Todays News (20th Aug 2021, Friday)

Category: News in Brief
Published: Friday, 20 August 2021 01:06

Todays News (20th Aug 2021, Friday)

by Annadatha Venkata Murali Manohar

Headlines

After PM’s Prod, govt goes big with Ayushman Bharat: 10 cr cards this Fiscal, 50L Free Hospital Admissions

Anger comes alone but takes away all the good qualities from us. Patience too comes alone, but brings all good qualities to us. Choice is ours!

Plea to interrogate Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan about some incriminating document found in his Delhi residence again dismissed by Matura

Madhya Pradesh Farm Leader threatens to sue weather department IMD for "Wrong" Predictions leading to crop losses for cultivators in recent times

Supreme Court asks States to file status reports on vacancies, Pendency of cases in Info Commissions

NHRC Core Group expresses concern over slow pace of reforms in Criminal Justice System; delays in disposal of cases result in human rights violations of both the under-trials and convicted prisoners

After 75-year-long wait, river island in Odisha’s Sambalpur gets access to banking services; Utkal Grameen Bank opened customer service point

Air India office at Kolkata airport receives flight hijacking threat call, probe underway

US district court lets Devas track down Indian space agency’s commercial arm Antrix's assets

India working with global partners to bring back stranded citizens, Jaishankar says

'Some countries subvert collective resolve to fight terrorism’: Jaishankar’s veiled attack on Pakistan at UNSC

Countries should not place blocks and holds without any reason on requests to designate terrorists: India at UNSC

Navy has spread far and wide with the aim of protecting India’s maritime interests: Navy Chief Admiral Karambir

DRDO develops Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard IAF fighter aircraft

Government exempts certain establishments from giving job quota to disabled; rights groups object

Financial & Business News

With $19.2 billion, DMart owner breaks into world top 100

Hyderabad: Karvy chairman C Parthasarathy, arrested for defaulting bank loan taken from IndusInd Bank, on Thursday

Facebook took action on 31.5 million pieces of content for hate speech in Q2

Capital Float and Razorpay partner to offer now pay later to one lakh online merchants

Voda Idea falls Rs. 150 crore short on payment of licensing fee

Tega Industries files for Rs. 750 crore IPO

Diesel price cut by 21 paise a litre but LPG rate up, petrol unchanged

Domestic LPG cylinder gets expensive, price hiked by Rs 25; 2nd straight month of increase; hiked by Rs 25.50 per cylinder on July 1

New study led by Hyderabad’s ICRISAT finds consumption of millets (whole grain/bajra) can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases

TN: Kanjirangal panchayat (with 8 villages) in Sivaganga Dist - sustainable waste mgmt turning trash into electricity; produced 600 units of electricity in a week

New bank locker rules: Sign new locker agreements to get locker loss compensation; Banks to ensure incidents do not occur in the bank's premises - own shortcomings, negligence, by any act of omission/ commission

MG Motor India unveils upcoming mid-sized SUV Astor equipped with AI assistant, level 2 autonomous driving tech

DoT: Govt set to notify new Spacecom policy that will underline key role of LEO satellite operators

Estimates of discoms' losses of Rs 90K cr for FY21 seem to be grossly inflated: Power ministry

Postman now most valued SaaS startup $5.6BN after fresh funding $225MN by Insight Partners, Coatue, Mary Meeker’s Bond Capital and Battery Ventures; overtaking BrowserStack valued ($4BN) in June

Bombay HC directed Mihan at Nagpur to execute the concession agreement with GMR Airports for the upgradation and operation; State Govt, Mihan shall challenge in SC

D-Mart owner Radhakishan Damani breaks into the list of world’s top 100 richest people; currently worth $19.2BN; positioned at 98

Govt: Tax breaks must for vehicles bought against scrapped ones

Tata Motors targets different set of buyers with Tigor EV, Nexon EV

At $8.8 billion IPO wave sweeps across India as startups soar

Crafts Council of India invites nominations for Kamala Awards 2021

Housing sales may rise 30% in 2021; to remain below pre-Covid levels: Report

Pilot run commences for International Bullion Exchange at IFSC

IndiGo to resume UAE flights from August 20

SpiceJet to start trial of IATA’s travel pass from Aug 23

Pilot run commences for International Bullion Exchange at IFSC

Nehru’s real big mistake: Heavy industry wrongly got priority in 1950s. So even at 75, India isn’t rich: Arvind Panagariya, Prof of Economics, Columbia University, USA

Cars24 to raise $350 million from SoftBank, others

HDFC Bank fixes coupon rate of $1 billion AT-1 bonds at 3.7%

Corona updates

India: Confirmed: 32,322,258; Total Deaths: 433,049; Recovered: 31,525,080; Active Cases: 364,129

World: Confirmed: 209,262,848; Total Death: 4,392,362; Active Cases: 204,870,486

Daily cases of Covid-19 in India continued to decline although infections in Kerala surged past 20,000 again after three days of relatively low numbers.

