LIVE Updates | Latest India & World News Today: India lifts four-year wheat export ban, Gurmeet Ram Rahim granted 21-day furlough and more

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh said she rejected an offer of Rs 15 lakh to predict through astrology that DMK would win the assembly elections. Addressing a gathering in Coimbatore, organised recently to highlight the TVK’s 100 days of public service, Kanimozhi Santhosh, who practised astrology before entering politics, said, “I received a call from DMK offering a Rs 15 lakh package last November. I was asked to predict through astrology that DMK would win the assembly elections and post it on YouTube. But I made it clear that DMK would not come to power, even though I was then not a member of TVK,” she said.

As many as 89 % Indian consumers have bought a counterfeit product at least once, according to the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA)–CRISIL state of counterfeiting in India 2025 report, presented at the "Fake Free India" event in Hyderabad on Sunday. The nationwide study surveyed 1,639 consumers across nine cities and six sectors — apparel, FMCG, automotive parts, consumer durables, healthcare products and agro-products. It found that 35% of respondents had encountered a counterfeit product in the past year, while consumers estimated that nearly 29% of products in local markets could be fake.

Taking a direct swipe at Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, senior Pakistani leader and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reminded the military establishment of its humiliating defeat and surrender in the 1971 war against India, warning that continuous oppression and bloodshed could lead to fresh geographical changes in the region.

A Pakistan Army officer was seen misuing his power at the Sarhad University in Islamabad, beating up student protesters and firing a service gun at the educational institute.Protesters across provinces in Pakistan, from the streets of Baluchistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), have for weeks claimed that the "terror" unleashed on them has been the work of the Pakistan Army. "Yeh jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche Pakistan fauj ki vardi hai (The terror unleashed on people has the Pakistan Army's uniform behind it)," they would say.

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports with immediate effect, moving the export policy from "prohibited" to "free". The government cited record production, large buffer stocks, and weak domestic wheat prices that have affected farmers. Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said allowing exports would help raise market prices and improve returns for growers.

The move covers wheat varieties including durum wheat, as well as flour, maida, semolina, and wholemeal atta. It replaces the quota system introduced earlier this year, under which 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and 10 lakh tonnes of wheat products were permitted for export.

Chinese tech giant Alibaba has announced plans to raise around $10.2 billion through a new share placement in Hong Kong to fund its global artificial intelligence ambitions.

The company said the entire net proceeds will be used to expand its "full stack" AI capabilities, including investment in AI infrastructure.

Alibaba reported nearly 269 billion yuan ($40 billion) in revenue for its latest quarter, a 9% year-on-year increase, with demand linked to the global AI boom supporting its business.

Iran's currency has fallen to an all-time low against the US dollar as Washington intensifies efforts to squeeze Tehran's economy amid the nearly six-month-old war.

The rial was trading at around 1.992 million per US dollar on the unregulated market on Monday, according to data cited by Bloomberg. The currency has fallen 4.5% since US President Donald Trump announced a "crushing economic operation" against Iran last week.

The rial was already under pressure before the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, with the country facing double-digit inflation and economic contraction. The currency has repeatedly hit new lows during the war as economic pressure mounts.

The Strait of Hormuz recorded just 16 vessel transits in the latest data available as of August 23, highlighting the continued disruption to shipping through the strategic waterway.

Vessel movement

6 vessels entered the Strait:

- 4 tankers
- 2 cargo vessels

10 cargo vessels exited

Oil destinations

China remained the dominant destination for oil and crude exports, accounting for 65% of shipments. Russia-linked destinations accounted for 10%, followed by Iran-linked destinations at 8%, Singapore at 5%, and South Korea at 4%.

The figures underline the sharply reduced vessel movement through the Strait amid the ongoing Iran war and tensions over reopening the crucial shipping route.

Washington is keeping the military option open against Iran. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Tehran not to "overplay its hand" as the Trump administration simultaneously tightens economic pressure on Iran.

