HT Evening Brief Sept 16: Rahul Gandhi Demands Rollback of ‘UPI Tax’; Season 5 of Kapil Sharma Show Announced

New Delhi: From a fresh political dispute over charges on certain UPI transactions to the return of Kapil Sharma's popular Netflix comedy show, several major developments made headlines on September 16, 2026.

Rahul Gandhi demands rollback of 'UPI tax'

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded that the government withdraw what he described as a "UPI tax".

The remarks came after a new UPI fee framework was announced under which a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is proposed on certain merchant transactions above ₹2,000. The framework is scheduled to take effect from October 15. Person-to-person UPI transfers remain free, while exemptions and different provisions apply to smaller merchants and specific sectors.

Gandhi criticised the move and alleged that it would place an additional burden on Indians. The Centre, however, has rejected the opposition's characterisation of the measure as a direct tax on consumers.

According to reports, the government has said that the revised MDR framework does not mean that ordinary consumers will be charged for UPI payments. The government has also indicated that the framework is intended to support the financial sustainability of the digital payments ecosystem.

The development has triggered a political debate over how India's rapidly expanding digital-payment infrastructure should be financed.

The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 5 announced

In entertainment news, Netflix has announced the return of The Great Indian Kapil Show with its fifth season.

The new season will premiere on September 26, 2026, with episodes scheduled to stream on Saturdays. Kapil Sharma and his comedy team are returning for another season of celebrity conversations, comedy sketches and entertainment.

The show has become a major Netflix comedy property since its debut in 2024. The upcoming season is set to coincide with the festive period, with the makers promising new celebrity appearances and entertainment segments.

Kapil Sharma announced the new season on social media, with the announcement confirming the September 26 premiere date.

Other key developments

The UPI controversy and the announcement of the new Kapil Sharma season were among several developments making headlines on Wednesday, spanning politics, the economy, entertainment, international affairs and sports.

The UPI changes are expected to remain a significant topic of discussion as the October 15 implementation date approaches, while viewers can look forward to the return of The Great Indian Kapil Show later this month.