Asia
Bangladesh Stuns Australia with Historic Test Victory
Bangladesh achieved a historic first-ever Test win on Australian soil, defeating the home team by nine wickets in Darwin. The visitors demonstrated dominant cricket across all departments, with spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking 5-66 in the decisive innings.
National Test Body Admits Errors, Repeats Exam
India's National Test Examination body acknowledged errors in online examinations and ordered a fresh test for affected candidates. The admission addresses widespread complaints about technical problems.
Indian Stock Indices Face Weak Opening Signals
Indian stock market indices Sensex and Nifty 50 were expected to open lower on August 17 amid weak global signals. Gift Nifty trading patterns suggested cautious market sentiment at the start of the trading week.
Film Slate Includes Action Dramas and Comedies
The film 'Gunmaster G9' starring Emraan Hashmi and Genelia D'Souza has been scheduled for theatrical release, joining a busy week of South Indian cinema releases including action dramas and romantic comedies.
Spider-Man Breaks $2 Billion Global Box Office
Tom Holland's "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" crossed $2 billion at the worldwide box office, becoming the franchise's highest-grossing film ever. The film outperformed "No Way Home" as the second-fastest entry into the $2 billion club.
Oil Prices Steady as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise
Oil markets stabilize despite Middle East tensions and stalled US-Iran negotiations. Gulf countries managing covert shipping operations through contested Strait of Hormuz to maintain trade flows.
Congress Party Rejects Political Slogan Charge
India's Congress party denies accusations about the "Vande Mataram" slogan, calling claims politically motivated. Party leadership characterizes attacks as election-season distractions.
Tamil Nadu Demands Probe into Deaths by Karnataka Officials
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay condemned the killing of three Tamil farmers by Karnataka forest officials in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Former Chief Minister Stalin called for a judicial inquiry and compensation for the bereaved families.
Sunny Deol Film Soars on Independence Day Holiday
Sunny Deol's historical action film Batwara 1947 recorded a 160 percent jump in collections on Independence Day, netting Rs. 13 crore in its second day. Despite the holiday boost, the film's overall performance remains moderate compared to blockbuster standards.
Awarapan 2 Defeats Batwara 1947 in Box Office Clash
The Emraan Hashmi vehicle Awarapan 2 substantially outperformed Sunny Deol's Batwara 1947 at the box office, repeating a matchup that saw the opposite result in 2007 with their film predecessors. The 2026 clash reflects shifted audience preferences toward romance-driven narratives.
Indian Badminton Star Shocks World Champion
Rising Indian badminton star Ayush Shetty pulled off a stunning upset by defeating defending champion Shi Yuqi at the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi. The first-round victory marks a significant breakthrough for the young Indian player.
Trump Administration Cuts Military Drills with South Korea
President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially scale back joint military exercises with South Korea after the country declined to support US efforts against Iran. The move comes amid ongoing military tensions in the region.
Delhi Voter Registration Deadline Passes with Millions at Risk
The deadline for Delhi's Special Integrated Review voter registration process has passed, with nearly half the voters in some constituencies facing potential deletion from the electoral roll. The draft roll will be published August 24 with a claims period through September 23.
Jharkhand Students Escalate Exam Protest Campaign
Student protesters in Jharkhand announced plans to gherao the Chief Minister's residence on August 20, demanding Hemant Soren's resignation. Congress has threatened to withdraw support from the JMM-led coalition if exam-related demands are not addressed.
India Dominates Against Sri Lanka in Galle Test
India's Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 131 as the team finished day one at 288-2 against Sri Lanka in Galle. Rain interrupted play, but India established a strong position in the first Test of the series.
Awarapan 2 Opens with $116M Global Box Office
Awarapan 2, starring Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani, achieved a record-breaking opening weekend of $116.5 million globally, with $97.5 crore ($19 million) from India alone. The romantic action drama has already achieved 'Super Hit' status in its first weekend.
