UPI payment fee roll-out postponed until after Diwali

The Supreme Court has put a hold on the defamation case against Rahul Gandhi concerning his 2018 comments about the prime minister. The court ordered the Maharashtra government and the complainant, M H Shrishrimal, to submit their replies within four weeks.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for certain person‑to‑merchant UPI transactions will start being applied after Diwali. The exact date for the implementation will be communicated later. This change affects only selected merchant transactions.

Bayer has formed a partnership with Absolute’s INERA to sell and promote a climate‑resilient crop nutrition product in India. The collaboration aims to improve nutrient use efficiency for farmers by using AI‑based analytics.

The board approved a plan to increase the company’s capital from 20 crore rupees to 117 crore rupees, which would raise paid‑up equity to about 116.21 crore rupees if shareholders agree. The proposal also includes issuing a 5‑for‑1 bonus share allotment.

Members of the Disha Students Organisation demonstrated at Connaught Place, opposing the removal of Jantar Mantar’s status as a protest venue and the elimination of the SIR. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court postponed consideration of petitions concerning the Delhi protests and restrictions on metro and train services, scheduling the hearing for October 15.

Harish Rao claims that moving 30.63 lakh farm electricity connections to the Rythu Discom is a plot to stop the provision of round‑the‑clock free power. He notes that most of the Discom’s supply comes from solar sources, which only generate during daylight, while hydroelectric power makes up a smaller share and is available for only a few months each year.