1. NSCN (IM) hardens stand, concedes to 'coexist' with India but refuses to 'merge'
In a hardening stand that is a curious mixture of acceptance of the reality but supremely rigid in its stated position, Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), has stated that while the Naga nation may “co-exist” together with India, there will be no merger.
2. MGNREGA and agriculture amid the pandemic
This independence day will be quite unusual for India. The coronavirus is still spreading in the country. Similar to rest of the world, the pandemic affected both lives and livelihoods.
3. Three Army Personnel to be awarded Sharya Chakra for ops in JK
Three Indian Army personnel will be awarded the Shaurya Chakra On Independence Day for gallantry in different operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
4. First successful COVID-19 plasma treatment in Goa
The first two patients, who were treated for COVID-19 with plasma therapy in Goa, have tested negative for the virus, said the state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday.
5. Russia's top doctor quits over COVID-19 vaccine registration
A top respiratory doctor quit the Russian health ministry's ethics council after the country decided to go ahead with the registration of a COVID-19 vaccine even before conducting a crucial Phase 3 trial, MailOnline reported.
6. Nepali journo who reported on Chinese encroachment found dead
Balaram Baniya, the Nepali journalist who reportedly wrote an article on Chinese encroachment in Rui village, has been found dead.
7. RBI approves Rs 57,128 crore dividend transfer to govt
The RBI Board on Friday approved the transfer of Rs 57,128 crore as surplus, which is commonly called as 'dividend', to the central government for the accounting year 2019-20, the central bank said in a statement.
8. England & Australia's IPL-bound players can only play from Sep 26
England and Australia's IPL-bound players are likely to miss the first week of Indian Premier League after it was announced that the two teams will play six white-ball games from September 4-16 at Southampton and Manchester respectively.
9. NCW asks Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl team to discontinue screening
Just a day after the Indian Air Force (IAF) raised objection over the presentation of gender bias in the film Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, the head of National Commission of Women (NCW), Rekha Sharma, has asked the makers to discontinue screening the film. She stated that they should apologise for showing IAF in the negative light, especially when it's not true.
10. Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam's condition critical
Veteran playback singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, who has tested positive for COVID-19, was in a "critical" condition after his health deteriorated, the private hospital treating him said on Friday.
