State Bank of India (SBI) customers using UPI for daily payments may face a temporary disruption on September 4, 2026, as the bank has scheduled maintenance work for its UPI services.

According to SBI, UPI services will remain unavailable from 12:15 AM to 1:00 AM on September 4, affecting transactions for around 45 minutes. The bank has also indicated that the maintenance work could be completed before the scheduled time.

During the maintenance window, customers can use UPI Lite for eligible small-value transactions. UPI Lite allows users to make small payments without entering a UPI PIN for every transaction. It supports transactions of up to ₹1,000 and allows a maximum balance of ₹5,000.

SBI UPI Transaction Limits

SBI allows customers to make UPI transactions of up to ₹1 lakh per day under the standard limit. Person-to-person (P2P) payments are generally limited to 20 transactions per day.

Higher transaction limits are available for certain verified merchant categories. For insurance and capital market transactions, the limit can go up to ₹2 lakh, while transactions related to IPOs, taxes, hospitals, schools and colleges can have a limit of up to ₹5 lakh, subject to applicable rules and eligibility.

Customers who need to make important payments around the scheduled maintenance window are advised to complete their transactions in advance or use an alternative payment method.

The temporary outage is expected to be limited to the specified maintenance period, after which regular SBI UPI services should resume.

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Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The appointment was announced following a meeting of the Trust in Ayodhya on September 2.

Mishra brings nearly four decades of experience in the Indian Air Force and has held several key operational and leadership positions. His experience in planning, coordination, logistics and administration is expected to strengthen the management of the Ram Temple complex and the Trust’s expanding operations.

Key Role During Operation Sindoor

Jeetendra Mishra served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command from January 1, 2025, until his retirement on April 30, 2026. He was at the helm of the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

The Western Air Command is responsible for the security of India’s western airspace, covering strategically important areas including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and parts of the northern region.

Mishra was among the senior commanders involved in planning and overseeing air operations during Operation Sindoor. He was also recognised for his service during the operation and was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal.

Selected from Thousands of Applicants

The Trust had constituted a three-member search committee to select its first full-time CEO. More than 5,500 applications were reportedly received for the post, following which candidates were screened and shortlisted. Mishra was eventually selected from a final shortlist of three candidates.

As CEO, Mishra will oversee the administrative functioning of the Trust and key operational responsibilities related to the Ram Temple complex. His appointment is expected to bring greater organisational discipline and professional management to the temple’s expanding administrative structure.

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India has been described as one of the world’s three powerful nations by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

In his address at the summit, Lukashenko placed India, China and Russia among the three powerful countries in the world. He said that while SCO member states work on the basis of equality, the economic and strategic strength of these three countries cannot be overlooked.

Lukashenko also highlighted the fact that India, China and Russia are economically significant and nuclear-armed nations. Notably, the United States did not feature in his list, drawing attention during the summit.

The remarks came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders at the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek. The two-day summit was held on August 31 and September 1, with security, trade and regional conflicts among the key issues on the agenda.

India’s Strong Message on Terrorism

Counterterrorism and regional security also remained major issues at the summit. India called for stronger security cooperation among SCO members and emphasized the need to tackle terrorism and extremism.

In the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders, Prime Minister Modi stressed that countries using terrorism as a tool of state policy must be confronted. He also maintained that terrorism cannot be treated as a strategic asset.

The Indian government also highlighted several decisions taken at the summit to strengthen cooperation against security threats. Among them was the approval of rules for a universal centre aimed at addressing security challenges and threats faced by SCO member states.

The summit also saw Modi interact with both Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, underscoring India’s continued engagement with major global powers while maintaining its independent foreign-policy approach.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly called for a united global approach against terrorism at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Addressing the gathering of world leaders, Modi said terrorism remains a serious challenge to humanity and called for a policy of zero tolerance against it. He stressed that there should be no room for double standards on such a sensitive issue.

The Prime Minister called for dismantling the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism, including terror financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens. He also urged the international community to send a strong message to countries that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy or provide shelter and support to terrorists.

Modi highlighted three key pillars for the SCO—security, connectivity and opportunity. He said reliable connectivity among SCO member states is essential for shared progress and prosperity.

Referring to conflicts in West Asia, Modi said security challenges have expanded significantly in an interconnected world. Regional conflicts can affect energy security, maritime trade and global supply chains. India, he reiterated, believes that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than on the battlefield.

India also called for preparing a 25-year roadmap for the SCO to strengthen cooperation among member states.

A notable moment came during the group photograph, when Modi stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visual of Modi holding hands with the two leaders drew attention, with the scene being seen as a reflection of India’s growing diplomatic influence.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present at the summit, though the group photograph generated considerable attention over the positioning of the leaders.

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Residents of Mumbai are facing a fresh rise in commuting and household expenses from September 1, as Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) increased the prices of CNG and PNG. The company attributed the hike to higher input gas costs linked to international market prices.

Under the revised rates, CNG in Mumbai has increased by ₹2 per kg to ₹88, while PNG has risen by ₹1 per SCM to ₹53. MGL said the ongoing crisis in West Asia has pushed up the prices of input gas linked to international benchmarks, increasing the company’s procurement costs.

Higher RLNG Costs

MGL said a significant portion of the rising CNG demand is being met through spot Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG). Higher RLNG prices have increased the company’s overall gas procurement expenses. The latest price revision is intended to recover part of the additional cost and maintain a stable supply of natural gas.

