Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2020

Notes:
As per the research paper published by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, pathogens named as critical by the World Health Organisation have been found in the river of Yamuna.
The pathogens were named by the WHO in the year 2017. The multidrug-resistant bacteria that are found in Yamuna, were found due to the entry of Sewage into the river. Several major sewer drains and the Yamuna river across New Delhi were studied by the team.

Notes:
Every year, 10th of August is observed as World Biofuel Day to create awareness on importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to fossil fuels. It is also aimed at highlighting the various initiatives made by the Government in the Biofuel sector.
Since 2015, the World Biofuel Day is being observed by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. A webinar on this occasion was organized by the Petroleum Ministry, with the theme “Biofuels towards Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

Notes:
IC-IMPACTS is an Annual Research Conference between India and Canada. ‘IMPACTS’ stands for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnership to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability.
The conference for the current year was held on 6th August, in a virtual mode. The conference discussed ways of boosting the cooperation between the two countries higher levels by strengthening existing international links, sharing best practices of two countries, and initiating new collaborations.

Notes:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of Government of India has launched a new national portal called SURAKHSYA. It has been launched for real time data collection on Human Animal conflict.
The portal is launched as a part of the World Elephant Day, which is observed every year on 12th August. The portal would be used by policy makers for preparation of Action Plans and Strategies to mitigate conflicts.

Notes:
The Prime Minister of Lebanon, Hassan Diab has recently stepped down from his post, after a massive blast occurred in the country.
The catastrophic explosion in the capital city Beirut, has triggered a public outrage in the country. It has caused heavy destruction, by killing more than 160 people and injuring over 6,000 people. There have been mass demonstrations against the Government demanding the steeping down of the leadership.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has permitted registration of Electric Vehicles without pre-fitted batteries.
The ministry has stated that Electric Vehicles without batteries can be sold and registered only with the type approval certificate issued by the Test Agency. Also, the Ministry has clarified that there is no need to mention any other details of the Battery for the purpose of Registration.

Notes:
Paytm Money, a leading Indian e-commerce payment system and financial technology company has launched Stock Trading services on its platform.
It has launched the service in its beta version of Paytm Money App initially. The cash delivery trades are free on the application with minimal charge for intraday charges. It also permits a fully digital KYC and paperless accounting process.

Notes:
Gujarat-based Zydus Cadila launches the country’s cheapest version of Remdesivir, under the brand name Remdac.
The generic version of the medicine will be used for treating patients suffering from severe symptoms of Covid-19. A 100-mg vial has been priced at Rs 2800 and this the most economical medicine so far. It will be available across the country.

Notes:
Technology Major Google has introduced a new educational product named ‘Assignments’. It is an application designed for educators to distribute and award grades to student’s work.
Google has recently announced that several education tools for teachers and students will be released this year, through Google apps including Meet, G Suite, and Classroom. Tools required for virtual education field including blurred backgrounds, larger tiled view, hand-raising feature will be launched.

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.