Mumbai’s iconic Cafe Mondegar is among four food establishments whose licences have been suspended by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The action followed inspections that found serious food safety and hygiene violations. At Cafe Mondegar, officials found problems with food storage temperatures, thawing and cooling procedures. The FDA also warned of a possible risk of cross-contamination. The other establishments are Maharashtra Biryani Centre, Tribhuvan Dairy Farm and Mahavir Cashew and Foods. The FDA inspected 38 food businesses in Mumbai and collected 47 samples. Outside Mumbai, officials seized over 4,000 kg of milk products and sweets, worth more than ₹15 lakh.  

Saudi Arabia is facing major challenges in exporting oil after a key pipeline was shut. The East-West pipeline, which connects oil fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, was closed after attacks on Saudi energy facilities. The Strait of Hormuz is also blocked, limiting Saudi Arabia’s main export route. Houthi attacks have further reduced shipments through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Saudi Arabia can send some oil through Egypt using the Suez Canal and Sumed pipeline. However, this route takes longer, especially for Asian markets. The disruptions have pushed oil prices higher and increased pressure on global energy supplies.  

India has expressed concern over a drone intercepted near Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences destroyed the drone south of the holy city on September 15. Saudi officials said it was a Houthi drone and claimed it was stopped before entering restricted airspace. However, the Houthis denied targeting Mecca or other Islamic holy sites. India condemned attacks on Saudi territory and actions that could endanger civilians and key infrastructure. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident was especially concerning because of Mecca’s importance to Muslims worldwide. India also called for peace and stability in the region.  

IPS officer Sanjukta Parashar has become the first woman to head the CRPF’s special CoBRA unit. The 47-year-old officer is from the 2006 Assam-Meghalaya cadre. She took charge as Inspector General of CoBRA after joining the CRPF on deputation in August. Parashar has led counter-insurgency operations in northeast India and was called the “Iron Lady” by the media. CoBRA was formed in 2008 to fight Maoist insurgents and conduct jungle operations. Two of its battalions were recently moved to violence-hit Manipur. Parashar has also served with Assam Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).  

The European Union has invited Canada to become its first-ever “associate member”. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the offer during a speech in Strasbourg on Wednesday. She said the EU and Canada share democratic values and common views on issues like AI, climate change and the Ukraine war. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed closer ties with the EU. The two sides plan to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, energy, technology and critical minerals. They will also work together on Arctic projects. The EU and Canada are expected to discuss the proposal at a summit in October.  

An Indian Army paratrooper from Surya Command carried out a tandem parachute jump with a combat dog and its handler over Behat Drop Zone in central India. The Army said the jump is among the first of its kind involving a dog and handler. The canine carried a full combat load during the exercise. The Army said the jump showed the strong trust and teamwork between soldiers and military dogs. Combat dogs are trained to detect explosives, weapons and people. They also help troops search dangerous areas. The exercise could help the Army use dogs in airborne and hostile-area missions.  

At least 20 people, including five children, were killed when a six-storey residential building in Gaza City collapsed on September 16 after previously being damaged by Israeli strikes, according to Palestinian rescue officials. The building had been sheltering around 100 displaced Palestinian families, and its collapse also brought down nearby tents, trapping people beneath the rubble. At least 25 others were reported injured, while rescue teams continued searching for survivors. Emergency operations were hampered by limited heavy machinery. The incident highlights the dangers faced by displaced civilians living in damaged buildings amid continuing violence and severe housing shortages in Gaza. (PC: AFP)

A Pakistani naval vessel collided with an Indian frontline warship during a routine surveillance mission in the north Arabian Sea on September 15, according to officials. Hindustan Times reports that former Navy spokesperson Captain DK Sharma described the incident as “unacceptable” and said ships must maintain prescribed safety distances and follow maritime rules. He warned that such unsafe manoeuvring could quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. India summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires and lodged a strong protest, calling the conduct unprofessional. The Ministry of External Affairs said the collision occurred in international waters and caused no major damage. 

A Maharashtra FDA survey has found major differences between procurement costs and prices charged for commonly used hospital consumables. An IV set purchased for ₹11.05 was reportedly sold for ₹325, representing a 2,841% margin. A 10 ml syringe costing ₹6.75 was sold for ₹57.20, while a nebuliser mask bought for ₹45 was sold for ₹652. Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has urged the Centre to review pricing regulations and bring commonly used inpatient surgical consumables under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order. He also suggested trade-margin limits and stronger monitoring to reduce financial burdens on hospital patients. 

The Union Cabinet has approved raising the monthly wage ceiling for mandatory Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. The decision, announced on September 16, 2026, is expected to bring around 51 lakh additional employees into the social-security system. Workers covered under the expanded limit will gain access to provident-fund savings, pension benefits and insurance protection, subject to scheme rules. The revision is the first change in the wage ceiling in 12 years. The government expects the measure to strengthen retirement security while expanding formal-sector social protection. (PC: The Hindu)