VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Gemini Horoscope Today, August 18, 2026: This is a strong day for education ‘Huge victory for Jharkhand’: Student leader Mahto ends 16-day hunger strike after Soren govt accepts demands India signs Rs 1,943-cr deal with US firm to lease 2 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones for Navy Meet Mohammed Almuntasir: The Libyan wildlife photographer whose 18-second YouTube video proved a “ghost cat” still lives in Libya | World News From 5,921m summit, historic glide to Ladakh roadhead Indian-origin CEO says he starts checking his emails at 4.30 am; ‘If you want to work eight-to five…’ Cancer Horoscope Today, August 18, 2026: There’s no need to prove yourself through noise PDP president Mehbooba says she is ‘dimagi Naxal’; NC blames her for Article 370 abrogation Aries Horoscope Today, August 18, 2026: When you’re married the spouse’s support will be evident Meet Rohan Naidu, the MIT astronomer who left engineering at 18; now he is helping uncover how the Universe’s earliest black holes formed “I’ve cried for a long time”: Taylor Barnard breaks down after historic Formula E win | Formula – E News Taurus Horoscope Today, August 18, 2026: If you’re in a relationship, your calm confidence will be attractive Scientists found 31 new species in the ocean’s vast midwater zone, including nine new jellyfish using underwater robots and new imaging technology “Kelce needs to be more respectful”: Travis Kelce sparked backlash over national anthem behavior as fans revive his controversial 2017 protest Argentina’s mysterious floating island named ‘EL Ojo’ that appears to rotate on its own in perfect circular motion  | World News Scientists are saying that universe may not last forever because Hawking-like radiation could eventually cause its evaporation Kangana Ranaut on ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhaata’: ‘Patriotism has many forms’ and why it’s must-watch for the younger generation | In 1745, the US welcomed mimosa trees for their pink flowers; they later escaped gardens and spread as an invasive species | World News Atolls can take up to 30 million years to form, but these tiny coral islands now support 31 million seabirds across the Indo-Pacific A high school student won America’s top science award for solving a centuries-old Geometry problem; how his work on 146 rare shapes can change the future of medicine In 2024, a beaver returned to a California creek after 19 years and began cutting down aspen trees beside a man-made dam | World News Nasa aircraft are chasing giant fire clouds over Utah: These towering smoke-filled clouds can punch high into Earth’s atmosphere ‘Lies, Trump suffering from delusions’: Iran military denies direct backchannel talks with US In 2026, volunteers began planting 30,000 trees to rebuild the wetland forest that once shielded New Orleans from storms | World News Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for August 18, 2026 Quote of the day by Stephen Hawking: “However difficult life may seem, there is always…” – a lesson on resilience, perspective and finding what remains possible What did Braelon Allen fear when he watched Breece Hall go down with a suspected groin injury? Indian-origin grandmother with Green Card detained by ICE after living in the US for 30 years. Her daughter is an immigration attorney Tata Power, IIT Bombay ink long-term clean energy research pact Meet Astrid Eeuwes: The Dutch amateur astronomer who studies tiny space dust and now has an asteroid named after her From Charles Haley to Von Miller: “Flawed individuals are some of my greatest role models” – Jerry Jones-led Dallas Cowboys’ history of taking chances on controversial stars Quote of the day by Melinda French Gates: “A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice…” – a powerful lesson on confidence and strength | World News Tata Power’s digital command centre for real-time monitoring of renewable energy assets ‘Let me die in peace right now’: Chargesheet reveals Twisha Sharma’s chilling final message before death Tupac Shakur murder trial begins after 3 decades, former gang leader Keffe D accused of killing rap icon | World News Aug 17, 2026, 23:14 IST Weak soil, trapped water likely behind Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway failures: Initial probe Quote of the day by Marie Curie: “We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be…” Iran drones target Kurdish leaders after Trump used them as backchannel to IRGC; US condemns attack A California school has been sued after a field trip of students who were encouraged to wear hijab, given Qurans Horoscope Today, August 17, 2026: Good Fortune May Favour These Chinese Zodiac Signs; Three Face a Test ‘Follow law of land’: Centre to X after Musk announces greater visibility on govt censorship In 2013, a Chinese man who could no longer afford dialysis built his own dialysis machine and survived on it for 13 years | World News Updated: Aug 17, 2026, 22:45 IST Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4: Everything we know about the collaborations, battle pass and more David and Victoria Beckham win planning battle for ‘Blackpool-style’ lake illuminations, hot tub and firepit at £6.15 million Cotswolds home despite Australia-based critic Inside Emraan Hashmi’s lavish 4 BHK Bandra home worth Rs 16 crore which includes a personal gym, balcony, library and more House rent in most EU capitals exceed minimum wage Meet ex-Tesla engineer Saiman Shetty who became American citizen through EB-1 Green Card: ‘That one decision gave me freedom’ Security agencies arrested 253 alleged operatives across 14 states, foiling the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network’s plans for attacks around Independence Day. NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown on terror ahead of Independence Day, security agencies have busted the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) active in the country, arresting 253 operatives in over 80 FIRs registered across 14 states and thwarting the network’s plans to carry out subversive attacks around August 15.Pakistani-based gangster-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, who is popular on social media, runs a network that scouts online for “vulnerable” Muslim youths across India who may belong to low-income groups, are ‘disgruntled’ or engaging in drug abuse; radicalises them; and thereafter gives them tasks like espionage, reconnaissance of potential targets, collect and transport arms sent via drones from Pakistan and engage in attacks through use of firearms and grenades. The 253 persons arrested in coordinated operations across multiple locations in 14 states, are Indian youths recruited by SBN to foment trouble around in their own country.To counter SBN-linked disruptions planned around Independence Day, a coordinated multi-state operation was carried out on August 12 using a real-time intelligence-sharing system with state police forces. Of the 253 detentions made across 14 states, 62 were in Uttar Pradesh; 52 in Haryana; 51 in Delhi; 44 in Punjab; 15 in Rajasthan; 8 in Maharashtra; 5 in Uttarakhand; three each in Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar; and two each in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Kerala — with fresh FIRs registered in Delhi and Karnataka.Home minister Amit Shah posted on X on Monday: “Modi govt destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives. Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states, upholding (a) brilliant example of India’s zero-tolerance towards terrorism”.Shah added that the substantial recoveries made from the operatives of the ISI-funded group and their hideouts include IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras used for espionage. “The network was involved in several terrorist activities,” he shared.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesMHA in a statement said that SBN is a Pakistani-based, ISI-backed syndicate linked to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks and targeted killings across India. It has also been paying local conduits to recce police, defence and religious sites, and to install CCTV cameras for espionage, added the ministry.Cumulatively, over 80 FIRs and 200-plus arrests have been recorded against SBN under UAPA, BNS, the Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act. Recovery of grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings confirm the network’s direct cross-border links.”Security agencies reaffirm govt of India’s zero tolerance for cross-border terror and continued coordinated action to dismantle SBN’s networks nationwide,” said the home ministry.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram Row123PhotostoriesPriyanka Chopra’s maroon backless gown just gave desi Disney princess energy with a trail that refused to behave10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strengthOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? 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