&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Latest India & World News Today LIVE: Mecca missile alert, heath alert in India over Pak-made creams, and more")
Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay tuned to this live blog for all the latest news and breaking developments from India and around the world. Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of attempting to target Mecca with a drone, saying its air defences intercepted the UAV before it entered restricted airspace near Islam’s holiest city. The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca.
In the United States, the House has advanced a Russia sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries importing Russian oil, potentially affecting major buyers such as India and China. Meanwhile, AI leaders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have spoken publicly about growing concerns over artificial intelligence safety, regulation and the pace of development.
In California, NBC’s Colleen Williams confirmed that NewsChopper 4 was the helicopter that crashed in Los Angeles, killing three people. The incident occurred near the Chatsworth crash site where an SUV previously ploughed into a Metro bus, killing at least two people.
In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has issued a nationwide public health alert over two unauthorised Pakistan-made skin-whitening products, Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. Meanwhile, discussions continue over merchant discount rates and fees for large merchant payments on UPI, while transactions up to ₹2,000 remain free.
In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s high-profile official visit to the United Kingdom has sparked political debate back home, with attention focused on the visit and its wider political implications
he European Union plans to ban social media use for children under 13 and allow limited, supervised access for those aged 13 to 15, under new plans announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday (Sept 16).
"It is time for Europe to act," von der Leyen said during her annual address to the European Parliament. She also warned that the EU must make its own rules rather than allow big technology companies to decide them.
A woman trying to stop a car was dragged on its bonnet by her alleged ‘boyfriend’ after an argument and then run over near the Janeshwar Mishra Park in Lucknow’s upscale locality of Gomtinagar Extension on Wednesday morning.
The accused, identified as Shahnawaz, has been arrested and the car seized, said police.
The woman, identified as Anamika, had confronted Shahnawaz after allegedly seeing him with another woman and learning that he had concealed his true identity from her.
India on Wednesday rejected the so-called Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission in strong words, saying it has no legal basis, and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. India said there is no boundary between Pakistan and China, and hence such a joint commission has no legal basis. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India’s position on the matter remains “clear and consistent” and described the commission as having no legal basis.
The European Union plans to ban social media use for children under 13 and allow limited, supervised access for those aged 13 to 15, under new plans announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday (Sept 16).
Sweden’s foreign ministry on Wednesday (Sep 16) said that it had expelled an Iranian embassy employee and summoned the country’s ambassador, saying that their activity was incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The move was taken as Stockholm accused Tehran of making threats against Jewish and Israeli interests in Sweden.
Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned the targeting of Mecca as a "cowardly terrorist attack" after Yemen's Houthis denied launching a drone at the holy city.
The Gulf kingdom "reaffirms its legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend the security of the two holy mosques, the pilgrims, and the entire Saudi territory, its citizens, and its residents," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that Russia has repeatedly said that is not going to attack Western countries and warned that any European military aggression against Russia would trigger a war that will be “completely different” and “very short”.
Taiwan’s representative in India has said direct air links with New Delhi will resume on 1 December and that two semiconductor projects involving Taiwanese firms should begin operating within one to two years, as Taipei looks to expand trade and people-to-people contact.
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia "attacked Moldova" with a drone because his presidential jet was there at the time, part of what he said was a strategy of intimidation by Moscow. Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store had previously said Zelensky's plane was "almost hit by a drone" when taking off from Moldova. That claim was downplayed Kyiv and Chisinau at the time, with a source telling AFP there was an alert in Moldova "when a Russian (drone) entered Moldovan and Romanian airspace".
At least 20 people, including five children, were killed and dozens of others were missing after an apartment building collapsed in Gaza from damage sustained in earlier Israeli strikes. The six-storey building, located in the al al-Hawa area of Gaza City, had four apartments on each floor. According to locals, some 10 families had been living in the building despite warnings that it was unsafe.
The Pakistani Navy vessel that collided with an Indian Navy warship in the North Arabian Sea has been identified as PNS Hunain, a Yarmook-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV). Indian officials said the Indian ship was on a routine surveillance mission when Hunain approached at high speed and carried out what they described as “unprofessional and unsafe” manoeuvres. India subsequently summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires on Wednesday and lodged a “strong protest”.
The European Union is considering a new level of ties with Canada, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposing that Ottawa become the bloc’s first “associate member”. During her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg on Wednesday (Sep 16), Von der Leyen made the offer to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying she wanted to work towards “opening the door” for Canada.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (September 16) approved a proposal to raise the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month.
The Indian government has designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
A Pakistan Navy ship involved in a collision with an Indian warship in international waters has returned to harbour after sustaining "severe damage", according to sources familiar with the incident.
