House Finance Panel Recommends VDA Regulatory Framework, 12 Crore Indians in Ecosystem

SC to Hear PIL Against 0.4% MDR on UPI Transactions Over ₹2000 from Oct 15

The Supreme Court will hear a PIL on September 28, 2026 challenging the government's decision to impose a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions above ₹2,000, effective October 15. The PIL alleges the framework lacks transparency and is arbitrary, questioning amendments to Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act.

Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026 Allows MDR on UPI: Subsidy Falls to ₹2,000 Cr in FY27

UPI, currently free for users, may become chargeable after the government introduced the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Bill allows the government to notify transactions that can attract Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), potentially ending the zero-MDR regime. For students, this is a key economy/polity topic linking digital payments, financial inclusion, and fiscal policy.

NCLT Approves Subhash Chandra's Rs 6.25 Cr Repayment Plan Against Rs 22,006 Cr Claims Under IBC

NCLT sanctioned Subhash Chandra's personal insolvency repayment plan of mere Rs 6.25 crore against admitted claims of Rs 22,006.57 crore, raising serious concerns about related party voting and inadequate claim verification. Banks have alleged that 61.78% voting share in favour came from entities linked to Chandra, potentially undermining the integrity of the IBC resolution process.

ED Identifies Recurring IBC Malpractices Including Section 29A Circumvention and Disproportionate Haircuts

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has flagged misuse of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) by defaulting promoters who use collusive resolution processes with disproportionately large haircuts to regain control of their companies. This comes amid growing concerns over low creditor recoveries (average 29% over five years) and legal tensions between IBC's moratorium/immunity provisions and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Students must understand the conflict between resolution and recovery objectives, key sections (14, 29A, 32A), and the ED's intervention strategy.

Lok Sabha Passes Bill Amending Payment Act to Allow Charges on UPI Transactions

Lok Sabha passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 which amends the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 to allow the government to permit banks and service providers to levy charges on UPI and other notified electronic payment modes. This marks a major policy shift from the current zero-charge regime for UPI transactions.

Govt Proposes 0.25-0.5% MDR on UPI Transactions Above ₹2,000 via PSS Act Amendment

The government has proposed allowing a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.25-0.5% on UPI transactions above ₹2,000 via an amendment to Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. This reverses a decade-long zero-MDR policy, potentially undermining financial inclusion, formalisation, and investment in UPI infrastructure. While only 5% of transactions by volume are affected, they account for 65% of transaction value, making this a significant policy shift.

JCRA Upgrades India's Sovereign Rating to A- on 7.7% GDP Growth, NPA Ratio Falls to 1.8%

Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCRA) upgraded India's sovereign rating to A- from BBB+, citing strong economic growth of 7.7% in FY2026, robust private consumption, public investment, and improvements in the banking sector. The upgrade reflects India's sustained growth trajectory and enhanced financial stability, with gross NPA ratio falling to 1.8% due to IBC and RBI supervision.

Govt Notifies Payment Act Changes: No Charges on UPI/RuPay Transactions Up to ₹2,000

The government has amended the Payment and Settlement Act, 2007, to prohibit banks from imposing any charges on UPI and RuPay debit card transactions up to ₹2,000. This move aims to protect small digital payments from fees while leaving the door open for potential charges on larger transfers.