- Bilkul Online
- 9:00 PM | 16 Sept – 17 Sept 2026
National News Highlights
1. India-Pakistan naval collision triggers diplomatic exchange
India and Pakistan exchanged protests following the September 15 collision between an Indian Navy warship and Pakistan Navy vessel PNS Hunain in the North Arabian Sea. Both sides have presented different accounts of the incident.
2. India rejects Pakistan-China boundary commission
New Delhi said the newly activated Pakistan-China boundary commission has no legal basis concerning India, after the commission held its first meeting in Islamabad.
3. Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign begins
The nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva campaign began on September 17, with this year’s theme focusing on public participation in cleanliness and the broader Swachh Bharat mission.
4. Supreme Court to hear several major pleas
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear cases concerning the three-language requirement for Class 9 students, voter-list revision, the I-PAC search controversy and other matters.
5. Heavy rain alert across several states
The IMD issued warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorms across a number of states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and parts of eastern India.
6. Two militants killed in J&K encounter
Two militants were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, with security forces widening the search operation in the area.
7. Ten convicted in Jhiram Ghati Maoist attack get death sentence
A special NIA court in Jagdalpur awarded the death penalty to 10 Maoists convicted in connection with the 2013 Jhiram Ghati attack in Chhattisgarh, in which senior Congress leaders were killed.
8. Centre warns against unproven stem-cell treatments
The Union Health Ministry advised states to act against unproven stem-cell therapies, warning that doctors and clinics offering such treatments could face disciplinary or regulatory action.
9. NTA changes role of translators amid AI use
The National Testing Agency has revised the role of translators, with greater emphasis on reviewing and ensuring the quality of AI-assisted examination-related content.
10. Kuno’s unusual cheetah partnership draws attention
Researchers and conservationists are observing an unusual coalition of two unrelated male cheetahs at Kuno National Park, who have been seen sharing kills, grooming each other and defending territory together.
International News Updates
1. Russian strikes injure at least 19 in Ukraine
A Russian missile and drone barrage targeting Kyiv and surrounding areas injured at least 19 people, including children. Ukraine also reported overnight strikes against targets inside Russia.
2. NASA discovers a huge new crater on the Moon
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has identified a roughly 222-metre-wide crater formed by an impact in 2024. Scientists say the event was exceptionally rare and offers new insight into the Moon’s surface.
3. Canada backs closer relationship with European Union
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told the European Parliament that Canada is open to becoming the EU’s first associate member, proposing deeper cooperation in defence, critical minerals, AI and trade.
4. Nepal disaster linked to climate change, scientists say
A new scientific assessment says warming temperatures, glacier retreat and thawing permafrost contributed to the conditions behind the devastating mountain collapse and floods in Nepal and Tibet that killed around 1,400 people.
5. Fiji declares national HIV emergency
Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after new data indicated that roughly one in 60 people in the Pacific island nation may be living with HIV. Authorities have expanded testing and response measures.
Quote of the Day
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
— Nelson Mandela
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