🏛️ New laws signed by President on finance matters

The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2026, and an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, received President Droupadi Murmu's assent on August 17, 2026. The Taxation Act aims to attract foreign capital and boost domestic electronics manufacturing by offering process certainty. This bill replaces a June 5 ordinance regarding FPI tax exemptions on G-Sec investments. The payment systems amendment allows the government to modify the zero-MDR framework for UPI and RuPay transactions. Future MDR charges will be decided by the UPI and Services Steering Committee.

🏛️ Tax and Payment System Laws Get Presidential Seal

The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2026, and a payment systems amendment received President Droupadi Murmu's assent on August 17, 2026. This legislation aims to attract foreign capital and boost domestic electronics manufacturing in India. The tax act also removes the June 5 ordinance granting I-T exemption to FPIs on G-Sec investments. Furthermore, the payment systems change allows the government to modify the zero-MDR framework for UPI and RuPay transactions. These changes signal a push for greater policy certainty and foreign investment flows. 🚀

🚭 Why smokers relapse and how to stay quit

Quitting smoking is tough because relapse stems from nicotine dependence, stress, and environmental triggers. Dr Manjunath M N explains this complexity from KIMS Hospitals, Bengaluru, noting relapse is not just a willpower issue. Factors like withdrawal symptoms, daily routines, and emotional stress make cravings return. Strategies include recognizing triggers, managing stress healthily, and seeking support. Long-term success depends on understanding these patterns and staying completely smoke-free.

🎬 Batwara 1947 targets 30 crore on Day 5

Sunny Deol's film, 'Batwara 1947', released last Friday, is aiming to cross Rs 30 crore on its first Tuesday. The movie features Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta and is set during the partition era. As of Day 5, it has earned Rs 0.98 crore across 5,015 shows, pushing total India net collection to Rs 29.48 crore. The film faces stiff competition from 'Awarapan 2' and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' in the box office. Final India collections are still pending to confirm its overall performance.

👶 Maxwell and wife welcome baby girl Maia 💖

Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell and his wife Vini Raman have joyfully welcomed their second child, a baby girl named Maia. The couple shared the happy news on Tuesday through a joint Instagram post. Maia joins their firstborn son, Logan Maverick Maxwell, who was born on September 11, 2023. This announcement comes as Maxwell nears his ODI retirement in June 2025. The family is celebrating this new chapter away from the cricket field.

🏸 Unnati Hooda's emotional tribute after World Champs win

Unnati Hooda secured a straight-game victory in her BWF World Championships debut on Tuesday. The 18-year-old Indian shuttler defeated Myanmar's Thet Htar Thuzar in New Delhi. This win sets up her next match against 13th seed Michelle Li of Canada. She highlighted her deep gratitude towards her father, who quit his government job to support her career. Unnati is focused on giving her 100% in her upcoming match. 🏸

🌕 China's new moon map rewrites lunar history

China has released a massive new geological map of the moon, offering a comprehensive view of the lunar surface and its evolution. This map, compiled by CAGS and others, details 13,519 impact craters and 17 rock types at a 1:5,000,000 scale. It incorporates data from Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6, showing volcanic activity lasted until about 2 billion years ago. This update is crucial for establishing a systematic framework for future deep space exploration. The map also sets a new standard for planetary geological mapping in China. 🛰️

🎬 Saif and Kiara pairing for new thriller debut

Saif Ali Khan and Kiara Advani are set to star opposite each other in an intense supernatural thriller. The project is a debut directorial venture by writer Kanika Dhillon, produced by Excel Entertainment. The makers have been developing this story for a long time and are currently in the scripting stage. The film is planned to go on floors later this year, marking Dhillon's directorial debut. Further plot details are being kept confidential as the script nears finalization.

📱 iPhone 17 Pro Max deals are dropping now

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is currently available with significant price cuts and various bank offers across major retailers. Flipkart lists the 256GB variant at ₹1,47,900, while Amazon offers it for ₹1,43,990, and Vijay Sales has it at ₹1,42,490. These discounts can be combined with exchange benefits and special card offers for extra savings. Buyers can also choose from No Cost EMI options depending on the retailer and their payment method. Consumers must check the final price at checkout as offers vary by eligibility and card used.

⚖️ Delhi Police picks up, releases AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar

Delhi High Court cancelled the urgent hearing of a habeas corpus plea concerning AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar. The incident involved the East Delhi Kondli MLA, and the police detained him from around 5:15 am until 3:48 pm on Tuesday. AAP alleged he was picked up at 4:30 am by 20 plainclothes officers while protesting a sanitation worker's death. Arvind Kejriwal questioned PM Modi about the detention, claiming cameras were broken. The court disposed of the petition after Delhi Police stated the MLA was released. ⚖️

🧐 Delhi HC to hear MLA's disappearance case

The Delhi High Court agreed to urgently hear a habeas corpus plea regarding AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar's alleged pickup. This incident involves AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar in East Delhi, Kondli, where the alleged event occurred. AAP claims he was taken around 4:30 am by 20 men in plain clothes on Tuesday. This happened while he was protesting the death of a sanitation worker, and no information about his whereabouts has been provided. AAP plans to file the plea at 2 pm, questioning the police's actions. 🧐