Daily GK Updates - 10th August, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President approves Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019: 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 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.

2. '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.
Note: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution: Ram Vilas Paswan.

3. 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.
Note: Chairman of KVIC: Vinai Kumar Saxena.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Note: Chief Minister of UP: Yogi Adityanath; Governor of UP: Anandiben Patel.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 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.

2. India signs UNISA; experts call for local laws supporting treaty: India has signed a key UN convention on International Settlement Agreements, even as experts called for local laws to support the treaty’s implementation in business contracts. The United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements (UNISA) was signed by India’s High Commissioner to Singapore Jawed Ashraf. 46 countries signed the treaty named Singapore Convention on Mediation.

3. World's thinnest '2D' gold measures just two atoms: Scientists at the University of Leeds have created the world's thinnest gold measuring just two atoms thick or million times thinner than a fingernail. In its 2D form, gold becomes flexible that adds to its potential of being used more efficiently such as in bendable screens, electronic inks, medical diagnostic tests, and water purification systems.

4. Mountaineering team to hoist Indian flag atop Mount Elbrus on Independence Day: An expedition team of mountaineers were flagged off by Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik to Mount Elbrus in Russia. The team is aiming to hoist the Indian national flag atop the mountain on Aug 15, on the occasion of the 73rd Independence Day of India. The expedition team of eight professionals from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling, led by its principal GP Captain Jaikishan.

The team will also perform 'asanas' atop the mountain in an attempt to showcase the importance of Yoga to the international community.

5. World Biofuel Day: 10 August: World Biofuel Day is observed on August 10 annually to create awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels and highlight the various efforts made by Government in the biofuel sector. 2019 Theme – “Production of Biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil (UCO)”.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. 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.

Note: Director General of NADA: Navin Agarwal; CEO of BCCI: Rahul Johri.

2. Bangladesh to host Zimbabwe despite ICC ban: Bangladesh will host Zimbabwe for a tri-nation Twenty20 tournament in September despite the African nation being suspended by the International Cricket Council. The ICC suspended Zimbabwe last month over the country's failure to keep the sport free from government interference, putting its participation in multi-nation events in doubt. Afghanistan is the third team in the tournament scheduled to be held from September 13 to 24. Bangladesh was originally scheduled to play a bilateral series against Afghanistan in September, but officials said Zimbabwe had been included in the series following a request from the strife-torn country.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. 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.

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

DEFENCE

1. 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.

Note: Chief of the Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.