Former BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover warned that India could revert to a cash-dependent economy if the government imposes charges on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000. The NPCI is reportedly considering a nominal interchange fee on high-value UPI payments. Grover argued that UPI's success lies in its zero-cost model, and any charges would discourage digital payments, pushing users back to cash. He emphasized that UPI revolutionized India's payment ecosystem by being free.

**Tata Sons Listing Impact on Tata Power**

Axis Capital has highlighted that if Tata Sons gets listed on stock exchanges, it could significantly impact Tata Group companies, including Tata Power. As per RBI regulations, Tata Sons, classified as an upper-layer NBFC, must list by September 2025. Listing would unlock value and increase transparency. Tata Power, being a key Tata Sons holding, may see heightened investor interest and revaluation. Analysts suggest the listing could trigger a re-rating of Tata Group stocks as market discovers the conglomerate's true holding value, benefiting shareholders across group companies.

Indian fencer Bhavani Devi, the first Indian fencer to compete at the Olympics (Tokyo 2021), is eyeing the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, as a fresh opportunity to make her mark. After facing early exits in recent major tournaments, she aims to reinvent her approach in sabre fencing. The Asian Games offer a crucial platform to earn ranking points and potentially qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Bhavani remains determined to bring India a medal in fencing on the continental stage.

A National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team visited Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh to meet families of hooch tragedy victims. Several people died and many fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in the region. The NHRC team investigated the circumstances, recorded statements of affected families, and assessed the government's response. The team examined lapses in law enforcement and illegal liquor trade. Authorities had earlier arrested suspects involved in manufacturing and selling the illicit alcohol. The NHRC probe aims to ensure accountability and adequate compensation for victims' families.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that under Muslim Personal Law, a boy or girl who has attained puberty is free to marry without requiring parental or guardian consent. The court made this observation while hearing a protection petition filed by a young Muslim couple facing threats from their families. The bench noted that Islamic law recognizes the right of individuals to choose their spouse upon reaching puberty, distinguishing it from other personal laws that set specific age requirements. This ruling reaffirms the applicability of Muslim Personal Law in India regarding marriage rights, though it sparked debate about potential conflict with statutory laws like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, which sets the legal marriage age at 18 for girls and 21 for boys.

**UPI पर चार्ज विवाद: अश्नीर ग्रोवर का बयान**

BharatPe के पूर्व CEO अश्नीर ग्रोवर ने UPI पर चार्ज लगाने की चर्चा के बीच बड़ा बयान दिया। उन्होंने कहा कि UPI सिस्टम को चलाने पर सरकार सालाना ₹30,500 करोड़ खर्च करती है, जो सब्सिडी के रूप में दिया जाता है। ग्रोवर ने सुझाव दिया कि अगर चार्ज लगाना है तो बड़े ट्रांजैक्शन पर लगाएं, छोटे यूजर्स को मुफ्त रखें। उन्होंने कहा कि UPI भारत की डिजिटल क्रांति है, इसे बंद नहीं बल्कि टिकाऊ बनाना जरूरी है। NPCI और RBI इस मुद्दे पर विचार कर रहे हैं।

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah challenged the Centre over its push for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), urging the BJP-led government to introduce it in Parliament rather than implementing it in BJP-ruled states like Uttarakhand. He argued that if the government is serious about a nationwide UCC, it should debate and pass it through proper legislative process in Parliament, ensuring democratic discussion. Omar criticized the BJP's selective approach, calling it politically motivated rather than genuinely reformist. His remarks came amid growing opposition from regional and minority-focused parties against the UCC, which aims to replace personal religious laws governing marriage, divorce, and inheritance with a single uniform law for all citizens.

