National News
Major Gold Reserves Unearthed in Odisha: A Game-Changer for India’s Mining Industry
Odisha’s Gold Discovery Sparks Optimism for Growth in the Mining Sector, with Plans for Large-Scale Auction Underway
Odisha has emerged as a promising new hub for gold mining, following the discovery of vast gold reserves across several districts. Bibhuti Jena, the state’s Mines Minister, confirmed the exciting find and announced ongoing exploration efforts. The state is set to hold a large-scale auction of gold mining blocks in the near future to capitalize on this newfound potential.
Key districts such as Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, and Deogarh have been identified as hotspots for the gold reserves. Exploration is also expanding to regions like Malkangiri, Sambalpur, and Boudh, with more discoveries anticipated. In Mayurbhanj, areas like Jashipur, Suriaguda, Ruaansi, Idelkucha, Maredihi, Suleipat, and Badampahad are under investigation for their mineral potential.
One of the most notable discoveries has been in Deogarh district, specifically in Adasa-Rampalli, an area where gold traces had been found earlier. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is actively conducting G-2 level exploration in this region, revealing the possibility of multiple mineral resources, including copper.
Keonjhar district is also a key focus for gold exploration, with surveys being carried out in areas like Gopur-Gazipur, Mankadchuan, Saleikana, and Dimirimunda. These efforts form part of Odisha’s larger strategy to develop its mining industry and fully utilize its untapped mineral wealth. The state government is closely involved, and the upcoming auction of gold mining blocks in Deogarh is seen as a major step forward.
The exploration is being carefully monitored by state authorities, the GSI, and the Odisha Mining Corporation, with technical committees set to review the final exploration reports to assess the viability of commercial mining. Early findings suggest promising potential, and final results are expected by the end of 2025.
This discovery further solidifies Odisha’s reputation as a mineral-rich state, while positioning India as a key player on the global mining stage. If the reserves prove commercially viable, the gold deposits could provide a significant economic boost, drawing both domestic and international investments into the country’s mining sector.
National News
MDR For UPI: Credit Card Bill Payments and Jewellery Purchases Remain Free For Consumers
Consumers Are Advised That Merchant-Imposed Surcharges On Card Or UPI Payments Violate Current Payment Guidelines
Following recent industry discussions regarding the updated Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, financial experts and industry leaders have clarified that individual consumers will not incur any additional charges when paying credit card bills or purchasing high-value items like jewellery via UPI apps.
Zero Fees on Credit Card Bill Payments via UPI
Despite the implementation of the revised UPI MDR structure, consumers using UPI-enabled applications to pay their credit card bills remain entirely exempt from MDR fees.
No Cost Impact for Users: Cardholders can continue paying their bills through standard UPI QR codes or app-based transfers without losing reward points, credit float advantages, or incurring extra costs.
Understanding BBPS Fees: While standard bank-to-bank UPI transfers do not carry MDR, credit card bill payments processed through the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) may incur small convenience or processing fees set directly by participating payment platforms under their own commercial terms—not as part of the UPI MDR framework.
Framework for Jewellery Purchases and High-Value Merchants
For high-value retail transactions, including jewellery purchases, regulatory guidelines mandate that the burden of MDR falls strictly on merchants, not customers:
Consumer Exemption: Merchants and payment platforms are prohibited from passing MDR charges or platform surcharges directly onto buyers.
Capped MDR for Jewellers: Under the revised Person-to-Merchant (P2M) framework for transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, jewellers and high-value merchants absorb a capped MDR of 0.4% (up to a maximum limit of Rs 300 per transaction for purchases of Rs 75,000 and above).
Payment Transparency: While jewellers absorb nominal fees for bank-linked UPI transactions, standard credit card fees continue to apply to credit card swipes and RuPay-credit card UPI transactions.
Consumers are advised that merchant-imposed surcharges on card or UPI payments violate current payment guidelines.
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