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NEW Business News India Thu 17 Sep 2026 08:04:14 AM

UPI MDR vs Debit Card vs Credit Card Charges: व्यापारियों के लिए कौन सा पेमेंट सिस्टम कितना महंगा?

SUMMARY

# UPI MDR vs Debit Card vs Credit Card: व्यापारियों पर कितना बोझ?

भारत में डिजिटल पेमेंट पर MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) अलग-अलग है। UPI और RuPay डेबिट कार्ड पर सरकार ने जीरो MDR लागू किया है, यानी व्यापारियों को कोई चार्ज नहीं देना पड़ता। डेबिट कार्ड (Visa/Mastercard) पर MDR 0.40%-0.90% तक होता है, जो ₹2000 से कम/ज्यादा ट्रांजैक्शन पर निर्भर करता है। क्रेडिट कार्ड सबसे महंगा है, जिस पर 1.5%-2.5% तक MDR लगता है। इसलिए छोटे व्यापारी UPI को प्राथमिकता देते हैं। सरकार डिजिटल इंडिया को बढ़ावा देने के लिए UPI पर सब्सिडी दे रही है।

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area UPI & Digital Payments MDR Card Payment System FinTech Financial Inclusion

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 17 Sep 2026 07:47:02 AM

PM Modi Birthday Live: PM Turns 76, BJP Launches Seva Sankalp Abhiyan To Mark 25 Years In Public Service

SUMMARY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 76th birthday on September 17, 2025. To mark his 25 years of continuous public service—starting as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and serving as PM since 2014—the BJP launched the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan." Under this campaign, party workers nationwide organized blood donation drives, health camps, cleanliness initiatives, and food distribution programs. Leaders and supporters extended wishes, highlighting Modi's development agenda and welfare schemes for the underprivileged.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area Seva Sankalp Abhiyan Public service Political organisations Governance Welfare outreach Public participation

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Thu 17 Sep 2026 07:30:08 AM

Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple kumbabishekam begins

SUMMARY

The historic Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, commenced its grand Kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) after extensive renovation works. This sacred ritual, performed periodically to restore the temple's spiritual energy, involves elaborate Vedic rituals, holy water sprinkling on gopurams, and prayers by thousands of priests. Lakhs of devotees gathered to witness this auspicious event. Heavy security arrangements were made, and the state government supported the ceremony. The temple, a UNESCO-recognized heritage site dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, last held its Kumbabishekam years ago. Chief Minister and dignitaries attended. The multi-day event featured special poojas and cultural programs.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - I Art & Culture

Focus Area Meenakshi Temple Kumbabishekam Tamil temple architecture Religious heritage Cultural traditions

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Business News India Thu 17 Sep 2026 07:30:03 AM

“PM Modi’s Journey Has Given India A New Direction”: Rajnath Singh On 25 Years In Government

SUMMARY

Rajnath Singh, India's Defence Minister, praised PM Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in government, spanning his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister (2001-2014) and Prime Minister (since 2014). Singh highlighted that Modi's leadership has transformed India's global standing, boosted economic growth, strengthened national security, and empowered millions through welfare schemes. He credited Modi's vision for initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, and infrastructure development, stating that Modi's journey has given the nation a new, progressive direction and inspired confidence among citizens.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area Political Leadership Governance & Development Public Administration Democratic Institutions Policy Implementation

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Thu 17 Sep 2026 07:21:17 AM

Hospitals could be charging 2,841% higher on commonly used consumables

SUMMARY

A recent study revealed that hospitals are marking up commonly used medical consumables by as much as 2,841%, drastically inflating patient bills. Items like syringes, gloves, and surgical supplies, which cost minimal amounts wholesale, are being charged at exorbitant rates. This lack of pricing transparency burdens patients, especially the uninsured. Experts urge regulatory intervention to cap markups, enforce standardized pricing, and mandate billing transparency to protect patients from exploitation and reduce healthcare costs significantly.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Healthcare costs Medical devices Price regulation NPPA Out-of-pocket expenditure

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Nbt Navbharattimes Thu 17 Sep 2026 07:21:03 AM

