The Economic Times

Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized Donald Trump's remarks on India's election system. Trump cited India's voter identification and electronic voting machines for his proposed legislation. Khera sarcastically offered to send India's Chief Election Commissioner and EVMs to the United States. The proposed SAVE America Act aims to ensure only citizens vote in federal elections. This legislation requires voter identification and restricts mail-in ballots for US elections.

Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche shares insightful advice for today's professionals grappling with everyday hurdles. He emphasizes the importance of welcoming discomfort and viewing lifes setbacks as avenues for personal growth. By shifting distractions into tools for improved focus, Rinpoche advocates for the application of Buddhist teachings to reshape ingrained thought patterns and nurture a sense of gratitude.

John Adams believed reading expands the mind for better judgment. Access to information today requires critical evaluation and thoughtful consideration. Reading exposes individuals to diverse ideas and encourages questioning assumptions. This practice fosters intellectual independence and informed participation in public life. Developing good judgment requires continuous learning and examining multiple perspectives.

US military personnel still share workout data from Middle Eastern bases. This activity potentially exposes troop locations and movement patterns to adversaries. Strava app data has been linked to locations targeted by Iran. Pentagon warnings and policy changes have not fully resolved this security risk. Such publicly available information could aid enemy intelligence gathering efforts.

The Supreme Court is seeking government responses on confiscating offender property in exam paper leak cases. A Public Interest Litigation was filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay regarding this matter. The court issued notices to the Union of India and all state governments. The next hearing for this significant case is scheduled for September 25.

Siemens CEO Roland Busch daily routine: Siemens CEO Roland Busch has revealed a focused daily routine to manage the demands of leading a global company. He receives around 200 emails a day but aims to keep his inbox below 100 by responding quickly. He also avoids recurring meetings with direct reports, asking them to approach him when needed.

Serena and Venus Williams enjoyed their return to doubles play at the Cincinnati Open. They lost their opening round match to Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns. The sisters had not played doubles together since the 2022 U.S. Open. Venus also competed in the singles draw, facing an early defeat. Both players expressed enjoyment despite the match results.

Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan initiated EXIM operations at Vizhinjam port. Two container ships were flagged off, marking a new era for trade. The state government committed comprehensive support for port operations and expansion. Mission Samudra, a port-led development scheme, will also be launched soon. This commencement follows a successful trial export shipment to Valencia, Spain.

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton have shared new summer photos together. The images show them on a beach and in a mirror selfie. Hamilton also posted pictures of Kardashian during his break from racing. Both have been increasingly open about their relationship recently. They have been seen together at various events and on holidays.

Prioritizing her athletic ambitions, Anahat Singh has chosen to delay her college education in pursuit of Olympic qualification. Targeting a place in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, she looks to the Asian Games as her first significant challenge. Influenced by senior squash players like Joshna Chinappa, her journeys motivate many young girls to take up the sport and aim high.

Prioritizing her athletic ambitions, Anahat Singh has chosen to delay her college education in pursuit of Olympic qualification. Targeting a place in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, she looks to the Asian Games as her first significant challenge. Influenced by senior squash players like Joshna Chinappa, her journeys motivate many young girls to take up the sport and aim high.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at a public rally in South Goa, mocking Union Home Minister Amit Shah's age, questioning the BJP-RSS contribution to India's freedom struggle, and accusing the state's ruling party of kidnapping MLAs to form its government.

Navya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan's granddaughter, has said that watching her paternal grandmother Ritu Nanda run a business while growing up in Delhi was what first drew her toward entrepreneurship. She made the remarks at the launch of a GenAI training programme for women run by her foundation Nimaya.

A U.S. judge blocked the Trump administration's plan to relocate the FBI headquarters. The court found the administration illegally overturned a prior decision to build a new facility. This ruling favors a previously approved site in Greenbelt, Maryland, over the Reagan Building. Maryland and Prince George's County had committed significant resources to the Greenbelt project. The decision allows for the continuation of plans for the FBI's new Maryland headquarters.

Florida Primary Election 2026 Today: Florida voters head to the polls today, Tuesday, August 18, for the 2026 primary election. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned polling locations for their votes to be counted. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by local election offices by 7 p.m. today. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced a significant reshuffling of its national office-bearers. This restructuring aims to blend experience with youthful energy for upcoming polls. Several prominent leaders have returned to key roles after a period of absence. The new team includes diverse representation from various states and communities. This strategic move prepares the party for future electoral challenges and contests.

