Top 10 Weekly Current Affairs: 5 August

to 10 August 2019
By SANGEETA KRISHNAN
AUG 10, 2019 14:21 IST

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Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Bill 2019: President approves

Abrogation of provisions of Article 370
President Ram Nath Kovind has signed the Jammu and Kashmir
Reorganisation Bill 2019 to abrogate the provisions of Article 370 of the
Constitution. The Bill was earlier passed by Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. It
calls for bifurcating Jammu & Kashmir into 2 Union Territories – Ladakh and
J&K.

Sushma Swaraj: A journey from College student to External Affairs

Minister
Former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj passed away on August 6, 2019, due
to a cardiac arrest. She was 67. Sushma Swaraj had many feathers in her
cap; she was a prolific political personality of India and won many hearts
while she was holding the post of External Affairs Minister.

Pranab Mukherjee conferred Bharat Ratna, Bhupen Hazarika and

Nanaji Deshmukh conferred posthumously

Former President Pranab Mukherjee was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s
highest civilian honour by President Ram Nath Kovind on August 8 at a
grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President also conferred the
Bharat Ratna posthumously upon late singer Bhupen Hazarika and late RSS
leader Nanaji Deshmukh.
66th National film awards 2019: Andhadhun wins Best Hindi Film,
Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal Best Actor

The 66th national film awards were announced on August 9, 2019 after a
delay of 3 months. While Andhadhun won the national film award for Best
Hindi Film, Padman won the Best Film on Social Issues award. Uri Director
Aditya Dhar won the national film award for Best Director and Ayushmann
Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal shared the Best Actor award for their
performances in Andhadhun and Uri respectively.
Quit India movement: India observes 77th anniversary of August
Kranti Diwas

The 77th anniversary of Quit India movement, also known as August Kranti
Diwas, was observed on August 8, 2019. On August 8, 1942, Mahatma
Gandhi gave the famous Quit India speech in which he called upon Indians
to “do or die” to drive the British away from India and launched the Quit
India movement at the Bombay session of the All-India Congress Committee
(AICC) in Mumbai. In his Quit India speech, Mahatma Gandhi asked all
Indians including teachers to leave their jobs and take part in the
movement.
Abhinandan Varthaman and Balakot pilots to get top military
honours

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, an Indian Air Force pilot, is likely

to be awarded a Vir Chakra for his gallantry. Mirage-2000 fighter jet pilots
who dropped bombs on the terror facility of the Jaish-e-Mohammed will also
get the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry.
Samjhauta Express: Pakistan permanently stops Samjhauta Express
services

Pakistan has permanently stopped the Samjhauta Express train services that
linked India and Pakistan. The decision was announced by Pakistan's
Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on August 8, 2019. The
announcement follows the decision of the Indian government to scrap Article
35 A and Article 370 thus, withdrawing the special status given to the state
of Jammu & Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories-
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Rajasthan Assembly passes anti-mob lynching bill, convicts to get
life imprisonment
The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly today passed The Rajasthan Protection
from Lynching Bill, 2019 against mob lynching and honour killing. The Bill
penalises convicts involved in mob lynching with a fine up to Rs 5 lakh and
life imprisonment.

What Happens When a State becomes Union Territory (UT)?

Check this article to know what would happen after Jammu & Kashmir
becomes a Union Territory. The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Bill 2019
is currently tabled in Lok Sabha for its passage. The Bill bifurcates Jammu
and Kashmir into 2 UTs – Ladakh and J&K.
Article 370 and 35 (A) scrapped: What will change in Jammu &
Kashmir?
The Union Government revoked Articles 370 and 35 (A) on August 5, 2019.
The Government also proposed the bifurcation of the state into two union
territories Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Date:10/08/2019

President Ram Nath Kovind gives assent

to Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill
Motor Vehicles Act: President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the Motor
Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 on August 9, 2019. The Motor Vehicles
(Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by the Rajya Sabha on July 31, 2019. The bill
was passed in the upper house with three key amendments so it had to be sent
back to the Lok Sabha for approval.

The introduced amendments aim to improve road safety and help citizens in their
dealings with transport departments. The amendments also aim to strengthen rural
transport, public transport and last mile connectivity through automation,
computerization and online services.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 will increase the fine on most
traffic violations by almost 10 times.

