Former PM Ghani who fled Afghanistan, in talks to return

West Bengal reports 646 new Covid-19 cases, 660 recoveries and seven deaths. Total cases rise to 1,540,258.

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray urges people to not violate Covid-19 protocols in the state.

Delhi logs 36 new Covid-19 cases, four deaths and 76 recoveries. Total cases at 1,437,192 including 1,411,688 recoveries, 25,077 deaths and 427 active cases. Positivity rate at 0.05%.

Maharashtra records 5132 new Covid-19 cases after three straight days of less than 5000 fresh infections. 285 people test positive in Mumbai, up from 196 on August 17.

US authorises Covid-19 booster shots for all Americans from September 20, warns of reducing vaccine efficacy.

"I have convened an extraordinary virtual meeting of NATO foreign ministers this Friday to continue our close coordination and discuss our common approach on Afghanistan," tweets NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg.

Covid-19 restrictions eased for "all goods carriers, daily/weekend commuters or people who intend to commute for medical purpose. Children below 18 accompanied by parents with vaccination certificates (double doses) or negative RT-PCR report are also excluded": Himachal Pradesh govt

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani and family taken in by UAE on "humanitarian grounds", reports AP

Due to shortage of Covid-19 vaccines, there will be no vaccination in government and municipal corporation-run centres in Mumbai on August 19 and 20. Vaccination will resume from August 21: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)

We're deeply worried about Afghan women and girls, their rights to education, work and freedom of movement. We call on those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan to guarantee their protection. We stand ready to assist them with humanitarian aid. We will monitor closely how any future govt ensures rights and freedoms that have become an integral part of the life of women and girls in Afghanistan during the last 20 years: 21 countries including the US, UK and Canada in a joint statement.

"Zero patient in Nandurbar while less than 10 in six districts. Less than 100 in eight districts. Positivity rate 2.4. About 50 percent citizens above 45 have been given at least one dose of vaccine. As also, 25 percent in 18-45 age group," says Maharashtra govt in press release after meeting of state cabinet.

Kerala reports 21,427 new Covid-19 cases, 179 deaths and 18,731 recoveries. Positivity rate at 15.5%.

Banks to maintain a branch-wise list of vacant lockers as well as a wait-list for the purpose of allotment of lockers and ensure transparency in allotment of lockers. Revised instructions will come into effect from January 1, 2022: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Congress appoints Dr Ajoy Kumar as All India Congress Committee (AICC) incharge of Sikkim, Nagaland and Tripura.

Tsunami alert issued after 6.8-magnitude earthquake off Vanuatu, reports AFP.

Local train services suspended on the Harbour Line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Vadala due to technical issues. Trains are operating between Kurla and Panvel railway stations.

"Union Cabinet has approved the implementation of National Mission on Edible Oils–oil palm with a financial outlay of ₹11,040 crores. The focus is on increasing area and productivity of oilseeds and oil palm," announces Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

UNHRC to hold one-day special session on August 24 to address "Serious Human Rights Concerns and Situation in Afghanistan." Session to be convened with the support of 60 observer states so far, including India, France, UK, Japan and Pakistan.

Congress MPs Chhaya Verma and Phulo Devi Netam break down in Raipur while addressing the media on the August 11 ruckus in Rajya Sabha.

"The first French evacuation flight from Kabul yesterday included 21 Indian nationals," tweets Emmanuel Lenain, the French ambassador to India.

Taliban fighters have ringed Kabul’s international airport with security checkpoints, raising concerns the group will prevent hundreds of Afghans from leaving the country after the US-backed government collapsed.

The Taliban have blown up the statue of a Shiite militia leader who had fought against them during Afghanistan's civil war in the 1990s, according to photos circulating on social media Wednesday.

Two people were killed and five others injured when a car hit them in Gujarat's Banaskantha district on Wednesday, police said. Besides, two persons drowned in a river during a religious programme in Anand district, they said.

Bombay High Court grants interim relief to businessman and Shilpa Shetty's husband Raj Kundra and keeps his anticipatory bail application for hearing next Wednesday, 25th August.

India achieved a landmark of administrating over 56 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses till date under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive, the Union Ministry of Health informed on Wednesday.