Top national news from across India
President Droupadi Murmu wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, highlighting his 25 years in public service and his contribution to governance and inclusive development.
A petition filed in the Supreme Court has questioned the Centre’s move to introduce Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on certain UPI transactions above ₹2,000. The plea, filed by advocate Anjan Datta, names the Union Government, RBI and NPCI as respondents and seeks to set aside the recent notifications linked to the proposed charges.
The Centre has cleared ₹2,077.18 crore for upgrading a 31.02-km stretch of NH-327 between Bagdogra, Panitanki, Kharibari and Galgalia in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, with major infrastructure planned for smoother and safer movement.
India’s real GDP expanded by 7.8% in the first quarter of FY27, beating the Reserve Bank of India’s earlier 7% projection. Strong manufacturing, services, investment, consumption and exports helped sustain economic momentum despite global uncertainties.
BJP MP Sambit Patra said the party will explain Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Sapt Shakti’ vision to the public, describing the seven areas as a roadmap for India’s future growth.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the two-day NSS Conference 2026, bringing together more than 850 security officials, police officers and experts to discuss terrorism, intelligence, cybercrime, infiltration and other emerging national security threats.
Assam is in the final stage of selecting a private-sector partner to develop its own earth observation satellite, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma saying the project will strengthen data-driven governance and support sectors including agriculture, disaster management and border security.
The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill giving the Centre power to introduce charges on UPI and other digital payment methods in the future.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described their interaction as detailed and enriching.
Reviewing emergency preparedness, manpower, response mechanisms and operational readiness. He also inspected Watgunge and Ekbalpore police stations to assess public service delivery and administrative efficiency.
Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with the alleged municipal recruitment scam. Earlier, the ED had questioned his wife and two sons as part of the investigation. Before entering the ED office, Mitra denied all corruption allegations and said he would fully cooperate with the probe.
A Toto driver’s honesty and the quick action of Jalpaimore Traffic Guard helped a passenger recover a lost smartphone. Inspector Bivash Adhikary safely took custody of the device and ensured it was returned to its rightful owner, reflecting the commitment and integrity of Siliguri Metropolitan Traffic Police.