Australia Launches Gun Buyback Program After Bondi Attack
New South Wales begins firearms buyback scheme in November following 2025 Bondi Beach shooting massacre. Federal and state governments offer cash compensation to gun owners.
BBC Seeks Trump Family Testimony in Defamation Case
The BBC requested a US court's assistance obtaining documents and testimony from Trump family members including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner in Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit. Trump's legal team accused the broadcaster of harassment.
Spider Man Continues Record Breaking Indian Run
Tom Holland's Spider-Man: Brand New Day continued its record-breaking run in India, surpassing previous Hollywood grossers with significant Independence Day collections. The film benefits from strong audience reception and sustained appeal.
Nvidia-OpenAI partnership: US chipmaker plans to invest $3 b
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Sam Neill Wins Posthumous Emmy for Legal Drama Role
Late New Zealand actor receives best actor award for television performance in legal thriller. Comedian Sam Pang captures top television honor at Australian Logies Awards ceremony.
Sports League Announces New Season Developments
Professional sports organizations revealed rule changes and competition structure updates for upcoming seasons. Teams and players prepare for intensified competition.
“ The Apartment Moves On Its Highest Rights Yette + “Spooky
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Real Estate Market Shows Activity in Major Cities
Property developers report continued development projects across residential and commercial sectors. Housing demand remains strong in key metropolitan areas.
Middlesex Reaches First List A Final Since 1990
Middlesex reached their first List A final in 36 years with a two-wicket win over Durham in their One-Day Cup semi-final. Luke Hollman scored an unbeaten 83 to lead the charge at Durham's headquarters.
Chinese AI Models Challenge Silicon Valley Dominance
Chinese open-source AI models are gaining market share due to superior performance at lower costs, prompting businesses globally to reconsider their reliance on American providers. A new Hong Kong-based company is positioning itself to capitalize on this trend shift.
Russia-Japan Tensions Escalate Over Disputed Islands
Russia has summoned the Japanese ambassador in Moscow after Japan protested President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to the Kuril Islands, which Japan also claims. The diplomatic incident reflects ongoing disputes over the far-eastern territories.
Amazon Reimplements Class Action Waiver in Terms of Service
Online retailer reinstates clause requiring customer disputes be resolved through arbitration outside court system. Policy prevents customers from joining class-action lawsuits against company.
England Stuns India in Hockey World Cup Pool Match
India suffered their first defeat of the 2026 Hockey World Cup, losing 2-4 to England in a Pool D match. The loss heightens the importance of India's upcoming fixture against Pakistan.
Tamil Nadu Leader Apologizes for Assembly Gaffe
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin apologized after his forest minister publicly named deceased former CM Karunanidhi, which triggered objections from opposition DMK members in the assembly. The incident highlights ongoing political sensitivities.
Lokesh Kanagaraj's Directorial Debut 'DC' Hits 61 Crore
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj's first film 'DC' crossed Rs 61 crore domestically in 10 days, earning Rs 14 crore in its second weekend. The film shows strong box office momentum alongside other Tamil releases.
South Korean President Reaffirms Wartime Military Autonomy Goal
President Lee Jae Myung reiterates his administration's commitment to reclaiming operational control of troops during wartime from American command. The goal is part of the nation's broader strategic independence agenda.
Actor Yoo Ah In Returns in Occult Film After Absence
South Korean actor Yoo Ah In makes a comeback in "Vampir," a mystery thriller directed by Jang Jae Hyun. The film follows a contract killer pursuing a mysterious pagan cult at a clergyman's request.
Yasukuni Shrine Visits Spark Diplomatic Tensions
Japanese politicians' visits to Yasukuni Shrine on World War II anniversary drew strong opposition from South Korea and China. Shrine symbolizes Japan's wartime military aggression and remains diplomatically contentious.
Russian Anti-War Artists Persist in Tokyo Exile
Russian expatriates protesting war with Ukraine maintain activism in Japan despite deep doubt and exhaustion. After 4.5 years of dissent, activists remain committed despite seemingly endless conflict.
Xi Addresses Jiang Zemin Centenary Commemoration
President Xi Jinping presided over grand ceremony honoring former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin's 100th birthday. Event highlighted Jiang's contributions and rallied support around Xi's current leadership.
Gold Prices Near $4,400 Amid Interest Rate Uncertainty
Gold edged toward $4,400 per ounce as traders assess the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory following economic data. i-80 Gold reported 166 percent production surge with targets reaching 150,000 to 200,000 ounces annually by 2028.
Judges Join Protest Over Exam Glitches India
Judges in India are protesting alleged glitches during online competitive examinations. The National Test Examination body faces scrutiny over technical failures.
Police Officer Mother Killed in Home Robbery
The mother of IPS officer Ashutosh Mishra was found murdered in her Ambedkar Nagar home with jewelry missing. Investigators are treating the incident as a robbery gone wrong, with no other household items disturbed.
CISF Personnel Suspended for Photographing Woman
A CISF officer was suspended after being caught secretly photographing a woman on the Delhi Metro. The incident was captured on video by other passengers who confronted the personnel.
Chief Justice Declines Law School Convocation Invite
Chief Justice Surya Kant declined an invitation to attend the convocation ceremony at NALSAR, another top Indian law institution. The decision comes after similar tensions with other legal establishments.
Jharkhand Government Invites Students for Fresh Talks
The Jharkhand government extended an invitation for the seventh round of negotiations with protesting students whose hunger strike had entered its 15th day. The decision followed a meeting between government officials and student representatives.
Navy Sailor's Family Found Dead in Mumbai Home
A Navy sailor, his wife, and two children were discovered dead in their Mumbai residence, with police suspecting murder-suicide. The incident occurred at their home in Cuffe Parade.
ET Startup Awards 2026 Jury Members Unveiled
The Economic Times announced the jury panel for the 2026 Startup Awards, recognizing emerging entrepreneurs and innovative ventures. The awards will honor A-list entrepreneurs and promising startups.
Padikkal comes in as India opt to bat in Galle; Nuwantha deb
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Pakistan Cricket Drops Baig for Asia Cup
Pakistan's cricket team dropped pace bowler Diana Baig from the squad for the Women's Asia Cup and Asian Games. Fatima Sana, granted leave from the Hundred to participate, will lead the team in both tournaments.
Ranveer Singh Begins Post Apocalyptic Thriller Production
Actor Ranveer Singh commenced filming on Pralay, a post-apocalyptic survival thriller directed by Jai Mehta and produced by Birla Studios. The ambitious project explores human resilience in catastrophic scenarios.
Sony Launches New Tamil Entertainment Television Channel
Sony Pictures Networks India unveiled Sony VIZHA, a new Tamil-language entertainment channel with content rooted in Tamil culture and heritage. The channel will feature original series, including Celebrity Masterchef Tamil hosted by Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
Indian Classical Dance Forms Celebrate Independence
IGNCA released a video celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram through India's diverse classical dance traditions from Kathak to Kathakali. The tribute showcases the cultural unity expressed through regional dance styles.
Bigg Boss Tamil Selection Show Launches Online Platform
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 10's digital pre-show The Common Man premiered on JioHotstar, featuring ordinary contestants competing for a spot in the main reality show. The format emphasizes physical, mental, and analytical challenges to select diverse commoner participants.
Independence Day Boosts Indian Film Collections
India's Independence Day holiday sparked surges across multiple films, with Awarapan 2 approaching Rs. 30 crore in daily collections and Batwara 1947 nearly tripling its opening-day business. The three-day weekend is expected to deliver over Rs. 150 crore total at the Hindi box office.
DC Box Office Collections: Lokesh Kanagaraj's debut film hit
News story about current events.
Tamil Actor Launches New Romantic Drama Picture
Tamil actor Suriya's romantic drama Vishwanath & Sons opened to Rs. 17 crore gross on its first day, demonstrating audience interest in character-driven stories. The film about an Olympic athlete turned father marks collaboration with director Venky Atluri.
