Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2020

Notes:
“Fit India Freedom Run” has been launched by the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju, through an online programme.
A large number of Government organizations and Private organizations will participate in the event. In view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the participants can run at their own place and at their own pace between 15th August and 2nd October.

Notes:
India’s leading private sector bank, HDFC Bank has recently announced the launch of “Shaurya KGC Card” for the armed forces.
This card has been designed based on the Kisan Credit Card guidelines by the Government. More than 45 lakh Indian armed force personnel would get a life cover ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. It also requires simple documentation suited to the job nature of the armed force personnel.

Notes:
As per the findings published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, a new low-cost nasal swab test named ‘N1-STOP-LAMP’ has been developed.
As per the researchers, the test can accurately diagnose the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19, in just 20 minutes. It is also 100 per cent accurate in diagnosing the samples at high loads. It uses a single tube and involves only one step and so it is very efficient and affordable.

Notes:
Israel has successfully conducted the test of its advanced missile defence system called ARROW 2. It is designed to defend the country from ballistic attacks. The test was conducted jointly with US Missile Defence Agency.
Arrow 2 is a part of multi-layered defence system that Israel has developed to defend short and mid-range rockets as well as long range missiles.

Notes:
The cabinet of Odisha has approved the tender amounting Rs.1138 crore for implementation of its ambitious irrigation project named “Gangadhar Meher Lift Canal System”.
The irrigation project would irrigate 25,600 hectares of agricultural land in drought hit regions of Barghar and Sonepur districts of Odisha. The project was first announced in the year 2017. The implementing agency will be announced soon.

Notes:
At the 74th Independence Day celebration on 15th August 2020, the Films Division would screen two documentary films – ‘India wins Freedom’ and ‘India Independent’.
Apart from the above 2 films, 14 selected films on Independence movement were showcased in the “Online Patriotic Film Festival” being organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting from 7th Aug 2020 to 21st Aug 2020 in www.cinemasofindia.com.

Notes:
Indian cricket icon and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has announced retirement from international cricket.
The 39-year-old star is the only captain in the world who led his team to win all three ICC trophies so far. Under his captaincy, India won the ICC World Twenty20 in 2007, Asia Cups in 2010 and 2016, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Another Cricketer Suresh Raina also announced his retirement.

Notes:
The United Nations Security Council has rejected a resolution made by the United States to extend a ban of Arms on Iran.
Only the Dominican Republic supported the proposal of the United States in the 15-member UN Security Council. Russia and China opposed the proposal while Germany, France, the UK and eight other member countries abstained from voting.

Notes:
The Governor of Goa, Satya Pal Malik has been transferred as the Governor of Meghalaya, as per a recent communication from the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.
He is to replace the incumbent Governor of the North Est state, Tathagata Roy who completed his five-year tenure. The Governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, will discharge the additional functions of the Goa Governor.

Notes:
USD 1 billion (equivalent to Rs 7,485 crore) financial support by way of loan has been approved by the Manila based-Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Delhi-Meerut regional rapid transit system.
The project is first of the three priority rail corridors in country. The financial assistance from ADB will be used for construction of railway tracks, station buildings, maintenance facilities and power supply.