All you need to know

Waterlogged roads, waist-deep water and crawling traffic - heavy rain in Delhi on Monday brought life to a standstill. But it is not over. The national capital is once again witnessing rain, which is expected to intensify through the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the capital, warning of lightning, thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain.

Asian stocks traded mixed on Tuesday while oil prices edged higher as investors assessed the US campaign to economically isolate Iran and stalled efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran impact

Oil prices rose after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an "economic D-Day" against Tehran, with sanctions targeting Iran's digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping sectors. The threat has added to concerns over energy supplies and inflation.

Nvidia in focus

Tech stocks remained under pressure ahead of Nvidia's earnings, with investors watching whether the chip giant can meet high expectations surrounding the AI boom. Seoul's tech-heavy market fell sharply, while Tokyo and Sydney posted gains.

Markets

Brent crude rose 0.5% to $92.59 a barrel, while WTI gained 0.7% to $85.57. The Nikkei edged up 0.1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.3%.
 

Days after a Bihar school meal incident made headlines, another mid-day meal scare has emerged in Rajasthan. At least 27 children in Kota complained of vomiting, dizziness and headaches after eating at a government school. 

All we know

Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched a fierce attack on US President Donald Trump on Monday (Aug 24), calling him a "bully", "dictator" and "loser" as tensions between Canada and the United States intensified over tariffs and stalled trade talks.

Ford's comments came after Trump described Ford as the "less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother" of the late former Toronto mayor Rob Ford.

Here's what he said

The US Supreme Court on Monday (Aug 24)gave President Donald Trump a temporary victory in his effort to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November midterm elections, allowing key parts of his executive order to move forward while the broader legal battle continues.

All you need to know

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh said she rejected an offer of Rs 15 lakh to predict through astrology that DMK would win the assembly elections. Addressing a gathering in Coimbatore, organised recently to highlight the TVK’s 100 days of public service, Kanimozhi Santhosh, who practised astrology before entering politics, said, “I received a call from DMK offering a Rs 15 lakh package last November. I was asked to predict through astrology that DMK would win the assembly elections and post it on YouTube. But I made it clear that DMK would not come to power, even though I was then not a member of TVK,” she said.

As many as 89 % Indian consumers have bought a counterfeit product at least once, according to the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA)–CRISIL state of counterfeiting in India 2025 report, presented at the "Fake Free India" event in Hyderabad on Sunday. The nationwide study surveyed 1,639 consumers across nine cities and six sectors — apparel, FMCG, automotive parts, consumer durables, healthcare products and agro-products. It found that 35% of respondents had encountered a counterfeit product in the past year, while consumers estimated that nearly 29% of products in local markets could be fake.

Taking a direct swipe at Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, senior Pakistani leader and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reminded the military establishment of its humiliating defeat and surrender in the 1971 war against India, warning that continuous oppression and bloodshed could lead to fresh geographical changes in the region.

A Pakistan Army officer was seen misuing his power at the Sarhad University in Islamabad, beating up student protesters and firing a service gun at the educational institute.Protesters across provinces in Pakistan, from the streets of Baluchistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), have for weeks claimed that the "terror" unleashed on them has been the work of the Pakistan Army. "Yeh jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche Pakistan fauj ki vardi hai (The terror unleashed on people has the Pakistan Army's uniform behind it)," they would say.

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports with immediate effect, moving the export policy from "prohibited" to "free". The government cited record production, large buffer stocks, and weak domestic wheat prices that have affected farmers. Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said allowing exports would help raise market prices and improve returns for growers.

The move covers wheat varieties including durum wheat, as well as flour, maida, semolina, and wholemeal atta. It replaces the quota system introduced earlier this year, under which 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and 10 lakh tonnes of wheat products were permitted for export.

Chinese tech giant Alibaba has announced plans to raise around $10.2 billion through a new share placement in Hong Kong to fund its global artificial intelligence ambitions.

