Centre's UCC Push Sparks NDA Rift As JD(U) & LJP Seek Talks; Key Provisions Explained

The Janata Dal (United) has voiced reservations regarding the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code across NDA-ruled states before 2029. In response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement, JD(U) leaders reiterated that the party seeks extensive dialogue so that no community is hurt. As opposition party RJD demanded clarity from the ruling ally in Bihar, JD(U) Working President Sanjay Jha is scheduled to meet Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss party concerns and resolve alliance differences regarding the proposed uniform law.

The central government has formally notified a change under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, barring banks and payment system providers from imposing direct or indirect charges on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions up to 2,000 rupees. The decision ensures no fee, levy, or additional charge applies to making or receiving payments within this limit. The government has also prohibited charges on RuPay debit card payments and kept person-to-person UPI transfers free. While individual transactions remain exempt from extra costs, merchant discount rates may apply to large entities with high turnover for transactions exceeding 2,000 rupees.

In this India Today Programme Video, anchor Marya Shakil takes up the intensifying global race to develop artificial intelligence and the growing debate over whether humans can keep pace with the technology they are creating. With tech leaders including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Elon Musk and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warning about AI development outpacing safety guardrails, the question of how far the AI race should go is becoming increasingly urgent. US President Donald Trump, however, has rejected calls for slowing down, arguing that the United States cannot afford to fall behind China.

This special broadcast covers major developments in technology, crime investigations, and civic regulations. The report examines global debates on artificial intelligence safety following the resignation of Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, who cited existential threats from unchecked development. Anthropic Chief Executive Dario Amodei outlined a three-step framework covering embedded reviewers, industry safety standards, and international coordination, alongside reactions from international leaders and industry executives Vineet Nayar and CP Gurnani regarding sovereign AI regulations and technological monopolies. In Gurugram, authorities investigate a hit-and-run incident after a woman biker named Sia was struck by a speeding vehicle amid family allegations of a deliberate collision. In Mumbai, the Central Bureau of Investigation registered a fresh FIR in the death case of celebrity manager Disha Salian following directions from the Bombay High Court. The broadcast also reviews civic concerns regarding high-decibel sound systems during Ganesh Utsav in Maharashtra with activist Vidyanand Bapat.