⛽ UPI MDR hikes might hit petrol pumps and brokers

New UPI MDR framework has caused protests from traders and industry groups across India. Petrol pumps in Mumbai might stop accepting UPI payments above ₹2,000 starting from October 15. The new rules impose a 0.4% MDR charge for transactions above ₹5, affecting many sectors. Traders are concerned this will push them towards cash, while Nithin Kamath warned about stockbroking economics. A PIL has also been filed in the Supreme Court seeking suspension of this new framework. ⛽

🇮🇳 India's GDP set to hit $38T in 20 years

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval predicted a massive leap for the Indian economy. He shared this projection at the IIT Roorkee convocation ceremony in Roorkee, Uttarakhand. Doval stated that India's GDP will grow from $4.015 trillion to $38 trillion over the next 20 years. He emphasized that the nation is entering a transformative and magnificent future, aligning with the 'Amrit Kaal' period. He also advised students to be courageous, citing Lord Ram as an example. 🚀

💥 Thar driver rams cab after street fight in Gurugram

A dispute among four friends in Gurugram's Sector 89 led to two men taking a cab away from their friend's Thar. The Thar driver then aggressively pursued and repeatedly rammed the cab at speed. This dangerous incident occurred late at night, with the cab driver pleading for the driver to stop. The repeated crashes severely damaged the cab's front end, but the occupants escaped serious injuries. Police have registered a case and are investigating the matter based on the Thar's registration details. 🚕

💰 Kerala sanctions big funds for local body maintenance

The Finance Department of Keralam has sanctioned ₹1,438.56 crore to local bodies for the second installment of maintenance funds. This allocation covers both road and non-road assets across the state. Specifically, ₹539.46 crore went to non-road maintenance, while ₹899.10 crore was for road maintenance. The government had initially budgeted a total of ₹4315.68 crore for these components in the 2026-27 fiscal year. Funds are distributed across six municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, block panchayats, and grama panchayats.

🏏 Hridoy picked for one-off Test vs Afghanistan

Bangladesh has selected Towhid Hridoy for the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan in the UAE. The selectors decided this after Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed were unavailable due to fitness and workload concerns. Hridoy earns his spot following his record-breaking 350* in an unofficial Test against South Africa A earlier this month. Jaker Ali is also brought back to the squad, while Amite Hasan has been dropped from the team. The match is scheduled to start from October 9, pending the venue announcement from Afghanistan. 🏏

🛡️ Denmark confirms US-Greenland security deal

Denmark and Greenland confirmed a security pact with the United States will respect their sovereignty. The agreement is set for signing next week during the UN General Assembly in New York. It allows the US to build a military presence in Greenland to counter adversaries. Greenland's PM praised the accord for boosting collective security and self-determination. Further details on the US military scale and foreign policy authority are still pending. 🤝

💰 2 Ganesha Idols Decked With ₹2.9 Crore Cash

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Palvancha, Telangana, featured two Lord Ganesha idols decorated with Indian currency notes totaling ₹2.9 crore. The Kapu community displayed an idol worth ₹1.4 crore, while Team Ekadanta showcased another worth ₹1.5 crore. These elaborate displays used various denominations like ₹10 and ₹500, attracting massive crowds to the locations. Organizers mentioned that local traders and bankers contributed to these grand arrangements. This follows previous large-scale currency decorations seen in the town in 2023 and 2024. 🤩

🎓 Bus Conductor's Son Makes History in DU Polls

Deepanshu Shokeen has made history by winning the vice-president post in the Delhi University Students' Union election 2026 as an Independent. He secured this position in Delhi University, defeating his rivals by a significant margin. Shokeen is from Peeragarhi, and his father is a bus conductor and his mother works as an Anganwadi worker. Despite his father's preference for UPSC prep, Shokeen entered student politics and took a strong stance on the Satya Niketan PG accommodation collapse. He initially sought a ticket from the NSUI but chose to contest independently after being asked to withdraw his nomination.

🩺 New Study on Bypass Surgery Outcomes 🩺

Researchers examined the early perioperative outcomes of 149 patients who underwent minimally invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. This procedure was specifically used for those suffering from predominantly multivessel Coronary Artery Disease. The study tracked the patients following the operation, presenting key data points on their recovery. This research helps advance surgical techniques for complex heart conditions. Future implications suggest improved patient care in cardiac surgery.

📱 New iPhones and Watches are finally here

Apple has officially released its latest lineup of iPhones and Apple Watches across its retail stores. The new devices are available for purchase starting today across various global markets. Key features and pricing details are available on the official Apple website for consumers. These launches follow a long period of anticipation from tech enthusiasts worldwide. Consumers are now deciding whether the new tech upgrade is worth the investment. 📱

🔬 Earth's mantle might hide a huge water stash

Scientists have found evidence suggesting a vast amount of hidden water exists within Earth's mantle, locked in mineral structures. This discovery relates to the transition zone between 255 and 410 miles, where minerals hoard hydroxyl groups. Researchers synthesized new iron oxyhydroxide minerals in labs that could explain slow seismic zones. These potential ancient reservoirs could influence core interactions and volatile element transfer. Further proof is needed to confirm if these phases naturally exist inside the planet. 💧