India

BJP Bets on Poonia, Manpreet Badal, and Pathak to Counter AAP in Punjab

The BJP has identified three key leaders to strengthen its position against the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab. Satish Poonia has been tasked with rebuilding and consolidating the party's organisational structure in the state. Former finance minister Manpreet Badal must prove that his political influence goes beyond his family legacy. Meanwhile, Pathak is expected to leverage his insider knowledge of AAP to give the BJP a strategic electoral edge. Together, the trio forms the core of BJP's challenge to AAP's dominance in Punjab.

AAP Calls Satyendar Jain's Arrest Political, BJP Cites Money Trail Evidence

The Aam Aadmi Party has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of orchestrating Satyendar Jain's arrest on fabricated charges for political motives. BJP's Delhi unit has rejected the allegations, stating that the Anti-Corruption Branch has established a clear money trail linking Jain to financial misconduct. The case involves corruption charges connected to the Delhi Jal Board that date back to 2024. The dispute has intensified the political rivalry between the two parties over the legitimacy of the legal proceedings against Jain.

NDTV Rebrands Its English Channel Simply as 'NDTV' on Independence Day

NDTV unveiled a new corporate identity on India's Independence Day, marking a significant rebranding milestone for the network. The channel formerly known as NDTV 24x7 has been renamed simply 'NDTV'. The rebrand also included the launch of a new logo for the network. India's business community responded positively to the new identity, congratulating the broadcaster on the change.

Ferris Wheel Collapse at Lucknow Fair Leaves 2 Critical, Several Hurt

A Ferris wheel collapsed at a fair in Lucknow, leaving two people in critical condition and several others injured. The incident occurred at the Indiranagar Sawan Mahotsav, a seasonal festival event. The fair was being held in the Ghazipur police station area of Lucknow. Authorities are investigating the cause of the structural failure that led to the accident.

Jayden Daniels urged to drop legal battle over LSU jersey number

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is facing growing criticism over his ongoing legal dispute related to his former LSU jersey number. The controversy has escalated steadily, drawing public backlash over his handling of the situation. Daniels has now been urged by critics to abandon the legal fight altogether. The episode has raised questions about his judgment and public image off the field.

Trump Shares AI Image Claiming Hormuz as US Territory, Says Mines Cleared

US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting the Strait of Hormuz as 'new US territory', escalating his rhetoric around the strategic waterway. Trump also claimed that all mines had been removed from the strait. This is not the first instance of Trump suggesting a US takeover of the region, having previously made similar remarks in a light-hearted tone on Friday. Iran swiftly pushed back, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz 'will remain Iranian'. The exchange highlights growing tensions between Washington and Tehran over control of the critical maritime passage.

Invasive flatworm released in Samoa in 1990s blamed for Pacific snail extinctions

The invasive flatworm Platydemus manokwari, introduced to Samoa in the 1990s as a biological pest control measure, has caused a sharp decline in native tree snail populations across the Pacific Islands. The aggressive predator actively hunts local snail species, pushing several to the brink of extinction. Earlier biological control efforts in the region proved unsuccessful in curbing the damage caused by the species. Federal authorities have now classified multiple affected native snail species as endangered or threatened. In response, strict biosecurity protocols are being enforced to prevent the flatworm from spreading further.

Nitin Nabin Set to Form Key Party Bodies After Team Finalised

BJP leader Nitin Nabin is expected to soon constitute several key organisational bodies of the party. The structures he is set to form include the Parliamentary Board, the Central Election Committee, the National Executive, and the National Council. This move comes after Nabin has reportedly settled his core team. The formation of these bodies is seen as a significant step in strengthening the party's internal organisational framework.

Fake Medicines Worth Rs 5 Crore Seized in Raids Near Bengaluru

Authorities conducted raids near Bengaluru and uncovered a large-scale counterfeit medicines racket. The operation led to the seizure of fake and spurious medicines valued at over Rs 5 crore. The medicines were being produced at an unlicensed manufacturing unit. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of such counterfeit drugs reaching critical care facilities, including ICUs.

Barcelona sign Ballon d'Or winner Rodri from Manchester City until 2030

FC Barcelona have officially confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Rodri from Manchester City. The Spain captain has penned a deal with the Catalan club running through 2030. Rodri arrives on the back of a standout period that included a World Cup victory with Spain and claiming the Ballon d'Or. The acquisition is expected to bolster Barcelona's squad as they pursue a third straight La Liga title. Real Madrid were also said to have been interested in the midfielder before he chose Barcelona.

NTA Overhauls Exam Team: 600 Experts Removed, New Checks Introduced

India's National Testing Agency (NTA) has undertaken a significant reform of its examination processes, according to a statement from its Director General. As part of the overhaul, 600 existing experts have been removed from the examination team and replaced with new personnel. The agency has also ordered multi-tier checks to strengthen the integrity of its examination systems. The reforms signal NTA's push to address concerns around exam conduct and credibility.

'Ready to deal with any threats': UAE vows response after Iran fires two missiles

Bengaluru Woman, Friend Held for Murder of Husband and Son

A 35-year-old man named Abhinandan and his young son were found dead under suspicious circumstances at their residence in Chikkabanavara, Bengaluru, on Monday morning. Police launched an investigation after the deaths raised red flags. Authorities subsequently arrested Abhinandan's wife and her friend in connection with the killings. The case points to a suspected conspiracy between the woman and her associate to commit the murders.

Minecraft Bedrock 26.50.26 Beta Released Across PC, Console, and Mobile

Mojang released the Minecraft Bedrock Edition 26.50.26 beta and preview update on August 18, 2026. The update introduces gameplay improvements and quality-of-life changes for players. It is available across multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, and other mobile devices. Beta access on Android and cross-platform preview support are also part of the rollout. Detailed installation instructions have been provided for all supported devices.

Giants Eye Najee Harris as Cover for Injured Cam Skattebo

The New York Giants are reportedly pursuing veteran running back Najee Harris as injury concerns surround rookie Cam Skattebo. Skattebo is expected to miss significant time in the 2026 season due to injury, leaving the Giants in need of backfield depth. Harris, who is currently recovering from an Achilles injury of his own, is actively seeking a new team. The move would bring an experienced presence to New York's running back corps during Skattebo's absence.

India vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup clash decides knockout fate in Amstelveen

India and Pakistan meet in a high-stakes Hockey World Cup match on Wednesday at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India require at least a draw to progress to the next round, while Pakistan need a outright win to stay in contention. England have already advanced from the group, having won both their matches. The fixture carries added weight as one of hockey's most historic rivalries, with both teams' tournament futures hanging on the result.

BJP leader accuses Congress of ‘same mentality’ that decided its pact with Muslim League

Jitan Ram Manjhi takes swipe at Tejashwi over tribute gaffe

Trollmeister Trump takes his cartographic aggression to Hormuz

AAP's Satyendar Jain Arrested Again in Delhi Jal Board Corruption Case

Aam Aadmi Party leader Satyendar Jain has been arrested in a corruption case linked to the Delhi Jal Board. This marks a renewed legal setback for the senior AAP politician, who had previously faced imprisonment in a separate money laundering case. Jain had spent several months behind bars in that earlier case before being granted bail in 2024. The latest arrest connects him to alleged financial irregularities involving Delhi's water utility body.