Events in August 2020

Disasters and Accidents

* On August 1, at least 86 people died in Punjab, India, due to poisoning caused by illegally manufactured alcohol. Police made 25 arrests and confiscated stocks of suspected alcohol (BBC).
* In Nangarhar, Afghanistan, sudden flooding on August 1 resulted in the deaths of 16 people, injured 4 others, and damaged many homes (TOLONews).

Politics and Elections

* Protests against COVID-19 pandemic restrictions took place in Berlin, Germany, with thousands of participants. However, the police terminated the demonstration due to "disrespect for hygiene rules" and stated that the organizers would be prosecuted (Al Jazeera).
* In Ukraine, on August 1, national police shot Roman Skrypnik, who had taken a policeman hostage on July 23 in Poltava.
* On August 3, Washington and Warsaw concluded negotiations on an enhanced defense cooperation agreement, which will send an additional 1,000 U.S. troops to Poland.

Science and Technology

* The Baraka nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates was launched on August 1, marking the first nuclear power plant in the Arab world.
* On August 2, the Crew Dragon returned to Earth from its first manned flight.

International Incidents

* On August 4, a large-scale explosion occurred in the port of Beirut, causing numerous victims and destruction. Hurricane Isaiah also hit New York and other cities on the US East Coast.
* Spain's former King Juan Carlos I fled the country amid corruption allegations on August 3.

Technology and Apps

* India banned 47 Chinese apps, including Baidu Search and Weibo, on August 4.