The government has clarified that UPI payments will remain free for users, even as a new law allows charges to be introduced on some transactions. Person-to-person payments will continue to have no fees, while most merchant transactions will also remain free. The government said a nominal, threshold-based Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) could be introduced for a limited group of merchant payments in the future. It said the move is aimed at supporting UPI’s long-term sustainability, cybersecurity, fraud prevention and infrastructure upgrades. The government also rejected claims of external influence, calling them “unfounded, completely false and misleading.” (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche has been narrowly confirmed as the US attorney general after a 50-49 Senate vote. Blanche, who had served as acting attorney general since April, secured confirmation after Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposing him. Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote, saying Blanche was the best option Trump would put forward. Blanche faced scrutiny over his handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund. Murkowski cited concerns about the politicisation of the Justice Department. Blanche said he was “deeply honoured” by Trump’s trust and confidence. (PC: BBC)

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, has backed the Women’s Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill, a day after Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At a meeting in Chandigarh, SAD leaders demanded the immediate implementation of women’s reservation and supported a “fair and equitable” delimitation process. The party also backed the Centre’s proposal for a uniform 50% increase in parliamentary seats across all states. SAD leader Naresh Gujral said the decision was logical, noting that the party has long supported women’s reservation and considers delimitation necessary. The move comes amid renewed political discussions over the SAD-BJP relationship. (PC: HT)

Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68 after a long battle with illness, reports said. He passed away on Friday night at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s hometown. Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s boyhood club, confirmed his death and paid tribute to Jorge for his role in supporting his son’s football career. Jorge was closely involved in major decisions throughout Messi’s career, including his move from Argentina to Barcelona and later transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. The family had earlier denied reports of his death during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (PC: India Today)

Ranjit Bajaj has changed his stance on joining India’s U-15 football team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan. He had earlier rejected the team manager role, citing differences with head coach Bibiano Fernandes over footballing philosophies. Bajaj has now said he is ready to take up the role if Fernandes is not involved and he is given full control. In an Instagram video, Bajaj said two coaches with different visions cannot work together. He also said his decisions are guided by India’s long-term goals for the 2034 World Cup and 2036 Olympics. (PC: NDTV)

Portugal After Being Promised ₹1.5 Lakh Job   A 28-year-old woman from Nagpur was allegedly trafficked to Portugal after a Pune-based consultancy promised her a cashier’s job paying ₹1.5 lakh a month. The woman reportedly paid around ₹11 lakh in installments for visa and other paperwork after contacting ‘We Migrate’ through Instagram. After reaching Portugal, her passport was allegedly seized and she was held captive for 2 days before being sold to a beer shop owner. She was allegedly forced to work and subjected to physical and mental torture. After nearly a month, she escaped through Lisbon and Madrid and returned to India via Doha. Pune police have booked 8 accused. (PC: NDTV)

Uttarakhand’s Renu Dhariyal has entered the Guinness World Records for having the longest hair on a living woman. Her hair measures an astonishing 271.50 cm, or 8 feet 10 inches. Dhariyal’s hair was measured and verified in Haldwani in April after she had grown it continuously since 2015 without cutting it. She said her decision was partly inspired by Indian cultural traditions, where long hair has long been linked with beauty. Maintaining her exceptionally long hair requires hours of washing and detangling. Dhariyal also makes natural hair-care products and shares beauty tips online, turning years of patience and care into a world record. (PC: India Today)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has expressed “complete solidarity” with students protesting in Ranchi over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment examinations. A CJP delegation, led by Mukesh and Akshay Shinde, arrived in Jharkhand to extend support to the protesting aspirants. The development came as the Jharkhand government held talks with several student groups but failed to end the agitation. Protesters are demanding action on alleged irregularities, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination. The government said the demands were genuine and would be placed before Chief Minister Hemant Soren for consideration. (PC: HT)

Russia is exploring a possible railway route to India through Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan as it seeks alternative trade corridors amid risks to key shipping routes. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said a rail connection toward the Indian Ocean could help reduce dependence on routes affected by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bosphorus. The proposal could provide Russia with another route for reaching markets in South Asia. The plan remains at the exploration stage, with several countries potentially involved. The proposed corridor could also strengthen economic and transport ties between Russia and India. (PC: X)

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and described the meeting as “a morning to cherish”. Chadha called the interaction detailed and enriching but did not disclose what was discussed. The meeting comes months before the Punjab Assembly elections and has sparked political interest in the state. Chadha joined the BJP earlier this year after leaving the Aam Aadmi Party along with 6 other MPs. He is expected to play an active role in Punjab, where the BJP is looking to expand its support. The meeting came a day after SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met Modi. (PC: India Today)