Major News and Events of 20 August 2012

Prior to  External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna's visit to Islamabad, the government has decided to step up inter-ministerial consultations so that evidences can be collated regarding the alleged Pakistan origin of the morphed images of Assam violence. More than 250 websites has been blocked for carrying out online hatred campaign.Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai apprised Krishna about the alleged involvement of Pakistan-based elements in triggering violence. The external affairs ministry will wait for home ministry's inputs before chalking out the process to take up the issue with Pakistan.Probe into the fake messages on social networking sites is already being done. Krishna will be on a three day visit from September 7 for a second round of talks on bilateral issues, terrorism and Kashmir as well as the recent issue of morphed images. 

For the past two days, hundreds including foreign tourists, have been stranded in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti subdivision after Kaza-Manali and Kaza-Kinnaur highways were blocked due to landslides caused by incessant rains.  Efforts to reopen the roads are on and traffic was restored  on the Kaza-Manali highway on Sunday, August 19.  Many had come to attended a local festival at Kaza. Heavy rains also resulted in collapse of two houses in Totu area of Shimla though there was no casualty.  Dharamsala in Kangra district has witnessed the maximum rainfall of 182 mm while Shimla recorded 44 mm of rain till Monday, August 20 morning.

Delhi will soon become the first kerosene-free city with the launch of 'Kerosene-free Delhi' schemeon Tuesday, August 21. This scheme  350,000 families using kerosene oil will get a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder and a cooking stove for free.Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had announced about this scheme in her budget speech, as subsidised kerosene was not reaching those for whom it was intended and was channelized to black market. Firstly a cash subsidy of Rs.2,000  was announced to the beneficiary families to buy the cylinder, regulator and gas stove.Then in June, it was decided that government will provide the cylinder, regulator and an ISI-marked gas stove directly to the 3,56,395 families.

 The banking industry employees would go on a two-day strike from August 22, which is going to affect business and commercial activities across the country. The All India Bank Employees Association secretary Vishwas Utagi stated that more than a million employees and officers of 27 public sector banks, 12 old generation private banks and eight foreign banks will be participating in the strike. This is to protest against government's initiative to amend the banking laws bill, which is now pending before parliament and discussions over which is scheduled for Aug 23 and 24. Strike is also to oppose outsourcing of work to outside agencies, "anti-labour" policies thus largely affecting jobs in the banking sector.

 India Day Parade was watched by thousands of people. The glimpses and sounds of India filled Manhattan's Madison Avenue for the parade which was led by Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan and cricketer Anil Kumble. This was the 32nd India Day Parade organised by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) to mark India's Aug 15 Independence Day. Saif and Kumble both said they were proud to be part of this event. Saif was the grand marshal of the parade while Kumble was the guest of honour. New Yorkers also joined the Indian Americans to witness the showcase of India's cultural heritage and diversity.

India's Pankaj Advani defeated legendary Steve Davis 6-5 in the second round of the qualifying tournament for the International Championship snooker tournament in Sheffield after being down 1-4. Advani had earlier beaten World No.86 Craig Steadman of Britain 6-1, He was slow against six-time World champion Davis, but gathered momentum later on. David at first took a 3-0 lead, then Advani won the fourth frame. Davis, the former World No.1 then moved to 4-1 putting Pankaj under pressure. Advani won the next four frames to go 5-4 up, but the match went into the decider frame after Davis caught up with him for 5-5. In the final frame, Advani with a break of 51 got to lead 67-8, and thus went to win the match 6-5. Advani will now play with the experienced Scottish professional Allan McManus in the final round of the qualifiers.