India’s UPI ends free era with fee on large merchant payments  ReutersConsumers may be spared large impact of MDR on UPI  The Times of IndiaUPI payments to remain free, no charges on customers: Paytm on just announced merchant discount rate  Moneycontrol.comThe Hindu Morning Digest: September 16, 2026  The Hindu‘UPI could have stayed free’: Ashneer Grover, Opposition slam 0.4% merchant payment charge  Telegraph India  Read More

Saudi-led coalition intercepts drone headed for Mecca  Al JazeeraSaudi Arabia warns of ‘red line’ after Houthi drone intercepted close to holy city of Mecca  theguardian.comLive Updates: Latest from Israel, Iran, and the Middle East  The Jerusalem PostSAUDI-LED COALITION IN YEMEN SAYS AIR DEFENCES INTERCEPTED AND DESTROYED HOUTHI-LAUNCHED DRONE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER MECCA AIRSPACE  news.cgtn.comYemen’s Houthis claim it’s a ‘worn-out lie’ that they launched drone at Mecca  The Times of Israel  Read More

National Engineers’ Day 2026: Why is it celebrated on September 15?  The Indian ExpressEngineers’ Day to be State event; govt. allows prefix ‘Er’ to names  The HinduNational Engineers’ Day marks birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna M Visvesvaraya  News On AIRPM extends greetings on Engineers’ Day  PM IndiaKarnataka Government to celebrate Engineers’ Day officially from next year  The New Indian Express  Read More

U.S. House advances Russia sanctions Bill that seeks 100% tariffs on India, others; set for final vote  The HinduUS House advances bill enabling 100% tariffs on India over Russian oil  India TodayAmendment seeks to name India, 100% tariffs bill races against midterms clock in US  Telegraph IndiaTrump Gets Heartburn Over India’s Putin Bond, US Revives 100% Tariff Threat | Vantage on Firstpost  FirstpostUS lawmakers spar over bill giving Trump more power to sanction Russia  theguardian.com  Read More

Saudi Arabia promises to respond to Houthi attacks ‘firmly’  Al JazeeraMecca Put On Air Raid Alert For First Time In History As Houthis Target Saudi  NDTVWest Asia war updates: Saudi Arabia warns it will react ‘firmly’ to Houthi attacks  The Hindu‘Threatens freedom of navigation through Bab-el-Mandeb’: India condemns Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia  The Times of IndiaWarning sounded in Mecca as Houthis rain missiles on Saudi Arabia’s west coast  India Today  Read More

India did not invite Bangladesh PM Rahman for BRICS; invite was for BIMSTEC Chair: Dhaka  The HinduWhy Tarique Rahman Skipped BRICS In Delhi But Will Attend UN Body Meet  NDTV‘He had received two invitations’: India rejects confusion over Bangladesh PM’s Brics invite  The Times of India‘Fascination with India must end’: Bangladesh minister sparks row  The Indian ExpressBangladesh minister’s call to move past ‘India fascination’ is ironic. Dhaka must learn from China  theprint.in  Read More

BJP using ‘backdoor route’ to implement UCC, should legislate in Parliament: Omar Abdullah  The HinduKey allies TDP, Shiv Sena back Amit Shah’s statement on UCC in all NDA-ruled States  The Hindu’If Allies Aren’t Ready, How Will Uniform Civil Code Be Implemented’: Omar Abdullah  NDTVBJP Allies in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar Strike Cautious Note as Shah Promises UCC in 21 NDA-Ruled States  The Wire IndiaUniversal Civil Code needs nationwide discussions to address trust deficit  The New Indian Express  Read More

Time to take forward ties ‘without backsliding’, says China’s Foreign Minister  The HinduCementing the Foundation for BRICS Cooperation and Bolstering the Strength of the Global South  fmprc.gov.cnModi raised India’s concerns with Xi, told Chinese President ‘3 mutuals’ should guide ties: MEA  theprint.inOpinion | India-China Are Suddenly Getting Along. But What’s On Offer?  NDTVChina’s 5-point BRICS 2027 plan: Why it could be a nightmare for India  The Times of India  Read More