✅ UPI transactions remain free for users and small shops

The Payments Council of India has clarified rumors circulating about potential charges on UPI transactions. The industry body confirmed that consumers and small merchants will continue using UPI without incurring any transaction fees. UPI has been free for consumers since its launch in 2016, and this stance remains unchanged. The PCI addressed misconceptions regarding merchant discount rates and any proposed UPI charges. Therefore, every Indian can keep making instant digital payments without paying any fees.

📱 Amazon Great Freedom Sale drops major tech deals

Amazon's Great Freedom Sale is live, offering huge discounts on various tech products. Deals are available across smartphones, smart TVs, and home appliances in India. Offers include up to a 10 percent instant discount using select bank cards and massive price cuts on items. For example, the 65-inch TCL 4K TV is available for Rs. 61,999, saving almost Rs. 1 lakh. Shoppers can find deals on devices like the OnePlus N6x starting at Rs. 17,499. 🛍️

🧑‍⚖️ Chhattisgarh's UCC plan excludes tribal communities

Chhattisgarh is set to roll out a Uniform Civil Code after a government committee finalizes its draft. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated this code will cover all communities except the Scheduled Tribes in the state. The committee, led by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is currently collecting feedback until October 15. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai plans to introduce the UCC Bill in the winter session of the Assembly. Opposition leaders argue this exclusion ignores the constitutional rights of the tribal population. 🧑‍⚖️

🚢 Iran and Oman reach Hormuz strait framework

An understanding framework has been reached between Iran and Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement involves Iran and Oman in the strategically important waterway. The draft deal aims to give Iran control over vessel entry while jointly overseeing exits. Iran insists a full reopening depends on lifting the US maritime blockade and addressing sanctions. The final details are expected to be announced soon, pending higher-level approval. 🚢

🗳️ BJP targets tribal communities before local polls 🗳️

The BJP has decided to boost its outreach within tribal communities across Andhra Pradesh. This focus is specifically aimed at expanding the ST Morcha's activities before the upcoming local body elections. During the meeting on Friday in Vijayawada, it was noted that ₹24,000 crore is allocated under PM JANMAN for tribal development nationwide. The party plans to strengthen its village-level network and coordinate with NDA partners to better serve these regions. Efforts will also focus on maximizing the utilization of Central government welfare schemes for tribal groups.

⛽ Netizens question Rahul Gandhi's E20 petrol warning

Rahul Gandhi issued a stern warning to the Modi government regarding the E20 petrol issue, claiming it harms vehicles and disrupts daily lives. He made this statement in a social media video while pointing to a car. Critics pointed out that the car used in his video was actually E20-compliant, suggesting a flawed demonstration. Some users also argued that the real problem lies in the lack of infrastructure to handle higher ethanol fuels. Meanwhile, other users supported his claims about the increased ethanol levels in the fuel. ⛽

🏛️ Bengaluru Police to get a major shake-up?

Bengaluru City Police is reportedly set for a restructuring mirroring the Greater Bengaluru Authority's setup. The BCP is expected to split into five police commissionerates matching the five city corporations. This change is projected to bring over 6,000 new sanctioned posts and ₹700 crore in funds. Home Minister Priyank Kharge confirmed that the pros and cons are under review before a final call. The new structure aims to decentralize administration, with a Chief Police Commissioner leading the city-level operations.

😠 Nepal national arrested for murder at railway station

A 47-year-old Nepal native was arrested for allegedly murdering an unidentified man at Huppuguda railway station. The accused, Raj Kumar Sharma alias Yuvraj Sharma, was operating near Secunderabad Gurudwara. This incident occurred on August 2, and he was subsequently arrested near Sitafalmandi railway station on August 6. Police suggest Sharma, who allegedly used alcohol and marijuana, confronted the victim after an alleged bag theft. The victim was killed instantly after being attacked with a granite stone and a cement brick. 😠

🚆 J&K rail projects move ahead with surveys

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed three major railway projects in Jammu & Kashmir during the Rajya Sabha on Friday, August 7, 2026. The projects include a 216 km third line to Jammu Tawi and new lines totaling 368 km. The 272 km USBRL project cuts Srinagar-Katra travel time by up to three hours. These developments boost Kashmiri exports and strengthen local SME supply chains. Major stations in J&K are also getting facility overhauls under the Amrit Bharat Scheme. 🚄

🔬 Darwin's prediction confirmed 150 years later

Scientists have confirmed a prediction made by Charles Darwin over 150 years ago. This finding was achieved by researchers studying evolutionary patterns in various species. The confirmation involved data collected across several decades, solidifying long-held theories. The study provides significant support for established evolutionary biology principles. Future research will build upon these findings to explore deeper biological mechanisms. 🧬

🏙️ Telangana's ₹4000 Cr Urban Upgrade Gets Green Light

The Telangana Urban Transformation and Jobs Programme, valued at ₹4,000 crore, has received approval from the Department of Economic Affairs. This World Bank-assisted project targets selected urban clusters across Telangana for revitalization. The clearance enables processing under the Centre’s appraisal mechanism for externally aided projects. It aims to boost infrastructure in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, improving services like water and mobility. Furthermore, the program seeks to enhance local body finances and promote regional economic growth.