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Investing Through UPI? Understanding the Special MDR Rules for Investment-Related Payments

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Digital payments have transformed the way individuals and businesses transfer money, make purchases and manage financial transactions. Among the various digital payment methods available in India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become an important part of everyday financial activity. While UPI is widely known for its convenience and speed, merchants and businesses need to understand that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) rules can differ depending on the nature of the transaction. Certain investment-related categories are subject to a separate MDR structure, making it important for businesses, financial intermediaries and customers to understand how these charges work. Under the special MDR structure highlighted in the latest update, UPI payments involving specified investment-related categories can attract an MDR of 0.02% of the transaction value , subject to a maximum MDR of ₹300 per transaction . This blog explains the key aspects of the special UPI MDR structure and what busi...
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💳 UPI MDR Rules Revised – What Merchants Need to Know

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Understanding the New UPI Merchant Payment Framework Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become one of the most widely used digital payment systems in India. From neighbourhood shops and restaurants to large businesses and service providers, merchants increasingly depend on UPI to receive payments quickly and conveniently. A significant change is now coming to the way certain UPI merchant transactions are handled. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced a revised Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for select Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions . The framework is scheduled to become effective from 15 October 2026 . Under the new framework, specified P2M transactions above ₹2,000 will attract an MDR of 0.4% , subject to applicable categories, exemptions and caps. For transactions of ₹75,000 and above, the MDR is capped at ₹300 per transaction . At the same time, UPI remains free for Person-to-Person (P2P) transactions, and merchant payments up to ₹2,00...
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📢 EPFO Wage Ceiling Raised from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000: What Employees and Employers Need to Know

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A Major Change in EPF Social Security Coverage The Government of India has announced a significant change in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) framework. The wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage has been increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month . The Union Cabinet approved the proposal on 16 September 2026 , and the revised wage ceiling will come into effect from 17 September 2026 . According to the Government, the change is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees within mandatory EPFO coverage. This is an important development for both employees and employers because the wage ceiling has a direct connection with statutory provident fund coverage and access to social-security benefits. The earlier ₹15,000 ceiling had remained unchanged since September 2014. The latest revision therefore represents an important update to the EPFO framework after more than a decade. What Is the EPFO Wage Ceiling? The EPFO wage ceiling is the statutory wage thresho...
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💳 UPI Update: MDR on Select Merchant Transactions Above ₹2,000

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Understanding the New UPI Merchant Discount Rate Framework Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed the way individuals and businesses make payments in India. From small retail purchases to large business transactions, UPI has become an important part of the country’s digital payment ecosystem. A significant new development has now been announced for select UPI merchant transactions above ₹2,000 . Under the revised framework, a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.4% will apply to specified Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions above ₹2,000, with the new framework coming into effect from 15 October 2026 . Importantly, this does not mean that customers will suddenly have to pay a UPI transaction fee. Person-to-Person (P2P) UPI transactions will remain free, while merchant payments up to ₹2,000 will also remain outside the standard MDR framework. For businesses, however, understanding the new rules is important because the cost structure associated with accepting certain highe...
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CBI Arrests CGST Superintendent and Consultant in Alleged ₹1 Crore Bribery Case: What Businesses Should Know

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  Title: CBI Arrests CGST Superintendent & Consultant in ₹1 Crore Bribery Case Description: CBI arrests a CGST Superintendent and consultant over an alleged ₹1 crore bribe demand linked to a New Panvel redevelopment project. Read the key facts and compliance lessons. Keywords: CGST bribery case, CBI CGST arrest, ₹1 crore bribe case, GST corruption case, CGST Superintendent arrest, GST compliance, CBI investigation, New Panvel redevelopment, tax administration, anti-corruption CBI Action in Alleged ₹1 Crore Bribery Case Involving CGST Officials A recent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case involving a CGST Superintendent and a consultant has drawn attention to the importance of transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in government-related transactions. According to reports published on September 11–12, 2026, the CBI arrested a Superintendent associated with the Land and Building Section of the Commissionerate of CGST and Central Excise, Raigad, along with a CGS...
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Online TDS-TCS Return Correction Now Available on New TRACES Portal: What Deductors Need to Know

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  Title: Online TDS-TCS Return Correction on New TRACES Portal – Q1 FY 2026-27 Description: Online TDS-TCS return correction is now available on the New TRACES Portal. Learn how deductors can address interest-related defaults for Q1 FY 2026-27 more easily. Keywords: New TRACES Portal, TDS return correction, TCS return correction, online TDS correction, TDS default correction, Q1 FY 2026-27, TRACES portal, TDS compliance, TDS return filing, TDS correction without conso file Online TDS-TCS Return Correction on the New TRACES Portal Managing TDS and TCS compliance requires accuracy, timely filing and prompt action whenever a default or discrepancy is identified. Even after submitting a quarterly TDS/TCS statement, deductors may receive communications regarding processing defaults, particularly in relation to interest, late filing or other compliance issues. A new update highlighted by the TRACES communication brings greater convenience to deductors. Online TDS-TCS return correction...
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