Traffic Violations Old Fine (Rs) New Fine (Rs)

Driving without
500 5000
license
Driving without
1000 2000
insurance
1000 for LMV
(Light Motor
Over speeding 400 Vehicle)
2000 for Medium
Passenger Vehicle
 Drunken Driving 2000 10000
Speeding 500 5000
Seat Belt violation 100 1000
2000,
Overloading of Disqualification of
100
two-wheelers license for 3
months
1000,
Disqualification of
No helmet 100
license for 3
months
Not providing way
for emergency 10000
vehicles
Oversize vehicles 5000
Offence by 25000, 3 years
Juveniles imprisonment for

1. Road Safety
The Bill proposes to increase penalties for traffic violations to act as a future
deterrent. It proposes stricter provisions for offences such as drunken
driving, juvenile driving, driving without licence, over-speeding, dangerous
driving and overloading. It also proposes stricter provisions for driving
without helmets. The bill also includes provisions for electronic detection of
traffic violations. The penalty for motor vehicles is proposed to be increased
by 10 percent every year.

2. Vehicle Fitness
The Bill includes a provision that mandates automated fitness testing for
vehicles. This proposal would help reduce corruption in the transport
department and improve road worthiness of the vehicle. The motor vehicles
bill also proposes penalty for deliberate violation of safety and environmental
regulations. The bill proposes regulation of the process of testing and
certification of automobiles and it also proposes to bring agencies issuing
automobile approvals to be brought under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and
vehicle testing stardards to be set. The bill also provides for mandatory
recall of defective vehicles.
3. Recall of Vehicles
The Bill mandates the recall of defective motor vehicles if the defect may
cause a threat to the environment, or the driver or other people on the road.
In such a case, the recalled vehicle's manufacturer will have to:

(i) Reimburse the vehicle owner the full cost of the vehicle

(ii) Replace the defective vehicle with another vehicle of similar make.

4. Road Safety Board

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 provides for the setting up of a
National Road Safety Board by the central government. The National Road
Safety Board will be required to advise the central and state governments on
all aspects of road safety and traffic management including registeration and
licensing of vehicles, standards of motor vehicles, standards for road safety
and promotion of new vehicle technology.

5. Protection of Good Samaritan

The bill incorporates Good Samaritan guidelines in order to help road
accident victims. The Bill defines good samaritan as a person who provides
emergency medical or non-medical assistance to a road accident victim and
provides rules to prevent harassment of such a person.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Parliament
by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. The Transport
Minister had urged the members of the Lok Sabha to pass it to save lives of
lakhs of people who get killed every year in road accidents. Under this Bill
government seeks to amend the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. It also proposes
the development of a National Transportation Policy to make clear guidelines
for transportation of passengers and goods. Apart from that, this bill seeks
to simplify the third party insurance for motor vehicles.

Important Features of the Bill

• The Motor Vehicle (amendment) Bill 2019 amends the Motor Vehicles
Act, 1988 to tackle issues like regulation of taxi aggregators, third party
insurance and road safety.
• This Bill seeks maximum accountability for third party insurance in case
of a vehicle accident at Rs 10 lakh in case of death and Rs. 5 Lakh in case of
grievous injury.
• This bill also defines guidelines for cabs that will be finalized by central
government.
• Motor Vehicle (amendment) Bill promotes the digitalization of some
specific services. For example services like - Issue of licenses or permits,
application filing procedure, receipt of money (such as fines), and change of
address.
• The Bill authorized state governments to ensure the electronic
monitoring and enforcement of road safety on national highways, state
highways, and urban roads.
• The Bill also modifies the compensation and insurance provisions in case
of motor vehicle accidents

Quit India movement: India observes 77th anniversary of August Kranti

Diwas

The 77th anniversary of Quit India movement, also known as August Kranti Diwas,
was observed on August 8, 2019. On August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave the
famous Quit India speech in which he called upon Indians to “do or die” to drive the
British away from India and launched the Quit India movement at the Bombay
session of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) in Mumbai. In his Quit India
speech, Mahatma Gandhi asked all Indians including teachers to leave their jobs
and take part in the movement.

Abhinandan Varthaman and Balakot pilots to get top military honours

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, an Indian Air Force pilot, is likely to be

awarded a Vir Chakra for his gallantry. Mirage-2000 fighter jet pilots who dropped
bombs on the terror facility of the Jaish-e-Mohammed will also get the Vayu Sena
Medal for gallantry.

