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Grammy-winning singer Shakira visited earthquake-damaged schools in Colombia’s Chocó region and announced a $1 million education relief effort with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and Live Nation. She also pledged support for rebuilding the Technological University of Quibdó and 10 new schools.

Scottish National Party politician and Scottish Parliament member Martyn Day married his partner Nitin Chand at the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur, fulfilling Nitin’s long-held wish. The couple, who previously married in the UK, later held a traditional ceremony attended by relatives and friends

India has signalled a willingness to strengthen ties with Bangladesh, with High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi saying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would receive an honourable welcome in India. Both sides are seeking to resolve differences and expand cooperation in trade, business, education, healthcare and employment 

Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round of the 2026 Cincinnati Open. Sabalenka defeated Wang Xinyu in 54 minutes, while Andreeva and Gauff also secured straight-set victories to progress at the WTA 1000 tournament.

Trump has instructed his top envoys to halt talks with Iran, citing Tehran’s unwillingness to meet US demands. Washington is shifting toward financial pressure, targeting Iranian assets and payments. The decision comes amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty surrounding stalled negotiations

Director Shiva Nirvana says Ravi Teja will be seen in a never-before avatar in Irumudi. Set against an Ayyappa backdrop, the film explores a father-daughter relationship, faith, family and emotional transformation, while promising a theatrical experience for audiences.

Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes deep inside Russia, targeting military, industrial and logistics sites. The attacks have caused fires, disrupted airports and fuel supplies, and increased pressure on Moscow. Ukrainian commanders hope the campaign will weaken Russia’s economy and push it toward peace negotiations

INCOIS has issued a swell surge warning for Kerala, south Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for August 19-20, warning of wave surges and possible inundation in low-lying coastal areas. Fishermen and residents were advised caution, while beach and nearshore activities were suspended

L&T Technology Services has secured a five-year, over USD 75 million contract from an undisclosed global technology enterprise. LTTS will provide engineering intelligence, product development, software, testing, validation, platform operations and digital engineering services, while establishing a dedicated engineering centre

Established on August 19, 1976, Kakatiya University completes 50 years of advancing higher education, research and regional development in North Telangana. From its beginnings as an Osmania University postgraduate centre, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary institution shaping generations.

Indian martial artist Grandmaster Hanshi Shaswat Kumar has achieved his eighth world record by holding a 100-kg dumbbell with one hand for one minute. The feat was recognised by the Asian Book of World Records on August 18, 2026.

Indian equity benchmarks opened nearly flat on Wednesday as Brent crude approached $92 a barrel and global bond yields climbed. While geopolitical tensions weighed on sentiment, strong domestic fundamentals, liquidity and growth prospects offered some support to Indian markets.

The Hyderabad Traffic Police registered 1,349 cases during a week-long special drive against motorists blocking free-left lanes and minors driving vehicles. The enforcement action, conducted from August 12 to 18, included 1,015 free-left violations and 334 minor-driving cases.

A 21-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by three friends following an argument over a financial matter after a drinking session in Bandlaguda Jagir. Police said an iron rod was used in the assault and efforts are on to nab the suspects.

Shriya Saran’s daughter appeared uncomfortable around paparazzi outside an ISKCON temple in Mumbai and hid behind her mother. The actor calmly comforted her, while the incident highlighted Shriya’s protective approach to motherhood and her efforts to balance work and family.

BRS leader T Harish Rao was placed under house arrest in Kokapet on Wednesday ahead of his proposed visit to Sanathnagar TIMS hospital. Police said the move was preventive, amid a political dispute between the Congress and BRS over the project.

The rupee edged up 1 paisa to 95.73 against the US dollar on Wednesday, supported by suspected RBI intervention, FII inflows and a weaker dollar index. However, elevated crude prices and West Asia tensions continued to pressure the currency.

Megastar Chiranjeevi’s upcoming film with director Bobby Kolli, tentatively titled Mega158, has reportedly completed 40 days of shooting, with sources claiming the first-half edit is locked. The film’s grand interval action sequence is expected to be a major attraction.

Content creator Apoorva Makhija, known as Rebel Kid, has moved to New York, saying she no longer sees herself building a future in India. The influencer said she hopes to pursue business and higher studies beyond her content-creation career.

US law enforcement agencies recorded 189 anti-Sikh and 32 anti-Hindu hate crime offences in 2025, according to FBI data. The report does not separately identify Indian Americans, making it impossible to determine the number of Indian-American victims.

Indian-American educator Pia Dandiya has won the Democratic primary for Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. She will face Republican Casey Askar in November. If elected, Dandiya would become the first South Asian American to represent Florida in Congress.

Veteran actress Phyllida Law, mother of Emma Thompson, has died aged 94. Her manager said she died peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 27. Law enjoyed a five-decade career spanning theatre, television and acclaimed films.

US President Donald Trump threatened Oman over its negotiations with Iran on managing Strait of Hormuz shipping, regional officials said. The developments came amid renewed attacks, including a projectile striking a vessel and Iranian threats to keep the crucial waterway closed