The United States has deported 20 non-Liberian nationals to Liberia as part of an expanded third-country deportation program. Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 individuals under this humanitarian arrangement. Deportees sent to Liberia retain the option to apply for asylum within the country. The agreement is part of broader US efforts to manage immigration flows and reinforce border security.
US officials claim oil is moving through the Strait of Hormuz at rates well above market expectations, but external shipping data tells a different story. Independent tracking shows a decline in oil tanker activity alongside falling global stockpiles, contradicting official assertions. This discrepancy has cast doubt on the actual volume of crude oil reaching world markets. Complicating matters further, shadow fleet vessels are obscuring their locations to evade monitoring, making accurate assessments difficult. The resulting uncertainty is contributing to potential volatility in both oil prices and supply forecasts.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly weighing the sale of their Montecito, California estate due to mounting financial pressures. The property, originally bought for $14.65 million, costs the couple over $600,000 per year in mortgage payments and property taxes. Real estate brokers are already speculating on the home's value, with potential sale prices ranging between $55 million and $65 million. The couple is said to be considering a return to the United Kingdom, with a final decision on the property expected to follow any such relocation.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved back to jail within hours of being shifted to a hospital for medical attention. Khan has remained imprisoned since August 2023, facing multiple legal cases. He has consistently maintained that the charges against him are politically motivated and designed to sideline him. The Pakistani government has denied these allegations, insisting the legal proceedings are legitimate.
India and Nepal have agreed to jointly deploy drones to map land encroachments in the Dasgaja border regions. The initiative follows a row sparked by remarks from Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah regarding cross-border land disputes. The drone mapping exercise aims to produce a verified, technical record of disputed areas along the shared border. This data is expected to support future negotiations on land restoration and compensation between the two countries. The collaborative effort is intended to address long-standing border occupation issues and prevent minor disputes from escalating further.
Technical analyst Hitesh Rathi of Angel One has recommended three stocks for trading on August 20, 2026. The picks include DLF, PG Electroplast Ltd, and Sansera Engineering. Rathi specializes in equity and derivatives analysis at the brokerage firm. These recommendations are intended to guide investors in their stock market decisions for the day.
Eight people sustained injuries after a crane toppled onto houses during an eviction operation in Mumbai. The incident occurred while authorities were carrying out a demolition or clearance drive in the city. The crane's fall caused damage to nearby structures, putting residents at risk. The injured were reported to have been affected by the collapse of the heavy equipment during the operation.
The Indian rupee has weakened significantly against the US dollar, approaching the Rs 95 mark. This depreciation has a direct impact on travellers, students studying abroad, and individuals making international payments. Analysts are debating whether the current weakness represents a short-term shock or a structural shift in the currency's value. The sustained decline has raised concerns among economists and policymakers about its broader implications for the Indian economy.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has suspended the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the country's top domestic cricket franchise tournament. The suspension comes amid serious concerns over financial losses, illegal betting, and corruption within the league. The BPL was launched in 2012 and has long been considered Bangladesh's most prominent domestic cricket competition. Despite its ambitions, the league has consistently failed to reach the commercial and competitive heights of rival tournaments like the Indian Premier League.
Two international tourists recently shared positive experiences of riding the Delhi Metro through Instagram posts. They praised the system's cleanliness and the security measures observed across its stations. The women-only coach was highlighted as a particularly appreciated feature, especially during busy travel hours. Their posts sparked broader online discussions about safety and amenities in public transport. The incident underlines growing recognition of Delhi Metro's infrastructure among international visitors.
A crane collapsed during a demolition drive conducted by MHADA in Mumbai on August 21, 2026. The incident resulted in injuries to at least eight people. The collapse occurred in the course of an official housing authority operation. Authorities have not yet released further details about the cause of the crane failure or the condition of those injured.
England strengthened their position against Pakistan on the second day of the Test match at Headingley. Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, and Dan Lawrence each contributed half-centuries to build a formidable total. England had resumed the day's play at 112 for 2, and their batters capitalised on the time available. Rain caused a delay of nearly four hours, significantly reducing the playing time on the day. Despite the interruption, England's batting lineup put Pakistan under considerable pressure.
Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya has issued a stark warning to AI industry leaders, including Sam Altman and Dario Amodei, about growing public opposition to data centers. He pointed out that political actors are exploiting data centers as a weak point against the tech sector. Palihapitiya urged AI executives to do a better job of communicating the benefits of artificial intelligence to local communities. He also called on industry leaders to end internal conflicts and push back against government overreach into the sector.
A cargo ship with six Indian crew members on board has been hijacked in waters near Somalia. The vessel was transporting weapons destined for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu. The ship was also carrying communications and satellite equipment as part of its cargo. The hijacking raises concerns about the safety of the Indian nationals aboard the vessel.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's brother has reignited the controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone's departure from the upcoming film 'Spirit'. He cited remuneration and scheduling conflicts as the primary reasons behind her exit from the project. Padukone reportedly sought ten percent of the film's profits, a demand the producers considered economically unviable. The filmmakers claimed they were open to paying more, but the financial terms ultimately could not be reconciled. Additionally, the production team alleged that details about the story and Padukone's character were leaked during their discussions.