India news Highlights, 16 September 2026: India voices concern over attempted drone attack on Mecca

"The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world," MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said.

16 Sep 2026, 04:19 · The Indian Express · Join

Saudi authorities said in Riyadh that a drone sent by Houthi militants attempting to target Mecca was intercepted and destroyed on Tuesday evening. (File image)

India on Wednesday voiced deep concern over an attempted drone attack on the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and renewed its call for early restoration of peace in West Asia, PTI reported. Saudi authorities said in Riyadh that a drone sent by Houthi militants attempting to target Makkah was intercepted and destroyed on Tuesday evening. “We are deeply concerned at the drone attack near Makkah,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world,” Jaiswal said.

Six children feared drowned in Odisha

Six children, including 3 girls are feared drowned in Odisha’s Ganjam, Sundergarh districts, police were quoted as saying by PTI.

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If you are just joining us, this is The Indian Express Realtime breaking news blog – where we bring you the latest news updates of the day in real time. Scan the top headlines of the day here, or keep scrolling to see the latest updates stream in.

MK Stalin slams raids on Anbil Mahesh; calls it ‘political vendetta by TVK Government’

DMK president M K Stalin, on Wednesday, strongly condemned the raids on former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, calling it a diversionary tactic and “a political vendetta action” by the ruling TVK government.

In a post on X, Stalin said that the raid was launched over “false speech” and was aimed at diverting public attention from a series of crises facing the state.

Kerala government ‘working to tackle power crisis in a week’, says CM Satheesan

Kerala government is holding discussions with several states and power companies to purchase electricity, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said, as the state explores options to meet power requirements. The Chief Minister assured that the government can likely bring the power crisis in the state under control within a week.

“The government is working to resolve the current electricity crisis. We approached 7 states to purchase power. A team from Keralam went to Mumbai for a discussion with the Nuclear Power Corporation for more electricity purchase. We’re planning to formulate a long-term contract to resolve this crisis,” he said.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s London event called off over safety concerns

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s fan event outside The Shard in London was called off on Tuesday after the Metropolitan Police intervened, citing safety concerns. Hundreds of fans who had queued for hours to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician were left disappointed as a member of the Chief Minister’s team announced over a loudspeaker: “For public safety concerns, we are calling off the programme because we don’t have permission.” Vijay is in the UK leading a state trade delegation that has signed MoUs worth approximately Rs 12,300 crore and is expected to generate over 9,400 jobs in Tamil Nadu, positioning the state as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology. He is scheduled to return to India on Wednesday.

Funding among key hurdles in hostel infra expansion at affiliated colleges of DU

Delhi University faces a severe shortage of hostel accommodations across its affiliated colleges, driven by funding constraints, space limitations, regulatory hurdles such as forest protections and heritage statuses, and a lack of administrative resources. While hundreds of thousands of students enrol annually, total residential capacity remains woefully inadequate—particularly in South Campus colleges—forcing outstation students to rely heavily on paying guest accommodations or explore alternatives like vertical expansion and alumni-supported housing networks.

No fuel for end-of-life vehicles in four districts of Haryana from Oct 1

Starting October 1, end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) will be barred from refuelling in the Haryana NCR districts of Gurgaon, Faridabad, Sonipat, and Jhajjar. To enforce this initiative and improve regional air quality in compliance with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directions, Transport Minister Anil Vij announced that 775 Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be installed at petrol pumps across these districts by September 30.

Live Updates
Sep 16, 2026 05:14 PM IST
India voices concern over attempted drone attack on Mecca

Sep 16, 2026 04:36 PM IST
Home Ministry declares Shahzad Bhatti Network as terrorist organisation under UAPA

The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday declared the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a “terrorist organisation”. The decision has been taken after the Centre found that SBN is involved in terrorism and has participated in various acts of terrorism in India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted on X, “Pursuing PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision of zero tolerance against terror, the MHA declares the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the UAPA. The group is involved in the smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics across borders, apart from inciting youths and petty criminals into terrorism. Targeting India’s democratic structure and the fabric of communal harmony, the syndicate also published hateful digital content.”

