Iran has urged caution over Saudi Arabia’s claim that a Houthi drone was intercepted south of Mecca, saying the allegation alone does not establish responsibility. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei condemned any aggression against Islamic holy sites, including Mecca, Medina and Al-Aqsa Mosque, but said unverified claims should not be used to inflame regional tensions or divide Muslim countries. The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca, saying their operations target Saudi military and oil facilities. Baqaei also warned about alleged “false flag” operations, arguing that such incidents could be exploited for political purposes. (PC: X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on September 18 criticised the Election Commission’s interim decision to bar rival Trinamool Congress factions from using the party’s name and “Flowers & Grass” symbol in upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls. Gandhi alleged that the BJP and Election Commission were working together to split political parties, citing previous disputes involving Shiv Sena and NCP. He described the situation as “vote chori, government chori, now party chori” and questioned the EC’s constitutional responsibility to protect electoral mandates. The Commission said both TMC factions must choose separate names and free symbols until it reaches a final decision. (PC: AP)

A 17-year-old girl’s decomposed body was found in a field near Kushak Road in Delhi on September 13, days after she was allegedly gang-raped and murdered. According to police, local residents noticed stray dogs around the body and alerted authorities. The girl had reportedly been stabbed multiple times, and a medical examination confirmed sexual assault. Police arrested four suspects in connection with the case, including a 19-year-old man and three minors. Investigators reportedly examined more than 50 CCTV cameras and traced a tempo allegedly linked to the incident. Knives, clothing and the vehicle were recovered as part of the investigation. (PC: NDTV)

India and Bangladesh have restarted official-level discussions on arranging Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi after a brief disruption in bilateral engagement. Officials are working on the visit’s agenda, with discussions expected to cover bilateral trade and the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty. Rahman had previously received invitations from India for a bilateral visit and to attend the BRICS Summit, but did not travel to New Delhi for the summit. The renewed talks come amid efforts to stabilise relations that have faced tensions since Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power in 2024. (PC: Reuters)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects to begin deliveries of LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force by the end of 2026, with deliveries likely starting in December. HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K said the company is addressing remaining radar-related issues and completing weapons-integration testing, which could take about a month. HAL has 27 Mk-1A airframes ready and has received 10 GE Aerospace engines. The IAF has ordered 180 Mk-1A fighters under two contracts worth around ₹1.1 lakh crore. HAL plans to deliver about 10 aircraft during FY 2026-27. (PC: X)

A 28-year-old Punjabi Sikh truck driver from Sacramento, California, was stabbed 17 times at the Bitter Creek Rest Area on Interstate 80 in Wyoming while travelling to Pennsylvania. The driver, identified by NPR only as Singh, said another man followed him into a bathroom and attacked him with a knife, causing injuries to his neck, chest, arms and ribs. A Hispanic family at the rest stop helped him and provided police with information about the suspect’s truck. Wyoming Highway Patrol later arrested 45-year-old Andrew Kris Bzdak near Rawlins. He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder. Authorities have not established a motive. 

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262–159, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature. The legislation expands sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, energy companies and its “shadow fleet” of tankers. It also gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially including India and China. The measure does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India; it creates the legal authority for such action under specified conditions. (PC: The Times of India)

Tata Sons has approved a fresh five-year term for Executive Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, reversing his earlier decision not to seek reappointment after his current tenure ends in February 2027. The decision was approved by a majority of the board despite opposition from Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata. The development comes amid disagreements between Tata Sons and the trusts over leadership and the company’s potential stock-market listing. The board has also decided to initiate steps to comply with applicable Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines and consider a public listing. Chandrasekaran has led Tata Sons since 2017. (PC: Reuters)

Renewed fighting in Yemen has forced more than 125,000 people to flee their homes, with many seeking shelter in overcrowded displacement camps. The latest escalation followed a rapid Houthi advance along the Red Sea coast toward Taiz, forcing families to abandon homes and possessions amid intense clashes. Displaced residents described civilian deaths and injuries in frontline areas, while humanitarian workers reported urgent needs for shelter, food, water, healthcare and other assistance. The fighting has also raised concerns over the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, a major global shipping route. The renewed conflict threatens to deepen Yemen’s already severe humanitarian crisis. (PC: The Guardian)

The Election Commission has barred both rival Trinamool Congress factions from using the party’s name, “All India Trinamool Congress,” and its reserved “Flowers & Grass” election symbol in the upcoming bypolls. The interim order applies to the factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee. Both groups have been directed to submit three choices each for new party names and free election symbols by 11 a.m. on September 18. The decision comes ahead of the October 6 bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar. The EC said the interim arrangement does not determine which faction ultimately controls the party’s established identity. (PC: ITG)