Fed rate hike: Will your savings earn more while your debt costs more?

The Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, the first hike in over three years. This change will influence savings and borrowing costs, potentially raising deposit rates for savers while increasing costs for credit-card users and personal loans. As households adjust, borrowers should reduce debt, and savers should explore high-yield accounts for better returns.

Banks Gang Enterprise: Lil Durk faces second trial over ‘criminal organisation’

Lil Durk was acquitted of five murder-for-hire charges but remains in custody facing new allegations, including murder in furtherance of racketeering in an upcoming trial set for October 5. The charges relate to his alleged leadership of the "Banks Gang Enterprise," which prosecutors claim engaged in violent crime to maintain power, with ties to notable incidents in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Georgia.

Suriya, Jyotika renew wedding vows after 20 years: ‘A celebration of us’

Suriya and Jyotika celebrated 20 years of marriage with a heartfelt vow renewal ceremony, surrounded by family and friends. The couple, who met during the 1999 film *Poovellam Kettuppar*, expressed their love through emotional vows, emphasizing the beauty of their imperfections and shared journey. Jyotika's note highlighted gratitude, growth, and their deep bond.

UP Cabinet decisions: 900 new courts, PRD allowance hike among 23 proposals cleared

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the establishment of 900 new courts to address the backlog of 1.2 million pending cases, including HJS, Civil Judge (Senior and Junior Division) courts, which will create over 6,600 jobs with an annual cost of Rs 693.59 crore. This is part of a broader legal and infrastructural initiative to enhance justice and development in the state.

‘Modi tax’: Opposition slams Centre over UPI charges on merchant transactions

From October 15, a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over ₹2,000 will be implemented, which critics call the "Modi Tax." Essential sectors face a flat ₹5 fee, while P2P transfers remain free. Opposition leaders argue this burdens merchants, leading to higher consumer prices, and accuse the government of capitulating to US pressures.

UP Cabinet rationalises stamp duty, registration fees on leases up to 10 years

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved a streamlined stamp duty and registration fee structure for lease agreements under ten years, specifically benefiting those with annual rents above Rs 10 lakh, aiming to enhance tenancy registration and support the Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Urban Premises Tenancy Act, 2021, amid widespread issues of unregistered leases. Additionally, the cabinet revised the State Policy for Automated Testing Stations to ensure vehicle fitness testing through automated systems, promoting safety and job opportunities without financial burden on the state.

US judge blocks Trump admin’s new visa rules for foreign students, journalists

A US court has blocked the Trump administration's new visa restrictions for foreign students, which were to take effect on September 15, following a successful challenge by educators and unions. The ruling protects the current "duration of status" policy, allowing foreign students to maintain their legal status. Concerns about the negative impact on US higher education and student enrollment were emphasized by District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, who criticized the government’s rationale as insufficient. This decision is crucial for over 360,000 Indian students and addresses declining application rates from India amid restrictive immigration policies.

Embassy Developments targets ₹4,500 crore revenue from two Bengaluru projects

Embassy Developments Limited plans to invest ₹4,500 crore in two housing projects in Bengaluru, launching the 85-acre Embassy Origins residential township. It will feature 217 villas and 855 apartments, totaling over 2.6 million sq ft of saleable area. Designed by Bhumiputra Architecture, the project emphasizes natural landscaping and connectivity to key city locations, boosting the firm’s regional expansion.

‘ ₹32K flat becomes ₹40K’: Bengaluru man on house-hunting struggle

Finding a rental home in Bengaluru is increasingly challenging, as Reddit users share frustrations about misleading listings and sudden rent hikes, with one user stating the experience feels like a full-time job. Many report that decent flats vanish quickly due to high demand and unresponsive brokers, worsening the already difficult house-hunting process in the city.

Apple faces Indian consumer body probe over iPhone issues after iOS 18 update

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is intensifying its investigation into Apple Inc. following ongoing technical issues reported by iPhone users after the iOS 18 rollout. Complaints persist despite a year since the CCPA's initial inquiry. LocalCircles' recent survey indicates rising grievances, prompting further scrutiny and renewed calls for class action against Apple, emphasizing the need for consumer relief.