Samjhauta Express: Pakistan permanently stops Samjhauta Express

services 09/08/2019

Pakistan has permanently stopped the Samjhauta Express train services that linked
India and Pakistan. The decision was announced by Pakistan's Railways Minister
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on August 8, 2019. The announcement follows the decision of
the Indian government to scrap Article 35 A and Article 370 thus, withdrawing the
special status given to the state of Jammu & Kashmir and bifurcating the state into
two Union Territories- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Pakistan suspends all bilateral trade with India over Kashmir; know its
impact on India

Pakistan announced a five-point plan that included suspension of bilateral trade in

response to the Indian government’s move to end special status for Jammu and
Kashmir. Pakistan has also expelled the Indian envoy, Ajay Bisaria, in Islamabad.
The decision was taken after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan held a crucial
meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), attended by top civil and
military leadership.

1. (a) Wing Commander Abhinadan Vardhman

Abhinandan Varthaman, Indian Air Force pilot, is likely to be awarded a Vir
Chakra for his gallantry. Five Mirage-2000 fighter jet pilots who dropped
bombs on the terror facility of the Jaish-e-Mohammed will also get the Vayu
Sena Medal for gallantry.
2. (a) Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has approved the "Mukhya
Mantri Be-sahara Gau-Vansh Sahbhagita Yojana". Scheme has been
launched for the welfare of stray cattle that will also help generate
employment opportunities.
3. (a) Pakistan
Saudi Arabia has de-recognized Pakistani PG medical degree programmes
such as MS/MD degrees. The gulf nation has asked doctors with Pakistani
MS/MD degrees to be ready to leave or be deported. Qatar, UAE and Bahrain
have also followed suit.
4. (c) Samjhauta express
Pakistan has permanently cancelled the Samjhauta Express train services
that linked India and Pakistan. The announcement follows the decision of the
Indian government to scrap Article 35 A and Article 370 thus, revoking the
special status of Jammu & Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union
Territories- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
5. (b) Quit India
The 77th anniversary of Quit India movement, also known as August Kranti
Diwas, was observed on August 8, 2019. The Quit India movement began
with Mahatma Gandhi’s clarion call of “Do or Die” to end the British rule in
India.
6. (c) Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government and Netherlands have extended their existing
bilateral agreement of cooperation in several fields by another five years till
2024. The MoU was signed in the presence of UP CM Yogi Adityanath and the
Netherlands ambassador to India, Marten van den Berg.
7. (d) South Korea
The United States has approved the sale of 12 multi-mission Seahawk
helicopters to South Korea. The helicopters are worth 800 million USD. The
helicopters bolster anti-surface and anti-submarine missions and can handle
secondary missions such as search and rescue and replenishment and
communications relay.
8. (d) Huawei
The United States introduced rules formally banning Chinese technology
giant Huawei and other Chinese firms from government contracts on August
7. The move is a part of the escalating trade war between the two countries.
9. (c) Brazil
According to the statement released by South American Football
Confederation (CONMEBOL), Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus has been banned
from international football for two months for improper conduct in last
month's Copa America final.
10. (b) Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia issued new laws on Friday that will allow Saudi women to travel
abroad without approval from a male guardian. The new rule allows women
to obtain passports and travel freely, ending an age-old restriction.

Article 370 and 35 (A) scrapped: What

will change in Jammu & Kashmir?
The government revoked Articles 370 and 35 (A) yesterday. Also, proposed
the bifurcation of the state into two union territories Jammu & Kashmir and
Ladakh.

Government of India revoked Article 370 and the special status of Kashmir
today. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced government’s decision in
the Rajya Sabha. Now Jammu & Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a
legislature while Ladakh will be a Union Territory without legislature. To
understand the entire scenario let’s see 5 key decisions taken by the
government today.

Article 370 removed

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced in Rajya Sabha that the
government has decided to repeal Article 370 of the Constitution which
grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Now, Jammu and Kashmir will
not be a state it will a Union Territory now. Special features like a separate
constitution, separate flag and separate status will no more after repealing
Article 370.

Article 35A scrapped

With the removal of Article 370, Article 35A will be also scrapped. Now,
people from other states may also buy or purchase land and settle there.

Bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir

As per the statement released by Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and
Kashmir will be "reorganized" and will no longer be a state. Ladakh will be a
Union Territory without an assembly and Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union
Territory with an assembly, under recommendation. There will be two
Lieutenant Governors when this provision will come into the force.

J&K becomes UT
Jammu & Kashmir has become a Union Territory now and union laws would
apply in this area. According to the notification released by government of
India, “Keeping in view the prevailing internal security situation, fuelled by
cross-border terrorism in the existing state of Jammu & Kashmir, a separate
Union Territory is being created.”

Ladakh becomes UT
The Ladakh region has given the status of a Union Territory (UT), without
legislature. "The Ladakh division has a large area but is sparsely populated
with very difficult terrain. There has been a long-pending demand of people
of Ladakh to give it a Union Territory status to enable them to realise their
aspiration", said a notification released by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Key Changes
Then
Jammu & Kashmir was a state
with special status.
Only citizens of Jammu and
Kashmir were allowed to buy
land in the state.
No ‘outsider’ could settle in the
state.
RTI could not be filed
Period of Legislative assembly
was 6 years.
Jammu & Kashmir had a
separate flag.
J&K had a separate constitution.
Ladakh was a part of Jammu &
Kashmir
The constitutional head was
Governor
Now
Now Jammu & Kashmir will be a Union
Territory.
People from anywhere in India will be
able to buy a property.
Now any citizen of the country can
settle in J&K.
No restriction on filing RTI
Now, it will not be for six years.
Only the National Flag will be there.
No separate constitution, law & order
will be under center government.
Ladakh will be a separate Union
Territory without a legislature.
Now, state head will be Lieutenant
Governor.
Jammu & Kashmir Bifurcated: J&K,
Ladakh to be Union Territories; Know
changes here

Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh Bifurcation: After scrapping Article 370 &
Article 35A, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced bifurcation of
Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories (UTs) – Ladakh and Jammu &
Kashmir. Hence, Jammu & Kashmir is not a State now, but a Union Territory
with Legislature; while Ladakh becomes a Union Territory without
legislature. Have a look at the Order issued by Minister Shah:

With this move, there are now 9 Union Territories and 28 States in India. The
decision came after President Ram Nath Kovind issued Government Order in Jammu
and Kashmir Gazette, scraping Article 370, except Clause 1 which states that J&K is
a part of India. With the revocation of Article 370, Article 35A gets revoked as well.

Category State Union Territory

Control Elected Government Union Government

Governor (Constitution Lieutenant Governor

Head
Head) (Executive Head)
 In some cases like
Delhi, Puducherry and
now Jammu & Kashmir
No Legislative
Assembly in UTs like
Legislative Assembly Yes Chandigarh, Dadra and
Nagar Haveli, Daman
and Diu, Andaman and
Nicobar Islands,
Lakshadweep and now
Ladakh

State Government +
Powers Union Government
Union Government

DRDO successfully test-fires QRSAM, all-

weather missile
The systems of QRSAM are equipped with indigenously developed technology
that will help the Indian Navy in Inertial Navigation System.
GORKY BAKSHI
AUG 5, 2019 08:52 IST

QRSAM
Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired
Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) on August 4, 2019. It was
successfully flight-tested against live aerial targets from Chandipur
Integrated Test Range.

According to the information released by the Indian Navy, two QRSAM

missiles were tested against live targets. The systems of QRSAM are
equipped with indigenously developed technology that will help the Indian
Navy in Inertial Navigation System, Data Link and RF seeker.

About QRSAM
• Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), with a strike range of 25
km, is being developed by the DRDO for the Indian Army.
• The all-terrain and all-weather missile with electronic counter-measures
against jamming by enemy aircraft can be mounted on a truck and stored in
a canister.
• Before this test, on February 26, two rounds of tests were successfully
carried out.
• This missile can be rotated 360 degree while on the way to its target.
• QRSAM is also able to use as an anti-sea skimmer from a ship against low
flying attacking missiles. QRSAM employs dual thrust propulsion stage using
high-energy solid propellant.