The company said the entire net proceeds will be used to expand its "full stack" AI capabilities, including investment in AI infrastructure.

Alibaba reported nearly 269 billion yuan ($40 billion) in revenue for its latest quarter, a 9% year-on-year increase, with demand linked to the global AI boom supporting its business.

Iran's currency has fallen to an all-time low against the US dollar as Washington intensifies efforts to squeeze Tehran's economy amid the nearly six-month-old war.

The rial was trading at around 1.992 million per US dollar on the unregulated market on Monday, according to data cited by Bloomberg. The currency has fallen 4.5% since US President Donald Trump announced a "crushing economic operation" against Iran last week.

The rial was already under pressure before the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, with the country facing double-digit inflation and economic contraction. The currency has repeatedly hit new lows during the war as economic pressure mounts.

The Strait of Hormuz recorded just 16 vessel transits in the latest data available as of August 23, highlighting the continued disruption to shipping through the strategic waterway.

Vessel movement

6 vessels entered the Strait:

- 4 tankers
- 2 cargo vessels

10 cargo vessels exited

Oil destinations

China remained the dominant destination for oil and crude exports, accounting for 65% of shipments. Russia-linked destinations accounted for 10%, followed by Iran-linked destinations at 8%, Singapore at 5%, and South Korea at 4%.

The figures underline the sharply reduced vessel movement through the Strait amid the ongoing Iran war and tensions over reopening the crucial shipping route.

Washington is keeping the military option open against Iran. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Tehran not to "overplay its hand" as the Trump administration simultaneously tightens economic pressure on Iran.

All you need to know

Waterlogged roads, waist-deep water and crawling traffic - heavy rain in Delhi on Monday brought life to a standstill. But it is not over. The national capital is once again witnessing rain, which is expected to intensify through the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the capital, warning of lightning, thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain.

Asian stocks traded mixed on Tuesday while oil prices edged higher as investors assessed the US campaign to economically isolate Iran and stalled efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran impact

Oil prices rose after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an "economic D-Day" against Tehran, with sanctions targeting Iran's digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping sectors. The threat has added to concerns over energy supplies and inflation.

Nvidia in focus

Tech stocks remained under pressure ahead of Nvidia's earnings, with investors watching whether the chip giant can meet high expectations surrounding the AI boom. Seoul's tech-heavy market fell sharply, while Tokyo and Sydney posted gains.

Markets

Brent crude rose 0.5% to $92.59 a barrel, while WTI gained 0.7% to $85.57. The Nikkei edged up 0.1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.3%.
 

Days after a Bihar school meal incident made headlines, another mid-day meal scare has emerged in Rajasthan. At least 27 children in Kota complained of vomiting, dizziness and headaches after eating at a government school. 

All we know

Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched a fierce attack on US President Donald Trump on Monday (Aug 24), calling him a "bully", "dictator" and "loser" as tensions between Canada and the United States intensified over tariffs and stalled trade talks.

Ford's comments came after Trump described Ford as the "less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother" of the late former Toronto mayor Rob Ford.

Here's what he said

The US Supreme Court on Monday (Aug 24)gave President Donald Trump a temporary victory in his effort to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November midterm elections, allowing key parts of his executive order to move forward while the broader legal battle continues.

All you need to know

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh said she rejected an offer of Rs 15 lakh to predict through astrology that DMK would win the assembly elections. Addressing a gathering in Coimbatore, organised recently to highlight the TVK’s 100 days of public service, Kanimozhi Santhosh, who practised astrology before entering politics, said, “I received a call from DMK offering a Rs 15 lakh package last November. I was asked to predict through astrology that DMK would win the assembly elections and post it on YouTube. But I made it clear that DMK would not come to power, even though I was then not a member of TVK,” she said.

