India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched a new framework to simplify the participation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in defence research and development. The initiative aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, streamline procurement processes, and provide easier access to defence projects. Under this framework, MSMEs and start-ups will benefit from simplified registration, faster approvals, and enhanced funding opportunities. This aligns with India's broader "Atmanirbhar Bharat" vision to boost indigenous defence manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and foster innovation. DRDO seeks to leverage the agility and technological capabilities of smaller firms to develop cutting-edge defence technologies domestically.

Australian Ambassador to India, Philip Green, revealed that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese advised him to "get on a train" to truly experience India. The envoy shared this anecdote while highlighting the deep people-to-people ties between Australia and India. Albanese, known for his enthusiasm for India, suggested train travel as the best way to understand the country's diverse culture, landscapes, and everyday life. The comment underscores growing Australia-India relations and Albanese's personal connection with India, especially after his visits strengthening bilateral ties in trade, defence, and education.

India's government is considering introducing charges on UPI transactions above ₹2,000, sparking widespread debate. Currently, UPI is free for users, but fintech companies and banks have long demanded a fee model to sustain infrastructure costs. The proposed charges would apply only to higher-value transactions, keeping small payments free. Critics fear it could discourage digital payments, while supporters argue nominal fees ensure long-term UPI sustainability. No final decision has been made yet; the government is consulting stakeholders before any implementation.

# UPI पेमेंट पर MDR चार्ज: पूरी जानकारी

सरकार ने UPI ट्रांजैक्शन पर MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) को लेकर नई गाइडलाइन जारी की है। फिलहाल ₹2000 तक के UPI पेमेंट पर कोई MDR नहीं लगता। लेकिन ₹2000 से ऊपर के ट्रांजैक्शन पर MDR लागू हो सकता है। ₹3000 के पेमेंट पर लगभग 0.5-1% तक MDR लग सकता है। ₹50,000 से ₹75,000 तक के बड़े ट्रांजैक्शन पर 1-1.1% तक चार्ज संभव है। यह चार्ज मर्चेंट यानी दुकानदार पर लगेगा, ग्राहक पर नहीं। NPCI और RBI इस पर अंतिम फैसला लेंगे। इसका मकसद डिजिटल पेमेंट इकोसिस्टम को टिकाऊ बनाना है।

An IndiGo flight traveling from Agartala to Delhi was diverted to Lucknow after a smoke warning was detected in the cargo hold mid-flight. The crew followed standard safety protocols and made an emergency landing at Lucknow airport. All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Emergency services were placed on standby upon landing. IndiGo confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause. Passengers were accommodated on alternate flights to Delhi.

Oppo is set to launch the Find X10 Pro Max, one of the first smartphones to feature MediaTek's cutting-edge 2nm Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset. This next-gen processor promises significant improvements in performance, power efficiency, and AI capabilities compared to its predecessors. The Dimensity 9600 Pro is expected to rival Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon chips, marking MediaTek's push into the premium flagship segment. Oppo's adoption signals growing confidence in MediaTek for high-end devices, potentially offering flagship specs at competitive pricing.

Rat-hole mining, a manual technique involving narrow tunnels dug just wide enough for one person, is being used to rescue workers trapped inside Nepal's Chilime hydropower tunnel after a collapse. Conventional heavy machinery couldn't navigate the confined, unstable terrain, making this method essential. Originating in India's Meghalaya coal mines, rat-hole mining was banned there in 2014 due to safety concerns but remains effective in emergencies. Skilled miners crawl into tight passages to clear debris and create access routes. The technique gained global attention during India's Uttarkashi tunnel rescue in 2023. In Nepal, rescuers are racing against time to reach trapped workers, carefully digging to avoid further collapses while ensuring ventilation and stability inside the narrow shaft.

