Times of India

Chungreng Koren thought his UFC dream had slipped away twice. Now, after rebuilding himself following the loss to Rabindra Dhant and submitting an unbeaten opponent in the Road to UFC quarterfinals, the Manipuri fighter is one win from the tournament final. But as Koren prepares for Japan’s Ryo Tajima in Shanghai, the opportunity carries a different kind of pressure - he is no longer fighting only for himself, but with the expectations of a country watching.

A video shows a government fire brigade vehicle washing a BJP MLA's private car. The incident occurred outside the official residence of MLA Ramniwas Shah in Singrauli. Three fire brigade personnel were seen using a hose to spray water on the vehicle. This alleged misuse of government resources has sparked social media attention. Neither the MLA nor the department has issued an official statement yet.

The United States has submitted a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress. This pact will only proceed if Riyadh agrees to normalize relations with Israel. Congress has ninety days to review the proposed thirty-year agreement for potential nuclear proliferation concerns. The deal facilitates US companies' involvement in Saudi Arabia's nuclear program development. Saudi Arabia's stance on Palestinian statehood remains a significant hurdle for normalization.

Ramiz Raja's comments came after 21 former international captains wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, renewing their appeal for proper medical treatment and better conditions for Imran. The group includes Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar. The appeal followed concerns that a recent medical examination did not fully meet the directions issued by Pakistan's Supreme Court.

Tukaram Mundhe leads Maharashtra's aggressive food safety crackdown, inspecting thousands of food businesses. His teams have conducted over 3,000 raids, suspending permits and uncovering numerous violations. The campaign now targets loose edible oil sales, enforcing regulations from 2011. Traders express concern over mandatory packaging, while the FDA cites adulteration risks. The FDA seized over Rs 5 crore worth of edible oil during recent inspections.

Former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan discussed Operation Sindoor's success. He indicated loitering munitions were deployed near Sargodha during the operation. These munitions searched for radars and may have struck Kirana Hills. This occurred after failing to locate their intended targets in the region. Chauhan's comments clarified the operation's impact on the Pakistani hills.

India called for collective international action to safeguard critical sea lanes and maritime infrastructure. Secure shipping routes are essential for uninterrupted movement of vital commodities globally. Conflicts and attacks on maritime routes threaten food and energy supplies worldwide. India stressed the need for unimpeded humanitarian access and objective supply chain assessments. Strengthening domestic agriculture and diversifying supply chains are crucial for food security.

In a landmark move, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been awarded an unprecedented compensation package of $96.5 million, underscoring the firm’s strides in artificial intelligence and cloud services. This pay structure, predominantly reliant on stock and performance incentives, ties Nadella's earnings to both shareholder returns and overall revenue, aligning executive remuneration with crucial business objectives.

Pucovski retired from professional cricket in April last year at the age of 27 after suffering 13 documented concussions during his career.

Mark your calendars: many bank branches will observe closures on Wednesday, August 26, for the Id-E-Milad and Thiruvonam festivals. Although branches will be closed, customers can still use ATMs and online services. Don’t forget that banks will also shut down for a regular holiday on Sunday, August 30, followed by Raksha Bandhan closures on August 28.

In a significant move to aid flood-affected families in Assam, the Centre is rolling out new housing assistance through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, allocating nearly five thousand crore rupees. Additionally, a further one hundred thirty-nine crore rupees will be directed towards enhancing agricultural investments within the region. This comprehensive support is designed to help residents rebuild their lives and advance sustainable farming initiatives for a more resilient future.

Salman Khan's journey in the film industry began with a humble salary of Rs 75 before he made his mark as an actor. His career took off with the film, Maine Pyar Kiya, for which he earned Rs 31,000. Since then, his films have collectively generated billions, positioning him to now demand Rs 100 crore per film and Rs 250 crore for his role in Bigg Boss.

Schools in several Indian states and Union Territories are observing a holiday on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, for Eid-e-Milad, but there is no uniform nationwide school closure order. Holiday arrangements vary according to state calendars, local orders and individual school schedules. Delhi-NCR schools may remain closed where the festival holiday applies, while Kerala also observes Thiruvonam. Uttar Pradesh observes Barawafat in applicable areas, with other states following their respective holiday notifications.

Monday’s 3-5 defeat to Argentina summed up a campaign littered with familiar flaws. There have been moments of promise in Amstelveen, but they have been overshadowed by defensive lapses, poor decision-making and an attack that has often failed to convert pressure into goals.

United States visa appointments are paused worldwide for consular officer training. This initiative supports the administration's broader immigration enforcement efforts. Immigrant visa applicants are being notified of rescheduled interviews due to this program. The government is also tightening restrictions on legal immigration and visa issuances. These actions reflect ongoing reviews and adjustments to the US visa system.

A French tourist was amazed by how widely QR codes are embraced in India for everyday purchases. From quaint roadside vendors to neighborhood shops, she noted the effortless use of digital payments, especially via UPI. This ease of transactions starkly contrasts her experiences back in France, where such practices aren't as prevalent.