ISAC canceled for Chuseok amid scheduling conflict
MBC announced that the popular Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC) will not take place during the upcoming Chuseok holiday in 2026 due to scheduling difficulties. A sports organization also announced plans to host an international academic conference celebrating the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Korean Wave Faces Three-Decade Reckoning
After 30 years of global success, the Hallyu phenomenon is confronting challenges and shifting market dynamics. The Korean entertainment industry's dominance through dramas, K-pop, webtoons and games continues to drive exports, but faces unprecedented competition and market saturation.
RESCENE wins triple crown for Pretty Girl remake
RESCENE achieved unprecedented success on Korean music shows, winning multiple music chart competitions for their remake of KARA's Pretty Girl. The group earned their first triple crown trophy, beating out competitors including Red Velvet and Stray Kids.
Banking Sector Implements Digital Transformation
Financial institutions upgraded digital services and cybersecurity measures for enhanced customer protection. The sector embraces technological innovation for improved operations.
Missing British Girl Found Safe in Tokyo
A 12-year-old British girl who had been missing in Tokyo since August 13 has been found safe. The discovery was reported by police on Sunday night. A 13-year-old girl missing in Singapore was also located during the same period.
Forced Sterilization Victims Seek Redress Across Asia
Korean victims of forced sterilization policies have launched appeals for government compensation, mirroring compensation efforts already underway in Japan. The recognition of past wrongs continues to gain momentum in the region.
Dark Secrets Unfold in Korean Family Revenge Film
The upcoming Korean film 'The Journey to Gyeongju' tells the story of a mother and three daughters on a mission of revenge following their youngest daughter's disappearance from a school field trip eight years earlier. The film features performances by Lee Jung Eun and Kong Hyo Jin.
Sam Pang Wins Gold Logie at Australian TV Awards
Sam Pang took home the gold Logie at the 66th TV Week Logie Awards, with Robert Irwin hosting the event. The ceremony featured memorable moments including wildlife surprises and notable comebacks.
Gold Exploration Targets Expand in Australia
Australian mining companies have announced significant gold exploration targets, with Aureka flagging a major Victorian gold potential of up to 545,000 ounces at its Irvine project, and Great Southern hitting high-grade gold in Western Australia.
Copper Surge Powers Mining Giant's Record Dividends
BHP, the world's largest mining company, announced a $12 billion dividend payout as copper prices hit record highs amid surging global demand for electric vehicles and data centres. The copper boom reflects broader demand trends.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Charts Policy Course
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has held public consultations on the city's first five-year plan and his final policy address of the current term. Lee promised bolder approaches toward the 'new chapter' for Hong Kong's development.
Bomb Plot Foiled in Indian City of Amritsar
Indian police discovered an explosive device with a timer in a suspicious packet in Amritsar, averting a potential terror attack. Separately, authorities arrested multiple operatives connected to an Independence Day terror plot across 14 states.
Pakistan's Role Crucial in India's Hockey World Cup Path
India's qualification scenarios for the 2026 Hockey World Cup depend significantly on results involving Pakistan. Various outcomes could affect India's advancement through the tournament structure.
Manchester Super Giants Win The Hundred Title
Manchester Super Giants claimed their first The Hundred cricket title, with Tim Seifert leading the charge. Owner Sanjiv Goenka's celebratory reaction resonated widely on social media.
Athlete Receives Criticism After Match Performance
Former Indian cricket players have questioned wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant's decision-making following his dismissal in the Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle. The critique centers on perceived lapses in tactical awareness.
Pant's Witty Banter With Jadeja Caught on Stump Mic
During the India-Sri Lanka Test at Galle, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant's humorous on-field communication with spinner Ravindra Jadeja was picked up by the stump microphone, entertaining viewers with their camaraderie.
