Daily News Wrap – BILKULONLINE
- Bilkul Online
- 9:00 PM | 15 Sept – 16 Sept 2026
National News Highlights
1. EPFO wage ceiling raised to ₹25,000
The Union Cabinet approved raising the monthly wage ceiling for mandatory EPF coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, expanding the social-security net to more workers.
2. India protests Pakistani naval conduct after sea collision
India summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires after a collision involving Indian and Pakistani naval units. The Ministry of External Affairs described the conduct of the Pakistani side as unacceptable and unprofessional.
3. Six children feared drowned in Odisha
Six children, including three girls, were feared drowned in separate incidents in Odisha’s Ganjam and Sundergarh districts, police said.
4. Heavy rain alert across several states
The IMD warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms across a number of states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
5. Gandhinagar civic polls announced for October 11
The Gujarat State Election Commission announced that elections to the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, along with Okha and Thara municipalities, will be held on October 11. Results will be declared on October 13.
6. Gujarat expands anti-narcotics network
Gujarat Police will establish 41 Anti-Narcotics Wings, six dedicated police stations and an AI-based tool, NARIT, to strengthen the detection and investigation of drug-related offences.
7. India and Vietnam deepen defence cooperation
India and Vietnam agreed to expand defence and security cooperation, including exploring joint production of Indian defence equipment. The two sides also discussed wider strategic cooperation.
8. India-US Army exercise Yudh Abhyas begins
The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas 2026 has begun in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, involving about 1,200 personnel. The exercise focuses on interoperability, drone operations, autonomous systems and high-altitude warfare.
9. NIFT Gandhinagar and NID Ahmedabad feature at BRICS event
NIFT Gandhinagar and NID Ahmedabad represented Gujarat at the BRICS-related programme in New Delhi, showcasing Indian fashion, design and creative capabilities.
10. Gujarat sees strong monsoon rainfall
Ahmedabad has received about 93% of its average annual rainfall by mid-September, while the state continues to receive rain in several regions. The IMD has forecast further showers and thunderstorms in parts of Gujarat.
International News Updates
1. UN chief warns of growing AI risks
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for stronger international oversight of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, warning that governments need to act to protect people from emerging risks.
2. Five killed in Russian drone strikes in Ukraine
Russian drones struck a passenger bus and a train in southern Ukraine, killing five people, according to Ukrainian officials cited by Reuters.
3. 129 remain missing after Indonesia ferry disaster
Search operations continued in Indonesia’s Java Sea after the passenger vessel Virgo Transport 8 capsized. Six people have been confirmed dead, 108 rescued and 129 remain missing.
4. Turkey detains protesters amid LGBTQ+ crackdown
Turkish authorities detained more than 100 people during protests in Ankara and Istanbul following arrests of LGBTQ+ activists. Eight members of rights group Kaos GL were jailed pending trial.
5. Saudi Arabia-Houthi tensions escalate
Saudi forces carried out strikes in Yemen while Houthi fighters reported launching drones and missiles towards Saudi targets, amid continuing regional tensions.
Quote of the Day
“Be prepared to have some ups and downs, but never, ever give up.”
— Elton John
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