Rajasthan Civic Polls: BJP Emerges Single Largest Party, Congress Holds Ground, Independents Gain

The Bharatiya Janata Party has set a 2029 deadline to roll out the Uniform Civil Code across all party and National Democratic Alliance ruled states. Positioned as a major ideological goal following the abrogation of Article 370, the proposed civil code includes common laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession across religions. However, the push has exposed internal differences within the alliance. While allies like the Telugu Desam Party, Shiv Sena, and Hindustani Awam Morcha have offered support, the Janata Dal United has opposed its rollout in Bihar, and Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan has demanded wider public consultations before deciding.

A special ground report from the Khardung La pass in Ladakh, situated at around 18,000 feet above sea level, details the significant transformation in road infrastructure and connectivity over the past two decades. Maintained by the Border Roads Organisation, the route serves as a vital strategic link connecting Leh to the Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and the Siachen Glacier base camp. Following the Eastern Ladakh standoff in the Galwan sector, the Ministry of Defence prioritised round-the-year connectivity along the Line of Actual Control. The improved roads have driven an increase in tourism and attracted endurance athletes participating in the Ladakh marathon. Visitors and runners from various parts of India and abroad note the extreme physical challenges posed by low oxygen levels at high altitudes, stressing the necessity of gradual acclimatisation and proper hydration while praising the infrastructure development in harsh mountainous terrain.

A revised Merchant Discount Rate framework for UPI payments is set to take effect starting October 15, 2026, applying exclusively to select person-to-merchant commercial transactions. Under the updated framework, transactions up to two thousand rupees, which account for more than ninety-five per cent of UPI volume, will remain completely free of cost for all consumers and merchants. Small merchants earning up to one lakh rupees monthly through QR codes will also continue paying zero MDR. For commercial transactions exceeding two thousand rupees, an MDR of zero point four per cent will apply, capped at three hundred rupees for amounts of seventy-five thousand rupees and above. Specific categories such as railways and fuel will attract a flat five-rupee charge. Individual person-to-person transfers will face no charges. The initiative also establishes a dedicated fund to upgrade digital payment infrastructure across small vendor networks and tier-three markets, ensuring sustainability across the financial ecosystem.

A debate has emerged over actor Vijay Sethupathi's remarks as the host of Tamil Bigg Boss, with comments on leadership and accountability being interpreted by many as subtle political commentary. Broadcaster Vijay TV issued a statement clarifying that the comments had no connection to politics and were purely fictional. Vijay Sethupathi has not commented on the matter.