Government nominates Justice AK Sikri to Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal [13 Jan 2019]

Supreme Court judge A.K. Sikri, who voted with the government in the three-member committee to remove CBI Director Alok Verma, is understood to have been nominated to the post of President/Member of the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT). In fulfilment of its obligations under the Agreed Memorandum, the UK government passed the Commonwealth Secretariat Act 1966 which, among other things, gives the Commonwealth Secretariat legal personality and accords it certain immunities and privileges.

Mary Kom is World No. 1 [11 Jan 2019]

M.C. Mary Kom’s unprecedented sixth World title last November has propelled her to the top position in the AIBA latest World rankings. In the latest rankings put out by AIBA, Mary Kom is placed top of the chart in the 48kg weight division with 1700 points. The 36-year-old will have to move to 51kg in pursuit of her 2020 Olympic dream as 48kg is not yet included in the Games roster. Other Indians’ rankings: Pinki Jangra (8th, 51kg); Manisha Maun (8th, 54kg); Sonia Lather (2nd, 57kg); Simranjit Kaur (4th, 64kg); L Sarita Devi (16th, 64kg); Lovlina Borgohain (5th, 69kg) .

Rajya Sabha passes bill for 10% quota to economically weaker sections in general category [10 Jan 2019]

The Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill 2019 to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to the economically weaker sections in the general category.

Ramnath Goenka awards 2019 [10 Jan 2019]

IT was the spirit of democracy, transparency and courage that dominated the award ceremony of the13th Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in New Delhi, last week. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who was the chief guest, gave away the prizes to 29 winners across 18 categories from print and broadcast journalism.

Lok Sabha passes quota Bill that provides reservation to economically backward [09 Jan 2019]

The Lok Sabha passed a Bill allowing 10% quota in employment and education for the general category candidates who belong to the economically weaker sections. The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019, introduced by Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot, was cleared by majority of the members (319) voting for it, and four against.

Vikram Misri takes charge as India’s new envoy to China [08 Jan 2019]

India’s new ambassador to China Vikram Misri took charge of the post and met top Chinese officials during which they discussed Sino-India ties. A 1989-batch India Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Mr. Misri (54), replaced Gautam Bambawale who retired in November last year. Mr. Misri has taken the charge of the country’s envoy at a time when India and China are trying to deepen their cooperation in various areas, leaving behind 2017 Doklam standoff which was the most serious military face-off in decades. Before his appointment as India’s ambassador to China, Mr. Misri served as Indian envoy in Myanmar.

India scores maiden Test series win in Australia [07 Jan 2019]

India scripted history winning the first ever series on Australian soil beating the home team 2-1 after the fourth and final Test ended in a tame draw due to inclement weather.

Malaysia's king Sultan Muhammad V steps down [06 Jan 2019]

In a historic first for the country that ended weeks of speculation about his future after he took medical leave. Sultan Muhammad V's decision marks the first time a king has abdicated in the Muslim-majority country since it gained independence from Britain in 1957. It came after the king took leave at the start of November for two months, during which time unconfirmed reports circulated that he had married a Russian former beauty queen. A statement from the national palace confirmed the resignation of the relatively youthful monarch, known for his fondness for four-wheel driving and other extreme sports.

Drug Prices Control Order (DPCO) amendment [06 Jan 2019]

Recent amendments to the Drug Prices Control Order (DPCO), 2013, have fuelled concerns that the authorities might find it difficult to keep the prices of essential medical devices in check as multinational firms would now be able to use patent protection to exempt such equipment from price control for five years. According to a government notification, new drugs patented under the Indian Patent Act will be exempted from price control for five years from the date of the commencement of their commercial marketing by the manufacturer in the country.

Mallya became the first businessman declared as FEO [06 Jan 2019]

Mallya became the first businessman declared as FEO under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, which came into existence in August 2018.