Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, staying informed is essential. This curated round-up presents the latest 10 important and trending news today from India and across the globe, featuring high-impact stories in politics, international affairs, sports, technology, entertainment, and national security. Each article provides accurate, concise, and insightful updates that matter most right now.
1. FBI Conducts Search at Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton’s Residence Amid National Security Probe
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents conducted a search at the Maryland residence of former US National Security Advisor John Bolton. This operation, part of a high-level national security probe concerning classified documents, occurred just days after John Bolton strongly criticized former US President Donald Trump’s approach towards India. The New York Post reported that the search was initiated under the directives of FBI Director Kash Patel, who later stated on X, “No one is above the law… FBI agents are carrying out their duty.”
The investigation, originally launched during Donald Trump’s first term, had been paused during Joe Biden’s administration but was recently revived following Trump’s return to political prominence. John Bolton, who served from 2018 to 2019, authored the book The Room Where It Happened in 2020, which the Trump administration attempted to block citing confidentiality breaches.
In a recent interview with an Indian news channel, John Bolton stated that Trump’s harsh stance towards India—especially over oil imports from Russia—was a diplomatic blunder that could push India closer to the Beijing-Moscow axis. It was also noted that John Bolton’s name was included in a recent list of officials whose security clearances were revoked.
2. South African Batsman Matthew Breetzke Sets ODI Record with Four Consecutive Fifties
South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke has made history by becoming the first cricketer to start his ODI career with four consecutive scores of fifty or more. In the second ODI against Australia at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Breetzke scored 88 off 78 balls. He surpassed Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu’s record from 1987, who had four fifties in five games.
Breetzke’s ODI debut saw him score 150 runs against New Zealand, followed by 83 against Pakistan, 57 in the first ODI against Australia, and 88 in the second. Sidhu had scored 73, 75, 51, and 55 in the 1987 World Cup but missed batting in one match.
3. Nara Lokesh Directs Officials to Develop ‘Naipunyam Portal’ as a National Model for Youth Employment
Andhra Pradesh IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has directed officials to develop the state’s upcoming Naipunyam Portal into a national benchmark for youth employment and skills training. The portal is designed to bridge the gap between industry requirements and youth capabilities.
During a review meeting with Skill Development Department officials at his Undavalli residence, Nara Lokesh emphasized launching the portal in September. He praised the initiative as unparalleled in the country and instructed its integration with the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme.
Officials stated that the portal will consolidate state skill centres, NAAC, and C-DAC under a single platform, offering training to around 50,000 youth annually across 36 sectors with 3,000+ job categories already registered. Nara Lokesh also approved science group admissions for visually impaired students in Intermediate education.
4. Russia Mandates Pre-installed Domestic Apps on All Smart Devices to Promote Digital Independence
In a move to reduce reliance on foreign tech, the Russian government has mandated that all newly manufactured smartphones and tablets sold in the country must come with pre-installed domestically developed applications. This includes ‘Max,’ a messenger app developed by the state-run VK group, which is set to replace WhatsApp.
From September 1, Apple iPhones sold in Russia must also include the local app store ‘RuStore,’ and beginning next year, smart TVs must come preloaded with ‘Lime HD TV’ for free access to government TV channels.
Critics expressed concerns over potential surveillance through government apps, which officials denied, stating Max provides limited access compared to WhatsApp and Telegram.
5. Dhanashree Verma Opens Up About Divorce; Receives Support from Devisha Shetty
Choreographer and actress Dhanashree Verma spoke publicly about the emotional pain following her divorce from cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal in a podcast with ‘Humans of Bombay’. She recalled crying openly in court and feeling targeted by media narratives.
Team India cricketer Suryakumar Yadav’s wife, Devisha Shetty, expressed support via Instagram, writing, “Much respect and love for you.” Netizens praised the public solidarity. Dhanashree and Devisha had frequently been seen together at matches. The couple finalized their divorce in March this year.
6. DRI Busts ₹92-Crore Synthetic Drug Factory Allegedly Linked to Dawood Ibrahim’s Network in Bhopal
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a clandestine synthetic drug manufacturing unit in Jagadishpur village near Bhopal, suspected to be linked to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim’s gang.
The raid on August 16 resulted in the seizure of ₹92 crore worth of synthetic drugs, including 61.20 kg of liquid mephedrone and 541 kg of raw chemicals. Officials believe the D-Company has expanded into high-profit drug operations beyond its traditional criminal activities.
The network was allegedly operated by Salim Dola and Ismail Umaid ur Rehman with financing via hawala from Pakistan and Dubai. The drugs were manufactured by pharmacy diploma holder Faisal Qureshi and associate Razak Khan. The house had been vacant for seven years, and officials suspect local administrative collusion.
7. ‘Coolie’ Starring Rajinikanth Dominates Box Office with ₹444 Crore in Opening Week
Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, opened to massive success on August 14, grossing ₹444 crore in its first week.
After a quiet spell at theatres, Coolie revived footfall and began breaking records from day one. It is projected to surpass ₹500 crore soon. Within Tamil Nadu, it now ranks in the top six highest-grossing films, behind other Rajinikanth hits like 2.0 and Jailer. Fans are also eagerly awaiting Jailer 2 and rumors of a Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan collaboration.
8. Ram Gopal Varma Questions Supreme Court Ruling on Stray Dogs with Series of Satirical Queries
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has raised sharp and satirical questions on social media regarding the Supreme Court’s revised order on stray dog control. He challenged the practicality of vaccinating and releasing dogs back into public areas, questioning whether dogs would read medical records or show certificates before biting.
He also questioned the feasibility of testing millions of stray dogs for rabies and monitoring their mental health. Addressing designated feeding zones, he humorously asked if Google Maps would be developed for stray dogs. Varma ended by asking why the judgment did not mention child victims of dog attacks.
9. PM Narendra Modi’s Former Security Officer Lucky Bisht Debuts as Actor in Military Web Series
Lucky Bisht, former security officer to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made his acting debut in Sena – Guardians of the Nation, a military-themed web series currently streaming on MX Player.
Bisht, a former NSG commando and RAW operative, stated that his real-life military experience enriched his performance. He has also served as a bodyguard to L.K. Advani, Rajnath Singh, and Tarun Gogoi, and was part of the security team during Barack Obama’s 2010 India visit.
10. Foxconn Subsidiary Yuzhan Technology Recalls 300 Chinese Engineers from India Amid iPhone 17 Preparations
Foxconn’s subsidiary Yuzhan Technology has recalled 300 Chinese engineers from India, marking the second such move in recent months. This comes ahead of Apple iPhone 17 production, raising concerns amidst improving India-China relations.
Foxconn also cancelled travel for 60 incoming engineers. While the company informed the Indian government, it maintained that operations in India will not be immediately affected. Plans are underway to reduce dependency on China by hiring engineers from Taiwan and other countries.
Conclusion
These latest 10 important and trending news today offer a cross-section of the most pressing developments in international diplomacy, national policy, public safety, sports, entertainment, and technology. With issues ranging from geopolitical maneuvers to societal debates and record-breaking achievements, these updates ensure readers remain informed and engaged with the events shaping our world.
Also Read: Latest 10 Important and Trending News Today( August 21, 2025): Must-Know Updates Across India and Beyond
Latest Indian News Updates 2025-Top Five News-August 20, 2025