Over 3.86 crore people didn't get second dose of Covid vaccines within stipulated time: Govt

Covid R-value drops below 1 in Country, including Kerala and NE; Signals decrease in infection rate; Covid-19 vaccine for Children will be available in India by September, says Director of ICMR-NIV

WHO: Delta surging in areas of low Covid-19 vaccine coverage, no need for Covid-19 Booster jabs; slams wealthy nations' rush towards vaccine boosters; US Health officials recommend extra shots

Will get Covid-19 booster shot along with first lady in December: Biden

PwC won't reopen US offices until at least November 1 as Delta variant rages on

Democrats face new hurdles in legal fight over redistricting

Health experts believe adults who have not gotten their shots are contributing to the surge among grownups and children alike

With millions of children returning to classrooms this month, experts say the stakes are unquestionably high.

The surging virus is spreading anxiety and causing turmoil and infighting among parents, administrators and politicians around the US, especially in states like Florida and Texas

The highly contagious delta variant spreading across the US

Maskless flyers face $9,000 fines as US Federal Aviation Administration tackles unruly passengers

Telangana govt to make 100% vaccinated city in 15 days

Hyderabad: Telangana records 409 new Covid-19 cases, 3 deaths

Covid-19 in control; right time to reopen schools, college: Telangana health authorities

Oman to ease Covid curfew from Saturday

Biden admin takes new actions on masks, vaccination

Singapore plans first quarantine-free travel program

Pregnant women don't experience more severe symptoms of Covi d vaccines: Study

Delta crisis: US health system overwhelmed; 5 states see record hospitalizations

State News

Those shamelessly supporting the Taliban must be exposed: CM Yogi

Osmania University postpones exams scheduled for Aug 20

Telangana HC to get 7 new judges

Data deficit on Dalits business role across country, Telangana

Telangana HC junks petition against Dalit Bandhu

Disha encounter: SC panel tells Telangana to present evidence on August 21

Telangana govt to take up health profile project in two districts on pilot basis

Covid second wave over in Telangana: Health department

Kokapet auction: HC puts Telangana in spot over lake pollution

Hyderabad: Two held for extortion, impersonating as cop

Hyderabad: 21-year-old woman says she was gangraped

YSRTP chief Y S Sharmila slams CM K Chandrasekhar Rao on podu land row

President of City Jamiat-E-Uleme Greater Hyderabad, Maulana Mufti Mohammed Abdul Mughni Mazaheri, a well-known Muslim cleric and eminent religious scholar of Telangana, passed away

After Trisha Kar Madhu, Bhojpuri actress Priyanka Pandit's private video goes viral on social media

Go to Afghanistan for cheap oil: BJP leader's retort to question on rising inflation

Bengal post-poll violence: BJP welcomes Calcutta high court order on CBI probe, TMC hints at moving higher court

Calcutta HC orders CBI probe into murder, rape cases in Bengal post-poll violence

Gujarat HC stays certain sections of anti-love jihad law

Indians prioritise relationships and health over wealth: Survey

Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif engaged? Actor's father Sham Kaushal breaks silence by saying, ‘it ‘s not true

8km was the distance between life and death: 51-year-old Parag Rabade, Pune man returns from Afghanistan. Rabade was teaching at the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Afghanistan for the last seven years

Bigg Boss 11 famed Arshi Khan opens up on her connection with Afghanistan, says 'people misunderstand me to be a citizen of Pakistan, who is living in India'

'Raj Kundra destroyed Shilpa Shetty's career': Netizens take notice of Shilpa's changed mannerism as she returns to the sets of dance reality show

A 45-year-old Yemeni woman undergoes cochlear implant in Hyderabad

‘Missing’ Noida girl found in ‘live-in’ relation with MA student, cops say can’t interfere in their decision

Anand Mahindra feels hungry after watching a dosa maker who is faster than robots

Kuwait & Middle East News

His Highness the PM pays a visit to the headquarters of the Kuwait National Petroleum Company, in Ahmadi area

The Emir of State of Qatar receives the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, who conveyed to him the greetings and best wishes from the Emir of the country

World Humanitarian Day… a lofty message whose essence is giving, altruism, appreciating the work of volunteers and upholding human values

A UN official praises the support of the Kuwait at the international level to alleviate the suffering of humanitarian crisis around the world

The State of Kuwait present Turkey with 6 advanced firefighting vehicles and equipments