'अमेरिकी-इजरायली जहाजों पर नहीं करेंगे हमला', हूतियों का बड़ा ऐलान, बोले- सिर्फ सऊदी अरब है लक्ष्य

SUMMARY

यमन के हूती विद्रोहियों ने बड़ा ऐलान करते हुए कहा कि वे अब अमेरिकी और इजरायली जहाजों पर हमला नहीं करेंगे। हूतियों ने स्पष्ट किया कि अब उनका एकमात्र लक्ष्य सऊदी अरब है। यह बयान गाजा युद्धविराम और अमेरिका-हूती समझौते के बाद आया है। पहले हूतियों ने लाल सागर में इजरायल से जुड़े जहाजों पर फिलिस्तीनियों के समर्थन में हमले किए थे, जिससे वैश्विक व्यापार प्रभावित हुआ। अब हूती सऊदी अरब पर निशाना साध रहे हैं, क्योंकि सऊदी गठबंधन वर्षों से यमन में सैन्य अभियान चला रहा है। इससे मध्य पूर्व की भू-राजनीति में बड़ा बदलाव संभव है।

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area Houthis Red Sea security Saudi Arabia Maritime security West Asia conflict

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Markets-Economic Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 07:04:12 AM

Retail investors shift from secondary market to IPOs in July-August, selling Rs 5,674 crore

SUMMARY

Retail investors made a notable shift in strategy during July-August, net selling Rs 5,674 crore worth of shares in the secondary market while aggressively participating in IPOs. This trend was driven by a surge in new listings offering attractive listing gains, prompting small investors to redirect funds from existing stocks to primary market opportunities. The IPO frenzy, fueled by strong market sentiment and oversubscribed issues, led to profit-booking in secondary holdings. Analysts warn this could increase market volatility as retail participation in equities becomes more speculative.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Retail investors IPO market Primary market Secondary market Capital markets

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Thu 17 Sep 2026 07:04:08 AM

U.S. House passes Russia sanctions bill seeking to impose up to 100% tariffs on India, others

SUMMARY

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the "No Russian Oil Profiteering Act," aiming to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil above set price caps. Nations like India, China, and Turkey, major buyers of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine invasion, could be targeted. The bill seeks to pressure these nations to reduce Russian oil imports, cutting Moscow's revenue funding the war. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area India-US relations Russia sanctions Secondary tariffs Russian oil trade Economic diplomacy

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Thu 17 Sep 2026 07:04:02 AM

SC pulls up govt for 'denying' disabled soldiers their benefits

SUMMARY

The Supreme Court criticized the government for denying rightful benefits to disabled soldiers who suffered injuries during military service. The bench expressed displeasure over bureaucratic delays and arbitrary rejection of disability pension claims, calling it unjust treatment of those who served the nation. The court directed the government to ensure timely disbursement of pensions and benefits as per entitlement. It emphasized that soldiers' sacrifices must be honored, not met with administrative apathy, and warned against unnecessary litigation that burdens veterans seeking their due compensation.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area Supreme Court & Judicial Review Rights of Armed Forces Personnel Disability Benefits Administrative Accountability Welfare Measures

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Dainik Bhaskar Thu 17 Sep 2026 06:47:12 AM

कौन-सी 3 चीजों से समझौता नहीं करते मोदी:किससे अपना दुख साझा करते हैं; 76वें जन्मदिन पर पीएम मोदी की पर्सनल जिंदगी के किस्से

SUMMARY

**पीएम मोदी का 76वां जन्मदिन:**

प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के 76वें जन्मदिन पर उनकी पर्सनल जिंदगी के दिलचस्प किस्से सामने आए। मोदी तीन चीजों से कभी समझौता नहीं करते - अनुशासन, समय की पाबंदी और देशहित। वे अपना दुख किसी से साझा नहीं करते, लेकिन करीबी लोगों के अनुसार वे अपनी मां से हर बात कहते थे। मोदी सुबह जल्दी उठते हैं, योग करते हैं और अत्यंत अनुशासित जीवन जीते हैं। वे शाकाहारी हैं और सादा जीवन पसंद करते हैं। राजनीतिक व्यस्तताओं के बावजूद वे पढ़ने-लिखने का शौक रखते हैं।