As many as 89 % Indian consumers have bought a counterfeit product at least once, according to the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA)–CRISIL state of counterfeiting in India 2025 report, presented at the "Fake Free India" event in Hyderabad on Sunday. The nationwide study surveyed 1,639 consumers across nine cities and six sectors — apparel, FMCG, automotive parts, consumer durables, healthcare products and agro-products. It found that 35% of respondents had encountered a counterfeit product in the past year, while consumers estimated that nearly 29% of products in local markets could be fake.

Taking a direct swipe at Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, senior Pakistani leader and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reminded the military establishment of its humiliating defeat and surrender in the 1971 war against India, warning that continuous oppression and bloodshed could lead to fresh geographical changes in the region.

A Pakistan Army officer was seen misuing his power at the Sarhad University in Islamabad, beating up student protesters and firing a service gun at the educational institute.Protesters across provinces in Pakistan, from the streets of Baluchistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), have for weeks claimed that the "terror" unleashed on them has been the work of the Pakistan Army. "Yeh jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche Pakistan fauj ki vardi hai (The terror unleashed on people has the Pakistan Army's uniform behind it)," they would say.

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports with immediate effect, moving the export policy from "prohibited" to "free". The government cited record production, large buffer stocks, and weak domestic wheat prices that have affected farmers. Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said allowing exports would help raise market prices and improve returns for growers.

The move covers wheat varieties including durum wheat, as well as flour, maida, semolina, and wholemeal atta. It replaces the quota system introduced earlier this year, under which 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and 10 lakh tonnes of wheat products were permitted for export.

Chinese tech giant Alibaba has announced plans to raise around $10.2 billion through a new share placement in Hong Kong to fund its global artificial intelligence ambitions.

The company said the entire net proceeds will be used to expand its "full stack" AI capabilities, including investment in AI infrastructure.

Alibaba reported nearly 269 billion yuan ($40 billion) in revenue for its latest quarter, a 9% year-on-year increase, with demand linked to the global AI boom supporting its business.

Iran's currency has fallen to an all-time low against the US dollar as Washington intensifies efforts to squeeze Tehran's economy amid the nearly six-month-old war.

The rial was trading at around 1.992 million per US dollar on the unregulated market on Monday, according to data cited by Bloomberg. The currency has fallen 4.5% since US President Donald Trump announced a "crushing economic operation" against Iran last week.

The rial was already under pressure before the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, with the country facing double-digit inflation and economic contraction. The currency has repeatedly hit new lows during the war as economic pressure mounts.

The Strait of Hormuz recorded just 16 vessel transits in the latest data available as of August 23, highlighting the continued disruption to shipping through the strategic waterway.

Vessel movement

6 vessels entered the Strait:

- 4 tankers
- 2 cargo vessels

10 cargo vessels exited

Oil destinations

China remained the dominant destination for oil and crude exports, accounting for 65% of shipments. Russia-linked destinations accounted for 10%, followed by Iran-linked destinations at 8%, Singapore at 5%, and South Korea at 4%.

The figures underline the sharply reduced vessel movement through the Strait amid the ongoing Iran war and tensions over reopening the crucial shipping route.

Washington is keeping the military option open against Iran. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Tehran not to "overplay its hand" as the Trump administration simultaneously tightens economic pressure on Iran.

All you need to know

Waterlogged roads, waist-deep water and crawling traffic - heavy rain in Delhi on Monday brought life to a standstill. But it is not over. The national capital is once again witnessing rain, which is expected to intensify through the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the capital, warning of lightning, thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain.

Asian stocks traded mixed on Tuesday while oil prices edged higher as investors assessed the US campaign to economically isolate Iran and stalled efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran impact

Oil prices rose after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an "economic D-Day" against Tehran, with sanctions targeting Iran's digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping sectors. The threat has added to concerns over energy supplies and inflation.

Nvidia in focus

Tech stocks remained under pressure ahead of Nvidia's earnings, with investors watching whether the chip giant can meet high expectations surrounding the AI boom. Seoul's tech-heavy market fell sharply, while Tokyo and Sydney posted gains.

