Good morning! Here’s your quick news check for September 17, 2026.

From PM Modi’s BRICS message and a fresh debate over India’s history to political alliances, Bihar floods and major international developments, these are the stories making headlines today.

NATION

  • India voices concern over attempted drone attack on Makkah
    New Delhi: India on Wednesday voiced deep concern over an attempted drone attack on the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia and renewed its call for early restoration of peace in West Asia.
  • Pak Navy vessel collides with Indian Navy ship: MEA summons Pakistan Charge d'Affaires
    New Delhi: India on Wednesday summoned the Pakistani Charge d'Affaires (CDA) following ‘unacceptable conduct’ by a Pakistan Navy vessel that led to a collision with an Indian Navy ship in international waters in the Arabian Sea.
  • India's rank on Global Gender Gap Index unchanged at 131; Iceland retains top spot
    New Delhi/Geneva: India retained the 131st rank on the Global Gender Gap Index 2026 released by the World Economic Forum on Wednesday, with Iceland, Finland and Norway maintaining their top three slots respectively.
  • PM has decided to prostrate before Trump: Rahul on 'UPI tax'
    New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to ‘prostrate’ before US President Donald Trump and give a huge amount of money to America, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Wednesday and demanded a rollback of the government's decision to levy a fee on UPI payments.
  • 'PM has redefined NOTA -- Narendra's Ongoing Trump Appeasement': Cong after UPI move
    New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday accused the government of giving in to a US demand to get rid of zero MDR and charge for UPI, and took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has "redefined NOTA -- Narendra's Ongoing Trump Appeasement".
  • Govt raises EPFO wage ceiling to Rs 25,000 per month
    New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to raise the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to Rs 25,000 per month from Rs 15,000.
  • Shahzad Bhatti Network declared banned terrorist outfit under UAPA
    New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the government has declared Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
  • Messi event row: Police conduct search at Reporter TV office in Kochi
    Kochi: A police team searched the Kochi headquarters of Malayalam news channel Reporter TV early Wednesday, with the channel alleging that the action disrupted its news operations.
  • Rahul Gandhi defamation case: Complainant gets final chance to argue, next hearing on Sept 21
    Sultanpur (UP): A court here on Wednesday gave the complainant in a defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a final opportunity to present arguments, fixing September 21 for the next hearing with a warning against further delay. 

FOREIGN:

  • Indian envoy meets Nepal's foreign minister, discusses bilateral ties
    Kathmandu: India's outgoing Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava on Wednesday called on Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and conveyed appreciation for his continued support for strengthening multifaceted bilateral ties.

That’s your news drop for today. Stay curious, stay informed and have a great day ahead!