PM Modi Interacts With Seva Yatris On Bike Rally From Vadnagar To Varanasi

A morning business bulletin covers key financial developments, policy updates, and corporate events. The central government has clarified that there is no proposal to rethink Merchant Discount Rate on the Unified Payments Interface, nor is there any proposal to exempt fuel from it, while efforts with the Indian Banks' Association are being explored to ensure costs are not passed to consumers. In corporate updates, Tata Sons has rejected Noel Tata's objections to the reappointment of N. Chandrasekaran, citing majority board validity and legal opinions from former Chief Justice of India U. U. Lalit and former Supreme Court Judge B. N. Srikrishna ahead of shareholder ratification. Meanwhile, domestic stock indices opened mildly lower with the Nifty near 23,054, amid fluctuations in IT and banking shares alongside commentary on Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India consultation proposals. Additionally, the bulletin touches upon Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's remarks on trade pact negotiations and a high-profile dinner hosted in Washington.

India secured its second gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 after the duo of Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet triumphed in the 10-metre air pistol mixed team shooting event in Japan. The pair demonstrated composure and focused shooting throughout the final round to finish at the top of the podium. This victory marks India's second gold medal at the ongoing Games, following an earlier gold medal triumph in cricket, adding to the nation's rising medal tally across sporting events.

A 17-year-old survivor of the Kalkaji gang rape case has detailed the ordeal that occurred on 21 September at Aastha Kunj Park in Delhi. Visiting the area on her birthday, she was cornered alongside a friend by three men posing as police personnel. The accused threatened them with a knife and a firearm, separated her from her friend, dragged her to a secluded spot, and raped her. Delhi Police have arrested all three accused, including Asif, who was apprehended after an exchange of fire resulting in a bullet injury to his leg. Investigators have constituted a Special Investigation Team and plan to recreate the crime scene to recover evidence. In response to rising concerns over women's safety, Delhi Police initiated patrols across several public spaces and parks, including Maurice Nagar, Shahdara Rohilla, and North Delhi ridge areas. However, an inspection of the Delhi Development Authority-maintained park revealed serious security lapses, including lack of surveillance cameras, absence of functional streetlights, and unlocked gates after scheduled closing hours.

A major political row has erupted over a reported rift within the Election Commission of India. The Bharatiya Janata Party attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks, sharing an older video of Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala acknowledging the benefits of the Special Summary Revision exercise in Kerala. The BJP accused the Congress of raising selective allegations only in states where it loses elections. Meanwhile, opposition parties intensified protests, with the Congress planning nationwide demonstrations and marches to election offices, while the INDIA bloc reportedly considers an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of vote theft, targeting top leadership. Amid the escalating controversy and concerns over voter data integrity, the Election Commission issued a clarification regarding its ECI Net platform, maintaining that it is a decentralised system accessible only to authorised officials like booth-level officers and district election officers through unique login credentials, backed by cybersecurity safeguards.