A wave of public criticism from former MAGA allies is raising questions about whether Donald Trump retains the consolidated base support that defined his political dominance. The shift is notable because it originates from within the movement rather than from traditional Republican establishment critics or Democratic opponents. The pattern suggests internal fractures that differ structurally from past episodes of MAGA dissent, which tended to be isolated and quickly suppressed. When a coalition's most committed voices begin signaling distance, the political calculus for officeholders aligned with Trump changes: votes, fundraising, and primary endorsement strategies all become less predictable. The practical consequence is a potential reordering of influence within the Republican Party, with figures positioning for a post-Trump alignment. Whether this translates into measurable primary challenges, reduced donor enthusiasm, or legislative defections depends on the pace and breadth of the break. The period between now and the 2026 midterm cycle will be the clearest stress test of Trump's remaining grip on the movement he built.
India's government plans to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act to restore UPI merchant discount rates, ending the zero-MDR regime in place since January 2020.
India's government has introduced the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing changes to payments regulation, income tax, and the Finance Act to attract FDI and support Make in India. The Bill's final shape will depend on parliamentary debate and committee review.
The government's Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposes to replace the blanket UPI MDR ban with a system allowing the Centre to notify which payment modes stay fee-free.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rs 5,000 crore Bhogapuram greenfield airport in Andhra Pradesh, built under a public-private partnership model. He also laid foundation stones for infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 18,000 crore in the state, signalling a broad investment push for the region.
