Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2020

Notes:
The Mount Sinabung volcano located in Indonesia recently exerted 5,000 metres high into the sky, as per the media report.
Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center has confirmed that no casualties had happened due to the eruption. The local people have been advised to stay 5 kilometers away from the volcano.

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a new initiative named ‘COVAX’, which aims to fast-track the development of vaccine against the coronavirus.
The WHO recently announced that it is renewing its invite to countries to join its facility. WHO is also in talks with the manufacturers of the potential vaccines and is gathering funds to promote the mass-production of vaccine.

Notes:
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in association with the Armed Forces Medical College has released “Building Positive Health in Nine Simple Steps”.
It is a visual guide for reference by the people to know about the link between their lifestyle and mental health. The bilingual guide that has been issued in English and Hindi, which would be released in other regional languages also. The guide has been targeted at Urban audience.

Notes:
The procurement of 106 Basic Trainer Aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for Indian Air Force has been approved by the Ministry of Defence.
The procurement of 106 HTT-40 aircraft from HAL was approved by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the highest decision-making authority of the Defence Ministry. A total of Defence Acquisition proposals worth over Rs.8500 crore was cleared by the DAC.

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:
Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs implements the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
The scheme aims to provide basic infrastructure for water supply, sewage and seepage management in 500 Mission cities. Recently, the scheme was in news because the states across India have completed 2,854 projects worth ₹11,110 crore under the scheme. Tamil Nadu completed the highest number of works.

Notes:
The Union Steel Ministry, in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has proposed to organise a webinar titled ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat: Fostering Steel Usage in Housing & Building Construction and Aviation Sectors’.
The webinar would be conducted with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Ministry of Civil Aviation. It would focus on promoting designs and construction in Building, Housing, and Airport Projects.

Notes:
National Geographic has announced to premiere a Documentary Film named “The Next Frontier: India’s Smart Cities”. It is a 44-minute documentary on four cities of India namely Surat, Visakhapatnam, Pune and Varanasi.
The film reveals how the smart cities Mission is forming a strong ground for next cities of tomorrow. It would showcase the journey of 4 lighthouse smart cities along with the national initiatives that has transformed the lives of people residing in these cities.

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:
Legendary Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj has recently passed away in the United States, at the age of 90.
During his musical career spanning over 80 years, he has won several prestigious awards including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Fellowship, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. He was also honoured with the second highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan in the year 2000.