Kuwait Health spokesperson: 276 new positive cases and 2 deaths recorded

Civil Service Bureau: Registration of Kuwaitis looking for work begins tomorrow and ends on Sept 3

Kuwaiti Firefighting: 5 deaths and 15 injuries in a terrible collision between two buses on Al-Liyah Road

Bahrain Ministry of Health: 96 new cases of Corona virus were recorded

His Highness the PM listens to an explanation about the environmental fuel project, its latest developments and the percentage of achievement in it

His Highness the PM on a tour of the Abdullah and Al-Ahmadi ports, which included the units of the environmental fuel project and control rooms

The Kuwaiti General Fire Brigade returns to the country after participating in extinguishing forest fires in Turkey, ain implementation of the royal directives

The Kuwaiti Red Crescent distributes a bag of clothes to more than 200 workers in the country on the occasion of the International Day of Humanitarian Action

The Arab League praises Kuwait’s supportive stance for joint Arab action

The Kuwaiti Writers Association organizes the day after tomorrow (the summer book fair) and chooses the writer Fadel behind the exhibition’s personality

We are keen to increase (Manpower) the percentage of national employment in private educational companies and employ them in private schools and cultural institutes

The price of a barrel of Kuwait oil rose 15 cents to reach $70.67

Afghan News

The Taliban movement announces the establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, four days after the capital, Kabul, was under the control of the movement

The Taliban have criticized Facebook for blocking freedom of speech in Afghanistan as a result of crackdown by the US firm, Geo News reported

'Afghanistan is too big for Pakistan to swallow, too big for Taliban to govern: Amruallah Salesh, Afghanistan’s Vice President

MEA's Afghan Cell works 24x7; ascertaining assistance sought by stranded Indians

At least evacuate our women and children: Afghan minorities to Taliban

'Couldn't even put on my shoes': President Ashraf Ghani details 'escape from Taliban; US Reiterates Ashraf Ghani "No longer a figure in Afghanistan

Afghan female governor Salima Mazari, who took up arms against Taliban, taken into custody

Panjshir - last free citadel:, land of 5 lions, stands up to Taliban; Pentagon Chief - U.S. troops currently unable to help people reach Kabul Airport; 'Gains of 20 years can't be turned back': WHO concerned over healthcare situation

The Taliban have tried to reassure fearful Afghans – and a wary international community, that this time around they will be ‘positively different’, but their reputation precedes them and few trust the group

Returning to power in Afghanistan after a 20-year absence, the Taliban have regained control of natural resources that a former mines minister of the country once said could be worth up to $3 trillion

Taliban urge Afghans to leave Kabul airport

India working with global partners to bring stranded Indians from Afghanistan: Jaishankar

Taliban to allow men's cricket; status of smaller women's programmes unclear

US President Joe Biden & VP Kamala Harris met with their national security team to discuss security, diplomatic & intelligence updates in Afghanistan. They discussed status of operations at Hamid Karzai Int'l Airport, which continues to be secure & operational: White House official

Trucks rolling across Afghanistan border as trade resumes

Several provinces across Afghanistan witnessed protests with Afghans taking to the streets holding the countrys national flag, which is no longer in use since the Taliban took Kabul city. The Taliban have stated that next government will decide on the national flag.

‘Afghan women feel desperate … most want to get out’: With sharia law, Taliban threatens all the progress of the last 20 years

Not so easy for Pak: Taliban’s relationship with Islamabad comes with significant risks for the latter

US says Taliban cooperating as Afghanistan airlift accelerates

Taliban discussing future of Afghan security force members, group official says

'Cannot be blamed for chaos, deaths at Kabul airport,' Taliban say

No-man’s land: Desperate Afghans trapped in Kabul airport no-man's land

Taliban to free political detainees in Afghan prisons

Taliban mark Afghan independence as challenges to rule rise

UNESCO calls for preservation of Afghanistan's cultural heritage

Afghan delegation visiting Pakistan pitch for inclusive govt in Afghanistan

Taliban spokesman says China can contribute to Afghanistan's development: Chinese state media

Over 5,200 US troops now in Kabul, says senior military official

About 7,000 people have been evacuated from Kabul so far: Pentagon

Afghan woman news anchor stopped from working after Taliban takeover

Taliban call on Afghan imams to urge unity at Friday prayers

Russia offers to fly Afghans out of Afghanistan to other countries

We are keeping our word by providing full support to all foreign powers who want to leave Afghanistan: Taliban spokesperson

Business of Pakistani human smugglers boom as thousands of Afghans attempt to leave after Taliban takeover

Several killed in flag-waving protests against Taliban in Afghanistan

Taliban urged to allow fleeing Afghans safe passage; Taliban urge people to leave airport in Kabul after 12 killed since Sunday

Biden administration suspends all arms sales to Afghanistan govt

New Taliban government in Afghanistan will not be allowed to access loans or other resources: IMF

Taliban more 'clear eyed and rational' than before: China

Son of assassinated anti-Taliban fighter asks US for weapons

Taliban vow to ban heroin, but can they survive without it?