QUIZ AUG 4 2019

1. (a) Delhi
The Supreme Court has directed the transfer of all five cases registered in
connection to the Unnao rape incident from Uttar Pradesh court to Delhi
court.
2. (b) Kuldeep Singh Sengar
The ruling BJP government expelled Unnao rape accused MLA Kuldeep
Sengar on August 1, 2019. Kuldeep Sengar, a BJP MLA in Uttar Pradesh, was
accused of raping a minor girl from Unnao.
3. (d) Nagaland
RN Ravi was sworn in as the new Governor of Nagaland on August 1, 2019
at a function at Raj Bhawan in Nagaland’s capital city Kohima.
4. (a) Karnataka
One nation one ration card scheme was launched on Thursday on a pilot
basis in four states- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The scheme will provide a major boost to the national food security
government.
5. (c) 200 units
Delhi Government announced to provide free electricity to all Delhi
households consuming 200 units of power or less every month. Delhi Chief
Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated that households will get free lifeline electricity
up to 200 units.
6. (a) Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka announced on Wednesday that it will give a one-month free visa
on arrival to visitors from nearly 50 countries. The move is a part of its
latest efforts to revive its tourism industry, which received a major hit after
the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed 263 people.
7. (c) New Delhi
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan launched
the Atal Community Innovation Centre in New Delhi with an aim to
encourage innovation at the community level through solution-driven design
thinking.
8. (c) 30th July
The World Day against Trafficking in Persons is observed across the world on
July 30 with an aim to highlight that the human trafficking is a crime that
exploits women, children and men across the world.
9. (b) Pakistan
Shawala Teja Singh Temple has been re-opened for Hindu devotees for the
1st time in 72 years since partition. The temple is located in Sialkot city of
Pakistan and was sealed for last 72 years.
10. (d) Japan
Japan has offered to mediate between Bangladesh and Myanmar for early
repatriation of the Rohingyas. This was decided after a meeting between
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and his Japanese
counterpart Taro Kono in Dhaka.

World Breastfeeding Week 2019: Theme,

Importance and History
As per the UNICEF report, about 60% of the world’s total infants are missing
out of recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding.
GORKY BAKSHI
AUG 4, 2019 08:50 IST
Image: who.int

Every year World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from August 1 to 7 with

an aim to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies across
the globe. As per the UNICEF report, about 60% of the world’s total infants
are missing out of recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

Theme
Empower Parents. Enable Breastfeeding: As per the information released by the World
Health Organisation (WHO) the theme for 2019 World Breastfeeding Week is - Empower
Parents, Enable Breastfeeding. The objective of this theme is to aware parents about the
benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months because it has many benefits for the infant
and the mother. Exclusive breastfeeding is a very important source of energy and nutrients in
children aged between 6–23 months.
Importance of Breastfeeding Week
• According to the information released by the World Health Organisation
(WHO), every newborn baby has the right to good nutrition according to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• As per the data collected by the United Nations Globally in 2016, 41 million
children are obese in the world while 155 million children under 5 were
estimated to be stunted (too short for age).
• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer,
type 2 diabetes and heart disease in the mother.
• It prevents infections like early-stage diarrhoea and acute respiratory
infections; also, it reduces the infant mortality rate.
• According to the WHO data, it is estimated that increased breastfeeding
could avert 20,000 maternal deaths each year due to breast cancer.
Origin of World Breastfeeding week
It was first observed in 1992 by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action
(WABA) and is now celebrated in more than 120 countries by UNICEF, WHO
and their partners including individuals, organizations, and governments.

Breastfeeding week in India

The Food and Nutrition Board under the Ministry of Women and Child
Development is organizing a number of activities in the country. Activities
like Quiz competition on IYCF are being conducted in 30 States and Union
Territories through 43 Community Food and Nutrition Extension Units of
Food and Nutrition Board. At the grassroots level, various concerned
departments are also organizing exhibitions on nutrition, displaying low-cost
nutritious diets for infants and young children

Ayodhya dispute: Mediation process fails, SC to begin daily hearing

on Ram Mandir issue from August 6

Ayodhya dispute: The Supreme Court will begin day-to-day hearing of the
Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case from August 6. The SC
bench led by CJI Ranjan Gogoi declared the mediation process as failed, as it
did not result in any settlement. The bench plans to conclude the hearing
before November first week, as CJI Ranjan Gogoi is slated to retire by then.
India slips to 7th spot in Global GDP Rankings of 2018, France, UK
push ahead: World Bank

