Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2020

Notes:
The Union Government has sanctioned Rs 365 crore for constructing a new Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Sabroom along the India-Bangladesh border. It is the southernmost town in the north-eastern state of Tripura. This is the second ICP after Akhaura check post set up in 2013.
The state government of Tripura had sent the Sabroom ICP proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2016 for linking the bridge on river Feni with Chittagong port city of Bangladesh.

Notes:
According to the findings of the Gender Social Norms Index report, released recently by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), no country in the world has achieved gender equality.
The report also revealed that the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030 and it would take 257 years to close the gender gap in economic opportunity. Pakistan tops a list of countries of people holding biased views against women.

Notes:
Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh recently launched two new schemes named “Chief Ministers Akhannaba Sanaroisingi Tengbang (CMAST)” and “Chief Ministergi Artiste Singgi Tengbang (CMAT)” with an outlay of Rs 7.36 crore and Rs.5.7 crore respectively.
The CMAST scheme aims to provide suitable government job to sportspersons who win medals in international events. Incentive to local clubs, cash awards to medal winners, assistance for purchasing sports items are also included. CMAT scheme aims to support artistes in performing arts, literary arts and visual arts.

Notes:
After the state government of Haryana requested to rename its village in Kurukshetra district, the centre has given approval for renaming.
The decision has been taken by the Union Home Ministry after getting formal approval and a No objection certificate from a few central organisations including Ministry of Railways, Department of Posts and Survey of India.

Notes:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ravinder Singh Dhillon as Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Limited.
It is a Navratna PSU which functions under the aegis of Ministry of Power. Ravinder Singh Dhillon is currently serving as Director (Projects) in the same PSU. He had also served as Director (Public Grievances) in PFC earlier.

Notes:
An awareness programme called ‘Poshan Pakhwara or Nutritional Fortnight’ is being held in the UT of Goa from March 8 to 22.
The programme is aimed at creating awareness about nutrition among the general public. Several activities are being organised with special focus on the health of women, children and people who are suffering from malnutrition. Guidance by nutrition experts and Paediatricians is also provided to the people.

Notes:
Spanish football coach Francisco Garcia has recently passed away after contracting coronavirus, at the age of 21. He is also the youngest victim of the illness in the region.
Garcia was serving as the manager of Atletico Portada Alta’s youth team and he was tested positive for COVID-19 last week. During his treatment, it was found out that he was also suffering from leukaemia. All major football competitions like have been suspended due to coronavirus outbreak.

Notes:
The Kerala state government announced a ₹20,000 crore economic package to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
This package includes funds to clear dues which the government owes individuals and institutions, providing consumer loans, disbursing welfare pension of two months in advance and a health package. The Chief Minister also announced free ration for all of this month, where everyone in the state will be given free food grain up to 10kg through ration shops.

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.