TODAY NEWS ON September 17, 2026

News Headlines for CAT, CLAT and IPM aspirants
Source: The Hindu , Indian Exp and others

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.

U.S. House passes Russia sanctions bill seeking to impose up to 100% tariffs on India

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) passed a legislation targeting Russia’s energy sector, individuals and “shadow fleet” of tankers, including authorising the U.S. President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and other countries for buying oil and gas from Russia. The House voted ​262-159 ⁠in favour ⁠of the Bill.

India rejects Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission ‘which is without any legal basis’

India on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) rejected the “so-called” boundary joint commission set up by Pakistan and China, saying that the body has no legal basis to decide on arrangements related to Indian territory under illegal occupation. New Delhi’s reaction came following the first meeting of the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission in Islamabad.

Plea in Supreme Court challenges levy on UPI payments above ₹2,000

A petition has been moved in the Supreme Court challenging a decision by the government to levy a 0.4% charge on merchants for specified UPI person-to-merchant transactions in excess of ₹2,000. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced the merchant discount rate (MDR) of 0.4% on UPI payments, applicable from October 15.

Dadasaheb Phalke honour for Kannada film artist Anant Nag

In a big honour for Kannada cinema, veteran actor Anant Nag became the second artist from the State to win the Dadasaheb Phalke Award on Wednesday (September 16, 2026). The recognition comes a year after the actor was conferred with the Padma Bhushan.

Oman pitches new port that could give India better access to Gulf energy

With the Strait of Hormuz in a chokehold due to Iran-U.S. hostilities, Oman has pitched to India investment opportunities in a new port that could provide uninterrupted access to energy resources from the Persian Gulf. The Sohar port is located on the Omani coast on the Gulf of Oman, and ships can access hubs in the Gulf through this port as it sits far from the Strait of Hormuz.

Old Census town criteria will not capture India’s urbanisation, Ministry tells House panel

The four-decade-old criteria used to classify Census Towns will not be able to capture the actual scale of urbanisation in India, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) told a parliamentary committee, arguing that the present rigid definition, which the Registrar General of India (RGI) has decided to continue with despite the Ministry’s objections, does not account for economic and spatial transformations.

In post-BRICS outreach, Jaishankar reaches Bhutan; Nepal Finance Minister to arrive in Delhi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Thimphu on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) for a two-day visit to discuss India’s development assistance, while Nepal Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle will arrive in Delhi on Thursday (September 17, 2026) for talks that are expected to discuss India’s support for Nepal’s reconstruction post-floods, as the government intensifies its outreach in the neighbourhood.

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.

Nabi, Dhir get maiden ODI call-ups for West Indies series

Auqib Nabi and Naman Dhir have earned maiden ODI call-ups for the home series against the West Indies beginning on September 27. With the three-match ODI series clashing with the Asian Games, the selectors have had to ensure there is no overlap between the two squads. All-rounder Nitish Kumar, who was originally part of the Asian Games contingent, has been pulled out of the multi-sport event and instead included in the ODI squad.

International News

News Headlines for CAT, CLAT and IPM aspirants
Source: The Hindu , Indian Exp and others

Persian Gulf oil flows hit pre-conflict levels amid Iran war, US says

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said 18 million ⁠barrels of oil flowed through the Persian Gulf on Tuesday. In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Secretary Wright said, “We’ve ⁠risen the flow of oil out of the Persian Gulf ⁠to record ⁠highs right ⁠now. About 18 million barrels flowed out yesterday, basically pre-conflict levels.”

US paid federal employees $9.5 billion not to work under Musk-led DOGE plan

The Trump administration spent about $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave in 2025 for federal workers as part of its plan to reduce the government workforce and save taxpayers money, CNN reported. The report, quoted by a congressional watchdog, highlighted that federal agencies’ use of paid administrative leave shot up by 435 per cent last year, which was largely influenced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by world’s richest person, Elon Musk.

The programme, which was offered early in President Trump’s second term, allowed federal workers to resign but first be placed on paid leave for several months without having to work as an incentive to sign up.