The hike is expected to affect around 12.93 lakh CNG vehicles across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including auto-rickshaws, taxis, private vehicles and transport vehicles.

Auto and Taxi Fares Also Rise

Following the CNG price hike, minimum fares for auto-rickshaws and black-and-yellow taxis have also increased. The minimum auto fare has risen by ₹1 to ₹27, while the taxi minimum fare has increased by ₹2 to ₹33. The revised fares have been approved by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA).

Relief for Train Passengers

Meanwhile, Western Railway has extended the operation of weekly special trains on the Mumbai–Kanpur Anwarganj and Mumbai–Katihar routes. These special services will now continue until November, offering relief to passengers travelling on these routes.

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Travelling from Delhi to Patna could become significantly faster if a proposed high-speed bullet train corridor becomes a reality. The proposed corridor is expected to connect Delhi with major cities including Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Patna.

The project could bring a major transformation to connectivity between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, reducing travel time considerably for passengers.

Delhi-Patna Journey Could Take Around 4.5 Hours

According to information shared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the proposed high-speed corridor could connect several major cities across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The proposed route includes Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Patna.

At present, travelling from Delhi to Patna by train can take around 10 to 12 hours, depending on the service. The proposed bullet train could operate at a speed of around 250 kmph, potentially reducing the journey to approximately 4.5 hours.

The proposed travel times for other major destinations are also significantly shorter:

• Delhi to Agra: Around 58 minutes
• Delhi to Kanpur: Around 1 hour 50 minutes
• Delhi to Lucknow: Around 2 hours 12 minutes
• Delhi to Prayagraj: Around 3 hours
• Delhi to Varanasi: Around 3 hours 33 minutes

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Underway

Meanwhile, work on India’s first high-speed bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is progressing. The train is planned to have a maximum speed of 350 kmph, while its operating speed is expected to be around 320 kmph.

The first high-speed train service is expected to begin in August 2027, with the Surat-Vapi section targeted for an initial opening.

If the proposed Delhi-Patna corridor moves forward, it could significantly improve connectivity between the national capital, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Besides cutting travel time, the project could also strengthen economic and passenger connectivity across the region.

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As the southwest monsoon remained subdued this year, the influence of El Niño has become more pronounced, contributing to unusually high temperatures across India. The impact was particularly evident in August, when the country experienced one of its hottest August months in the last 125 years.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), India’s average maximum temperature in August was the fourth highest recorded since 1901. The rise in nighttime temperatures was particularly concerning, with several parts of eastern and northeastern India experiencing unusually warm nights.

Night Temperatures Become the Biggest Concern

August is normally considered one of the coolest and wettest months of the monsoon season. However, August 2026 recorded an average temperature of 28.01°C, around 0.67°C above normal.

The biggest contributor to the unusual heat was not daytime temperatures but the lack of cooling after sunset. The average minimum temperature during August stood at 24.36°C, making it the highest average nighttime temperature for August since 1901, according to the IMD.

The average maximum daytime temperature was recorded at 31.66°C, making it the fourth highest on record.

West Bengal, Jharkhand and several parts of the northeastern region witnessed particularly high nighttime temperatures, with some areas recording levels rarely seen during the month.

Monsoon Remains Weak in September

The IMD has forecast that the subdued monsoon trend witnessed during June, July and August is likely to continue through September. Rainfall across the country is expected to remain below normal during September 2026.

The southwest monsoon has remained weaker than usual this year. Between June 4 and August 31, 2026, India received around 14% less rainfall than the long-period average.

The combination of weaker monsoon activity and the growing influence of El Niño has raised concerns over continued heat, reduced rainfall and warmer nights in several parts of the country.

Weather experts are closely monitoring the evolving climate pattern as September progresses, particularly its potential impact on rainfall distribution, agriculture and temperatures across India.

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A suspected racket involving the relabelling of expired food products and tampering with manufacturing and expiry dates has been uncovered in Navi Mumbai. A joint operation by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch reportedly exposed the illegal practice at a premises in the Turbhe TTC industrial area.

Raid Conducted Between August 24 and 29

Acting on information about alleged irregularities, officials conducted raids between August 24 and 29 at the premises of Sadhna Enterprises in Turbhe TTC Industrial Area, Navi Mumbai. The operation was jointly carried out by Maharashtra FDA officials and the Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch.

During the investigation, officials allegedly found that important information printed on packaged food products was being tampered with. According to the FDA, manufacturing dates, expiry dates and best-before or use-by dates on food packets were being altered and replaced with new dates.

In several cases, the original ingredient and nutrition labels were reportedly removed and replaced with fresh stickers. Officials also found evidence suggesting that products were being repackaged before being sent for sale.

Popular Brands Among Seized Products

The authorities seized a large quantity of packaged food and beverage products belonging to several popular brands. The seized stock reportedly included products carrying brands such as Maggi, Lay’s, Kurkure, Knorr, Hellmann’s, Thums Up and Limca, among others.

The FDA seized stock worth lakhs of rupees during the operation. The licence of Sadhna Enterprises was also suspended, while an FIR was registered in connection with the alleged violations.

Expired Products Given a New Lease of Life?

Investigators suspect that expired or shelf-life-completed food products were being made to appear fresh by altering their manufacturing and expiry dates. The alleged removal of original ingredient and nutritional information and replacement with new labels has also raised concerns over food safety and consumer health.

The authorities are now investigating the extent of the racket, the source of the products and their intended distribution network. Further action is expected based on the findings of the investigation.

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