1. India’s Digital Payments Expansion: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has allowed WhatsApp to extend its payment services to its entire user base of over 500 million, enhancing the reach of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. Additionally, the NPCI has extended the deadline for implementing a market share cap for digital payment firms, benefiting companies like PhonePe and Google Pay.
2. India Tops Asian IPO Rankings: India has surpassed China as Asia’s leading market for initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2024, driven by high stock prices and strong domestic investment. Companies such as Swiggy and Hyundai Motor have contributed to this achievement, making India the world’s second-largest equity fundraising market after the US.
3. US Influencer Discusses Indian Dinner Traditions: A US-based influencer’s video has gone viral, highlighting the differences in dinner traditions between the US and India. She shared her experience of attending an Indian dinner party where food was served later than she expected, sparking discussions on cultural norms.
4. Japanese Tourist’s Experience in India: A Japanese tourist’s account of her experiences in India has gained attention online. She praised the local food and the helpfulness of people but expressed discomfort with the loud honking and music, describing them as “relentless.”
5. CISF Jawan’s Tragic Incident at Surat Airport: A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan reportedly shot himself dead inside a washroom at Surat International Airport. Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances leading to this tragic event.
6. Explosion at Fireworks Factory in Tamil Nadu: An explosion at a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, resulted in six fatalities. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast and assessing safety protocols at the facility.
7. Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Notably, Parvesh Verma is set to contest against incumbent Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
8. Triple Talaq Case in Uttar Pradesh: Police in Uttar Pradesh are investigating a case where a man allegedly divorced his wife through triple talaq over a video call. The case has brought attention to the enforcement of laws against the practice, which was criminalized in India.
9. Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 Inaugurated: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 in Delhi, aiming to showcase rural India’s cultural heritage and promote sustainable development initiatives.
10. R Chidambaram Passes Away at 88: Renowned nuclear scientist R Chidambaram, known for his pivotal role in India’s nuclear program, has passed away at the age of 88. He was instrumental in the success of Operation Smiling Buddha, India’s first nuclear test in 1974.