The Economic Times

President Trump is shifting his Iran strategy towards sustained economic and military pressure. Talks with Tehran have stalled, and a parallel Iran-Oman effort creates new challenges. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted despite US claims of openness. The US is expected to impose tougher sanctions on Iran soon. Tensions are spreading beyond the Strait, intensifying wider regional conflict.

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids on Wednesday at multiple locations. These searches targeted premises linked to the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust. Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan is a key trustee of this organization. The investigation is part of a money laundering probe under PMLA. Premises in Rampur, Saharanpur, and Delhi were searched by officials.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleges, RSS gets most of the funding under FCRA

Bombay High Court has ordered Tukaram Mundhe-led Maharashtra FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to a Pune sweets shop after questioning the continued suspension of its food licence despite a follow-up inspection showing 98% compliance with safety norms.

Powerball jackpot August 19: Winning the Powerball jackpot remains an extraordinary long shot. Players must correctly select five white balls and the red Powerball to claim the top prize. The odds of hitting the jackpot are approximately 1 in 292.2 million. Despite those daunting odds, Powerball has already delivered several enormous jackpots in 2026. Most recently, an Illinois ticket won an estimated $1.04 billion jackpot on Wednesday, August 12.

A newlywed British couple and their pilot died in a helicopter crash on Sifnos island. Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert were honeymooning when the accident occurred. Their employers in London have paid tribute to the respected professionals. The helicopter crashed near its intended landing pad on Monday. Greek authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

US President Donald Trump has paused negotiations with Iran until Tehran is ready. He stated no talks are currently scheduled with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The naval blockade remains in full force and effect, Trump confirmed. Iran's Parliament Speaker said the Strait of Hormuz reopening depends on US commitments. Tensions remain high between Washington and Tehran over the strategic waterway.

Akashdeep Saigal opens up about his untapped spiritual journey, stating that filmmakers have yet to explore this aspect of him. Having dedicated several years to understanding consciousness and the divine feminine, he is now poised to make his television comeback with roles in Naagin 7 and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, showcasing a new chapter in his acting career that transcends his past roles.

Dale Carnegie asserted that true enjoyment is the key to achieving sustained success. His teachings advocate for deriving satisfaction from the work process itself, emphasizing personal fulfillment alongside productivity. Through his impactful books, he provides actionable insights for enhancing relationships and fostering personal growth. Carnegie inspired individuals to confront their fears and cultivate confidence through practical experiences, ensuring that his timeless principles resonate g

Israel warned Syria about Turkish troop deployment near Aleppo, which Syria ignored. Israeli airstrikes targeted Abu al-Duhur Airbase, causing regional concern and condemnation. The United States urged restraint and dialogue over further military escalation. Syria accused Israel of violating its sovereignty following the airbase strikes. Jordan, Qatar, and Turkey also called for an end to Israeli aggression.

'We are here to hold them accountable': Attorneys general decry Meta amid landmark trial

The World Health Organization director-general stated the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo remains a global emergency. This rare Bundibugyo outbreak was first declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Updated recommendations will be issued to the Democratic Republic of Congo and other at-risk nations soon. The United Nations health agency made this significant declaration on Tuesday.

A massive fire erupted at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata. At least nine people died and six others were injured in the incident. All deceased individuals were identified as Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment. Firefighters rushed to the scene and worked through the night to control the blaze. The exact cause of the devastating fire remains under investigation by authorities.

In Chandigarh, a unique petrol langar has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain. According to social media videos, devotees were promised fuel coupons for chanting Jai Mata Di. However, the petrol pumps featured in the promotional videos have distanced themselves from the initiative. The organiser, Raja, who identifies himself as a devotee from Amritsar, continues to share details about the proposed event on social media, although the claims remain largely unveri

A Bangladesh military intelligence delegation visited Pakistan on August 15. This visit signals repeated attempts by ISI to influence the intelligence body. DGFI Director General previously visited Islamabad in April 2026. Since August 2024, Pakistan Army and ISI have made inroads into Bangladesh. India desires positive relations with Bangladesh based on mutual interests.