Friedrich Merz's fate in the balance as second eastern German state goes to the polls

Germany’s struggling Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be relying on the popular centre-left state premier in the eastern region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to keep out the far right in an election on Sunday which may decide his political survival.  Fresh from its triumph in the Sept. 6 election in Saxony-Anhalt, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party looks once again likely to come in first in the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state election, which takes place on the same day as an election in the capital Berlin.

US warns citizens against Saudi Arabia travel, cites Iran attack risk

The United States Embassy in Riyadh has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for its citizens and reconsidered travel due to the “risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity.” The advisory further advised American citizens not to travel to the Yemen border due to the threat of terrorism.

China urges Iran, US to show restraint as regional tensions rise

China’s foreign minister urged Iran and the US to remain rational and exercise restraint, warning against further spillover of regional tensions into Yemen and the Red Sea. The minister also backed dialogue between Iran and Gulf states based on mutual respect for sovereignty and security. China said continued hostilities were not in the interests of the parties involved or the international community.

EU offers Canada path to become bloc’s first associate member

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed opening the door for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney received a standing ovation from European lawmakers and is due to address the European Parliament on Thursday. Von der Leyen said the EU and Canada would build on their existing CETA free trade agreement through an “Alliance for the Future” focused on economic security and shared democratic values. The expanded partnership would cover advanced manufacturing, technology, defence production, the Arctic, energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity and economic security. Von der Leyen said the partnership was aimed at strengthening ties with Canada, “not against anyone else”.

EU to propose social media ban for under-13s, von der Leyen says

The European Commission will present its EU Kids Act on Thursday, with tighter rules for children’s online accounts.

China opens USD 10.75bn Pinglu canal to boost trade with ASEAN

China on Wednesday opened the USD 10.75 billion Pinglu Canal, creating a new maritime gateway for its southwestern provinces and strengthening trade links with ASEAN. The canal is part of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, connecting inland China with Southeast Asia and other global markets. It is also the first nationally planned river-to-sea canal project since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The waterway will provide a more direct route for coal, ore, grain, new-energy materials and automobile parts to reach international markets. China’s trade with ASEAN crossed USD 1 trillion for the first time last year.

Yemen claims it shot down Saudi F-15 fighter jet

The Yemeni Armed Forces said the jet was downed over Marib using a locally made air-to-air missile. he Yemeni Armed Forces claimed Saudi warplanes carried out more than 450 airstrikes across seven provinces this week, causing civilian casualties. It said the strikes involved F-15 and Typhoon aircraft operating from Khamis Mushait and Taif airbases. In response, Yemen claimed it shot down a Saudi F-15 over Marib while it was conducting operations in support of Saudi military deployments. It also said its forces targeted two Saudi formations of F-15 and Typhoon jets, forcing them to retreat while searching for the downed aircraft. The statement said Yemen would continue defending its airspace and sovereignty. It also denied Saudi claims that Yemen had targeted Mecca, saying its operations were aimed at oil facilities and military bases away from the holy sites.

Saudi crown prince seeks Egypt’s backing as Houthi attacks rattle oil routes

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought Egypt’s support as Houthi attacks on Saudi shipping and infrastructure have intensified, driving up global oil prices. He met Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi in Cairo on Tuesday. The attacks have strengthened the Houthis’ ability to disrupt Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea. A recent strike also damaged Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, which regional officials said could remain largely shut for weeks, potentially removing several million barrels of oil a day from the market. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Egypt also expressed its “unwavering” support for Saudi Arabia, though no details of any future action were announced.

Pakistan PM condemns ‘heinous’ attempted drone attack on Mecca

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attempted drone attack on the holy site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, saying the people of Pakistan were “saddened and perturbed” by the incident. Sharif praised the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for their “vigilance, courage and professionalism” and said Pakistan stood with Saudi Arabia in defending its sovereignty and the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain. He also urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, saying the region had suffered enough from conflict and that dialogue and diplomacy were the only sustainable path towards peace.

