💳 UPI charges? FM clarifies who pays MDR

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman refuted claims that regular users might have to pay more for UPI transactions. She clarified that any Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) would be imposed only on merchants, not on end customers. This discussion followed a post by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on the social media platform X. The UPI and Services Steering Committee will only look into MDR after Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This legislation provides the central government the power to decide on changing the current zero-MDR framework for UPI and RuPay transactions.

🧐 NTA lapses exposed in NEET paper leak case

The CBI chargesheet reveals multiple shortcomings in the NTA's paper-setting process that led to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The issue occurred at the NTA headquarters in Delhi involving subject experts who accessed and retained exam material. The lapses included experts having full access from moderation onwards and no live CCTV monitoring or frisking. Accused experts like PV Kulkarni allegedly noted down questions on chits, and Manisha Mandhare correlated them with NCERT textbooks. The CBI has named PV Kulkarni, Manisha Mandhare, and Manisha Havaldar as the main sources of the leak. 🧐

📸 Redmi K100 Pro Max camera samples revealed 📸

Redmi has officially shared camera samples for the K100 Pro Max, positioning it as their most camera-focused flagship yet. The phone features a 200MP main camera alongside a 5x periscope telephoto and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. These components allow coverage across five focal lengths, with samples captured at various settings. The device also boasts a Bose-tuned 2.1-channel speaker system and a 6.9-inch OLED display. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V-series chipset and packs a massive 9,070mAh battery.

📉 Dalal Street's new trading system facing initial turbulence

India's new closing auction system for stock prices is hitting some early rough patches with erratic price swings. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) held discussions with brokerages in response to trader concerns regarding the system's stability. During the first week, liquidity dipped due to low participation from proprietary and high-frequency traders. SEBI confirmed the auction is permanent, citing teething issues while pushing for technology upgrades. This reform, proposed in 2024, aims to align India's market structure with global exchanges. 📈

🦠 Centre Sends National Team for Chandipura Virus Response

The Central government has deployed a national team to bolster the ongoing response to the virus outbreak in Chandipura. This specialized team has been dispatched to the Chandipura region to provide critical medical and logistical support. The deployment comes as the situation continues to be monitored closely since the initial reports surfaced. This move aims to strengthen local healthcare infrastructure and manage the spread effectively. Authorities plan to maintain a high level of surveillance throughout the coming weeks.

💰 Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits big in India

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become the third highest-grossing Hollywood movie in India. The film starring Tom Holland grossed approximately Rs. 389 crore in its eight-day extended first week. This performance is set to surpass Avengers: Endgame and get close to Avatar 2 by Sunday. The initial drop on weekdays is expected as the film stabilizes after strong weekend numbers. It is projected to cross Rs. 500 crore and finish around Rs. 550 crore soon.

⚡ India's first AI electric scooter launched

India's first AI-powered E3 Trion electric scooter has officially been launched. The scooter was unveiled by Gaadiwaadi.com. It is priced at Rs. 99,999, marking a new entry in the electric mobility segment. This launch signifies a push towards integrating advanced AI features into personal transport. The company plans to expand its sales network across major Indian cities soon. ⚡

🏛️ Trump targets birthright citizenship again

Donald Trump has once more attempted to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States. This proposed change would significantly impact various groups within the US. The specific details of the proposal are under review as of the recent discussions. The move stems from ongoing political debates about immigration policy and national identity. Further developments on this issue are anticipated as legislative processes continue. 🇺🇸

🏏 SLC XI posts big score on Day 1 of tour match

Sri Lanka Cricket XI scored 363/8 at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Friday. The Indian side, led by Shubman Gill, was playing a warm-up fixture before the 2-match Test series starting on August 15. Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, and Kuldeep Yadav each took two wickets during the day's play. The pitch did not offer much movement, allowing the Sri Lankan batters to score freely throughout the innings. The focus now shifts to how the teams perform in the upcoming Test series.

🎾 Jodar beats Musetti, moves to Round 4 in Montreal

Jodar secured another win against Musetti in the ATP Tour competition. This match took place in Montreal, as part of the ongoing tournament. The victory propelled Jodar into the Round 4 stage of the event. This win solidifies his progression in the competitive field of professional tennis. He will now face new challenges in the upcoming rounds. 🎾

🏏 Madurai Panthers vs Vida Kovai Kings clash is on August 8th 🏏

Siechem Madurai Panthers will face Vida Kovai Kings in the 7th match of the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2026 on August 8, 2026. This match is scheduled to be held at the NPR College Cricket Ground in Dindigul, India. Vida Kovai Kings holds a slight edge in recent head-to-head matchups, having won three of the last five encounters. Both teams started the season with winning momentum, with Madurai Panthers winning by 2 wickets. Fans can anticipate a close contest as both sides look to boost their tournament standing.