NEWS 23/08/2021. NEWS FOR 24-AUG (TUESDAY) 1. Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar arrived in Kabul on 21 Aug, for talks on establishing a new “inclusive” government in Afghanistan. It comes after other senior Taliban leaders were seen in the capital in recent days, including Khalil Haqqani — one of America’s most wanted terrorists with a $5 million bounty on his head. 2. Norhtern Alliance of Afghanistan forces have recaptured three districts from Taliban control. Pul-e-Hesar, Banu, and Deh Salah - in Baghlan province. With a little support of Arms & Ammunition, this small force is capable of capturing back the lost territories. 3. India finished the Tokyo Olympics with 7 medals, including 1 gold in the javelin throw event. This has been India’s best performance ever. Unfortunately India did not do well in the much hyped Archery & shooting events where they hold world positions. This to my mind Sir, is a big change & I expect many more medals in the years to come. 4. The first batch of Indian para athletes arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday 18 August for the Tokyo Paralympics which gets underway from August 24. Forty-five para athletes from across nine sports disciplines will be featuring in the showpiece event. This is India’s biggest ever contingent to the Paralympic Games. 5. Assam has started rolling out benefits under One Nation One Ration Card scheme from 23 Aug. This will help the migrant labourers who richly deserve to get this help from the govt. 6. In an interim order, the supreme court has directed that women to be allowed to take the entrance examination for National Defence Academy. Earlier the govt has allowed girl cadets to get admitted in the Sainik Schools. This is a huge change in the outlook of the people towards the female gender. 7. Indian Naval Ship Tabar has participated at Portsmouth in England to undertake the annual bilateral drill titled as 'Exercise Konkan 2021' between Indian Navy and Britain's Royal Navy. It is a Bilateral naval exercise and is being held every year since 2004 to enhance the interoperability, synergy and cooperation between both navies. HMS Westminster of the Royal Navy took part from Britain's side. 8. DRDO has developed Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard fighter aircrafts of Indian Air Force (IAF) against hostile radar threats. Chaff is a critical defence technology used to protect fighter aircrafts from hostile radar threats. Very less quantity of chaff material deployed in the air acts as a decoy to deflect enemy's missiles for ensuring safety of the fighter aircraft. 9. India's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant has successfully completed a five-day maiden sea voyage.10. Farmers protesting against the Centre's three contentious agri laws have organised a national convention on August 26 to mark the completion of nine months of their agitation. < < Back