Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2020

Notes:
The SAARC Disaster Management Centre has recently launched a website for information related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the region.
The website shows the number of coronavirus cases in the SAARC member states with live updates on the count of active cases. This initiative was earlier proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the recent video conference with the leaders SAARC member nations.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu-based Karur Vysya Bank has launched a pre-paid card called ‘Enkasu’, which can be used both online and offline, in Karur district of the state.
The card aims to reduce the usage of cash in the district of Karur. The cardholder can make tap & go payments for all small purchases to merchants for a minimum of Re. 1/-. The card can be recharged through their mobile App ‘DLite’, UPI, NEFT or through any of their branches. The cards are given to both customers and non-customers after KYC verification.

Notes:
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu recently announced the creation of a new district ‘Mayiladuthurai’, for administrative convenience, by bifurcating Nagapattinam district. This is the 38th district of the state.
Nagapattinam district is in the Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu. Last year, the government announced five new districts. Amid coronavirus pandemic, the Chief Minister announced Rs 1,000 cash assistance for ration card holders to compensate for livelihood loss.

Notes:
Scientists at Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, which is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, have developed a biofortified high-protein wheat variety MACS 4028.
The development of the crop was published in the Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding. It is a semi-dwarf variety which exhibits a higher yielding ability of 19.3 quintals per hectare. It is claimed to be resistant to several pests and diseases unlike the normal wheat varieties.

Notes:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the construction of 22 km-long railway flyover between Aligarh-Harduaganj in Uttar Pradesh.
The project entails an estimated cost of ₹1,285 crore to remove traffic jam in the area. This project is expected to curb the delays and detention of trains at Aligarh junction. The flyover project is expected to be completed by 2024-25.

Notes:
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed on March 25 every year, across the world. The day honours those who suffered and died due to brutal slavery system. It also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice.
The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is also observed on March 25. It marks the anniversary of the abduction of a former journalist named Alec Collett, who worked for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Notes:
The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India recently made an announcement after the Monetary Policy committee (MPC) meeting, to tackle the crisis caused by Covid-19 pandemic.
RBI had advanced the MPC meeting due on March 31- April 3 to March 24-27. It has announced that the Cash Reserve Ratio has been decreased 100 bps to 3 per cent and the repo rate has been decreased to 4.4 per cent. Policy rate corridor has been widened from 50 to 65 bps. All commercial banks are permitted to allow a 3-month moratorium on repayment of term loan EMIs.

Notes:
Renowned artist and architect Satish Gujral recently passed away at the age of 94. He was much admired for his versatile art works in genres including painting, architecture, sculpture and graphic arts.
The artist was also the recipient of the second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan in 1999. He was the brother of former Prime Minister IK Gujral. His famous works include the Belgium Embassy in New Delhi and the alphabet mural on the wall of the Delhi High Court. ‘Days of Glory’ and ‘Mourning en masse’ are some among his most popular paintings.

Notes:
Ratings Agency Moody’s Investors Service has slashed India’s 2020 growth forecast to 2.5% within three weeks of its previous downgrade to 5.3%.
According to the Global Macro Outlook 2020-21 recently released by Moody’s, the 21-day lockdown announced by the Indian Prime Minister will result in a sharp loss in incomes. Domestic demand and the pace of recovery are also expected to slow down. Earlier it had reduced the growth rate to 5.3% from 5.4%.

Notes:
The Union Finance Minister has recently announced a relief package for the poor and vulnerable people amid the 21-day lockdown of the country announced by the Prime Minister.
Among the relief measures, women self-help groups (SHGs) will be provided collateral-free loans up to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh earlier, under the Deen Dayal National Livelihood Mission. This step is expected to impact 7 crore members through 63 lakh SHGs.