Rajasthan Civic Polls: BJP Ahead, Congress Close, Independents & Youth Surge

Differences have surfaced within the National Democratic Alliance over the Uniform Civil Code, particularly in Bihar, following the Union Home Minister's announcement that UCC will be implemented across all 21 NDA-ruled states by 2029. Key allies Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party have adopted a cautious approach. JD(U) has reiterated its demand for wider consultations to ensure no community feels hurt, with working president Sanjay Jha set to convey the party's position. LJP chief Chirag Paswan has sought the public release of the UCC draft and discussions with stakeholders, citing India's diverse social fabric. Meanwhile, Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav has criticised both allies, demanding they clarify their respective positions on the issue.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has targeted the central government over digital transaction policies, alleging that a path has been opened to levy Merchant Discount Rate fees on merchant UPI transactions above 2,000 rupees. Gandhi claimed that while such transactions represent only 5 percent of the total volume, they account for roughly 65 percent of the overall transaction value. He argued that shopkeepers and business owners would not absorb the levies from their own pockets and would eventually pass the costs directly or indirectly onto consumers. Furthermore, he alleged that the Modi government is bending to pressure from American payment corporations that have historically resisted India's zero-MDR regime. While the government's gazette notification legally ensures that UPI and RuPay debit card payments up to 2,000 rupees remain entirely free with no charges for customers, ambiguity remains concerning rules for transactions above that threshold.

Gurugram Police have stepped up legal action against accused Kalyan Bainsla in connection with the road incident involving woman biker Sia on Golf Course Road. Authorities have invoked Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 109 for attempt to murder, alongside Section 78 for stalking and Section 79 for insulting the modesty of a woman through words or gestures. The additional charges were registered after investigators analysed action camera footage and recorded detailed statements from the victim and her family. Visual evidence from the spot showed the car hitting the motorcycle, causing the rider to fall. The accused was tracked down and arrested in Dausa, Rajasthan. Meanwhile, the defence claimed the riders were provoking and racing, asserting that the contact was accidental. Police continue further investigation into the case.

Indian equity benchmarks reversed early gains to trade sharply lower as elevated crude oil prices and rising global bond yields weighed on market sentiment. The Nifty slipped below the 23,200 mark while the Sensex registered steep losses, with real estate and metal stocks leading the downturn even as select information technology shares bucked the trend. Meanwhile, the National Payments Corporation of India held discussions regarding Merchant Discount Rate charges on merchant UPI transactions above 2,000 rupees following a Finance Ministry notification. In the corporate domain, the Reserve Bank of India filed a caveat in the Bombay High Court ahead of an anticipated appeal by Tata Sons seeking exemption from mandatory listing norms, triggering a rally in several Tata Group shares including Tata Chemicals and Tata Investment Corporation. The bulletin also examined market trends, crude oil volatility, and the upcoming National Stock Exchange initial public offering.