BJP Slams Congress Over UPI MDR Charge; Row Erupts Over Proposed Digital Payment Fee

An internal political dispute has erupted within the Congress party regarding the choice of the prime ministerial face for the opposition in 2029. Tension escalated between party leaders over leadership consensus and alliance coordination involving regional political dynamics in Tamil Nadu. While discussions continue regarding ties with the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam, leaders within the state unit exchanged sharp remarks over candidate acceptability, national leadership credentials, and alliance management. The disagreement highlights ongoing internal debate over whether regional allies fully endorse the national leadership for the top post, exposing differing views within the organization about upcoming coalition strategies and leadership negotiations.

Tensions arose in Bhatkal in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district after unidentified individuals allegedly pelted stones at the Ismail Sunni Jamia Mosque and the Tajus Sunnah Arabic Madarsa during a Ganesh idol immersion procession. The incident occurred while the procession, originating from Talen, was traversing the railway station road after crossing the Gulmi railway bridge. The stone-pelting caused damage to the window panes of both the mosque and the madarsa. Following the incident, a complaint was registered at the Bhatkal Town police station by 67-year-old Abdul Alim. Local community members held a protest outside the police station, dispersing after the Superintendent of Police assured them that necessary action would be taken and that an investigation is underway to identify the culprits.

A shocking incident unfolded in Bengaluru after a young woman from Rajasthan was allegedly kidnapped by her family members from Agrahara Dasarahalli. The woman had married a young man against her parents' wishes and was residing in a rented house for around 15 days. Her family members arrived in a car and forcibly took her away. While attempting to flee towards Vijayanagar and Hosahalli, the vehicle rammed into multiple vehicles and pedestrians, injuring nearly six people, including two children aged nine and 12 years. Furious locals chased the vehicle and managed to halt it near Hosahalli by pelting stones. The woman was rescued and handed over to the police. Authorities identified four individuals in connection with the incident, arresting three suspects while the driver remains absconding.

The United States Congress has passed a sanctions bill granting presidential authority to impose up to 100 per cent tariffs on countries purchasing oil and gas from Russia, directly impacting major buyers including India and China. Originally proposed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the legislation also targets Russian energy, leadership, and the shadow fleet, alongside expanding sanctions on Iran. The measure heads to Donald Trump for approval and signature, granting the White House waiver powers while requiring congressional notification for tariff removals. The move emerges ahead of the Chinese President's planned visit to Washington and amid United States midterm elections, offering leverage in trade and geopolitical negotiations. For India, the legislation introduces fresh uncertainty into ongoing bilateral trade deal talks that have been under negotiation for over a year, even as options remain open to seek exemptions or engage in direct dialogue with the White House on Russian energy imports.