Markets

Brent crude rose 0.5% to $92.59 a barrel, while WTI gained 0.7% to $85.57. The Nikkei edged up 0.1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.3%.
 

Days after a Bihar school meal incident made headlines, another mid-day meal scare has emerged in Rajasthan. At least 27 children in Kota complained of vomiting, dizziness and headaches after eating at a government school. 

All we know

Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched a fierce attack on US President Donald Trump on Monday (Aug 24), calling him a "bully", "dictator" and "loser" as tensions between Canada and the United States intensified over tariffs and stalled trade talks.

Ford's comments came after Trump described Ford as the "less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother" of the late former Toronto mayor Rob Ford.

Here's what he said

The US Supreme Court on Monday (Aug 24)gave President Donald Trump a temporary victory in his effort to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November midterm elections, allowing key parts of his executive order to move forward while the broader legal battle continues.

All you need to know

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh said she rejected an offer of Rs 15 lakh to predict through astrology that DMK would win the assembly elections. Addressing a gathering in Coimbatore, organised recently to highlight the TVK’s 100 days of public service, Kanimozhi Santhosh, who practised astrology before entering politics, said, “I received a call from DMK offering a Rs 15 lakh package last November. I was asked to predict through astrology that DMK would win the assembly elections and post it on YouTube. But I made it clear that DMK would not come to power, even though I was then not a member of TVK,” she said.

As many as 89 % Indian consumers have bought a counterfeit product at least once, according to the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA)–CRISIL state of counterfeiting in India 2025 report, presented at the "Fake Free India" event in Hyderabad on Sunday. The nationwide study surveyed 1,639 consumers across nine cities and six sectors — apparel, FMCG, automotive parts, consumer durables, healthcare products and agro-products. It found that 35% of respondents had encountered a counterfeit product in the past year, while consumers estimated that nearly 29% of products in local markets could be fake.

Taking a direct swipe at Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, senior Pakistani leader and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reminded the military establishment of its humiliating defeat and surrender in the 1971 war against India, warning that continuous oppression and bloodshed could lead to fresh geographical changes in the region.

A Pakistan Army officer was seen misuing his power at the Sarhad University in Islamabad, beating up student protesters and firing a service gun at the educational institute.Protesters across provinces in Pakistan, from the streets of Baluchistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), have for weeks claimed that the "terror" unleashed on them has been the work of the Pakistan Army. "Yeh jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche Pakistan fauj ki vardi hai (The terror unleashed on people has the Pakistan Army's uniform behind it)," they would say.

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports with immediate effect, moving the export policy from "prohibited" to "free". The government cited record production, large buffer stocks, and weak domestic wheat prices that have affected farmers. Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said allowing exports would help raise market prices and improve returns for growers.

The move covers wheat varieties including durum wheat, as well as flour, maida, semolina, and wholemeal atta. It replaces the quota system introduced earlier this year, under which 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and 10 lakh tonnes of wheat products were permitted for export.

Chinese tech giant Alibaba has announced plans to raise around $10.2 billion through a new share placement in Hong Kong to fund its global artificial intelligence ambitions.

The company said the entire net proceeds will be used to expand its "full stack" AI capabilities, including investment in AI infrastructure.

Alibaba reported nearly 269 billion yuan ($40 billion) in revenue for its latest quarter, a 9% year-on-year increase, with demand linked to the global AI boom supporting its business.

Iran's currency has fallen to an all-time low against the US dollar as Washington intensifies efforts to squeeze Tehran's economy amid the nearly six-month-old war.

The rial was trading at around 1.992 million per US dollar on the unregulated market on Monday, according to data cited by Bloomberg. The currency has fallen 4.5% since US President Donald Trump announced a "crushing economic operation" against Iran last week.

The rial was already under pressure before the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, with the country facing double-digit inflation and economic contraction. The currency has repeatedly hit new lows during the war as economic pressure mounts.

The Strait of Hormuz recorded just 16 vessel transits in the latest data available as of August 23, highlighting the continued disruption to shipping through the strategic waterway.

