CURRENT AFFAIRS AUGUST 3RD

1. The US withdraws from Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia

The US has formally withdrawn from Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) with Russia.

• The INF was signed by then US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987.
• It banned missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 km.
• But earlier this year the US and NATO accused Russia of violating the pact by deploying a new type of cruise missile, which Moscow has denied.

2. 11th Annual General Meeting of Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry held in Colombo

The 11th Annual General Meeting of the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry was held in Colombo.

• Chief guest High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu appreciated the contribution of Indo-Lanka Chamber towards strengthening of India- Sri Lanka bilateral relations. 
• He also enumerated the efforts made by the Indo-Lanka Chamber in further strengthening bilateral economic relations.

3. President Kovind inaugurates exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi and Khadi in the Gambia

President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi and Khadi at the Ebunjan Theatre in The Gambia.

• Vice President of Gambia, Isatou Touray received the President at exhibitions.
• These exhibitions will be held till 2nd October.
• Khadi samples for the exhibitions have been provided by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), while that for the Gandhi exhibitions have been sent by the Gandhi Smriti. 

4. One Nation-one Ration Card scheme implemented on a pilot basis in four States

In a major boost to national food security government launched the One Nation-One Ration Card scheme on a pilot basis in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

• Families who have food security cards can buy subsidized rice and wheat from any ration shop in these states.
• Their ration cards should be linked with Aadhar Number to avail this service.
• The white Ration Cardholders in Telangana have been getting the portability facility, enabling them to buy their subsidized rice and other food grains from any Fair Price Shop in the state.

5. West Bengal launches ‘Save Green, Stay Clean’ campaign

 

The West Bengal Government has launched an awareness campaign for preserving the greenery and keeping the environment clean.

• The State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched the campaign named as ‘Save Green, Stay Clean’ in Kolkata.
• The Chief Minister informed that during her 8 years ruling, the percentage of tree plantation has gone up to 19 per cent from 11 per cent of Left Regime.

6. WCD Ministry observes World Breastfeeding Week

The Women and Child Development Ministry is observing the World Breastfeeding Week with a focus on protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding.

• The week, which is being observed till 7th of the month, aims to create awareness among parents about breastfeeding, the importance of initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, and adequate and appropriate complementary feeding.
• The ministry is organizing a number of activities on the theme “Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding”.

7. Vishweshwar Hegde elected as Karnataka Assembly Speaker

The six-time MLA from Sirsi Assembly constituency and senior BJP leader Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri was unanimously elected as the new Speaker of the Karnataka state Assembly.

• The post had fallen vacant after the resignation of Speaker Ramesh Kumar.
• Deputy Speaker Krishna Reddy proposed his name and tabled the motion in the Assembly.
• The proposal was unanimously adopted through voice vote.

8. RN Ravi was sworn in as Nagaland Governor

RN Ravi was sworn in as the Governor of Nagaland at a function at Raj Bhawan in Kohima.

• Acting Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court, Arup Kumar Goswami, administered him the oath of office and secrecy.
• Prior to his new appointment, 67-year-old R.N Ravi served as a former Intelligence Bureau officer and an interlocutor for the Naga peace talks.

9. Ravi Capoor assumes Charge as Textiles Secretary

Ravi Capoor, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, assumed charge of the office of Secretary, Ministry of Textiles in New Delhi.

• As Additional Chief Secretary, Assam, from 2016 to 2019, he was in charge of Mines & Minerals, Forest & Environment, Act East Policy Affairs and Public Enterprises Department.
• Ravi Capoor worked as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India from 2011 to 2016 and was handling India’s trade with ASEAN, CIS countries

10. Journalist Ravish Kumar wins 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Award

Senior Indian television journalist Ravish Kumar has been awarded the 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Award.

• Kumar is among five individuals who were declared winners of the award, which is Asia's premier prize and often referred to as the Asian version of the Nobel Prize.
• Besides Ravish Kumar, Myanmar-based journalist Ko Swe Win, Angkhana Neelapaijit from Thailand, Raymundo Pujante Cayabyab from Philippines and Kim Jong Ki from South Korea were also honoured with the prestigious prize.
• The award will be presented at a ceremony in Manila on September 9, 2019.

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