Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has criticised the BJP-led government over reports that a fee mechanism could be introduced for certain UPI transactions, accusing the Centre of giving in to pressure from US-based payment companies. In a post on X, Gandhi claimed that allowing a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 could eventually increase the financial burden on consumers, even if customers are not directly charged for making digital payments.
Gandhi said that transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 may account for only a small share of UPI transactions by volume but represent a much larger portion of the overall transaction value. He argued that any charges imposed on merchants could eventually be reflected in the prices of goods and services, effectively passing the cost on to consumers.
The Congress leader also alleged that American payment companies have previously opposed India's zero-MDR framework for UPI. Referring to the broader issue of India's economic engagement with the US, Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of once again giving in to American pressure.
His remarks came after the Finance Ministry issued a notification clarifying that UPI transactions of up to Rs 2,000 would not be subject to direct or indirect charges from banks or system providers. The provision effectively keeps the vast majority of UPI transactions by volume within the zero-charge category. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised the reported change. He argued that the government should focus on providing relief to people facing rising living costs rather than introducing new costs associated with digital payments.
Kharge alleged that changing the policy from a blanket assurance of no UPI charges to a threshold-based exemption could increase the financial pressure on ordinary citizens. He also linked the issue to wider concerns over inflation and household savings, accusing the government of looking for new ways to raise revenue from the public.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Sholan Baloch, spokesperson for the Baloch Students Organization Azad, has accused the Pakistani state of carrying out a campaign against Baloch political activists and their families, alleging that the measures are intended to silence political dissent in Balochistan. In a statement, Sholan alleged that a number of Baloch political workers have been forcibly disappeared and are being held at undisclosed detention facilities. She also claimed that the bodies of political activists and leaders have subsequently been found in remote locations. According to her, the deaths of several political workers have weakened the region's political space and created what she described as a growing political vacuum.
Sholan said continued violence and alleged repression have compelled many Baloch political workers to leave their homes and live as refugees. Some, she said, have moved overseas, while others and their families have taken shelter in Baloch-majority areas of Iran. She added that some families have also relied on relatives for protection and accommodation, describing the practice as part of a longstanding social tradition.
She further alleged that Baloch activists have faced threats and attacks even after moving to neighbouring Baloch areas. Sholan cited the reported killing of Dr Abdul Rashid Arif Nokap, described as a central political worker of the Baloch National Movement, as an example of what she characterised as a broader campaign against Baloch political figures.
According to Sholan's account, Dr Abdul Rashid had been staying with relatives after leaving his home because of what she described as abuses by Pakistani authorities. She alleged that members of his family were subjected to collective punishment in an attempt to pressure them and discourage their political activities.
Despite living away from his original home, Dr Abdul Rashid reportedly remained involved in the Baloch national movement while continuing his work as a doctor. Sholan said he had established a medical clinic in a remote locality where residents had limited access to healthcare. She claimed that he continued treating people in the area while remaining politically active.
Sholan also raised allegations concerning violence against Baloch families in neighbouring areas, referring specifically to the Sham Sar incident. She claimed that Pakistani fighter aircraft were responsible for the deaths of an entire Baloch family in the incident. She further alleged that other families had faced collective punishment, including the killing of relatives and the destruction of their homes.
The spokesperson accused the Pakistani state of attempting to weaken Balochistan's political movement by targeting activists and their families. She described the alleged killing of political workers who had been living as refugees in Baloch areas as serious violations of international law and characterised them as war crimes.
Sholan paid tribute to Dr Abdul Rashid Baloch and other Baloch political activists, saying they continued to support the Baloch national movement despite displacement and insecurity. She also appealed to international organisations to recognise the situation of Baloch refugees, protect those facing alleged persecution and investigate claims of abuses. Sholan called for accountability over what she described as systematic violence against Baloch political activists and urged international institutions to take action over allegations of an ongoing campaign of repression in Balochistan.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@BSO__AZAD.
Meta has announced that it will begin reporting matters involving child safety directly to the cybercrime portal operated by India’s Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C). The move is aimed at improving coordination with authorities and strengthening efforts to address online exploitation and other crimes targeting children.
A Meta spokesperson said the safety of children on its platforms remains a key priority for the company. Meta also said it is committed to cooperating with government agencies and helping ensure that individuals involved in such offences are held accountable. The company said the decision to report child safety-related cases directly through the I4C portal is intended to support a more coordinated response to online harms involving children. Meta operates several widely used platforms in India, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and has systems in place to identify and restrict content that poses risks to children.
The I4C, which functions under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, plays a central role in India's efforts to combat cybercrime. It works with law enforcement agencies and uses technology, training and coordinated mechanisms to improve the country's response to online offences. The latest development comes amid increased scrutiny of social media companies over their responsibilities in protecting children online. Government sources have stressed that child safety must be treated as an essential requirement by digital platforms operating in India, describing it as a non-negotiable issue.
