IAS OFFICER ILLICIT PAYMENTS
How intelligent commerce is shaping the next frontier of merchant payments
For a decade, the task in India’s merchant payments was to get every shop and website to accept digital money. The value, leaders argued, at GFF 2026, is now moving to identity, risk, credit and growth, and to preparing the checkout for AI agents that may soon shop on consumers’ behalf.
The next problem to solve: When money arrives, what can merchants do in the meantime?
At GFF 2026, PRISM founder Ritesh Agarwal and Adyen’s Chief Commercial Officer Roelant Prins discussed why, for merchants such as small hotel owners, how quickly money arrives now matters as much as whether a payment is accepted, and why AI is changing back offices faster than it is changing how people buy.
UPI volume, value post strong growth during Diwali as festive spending lights up digital payments
This year, November 6, which coincided with Dhanteras, recorded UPI transactions worth Rs 1.37 lakh crore, the second-highest daily transaction value on record. Dhanteras is traditionally considered as an auspicious day to make high-value purchases. Transaction volumes hit a record the following day, November 7, at 975.8 million.
Ramayana beats Pushpa 2, Dhurandhar 2: How Diwali holiday helped Ranbir Kapoor's film overtake two box-office blockbusters
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, has shattered box office records across India. Its triumphant opening week saw ticket sales soar during the Diwali festival, with more than 1,11,830 tickets sold in just one hour, surpassing two blockbuster hits - Dhurandhar 2 and Pushpa 2.
Scene box office collection day 4: Suriya's film holds strong amid Ramayana craze, inches towards Rs 150 crore worldwide
The much-anticipated film Scene, starring Suriya and directed by Jithu Madhavan, hit theatres on November 6, quickly raking in nearly Rs 150 crore worldwide within days of release. Co-starring Nazriya Nazim and Naslen, Scene is showing resilience in the box office race against Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's affair with Chinese agent being looked into by FBI, says Trump
The president called Huang, whose computer chips have helped to launch the artificial intelligence revolution, a "very honorable man." The president said he had spoken with Huang.
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Grey zone in Indian payment laws: Crypto goes shopping in rupee using QR-linked loophole
Unified payments interface is now being used for buying cryptocurrencies through applications like goat.cash. Consumers can conveniently convert their cryptocurrencies, such as USD Coins, to pay vendors for goods. This involves scanning QR codes and entering necessary details, which facilitates quick transactions. Intermediaries help complete the process by converting USDC to rupees for vendors. Additionally, stable coins often trade at a premium within the Indian market.
SoO far, yet so close in Manipur
Recent violence in Manipur illustrates how local incidents can quickly escalate into widespread unrest. The Suspension of Operations agreement has become a focal point of political tension ahead of upcoming elections. Various community groups are clashing over issues of special status and historical grievances. Heightened animosities between the Meitei community, Kuki-Zos, and Nagas have exacerbated the situation.
Punjab middleman's chats reveal 'payoffs' to 3 IAS & 1 IPS officer
The Enforcement Directorate is probing alleged cash dealings between Punjab-based intermediary Kirshanu Sharda and serving and retired public servants after recovering encrypted WhatsApp chats from his phone.
US Secretary of State Rubio warned Trump of Jensen Huang's ties to alleged Chinese spy: Report
Amid rising concerns, Nvidia's board is scrutinizing CEO Jensen Huang due to alleged espionage tied to his connection with Alice Huang, a businesswoman from China. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously cautioned about the implications of their association. It has come to light that Alice Huang's firm could be involved in unlawful smuggling of Nvidia products. However, Nvidia reassured that its operations will remain unaffected during this inquiry.
Failed UPSC dream to Rs 130 crore success: How Bengaluru man turned Rs 1 crore investment into a healthy food business
Sandeep Jangala's journey began with a dream of becoming an IAS officer, but the road to success was not without its obstacles after his UPSC attempt fell short. Undeterred, he pivoted to entrepreneurship, successfully launching a tech startup that caught the attention of investors. In 2022, he and his wife co-founded Yummy Bee, a company dedicated to providing children with healthy food choices.
US CENTCOM forms Task Force Iron Gate to disrupt Iran's ground weapons supply routes
CENTCOM has formed Task Force Iron Gate to target Iran's land routes for transporting advanced weapons and restricted goods. This new group, based in Tampa, Florida, will work with other US agencies to monitor and disrupt these activities. The initiative aims to reinforce existing naval blockades already preventing significant oil exports from Iran.
Woman deposits Rs 1 lakh in post office, postmaster issues receipt but no certificate, then runs away with her money; court orders department to pay her Rs 1.15 lakh
A woman above 60 deposited Rs 1 lakh at Karnataka's Kodikoppa Post Office for a Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme account and Rs 500 for a savings account on November 14, 2023. After receiving neither certificate nor passbook, she approached the consumer commission, which ordered a refund with 6% interest, compensation and litigation costs.
ED probes $1.5 million foreign funding trail across six countries over alleged meddling in India's domestic affairs
In a significant investigation, the Enforcement Directorate is examining the financial transactions of foreign companies that are tied to India's domestic issues. Investigators have followed $1 million in payments through various jurisdictions before pinpointing a firm in the UK. Of particular interest is the $500,000 that originated from a Canadian source.
US Treasury sanctions Canadian money services firms over Iran-related transactions
US Treasury imposed financial sanctions on eight Canadian money services firms involved with sanctioned Iranian entities. The sanctions block access to dollar-based financial systems and prohibit transactions with US persons. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated that Canada cannot provide safe havens for illicit financial facilitators. Additionally, MEXC Global, a virtual currency exchanger, was cut off from the US financial system.
