UPI Transactions Above ₹2,000: 0.4% Merchant Fee Levied, Consumer Impact & Rules Explained

Saudi Arabia has issued an emergency alert across Mecca, Jeddah, and Taif following warnings of potential aerial threats amid a fresh wave of Houthi missile and drone strikes. Residents in Mecca were advised to remain indoors, avoid windows, and move to safe locations. The escalating conflict is further compounded by Houthi forces capturing key locations along the Red Sea, including Mocha, Dubab, Perim Island, and the Hanish Islands, tightening their grip on the Bab-el-Mandeb shipping route. With the United States declining direct military intervention and allies like Pakistan and Turkey ruling out immediate military action under defense arrangements, Saudi Arabia is seeking intelligence assistance to counter the incoming aerial threats.

A panel discussion analyses the voting trends and outcomes of the Rajasthan local body polls. Political analyst Amitabh Tiwari highlights that while the BJP and Congress have largely maintained their vote shares, the emergence of independents winning 22% of seats points to a split in the anti-incumbency vote and a rising third front. Political analyst Rashid Kidwai notes that the results offer no reason for Congress to celebrate, pointing out internal structural issues, leadership vacuums, and factional challenges ahead of future assembly contests.

Bengaluru authorities have uncovered a counterfeit medicine network involving Krupa Healthcare at Minerva Circle, which supplied spurious cancer medications and life-saving ICU injections to more than 90 hospitals and clinics. The Karnataka Health Department and a Special Investigation Team have initiated an investigation to apprehend the key operative based in Azerbaijan, while medical experts call for QR code tracking on pharmaceutical supplies. In another development in Bengaluru, the proposed screening of a documentary on activist Umar Khalid at the National Law School of India University triggered protests from the ABVP and counter-statements from Congress leaders. Meanwhile, a Christian delegation led by Archbishop Peter Machado met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to present demands regarding anti-conversion legislation and reservation status. The report also covers ongoing political friction between the DMK and TVK in Tamil Nadu, including breach-of-privilege notices and international investment discussions.

Following the arrest of Kalyan Baisla for ramming his vehicle into a woman biker in Gurugram, the accused faces an attempt to murder charge. The commentary examines how the Golf Course Road incident extends beyond road rage and hit-and-run dynamics, highlighting deep-seated male entitlement and bruised male ego when a woman refused to comply. Drawing parallels with historical instances such as the Jessica Lal case, the discussion addresses patriarchal mindsets, societal lessons taught to young boys, and the urgent need to recognize and challenge gender-based privilege.