A woman was allegedly hit by a car, dragged on its bonnet and then run over by her boyfriend after an argument in Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar area on September 16. Police said the incident occurred near Janeshwar Mishra Park after the woman confronted the accused, Shahnawaz, over his presence with another woman. A video of the incident showed the woman on the car’s bonnet as the vehicle moved forward. She was reportedly thrown onto the road and subsequently run over. Police arrested Shahnawaz and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

New Zealand’s Parliament on September 16, 2026, passed legislation implementing its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India by a 93–29 vote. The agreement will eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs on about 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India once fully implemented. Around 57% of exports will receive duty-free access from the start, rising to 82% over time. Key sectors benefiting include forestry, sheep meat, wool, kiwifruit, apples, seafood and wine. India will receive duty-free access for all its goods entering New Zealand. The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. (PC: X)

Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday evening. Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki called the alleged targeting of the holy city a “disgraceful act”. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, with military spokesperson Yahya Sarea saying their attacks were aimed at Saudi military bases and oil facilities. Saudi authorities also issued security alerts over incoming projectiles in western areas, including Mecca and Jeddah. The United States embassy in Saudi Arabia separately advised Americans to reconsider travel, citing risks from missile and drone attacks. The claims could not be independently verified. (PC: BBC)

The Congress has alleged that the Centre introduced the new UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework under pressure from the United States. The party questioned whether the move could help American payment companies compete with UPI. Under the new framework, a 0.4% MDR will apply to specified merchant UPI transactions above ₹2,000 from October 15, with the charge paid within the merchant payment ecosystem. The government says customers will not pay MDR and person-to-person UPI payments will remain free. It also says around 96% of merchant transactions will remain unaffected. The BJP has accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation. (PC: India Today)

India summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires on Wednesday and lodged a strong protest after a Pakistani Navy vessel collided with an Indian Navy warship in international waters in the Arabian Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs said the incident caused no major damage but alleged that the Pakistani vessel’s conduct breached Article 10 of the 1991 India-Pakistan agreement. The provision requires naval ships and submarines of both countries to maintain a distance of at least three nautical miles in international waters to prevent accidents. The agreement also requires advance notice of major military exercises and troop movements through diplomatic channels. (PC: HT)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has backed proposals for Canada to become the European Union’s first “associate member”, calling for closer cooperation between the two sides. Speaking in Strasbourg on Wednesday, von der Leyen said she wanted to “open the door” to Canada and deepen ties in areas including defence, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, cyber security and supply chains. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who attended the speech, has recently called for a “unique alliance” with the EU as trade tensions with the US continue. Von der Leyen said closer EU-Canada ties would strengthen Europe and were not aimed against any country. (PC: BBC)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded that the government roll back the new UPI merchant charges, calling the move a “UPI tax”. His remarks came after new rules introduced a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on specified merchant transactions above ₹2,000 from October 15. The government has clarified that the MDR will be paid by merchants, not customers, while person-to-person UPI payments and merchant payments up to ₹2,000 will remain free. Gandhi argued that merchants could eventually pass the additional cost on to customers through higher prices. The government rejects the characterisation of MDR as a tax. (PC: HT)

Kerala travel vlogger Arunima I P, known as Backpacker Arunima, was detained by Taliban members in Afghanistan’s Bamyan province while travelling alone, according to The Indian Express. She was reportedly held for several hours and questioned about travelling without a male companion or guide. Arunima had earlier posted an SOS seeking help and assistance in contacting the Indian Embassy. The Taliban members reportedly threatened to arrest her over alleged violations of local rules. She was later released and continued her journey. Arunima said she was safe and had not been formally arrested or taken to prison. (PC: The Indian Express)

The United States has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia, citing the risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks, armed conflict and terrorism. The US State Department said Iran has targeted Saudi cities, airports, military bases, diplomatic sites and energy facilities. It also warned of threats from Iran-backed Houthi forces and advised Americans not to travel to areas near the Yemen border because of terrorism risks. The advisory comes as tensions rise across the region, with Saudi Arabia recently issuing security alerts for Mecca and other areas. The US travel advisory remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. (PC: India Today)

India summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich on Wednesday and lodged a strong protest after a Pakistani naval vessel collided with an Indian Navy ship in international waters. The incident occurred on September 15 during a routine Indian surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea, about 220 km east of Oman, according to Indian sources. The Ministry of External Affairs said there was no major damage but described the Pakistani vessel’s conduct as unacceptable and unprofessional. India said the incident violated provisions of the 1991 India-Pakistan agreement covering advance notice of military exercises, manoeuvres and troop movements. (Representative image)