💸 Is UPI going to start charging fees?

The Reserve Bank of India Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, announced that the cost of UPI transactions will eventually need to be covered by someone. Currently, payments made on the UPI platform remain completely free for users. A new government law is pushing for banks and UPI companies to charge merchants for specific transactions. There is a growing concern that these new charges might ultimately be passed down to the end customers. This change is expected to affect the current free usage model of the Unified Payments Interface. 💸

🤔 Will UPI fees start hitting us soon?

The Reserve Bank of India Governor stated that someone will eventually have to pay the cost of UPI transactions. This discussion centers on a new bill that could allow banks and UPI companies to charge merchants for certain payments. Government subsidies for low-value UPI transactions have been around, with allocations growing until 2023-24. A proposed change in Parliament could allow the government to levy charges, potentially targeting large merchants with high turnovers. The government has not made a final decision, balancing digital inclusion with potential revenue generation.

🏛️ World Bank, ADB wrap up Amaravati review

A joint team from the World Bank and ADB concluded its three-day review visit to Amaravati on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The delegation held detailed meetings with senior officials of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) in Rayapudi. Discussions centered on the implementation of social and environmental safeguards for the capital city development project. The team also assessed the status of the Preliminary Project Report (PPR) for the Amaravati project. This visit is part of the agencies' effort to monitor progress and offer technical input for the city's development.

📉 WPP's Half-Year Revenue Takes a Dip

WPP reported a 3.2% fall in its revenue for the first half of the year. The decline was influenced by a 2.9% drop in the Indian market and a 3.8% decrease across the APAC region. This performance reflects broader industry shifts and economic headwinds affecting global advertising spend. The company will now focus on strategic adjustments to stabilize revenue in the coming quarters. Stakeholders are closely watching WPP's Q3 outlook for a clearer picture of recovery.

🩺 AP NEET UG 2026 Counselling Registration is Live

Registration for AP NEET UG Counselling 2026 for MBBS and BDS admissions has officially started. Dr. N.T.R. University of Health Sciences is managing this process for the 2026-27 academic session in Andhra Pradesh. The regular window runs from August 5 to August 12, 2026, while late applications are accepted until August 14, 2026. This entire counselling process, including fee payment, will happen online for eligible NEET UG 2026 qualifiers. The first classes for MBBS and BDS are scheduled to commence on September 8, 2026. 🩺

🔭 Spanish astronomer sees total eclipse from home setup

A Spanish astronomer nicknamed 'Galactic Shepherd' plans to observe a total solar eclipse. This individual is located in Spain and intends to use a DIY observatory setup for the viewing. The eclipse is set to occur on April 8th, with specific timings to be monitored closely. This ambitious setup allows the scientist to study celestial phenomena without needing a massive institutional facility. Future observations will rely on the success of this personal, self-built astronomical station. 🔭

🔭 Shepherd to catch century eclipse from home setup

Retired shepherd Joaquin Tapioles is getting ready to witness a rare total solar eclipse next week. He is located in the tiny Spanish farming village of San Agustin del Pozo on the Iberian peninsula. The event is scheduled for August 12, and he plans to watch it with his family. This self-taught astronomer built his own observatory and tracks the sky with a unique telescope setup. Tapioles shares his passion but wants to focus on family during this significant celestial moment. 🔭

🏛️ 8th Pay Commission: NC-JCM's big pension demands

The 8th Pay Commission consultations are entering a crucial phase, focusing heavily on employee welfare and retirement security. NC-JCM’s demands, including higher gratuity and pension parity, are set to shape these discussions across various stages. The commission, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, started consultations on November 3, 2025, with the next round starting in Delhi on Thursday. Specific demands involve raising gratuity limits to ₹75 lakh and restoring the Old Pension Scheme for all Central Government employees. The panel is expected to submit its final report around May or June 2027.

🤝 Modi tells MPs to dodge lobbyists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a breakfast meeting with 36 Rajya Sabha lawmakers. The meeting took place in Delhi, where Modi advised them to stay grounded and avoid power brokers. The discussions happened on Wednesday, with various BJP and former TMC/AAP members present. He stressed the importance of connecting with constituents and mastering parliamentary procedures. Furthermore, Modi cautioned them about technology misuse and urged them to maintain decorum.

🧶 Old Craft Meets New Chances in Tharad

A large women-led appliqué collective in Tharad is keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. This local craft has successfully turned into a major source of livelihood for many local women. The story detailing this transition will be showcased on August 7th. This initiative is proudly supported by the Flipkart Foundation and AIACA. It shows how heritage can drive modern economic opportunity. 🧶

🚢 Iran-Oman deal aims to reopen Strait of Hormuz

An Oman-Iran deal is reportedly set to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz without imposing any fees or tolls. This arrangement involves traffic routing through paths closer to Iran for inbound ships and closer to Oman for outbound traffic. The agreement was reported on Wednesday and is intended to reset the ceasefire and the 14-point MoU. It kicks off a 60-day clock to negotiate issues like Iran's nuclear program and frozen assets. This step follows US President Trump's comments on progress towards reopening the strategic waterway. 🚢