President approves Motor Vehicles Amendment Act

President has approved the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. The bill amends the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The act aims to make Indian roads safer, reduce corruption and use technology to overhaul the country’s transportation system.

Some main features of the act are:

• The Bill proposes a scheme to allow cashless treatment of victims in a road accident during the golden hour. The golden hour is defined as the time period of up to one hour following a traumatic injury, during which the likelihood of preventing death through prompt medical care is the highest.
• The Bill proposes to increase the minimum compensation for hit and run cases. In case of the death, the compensation has been raised from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 2,00,000, and in case of grievous injury it will be from Rs. 12500 to Rs. 50,000.
• The new law also allows the centre to ask manufacturers to recall vehicles in case of defects that cause harm to the environment.
• The law has proposed stiffer penalties for traffic rule violations such as over-speeding, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol and other offences such as not wearing a helmet or driving without licence.

‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ to be rolled out in India by June 1, 2020

“One Nation One Ration Card” scheme to be rolled out in India from June 1, 2020. To implement the scheme successfully, the centre has kick started inter state portability of ration card pairing two states each.

The pairs are made between Telangana-Andhra Pradesh as well as Maharashtra-Gujarat. This means that beneficiaries living in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh can buy their quota of ration from the Public Distribution System (PDS), also called ration shops, in either of the states.

Notes :

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution:  Ram Vilas Paswan.

KVIC launches “Leather Mission” on World Tribal Day

The Khadi and Village Industry Commission has launched “Leather Mission” on World Tribal Day. Under this mission, the commission will give leather kits to the leather artisans across the nation.

KVIC also distributed 50 leather kits and 350 bee-boxes in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district on the World Tribal Day.

Notes :

Chairman of KVIC: Vinai Kumar Saxena.

3rd International Electric Vehicle (EV) Conclave held in Manesar

The 3rd International Electric Vehicle Conclave was inaugurated at the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar, Haryana. The Conclave was held to create a knowledge sharing platform to ensure flow of information at all levels in the automotive sector.

The conclave was organized by ICAT in association with India Energy Storage Alliance with a focus on new trends and challenges in the field of electric mobility.

UP’s “Vriksharopan Mahakumbh” drive creates world record

Uttar Pradesh’s “Vriksharopan Mahakumbh” drive has created world record after planting more than 22 crore saplings. The drive was launched on the occasion of 77th anniversary of Quit India Movement. More than 22 crore saplings were planted at 12.2 lakh locations under the drive in state. Another record of “largest distribution of saplings in the world” was created when 76823 saplings were distributed free in just 6 hours in Prayagraj.

Notes :

Chief Minister of UP: Yogi Adityanath;

Governor of UP: Anandiben Patel.

BCCI has agreed to come under NADA ambit

The Board Of Control For Cricket In India has agreed to come under the ambit of the National Anti-Doping Agency. This decision makes Indian Cricket’s governing body a sports federation as per government norms. As a result, all cricketers will now be tested by NADA.

Notes :

Director General of NADA: Navin Agarwal;

CEO of BCCI: Rahul Johri.

President hosts ‘At Home’ reception for Freedom Fighters

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, hosted an ‘At Home’ reception for freedom fighters. The reception was hosted on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of Quit India Day (August 9) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On the occasion, the President honoured and felicitated 78 freedom fighters from across the country.

INS Tarkash arrives in Norway for a 3-day visit

INS Tarkash has arrived in Norway for a 3 day visit as part of Western Fleet Overseas Deployment. The ship is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and is under the operational command of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. INS Tarkash is one of the most powerful frontline frigates of the Indian Navy equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors.

Notes :

Chief of the Naval Staff:  Karambir Singh.

Indian Bank signs up Corporate Agency pact with Chola MS

Indian Bank has entered into a corporate agency agreement with Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Ltd. Under the agreement, Indian Bank will distribute the latter’s insurance products ranging from motor, home, health PA, and travel insurance, and SME and commercial line of business etc. All these products will be distributed through traditional and digital platform to Indian Bank customers.

Notes :

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Indian Bank: Padmaja Chunduru.

66th National Film Awards

The 66th National Film awards have been announced by Rahul Rawail, head of the Jury for feature films. The Jury unanimously conferred the award for the Most Film Friendly State to “Uttarakhand” for furthering the growth of the film industry in the state including creating an environment for ease of filming in the state.

The list of Award winners under the different categories is mentioned as under:

Category                               Winner

Best Director          Adhitya Dhar for Uri : The Surgical Strike

Best Actor             Ayushmann Khuranna for Andhadhun and

Vicky Kaushal for Uri : The Surgical Strike

Best Action Direction                   KGF Chapter I

Best Hindi Film                                    Andhadhun

Best Popular Film                         Badhaai Ho

Best film on Social Issues             Padman

Best Male Playback Singer      Arijit  Singh  for  Bhinte Dhil

Best Music Direction            Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Padmaavat

Best Sound Design                   Uri : The Surgical Strike