top news of the day september 16 2026

India, Pakistan naval vessels collide; MEA summons Pakistan envoy in New Delhi

India summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) and lodged a strong protest over the “unacceptable” and “unprofessional” conduct of Pakistani naval units at sea, which resulted in a collision with a unit of the Indian Navy.

The collision occurred on the evening of September 15, 2026, when a Pakistan naval ship came close to a frontline Indian naval warship that was on a routine surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea. The Pakistani vessel manoeuvred at high speed in an unprofessional and unsafe manner, leading to the collision, sources said. No damage has been reported.

Union Cabinet approves raising EPFO wage ceiling to ₹25,000 per month

The Union Cabinet has approved the enhancement of the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to ₹25,000 per month from ₹15,000, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) during a press briefing.

Saudi Arabia calls attempted Mecca attack ‘red line’ as Iran-backed Houthis deny they did it

Saudi Arabia accused Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels overnight of trying to attack Islam’s holiest city, prompting condemnation from countries in the region but no sign of military support. The kingdom, a key U.S. ally, declared Mecca a “red line” as it slid deeper into the new front of the Iran war.

Shahzad Bhatti Network declared banned terrorist outfit under UAPA

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) said the government has declared Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Mr. Shah said the action came pursuing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of zero tolerance against terror.

Opposition MPs raise concerns over proposed UPI merchant payment fee

MPs, mostly belonging to the Opposition, on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) expressed concern over the government’s decision to levy a fee on UPI payments above ₹2,000 to merchants, claiming that the entire population of the country would be affected due to the “anti-people” move.

Gurugram hit-and-run: Bainsla, cousin sent to 2 days’ police remand

Gurugram hit-and-run accused Kalyan Bainsla and his cousin, Lavnish, who was with him in the car, were sent to two days of police remand by a city court on Wednesday (September 16, 2026), an official said. The police had sought a two-day remand to recreate the crime scene, a request the court of Nidhi Beniwal granted. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for September 18.

Falsely quoting judges in barred online court clips is criminal conduct, says SC

The Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) that while unauthorised distribution of live-streamed proceedings constitutes contempt, circulating clips featuring false insertions or misattributed judicial remarks graduates the violation into criminal conduct.

NEET-UG protests: SC refuses change in HPEC, says inquiry on pellet guns, excesses must come first

The Supreme Court has expressed “disquiet” at petitioners’ aspersions of ‘conflict of interest’ within its High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) formed to probe into the police crackdown on Cockroach Janta Party protests on July 20. Refusing to reconstitute the HPEC, a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant criticised the petitioners, who include students, for indulging in “conjecture and preconceived notions”.

CMRL pay-off case: Keralam CM signals that UDF to soon decide on ED demand to prosecute Pinarayi Vijayan

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday signalled that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government was on the cusp of deciding whether to accede to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) demand to indict former Chief Minister and current Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law and former Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas on charges of corruption in the CMRL-Exalogic pay-off case. 

Delhi Police constable suspended for displaying firearms on social media, while on BRICS duty

Deepak Bangar, a Delhi Police constable who was posted with the Foreigners Cell at North West District, has been suspended for posting videos on social media displaying a firearm, while he was on duty at the recently concluded 18th BRICS summit.