💰 UPI MDR proposed, but P2P stays free

The government has suggested that a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) might be introduced for UPI transactions. This proposed MDR would range from 0.25% to 0.4% and would apply only to transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. Importantly, all person-to-person transactions will remain free for consumers and merchants. The UPI and Services Steering Committee, led by NPCI, will make the final decision on this rate. This move aims to keep India's digital payment infrastructure sustainable and competitive.

😟 Jharkhand protest talks hit a snag again

A second round of talks between students and the government in Jharkhand did not manage to break the ongoing deadlock. The discussions involved students from various institutions and government officials from the state. The talks were scheduled for a recent date, with negotiations continuing over specific demands. This impasse continues to affect the educational atmosphere in the region. Future steps in resolving the dispute remain uncertain for now. 😟

📚 India's education spending misses UNESCO's mark

UNESCO's 2026 SDG 4 scorecard reveals India's education spending is below the prescribed threshold. Education accounts for 4.1% of GDP but only 14.2% of total public expenditure, which is less than the 15% benchmark. This situation is significant because India's secondary school completion rates are lagging behind national targets. Lower secondary completion is 86%, falling short of the 99% benchmark for 2025. The global trend shows many countries are moving away from these public education expenditure benchmarks. 📉

⚽ Barcelona misses Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup

Barcelona ultimately failed to secure the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup after losing 1-0 to Udinese in the triangular tournament in Udine. Both teams observed a minute's silence before the match to honor Messi's father. Despite dominating possession, Barcelona only threatened twice and couldn't convert their chances. Ivorian Bayo scored the winning goal in the final minute to seal the defeat. The match highlighted Barcelona's offensive struggles despite control and young player promise.

🏏 Super Giants secure crucial win in the Hundred 🏏

Manchester Super Giants defeated Southern Brave by 10 runs in a tense encounter. The match took place at the home ground, where Super Giants managed to keep their campaign alive. With Walter scoring 64 and Seifert adding 55, the Super Giants posted a total of 149 for 8. Despite a spirited chase, Atkinson's bowling kept the Braves from scoring enough to reach the knockout stages. The Super Giants now look to play SunRisers Leeds on Tuesday to secure a prime qualification spot.

💰 Buffett's successor is spending Berkshire's cash

Greg Abel, who took over as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway this year, started increasing stock spending significantly. He is leading the conglomerate in Omaha, Nebraska, where the cash pile dropped from $380 billion to $365 billion by June. Berkshire bought $23.5 billion in stocks and repurchased $4.6 billion, reversing a long trend of selling. This shift contrasts with the previous period when Buffett held a massive cash reserve. Abel emphasizes a nimble culture for making thoughtful investments as the company moves forward. 💸

🗣️ Rijiju and Rahul trade jabs on women's quota bill

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asked Rahul Gandhi to support the women's reservation bill. Rahul countered that the bill was already passed unanimously by Parliament in 2023. The exchange started after Rijiju referenced Rahul's post on X about women's empowerment. Rahul then questioned why the 2023 law hasn't been implemented after three years. He demanded that the government implement the 2023 law without any conditions.

🤔 Mourinho on Silva: Low physical level for new signing

Jose Mourinho gave a candid assessment of Bernardo Silva after his Real Madrid debut in Budapest. The manager noted that Silva arrived for preseason at a fairly low physical level despite his importance to the squad. Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win against Ferencvaros on this occasion. Mourinho mentioned Silva has to improve physically, though he is an incredible player. Upcoming games include matches against Deportivo La Coruna on August 12 and Schalke on August 16.

🎬 MP teen treks 900km for Taarak Mehta role

A 16-year-old boy went missing from his home in Madhya Pradesh while pursuing an acting dream. He traveled almost 900 kilometres to Mumbai hoping to land a role in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Police found the teenager wandering alone in Film City in Goregaon. He left home on Thursday afternoon under the guise of attending school. The boy is currently safe in Aarey police custody as his father travels to pick him up.

🤕 Elanga injured in brawl during Newcastle friendly 🤕

Anthony Elanga suffered a shin injury following a strong tackle from Valencia's Jose Gaya during a pre-season friendly. This incident happened at the Mestalla on Saturday night while Newcastle United was playing Valencia. The tackle led to Gaya receiving a red card and a massive 25-man brawl erupted on the pitch. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle rushed onto the pitch to protect Elanga as he was stretchered off. Elanga is believed to have avoided a serious injury and was later seen in the dressing room.

🗳️ SAD supports delimitation push after NDA exit

Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal reversed his party's opposition to the women's reservation law from 2029. This support came after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. A similar exercise was defeated previously by a joint opposition. This move signals the government might revive the Constitution amendment bill soon. The timing for the bill's return is still uncertain despite the current political shifts.