💸 UPI MDR: No government cut from merchant fees

A proposed 0.4% MDR on UPI payments over ₹2,000 will not incur extra costs for consumers, according to government sources. This fee applies to merchants accepting UPI transactions above ₹2,000 starting from October 15. The revenue will be distributed among banks and participants, with customer banks getting 40% and payment gateways 30%. Person-to-person transfers will remain free, and small merchants earning up to ₹1 lakh monthly are exempt. The system aims to create a sustainable revenue model for the digital payments ecosystem. 💸

✊ Protests block roads ahead of Netanyahu's UN speech

Large protests are happening in New York ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly. Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian, and Lebanese New Yorkers gathered outside the UN headquarters on Thursday. Demonstrators occupied streets for over an hour, forcing motorcades to reroute. This unrest follows Mayor Zohran Mamdani calling Netanyahu a "war criminal." Over 100 protesters were estimated to have been detained during the event. ✊

🏏 Jansen and Breetzke power South Africa win

South Africa clinched a 67-run victory over Australia thanks to strong performances from Marco Jansen and Matthew Breetzke. The duo shared a 107-run stand, with Breetzke reaching a record-breaking century in his 14th ODI innings. Jansen's career-best 75 runs and a crucial catch sealed the win, despite injury concerns for the side. Breetzke highlighted their synergy, stating they 'feed off each other's energy' during the innings. South Africa now starts their summer fixtures with this strong showing. 🏏

🏠 Osaka's LA House Flip: Back to Owners for More

Naomi Osaka sold her Los Angeles mansion back to the Lachey couple after a unique real estate cycle. The 6,855-square-foot Tarzana home was first bought by Osaka in 2022 for $6.3 million. After she added an 800-sq-ft gym and recovery suite, the Lacheys bought it back for $7.95 million in 2025. Now, the couple is asking $8.2 million for the upgraded property. This sale reflects rising property values and the major fitness enhancements made during Osaka's ownership.

🏏 Ben Cliff locks down Notts with dominant performance

Ben Cliff delivered a masterful performance to secure a win for his team. He played for his side against Nottinghamshire in the recent match. The figures recorded were a notable four wickets. This strong showing helped maintain the team's positive momentum in the league. The team will look to build on this success in their upcoming fixtures.

🏏 Durham dominates day one with Gay's century

Emilio Gay scored a massive 141 to lead Durham's strong start against Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford. The Durham side batted first and posted a total of 355 for 5 by the close of the day. This innings featured 114 from Gay and 71 from Ben McKinney, with the scores recorded on day one of the Rothesay County Championship. Despite dropping four catches, the team upheld its commitment to playing aggressively throughout the season. Durham will continue to push their advantage in the ongoing County Championship fixture. 🏏

😥 IIT Bombay suicide leads to hunger strike, exams postponed

The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode started a hunger strike after alleging caste discrimination led to his death. Ravindra and Sonali Wakode are demanding action against his alleged tormentors in Mumbai. The institute deferred mid-semester exams from September 26-27 to October 10-11 amid the controversy. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi assured the family of his support in seeking justice for their son. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. 😥

🚀 NASA pilot set for SpaceX Crew-13 mission

NASA test pilot Luke Delaney is scheduled for the upcoming SpaceX Crew-13 launch. He will be participating in this mission from the launch site. The launch is anticipated around this time period, though specific dates are pending final confirmation. This mission is part of ongoing human spaceflight programs and collaborations. Further updates regarding the launch timeline and mission details are expected soon. 🚀

⚖️ Trump's press ban faces court block

Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico reporters at the White House was temporarily overturned by a court order. This ruling was made by US District Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee, on Thursday. The order mandates immediate access restoration for these three organizations for a period of 14 days. The judge noted that Trump himself criticized these outlets' coverage, contradicting the administration's claims. The legal battle continues, with the administration still contesting its authority to control access.

🏡 Jason Collins' LA home listed for $3.75M

The longtime Los Angeles home of late NBA star Jason Collins is now listed for $3.75 million. The property, located in the Brentwood-area community of MountainGate, is being sold by a relative of the former center. Collins originally bought this 5,000+ sq ft house for $2.39 million back in 2004. He resided there for over two decades, which included his 13-season NBA career and coming out as gay in 2013. The residence features two double-height living rooms and a backyard pool area. 🏡

💳 Banks asked to keep UPI MDR charges from consumers

The Centre plans to task the Indian Banks’ Association with public awareness campaigns regarding the new MDR. This move comes as a 0.4% MDR will be applied to some person-to-merchant UPI transactions over ₹2,000 starting October 15. This fee aims to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the UPI ecosystem, funding infrastructure like cybersecurity. However, the government directs banks to prevent these merchant costs from being passed onto consumers for smaller transactions. Furthermore, person-to-person UPI transactions and those under ₹2,000 will remain free from this levy. 💸