Cybercrime networks shift to smaller, mobile scam operations amid enforcement pressure: FATF
In its report released from Paris, the global money-laundering watchdog said large, fortified compounds where cyber slaves were forced to commit financial cybercrimes are being moved to apartments, houses, hotels and office floors, sometimes rebranding as legitimate outsourcing or marketing firms.
Cybercrime networks shift to smaller, mobile scam operations amid enforcement pressure: FATF
In its report released from Paris, the global money-laundering watchdog said large, fortified compounds where cyber slaves were forced to commit financial cybercrimes are being moved to apartments, houses, hotels and office floors, sometimes rebranding as legitimate outsourcing or marketing firms.
Cashfree opens checkout to AI agents, leaves final say with shoppers
Cashfree has introduced Checkout for Agents, allowing AI agents to assist with online payments. This feature utilises WebMCP technology to simplify the checkout process for AI shopping assistants. Customers still maintain control over final payment authorisation and sensitive information is protected. While AI agents currently represent less than 1% of checkout traffic, Cashfree aims to enhance their efficiency. The company limits agent access to sensitive payment steps to ensure security.
Texas $1,500 Checks: Will lawmakers back Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa’s plan and who could qualify?
Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa wants to send a one-time $1,500 check to every household in the state. Her plan would draw billions from the state’s emergency reserve and needs approval from Texas lawmakers.
Centre proposing parity in mineral taxation, states' rights to remain intact: Union Mines Secretary
Proposed amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act are intended to create tax parity across states. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports by fostering local production and processing of critical minerals. The Indian government has introduced significant subsidies to support industries establishing lithium and nickel processing facilities. Approximately 58 entities are now registered under a recycling program for electronic waste.
Bank account frozen suddenly? Check why it happened, how to unfreeze it and recover your money
For individuals affected by the freezing of their bank accounts due to untraceable money sources, remedy is available via the Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) and the Money Restoration Module (MRM). Users can contest any debit freezes by filing official complaints through GRM. Meanwhile, MRM aids in reclaiming disputed funds after thorough verification.
US slaps sanctions on Indian, Turkish firms and people for aiding Iran
The sanctions are part of the Trump administration's "Operation Economic Outcast," which aims to cut off Iran's ability to sell oil to fund the war with the US and Israel. Treasury unveiled the new sanctions a day after Democrats made huge gains in midterm elections, winning control of both houses of Congress as voters expressed anger about the Iran war and its impact in fueling US inflation.
India's payments authority NPCI forms unit to push into AI, blockchain tech
The National Payments Corporation of India has created a technology subsidiary known as NPCI Tech Solutions Limited. This new unit will focus on advancements in AI, blockchain, and digital financial infrastructure. Vishal Kanvaty has been appointed as the managing director and CEO of the subsidiary. NTSL aims to enhance capabilities beyond NPCI's core payments responsibilities. The initiative highlights India's commitment to developing its banking and financial services technology landscape.
Government clarifies GPF rules for deceased employee’s claim: Ministry reveals who among family members and nominees get GPF money
GPF for government employees: The government has provided crucial updates on the General Provident Fund (GPF) policies concerning the beneficiaries of deceased government employees. While family nominees will be entitled to the GPF funds, certain stipulations apply. In cases where valid nominees are absent, family members will inherit equal portions of the GPF sum, but exclusions are noted for adult sons and married daughters.
India's payments authority NPCI forms unit to push into AI, blockchain tech
The payments authority's chief technology officer Vishal Kanvaty, who has been associated with NPCI for nearly a decade, has been appointed the managing director and CEO of NTSL, it said.
Why Paris Jackson is seeking $600 million from Michael Jackson’s estate nearly 17 years after his death
Paris Jackson has filed a petition for a $600 million transfer to the Michael Jackson Family Trust. She claims that the estate's executors have not followed the distribution schedule set in Jackson's will. Legal disputes have prevented the full funding of the trust and reduced payments to beneficiaries. The estate representatives deny Paris's allegations and note that over $200 million has been distributed thus far.
40 villas bought in 2.5 years: Rajasthan government places IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal, IPS wife on APO as ACB probes alleged villa purchases
Rajasthan's Anti-Corruption Bureau has initiated an investigation into IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal for alleged corruption. The investigation follows accusations regarding the purchase of approximately 40 villas and cottages by Agrawal's family. Agrawal and his wife have been placed on Awaiting Posting Orders, relieving them of their duties. The state government's approval was required for the Anti-Corruption Bureau to proceed under anti-corruption law.
'A trite provocation': North Korea denies involvement in $6 billion Binance hack, criticizes FBI probe
North Korea has rejected the claims of its involvement in the recent Binance cryptocurrency theft exceeding USD 6 billion. The FBI had accused North Korean hackers of orchestrating the heist, linking it to previous cyber incidents. Kim Yo Jong noted that the US has a history of making such accusations against North Korea.
ITC flags illicit trade pressure on cigarettes; digital-first businesses grow over 70%
ITC Ltd has reported a significant increase in its digital-first and organic FMCG portfolio, achieving over 70% year-on-year growth. However, the company is facing considerable pressures due to rising illicit cigarette trade and increased taxation impacting legal volumes. The fresh food segment has also expanded significantly, reflecting ITC's focus on organized markets. Additionally, challenges in West Asia have disrupted agricultural exports, although value-added products showed better performance.
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