The SBN has been declared a “terrorist organisation” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), inserting it in the First Schedule of the law after a string of nationwide crackdowns that officials say foiled subversive plots ahead of Independence Day.

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Sep 16, 2026 03:54 PM IST
NSUI, ABVP spar over Delhi govt's 10,000 student hostel announcement ahead of DUSU polls

The Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Wednesday sparred over the Delhi government's announcement to construct hostels for 10,000 students, with the former questioning its timing ahead of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections.

The NSUI sought details of the proposed hostels, including their locations, implementation timeline, budget, fee structure and eligibility criteria, and questioned why the issue of safe and affordable student accommodation had not been addressed earlier.

The announcement came two days before polling for the DUSU elections and shortly after the collapse of a five-storey paying guest accommodation in Satya Niketan, in which seven people, including Delhi University students, were killed.

PTI

Sep 16, 2026 03:36 PM IST
Cabinet approves raising EPFO wage ceiling to Rs 25,000 per month, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Cabinet approves raising EPFO wage ceiling to Rs 25,000 per month from Rs 15,000, says Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Sep 16, 2026 03:14 PM IST
Six children feared drowned in Odisha’s Ganjam, Sundergarh districts, say police

Six children, including 3 girls are feared drowned in Odisha’s Ganjam, Sundergarh districts, police were quoted as saying by PTI.

Sep 16, 2026 02:44 PM IST
Messi Kerala match row: Police raid Reporter TV office, 4 other premises

Shaju Philip reports from Kerala that a special investigation team of the Kerala Police raided five premises, including the office of Reporter TV, in connection with a cheating and criminal conspiracy case involving the channel's failure to bring Lionel Messi to Kochi for a proposed international match. While managing director Anto Augustine defended the channel and termed the action an attempt to silence the media, the Opposition strongly condemned the raids, comparing them to emergency-era measures.

Sep 16, 2026 02:25 PM IST
Gurugram hit-and-run case: Accused Kalyan, Lavnish Bainsla get 2-day police custody

A court in Gurugram sent accused Kalyan Bainsla and Lavnish Bainsla to two days of police custody in the hit-and-run case. They will be produced again on September 18, according to reports.

Sep 16, 2026 02:21 PM IST
'Howdy Modi ji keeps surrendering,' Congress slams Modi government over 'miserably failed' policies amid US tariff threats

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, on Wednesday (Sep 16), launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging a complete failure of India's foreign and trade policies in the face of escalating economic pressure from the United States. "Your dear friend “Abki Baar Trump Sarkar” dictates, you capitulate and 140 Cr Indians are left to bear the consequences! The threat of up to 100% US tariffs on Indian goods shows how your Govt’s Foreign and Trade policies have miserably failed!! Pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, chemicals, auto components, gems and jewellery, electronics and technology could face a severe tariff shock," he said.

The Congress president further highlighted the trade barriers from Washington and said that key Indian export sectors face severe disruption from potential tariff shocks of up to 100%.

"Meanwhile, the Modi Govt agreed to a trade framework that expands American access India’s agricultural products, mortgaging the interests of our farmers!

The framework virtually forces to buy $500 billion worth of American goods over five years. Yesterday’s surrender on the MDR on UPI is another stark example of your govt’s meekness! From tariffs and trade to H1B1 immigration, visas and digital payments, the pressure from Washington keeps mounting, and you, ‘Howdy Modi ji’ keeps surrendering," he said in his post.

Sep 16, 2026 02:08 PM IST
India grant supports SLR 600 million for Sri Lanka hospital unit

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa laid the foundation stone for a new two-storey Accident & Emergency Unit at Mannar District General Hospital.

