School assembly news headlines for Sept 16, 2026: Essential national and international updates

The news cycle for Wednesday, September 16, 2026, features major developments across Indian politics, commerce, legal proceedings and global updates. National highlights include political friction between the Congress and the Centre over proposed merchant fees on high-value UPI transactions, Tamil Nadu signing massive investment MoUs in the UK and India reporting a strong 26.12% surge in exports for August. Internationally, a US federal court has blocked a move to cap foreign student visas, while a Bangladesh tribunal has handed death sentences to seven senior Awami League leaders.

Top national headlines

1. ‘Compromised PM Modi again surrendering to US pressure’: Cong on Centre's UPI move

New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday attacked the Modi government over its notification on UPI transactions with Rahul Gandhi alleging that it has quietly paved the way for imposing fees on such transactions and that a “compromised” Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “once again surrendering” to American pressure.

2. ‘Waste to wealth’: Over Rs 5,100 cr generated through scrap disposal, says Centre

New Delhi: More than Rs 5,100 crore has been generated through disposal of scrap in the last five years as part of special campaigns in government offices, the Centre said on Tuesday.

3. Trust clarifies Jitendra Mishra appeared in person for Ram temple CEO interview

Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has clarified that retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra had appeared in person for the interview for the Ram temple CEO's post on August 11, following remarks by former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey that triggered questions over the selection process.

4. Woman biker hit-and-run case: Accused car driver arrested, says Gurugram CP

Gurugram: Kalyan Bainsla, the car driver accused of hitting a woman biker, was arrested from Rajgarh in Rajasthan on Tuesday, police said, two days after his speeding Ciaz allegedly rammed into her Aprilia RS 457, sending her skidding on the road.

5. TN signs pacts for Rs 15,300 cr investments in UK, over 10000 jobs expected

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading global firms, securing investment proposals and commitments worth over Rs 15,300 crore during Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's visit to the United Kingdom, officials said on Tuesday.

6. DMK leaders Raja, Sekar Babu booked for defamatory remarks against TN CM Vijay

Chennai: Police have registered cases under various legal provisions against senior DMK leaders A Raja and P K Sekar Babu over alleged defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during recent party demonstrations, an official said on Tuesday.

7. Over 3000 one-horned rhinos in Assam, 80 pc of global count: Himanta

Guwahati: Assam is home to 3,260 one-horned rhinoceroses, which account for around 80 per cent of its global population, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday.

8. Delhi court grants three weeks' interim bail to Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Tuesday granted three weeks' interim bail to Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj in connection with the alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a protest at Jantar Mantar, among other charges, sources said.

9. Cheque-bounce cases: SC gives Rajpal Yadav last chance of two weeks to deposit Rs 2 cr

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave the last opportunity of two weeks to actor Rajpal Yadav to come out with a concrete proposal to pay an outstanding amount to a private firm and directed him to deposit Rs 2 crore with the apex court registry.

10. Banks' panel to soon take decision on merchant charges for UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

New Delhi: A panel comprising representatives of banks, service providers and various associations would soon take a call on charges to be levied on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 to merchants.

11. India's exports up 26.12 pc to USD 43.81 bn in Aug; trade deficit narrows to USD 26.86 bn

New Delhi: India's exports increased by 26.12 per cent to USD 43.81 billion in August, and the trade deficit narrowed to USD 26.86 billion, government data showed on Tuesday.

12. India-New Zealand trade pact likely to come into force from Oct 19: Official

New Delhi: The India-New Zealand free trade agreement is likely to come into force from October 19, an official said.

13. Meta to report child safety cases directly to India's cyber crime portal amid govt crackdown

New Delhi: Facebook and Instagram owner Meta has agreed to report child safety-related matters directly to the cybercrime portal managed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), as the government pushes social media platforms for stronger safeguards and greater accountability amid a crackdown on child sexual abuse material and other harmful content online.

Top foreign headlines

1. US judge blocks Trump administration move to cap stays on student, scholar visas

Washington: A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration rule that sought to put a cap on stays of foreign students, journalists and exchange visitors, a day before it was to come into effect.

2. Bangladesh tribunal sentences seven senior Awami League leaders to death

Dhaka: Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday sentenced to death seven senior leaders of the banned Awami League for crimes against humanity over their alleged roles in directing, inciting or facilitating violence during the 2024 student-led protests, dubbed the July Uprising.