Ludhiana: Padma Shri awardee calls for change in police attitude

Retired IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sidhu, a Padma Shri awardee, urged police to adopt a more compassionate approach towards youth, emphasizing that encouragement can help them reintegrate into society. He shared a personal story of a youth he helped, underscoring the importance of empathy in law enforcement. Sidhu's advocacy for community welfare follows his 35 years of police service.

Gujarat cops to question Google on 5 lakh fake Gmail IDs linked to hoax threats

Gujarat Police plans to question Google regarding its safeguards after discovering a criminal network that created over 500,000 fake Gmail accounts to send bomb threats. Two arrests were made as authorities reported links to a Bangladeshi buyer. This investigation was initiated after a September 10 threat ahead of the BRICS summit, revealing significant security gaps within Google’s platform.

Why is Bitcoin falling today? Fed hike fears, CLARITY Act vote weigh

Bitcoin dropped 3% amid investor caution ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and the Senate's vote on the CLARITY Act. A projected rate hike may pressure cryptocurrencies, while uncertainties about the bill's passage raise concerns over regulatory clarity for the crypto industry. This follows a recovery phase for Bitcoin, which recently lost ground.

J’khand min Kishore meets Guv, seeks immediate removal of NPU V-C

Finance Minister Radhakrishan Kishore urged Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar to immediately remove Vice-Chancellor Dinesh Kumar Singh of Nilamber Pitamber University amid allegations of financial misconduct, citing concerns over evidence tampering. The Governor had already suspended Singh's powers following an audit revealing embezzlement of crores, highlighting multiple financial irregularities at the institution necessitating a high-level inquiry.

J’khand HC continues stay on JPSC/JSSC recruitment cancellation, gives govt 48 hrs to respond

The Jharkhand High Court upheld its stay on the government’s cancellation of the JPSC 11-13 and JSSC-CGL recruitment exams, crucial for over 2,000 employees. The court criticized the government's arbitrary actions and granted only 48 hours for a status report, with a follow-up hearing set for Friday. This legal dispute arose from allegations of irregularities and a controversial late-night notification.

3 teenage girls missing for a week, FIR registered in Ludhiana

Nearly a week after three teenage girls went missing from Guru Gobind Singh Nagar, police registered an FIR against unidentified individuals when efforts to locate them failed. Muskan, 19, Radhika, 17, and Nancy, 16, were last seen together on September 8, prompting an investigation initiated after a complaint from Muskan's mother. Police efforts are ongoing.

Noida workers’ protest: Allahabad HC defers journalist Satyam Verma’s bail plea

The Allahabad High Court deferred journalist Satyam Verma's bail plea till September 23 amid eleven criminal cases tied to the 2026 Noida workers’ protest. The state seeks to oppose bail based on parity with a co-accused previously granted bail. Verma, arrested for alleged roles in protest-related violence, has faced accusations of inciting disorder among workers demanding better wages and conditions.

Rahul Gandhi meets Congress secretaries ahead of reshuffle buzz

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, met Congress secretaries to evaluate their performance ahead of an impending organizational reshuffle. This meeting, attended by general secretaries, emphasized the need for secretaries to engage more with states. Leaders expressed concerns over defined roles and opportunities, in contrast, a close associate of Rahul defended the structure, asserting that performance determines opportunities.

Indian teams in Uzbekistan for Chess Olympiad 2026 wait 5 hours for hotel rooms

India's defending champion chess teams faced significant delays upon arrival at the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with players waiting over five hours for hotel accommodations. Complaints from team members, including captions from leaders Srinath Narayanan and Vidit Gujrathi, highlighted the frustrations. The Uzbekistan Chess Federation assured that the situation is being resolved as matches approach.

Ludhiana swimmers shine as state bags 22 medals at national tourney

Ludhiana swimmers were pivotal in Punjab's success at the 22nd National Masters Swimming Championships, contributing to a total of 22 medals, including five golds, six silvers, and 11 bronzes. The event, featuring over 1,300 competitors, was held in Bahadurgarh, Haryana. Notable performances included Abhipsha Thakur's four medals and Meera Sood’s silver after a 30-year hiatus, with this championship also serving as a qualifier for the Asian Masters Championship in Bengaluru.

