Introduction of MDR on large value transactions to strengthen UPI's long-term sustainability: RBI
RBI further said a fair and appropriate distribution of MDR across ecosystem participants will support continued investment in technology, infrastructure and acceptance networks
Malviya Nagar hotel fire: Delhi HC seeks report from RML hospital on hotel owners health
Rescued baby orangutans get health check-up after one develops fever
The orangutans, generally found in the wild in Borneo and Sumatra, were rescued from a forest in Odisha's Balasore district on September 8, triggering a probe into possible trafficking of these animals
Bukhari flags Srinagars growing civic woes
Srinagar, Sep 15: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday raised concern over the growing civic problems in Srinagar, saying the shortage of parking space in Downtown was only one aspect of a larger crisis facing the historic city. Bukhari said inadequate parking was affecting businesses in Downtown, including the historic markets of Sher-e-Khaas, but stressed that the city was also grappling with inadequate housing, poor infrastructure, damaged roads and lanes, insufficient drainage and a lack of basic amenities. He expressed particular concern over drinking water shortages in several parts of Srinagar, saying many residents continued to struggle for an adequate supply of potable water. Srinagar needs a comprehensive, long-term development plan. This requires political will and a firm commitment to putting peoples interests above politics, Bukhari said. He alleged that successive governments had failed to give the city a clear and sustainable development direction and urged the present administration to take the initiative to upgrade and modernise Srinagars infrastructure through a planned approach. Superficial measures will not solve the citys problems. We need planned development, better infrastructure and sustained investment, he said. Bukhari said Srinagar, being the centre of the regions social, cultural and economic life, should be treated as a development priority and its residents provided basic amenities for a dignified life.
AIP seeks time-bound probe into Brari Nambal landfilling
Srinagar, Sep 15: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Tuesday sought a time-bound inquiry into reports of alleged landfilling at Brari Nambal in Srinagar, questioning how the activity could continue for around 15 days without timely intervention. Un Nabi said the issue was not limited to removing an alleged encroachment after it became visible, but also required an examination of the monitoring and enforcement mechanism. If reports of landfilling continuing for around 15 days are correct, the administration must explain who was responsible for monitoring the site and why preventive action was not taken earlier, he said. He sought a factual report on the ownership and status of the affected land, whether any permission or approval had been granted for filling the site and which agency was responsible for its protection. The AIP also asked authorities to identify the source of the filling material and the persons or entities involved, besides examining whether any commercial activity was subsequently started on the filled portion. Un Nabi urged the government to make relevant records public and fix responsibility wherever negligence or violation of law was established. He also called for an assessment of the impact of the alleged activity on the site's ecological and drainage characteristics and restoration, if required, in accordance with law and expert recommendations. Brari Nambal is too important to be treated as an issue of routine encroachment. Prevention, accountability and restoration must go together, he said.
Gool power network gets a boost
Sangaldan, Sep 15: Banihal-Gool MLA Sajjad Shaheen on Tuesday dedicated the augmented Receiving Station at Sangaldan to the public, with its capacity increased from 3.15 MVA to 6.30 MVA. The augmentation is expected to reduce overloading, minimise power interruptions and improve the reliability and quality of electricity supply in Sangaldan and adjoining areas. Shaheen said reliable electricity was a basic necessity, particularly for people living in remote and mountainous areas, and assured that strengthening power infrastructure would remain a priority in the constituency. The augmentation of the Sangaldan Receiving Station will help address overloading and existing supply constraints and provide considerable relief to consumers, he said. With the latest augmentation, three receiving stations in the Banihal-Gool constituency have been strengthened as part of efforts to upgrade the power distribution network. During his two-day visit to Gool, Shaheen also inaugurated the BDO Office-cum-BDC Building at Sangaldan, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 45 lakh. He said the facility would strengthen administrative infrastructure and improve delivery of public services. He also inaugurated the BDO Office Building at Dharam and said it would improve access to government services for people in the area. The MLA later held a public darbar at Sangaldan, where residents raised various grievances and demands. Officers from different departments attended the interaction, and Shaheen directed them to ensure timely redressal of the issues. At Gool, he addressed a meeting of National Conference workers and urged party workers to maintain close contact with people and strengthen the organisation at the grassroots. Several political workers associated with the PDP also joined the National Conference on the occasion. Shaheen welcomed them into the party fold. He also reviewed local development issues during interactions with residents and party workers in Gool, Sangaldan and Dharam, and said such visits helped assess ongoing works and understand public concerns. Shaheen said power infrastructure would continue to be upgraded in a phased manner to ensure stable electricity supply, particularly during periods of peak demand.