The incident took place on the evening of 15 September in the North Arabian Sea, where a Pakistani naval vessel approached a frontline Indian Navy warship at high speed while the Indian ship was on a routine surveillance mission. Indian side has described the Pakistani ship's manoeuvring as “unprofessional and unsafe manner,” resulting in a collision.
The cost of US President Donald Trump's war on Iran has risen to an estimated $38.1 billion till August, according to a report released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). According to the report, the war could cost America another $2 billion to $3 billion for each additional month of fighting.
President Joseph Aoun told AFP that Lebanon wants a new force, from Europe or elsewhere, to avoid a security "vacuum" in the south when UN peacekeepers leave at the end of the year.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to restrict children’s access to social media during her annual address to the European Parliament on Wednesday.
Under the proposed rules, children under 13 would be barred from using social media, while those aged 13 to 15 would only be allowed limited, parent-supervised “mini accounts.” These accounts would include restricted features and time limits.
"No social media under the age of 13. No personal account under the age of 15," she said during her annual address to the European Parliament. “That means, from 13 until a child turns 15, only mini accounts set up and supervised by parents, with limited features and time restriction.”
Global equity markets moved higher on Wednesday as traders awaited an expected US Federal Reserve interest rate hike, which would be the central bank’s first increase since 2023. Sentiment improved after oil prices fell more than 1%, although crude remained above $100 a barrel amid tensions in the Middle East.
Investors are closely watching the Fed’s policy statement and voting pattern for clues about whether the move will be a one-off increase or the beginning of a wider tightening cycle. Strong US job growth and persistent inflation have pushed markets to price in a more than 90% chance of a hike.
Asian markets including Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Mumbai gained, while European markets opened higher. The Bank of Japan is also expected to raise rates on Friday, while the Bank of England is forecast to hold its benchmark rate.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen raised the prospect Wednesday of Canada becoming the 27-nation bloc's first "associate member', as she pitched closer cooperation on tech, defence and energy to Canadian leader Mark Carney.
"I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU," von der Leyen told the Canadian prime minister, who was attending her annual keynote speech to the European Parliament, drawing a standing ovation in the chamber.
New Zealand’s Parliament has passed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Wednesday, describing the deal as a “landmark” agreement expected to create more jobs and boost incomes for New Zealanders.
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The Pentagon is asking military commanders to nominate servicemembers to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “State of the Force” address on September 30, with candidates required to meet specific physical and grooming standards. According to emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, nominees must meet the Army’s waist-to-height requirements, pass fitness tests and maintain “impeccable” grooming and uniform standards.
The Trump administration is planning to deliver powerful 2,000lb bombs to Israel as part of an upcoming arms deal, weapons that prompted such concerns about the possibility of mass casualties in Gaza that the Biden administration paused their delivery two years ago.
The $2.8bn package includes 40,000 bombs, made up of 20,000 MK-84s and 20,000 BLU-117s, according to two US officials and a person familiar with the plan who spoke on Tuesday on condition of anonymity to discuss the package, which is not yet final.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran demanded the immediate removal of Ganesha idols allegedly modelled on the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president and Chief Minister Vijay at Korukkupet in Chennai, saying it “cheapens the spiritual sentiments of the people”
Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay’s event was cancelled in London, after police cited safety concerns. The cancellation left many fans, some of whom had queued for hours, disappointed.
The Iran War has cost the United States a total of $38 billion so far, according to the Congressional Budget Office
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man after an investigation uncovered what federal authorities described as an imminent ISIS-inspired "mass casualty attack". The arrest was made before the alleged mass casualty event could be carried out. READ MORE
India’s imports from Russia jumped 57% in the first five months of the financial year, official data show, deepening an energy import-driven relationship even as New Delhi presses Moscow and Beijing for greater market access. READ MORE
The government announced that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments above ₹2,000 will attract a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.4 per cent under a revised framework introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). However, consumers will continue to use UPI without paying any charges. READ MORE
OpenAI boss Sam Altman on Tuesday (Sep 16) said that people were justified in their fears around artificial intelligence (AI), but added that people should have more faith in his company. READ MORE
Three people have died after a helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings in the Chatsworth neighbourhood of Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The helicopter went down near Lurline Avenue and Nordhoff Street shortly before 19:00 local time on Tuesday, an LAFD spokesperson was quoted as saying in an interview. READ MORE
Saudi Arabia has said that its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city. Soon after, several areas on Saudi Arabia'swestern coast, including the holy city of Mecca and the Jeddah and Taif governorates were briefly put on alert. READ MORE