Laos is preparing to host the 42nd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting and the ASEAN Energy Business Forum in its capital, Vientiane. Scheduled to run from September 24 to 27, these events are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the ASEAN energy sector.

On August 21, the Indian stock market saw continued positive momentum, with the Nifty 50 index marking its fifth consecutive session of gains. The index closed at 24,770.20, up by 71 points or 0.29 percent. The Sensex also ended the day on a positive note, rising by 102 points or 0.13 percent to close at 80,905.30.

In a recent development that is likely to boost employee morale, Infosys has announced a significant increase in performance bonuses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024-25. The IT giant has distributed an average bonus of 80%, up from 60% in the previous quarter. This increase comes in the wake of a strong financial performance by the company, which reported a 7.1% rise in net profit.

The Delhi High Court has extended interim protection from arrest for suspended trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar until August 29. This extension comes as Khedkar faces serious allegations related to falsifying and misrepresenting facts in her application to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The court's decision allows Khedkar to remain free while her anticipatory bail plea is under consideration.

The Central Government has officially notified the appointment of several Additional Judges as permanent judges in the Allahabad High Court and the Andhra Pradesh High Court. This significant decision, issued through the Ministry of Law and Justice on Wednesday, marks a critical step in strengthening the judiciary in these regions.

The Delhi High Court has extended the interim bail of businessman Amit Arora in the Delhi Excise Policy case until August 30, considering his deteriorating health condition. Arora, who had previously sought regular bail under the provision to Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), was facing the expiry of his current bail term on August 21.

In response to recent tragic events and the Supreme Court's directive to ensure healthcare professionals' safety, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged central government-run hospitals to bolster their security measures. This move comes following the rape and murder of a resident doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Ram Madhav and G Kishan Reddy as the election-in-charge for the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Voters in Madhya Pradesh are keeping political parties and candidates on tenterhooks in revealing their choice for electing 230 members to the state legislative assembly, for which polling took place on November 17.

On August 21, 2024, India will witness a nationwide strike known as "Bharat Bandh," organized by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti. This protest is in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding SC/ST reservations.