Seven former Australian cricket captains—including Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, Kim Hughes, and Michael Clarke—have jointly urged Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong to raise concerns over the detention of former Pakistan PM and cricket legend Imran Khan with Pakistani authorities. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023, facing multiple charges critics call politically motivated. The ex-skippers cited their shared cricketing bonds and called for Khan's rights and fair treatment. They emphasized the importance of democratic values and human rights in Australia-Pakistan relations. The appeal highlights the intersection of sport and diplomacy, leveraging cricket's unique cultural significance in both nations to advocate for Khan's release or due legal process.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have reduced their holdings in 14 smallcap stocks after consistently buying them for two consecutive quarters. This reversal in strategy has significantly impacted these stocks, with share prices declining by up to 55%. The selloff reflects FIIs' cautious approach amid global uncertainties, rising interest rates, and shifting risk appetite. Key affected sectors include manufacturing, IT, and financials. Analysts suggest FIIs are reallocating funds to largecaps or safer assets due to valuation concerns and weak earnings. Retail investors are advised to exercise caution.

A powerful tornado struck Wanning city in China's Hainan province, causing significant destruction. The severe weather event toppled numerous trees, damaged buildings, and disrupted daily life for residents. Strong winds accompanied the tornado, uprooting vegetation and scattering debris across roads. Local authorities launched emergency response efforts, deploying rescue teams to clear blocked roads and assist affected residents. No immediate reports of casualties were confirmed, though property damage was extensive. Meteorological agencies had issued warnings as severe weather systems moved through the region.

Gurgaon biker Sia, who was hit in a hit-and-run incident, expressed frustration over delayed police action after the accused was finally arrested. Sia, a woman biker, was struck by a vehicle while riding in Gurgaon. Despite filing a complaint, she alleged police were slow to act, prompting public outrage on social media. The accused was eventually apprehended following mounting pressure. Sia criticized authorities for not taking swift action initially, highlighting concerns over road safety and negligent law enforcement response in such cases.

**बाजार में तिहरा दबाव हावी**

भारतीय शेयर बाजार पर तीन बड़े नकारात्मक कारक हावी हैं। पहला, क्रूड ऑयल की कीमतों में तेज उछाल से आयात बिल बढ़ने की चिंता है। दूसरा, बॉन्ड यील्ड में बढ़ोतरी से विदेशी निवेशक इक्विटी से पैसा निकाल रहे हैं। तीसरा, ब्याज दरें बढ़ने की आशंका से कंपनियों की उधारी लागत बढ़ेगी, जिससे मुनाफे पर असर पड़ेगा। विशेषज्ञों की सलाह है कि ट्रेडर्स इंट्राडे में शॉर्ट पोजीशन बनाएं लेकिन मुनाफा मिलते ही बुक कर लें, ओवरनाइट पोजीशन न रखें क्योंकि बाजार में अनिश्चितता बनी हुई है।

Scientists discovered two new frog species in Mizoram, India. One species, a bush frog, was remarkably found hiding in plain sight in easily accessible areas, having been previously overlooked due to its resemblance to known species. Researchers used molecular and morphological analyses to confirm both as distinct species. The discoveries highlight Mizoram's rich yet underexplored biodiversity in the Indo-Burma hotspot. These findings emphasize the need for continued surveys in northeastern India, where many species likely remain undocumented.

A woman sparked online debate by challenging the notion that earning ₹1 lakh per month is the "new normal" in India. She argued that social media creates a distorted reality by predominantly showcasing top earners, making high salaries seem common. In reality, most Indians earn far less, with average salaries significantly below this benchmark. She emphasized that platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram amplify success stories, creating unrealistic financial expectations. Her post went viral, resonating with many who feel pressured by such comparisons, urging people to recognize the gap between social media portrayals and actual income statistics across the country.

A major report warns the Hindu Kush Himalaya region is approaching a critical tipping point due to climate change. Rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melt, threatening water supply for nearly two billion people across Asia. Scientists predict up to 80% of glaciers could disappear by 2100 under high-emission scenarios. This would intensify flooding, droughts, and food insecurity in countries like India, Nepal, and China. Experts urge immediate global action to cut emissions and invest in climate adaptation to protect vulnerable mountain communities and downstream populations.