US President Donald Trump announced a pause on upcoming tariffs against Canada. These tariffs were scheduled to begin on Thursday for a short duration. He stated that both nations have reached an agreement, pending final document completion. The potential revival of the Keystone XL Pipeline was also mentioned in his announcement. This development suggests a positive shift in trade relations between the two countries.

Delhi-NCR is expected to see monsoon rain spells on Wednesday, August 19, with light to moderate showers likely across the region from morning through night. Temperatures are expected to remain stable in the low to mid-30s Celsius. The wet spell is likely to continue into Thursday, with similar weather conditions forecast. Residents should monitor local weather updates and plan their travel accordingly during the rain spells.

India-Japan trade at USD 27.5 billion in FY 2025-26 still a fraction of potential: Piyush Goyal

South Korean and U.S. militaries are shortening their joint drills as requested by the United States. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises will now conclude on Friday instead of August 27. President Donald Trump ordered the reduction, citing his relationship with North Korea's leader. Experts believe this move may weaken combined military readiness and the alliance. North Korea has denounced the drills as dangerous and a rehearsal for war.

Quote of the Day by Jim Carrey: It is better to risk starving to death than surrendera stark reminder that true failure is not financial insecurity, but existential surrender. Carrey contrasts physical hardship with the quiet tragedy of abandoned ambition, arguing that living without passion hollows out human purpose entirely. Beyond mere motivation, this declaration challenges us to weigh the temporary comfort of playing it safe against the permanent loss of self. True security means very littl

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks while responding to questions on demands for an increase in the number of pilgrim visas and the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.

Pune Police withdrew religious conversion law sections from two cases. The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act had not yet come into force. Officials mistakenly assumed the law was operational when registering offences. Investigations will continue under other applicable legal statutes. The Act is scheduled to officially commence on August 26, 2026.

Oman faces US President Trump's threats amid ongoing talks with Iran. These discussions concern managing the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Trump expressed anger over a potential Oman-Iran deal regarding the strait. Oman has historically pursued engagement and mediation in the region. The sultanate is now navigating complex geopolitical pressures from both sides.

Iran has warned Donald Trump that his claims over the Strait of Hormuz will be corrected. Iranian officials dismissed Trump's assertions as delusions and stated their resolve. Trump had shared an AI-generated image claiming the waterway as new US territory. Iran insists the strait will remain closed until US commitments are met. Tensions remain high over the critical global energy route.

The UAE has announced a complete shutdown of all trade, commercial dealings, and financial transactions with Iran. This significant move is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice, signaling a major shift in bilateral economic relations between the two nations.

President Donald Trump has chosen Heidi Overton to lead the Food and Drug Administration. Overton currently serves as deputy director of the White House domestic policy council. She previously worked at the America First Policy Institute think tank. Kyle Diamantas has been acting chief since Marty Makary resigned in May. The White House and FDA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

German construction sites have regularly unearthed unexploded World War II ordnance.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor will speak at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on August 22. He will focus on Indo-US strategic ties and building a global power partnership. The forum will also feature discussions on the global economy and trade. Yuvraj Narayan and Kumar Mangalam Birla will share their business insights. These leaders will present diverse perspectives on India's global role.

BRICS countries are considering a Russian-backed proposal to create a grain exchange that would allow producers and buyers to trade directly and reduce dependence on major global commodity exchanges. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13.