18-yr-old Agniveer aspirant collapses after endurance run, dies
Govt plans push to strengthen fruit mandis
Srinagar, Sep 15: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Tuesday interacted with the representatives of Fruit Mandi Associations from Kashmir Division at the Civil Secretariat here to discuss issues concerning the functioning of fruit mandis and strengthening of horticulture market infrastructure. The meeting was attended by Director Horticulture Marketing and Planning, Ghulam Jeelani Zargar; Managing Director, JKHPMC, Mohammad Farooq Dar; Director Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand; Presidents of Fruit Mandi Associations from Kashmir Division besides other senior officers. During the interaction, the representatives apprised the Minister of various issues concerning the functioning of fruit mandis. They highlighted the need for strengthening the basic infrastructure and improving essential facilities for traders, fruit growers and labourers associated with the horticulture sector. Javid Ahmad Dar assured the representatives that their genuine concerns would be examined and resolved on priority basis. He directed the concerned officers to maintain close coordination with the mandi associations and take necessary measures for addressing their issues in a time-bound manner. The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to create a conducive and efficient working environment in fruit mandis, which play a vital role in facilitating horticulture trade and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of growers, traders and workers. Javid Dar stressed the need for strengthening the basic infrastructure and improving essential facilities in fruit mandis to facilitate smooth trade operations and ensure better working conditions for all stakeholders. He called for coordinated efforts by the concerned departments to identify infrastructure gaps, address operational bottlenecks and ensure timely execution of necessary improvement works. Highlighting the importance of the horticulture sector to Jammu and Kashmirs economy, the Minister underscored the need for sustained efforts to strengthen market infrastructure, improve trade facilitation and safeguard the interests of fruit growers and other stakeholders. He also emphasized the importance of regular interaction with the Fruit Mandi Associations to ensure that their concerns are promptly brought to the notice of the concerned authorities and resolved effectively.
Speaker reviews Assembly session preparations
Srinagar, Sep 15: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Tuesday reviewed arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Assemblys Autumn Session, scheduled to begin on September 21 in Srinagar. The Speaker convened a meeting with senior officers from the General Administration Department, Law, Information Technology, security, traffic, health, hospitality and protocol, estates, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other departments. Rather stressed the need for close coordination, advance planning and administrative preparedness, describing the forthcoming session as short but carrying major responsibility. He directed authorities to ensure comprehensive security arrangements at the Assembly Secretariat and MLA Hostel, with effective coordination among security and administrative agencies. On legislative business, the Speaker asked the GAD to ensure timely submission of replies to Assembly questions and directed departments to designate nodal officers for coordination with the Assembly Secretariat. He also reviewed arrangements for transportation and parking and directed authorities to minimise inconvenience to the public. Government bills, he said, should be submitted to the Assembly Secretariat well in advance for timely processing and scheduling. The meeting was informed about the implementation of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) on a hybrid model. The IT Department was directed to ensure reliable internet connectivity and technical support throughout the session. Rather also directed authorities to ensure effective traffic management around the Assembly premises and uninterrupted water and power supply. The SMC was asked to maintain sanitation and cleanliness around the Assembly complex and MLA Hostel. The Health and AYUSH departments were directed to make adequate medical facilities available for members, staff and visitors, while the Information Department was asked to ensure arrangements for media coverage of the proceedings. The Speaker directed all departments to maintain close coordination with the Assembly Secretariat and complete preparations well before the session begins. He said the objective was to ensure a smooth, orderly and productive session in keeping with the responsibilities of the legislature and the expectations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
GVMC wards now officially increased to 120
The State government has issued the final Gazette notification completing the delimitation process and increasing the number of GVMC wards from 98 to 120; ward-wise photo electoral rolls for the newly constituted wards will be published on September 22
BJP turns up heat on NC govt over short Assembly session
Srinagar, Sept 15: Jammu and Kashmir unit of BJP on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference-led government over the curtailed Assembly session, with Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma demanding that the House be convened for at least a month to provide legislators adequate time to raise and debate issues confronting the people. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Jammu, Sharma said people had high expectations from the elected government and the Legislative Assembly remained the primary institutional platform for representatives to voice public concerns. Unfortunately, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has almost completely lost its legislative accountability. The Assembly has effectively been reduced to a joke, Sharma said. The 10-day Autumn Session of the J&K Assembly is scheduled to begin in Srinagar on September 21 and continue till September 30. As per the provisional calendar, the House will have seven sittings, with September 23, 26 and 27 marked as non-sitting days. Sharma objected to the limited number of sittings, saying that after accounting for the non-sitting days, legislators would have only a handful of substantive days to raise matters of public importance. By restricting the session to effectively only five substantive sittings, the government has made a mockery of the people of JK and their expectations, he said. The BJP leader also questioned the role of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, saying the Speakers chair was expected to remain impartial and ensure the proper functioning and dignity of the House. Sharma urged the Speaker to reconsider the schedule and extend the session to around 30 days, arguing that the Assembly was the only institutional forum available to elected representatives to directly raise people's grievances with the government. He also questioned the functioning of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), which, he said, should facilitate discussion among political parties on the legislative business to be taken up during the session. Sharma questioned the purpose of the all-party meeting called by the Speaker for September 17, alleging that the dates, calendar and business of the session had already been decided. The attempt to hold a meeting on September 17 at 2 pm for just 10 minutes, merely to have tea and complete a formality, is deeply regrettable, he said. Questioning the Speaker's understanding of legislative procedure, Sharma asked whether the importance and dignity of the BAC and the Assembly were being adequately respected. The LoP also alleged that routine governance was not visible on the ground and claimed there was inadequate public outreach by ministers. For the past two years, there is hardly any sign of what can be called routine governance on the ground. There is no public outreach by the ministers, he alleged. Sharma further alleged that corruption had become prevalent from the level of officials to ministers, claiming that people were reluctant to visit government offices because of the burden of corruption. He said the decision to limit the Assembly session to seven sittings reflected what he termed the government's non-performance, arrogance and ego. The BJP Legislature Party, Sharma said, had recently undertaken public interactions at district headquarters to understand people's concerns. He claimed BJP legislators had met people across almost all district headquarters in the Jammu region and gathered issues that would be raised during the upcoming Assembly session. A marathon meeting was subsequently held to compile and finalise the issues identified during these interactions, he said. Sharma said the BJP Legislature Party had reached a consensus to raise the concerns of people who were suffering, deprived, exploited and victims during the forthcoming session.
Nepal flash floods death toll reaches 1,399
The joint command of security personnel is continuing its search and rescue operations, with the number of missing people estimated to be 5,170
State legislature presiding officers showcase Karnatakas parliamentary heritage in SA
YSRCP warns of GVMC siege if water crisis persists in Vizag
Supreme Court nod for Kerala High Court to continue execution proceedings in Kashi Math case
Kerala High Court decision of August 2026 allows Kashi Matadhipati Samyamindra Tirtha to continue execution proceedings for recovery of gold, silver ornaments and paraphernalia belonging to Kashi Math Samsthan from Raghavendra Tirtha
Six policemen suspended over death of pregnant woman; SP workers stage sit-in
Study finds dual nerve blocks procedure may help people with treatment-resistant anxiety
RMP doctor arrested, 73 tramadol vials seized In Eluru district
20,000 cops, 19-km route: Hyderabad police gear up for Ganesh idol immersion
Over 250 Vinayaka idols taken out on procession in Madurai
Rural jobs scheme shows modest uptick in August, but trails 2025 MGNREGA levels
July and August show lower employment generation year-on-year as cumulative persondays fall 32%, from 29.78 crore to 20.21 crore; 60-day pause in agricultural activity led to dip in jobs, say Ministry officials
Singing two stanzas of Vande Mataram is as per State governments order: U.T. Khader
He said that during the oath-taking ceremony of Ministers in Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumars Cabinet, the national song was sung fully.
EU calls Russia reckless after flares fired at Danish helicopter
These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression and provocation against Europe, testing our readiness and our resolve, Ursula von der Leyen said
Relief of residents as removal of chemical-laced soil begins in village in Keralam
The hazardous chemical waste from the now-defunct Binani Zinc Limited in Ernakulam district was illegally transported and dumped across private lands in Eriyad, a coastal village in Thrissur district, a few months ago, under the guise of regular soil for land filling, raising environmental concerns among the public. A meeting chaired by RDO decided to remove the entire material within two days
Narrower margin for error in Census second phase, training vital, Registrar General says
In a letter sent to all States, Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Mritunjay Kumar Narayan asks for the integration of gender sensitisation in training programme for enumerators, with emphasis on respectful interaction, accurate recording, and strict avoidance of assumptions or bias
U.S. weapons in orbit: what we should expect modern space war to look like
When the digital backbones of developing economies are hosted on third-party commercial constellations, a silent strike can blind a military and paralyse a states ability to govern
Fishermen urge Tamil Nadu government to drop the plan to build the Secretariat at Foreshore Estate
Unscheduled power outages trouble electricity consumers
Telangana Liberation Day will be celebrated as State function once BJP comes to power: Bandi Sanjay
The changes are part of the corrective steps intended by the extended State committee meeting held under the monitoring of the central leadership led by general secretary M.A. Baby and other Polit Bureau members
HC directs police to issue notices to accused in case of purification at Erravalli
UPI MDR charges from October 15: Who will pay on transactions above 2,000?