India has slipped down to the 7th place in the global GDP rankings of 2018,
reveals data compiled by the World Bank. India recorded a GDP of $2.73
trillion in 2018, which is less than that of the UK and France, which had a
GDP of $2.82 trillion and $2.78 trillion respectively in the same year. India
had emerged as the fifth largest economy in 2017.
Triple Talaq bill gets President's assent
The Triple Talaq Bill or the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage)
Bill, 2019 received President Ram Nath Kovind’s assent on July 31, 2019.
The bill has now become a law. The Triple Talaq bill was passed by the Rajya
Sabha on July 30 through ballot voting with 99 votes in favour and 84
against despite protests by the opposition.
VG Siddhartha death mystery: All you need to know about CCD
owner VG Siddhartha

The CCD owner VG Siddharth was officially confirmed dead on Wednesday

morning after his body was found in the Nethravati River in Mangaluru. The
CCD founder had been reported missing since Monday evening and the
Karnataka Government had initiated an extensive search operation to locate
him. VG Siddharth's body was recovered by a group of local fishermen from
the bank of Netravati River, some distance away from the spot where he
was last seen on 29 July.
Delhi Government to provide free electricity to households
consuming up to 200 units of power

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has announced that all Delhi households consuming
200 units of power or less will now get a zero bill every month. However,
existing electricity rates will apply is a household is using more than 200
units. According to the Delhi Government, the decision will encourage people
to consume less power and conserve more energy.
Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri elected as Speaker of Karnataka
Assembly

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly elected BJP MLA Vishweshwar Hegde

Kageri as the new Speaker. Vishweshwar Hegde had filed his nomination for
the post yesterday. He was elected unopposed as the speaker of the
assembly. Former Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar had
resigned from his post soon after BS Yediyurappa government won floor test
in the house.
Man vs Wild: PM Modi to feature in Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be featured in the special Man vs Wild
episode on the Discovery Channel with ace adventurer Bear Grylls. The
episode was shot in Jim Corbett National Park and will air on August 12 at 9
pm.

Prithvi Shaw suspended by BCCI for 8 months for doping violation

Prithvi Shaw has been suspended by Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI) till November 15 for violating anti-doping code. He consumed a
prohibited substance included in over-the-counter cough syrup. Two other
domestic players Divya Gajraj of Rajasthan and Akshay Dullarwar of
Vidarbha were also found positive during anti-doping test.
Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed in Parliament

The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been passed by the Parliament
with the approval of Rajya Sabha. The Bill seeks to tighten Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) compliance, re-categorisation of specific offences as
civil offences and transfer certain responsibilities to National Company Law
Tribunal
Journalist Ravish Kumar Wins 2019
Ramon Magsaysay Award
Ravish Kumar has been honoured with the 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Award.
GORKY BAKSHI
AUG 3, 2019 11:32 IST

Image Source: rmaward.asia

Eminent journalist Ravish Kumar wins Magsaysay Award for 2019 on August
2, 2019. Ramon Magsaysay Award is the highest honour given to Asian
individuals and organisations. Ravish Kumar has been awarded for
"harnessing journalism to give voice to the voiceless". This award is known
as the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Ravish Kumar is among the five recipients of Ramon Magsaysay Award. The
award citation says that Ravish Kumar’s ‘Prime Time’ programme deals with
real-life, under-reported problems of ordinary people. The award citation
describes Ravish Kumar as a sober, well-informed and incisive anchor who
has been highly vocal on insisting that the professional values of balanced,
fact-based reporting be upheld in practice.

Winners of Magsaysay Award 2019

Apart from Ravish Kumar, the other winners of the Magsaysay Award 2019
are - Myanmar’s Ko Swe Win (Journalist), Thailand’s Angkhana Neelapajit
(Human Rights Activist), Philippines’ Raymundo Pujante Cayabyab
(Musician), and South Korea’s Kim Jong-Ki (Activist working with violence
and mental health issues in youth).

About Ramon Magsaysay Award

• Ramon Magsaysay Award was established in 1957 by trustees of the Rockefeller
Brothers Fund.
• The award is also known as the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
• The award is named after the 3rd president of Republic of Philippines Ramon
Magsaysay.
• Awardees are presented with a certificate and a medallion with an embossed image
of Ramon Magsaysay facing right in profile
Previous Indian Winners

Other Indian winners of Ramon Magsaysay Award are - RK Laxman, P

Sainath, Arun Shourie, Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal. Delhi Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that he is delighted to see Ravish Kumar in the club
of Magsaysay awardees and hope to see his brave journalism go from
strength to strength in these difficult times