Why in News? The Government has introduced a new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for UPI, effective October 15, 2026, under which charges will apply to certain merchant transactions exceeding ₹2,000. About the UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) Framework, 2026 The Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is a fee charged within the merchant payment ecosystem for processing digital…
As 2025 quietly bows out and 2026 steps in, calendars change—but for UPSC aspirants, time feels circular. The notification is just around the corner. With it comes the familiar rhythm: anticipation, anxiety, revision, resolve. Another cycle begins. And yet, if we pause for a moment, we’ll realize something important: while the cycle looks the same…
Date: June 5, 2025 Host Country: Republic of Korea Theme: #BeatPlasticPollution World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5th, is a pivotal occasion to reflect on our planet’s health and our collective responsibility towards its preservation. In 2025, this day gains heightened significance as the Republic of Korea hosts the global celebrations in Jeju Special…
In a groundbreaking development for Indian agriculture, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has introduced the nation’s first genome-edited rice varieties: DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1. This major leap forward signals a transformative moment in sustainable farming, promising higher yields, improved climate resilience, and efficient water usage — critical factors…
New Delhi, September 4, 2025 – In a sweeping move aimed at simplifying India’s complex indirect tax structure, the GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, unveiled a landmark reform on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Key changes include shrinking the existing four GST slabs into just two—5% and 18%—while introducing a 40% “sin and luxury”…