The development also follows recent action by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). On September 9, representatives of Meta India appeared before the child rights body after its senior leadership was summoned over allegations involving advertisements linked to Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM).
The NCPCR had initiated the matter on its own after a BBC Eye report raised allegations concerning advertisements appearing on Meta-owned platforms. On July 3, 2026, the Commission issued a notice to Meta Platforms, Inc., seeking an explanation regarding the reported content. Meta subsequently submitted its response to the Commission.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had also asked the Delhi Police to carry out a detailed investigation into allegations that paid advertisements on Instagram were being used to promote Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in India. The NHRC further asked authorities to determine whether Meta and other entities involved had fulfilled their legal reporting responsibilities under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Meta's decision to directly report child safety concerns through the I4C portal is therefore being viewed in the broader context of growing government and regulatory efforts to make online platforms more accountable for preventing and reporting serious crimes involving children.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to travel to China on September 16 for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to an announcement by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His visit comes just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to travel to the United States for a high-level meeting with US President Donald Trump.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Araghchi’s visit and said Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, would hold discussions with his Iranian counterpart. Xi Jinping is expected to meet Trump in the United States on September 24. Trump recently confirmed the date while addressing executives from the US travel industry and expressed optimism about the upcoming engagement with the Chinese leader.
The timing of Araghchi’s visit is significant as Iran continues to face heightened tensions in West Asia following its military confrontation with the United States. Tehran has been engaging with major international partners as it seeks diplomatic support and discussions on the rapidly changing regional situation. Araghchi and Wang Yi have maintained regular diplomatic contact in recent months. The two foreign ministers met in July on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kyrgyzstan. They also held a separate meeting during the BRICS Summit.
The upcoming China visit follows Iran’s participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian headed Tehran’s delegation. During the summit, Pezeshkian urged BRICS countries to adopt practical measures against what he described as unilateral and unjust sanctions. He also called for a stronger role for the grouping in dealing with international conflicts and growing geopolitical tensions.
Pezeshkian argued that BRICS nations should oppose attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities, warning that such actions could pose a broader threat to international peace and security. He also highlighted the Palestinian issue and said the bloc had an important role to play in supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
BRICS leaders subsequently adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, which called for changes in global governance structures and greater representation for developing nations. The declaration also voiced concern over rising tensions in West Asia and urged restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaders further stressed the importance of keeping international trade, supply chains and energy flows running smoothly in line with international law. During his visit to New Delhi, Pezeshkian also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their discussions covered India-Iran relations as well as the security situation in West Asia.
Modi emphasised the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to restore long-term peace and stability in the region. He also underlined the need to protect freedom of navigation, maintain uninterrupted commercial activity and ensure the safety of seafarers, particularly amid concerns surrounding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Against this backdrop, Araghchi’s meeting with Wang Yi is expected to focus on developments in West Asia as well as wider international and diplomatic issues. The talks could also offer Beijing and Tehran an opportunity to coordinate their positions ahead of Xi Jinping’s anticipated discussions with Trump in Washington.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@Iran_in_India.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday said India-Vietnam relations have made “significant progress” since the last Joint Commission meeting three years ago. During talks with Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Minister Le Hoai Trung, Jaishankar said the 19th Joint Commission meeting would help turn political commitments into concrete outcomes. He also described Vietnam as a key partner in India’s Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. The two sides also reviewed bilateral cooperation following the elevation of their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@DrSJaishankar.
Singaporean rap pioneer and entertainer Sheikh Haikel looks back on his decades-long journey in the entertainment industry, recalling key moments that defined his career and discussing the legacy he wants to leave behind. After being diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, Haikel also shares how deeply moved he has been by the support from fans, friends and fellow artists across the region. In this interview with Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji, he speaks candidly about his career, personal journey and recent health battle.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Donald Trump has organised a major political convention aimed at energising Republican supporters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. However, several Republican officials seeking re-election have chosen not to attend, instead focusing on campaigning in their home states and districts. Their absence raises questions about whether some Republicans are concerned that Trump’s current political standing and unpopularity could hurt their own chances at the polls. The discussion examines the growing tensions within the party as candidates weigh their loyalty to Trump against their own electoral prospects. This week, Jenna Amatulli hosts the discussion with Guardian US politics correspondent Rachel Leingang.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Singapore is set to increase the salaries of its political officeholders by as much as 9 per cent, marking the first adjustment to ministerial pay in 15 years. The move has renewed debate over how Singapore determines compensation for its political leaders, including whether salaries should continue to be linked to earnings among the country’s highest-paid private-sector professionals. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman explore the principles behind Singapore’s political pay framework and the broader question of how public service should be valued. They also discuss the issue with Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University (SMU).
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Recent discussions between U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have failed to produce a major breakthrough. Daniel Martin speaks with Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, Professor of Security Studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU, for further analysis of the developments.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