UPI payments above 2,000 to certain merchants will attract a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.4% from October 15. But will customers have to pay more? Heres what the new UPI MDR framework means, which transactions remain free, and who will have to bear the charge.
RBI files caveat after rejecting Tata Sons bid to avoid listing, source says
The move follows the RBIs rejection of Tata Sons application to deregister as a non-banking financial company, a decision that pushes the holding company closer to a stock market listing
Amazon Now crosses $1 billion annualised sales in India in 3 months
The rapid expansion comes as e-commerce companies step up investments in quick commerce and fulfilment infrastructure to capture a larger share of festive-season demand.
Smaller textile mills in Tamil Nadu demand raw material security
Union Minister of Law and Justice Meghwal to visit NLSIU on Wednesday
Monkey enters T2 terminal at Chennai airport
A team from the Forest Department is inspecting the area to identify any possible entry points, and prevent future occurrences
Minister offers silk robes at Kanipakam temple
Watch: Gaza war crimes probe: UN demands full access as bodies found
Hundreds of bodies are being recovered from the rubble in Gaza, sparking urgent calls from the United Nations. UN rights chief Volker Turk is demanding immediate access for international investigators to gather evidence of potential war crimes. With thousands still missing and entire families unearthed, global pressure is mounting on all sides to ensure independent forensics, accountability, and justice for the victims.
Pourakarmikas seek better safety, healthcare and welfare benefits
Two Kuki women killed in Manipur
Attack by armed assailants less than 48 hours after two separate strikes killing four people, including a couple, on Sunday; in protest, Kuki-Zo Council says Kuki victims will not be buried till further notice
AIUDF fields Badruddin Ajmal from Nagaon Lok Sabha seat
State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi says the BJP panicked and sought Ajmals help
BIS seizes 173.5 tonne unlicensed steel ingots in Guwahati raid
Shillong, Sep 15: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Guwahati Branch Office, seized 173.5 metric tonne of cast billet ingots worth around Rs 87 lakh during a search and seizure operation at Shiv Alloys Steel, NH-37, Paschim Boragaon, on Tuesday. Officials said the unit, operating as Hanuman Steel and Shiv Alloys Steel, was manufacturing, storing [] The post BIS seizes 173.5 tonne unlicensed steel ingots in Guwahati raid first appeared on Highland Post .
Illegal transporting of minerals: Collector, SP visit check posts on Kanniyakumari Kerala border
Plans to celebrate Kittur Utsav in grand manner, says Satish Jarkiholi
Ministers hold talk with farmers
Highest retail inflation under Modi is 4.8%, under UPA it was almost 10%, says Joshi
Union Minister for Education, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday said retail inflation, which has risen to 4.8%per cent, was the highest so far during 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government, while under UPA regime it had had crossed double digits and never came down to single digit.
Couple arrested in Adilabad for extorting 81,600 by exploiting mans superstitious beliefs
Watch: Gurugram hit-and-run accused arrested; police add attempt-to-murder charge
Gurugram Police have arrested Kalyan Bainsla in Rajasthan following a viral video showing a car intentionally hitting a woman biker on Golf Course Road. Charged with attempt to murder under Section 109 of the BNS, the accused claims the collision was accidental, while the victim asserts she was chased and targeted. The high-profile case has sparked intense public outrage and scrutiny over road safety and accountability on city streets.
Flipkart creates 2.5 lakh festive-season jobs, 75,000 for first-time entrants
New opportunities to span 7,000-plus Ekart facilities; 60% of hiring to be in last-mile delivery.
Seven former Australia captains appeal for Imran Khan
Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh signed the letter to Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Seven former Australia captains appeal for Imran Khan
Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh signed the letter to Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Rajya Sabha member Nagaraj takes exception to KPCC presidents statement
Mukulam portal to ensure equal opportunities for students in entrance tests: Keralam Minister
Mukulam will provide higher secondary and vocational higher secondary students free AI-based training to prepare them for entrance tests such as NEET, JEE CUET, KVPY and for admission to IISER
Mukulam portal to ensure equal opportunities for students in entrance tests: Keralam Minister
Mukulam will provide higher secondary and vocational higher secondary students free AI-based training to prepare them for entrance tests such as NEET, JEE CUET, KVPY and for admission to IISER
IMA Haryana withdraws call to suspend Ayushman Bharat services
IMA Haryana withdraws call to suspend Ayushman Bharat services
Hyderabad-based Software engineer drowns in Sokileru stream, five colleagues rescued
Hyderabad-based Software engineer drowns in Sokileru stream, five colleagues rescued
Deepavali sales launched at Co-optex outlets in Coimbatore
Deepavali sales launched at Co-optex outlets in Coimbatore
M.B. Patil dismisses B.P. Yatnals claim about signature campaign against Siddaramaiah
CM reviews draft Keralam State Elderly Persons (Care and Protection) Bill
One of its thrust areas is transformation of the care-giving sector into a professional mechanism
Vijay was new too: DMKs Paranthaman brushes aside outsider tag
Drug Control raids expose painkiller sale violations at 55 medical shops in Andhra Pradesh
Officials seize 7,550 Tramadol injections and uncover fake bills after five persons are arrested in Eluru district for allegedly selling the painkiller without proper records
Drug Control raids expose painkiller sale violations at 55 medical shops in Andhra Pradesh
Officials seize 7,550 Tramadol injections and uncover fake bills after five persons are arrested in Eluru district for allegedly selling the painkiller without proper records
PoP idols dominate Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations in Visakhapatnam
PoP idols dominate Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations in Visakhapatnam
The field-level survey also reveals that only 447 workers are engaged in the salt pans on the 300 acres that fall under the chosen site
Bangladeshi woman arrested in Kannur for alleged illegal stay
Meghalaya scraps MBBS allotment after JSU protest, orders fresh counselling
Shillong, Sep 15: The Jaintia Students Union (JSU) has claimed a major victory for medical aspirants after the Meghalaya government set aside the Round-1 MBBS college allotment for the academic year 2026-27 and ordered a fresh counselling exercise. The JSU said the decision followed its formal representation led by Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem, flagging [] The post Meghalaya scraps MBBS allotment after JSU protest, orders fresh counselling first appeared on Highland Post .
Run for Little Hearts awareness event in Coimbatore on September 27
Rahul, Priyanka, K.C. Venugopal meet Congress secretaries ahead of possible reshuffle
The meetings, which lasted about half-an-hour for each of several batches, focus on the nature of work being undertaken by the secretaries, their roles and responsibilities, and the time they were spending in the States assigned to them
Watch: West Asia: why are Yemens Houthis attacking Saudi Arabia? | Above the Fold | Sept 15, 2026
Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia escalate tensions as the militia expands control around Bab el-Mandeb.
Left front names candidates for T.N. bypolls
P. Suganthi to be fielded from Madurantakam, P. Lakshmanan from Dharapuram
Innovative pandals add colour to Ganesh pandals across Visakhapatnam
From a Ganesh idol made with one crore bangles and another adorned with one crore Rudraksha beads to a replica of the Bhogapuram airport, innovative themes and creative installations drew large crowds during Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations across the city
IPS, IMA keralam units oppose Happiness and Wellness tag for mental health centres
Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), Kerala and the Indian Medical Association, Kerala say rebranding of mental health centres trivialises severe illnesses and could mislead patients about the nature of treatment offered at these essential public institutions.
Kerala University institutes scrutiny into Chintha Jeromes PhD thesis
Decision based on a complaint submitted by Syndicate member R.S. Sasikumar to Vice Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal, which pointed out that no further action had been taken by the university on the issue despite the Governor having forwarded a complaint concerning the alleged widespread errors in the PhD thesis
Womens Andhra Premier League to begin in Mangalagiri on September 19
JusticeMittalrequests DelhiHCto impleadAITATrust andDLTA
Special unreserved MEMU between Tambaram and Madurai
High refill, deposit costs keep consumers in Karnataka away from 10 kg LPG option
According to the latest data shared by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, more than 36,000 applications for new LPG connections are pending across Karnataka
Minister assures compensation to family of fire victims
Andhra Pradesh Vote Parirakshana Vedika seeks extension of SIR of electoral rolls
Vedika flags deletion of 44.89 lakh names, seeks public disclosure of deleted and notice-issued voters and more time for verification
Deadline to apply for affordable flats in four constituencies extended to September 20
Bescom loses 16,749 transformers in seven months
The power utility lost around 40,000 transformers each year since 2023 to overload, lightning, aging, short circuits and manufacturing defects
Steps soon to provide house sites for TTD staff, says Chairman B.R. Naidu
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed the officials to take steps to implement the proposal, estimated to cost about 230 crore, he says
BJPs Nainar Nagenthran objects to Vijay-themed Vinayagar idols in Chennai
KBR Park in Hyderabad to get one elevated corridor instead of 14 flyovers, underpasses
