💸 UPI MDR coming: Can splitting bills skip the fee?

A Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.4% will apply to UPI payments over Rs 2,000 for large merchants starting October 15, 2026. Currently, NPCI has no daily cap on repeated UPI payments to a single merchant. This means a Rs 6,000 bill could potentially be split into three Rs 2,000 payments to avoid the charge. The NPCI framework does not mandate that multiple payments for one bill must be combined into a single transaction. Business executives suggest merchants might explore these workarounds once the new rules are implemented.

⛈️ Coastal Andhra Pradesh braces for wet spell till Sept 23

The IMD has forecast a wet spell across coastal Andhra Pradesh, bringing thunderstorms and strong winds. This forecast covers the period up to September 23, according to the India Meteorological Department in Amaravati. Isolated areas received rainfall on Saturday due to a low-pressure area forming over the Andaman Sea. The low-pressure area is expected to intensify into a depression by September 21 and a deep depression by September 22. The AP State Disaster Management Authority has issued caution to residents in low-lying zones and urged fishermen to return to shore. ⛈️

🤖 Bengaluru's building approvals go fully automated

Greater Bengaluru Authority launched Nambike Nakshe 2.0 on September 19, 2026, to digitize building plan approvals in the Greater Bengaluru Area. This system, under Minister Krishna Byre Gowda’s ‘Brand Bengaluru’ initiative, is an upgrade from Nambike Nakshe 1.0. For plots up to 50 ft by 80 ft, approval is now automatic without official scrutiny. The entire process, including fee payment, takes only 15–30 minutes online. Initially, the system will run as a pilot before wider implementation across the GBA jurisdiction. 🏡

🥃 Delhi-linked hooch racket busted after Sagar tragedy

Police uncovered a statewide counterfeit liquor manufacturing cartel with Delhi links following a hooch tragedy in Sagar district. Fourteen people were initially arrested, including a Delhi chemical company owner, across the last two days. The investigation has expanded to 52 accused, with 37 arrested so far in raids across Sagar, Morena, and Gwalior. The gang manufactured fake liquor under the name ‘Sagar Gold’ using toxic materials for huge profits. Authorities are actively working to catch the remaining absconding accused in the ongoing crackdown. 🥃

🌾 Telangana gears up for big paddy harvest.

The Telangana Civil Supplies Department is ramping up preparations for Kharif 2026-27 paddy procurement. This effort involves ensuring smooth operations across the state, where Commissioner M. Stephen Raveendra reviewed the readiness on Saturday. Officials are targeting an estimated 65 lakh metric tonnes of arrivals, with procurement set to start by the first week of October. A three-pronged 'SHT' strategy is being used to manage storage, handling, and transport efficiently. Furthermore, GPS tracking and a physical verification app are being mandated to boost transparency in the process. 🌾

😡 Man rams friends' cab after fight in Gurugram

An incident occurred in Gurugram where a man repeatedly rammed his Thar into his friends' cab. The man was identified as a resident of the area, and the incident took place on an unspecified date. The video footage shows the aggressive behaviour following a dispute between the individuals. Police have been notified regarding this dangerous and reckless driving incident. Authorities are expected to take necessary legal action against the driver. 😡

🏗️ New cement from sludge for super fast road fixes 🚧

Researchers developed a multi-modified magnesium oxysulfate cement using boron sludge for quick road repairs. This innovation was created by scientists at Liaoning Technical University in China. The cement showed peak strength of 72 MPa at 28 days when using 10% optimal substitution. Mineral admixtures boost long-term strength by up to 18%, while polymers improve bond strength by 20%. This method offers a scientific way to recycle waste into high-performance materials.

🤔 BJP questions Telangana's El Nino readiness

Senior BJP leader Gudur Narayana Reddy questioned Telangana's readiness for the possible El Nino impact on Saturday. He spoke out against the Assembly's resolution seeking a ₹20,000-crore special package from the Centre. This demand, he said, should not overshadow necessary State-level planning and preparedness efforts. Reddy alleged the Congress government is using this to distract from issues facing various sections of society. He further demanded the government disclose the status of his earlier calls for integrated water management.

🧐 Isaac challenges GST logic in Messi Kerala raid controversy

Senior CPI(M) leader T M Thomas Isaac questioned the GST justification for the police raid connected to the failed Lionel Messi visit to Kerala. His criticism targeted the UDF government, where the raid occurred at a private Malayalam television channel. Specifically, he debated tax levied on Rs 78.2 crore paid on June 6, 2025, and Rs 47.8 crore paid on October 15, 2025. Isaac argued the tax on advances was invalid since the service would not take place by October 2025. He urged the business community to protest this alleged arbitrary tax intervention. 🧐

🏛️ Court orders TDB to upgrade sacred ornament security

The Kerala High Court has mandated the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to adopt a proposal for better security and storage of the Thiruvabharanam. This directive was given to the TDB by the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, who presented detailed suggestions. The Commissioner proposed a digital database featuring unique asset numbers and tracking history for all ornaments. He also recommended implementing a QR code or RFID system and upgrading strong room security across the 17 current storage rooms. The court previously noted irregularities in the registers, emphasizing the need for transparency moving forward. 🏛️

🌿 1,566 cannabis plants destroyed in Palakkad forest

Excise officials destroyed 1,566 mature cannabis plants found across six plantations deep within a Palakkad forest. The operation took place on Saturday morning near Kadugumanna in Attappady following a tip-off about large-scale cultivation. These plants were ready for harvesting, and the officials burned them after collecting samples. The Excise department is now investigating who was behind this cultivation setup. The identity of the growers remains unknown as the site was far from any residences.