Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2020

Notes:
National Mission for Clean Ganga which functions under the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation-Ministry of Jal Shakti organised its flagship rafting and kayaking expedition programme called “Ganga Amantran Abhiyan”.
The exploratory open-water rafting programme was organised from Devprayag (Uttarakhand) to Gangasagar (West Bengal). The programme which concluded recently allowed people to connect with the river Ganga.

Notes:
World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year on March 15 across the world to spread awareness about the rights and needs of a consumer. Several awareness programmes are held across the world on this day.
This year, the theme of the World Consumer Rights Day, according to the Consumers International organisation is – “Sustainable Consumer”. In India, 24th December is observed as National Consumer Day every year.

Notes:
In the recently concluded All England Open Badminton Championships, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen won his first singles title. He defeated Taiwanese top seed Chou Tien-chen in straight sets in the summit clash. Last year, Axelsen was the runner-up in the tournament after losing to Kento Momota.
Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Ying is the women’s champion for the third time in four years, after defeating Chinese world number one Chen Yu Fei.

Notes:
E-commerce firm Flipkart recently partnered with Aegon Life Insurance, to sell wide-ranging insurance solutions.
It aims to provide solutions for customers who are looking for instant digital policies with a sum assured of up to Rs 10 lakh. This agreement is aimed at making life insurance available to customers in a convenient and transparent manner.

Notes:
Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, have developed a material called ‘Hemostat’.
It is a starch-based ‘hemostat’ developed to stop rapid blood loss during accidents, as it physically absorbs excess fluid and concentrates the natural clotting factors in blood. The product possesses increased absorption capacity, improved absorption, inexpensive and biodegradable.

Notes:
Microsoft India and NASSCOM Foundation partnered to launch the ‘Innovate for Accessible India’ campaign. The campaign aims at empowering people with disabilities with the technology required for better access to equal opportunities.
The campaign invites applications from students, citizens and social organisations to build customised solutions that address challenges faced by people with disabilities. The ten best solutions will be provided mentoring support by Microsoft and NASSCOM Foundation, along with financial grants.

Notes:
The President of Iraq Barham Salih has appointed Adnan al-Zurfi as the country’s new prime minister-designate.
This announcement has been provided amidst the months-long political crisis prevalent in Iraq. Within 30 days, Al-Zurfi has to form his cabinet which shall be put to a vote of confidence in Iraq’s Parliament. Al-Zurfi would replace caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who quit in December following widespread mass demonstrations against the government.

Notes:
Manila-based Asian Development Bank recently announced an initial package of $6.5 billion (equivalent to ₹48,230 crore) to cater the immediate needs of its developing member countries in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
As per the announcement of the Development bank, out of the total package, 3.6 billion will be made available to governments for addressing health and economic consequences of the pandemic and 1.6 billion for micro, small and medium enterprises, domestic and regional trade.

Notes:
The Defence Ministry has recently signed an 880-crore contract with Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) for procurement of 16,479 light machine guns (LMGs).
According to the contract which was signed with the Israel-based arms industry company, it would provide Negev 7.62 x 51 mm light machine guns to the Indian armed forces. This type of LMG is a combat proven weapon and used by several countries around the globe at present.

Notes:
American actor-singer Kenny Rogers recently passed away at the age of 81. He was a three-time Grammy-winning singer.
The singer was famous for various genres of his music albums including jazz, folk, country and pop. Some of his popular musical works includes ‘Lucille,’ ‘Lady’ and ‘Islands in the Stream’. He was celebrated as a Superstar by his fans during 1970’s and 80’s.