✅ UPI transaction tax confusion cleared up

Government sources have confirmed that the UPI charge is not considered a tax under current regulations. This clarification means that approximately 96% of all existing UPI transactions will remain completely unaffected by the recent changes. The official statement addresses widespread confusion circulating among users regarding potential taxation on digital payments. This ruling comes as the government reviews its digital payment infrastructure policies across the country. Further guidelines are expected to be released shortly to detail the implementation process for all users.

😟 Muslim family allegedly deported from Bengal

A Bengali Muslim man and his three sons were taken from their home in Murshidabad, with police claiming they were deported to Bangladesh. The family members, including Dablu Sheikh, were reportedly picked up around August 13 or 14 by plain-clothes police. The police stated they were Bangladeshi nationals and detained them under a Union home ministry circular from May 2025. Human rights groups question the claim, noting the family has voter IDs and residency documents. This case adds to several detentions under the state's 'detect, delete, deport' policy. 😟

⚡ Kannur Airport gets solar boost and new cargo hub

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate a 4 MWp solar plant and an integrated cargo complex at Kannur International Airport on Monday, September 28, 2026. The solar project, completed by KIAL, has an award value of approximately ₹18.90 crore and will generate 4.8 lakh units monthly. The new cargo complex costs ₹32.95 crore and boasts an annual handling capacity of 57,000 metric tonnes. This development supports the airport's push for energy self-sufficiency and better logistics. KIAL plans further renewable energy expansion to meet its long-term goals. ⚡

🏛️ Pension delay fixed by vigilance officer

Upalokayukta Justice B. Veerappa intervened to speed up a pension claim for an elderly woman in Chikkodi. He found the woman waiting at the tahsildar office because her social security pension application was delayed. Justice Veerappa directed officials to process her claim and release the pension as soon as possible. During his visit, he also reprimanded staff for delays in caste certificates and online data entry. He further inspected various offices, ensuring proper record-keeping and attendance across the district. 👵

🧐 Ravish Kumar on CEC Arrest Law

Journalist Ravish Kumar stated that the law was created anticipating public demands for the Chief Election Commissioner's arrest. He commented on the recent legislative changes pertaining to the CEC's status. Specific dates and figures were not mentioned in the commentary provided. This legal move, according to Kumar, suggests a premeditated strategy by authorities. The implications of this law will likely be scrutinized by the public moving forward. 🧐

🚀 Goenka: India needs bigger bets than snacks

Harsh Goenka compared the business focuses of India and China, citing JL MAG as a key example. He noted China is dominating future industries like rare earths, robotics, and semiconductors. Goenka pointed out that much of Indian business is still focused on consumer goods like ice creams and snacks. He argued India's software success is largely due to labor-cost arbitrage, not deep tech ownership. Therefore, he urged Indian businesses to build technologies the world will need tomorrow. 💡

♟️ Germany stops Uzbekistan's streak in chess Olympiad

Germany defeated Uzbekistan with a 2.5-1.5 score in round eight of the 46th Chess Olympiad 2026. This match was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where the two teams shared the lead on 14/16. In the women's section, China took the sole lead after WGM Zhai Mo's checkmate against IM Lela Javakhishvili. Indian hero IM Savitha Shri secured a 7/7 by drawing an endgame against WIM Elnaz Kaliakhmet. Round nine of the tournament is scheduled for Friday, September 24th.

🗳️ Left parties demand CEC removal, halt SIR

Five Left parties demanded the ouster of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and a stop to the SIR of electoral rolls. This joint statement came from the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, RSP, and AIFB in Delhi. The protest is set to last a week, running from September 26 to October 2, 2026. The demand follows reports that the CEC made 'collective decisions' alone, without the two Commissioners' input. They also want to reinstate ECI's democratic function and change the appointment system. 🗳️

✨ Avengers Endgame Encore drops with new surprises

Avengers Endgame: Encore is coming to theaters featuring new footage connecting to Avengers: Doomsday. The Russo Brothers are directing this return, urging fans not to spoil the new surprises for others. This version will include a new intro from Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr, an extended ending, and new mid-credit scenes. Fans can catch this on September 25, leading up to Avengers: Doomsday on December 18. The directors plan to experience the film's impact in theaters again. 🎬

⚽ Germany takes the lead vs Netherlands at halftime 🇩🇪

Germany managed to take a 1-0 lead against the Netherlands during the first half of the match. The game is being held at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. The score stood at 1-0 at the break, with Felix Nmecha scoring a rebound goal. This match marks the start of Jürgen Klopp's era with the German national team. Both sides are looking to establish their new managerial styles in this intense fixture.

🙏 Sabarimala readying for season with AI tech

Sabarimala season preparations are set to wrap up by October 31, according to Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar. Major civil, electrical, and crowd management upgrades are happening at Nilakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. Police will spend nearly Rs 5 crore on crowd control, and the existing shed will be modified for 60,000 pilgrims. AI cameras will monitor movement at Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, and Pamba to ensure smooth pilgrim flow. Production capacity for Aravana will rise to 3.6 lakh tins daily by October 31.