Supported by an Indian grant of SLR 600 million, the project will also supply the unit with essential medical equipment, ensuring timely emergency care during the critical "golden hour."

Sep 16, 2026 01:41 PM IST
MPs express concern at Parliamentary Standing Committee meet over decision to levy fee on UPI transactions

MPs raised concerns at a Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting over the government’s decision to levy a fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000.

Sep 16, 2026 01:14 PM IST
MK Stalin slams raids on Anbil Mahesh; calls it 'political vendetta by TVK Government'

In a post on X, Stalin said that the raid was launched over "false speech" and was aimed at diverting public attention from a series of crises facing the state.

Listing out the issues, Stalin said:

"Protests by people affected by power cuts across Tamil Nadu,

▶ Pattinapakkam fishermen's protest

▶ Protest in front of the headquarters by relatives of those missing in Nepal, without receiving proper response

▶ People's distress due to shortage of Aavin milk

▶ Ramanathapuram double murder,

▶ In Chennai, a government bus driver beaten to death during the Pillayar Chaturthi procession,

▶ In Ayanavaram, a TVK executive harassing a female police officer

While the state is reeling from these and such issues without taking notice of anything, the Chief Minister is busy shooting in London."

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Sep 16, 2026 12:49 PM IST
Pakistani envoy to Delhi summoned over collision between Navy units of two countries at sea

India summoned a Pakistani envoy to Delhi and lodged a strong protest over "the unacceptable and unprofessional conduct of Pakistani naval units at sea that led to a collision with a unit of the Indian Navy."

The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement saying, "Charge d'Affaires of the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in New Delhi summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs

1. The Charge d'Affaires of the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in New Delhi was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs today and a strong protest was lodged with him over the unacceptable and unprofessional conduct of Pakistani naval units at sea that led to a collision with a unit of the Indian Navy.

2. While the incident, which took place in international waters, did not cause any major damage, the conduct of the Pakistani naval ship was in direct contravention of Article 10 of the Agreement between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements of April 1991.

3. The Charge d'Affaires of Pakistan was advised to convey to the concerned Pakistani authorities, the need for all military units to observe due care and respect the provisions of the relevant agreements between the two sides in order to prevent any repeat of such incidents.

4. The Charge d'Affaires of India in Islamabad has also been instructed to lodge a similar protest with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan."

Sep 16, 2026 12:32 PM IST
Independent tax policy research should become part of public discourse, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the independent tax policy research should become part of public discourse, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Bengaluru, highlighting treaty renegotiations and tax reforms. She said that as a tax professional, one should raise sectoral considerations and put the nation first.

Sep 16, 2026 12:03 PM IST
'Delhi University should provide accommodation for 15 to 20 per cent of its students,' says Delhi Minister Ashish Sood

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said universities should develop hostels on available land to accommodate 15–20% of their students, while the government is also considering registration and safety inspections of PG accommodations.

"Delhi University and other universities should construct hostels on the land available with them. Gradually, every university should provide residential accommodation for 15 to 20 per cent of its students. There was an extensive discussion on this yesterday, with a focus on ensuring safe accommodation for students in Delhi. It was proposed to start work on creating a portal to identify where Delhi's students are living. At the same time, every PG accommodation should be registered so that its structural safety and other related aspects can be inspected. These discussions are currently at an initial stage. The committee will certainly fulfil its mandate of providing safe accommodation, reasonable accommodation and respectable accommodation to the students of Delhi," he said.

Sep 16, 2026 11:54 AM IST
RBI backs introducing MDR on large-value UPI transactions

The Reserve Bank has backed a proposal to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, calling it a step towards sustaining India’s digital payments ecosystem.

"It will help UPI in continuing to scale, innovate and serve consumers and businesses across the country," the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in a post on X.

