India's free UPI payment ecosystem could soon witness its biggest policy shift since launch. The government has proposed amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act that create a legal framework for introducing Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on selected digital payment modes in the future.

While no immediate charges have been announced, reports suggest the government is considering a 0.25% to 0.4% merchant fee on UPI transactions above ₹2,000 made to businesses. Person-to-person transfers are expected to remain free, while larger merchants could bear the charges based on their annual turnover.

UPI Payments May No Longer Be Free? Government Eyes Merchant Charges

As China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) convenes, a major military shakeup unfolds. Fourteen PLA officials have been removed amid a widening corruption investigation, signaling Xi Jinping’s tightening grip on the armed forces. The annual political gathering, often seen as China’s largest political festival, now highlights a deepening corruption crackdown within military ranks.

China’s NPC begins amid military purge and corruption crackdown

The Chinese government has proposed a defense budget of 1.67 trillion yuan ($231 billion) for the 2024 fiscal year, a 7.2 percent year-on-year increase, according to a draft budget report submitted to the national legislature on Tuesday morning.

China National People's Congress: China vows to 'resolutely oppose' Taiwan Independence Day 2024

China has begun its annual National People's Congress meeting, the NPC is a part of the "two sessions and is an important window into Beijing's policies". The meeting this year is crucial this year as it will formalise President Xi Jinping's third time in the top office.

China begins National Party Congress, sets modest growth target

China's defence spending to rise, will spend $225 billion on Defence in 2023

China's National People's Congress is concluding its annual meeting today (March 11). The week-long meeting saw the gathering of countries political elites to discuss the geopolitical and economic challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China: 13th National People's Congress concludes its meet

After the coronavirus outbreak, face masks have become potent symbols in how leaders have responded to a public health crisis that often collides with politics and economic concerns.

But despite being one of the first countries in the world to authorize vaccines for use, China has said nothing about the vaccination status of its top leaders, who all including President Xi Jinping.

Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared without face masks in Beijing at the gathering of the National People’s Congress and its advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Not only Xi but Chinese Premier Li Keqiang moved around the Great Hall of the People mask-free.

Meanwhile, China has been stepping up coronavirus vaccine production as it looks to vaccinate its 1.4 billion population and boost its vaccine diplomacy to make strategic gains.&nbsp;

Last Friday, China welcomed India supplying more COVID-19 vaccines to a number of countries, playing down reports that New Delhi has beaten Beijing in its vaccine diplomacy around the world.

Responding to a question on a report that India has beaten China at its own game of vaccine diplomacy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin during a media briefing said, "We welcome that and hope to see more countries taking actions to provide vaccines to the world, especially developing countries, to help with the global response".

"China has been overcoming domestic difficulties to provide vaccines to other countries in concrete measure," he said, flagging China's own vaccine requirement to inoculate its 1.4 billion population.

He reiterated that China has been providing vaccines to 53 countries and exporting vaccines to 27 countries, amid reports that many of those countries are yet to receive Chinese vaccines or the promised quantities.&nbsp;

The coronavirus has mostly been brought under control inside China's borders, while the country's economy has rapidly rebounded from the damage dealt by the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the coronavirus outbreak, face masks have become potent symbols in how leaders have responded to a public health crisis that often collides with politics and economic concerns.

After the coronavirus outbreak, face masks have become potent symbols in how leaders have responded to a public health crisis that often collides with politics and economic concerns. But despite being one of the first countries in the world to authorize vaccines for use, China has said nothing about the vaccination status of its top leaders, who all including President Xi Jinping. Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared without face masks in Beijing at the gathering of the National People’s Congress and its advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Not only Xi but Chinese Premier Li Keqiang moved around the Great Hall of the People mask-free. Meanwhile, China has been stepping up coronavirus vaccine production as it looks to vaccinate its 1.4 billion population and boost its vaccine diplomacy to make strategic gains. Last Friday, China welcomed India supplying more COVID-19 vaccines to a number of countries, playing down reports that New Delhi has beaten Beijing in its vaccine diplomacy around the world. Responding to a question on a report that India has beaten China at its own game of vaccine diplomacy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin during a media briefing said, "We welcome that and hope to see more countries taking actions to provide vaccines to the world, especially developing countries, to help with the global response". "China has been overcoming domestic difficulties to provide vaccines to other countries in concrete measure," he said, flagging China's own vaccine requirement to inoculate its 1.4 billion population. He reiterated that China has been providing vaccines to 53 countries and exporting vaccines to 27 countries, amid reports that many of those countries are yet to receive Chinese vaccines or the promised quantities. The coronavirus has mostly been brought under control inside China's borders, while the country's economy has rapidly rebounded from the damage dealt by the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi Jinping appears without face mask at National People’s Congress

The State Council on Saturday submitted a proposal to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) on extending the current term of the members of Hong Kong's Legislative Council.

China plans to extend tenure of Hong Kong lawmakers

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