Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2020

Notes:
Taiwan parliament had recently passed an anti-infiltration law to counter the perceived threats from China as the nation prepares itself for a presidential vote. This legislation is part of the Taiwanese government’s efforts to curb China’s influence in the politics and democratic process through illegal funding, media etc.

Notes:
The Kerala government tasked the three-member commission headed by Justice Hema to investigate the problems faced by the women in the Malayalam film industry. This commission pointed out the glaring testimonies of sexual abuse faced by potential candidates and the presence of a casting couch.

Notes:
On 1^st January each year, India and Pakistan exchange a list of their nuclear installations in accordance with the Agreement on the Prohibition of attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities. This agreement prohibits both the countries from attacking each other’s atomic facilities.

Notes:
Asiatic Lions are listed as an endangered species by the IUCN. They are currently confined to the Gir National Park. These lions are one among the 5 Pantherine cats living in India. Other Pantherine cats include Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Indian Leopard and Clouded Leopard.

Notes:
The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh was celebrated across the country and many parts of the world on January 2, 2020. The birth anniversary of a Sikh Guru is also called as “Prakash Parv”. As per the traditional Sikh calendar (Nanakshahi) , birthday of Guru Gobind Singh falls on January 2, this year (Though he was born on 5 January 1666 by Gregorian Calendar). Guru Gobind Singh was named as the tenth Sikh guru, at the age of 9, after the ninth Guru and his father Guru Teg Bahadur was killed.

Notes:
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi recently launched five new defence laboratories called DRDO Young Scientists Laboratories (DYSL) for the Defence Research and Development Organisation from Bengaluru, Karnataka. The labs will operate from five Indian cities, namely Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkatta. They will focus on developing new and innovative defence technologies for our country and thus enhance our self reliance in the field.

Notes:
Former Indian Hockey team captain and the team’s defender Sunita Lakra recently announced her retirement from International Hockey citing her knee injuries. In the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy, India bagged the second place under her captaincy. She was also a part of the Indian team that participated in the Rio Olympics, 2016. Though she could not participate in Tokyo Olympics, Sunita will hopefully return to play domestic Hockey after her knee surgery.

Notes:
The 28th edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2020 is to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from January 4 to 12, 2020. To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the theme of the fair is chosen as, ‘Gandhi: The Writers’ Writer’. Union Human Resources Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal will inaugurate the annual fair, which is organised by the National Book Trust (NBT). The Chief Guest of the inaugural event is Gandhian scholar Girishwar Mishra.  

Notes:
The 5th edition of the National Ice Hockey Championship, 2020 is being in Leh, Union Territory of Ladakh. The event is organised by the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI) today. ‘Under-20 category’ of Boys matches and Girls matches are being conducted. The Ice Hockey tournament is held in Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink in Leh. Various Ice hockey teams including Army,Delhi and Ladakh are participating in the tournament.

Notes:
Veteran Theatre artist and Social Activist of Assam, Ratna Ojha passed away at Guwahati. He played an instrumental role in reviving the theatre play movement of the state. He had also actively participated and addressed demonstrations in several social issues of the country including those against Citizenship amendment act. For his great contribution towards the theatre art, he was honoured with the ‘Natasurya Award’ by the Assam Government.