Deeptech Investors Demand Oversight of India's RDI Fund
India's one-trillion-rupee Research, Development and Innovation fund for deeptech startups faces scrutiny from investors calling for greater transparency and independent oversight mechanisms. The concerns highlight governance challenges in allocating such substantial government funding.
Trump Cites India's Voter ID System to Advance SAVE Act
US President Donald Trump referenced India's voter identification system and high election participation to support his argument for the SAVE America Act. He noted that over 646 million Indians voted in recent elections with less than 1% using postal ballots.
Manav Suthar Outspins Jadeja With 74% Big-Turn Rate
Young off-spinner Manav Suthar impressed in the India-Sri Lanka Test at Galle, producing a higher percentage of sharp-turning deliveries than veterans Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Suthar took 4 wickets for 76 runs.
AIIMS Rules Twisha Sharma Death Suicide, Finds No Assault
A court-ordered second postmortem by AIIMS medical experts concluded that Twisha Sharma's death resulted from suicidal hanging with no signs of struggle or assault. The CBI investigation earlier alleged sustained psychological harm from her husband and mother-in-law.
Economic Times Announces Startup Awards Nominees
The Economic Times Startup Awards have announced nominees across multiple categories, including Best on Campus and Comeback Kid, recognizing emerging entrepreneurial talent and successful business recoveries.
PV Sindhu Commends BWF World Championships in India
Indian badminton star PV Sindhu praised volunteers and the Badminton Association of India for their excellent organization of the BWF World Championships returning to India. Sindhu advanced smoothly through early rounds.
Ayush Shetty Upsets World No. 1 Shi Yuqi
20-year-old Indian badminton player Ayush Shetty registered the biggest win of his career by defeating world No. 1 Shi Yuqi at the BWF World Championships. The victory marks a breakthrough moment for the young athlete.
Babar Azam's England Test Availability Unclear
Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam remains doubtful for the first Test against England due to a finger injury, pending medical clearance. The team awaits a decision before naming final squad selections.
South Korean Golfers Advance in PGA Tour Championship
Two South Korean veterans finish in the top five at the first leg of the PGA Tour playoffs. The strong showings improve their standings in the season's championship race.
Korean Drama Romance Explores Evolving Friendship
Two Korean television dramas explore romantic themes: "Summertime" follows childhood friends confronting their emotions for each other, while "My Bias, My Boss" depicts a fan meeting her idol at work. Both shows examine the tension between reality and fantasy in modern relationships.
Seoul Stock Market Rises on Technology Sector Strength
South Korean shares opened higher Tuesday, driven by gains in technology companies despite ongoing Middle East tensions. Investors locked in profits during late morning trading.
South Korean Media Headlines Update
Weekly news digest from major South Korean newspapers covering national developments and regional issues.
Japan Targets Phobos and Deimos for Mars Sample Mission
Japanese scientists planning ambitious mission to Mars' moons to collect samples. Research aims to unlock solar system origins and potential extraterrestrial life evidence.
Australian Athletes Dominate Cincinnati Tennis Open
Australian competitors Alex de Minaur and Rinky Hijikata maintain strong form at Cincinnati Open. Novak Djokovic suffers early exit from major tournament.
ASX Falls as Tech Retailers Report Disappointing Results
Australian stock market declined with National Australia Bank and JB Hi-Fi tumbling after earnings announcements. Technology retailers warning of AI-driven pricing pressures on sales.
First Home Buyers Pay Record 2.33 Million for North Shore
Young couple purchased three-bedroom north shore house for 2.33 million dollars at auction. Property included gazebo and attracted multiple first-time buyer registrations.
Risky Currency Trades Resurge in Emerging Markets
Widow-maker trades making comeback as emerging market investors accept higher risks. Persistent inflation and currency volatility reshaping strategies in 886 billion dollar debt market.
Indonesia Earthquake Death Count Climbs to 48
Casualties continue rising from massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake devastating Indonesia. Search and rescue operations ongoing across affected regions.