India strengthened their position in the opening Test against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after setting the hosts a challenging target of 372 runs. The visitors were bowled out for 193 in their second innings, but their strong first-innings advantage ensured that Sri Lanka were left facing a difficult fourth-innings chase. Earlier in the match, India had posted an imposing 462 in their first innings, putting significant pressure on the Sri Lankan batting lineup. The hosts

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra have received a clean chit from the Special Investigation Team probing alleged theft and irregularities involving donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. According to an official statement cited on August 18, the Uttar Pradesh Home Department submitted the SIT's final report and forwarded it to the temple trust for further consideration.

More than 2.07 crore Maharashtra SIR voter forms remained uncollected at the end of the enumeration exercise, bringing voter verification into focus before the state publishes its draft electoral roll. The scale is significant because Maharashtra has nearly 9.8 crore registered voters, while Mumbai SIR, Thane SIR and Pune SIR account for a large share of the pending forms. The Special Intensive Revision, conducted under the Election Commis

The Taliban seeks deeper India ties as Afghanistan looks to strengthen political trust, trade and regional connectivity with New Delhi. Taliban chargé d’affaires Noor Ahmed Noor highlighted India ties and their shared history while outlining Kabul’s interest in broader diplomatic and economic engagement. India ties gain focus at New Delhi event Noor made the remarks during a New Delhi even

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s proposed new office at Namakkal Kavignar Maligai has come under scrutiny following allegations over the renovation tender process. The office is reportedly being shifted to the 10th floor to allow the Chief Minister to work closer to senior government officials and improve administrative coordination. ₹5.54 Crore Renovation Tender Draws Scrutiny Questions have been raised over the reported ₹5.54 crore renovation te

US envoy Jared Kushner says the Gaza peace plan could begin showing progress within 30 days, with early steps focused on Hamas disarmament and closing militant tunnels. His comments followed talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders as Washington tries to revive a stalled roadmap. Hamas disarmament Kushner said he hoped the first visible progress could involve remov

US President Donald Trump has renewed his push for the SAVE America Act, citing India’s voter ID system while arguing for stricter eligibility rules in American federal elections. His latest remarks put India’s massive election process at the center of a renewed debate over voter identification, citizenship checks and mail voting in the United States. SAVE

Higgsfield AI support is drawing closer attention as the fast-growing video startup reaches a $5.4 billion valuation and expands beyond 30 million users. The company has scaled revenue and funding at exceptional speed, but some customers continue to raise questions about billing, refunds and how quickly support problems are resolved. AI video growth pushes Higgsfield valuation to $5.4 billion

Pakistan has issued an Umrah warning for citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia, urging pilgrims and workers to strictly follow local laws and avoid begging. The advisory highlights Saudi begging laws and reminds Pakistani nationals that violating visa conditions or local regulations can bring serious consequences. Pakistan Umrah warning targets begging violatio

Hayden Panettiere death is under investigation after the Heroes and Nashville star was found unresponsive in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, 2026. Police reported no signs of foul play, while officials have not released a final cause or manner of death. Actor Hayden Panettiere, known for starring in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” died at age 36 on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina. Her rep

Iran's foreign influence bill has moved forward in parliament, potentially expanding criminal penalties for contacts with foreign media, universities, embassies and organisations. The proposal comes amid heightened security concerns in Tehran and could significantly affect journalists, academics and civil society. Foreign media law could expand criminal penal

US President Donald Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in US participation in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing their cost and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Seoul, however, says the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise has begun as scheduled. US-South Korea drills face Trump-ordered reduction Trump

Four Renaissance artworks attributed to Antonello da Messina have been stolen in a daring Sicily museum theft during Ferragosto. The Antonello art heist targeted works of enormous cultural importance, including three surviving panels from the celebrated San Gregorio Polyptych. Sicily museum theft targets Renaissance treasures Thieves enter

The India-Mauritius DTAA Protocol has moved closer to implementation after Mauritius approved its ratification, offering investors greater clarity on the PPT rule and legacy investments. The move also seeks to reinforce Mauritius FDI links with India while tightening safeguards against treaty abuse. PPT rule brings greater clarity to the tax treaty Mauritius' Cabinet on July 17 approved ratific

Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker and senior Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office near his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum district, on Sunday. Police have begun an investigation, while a purported note recovered from the scene is also being examined. Asish Banerjee Found Dead at TMC Office Senior Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found h

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh is placing employment generation at the centre of the state’s development strategy, with a focus on attracting major technology companies, strengthening urban infrastructure and reducing the long-running migration of young professionals to other states. Employment Opportunities Remain a Major Challenge Creating quality jobs within Andhra Pradesh continue

A new India global opinion survey shows striking differences in how the country is viewed worldwide. Sri Lanka records the strongest favourable opinion, while the UK, Kenya and Germany also show strong goodwill. Pakistan stands at the opposite end, giving India its lowest rating among the 36 countries surveyed. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka emerged as the most India-friendly country in Pew Research Cente

India will celebrate India Independence Day 2026 on Saturday, August 15, marking the country's 80th Independence Day and 79 completed years of freedom. The national ceremony at the Red Fort in Delhi will highlight Vande Mataram, Viksit Bharat and India's freedom history while looking toward the country's future. 80th Independence Day: Why India Completes 79 Y

A new Pew Research Center survey shows the India-Pakistan threat perception remains deeply rooted. Rivalry, China’s role, Russia ties, mistrust and public opinion reveal how decades of tension continue to shape South Asia despite major changes in the global order. Rivalry India and Pakistan continue to see each other as their biggest geopolitical threat nearly eight decades after Partition. A

Nashik experienced two fresh earthquakes early Friday, August 14, extending a period of repeated seismic activity across northern Maharashtra. The Nashik earthquake August 14 sequence included magnitude 3.5 and 3.4 tremors, while authorities continue monitoring Nashik tremors, building risk and activity around Palghar. Nashik tremors continue before dawn According to reviewed data from the Nati