India

US Opens Naval Shipbuilding to Foreign Yards, India Among Potential Partners

The United States has announced a new policy allowing foreign shipyards to build US Navy vessels, marking a significant shift in American naval procurement. Under the initiative, overseas shipbuilders must establish a presence or invest in existing US shipyards to qualify. Indian shipyards are among those that could potentially benefit from this opportunity. The policy is primarily aimed at expanding America's naval construction capacity and growing its shipbuilding workforce.

BJP’s TV face Shehzad Poonawala doubles down on resignation, cites finances

Rajasthan restricts school entry hours after opposition party announces inspection drive

Rajasthan's education department has issued a directive barring outsiders from entering school campuses without prior permission from the principal. The order came within hours of the Cockroach Janta Party announcing a two-week statewide campaign to inspect government schools. The CJP plans to cover nine districts, with volunteers documenting deteriorating infrastructure and raising student welfare concerns. The group alleges that authorities have long ignored demands for classroom repairs. It has warned of an escalating movement if the administration fails to present a concrete repair plan.

Shehzad Poonawalla Resigns from BJP Citing Financial and Personal Reasons

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has resigned from the party, citing pressing financial and personal issues as the reason for his departure. He revealed that he had initially submitted his resignation letter on July 30, but the party declined to accept it at the time. The BJP had urged him to reconsider his decision before he formally stepped down. Poonawalla proceeded with his exit despite the party's efforts to retain him.

Delhi Police probe complaint against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi over Vande Mataram disruption

Delhi Police have launched a preliminary inquiry into a complaint filed against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The complaint alleges that the two disrupted the singing of Vande Mataram during an Independence Day event. Advocates backing the complaint have cited video footage and media reports as supporting evidence. Police are currently examining the alleged gestures and remarks made by the two leaders during the national song. No FIR has been registered so far as the investigation remains ongoing.

'Modi ji, look at what your NTA has done': Rahul after agency admits errors

'Warm goodbye to the party I love': Shehzad Poonawalla resigns from BJP 'once again'

Kerala consumer commission fines nursing agency Rs 24K for abandoning bedridden patient

A consumer commission in Kerala ruled against a nursing agency for failing to provide adequate care to a bedridden elderly woman. The agency abruptly stopped services without arranging a replacement nurse, leaving the patient unattended. This lapse was deemed a deficiency in service, causing significant distress to the patient. The commission directed the agency to refund Rs 4,000 in charges and pay Rs 15,000 as compensation for the inconvenience caused.

AI Won't Deliver 4-Day Workweek, Say OpenAI and Meta Executives

Earlier promises that artificial intelligence would dramatically reduce working hours are now being walked back by top tech leaders. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated he does not expect AI to usher in a four-day workweek for workers. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth has similarly rejected the notion that AI will lead to significantly shorter working weeks. The statements mark a notable shift from the optimistic forecasts once made by prominent figures in the technology industry.

Ramdev Warns Centre to Address Job Recruitment Corruption or Face Protests

Yoga guru Ramdev has issued a warning to the central government, demanding action against alleged corruption in government job recruitment processes. He claimed that money and corrupt practices are distorting fair selection in public sector hiring. Ramdev threatened to launch fresh protests if the government fails to address these concerns. The warning echoes his previous history of public agitations against government policies.

Satirical 'Dimagi Naxal Party' Instagram Page Gains 1.6 Lakh Followers in 24 Hours

An Instagram page called 'Dimagi Naxal Party' rapidly accumulated 1.6 lakh followers within just 24 hours of gaining attention. The account was created this month, according to information visible on the platform. Instagram's activity log indicates that the page's username was changed at least once since its creation. The page's swift rise in followers has drawn public notice, though details about its creators or intent remain limited.

Rupee slips 17 paise against dollar amid RBI FCNR swap deadline pressure

The Indian rupee weakened by 17 paise against the US dollar at the start of Monday's trading session. The decline was driven by the Reserve Bank of India's decision to advance the deadline for a foreign currency non-resident deposit swap. While the RBI had previously attracted significant foreign currency inflows through this scheme, analysts expect only temporary support for the rupee before further weakness sets in. Domestic stock markets also opened lower, adding to the negative sentiment surrounding the session.

Bangladesh Beat Australia in Darwin Test, Denting India's WTC Final Hopes

Bangladesh defeated Australia in a Test match at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, a result that has significant implications for India's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final. The pitch at Marrara Stadium provided a competitive contest between bat and ball throughout the match. Bangladesh had effectively taken control of the game after three and a half days of play. Australia's Cameron Green scored his maiden Test century on home soil, briefly delaying the inevitable result. India's WTC final qualification prospects have been hurt by this unexpected Bangladesh victory.

India Orders Refineries to Maximize LPG Output Amid Hormuz Strait Tensions

The Indian government has directed domestic refineries to ramp up liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production in response to growing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Authorities have instructed refiners to implement all technically and economically viable measures to push output beyond existing minimum producible levels. The directive was issued through an official government notification. The move aims to safeguard India's domestic cooking gas supply amid potential disruptions to energy imports through the strategically critical waterway.

Telangana Police Arrest Woman and Son for Double Murder and Robbery in Siddipet

A woman and her son have been arrested in connection with a double murder and robbery case in Siddipet, Telangana. The arrests followed a police investigation into the killings. Authorities successfully recovered cash and jewellery believed to have been stolen during the crime. The case has been resolved following the duo's apprehension.

India news Live Updates, 17 August 2026: CJP’s Dipke demands action as students protest alleged High Court clerk exam paper leak in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

BJP Leader Blames Trump's Policies for Maharashtra Highway Construction Delays

Former Ahmednagar MP and BJP leader Sujay Vikhe Patil has attributed delays in Maharashtra's highway construction to US President Donald Trump's policies. Patil argued that Trump's trade decisions have led to a shortage of materials required for the infrastructure project. The BJP leader drew a broad connection between American policy and local construction setbacks in the state. He also linked Trump's policies to an alcohol-related problem in the region, though specific details of that claim remain unclear.

OpenAI executives exit ahead of IPO, raising leadership stability concerns

OpenAI is navigating a significant leadership shake-up as Chief Revenue Officer Denise Dresser and COO Brad Lightcap have both resigned. The departures come at a critical time, with the company preparing for an upcoming initial public offering. Industry experts have raised concerns about the potential disruption these exits could cause to OpenAI's internal operations. In response, co-founder Greg Brockman has stepped up efforts to steady the company through this period of transition.

Motilal Oswal Picks Poonawalla Fincorp and Lenskart as Top Buys This Week

Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk has released its stock recommendations for the week beginning August 17, 2026. The firm has highlighted two stocks for investors to consider: Poonawalla Fincorp and Lenskart. Poonawalla Fincorp is a non-banking financial company, while Lenskart is a prominent eyewear retailer. These picks reflect the research desk's outlook on potential investment opportunities for the current week.

DDA's Karmajeevi Awaas Yojana sells out 1BHK flats on launch day

The Delhi Development Authority launched the Karmajeevi Awaas Yojana 2026, an affordable housing scheme offering ready-to-move flats in Narela. The scheme generated strong demand, with all one-bedroom units being booked on the very first day of its launch. The program is aimed at government employees as well as eligible working professionals seeking affordable homes. Bookings for remaining units will remain open until October 2026 or until all flats are sold.