Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf faced trolling from Indian and Pakistani fans after criticising India for refusing to accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. Yousuf called India a nation without humility and said pride had become arrogance. India had refused the trophy because Naqvi, Pakistan’s interior minister and ACC chief, was linked to the stance following the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian fans reminded Yousuf of Pakistan’s cricketing struggles, while some Pakistani fans blamed Naqvi for damaging the sport. Reactions included accusations of hypocrisy and demands to hold Naqvi accountable. One Pakistani user questioned Yousuf’s praise, asking him to fear Allah for praising someone publicly described as a violator. (PC: AFP)

The government has announced a new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for select UPI transactions, under which merchants will pay a fee on person-to-merchant (P2M) payments above Rs 2,000, while consumers will continue to use UPI free of charge. The new framework will take effect from October 15, 2026. Under the standard P2M structure, a 0.4% MDR will apply to UPI transactions above Rs 2,000. For transactions of Rs 75,000 and above, the MDR will be capped at Rs 300 per transaction. The charge will be paid by merchants to acquiring banks and cannot be passed on to customers. Thus, consumers will not bear the fee directly when making UPI payments. (PC: Getty Images)

A 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) may be charged on UPI payments above ₹2,000 made to merchants, according to a new proposal. The move is aimed at helping banks and payment companies cover the cost of handling UPI transactions. The proposed charge would apply to merchant payments, while person-to-person transfers would remain free. The government has not yet taken a final decision on introducing the charge. UPI has become one of India’s most widely used payment methods, with millions of transactions made every day. The proposal could affect businesses that receive large-value payments through UPI.

US diesel prices have climbed to record levels just as American farmers begin harvesting corn and soybeans, putting further pressure on already tight farm budgets. The national average reached $5.85 per gallon on September 4 before rising to $6.05 per gallon, according to AAA. That is about 60% higher than the roughly $3.76 average before the US-Israel war with Iran began in late February. Farmers depend heavily on diesel to run combines, tractors and trucks and to transport crops. Rising fuel costs come alongside higher prices for fertiliser, seeds and equipment, squeezing profits and forcing some farmers to delay work. (PC: The Times of India)

The Himalayas are facing a serious water crisis as glaciers are losing mass 65% faster than a decade ago, a new report has warned. Nearly 200 glacial lakes have been identified as high-risk, including 56 classified as very high risk in India. These lakes are linked to major rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna and Brahmaputra, raising concerns over floods, water shortages and the safety of downstream communities. The report says Himalayan water systems underpin more than 20% of India’s GDP, supporting agriculture, hydropower, tourism and millions of livelihoods. It warns the region could reach “peak water” by mid-century. (PC: X)

Gurugram Police have arrested Kalyan Bainsla, the driver accused of ramming his car into woman biker Shivani Chauhan (Sia) on Golf Course Road, along with his cousin Lavnish Gurjar. Both were detained in Dausa, Rajasthan, on Tuesday, days after Sunday's incident went viral. CCTV footage showed Bainsla's white sedan swerving into Sia's Aprilia RS 457, throwing her off the bike. Police added an attempt-to-murder charge, carrying up to 10 years in prison. Bainsla had earlier claimed he didn't know the rider was a woman, a claim Sia has strongly disputed, alleging the attack was deliberate and premeditated. (PC: HT)

India's Chess Olympiad team, led by world champion D Gukesh, faced accommodation chaos after landing in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, ahead of the tournament's opening. Captain Srinath Narayanan said the squad was still waiting for rooms five hours after arrival, with no clarity on when the issue would be resolved. Vidit Gujrathi echoed the frustration, calling it a "very poor first impression" of the Olympiad. The defending champions, who swept gold in both Open and Women's sections at Budapest 2024, are looking to repeat that feat this year, with a record 400 teams competing across both categories starting September 16. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan has raised its bounty on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar from PKR 50 lakh to PKR 70 lakh, listing him as a fugitive in its 2026 Red Book of most-wanted terrorists. India has dismissed the move as a "phoney announcement", calling it a smokescreen timed ahead of the FATF plenary in October to avoid the grey list. New Delhi says Indian intelligence assessments over the past six months show Azhar is actually hiding in Nawabshah, Sindh, contradicting Pakistan's long-standing claim that he fled to Afghanistan. Azhar remains wanted for the Parliament attack, 26/11, Pathankot and Pulwama bombings.

The Pitt won best drama series and Widow's Bay took best comedy series at the 2026 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Monday, while true-crime series DTF St Louis won best limited series. Noah Wyle won lead drama actor for The Pitt, and Rhea Seehorn took lead drama actress for Pluribus. Matthew Rhys made Emmy history, winning both lead comedy actor for Widow's Bay and lead actor in a limited series for The Beast In Me. Jean Smart won lead comedy actress for Hacks, while Sally Field claimed lead actress in a limited series for Remarkably Bright Creatures. (PC: BBC)

As Houthi rebels tighten their grip on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and strike Saudi soil, Riyadh has reportedly sought intelligence assistance from Israel, approached indirectly through US CENTCOM, to help secure the vital waterway. The request comes even as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye remain bound by the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed in August. However, Pakistan's Foreign Office has clarified the pact is defensive in nature, ruling out any immediate military response to the Houthi attacks. The Houthis have already seized Mocha port and Perim Island, threatening a key global shipping route and Saudi oil exports. (PC: India Today)