India in talks with China’s Ant International to link UPI with Alipay+ for cross-border payments

India is in discussions with China-related Ant International to allow integration of the digital payments platform Alipay+ with the country’s instant payments system, Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The move could ease cross-border transactions for Indian travellers across merchants that have signed up with Alipay+, Reuters reported, citing two government sources.This would heavily simplify the overseas…

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Oxford Ashmolean Museum: Oxford museum set to return 500-year-old bronze statue taken from Tamil Nadu temple | India News

Ashmolean museum acquired the statue in 1967. In 2019, a French scholar flagged that its provenance was unclear, leading to a probe A 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar, taken from a temple in Tamil Nadu, is among several Indian heritage items that are being returned to India from the UK.The Ashmolean Museum in…

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Harvard under federal fire: Civil rights probes target admissions bias and campus antisemitism

A new flashpoint has emerged in the ongoing battle over fairness and accountability in American higher education, with Harvard University once again under the federal microscope. The US Department of Education has launched two separate civil rights investigations, sharpening scrutiny on the university’s admissions practices and its handling of campus antisemitism.The action, initiated by the…

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Red carpet, real heroes: TOISA unites Olympians, world champions and para-stars | More sports News

UP CM Yogi Adityanath at the TOISA 2025 in Lucknow. LUCKNOW: The third time, they say, is the charm. The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) returned to Lucknow for the third consecutive year, delivering an evening that seamlessly blended sporting excellence with high-octane glamour, rolling out the red carpet for the royalty of Indian…

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Why China’s Support for Iran is More Rhetorical Than Real | World News

Despite Iran’s critical economic reliance on China, Beijing’s response to strikes on its leader was limited to verbal condemnation and calls for de-escalation. China prioritizes its broader economic interests and balanced regional ties over defending Tehran militarily, demonstrating a strategic calculus that favors diplomacy and deniability over direct intervention or security guarantees. When American and…

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APPSC Group 1 recruitment 2026: Notification expected soon, check eligibility details here

APPSC Group 1 recruitment 2026 The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) is likely to release the Group 1 recruitment notification for 2026 soon. This annual recruitment drive fills top administrative positions in the state, including finance, law, municipal, and revenue services. Aspirants looking to join the AP state government can prepare in advance by…

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‘Condemn attack on critical infrastructure’: PM Modi speaks to Iran president, says ‘shipping lanes must stay open’ | India News

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and condemned attacks on “critical infrastructure” amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.Sharing details of the conversation on X, PM Modi said, “Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.”“Reiterated the importance of…

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‘Nothing but absolute respect’: Marcus Stoinis calls Yuvraj Singh his mentor and hero | Cricket News

Yuvraj Singh and Marcus Stoinis (Agency Image) Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has heaped praise on former India star Yuvraj Singh, describing him more as a mentor than a teammate and saying he commands “nothing but absolute respect.” “I played with Yuvraj Singh in the IPL. Although I was playing with him, I describe him more…

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Bank holidays next week: When will banks remain closed for the week starting March 2? Check state-wise list

Customers planning to visit bank branches in March 2026 should check holiday schedules beforehand to avoid any inconvenience. Banks in India observe a mix of national and state-specific holidays, so closure dates may vary depending on the region. Several banks will be closed this month for festivals and state observances. In addition, branches will remain…

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