Two back-to-back earthquakes hit northwestern Nepal

Two earthquakes struck northwestern Nepal early Wednesday, authorities said. The first, measuring 4.5, was recorded at 1:51 am, while the second, measuring 4.2, hit at 4:28 am. Both earthquakes were centred around Kalai in Mugu district, according to the National Seismological Research Centre. No casualties or damage were reported immediately.

Trump administration prepares 2.8 bn USD arms package for Israel: Report

The Trump administration is preparing a $2.8 billion arms package for Israel that would include 40,000 2,000-pound bombs, potentially making it the largest US sale of such munitions to Israel in recent years, The Washington Post reported. The package includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs and 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads. The deal has been informally notified to congressional committees and is being pushed for approval by the administration. The sale would be financed through the US Foreign Military Financing programme. A US official said pending arms sales were not being discussed and that all foreign weapons sales were going through the appropriate process. The proposed deal would exceed previous US sales of 2,000-pound munitions to Israel. In 2024, the Biden administration suspended one shipment over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, but the policy was reversed by Trump after he returned to office in January 2025.

Russia highlights Ukraine war veterans in parliamentary election

Russian officials are prominently featuring military veterans who fought in Ukraine, with some leading party tickets, appearing in campaign videos and taking part in televised debates. Election officials say nearly 200 candidates have served in Ukraine. The Kremlin has described the veterans as part of Russia’s “true elite”, presenting them as having an honoured place in civilian life. Analysts, however, question whether most will gain real political influence, viewing the effort as a way to encourage more people to join the military. The election, beginning Friday, is the first State Duma vote since the war began and will also be held in Ukrainian territories Russia has captured and illegally annexed. The Kremlin is tightly managing the election as it seeks to reinforce its narrative of support for the war.

Pakistan weighs ‘smart lockdown’ to curb fuel use amid West Asia conflict

Pakistan is considering measures, including a possible ‘smart lockdown’, to reduce petroleum consumption amid rising fuel prices and tensions in West Asia, PTI reported. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting to review options for cutting transport-related fuel use in government and private sectors. Petrol prices were raised by Rs 4.10 to Rs 384.34 per litre, while high-speed diesel rose by Rs 6.41 to Rs 415.83. The increases came amid warnings of possible oil supply disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.

Saudi Arabia offers more crude to Asia via Oman after pipeline damage

Saudi Arabia is offering more crude oil to Asian refiners through ship-to-ship transfers off Oman’s Sohar port after drone attacks damaged its key East-West pipeline to the Red Sea, sources said. Saudi Aramco has offered Arab Light, Arab Medium and Arab Heavy to Asian buyers for loading off Sohar. The offers suggest Aramco is moving more crude out of the Gulf for transfer outside the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia has doubled daily crude loadings at its Ras Tanura and Juaymah terminals to about 4 million barrels, according to Energy Aspects. Kpler data showed four VLCCs capable of carrying 8 million barrels loading at Ras Tanura on Wednesday. The kingdom shut its East-West pipeline on Friday after drone damage and repeated Houthi attacks. The pipeline had been used to divert crude to the Red Sea port of Yanbu after the Iran war severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to attend Trump’s dinner for Xi Jinping

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is set to attend US President Donald Trump’s state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, a source familiar with the matter said. Trump is scheduled to meet Xi in Washington on September 24. Huang’s attendance comes amid growing concerns over AI risks, with Nvidia supplying chips to AI developers. The US and China are the two major forces driving advanced AI development and its global adoption. State dinners are among the highest diplomatic honours a US president can offer a foreign leader and are usually reserved for allies. Xi hosted a similar dinner for Trump during his May visit to China, which Huang also attended alongside Elon Musk and Tim Cook. Trump has hosted one state dinner since beginning his second term, for Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Thailand proposes Trump-Anutin talks on trade deal, tariffs

Thailand has proposed a meeting between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump on September 17 or 18, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said. Thailand aims to finalise trade negotiations before the meeting, leaving tariff rates and any final adjustments for the leaders to discuss. The US imposed a 12.5% tariff on Thai imports in July. The US is Thailand’s largest export market, accounting for 24% of its exports so far this year.