The Defence Ministry has released its sixth indigensition list, featuring 405 items. These components and systems will now be exclusively sourced from Indian suppliers. The list includes critical items for air and armoured platforms, and defence electronics. This initiative aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence. Over 15,700 defence items have already been successfully indigenised.

Metal stocks came under pressure after a sharp rally in the previous session, as global metal prices corrected amid concerns over China

A false claim about Iran's nuclear ambitions spread through Israeli and US networks. This originated from an India-based X account and was amplified by various figures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior US politicians cited the fabricated statement. The claim was later clarified as taken out of context and amplified. This episode highlights information loops and the role of Indian accounts in online narratives.

Human remains were discovered in a remote desert area about 15 miles from Nancy Guthries home, but the Pima County Sheriffs Department said there is no indication the bones belong to her. The discovery comes as authorities continue investigating Guthries disappearance and examine ransom notes that were sent after she went missing.

Europe's public finances face growing strain from uninsured climate damage, with recent extreme weather events having caused significant economic losses across the continent. Governments are exploring adaptation and risk-sharing strategies to manage future impacts. Insurance coverage for climate-linked catastrophes remains low in many European nations.

DMK's official mouthpiece Murasoli has published a sharp editorial attacking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay after actress Trisha was seated in the front row at the state's Independence Day celebrations on 15 August and was seen exchanging salutes with the CM. The editorial said even Vijay's own voters could not tolerate the sight.

BSE shares extended their losing streak after Nuvama downgraded the stock to Hold and cut its target price, citing three key concerns: the impact of CAS on trading volumes, tighter bank guarantee norms and limited scope for further market-share gains. Jefferies also recently downgraded the stock, adding to pressure on its earnings outlook.

Three men were apprehended in Patna for reportedly offering their bank accounts for rent, aiding an interstate cybercrime groups money laundering efforts. An estimated twenty-five crore rupees transacted through these accounts, with two of the suspects identified as Rapido bike-taxi operators. The police continue to probe the extensive network connected to these fraudulent monetary activities.

Naiyya Saggi, founder of BabyChakra and co-founder of The Good Glamm Group, revealed that her grandfather stopped speaking to her for three months after she returned to India in 2015 following her Harvard MBA. Despite having a full scholarship and US job offers, Saggi chose entrepreneurship in India. She said her experience showed Indian founders can build globally-defining companies from India.

A 32-year-old Gujarat police constable, Ramgar Mohangar, has resigned from his post to work full-time for the RSS and BJP. He also vowed to remain barefoot until the Narendra Modi-led government is re-elected in 2029. However, police authorities have not accepted his resignation yet.

Nitin Nabin appointed new state in-charges for Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Gujarat. Vinod Tawde will oversee Uttar Pradesh, while Satish Poonia takes charge of Punjab. Tarun Chugh has been appointed in-charge for Gujarat and will retain his national role. These appointments are effective immediately and reflect ongoing party restructuring. Further state in-charge appointments will be made in due course.

TechnoSport will invest 130 crore to expand its Erode manufacturing facility. This expansion will increase production capacity and create 500 new jobs in Tamil Nadu. The activewear company is also growing its retail presence significantly. TechnoSport plans to double its exclusive brand outlets by the end of FY27. This investment strengthens the company's manufacturing capabilities in the state.

PTC Industries shares fell 4% despite a strong Q1 FY27 performance, with profit surging 466% and EBITDA rising 180%. Revenue grew 83% year-on-year to 197.1 crore, supported by aerospace and defence programmes. Investors Mukul Agrawal and Vikas Khemani held 1.07% and 2.57% stakes, respectively, as of June 2026.

Showering at night offers a boundary between daily activities and personal time. Warm baths before sleep can improve sleep quality and reduce stress. This habit helps individuals slow down and mentally switch off from the day. Research indicates timing matters for bathing and its sleep benefits. Nighttime showers are a routine for relaxation, not a sign of laziness.