Sep 16, 2026 11:26 AM IST
Gujarat car fraud case: 4 FIRs, 12 complainants and a showroom manager now on the run

Aditi Raja from Vadodara reports that a Nadiad Tata dealership manager, Rajan Joshi, is currently on the run following four FIRs and 12 complaints alleging a widespread car sales scam. Joshi allegedly promised car owners and dealers attractive prices, exchange discounts, and new purchases, but proceeded to sell vehicles without permission or payment, failing to clear bank loans or provide necessary NOCs. The deception—uncovered when a car dealer contacted an owner directly regarding hypothecation—involved multiple fraudulent transactions totalling significant sums across several victims in Gujarat.

Sep 16, 2026 10:52 AM IST
Kerala government in talks with states, power firms to purchase electricity

"The government is working to resolve the current electricity crisis. We approached 7 states to purchase power. A team from Keralam went to Mumbai for a discussion with the Nuclear Power Corporation for more electricity purchase. We're planning to formulate a long-term contract to resolve this crisis," he said.

Sep 16, 2026 10:44 AM IST
Revenue official who certified Rs 40,000 as annual income of Karnataka Public Service Commission chairman's family faces arrest

Johnson Abraham from Bengaluru reports that a Bengaluru court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of a revenue inspector accused of issuing a false income certificate that declared the annual income of suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Sahukar S Shivashankrappa’s family to be Rs 40,000. The forged certificate was allegedly used by the chairman's daughter, Suma Sahukar, to secure an appointment as an industrial extension officer under an OBC reservation category, despite her family drawing a monthly salary of Rs 2.25 lakh. This case is part of a broader string of recruitment frauds currently under investigation within the KPSC.

Sep 16, 2026 10:40 AM IST
CRPF DIG suspended over anti-government posts reinstated after MHA nod

Mahender Singh Manral from Delhi reports that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has revoked the suspension of Deputy Inspector General B C Patra, who was previously placed under suspension on June 17, 2026, for allegedly sharing social media content critical of the government during the passage of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026. Following approval from the President and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Patra's suspension was lifted with immediate effect on September 15, with the intervening period to be regularized pending the outcome of a pending inquiry.

Sep 16, 2026 10:09 AM IST
Police search former DMK minister Anbil Mahesh’s home in school fraud case

Arun Janardhanan from Chennai reports that a five-member team from the Chennai City Central Crime Branch conducted searches at the Tiruchi residence of former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in connection with an investigation into an alleged multi-crore fraud involving private schools during the previous DMK government. Police sources said searches were also conducted at six locations in Chennai and Tiruchi linked to the former minister.

The probe concerns allegations that large sums of money were collected from private-school managements with promises of securing official clearances, including upgrading schools, obtaining permanent recognition and getting approvals for building plans.

Sep 16, 2026 09:58 AM IST
Funding among key hurdles in hostel infra expansion at affiliated colleges of DU

Sophiya Mathew from Delhi reports that Delhi University faces a severe shortage of hostel accommodations across its affiliated colleges, driven by funding constraints, space limitations, regulatory hurdles such as forest protections and heritage statuses, and a lack of administrative resources. While hundreds of thousands of students enrol annually, total residential capacity remains woefully inadequate—particularly in South Campus colleges—forcing outstation students to rely heavily on paying guest accommodations or explore alternatives like vertical expansion and alumni-supported housing networks.

Sep 16, 2026 09:56 AM IST
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s London event called off over safety concerns

The TVK also issued an appeal to the members of the Tamil diaspora in London advising them against gathering at hotel premises or along transit routes to meet CM Vijay.

"The Tamil community in London warmly awaits the opportunity to meet the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay. However, keeping public safety in mind and adhering to the guidelines of the London Metropolitan Police, the Chief Minister will be unable to meet you. Therefore, we kindly request everyone to refrain from trying to see him," the TVK IT wing said on social media.

"In addition, we respectfully request supporters and members of the public to refrain from gathering outside the hotel where he is staying, or waiting along his travel routes," it said.

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