Russia says Taliban resistance with ex-VP 'concentrated' in Panjshir Valley

Britain says cannot evacuate unaccompanied children from Afghanistan

Hostage crisis looming: Alarm over US-trained and equipped Afghan army and air force falling into Taliban hands

Images of women vandalised as Kabul faces up to Taliban rule

Misread warnings helped lead to chaotic Afghan evacuation

Zaki Anwari, Afghan footballer dies in fall from plane at Kabul airport: Federation

New Taliban regime casts shadow on India business in Afghanistan

Afghanistan low on dollars with currency reserves stuck abroad

Washington: 6,000 people at Kabul airport have completed the evacuation procedures and 20 flights tonight

The Secretary-General of the United Nations: We are following the situation in Afghanistan and we hope to reach an inclusive government there

British Defense Minister Ban Wallace says that the Taliban movement is cooperating with British forces at Kabul airport and does not obstruct the passage of anyone to board the evacuation planes

International News

Russian warplane crashes, pilot killed

Greater threats than Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, says Joe Biden

Man threatening to detonate bomb near US Capitol surrenders

China Sifts Opportunity from Ashes of US Afghan Project as Taliban run the show in Kabul

31 Afghan refugees held in Peshawar for raising anti-Pak slogans, ransacking public property

In a first, UNSC unanimously adopts Resolution on Peacekeeping as India presides over Council

US states rush to meet deadline to join $26 billion opioid settlement

Police negotiating with man with possible explosives near US Capitol

Republican senator calls on Biden to reappoint Jerome Powell to top Fed job

Biden administration to review climate impacts of federal coal leases

97 percent of small business owners won't pay more income taxes under Biden plan: US treasury

Wall Street's gains, more savings lift 401(k) balances

US to erase student debt for those with severe disabilities

US antitrust enforcers file new monopoly case against Facebook

US Capitol Police are evacuating Cannon House Office Building after report of possible explosive in vehicle nearby

Israel eases restrictions on blood donations by gay men

Chicago: Police jailed a man for murder; algorithm was key evidence

Indonesian police arrest elephant poacher, ivory buyers

Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for more joint cooperation between his country and Arab countries within the framework of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative

Biden administration to review climate impacts of federal coal leases

Tunisian President: Announcing the new government within days

US jobless claims fail to 17-month low

A plane carrying a number of people injured in the Akkar explosion arrives in Abu Dhabi for treatment in UAE hospitals

Suspect of transporting a bomb in a truck to the Library of Congress turns himself in to the police, who are still checking the truck’s cargo

The Group of Seven calls on the Taliban to commit protecting civilians, minorities and human rights

Sports News

Ranji Trophy to start from January 5, senior cricket to start with Mushtaq Ali T20 from Oct 27

Legendary athlete PT Usha's coach OM Nambiar passes away

Ombudsman raps Andhra Cricket Association; DCAs told to file compliance reports

Barcelona look to reap unexpected benefits of Lionel Messi exit at athletic

Sakshi Chaudhary from Ghaziabad has become the first Indian woman junior compound archer to reach the final in the category and grab a silver medal in World Youth Archery Championships in Poland.

Marathon runner El Abbassi suspended for suspected blood doping

Belarusian sprinter who defected plans to run for Poland

Yorkshire apologise to Azeem Rafiq after investigation into racism allegations

Three-year Olympic cycle will be tricky: Abhinav Bindra

Tamil Nadu teen archer Ridhu aiming big after youth World exploits

Polish javelin thrower 25-year-old Olympic medalist Maria Andrejczyk auctions silver medal to fund eight-month-old Miloszek Malysa’s heart operation

NZ’s tour of Pakistan subject to security clearance after Taliban takeover of Afghanistan

ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka is on: Pakistan Cricket Board

India vs. England: Virat Kohli doesn’t tolerate his teammates being bullied, he never forgives, says Monty Panesar

India vs. England: Test cricket means everything to Virat Kohli, says Kevin Pietersen

Saint-German-En-Laye (France): Kylian Mbappe is ‘relaxed’ and not unsettled despite ongoing speculation about his future, Paris Saint-German (PSG) coach Mauricio Pochettino insisted

Confident of changing colour of medal at Paris Olympics, says boxer Lovlina Borgohain

Covid technicality delays Indian boxing team’s departure for Asian Youth and Junior Championships