Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2020

Notes:
As per the recent announcement of the Chairman of ISRO, India will launch GSAT 30, a heavy geo-stationary communication satellite on January 17, 2020.  This mission would be the first satellite of the year 2020 for India. The satellite will be launched using Ariane-5ECA launch vehicle from Kourou space centre in French Guiana. The satellite will be used to provide communication links to government and private service providers.

Notes:
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 107th edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka from January 3 to 7, 2020.The theme of the five-day event will be ‘Science and technology: rural development’. The congress would also host various programmes like Women Science Congress, Children Science Congress, Science Communicators Meet and Farmer’s Science Congress.

Notes:
The Swarna Jayanti Fellowships have been recently awarded to 14 Scientists, who are associated with innovative research projects. The Swarna Jayanti Fellowships scheme was instituted by the Indian Government to commemorate our 50th year of independence. In this scheme, certain young scientists selected would be provided assistance by the Department of Science & Technology for pursuing their projects in Science and Technology.

Notes:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between Flipkart and the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for the implementation of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana — National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM). Under the partnership, Flipkart will join hands with the state missions of DAY-NULM to implement its flagship ‘Samarth’ programme and provide market access to the local weavers, craftsmen and small businessmen.

Notes:
The Nankana Sahib Gurdwara is a highly revered gurdwara located in the city of Nankana Sahib near Lahore in Pakistan. The gurdwara is built at the place where the first Sikh Guru was believed to born and preached Sikhism. It is also called as the Janam Asthan Gurdwara. It is seen in news recently as there was a severe mob attack and vandalism in the Gurdwara.

Notes:
The ace Indian all-rounder and bowler famous for his swings, Irfan Pathan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket recently. Irfan made his debut in 2003 when he was only 19 years old. In his professional cricket career spanning 16 years, he made several records including the hat-trick wicket in the first over of the test match. Irfan was also a part of the winning team of the 2007 T20 World cup.

Notes:
With an objective to improve its tourism sector, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently announced multiple-entry tourist visas to people of all countries.
The UAE cabinet recently approved the amendment for tourist visas, which will be valid for five years from the date of issue and can be used for multiple entries into the country. Being the favourite tourist destination of many nationals, the country attracts more than 20 million tourists in a year.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India has recently granted ‘in-principle’ approval to Shivalik Mercantile Cooperative Bank, to convert into a Small Finance Bank (SFB). It is the first Urban Cooperative Bank (UCB) to be granted such permission after the announcement of RBI in September 2018, about voluntary conversion of UCBs into Small Finance Banks. 
The bank should comply with the requirements of an SFB such as minimum net worth and Capital to risk ratio, as stipulated by the RBI within 18 months of the in-principle approval.

Notes:
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) recently announced that it will observe 2020 as the ‘Year of mobility’. It was also announced that special attention would be provided towards creation of more residential units and welfare measures for their troops. The announcement was made by the Director General of CISF, Rajesh Ranjan.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is a Central Armed Police force under the Ministry of Home affairs, headquartered at New Delhi.

Notes:
The Department of Agriculture of the state of Maharashtra has seamlessly integrated the state’s land records with the web portal of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). It is the first state in the country to perform such linkage.
After the records are linked online, the farmers are required to provide only their Aadhar number, details of bank and the land records, during the process of insuring crops. The process which is implemented during the current rabi season, is expected to improve efficiency and transparency of the system.