![Illustration about Economy: Taxation & GST: The [Supreme Court of India] has refused to stay a government decision imposing a 0.4% **Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)**](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-28%2Fif-neither-tax-nor-fee-what-is-this-expropriation-supreme-court-asks-govt-on-upi-mdr-charges-d222fadc.png&w=1200&q=75)
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If neither tax nor fee, what is this ‘expropriation’, Supreme Court asks Govt on UPI MDR charges
The [Supreme Court of India] has refused to stay a government decision imposing a 0.4% **Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)** on specific Person-to-Merchant (P2M) [Unified Payments Interface] (UPI) transactions exceeding ₹2,000. However, the Court, questioning the legal nature of this charge, termed it a potential 'expropriation' since it is neither a tax nor a fee.
![Illustration about Polity & Governance: The [Kerala High Court] has ruled that the Central government possesses the authority to invoke provisions of the [Paten](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-28%2Fcentre-should-intervene-when-patented-medicines-are-sold-at-exorbitant-rate-kerala-hc-73c5cded.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadCentre should intervene when patented medicines are sold at exorbitant rate: Kerala HC
The [Kerala High Court] has ruled that the Central government possesses the authority to invoke provisions of the [Patents Act, 1970] to manufacture and distribute patented medicines on a non-commercial basis to the public, particularly addressing exorbitant pricing. The ruling stemmed from a petition concerning Ribociclib, an expensive breast cancer medication, highlighting the tension between intellectual property rights and the fundamental right to health.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes
Must ReadUAE to invest another $25 billion in India, eyes energy bets
Following the 14th India-UAE Investment Task Force meeting, the UAE has indicated an intent to invest an additional $25 billion in India, aiming for a long-term goal of $100 billion. The countries are exploring 'energy bridges' including strategic petroleum reserves and subsea pipelines for gas transport, while also aiming to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032 and increase local currency settlement.
Read on Economic TimesDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Health & Public Health: The [Madras High Court] dismissed a review petition by the [Food Safety and Standards Authority of India] (FSSAI) regard](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-28%2Fmadras-high-court-refuses-to-review-its-order-on-micronano-plastics-warning-labels-on-bottled-water-sugar-and-salt-7bf63b22.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadMadras High Court refuses to review its order on micro/nano plastics warning labels on bottled water, sugar, and salt
The [Madras High Court] dismissed a review petition by the [Food Safety and Standards Authority of India] (FSSAI) regarding its order mandating warning labels for micro/nano plastics on bottled water, sugar, and salt. The FSSAI argued that scientific evidence on the health impacts of microplastics remains inconclusive and such warnings could cause public panic and disrupt supply chains.
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Must ReadEl Nino threatens rabi crops in rainfed areas, may affect foodgrain output: Agri Secy
The Agriculture Secretary has warned that the upcoming rabi (winter) season will be challenging for rainfed areas due to the impending El Nino weather pattern, potentially impacting foodgrain production. The government is emphasizing crop diversification, climate-resilient agriculture, infrastructure development, and digital integration (like the Farmer ID initiative) to mitigate these risks.
Read on Economic TimesDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Polity & Governance: The [Supreme Court of India] has strongly criticized the [Food Safety and Standards Authority of India] (FSSAI) for prop](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-28%2Fsc-questions-fssai-over-its-proposed-timeline-for-implementation-of-front-of-package-labelling-232584d1.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadSC questions FSSAI over its proposed timeline for implementation of front-of-package labelling
The [Supreme Court of India] has strongly criticized the [Food Safety and Standards Authority of India] (FSSAI) for proposing a delayed, phased implementation of Front-of-Package Labelling (FoPL) on packaged foods. The FSSAI plans to introduce a red hexagonal warning label for foods high in sugar, fat, and salt, but the Court questioned the need for a one-year voluntary compliance period and a lengthy consultation process, emphasizing the urgency of the matter concerning public health.
Must ReadCentre to send teams to assess drought in Karnataka, Maharashtra: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
The Union Agriculture Minister announced that central teams will be sent to Karnataka and Maharashtra to assess the drought situation following the *kharif* season. These states, along with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, are facing a looming drought crisis due to changing weather patterns and climate change impacts, prompting concerns about the upcoming *rabi* season.
![Illustration about Polity & Governance: A [Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)] is examining the [Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026], which](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-28%2Fjpc-on-fcra-amendment-bill-to-hold-second-meeting-tomorrow-d60278c8.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadJPC on FCRA Amendment bill to hold second meeting tomorrow
A [Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)] is examining the [Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026], which aims to tighten the rules for NGOs receiving foreign funding. The bill proposes stricter reporting, digitised compliance, and tighter oversight to prevent misuse.
![Illustration about Economy: The [European Union]’s [Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism] (CBAM), transitioning into its definitive phase in 2026, imp](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-28%2Findias-bid-to-keep-carbon-cash-home-as-europe-adds-a-new-trade-cost-63c5106c.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadIndia’s bid to keep carbon cash home as Europe adds a new trade cost
The [European Union]’s [Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism] (CBAM), transitioning into its definitive phase in 2026, imposes a carbon tax on specific imports, prompting India to strengthen its domestic [Carbon Credit Trading Scheme] (CCTS). The [United Kingdom] will implement a similar mechanism in 2027 and has agreed to recognize India's CCTS, allowing domestic carbon payments to offset overseas charges.
Read on Economic TimesDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Polity & Governance: A recent press note by the [Election Commission of India (ECI)] highlighted internal dissent, with two Election Commissi](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-28%2Fin-need-of-an-overhaul-on-the-election-commission-of-indias-press-note-d8a5d050.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadIn need of an overhaul: on the Election Commission of India’s press note
A recent press note by the [Election Commission of India (ECI)] highlighted internal dissent, with two Election Commissioners raising administrative objections against decisions made under the Chief Election Commissioner. The editorial criticizes the ECI's handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, particularly concerning mass deletions of voters in states like West Bengal, raising concerns about the ECI's autonomy and the constitutionality of such large-scale voter roll purges.
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