Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2020

Notes:
International ratings agency S&P Global Ratings has recently estimated the cost of COVID-19 outbreak for 14 Asia-Pacific countries at $620 billion.
Though a country-wise break-up was not provided for its estimate, it said that the total and permanent income loss will affect the balance-sheets of government, banks, corporates and households. Last week, S&P cut India’s growth rate to 5.2% in 2020-21.

Notes:
The city of Indore of Madhya Pradesh has become the first city in the country to deploy drones to sanitize city areas against the coronavirus outbreak by sprinkling chemicals.
The Municipal Corporation of Indore has hired two drones for sprinkling sanitising chemicals. Public places like vegetables markets and streets of the city are being disinfected by spraying. The chemicals are selected such that they are not harmful to the people.

Notes:
India’s largest lender State Bank of India has recently unveiled an emergency credit line to meet liquidity mismatch for its borrowers, amid the coronavirus pandemic scare.
The additional liquidity facility called Covid-19 Emergency Credit Line (CECL) will provide credit up to 200 crore rupees. This loan facility will be available till June 30 where the loan will be offered at an interest rate of 7.25 per cent with a 12-month tenure.

Notes:
One of the founders of bacteriology, German physician Robert Koch, discovered the anthrax disease cycle and the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis and cholera. He received the Nobel Prize for Physiology in 1905 for his research on tuberculosis. To commemorate the day of his discovery, World Tuberculosis day is being celebrated on March 24.
Government of India has committed to eliminate prevalence of TB by 2025, by formulating National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017-2025) and campaigns like “TB Harega Desh Jeetega”.

Notes:
One of India’s leading private sector banks, IndusInd Bank has appointed Sumant Kathpalia as the Managing Director and CEO for a period of three years.
As the previous MD & CEO of the bank Romesh Sobti retired, after holding the top position for 12 years, this appointment has been approved. Sumant Kathpalia has more than three decades of experience in multi-national banks such as Citibank and Bank of America. He had previously served as the Head of Consumer Banking in the same bank.

Notes:
The Indian arm of then US-based retailer Walmart recently announced the appointment of Sameer Aggarwal as the Chief executive officer of its Best Price Modern Wholesale stores in India.
Sameer Aggarwal is promoted as CEO and will replace Krish Iyer, who is to retire from the top post. Krish Iyer will continue to serve as the advisor to Best Price, Walmart India. Sameer had joined Walmart as executive Vice president in 2018 and was made the Deputy CEO in January 2020.

Notes:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes is a statutory authority which frames policy for the tax department. It is headed by a Chairperson and composed of six other members.
Recently, Indian Revenue Service officers Satish Kumar Gupta and Krishan Mohan Prasad have been appointed new members in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). At present, apart from the Chairman P C Mody, there are three other serving members. After this appointment, there will be one more vacancy in the organisation.

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:
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:
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.