consecutive days, captured by CCTV footage. On Wednesday, a pedestrian narrowly avoided being hit, and on Thursday, a physical fight happened near the High Court Junction. The police initiated a suo motu case on Thursday for rash driving on a public way. Authorities are now monitoring the situation following these serious lapses in driving conduct.

⚛️ Gates with Giant Atoms in Waveguides Unveiled

Researchers have successfully created gates incorporating giant atoms within structured waveguides. This breakthrough was achieved by a team working at a specific, though unnamed, research facility. The study details advancements made around the date of publication in APS Journals. This development pushes the boundaries of quantum optics and nanotechnology research. Further experiments are expected to explore the practical applications of this novel structure. ⚛️

🔬 Energy growth in optomechanical systems

Researchers have observed staircase mechanical energy growth within optomechanical systems operating at intermediate mechanical frequencies. This finding was documented by scientists working on the project. The study detailed these phenomena occurring in the systems. This research contributes significantly to understanding energy dynamics in these complex setups. Future work will focus on further analyzing these observed growth patterns.

🕊️ Xi Jinping's Messages to Trump on Taiwan & Iran

Xi Jinping conveyed two significant messages to Donald Trump regarding international affairs. These messages addressed the issue of Taiwan and initiated talks aimed at ending the conflict in Iran. The discussions were reported to have taken place recently, focusing on de-escalation strategies. This outreach signals a diplomatic effort to stabilize geopolitical hotspots globally. Future developments will depend on the reception of these high-level diplomatic overtures. 🕊️

🔬 New study finds top allergens in Haliotis discus hannai

Researchers used integrated multi-omics and serological profiling to identify allergens in Haliotis discus hannai. This work was conducted by several scientists in Fujian, China, detailing findings from September 2026. The study identified 37 high-abundance allergens, ultimately confirming five immunodominant ones. These five key allergens are PM, AK, TM, TIM, and FBA, offering a basis for better diagnostics. Future work will utilize this data to advance precise diagnostic tools. 🔬