IOA announces awards in memory of Randhir Singh and Jaspal Rana

Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha announced two new awards honoring legendary shooters Randhir Singh and Jaspal Rana, who both passed away this year. The Raja Randhir Singh Memorial Trophy will recognize the best male athlete at the Asian Games, while the Jaspal Rana Memorial Trophy will honor the best female athlete. Usha emphasized their legacy in developing champions and representing India. Singh, a five-time Olympian, significantly impacted sports administration, while Jaspal was a shooting prodigy and dedicated coach.

Ludhiana: Autopsy reveals multiple bullet wounds in encounter deaths

In a police encounter near Atam Park, alleged shooters Karanjot Singh alias Nona and Gurpreet Gopi were killed, suffering multiple bullet wounds that damaged vital organs, confirmed by autopsies conducted by a medical board. Police claim the duo was sent to target a blood donation camp linked to former sarpanch Ravi Khwajke, who was killed in 2016.

Indian team left stranded for hours without hotel rooms

National teams at the Samarkand Olympiad faced significant accommodation issues upon arrival, with players waiting hours for hotel rooms, leading to frustrations expressed on social media by participants like India's Srinath Narayanan and Wales' Jonathan Blackburn. These organizational lapses highlighted concerns over player conditions, recalling the positive experiences of the previous Olympiad in Chennai.

Can merchants pass UPI charges to buyers? Key questions on MDR answered

The NPCI announced a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over ₹2,000, effective October 15, 2026, aimed at supporting UPI infrastructure and innovation. Merchants cannot pass these charges to consumers, maintaining posted prices. Small vendors receiving under ₹1 lakh monthly through UPI maintain zero MDR, while select industries face a flat ₹5 fee for higher transactions.

4 months on, Ludhiana MC yet to clear trees, power pole for Mall Road project

Four months after the Mall Road-Bharat Nagar Chowk intersection expansion, the municipal corporation has not begun to remove three trees and an electricity pole essential for the slip road project aimed at alleviating ongoing traffic congestion. Officials remain uncertain about timelines for construction and safety measures, raising concerns over potential hazards for commuters. The intersection is part of a broader road improvement initiative.

Why are potatoes not stored in the refrigerator?

Refrigerating potatoes negatively impacts their taste and texture, causing them to become sweet and gritty due to starch degradation and sugar hydrolysis. Additionally, cooking refrigerated potatoes at high temperatures can produce acrylamide, a chemical linked to cancer risks. Proper potato storage involves choosing well-inspected, unblemished specimens in ventilated containers kept in cool, dark locations.

Mirzapur The Movie box office collection day 12: Ali Fazal film nears ₹200 crore

"Mirzapur: The Movie" has emerged as a major box office success, grossing ₹194.38 crore in just over two weeks, outperforming expectations with a ₹25.75 crore opening. Directed by Gurmeet Singh and featuring returning stars like Divyenndu and Pankaj Tripathi, the film explores new stories from the Mirzapur universe, originally launched as a popular streaming series in 2018.

FDA suspends licence of Mumbai’s Cafe Mondegar for food safety violations

The FDA has suspended the license of Mumbai’s Cafe Mondegar due to serious food safety and hygiene violations found during a September 12 inspection, including inadequate drainage and improper food temperature maintenance. Established in 1932, the restaurant was known for its unique features. The FDA also suspended additional outlets and seized 30 litres of milk and over 4,100 kg of dairy products.

Kishau Dam pact to boost irrigation, water security in UP, says Yogi

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the Kishau Dam project will enhance irrigation and drinking water availability in Uttar Pradesh while sustaining the Yamuna's flow. The MoU was signed by six state leaders, emphasizing cooperation for water security and agricultural advancement. Union Minister Amit Shah hailed the project as a pivotal historical development for the region.

2027 UP poll prep: SP’s 15-day Gen Z outreach drive begins

The Samajwadi Party launched a 15-day youth outreach program, "Youth Jodo, Booth Mazboot Karo," to connect with Gen Z voters in Uttar Pradesh for the 2027 assembly elections. Led by SP Chhatra Sabha, the initiative focuses on enrolling young members, discussing past government schemes, and gathering feedback for a youth manifesto, starting at Lucknow University. The campaign aims to expand the party's presence among young voters dissatisfied with the current government while promoting a youth-centric image through discussions, enrollment, and a tree plantation drive.