मद्रास हाईकोर्ट ने एक अहम फैसले में कहा कि यदि कोई महिला किसी पुरुष की पहली शादी से अनजान होकर उससे विवाह करती है, तो उसे द्विविवाह (bigamy) के आरोप में आरोपी नहीं माना जा सकता। हालांकि, कोर्ट ने यह भी स्पष्ट किया कि ऐसी दूसरी पत्नी को कानूनी रूप से पति की रिश्तेदार नहीं माना जाएगा क्योंकि दूसरी शादी कानूनन अमान्य है। इस फैसले से दूसरी पत्नी को घरेलू हिंसा कानून या अन्य पारिवारिक कानूनों के तहत मिलने वाले अधिकार प्रभावित हो सकते हैं। कोर्ट ने कहा कि धोखा देने वाला पति ही दोषी है।

During the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, PM Modi held a landmark bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping — their first formal talks in five years. Modi emphasized that "three mutuals" — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest — should guide India-China relations. The meeting followed a recent agreement on military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, easing the prolonged border standoff since 2020. Both leaders agreed to restore normalcy, enhance communication, and rebuild trust for stable bilateral ties.

**CJI ने राजपाल यादव पर की टिप्पणी**

चेक बाउंस मामले में सुनवाई के दौरान चीफ जस्टिस ऑफ इंडिया (CJI) ने बॉलीवुड अभिनेता राजपाल यादव पर टिप्पणी करते हुए कहा कि वे एक्टिंग करने में माहिर हैं और उन पर भरोसा करना मुश्किल है। यह मामला राजपाल यादव के खिलाफ चेक बाउंस से जुड़ा है। सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने उन्हें दो हफ्ते के भीतर ₹2 करोड़ जमा करने का आदेश दिया है। CJI की यह टिप्पणी कोर्ट में राजपाल यादव की दलीलों और व्यवहार को देखते हुए की गई, जिससे अदालत को लगा कि वे अपनी एक्टिंग स्किल्स का इस्तेमाल कर रहे हैं।

Meta has agreed to directly report child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases to India's National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), enhancing child safety efforts. This move follows government pressure on tech giants to combat online child exploitation. Previously, such reports were routed through the US-based National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), causing delays. Now, Meta platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—will flag cases directly to Indian authorities, enabling faster action and investigation. This collaboration strengthens India's legal framework under the POCSO Act and IT Act, ensuring swifter removal of harmful content and prosecution of offenders, marking a significant step in protecting minors online.

India's stock market witnessed a massive selloff, wiping out ₹9 lakh crore in investor wealth in a single session. The BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 plunged sharply amid global cues, rising US bond yields, foreign investor outflows, and geopolitical tensions. Over 200 stocks hit their 52-week lows, spanning banking, IT, and realty sectors. FIIs continued heavy selling, weakening market sentiment. Midcap and smallcap indices were hit hardest. Analysts advise caution, citing volatility ahead due to earnings concerns and global uncertainty.

Dutch national railway operator NS experienced widespread disruptions in early 2025 after suspected sabotage targeted critical infrastructure, including cable cuts near key rail junctions. Train services across the Netherlands were severely delayed or canceled, stranding thousands of commuters. NS and infrastructure manager ProRail reported deliberate damage to signaling and communication cables. Authorities launched investigations, though no group claimed responsibility. The incident raised concerns about the vulnerability of public transport systems to targeted attacks across Europe.

The study on the MV X-Press Pearl shipwreck off Sri Lanka's coast (2021) revealed persistent nurdle (plastic pellet) pollution affecting Kerala's coastline. Billions of nurdles continue washing ashore, contaminating marine ecosystems. Research shows these pellets absorb toxic chemicals, harming marine life through ingestion and habitat disruption. The ecological impacts are evolving, with microplastic contamination entering food chains, affecting fisheries, and altering coastal biodiversity, raising long-term environmental and livelihood concerns for coastal communities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon following a significant Israeli military strike. The operation aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure, including weapons depots and command centers. Netanyahu stated Israel would act decisively to protect its citizens from threats along its northern border. The strikes came amid escalating cross-border tensions, with Hezbollah launching rockets into Israeli territory. International leaders urged restraint, fearing a broader regional conflict involving Iran-backed groups.