Let's begin our day by connecting with the world around us. From major developments shaping our nation to headlines from across the globe, and exciting updates in business and sports, here are your news highlights for August 18, 2025.
National News
PM Modi Criticizes Opposition's Shifting Stance on Constitution
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delivered a sharp critique of the opposition, stating that those who once disregarded the constitution are now selectively embracing it, in a veiled dig at their current political strategies.
Election Commission Demands Affidavit from Rahul Gandhi on 'Vote Theft' Claims
The Election Commission of India has issued a directive to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, giving him seven days to submit an affidavit with evidence to substantiate his allegations of 'vote theft' in the 2024 elections, or else issue an apology.
Kishtwar Cloudburst: Over 60 Lives Lost, Rescue Efforts Continue
A devastating cloudburst in Chisoti village, Kishtwar district, has claimed the lives of at least 60 people, with over 100 injured and many still missing. Rescue operations are ongoing in the affected area, which also served as a base camp for the Machail Mata Yatra.
India Welcomes Trump-Putin Alaska Summit, Advocates for Ukraine Peace Dialogue
India has expressed its approval of the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, emphasizing that sustained dialogue and diplomatic engagement are the only path to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine war.
Chinese Foreign Minister Arrives in India for Border Talks
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting India today, August 18, for the 24th round of Special Representatives' talks on the India-China boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, signaling a potential reset in bilateral ties.
International News
Pakistan Army Chief Highlights Nation's 'Rare Earth Treasure' After US Oil Deal
Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has underlined Pakistan's significant "rare earth treasure," particularly the Reko Diq mining project, as a key to boosting the national economy, following a recent oil deal with the US.
Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Expected After Unsuccessful US-Russia Talks on Ukraine
Following the Alaska summit, which concluded without a peace deal for the Ukraine war, a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is now anticipated.
Protesters March to White House Against Federal Police Expansion
Demonstrators have marched to the White House to protest President Trump's executive order aimed at restoring law and order in the District of Columbia, which includes the deployment of federal law enforcement and National Guard units.
States Authorize National Guard Deployment to Washington D.C.
Several states, including South Carolina, have authorized the deployment of hundreds of National Guard members to Washington D.C. to support federal law enforcement activities under President Trump's executive order.
Europe Weighs Joining Zelenskyy in Washington Post-Summit
European leaders are reportedly considering joining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington D.C. for a trilateral meeting with President Trump, following the inconclusive US-Russia talks on Ukraine in Alaska.
Report: Trump Conveyed Putin's Donetsk Demand to Zelenskyy, Who Refused
A new report indicates that after his meeting with Vladimir Putin, President Trump conveyed Russia's demand for control over the Donetsk region to President Zelenskyy, an offer which the Ukrainian leader reportedly refused.
Sports News
Babar Azam Advised to Improve Strike Rate by Mike Hesson
Pakistan's head coach Mike Hesson has revealed that star batsman Babar Azam has been specifically asked to improve his strike rate, particularly against spin, to enhance his T20 performance.
Fabio Equals Peter Shilton's All-Time Appearance Record
Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio has matched English legend Peter Shilton's longstanding record for the most competitive appearances in men's football, reaching 1,390 games.
Tottenham Boss Condemns Racism Towards Mathys Tel
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has strongly condemned the racial abuse aimed at Mathys Tel following his missed penalty in the Super Cup, emphasizing that "real Tottenham fans" would support him.
Chelsea Seeks New Defender After Colwill's Injury
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed the club is looking to sign a new central defender after Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury that will keep him out for most of the new season.
Padma Shri Bula Chowdhury's House Robbed, Medals Stolen
Former ace swimmer and Padma Shri awardee Bula Chowdhury's house in Hindmotor, Kolkata, was robbed, with thieves making off with over 150 medals, mementos, and even her Padma Shri brooch.
Business News
India-US Trade Talks Postponed Amid Tariff Concerns
The sixth round of India-US bilateral trade agreement talks, scheduled for August 25-29, has been postponed, with a report indicating that an additional 25% penalty on Indian goods could be imposed by the US from August 27.
Samsung Commences Laptop Manufacturing in India
Korean electronics giant Samsung has begun manufacturing laptops at its Greater Noida factory in India, expanding its domestic production portfolio.
Foxconn's Bengaluru Unit Starts iPhone 17 Production
Foxconn's new Bengaluru factory, its second-largest manufacturing unit outside China, has commenced operations with the small-scale production of the iPhone 17.
FPIs Divest Rs 21,000 Crore from Indian Equities in Early August
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have sold Indian equities worth nearly Rs 21,000 crore in the first half of August, bringing the total outflow for 2025 to Rs 1.16 trillion, influenced by US-India trade tensions and other global uncertainties.
India's Electronics Exports Surge by 47% in Q1 FY26
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India's electronics exports surged by over 47% to $12.4 billion in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-26, highlighting the success of the 'Make in India' initiative.
India's Forex Reserves Decline by $9.3 Billion
India's foreign exchange reserves saw a sharp decline of $9.3 billion to $688.87 billion in the week ending August 1st, although the overall levels remain just under the all-time high of $704.89 billion touched in September 2024.
Indian Tablet PC Market Grows 20%; Apple Leads with 30% Share
The Indian tablet PC market grew by 20% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, with Apple leading the market with a 30% share, according to a report by CyberMedia Research.
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