Historic deal, Rajasthan power tussle and more: A round-up of the top stories on August 14, 2020

A brief look at all the news you need to start the day with during the time of social distancing.

Security beefed up in Delhi-NCR with strict vigil at border areas

Over 45,000 security personnel will be guarding the city on Independence Day besides over 2,000 snipers deputed at specific locations on high-rises in around 5 km periphery of the Red Fort. Read More

Rajasthan: BSP issues fresh whip, directs MLAs to vote against Congress

The Mayawati-led party has directed them to vote against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in the no-confidence motion that would be moved by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party. Read More

NEP 2020: Universities restricted to 300 affiliations only

As per the new education policy, the university affiliation system will be phased out over the next 15 years and colleges will be given accreditation through a new transparent, stage-wise system. The aim of the new system is to promote every college to the status of an autonomous degree granting institute. Read More

Israel, UAE deal follows years of failed peace initiatives

A deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates intended to fully normalise relations follows a history of peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians and their Arab allies that have failed to overcome decades of distrust and violence. Read More

Delhi riots: Police gets extension for conspiracy charge sheet

The extension under this FIR, which has the anti-terror law UAPA invoked, has been granted till 17 September. Read More

Donald Trump stokes 'birther' theory about Kamala Harris

Ms Harris was born to a Jamaican father and Indian mother in Oakland, California, on 20 October 1964. But a conservative law professor has questioned her eligibility. For years, Mr Trump promoted a false "birther" theory that President Barack Obama was not born in the US. Read More

Amid lockdown, Assam state zoo welcomes lion cub ‘Simba’

The lion cup was born in the confinement of the Assam State Zoo at Guwahati and is the first Asiatic lion cub in the last 15 years to be born in Assam State Zoo. The zoo keepers and authorities are ecstatic on this achievement. Read More

United States suspends private charter flights to Cuba

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that "the Castro regime uses tourism and travel funds to finance its abuses and interference in Venezuela". Read More

After Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan demands CBI inquiry for Sushant Singh Rajput

Varun took to Instagram to share a hashtag "CBI for SSR," initiated by Sushant's sister Shweta Singh Kirti on social media. The hashtag was accompanied by a folded hands emoji. Read More

30 years on, Tendulkar says Sialkot sowed seeds for first Test ton at Manchester

It was on August 14, 1990, that Tendulkar scored the first of his 100 international centuries, a majestic 119 not out on a fifth day track to save the game for India. Read More