Vessel movement

6 vessels entered the Strait:

- 4 tankers
- 2 cargo vessels

10 cargo vessels exited

Oil destinations

China remained the dominant destination for oil and crude exports, accounting for 65% of shipments. Russia-linked destinations accounted for 10%, followed by Iran-linked destinations at 8%, Singapore at 5%, and South Korea at 4%.

The figures underline the sharply reduced vessel movement through the Strait amid the ongoing Iran war and tensions over reopening the crucial shipping route.

Washington is keeping the military option open against Iran. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Tehran not to "overplay its hand" as the Trump administration simultaneously tightens economic pressure on Iran.

All you need to know

Waterlogged roads, waist-deep water and crawling traffic - heavy rain in Delhi on Monday brought life to a standstill. But it is not over. The national capital is once again witnessing rain, which is expected to intensify through the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the capital, warning of lightning, thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain.

Asian stocks traded mixed on Tuesday while oil prices edged higher as investors assessed the US campaign to economically isolate Iran and stalled efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran impact

Oil prices rose after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an "economic D-Day" against Tehran, with sanctions targeting Iran's digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping sectors. The threat has added to concerns over energy supplies and inflation.

Nvidia in focus

Tech stocks remained under pressure ahead of Nvidia's earnings, with investors watching whether the chip giant can meet high expectations surrounding the AI boom. Seoul's tech-heavy market fell sharply, while Tokyo and Sydney posted gains.

Markets

Brent crude rose 0.5% to $92.59 a barrel, while WTI gained 0.7% to $85.57. The Nikkei edged up 0.1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.3%.
 

Days after a Bihar school meal incident made headlines, another mid-day meal scare has emerged in Rajasthan. At least 27 children in Kota complained of vomiting, dizziness and headaches after eating at a government school. 

All we know

Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched a fierce attack on US President Donald Trump on Monday (Aug 24), calling him a "bully", "dictator" and "loser" as tensions between Canada and the United States intensified over tariffs and stalled trade talks.

Ford's comments came after Trump described Ford as the "less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother" of the late former Toronto mayor Rob Ford.

Here's what he said

The US Supreme Court on Monday (Aug 24)gave President Donald Trump a temporary victory in his effort to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November midterm elections, allowing key parts of his executive order to move forward while the broader legal battle continues.

All you need to know

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh said she rejected an offer of Rs 15 lakh to predict through astrology that DMK would win the assembly elections. Addressing a gathering in Coimbatore, organised recently to highlight the TVK’s 100 days of public service, Kanimozhi Santhosh, who practised astrology before entering politics, said, “I received a call from DMK offering a Rs 15 lakh package last November. I was asked to predict through astrology that DMK would win the assembly elections and post it on YouTube. But I made it clear that DMK would not come to power, even though I was then not a member of TVK,” she said.

As many as 89 % Indian consumers have bought a counterfeit product at least once, according to the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA)–CRISIL state of counterfeiting in India 2025 report, presented at the "Fake Free India" event in Hyderabad on Sunday. The nationwide study surveyed 1,639 consumers across nine cities and six sectors — apparel, FMCG, automotive parts, consumer durables, healthcare products and agro-products. It found that 35% of respondents had encountered a counterfeit product in the past year, while consumers estimated that nearly 29% of products in local markets could be fake.

Taking a direct swipe at Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, senior Pakistani leader and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reminded the military establishment of its humiliating defeat and surrender in the 1971 war against India, warning that continuous oppression and bloodshed could lead to fresh geographical changes in the region.

A Pakistan Army officer was seen misuing his power at the Sarhad University in Islamabad, beating up student protesters and firing a service gun at the educational institute.Protesters across provinces in Pakistan, from the streets of Baluchistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), have for weeks claimed that the "terror" unleashed on them has been the work of the Pakistan Army. "Yeh jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche Pakistan fauj ki vardi hai (The terror unleashed on people has the Pakistan Army's uniform behind it)," they would say.