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area Political Leadership Public Life Prime Minister Political Institutions

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Thu 17 Sep 2026 06:47:07 AM

Government functionary questions Rahul's criticism of UPI charges, says Congress MPs in panel gave nod

SUMMARY

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government over proposed UPI charges on transactions, calling it a burden on common people. In response, a government functionary countered his claims, revealing that Congress MPs who were part of the parliamentary standing committee had approved the recommendation to levy UPI charges. This rebuttal aimed to expose the contradiction in Rahul's stance, as his own party members reportedly endorsed the policy. The exchange sparked a political debate over digital payment fees and their impact on users.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area UPI & Digital Payments MDR FinTech Digital Economy Financial Regulation

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 06:47:02 AM

Mandakini reveals she wasn't paid for 16-17 films: ‘Contracts were very informal’

SUMMARY

Bollywood actress Mandakini, who rose to fame with "Ram Teri Ganga Maili" (1985), recently disclosed that she wasn't paid for 16-17 films during her career. She explained that during the 1980s, contracts in the Hindi film industry were very informal, with no written agreements or legal documentation. Producers often made verbal promises that went unfulfilled. Despite being a popular actress, Mandakini faced financial exploitation due to the lack of professional structures, highlighting the industry's exploitative practices of that era.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Society & Social Justice

Focus Area Informal Employment Labour Rights Contractual Employment Wage Protection Gig & Creative Economy

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Dainik Bhaskar Thu 17 Sep 2026 06:30:22 AM

कश्मीर में आतंकियों और सुरक्षा बलों के बीच मुठभेड़:ऊधमपुर जिले के पहाड़ी क्षेत्र में नजर आए थे संदिग्ध, सर्च अभियान जारी

SUMMARY

जम्मू-कश्मिर के ऊधमपुर जिले के पहाड़ी क्षेत्र में सुरक्षा बलों और आतंकवादियों के बीच मुठभेड़ हुई। स्थानीय लोगों और सुरक्षा एजेंसियों को इलाके में संदिग्ध आतंकियों की मौजूदगी की सूचना मिली, जिसके बाद सेना और पुलिस ने संयुक्त सर्च ऑपरेशन शुरू किया। घने जंगलों और दुर्गम पहाड़ी इलाके में तलाशी अभियान जारी है। सुरक्षा बलों ने पूरे क्षेत्र को घेरकर नाकाबंदी कर दी है ताकि आतंकी भाग न सकें। इलाके में अतिरिक्त बल तैनात किए गए हैं और नागरिकों को सतर्क रहने की सलाह दी गई है।

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Internal Security

Focus Area जम्मू-कश्मीर आतंकवाद-रोधी अभियान सुरक्षा बल सर्च ऑपरेशन आंतरिक सुरक्षा

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Thu 17 Sep 2026 06:30:09 AM

‘We’re the best credit’: Trump fumes after 1st Fed rate hike in over 3 yrs

SUMMARY

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in over three years to combat surging inflation. Former President Donald Trump criticized the move, expressing frustration and asserting that the U.S. is "the best credit." He argued that rate hikes could harm the economy and burden American consumers. The Fed's decision reflected concerns over rising prices driven by supply chain issues and strong demand. Trump's comments reignited debate over central bank independence and political influence on monetary policy, as markets reacted with volatility.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Federal Reserve Monetary policy Interest rates Inflation Central bank independence

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Thu 17 Sep 2026 06:21:13 AM

Don’t trust Centre unless it’s a written deal, J&K CM tells Ladakhi delegation

SUMMARY

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti advised a Ladakhi delegation not to trust the Centre's verbal assurances and insisted on getting any commitments in writing. The delegation had met her to discuss concerns regarding developmental issues, constitutional safeguards, and the future of Ladakh region. Mufti emphasized that written agreements hold legal validity and protect regional interests. Her remarks reflected underlying tensions between state leadership and the central government over promises made to the people of Ladakh regarding autonomy and development.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area Ladakh governance Centre-UT relations Article 371 Constitutional safeguards Federalism

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts