The Daily Brief – 10th August 2019

The BCCI has agreed to come under the ambit of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). India cricketers will now undergo anti-doping tests by the National Anti-Doping Agency. Claiming that it is an autonomous body and not a National Sports Federation, BCCI had been opposed to signing up with NADA.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved US $200 million loan for the Road Infrastructure Improving project in Maharashtra’s 34 districts for better connecting rural areas with markets and services. The major components of the project are developing road safety, road asset management, contract management, and climate resilient design. Established in December 1966, the ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines.

After suspending Samjhauta Express, Pakistan’s Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad announced that the Thar Express services (Jodhpur-Karachi) will be suspended. This comes after the Narendra Modi government’s decision to scrap special status to Jammu and Kashmir by making Article 370 inoperative in the state. Pakistan has since suspended bilateral trade, banned screening of Indian films in Pakistan and downgraded diplomatic relations.

The e-version of Rozgar Samachar has been launched by the Union Information & Broadcasting Ministry to spread awareness about job opportunities. It can be accessed through the website www.employmentnews.gov.in. Employment News was launched in 1976 for providing information to unemployed and underemployed youth of country about available employment opportunities.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is globally observed every year on 9^th August with an aim to promote and protect rights of indigenous population. The day seeks to recognize the contributions and achievements of indigenous people to improve world issues such as environmental protection. The theme for 2019 is ‘Indigenous Languages’. The UN General Assembly by adopting resolution 49/214 in December 1994, declared 9^th August as International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

The 66th National Film Awards were announced on August 9, 2019 at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi. Andhadhun won the National Film Award for Best Hindi Film while Padman won the Best Film on Social Issues award. Ayushmann Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal shared the Best Actor award for their performances in Andhadhun and Uri respectively. Uri Director Aditya Dhar won the Best Director award. Keerthy Suresh won the Best Actress award for her performance in the film Mahanati. National Film Awards was established in 1954.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bhutan on 17^th August. During the two-day visit, India and Bhutan will explore ways to further strengthen and diversify bilateral partnership. MOUs in various fields will be signed between the two countries. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate a hydropower project and will roll out RuPay Cards.