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports with immediate effect, moving the export policy from "prohibited" to "free". The government cited record production, large buffer stocks, and weak domestic wheat prices that have affected farmers. Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said allowing exports would help raise market prices and improve returns for growers.

The move covers wheat varieties including durum wheat, as well as flour, maida, semolina, and wholemeal atta. It replaces the quota system introduced earlier this year, under which 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and 10 lakh tonnes of wheat products were permitted for export.

Chinese tech giant Alibaba has announced plans to raise around $10.2 billion through a new share placement in Hong Kong to fund its global artificial intelligence ambitions.

The company said the entire net proceeds will be used to expand its "full stack" AI capabilities, including investment in AI infrastructure.

Alibaba reported nearly 269 billion yuan ($40 billion) in revenue for its latest quarter, a 9% year-on-year increase, with demand linked to the global AI boom supporting its business.

Iran's currency has fallen to an all-time low against the US dollar as Washington intensifies efforts to squeeze Tehran's economy amid the nearly six-month-old war.

The rial was trading at around 1.992 million per US dollar on the unregulated market on Monday, according to data cited by Bloomberg. The currency has fallen 4.5% since US President Donald Trump announced a "crushing economic operation" against Iran last week.

The rial was already under pressure before the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, with the country facing double-digit inflation and economic contraction. The currency has repeatedly hit new lows during the war as economic pressure mounts.

The Strait of Hormuz recorded just 16 vessel transits in the latest data available as of August 23, highlighting the continued disruption to shipping through the strategic waterway.

Vessel movement

6 vessels entered the Strait:

- 4 tankers
- 2 cargo vessels

10 cargo vessels exited

Oil destinations

China remained the dominant destination for oil and crude exports, accounting for 65% of shipments. Russia-linked destinations accounted for 10%, followed by Iran-linked destinations at 8%, Singapore at 5%, and South Korea at 4%.

The figures underline the sharply reduced vessel movement through the Strait amid the ongoing Iran war and tensions over reopening the crucial shipping route.

Washington is keeping the military option open against Iran. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Tehran not to "overplay its hand" as the Trump administration simultaneously tightens economic pressure on Iran.

All you need to know

Waterlogged roads, waist-deep water and crawling traffic - heavy rain in Delhi on Monday brought life to a standstill. But it is not over. The national capital is once again witnessing rain, which is expected to intensify through the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the capital, warning of lightning, thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain.

Asian stocks traded mixed on Tuesday while oil prices edged higher as investors assessed the US campaign to economically isolate Iran and stalled efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran impact

Oil prices rose after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an "economic D-Day" against Tehran, with sanctions targeting Iran's digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping sectors. The threat has added to concerns over energy supplies and inflation.

Nvidia in focus

Tech stocks remained under pressure ahead of Nvidia's earnings, with investors watching whether the chip giant can meet high expectations surrounding the AI boom. Seoul's tech-heavy market fell sharply, while Tokyo and Sydney posted gains.

Markets

Brent crude rose 0.5% to $92.59 a barrel, while WTI gained 0.7% to $85.57. The Nikkei edged up 0.1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.3%.
 

Days after a Bihar school meal incident made headlines, another mid-day meal scare has emerged in Rajasthan. At least 27 children in Kota complained of vomiting, dizziness and headaches after eating at a government school. 

All we know

Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched a fierce attack on US President Donald Trump on Monday (Aug 24), calling him a "bully", "dictator" and "loser" as tensions between Canada and the United States intensified over tariffs and stalled trade talks.

Ford's comments came after Trump described Ford as the "less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother" of the late former Toronto mayor Rob Ford.

Here's what he said

The US Supreme Court on Monday (Aug 24)gave President Donald Trump a temporary victory in his effort to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November midterm elections, allowing key parts of his executive order to move forward while the broader legal battle continues.

All you need to know