Maruti Suzuki's Fronx has achieved 2 lakh exports in under 38 months. This Indian-made SUV is now the fastest to reach this significant export milestone. The vehicle began its export journey in June 2023 and has reached many countries. Fronx has become a key contributor to the automaker's overseas performance. It is now India's number one exported passenger vehicle since FY25.

The National Stock Exchange of India is eyeing a valuation nearing fifty-five billion dollars for its upcoming initial public offering. Shares are being promoted to investors at a price range between two thousand and two thousand one hundred rupees. While the majority of the global road show has wrapped up, several meetings are still arranged in the Middle East.

Singapore is using floating solar farms to address land scarcity while expanding renewable energy generation. However, marine organisms can attach to these structures, increasing their weight and affecting buoyancy. This biofouling can accelerate equipment corrosion and make essential maintenance more difficult.

Microsoft shares came under pressure as investors scrutinised the companys heavy AI infrastructure spending and questioned whether future AI revenue can justify the scale of capital expenditure. The selloff also reflected a broader shift within technology stocks, with investors favouring AI hardware while seeking clearer evidence of returns from massive software and cloud investments.

Augmont Enterprises Ltd is set to unveil its initial public offering (IPO) on August 21, with a target to raise Rs 825 crore. The IPO will comprise both a new issue and an offer for sale from promoters. Anchor investors can place bids starting August 20, while the public issue will conclude on August 25.

Indo-MIM shares surged after the newly listed precision components maker reported a 31.6% year-on-year rise in Q1FY27 consolidated net profit to Rs 240.12 crore. The stock also touched a fresh 52-week high during early trade.

Andhra Pradesh High Court has dissolved a marriage solemnised in 1972 between a couple who have lived separately since 1978, waiving the mandatory six-month cooling off period under the Hindu Marriage Act. The court observed that Hindu marriage has shifted from being an indissoluble sacrament to a contractual agreement, and that the waiting period cannot be used to prolong the agony of a marriage that has irretrievably broken down.

Gujarat CID arrested a man from Assam for orchestrating 1,090 cybercrimes. These frauds amounted to over Rs 1,071 crore and involved China-based criminals. The accused masterminded transferring funds into numerous bank accounts across India. He then converted these illicit funds into cryptocurrencies for transfer to China. This arrest also helped prevent ten other digital arrest cases through counselling.

Meghalaya's Chief Minister inaugurated the state's first eco-sustainable habitat, the Pine Home project. This initiative blends global architecture with local skills, fostering community engagement and green tourism. The Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum was also inaugurated, preserving ancient Khasi settlement history. This project aims to protect indigenous culture and boost archaeological tourism in the region. The government is investing in infrastructure and research to develop these significant

Chinese and Hong Kong stocks declined as investors booked profits in AI and technology shares, while energy stocks gained amid rising Middle East tensions and higher oil prices. Weakening economic indicators and concerns over domestic demand also weighed on sentiment, although robotics stocks bucked the broader market trend.

Pythagoras, the ancient philosopher, championed the idea of conveying profound messages in a few words. This advice is incredibly relevant in our modern context, where clear communication stands out amidst the noise of information. Prioritizing concise, thoughtful dialogue not only enhances interpersonal connections but also shows a deep respect for the time others invest in our conversations.

Russia reported downing 180 drones overnight near Moscow. Drones struck a Wildberries warehouse and other facilities in the region. At least three people, including a child, sustained injuries during the attacks. Over 600 drones were reportedly heading towards the capital's surrounding areas.

Every city has a window when building a new routine becomes easier. In Hyderabad, that window arrives after the monsoon. Cooler mornings reduce friction, running communities become more active and race calendars begin to shape weekend plans. It is no coincidence that many runners choose this period to begin preparing for their next milestone.

Anupama Parameswaran recently opened up about a troubling past relationship with a controlling ex, sparking rumors among fans who suspect she may be referring to her co-actor. A resurfaced podcast from 2015 added more fuel to the fire, particularly when Anupama mentioned Dhruv's choices in promotional images for their film. Read on!

Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged MLA Kuldeep Kumar was kidnapped early morning. This occurred during a protest concerning a sanitation worker's alleged murder in Kalyan Puri. Protesters demanded compensation for the deceased worker's family and a meeting with the Chief Minister. The party also alleged police forcibly conducted the last rites of the sanitation worker.