Quote of the day by Jim Carrey encourages us to recognize opportunity, respect fear, and choose action when the moment is right. Life will present countless crossroads, and not every path will be appropriate. But refusing to act solely because the outcome is uncertain can keep people permanently inside the boundaries of what they already know. The most meaningful opportunities often require preparation, vulnerability, persistence, and a willingness to accept imperfect outcomes. Fear may always b

Quote of the day by Leila Hormozi offers a timely lesson about choosing relationships that support personal growth and future success. We cannot change everything about our past, and we should not try to pretend that it never happened. But we can decide how much influence it has over the person we are becoming. Surrounding ourselves with people who see possibility can help us develop confidence, ambition, and resilience, while constantly returning to an outdated identity can make growth unnecess

Quote of the day by Jensen Huang offers a simple but profound lesson about focus, intelligence, and success. Being smart is not merely about solving difficult problems or possessing vast amounts of knowledge. It is also about recognizing which problems are worth solving in the first place. The ability to identify priorities, eliminate distractions, make thoughtful choices, and sustain attention can turn limited resources into meaningful results.

The Calcasieu Pass vessel, constructed in 1982 for oil operations, has made a remarkable transition to become a key component of Delaware's artificial reef ecosystem. Initially serving in the menhaden fishing fleet, this vessel's end-of-life has been embraced through a thoughtful conversion process, funded federally.

Wall Street faced a downturn as escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered a surge in bond yields. A steep decline was particularly evident in technology stocks, with semiconductors taking the brunt of the losses. Investors pivoted from growth-focused sectors to safer bets like healthcare. Additionally, oil prices rose amidst geopolitical instability and changes in military strategies.

Quote of the day by Euclid: Euclid's quote on equality provides a simple yet profound life lesson. This ancient mathematical axiom states that things equal to the same thing are equal. His foundational work, Elements, structured geometry and mathematical reasoning systematically. Euclid's deductive reasoning methods influenced mathematicians for over two millennia.

Certain birth months possess unique talents for offering sincere and impactful compliments. October-born individuals excel at knowing precisely what words will uplift others. August natives use their charisma to make praise feel naturally contagious and encouraging. December's optimism helps turn self-doubt into powerful motivation for those around them. July's empathy allows for deeply personal compliments that resonate with individual struggles.

Researchers in South Africa are using a nature-based filtration system to treat polluted water from the Stiebeuel River in Franschhoek. At the Water Hub, old wastewater treatment infrastructure has been adapted with stones, coarse sand, biochar, plants and naturally occurring microbes to remove pollutants. The system treats approximately 50,000 litres of contaminated water each day, with the research reporting 99% removal of harmful bacteria and major reductions in ammonia and phosphate.

In 1742, a Swedish astronomer proposed the centigrade temperature scale simplifying global scientific communication, weather tracking and metric alignment. Anders Celsius developed a 100-degree scale for measuring temperature with a mercury thermometer. His original scale was later reversed, creating the Celsius scale used in science, weather reports and daily temperature measurements.

On August 19, 2026, five zodiac signs stand on the brink of transformative change. Scorpio, Gemini, Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius will resonate with the numerological energies that signal fresh starts and the conclusion of old cycles. This period embraces the idea that endings pave the way for new opportunities, fostering confidence and aligning with personal aspirations for a brighter future.

Life presents powerful challenges which require understanding and adaptation. Ignoring problems often makes them more difficult to manage effectively. Confronting overwhelming forces without a strategy can lead to defeat. Learning to ide the dragon means adapting to change and using its strength. This approach offers a path to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

An easy aluminum foil technique allows you to monitor wall moisture levels. Affix the foil securely to the wall, ensuring the edges are tightly sealed. After waiting for about forty-eight hours, check the foil's inner surface for any signs of moisture, indicating potential dampness within the wall. If dampness or mold persists, it may be time to call in a professional for a thorough evaluation.

A Blandings turtle vanished into the wild for more than a decade. Ivy was released in Massachusetts in 2011 after being raised at Stone Zoo. Researchers feared they might never see her again. Then, in 2023, Ivy returned as a healthy adult. In 2025, she laid eight eggs. Now, two of her captive-raised offspring have been released into the same Great Meadows marsh, marking a major step for turtle conservation.