Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2020

Notes:
Technology major Microsoft has launched a new program to teach quantum computing skills to train around 900 faculty from across the country.
As a part of this initiative, Microsoft is organizing a ‘Train the Trainer’ program in association with Electronics and ICT Academies at Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur and National Institute of Technology, Patna.

Notes:
Fisheries and Animal Resources Department of the Odisha Government has launched a new scheme to promote intensive Aquaculture through Bio-floc technology in fisheries.
Bio-floc technology is an advanced fish farming technology to provide livelihood support to entrepreneurs, unemployed youth and fish farmers of the state. It aims at increasing fish productivity and make the state self-sufficient in fish production.

Notes:
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) has signed a MoU with Switzerland based HELP Logistics.
This partnership is aimed to develop humanitarian logistics in India through consulting services and logistics training to United Nations bodies, Government Institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations. The MoU will be in force of a period of 1 year.

Notes:
A team of scientists of Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune has discovered Ultra Violet light originating from a galaxy named AUDFs01 which is 9.3 billion light years away from Earth.
The UV light was detected by India’s first multi wavelength satellite “Astrosat”. This discovery was made by the team of scientists, led by Dr Kanak Saha.

Notes:
From 3rd September 2020, India and Bangladesh would commence commercial operation of riverine trade route.
Both the countries signed Addendum to the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) in May 2020. As per the agreement, the Sonamura (Tripura) – Daudkandi (Bangladesh) route is being operationalised. This move would enhance the regional connectivity to North Eastern India and reduce the transportation cost.

Notes:
The Union Civil Aviation Minister has recently announced that a total of 78 additional routes has been approved under the fourth batch of Regional Connectivity Scheme—Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN).
Named as Udan 4.0, the new set of air operations connect Eighteen unserved/underserved airports to metro cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Kochi among others. With this, the total number of sanctioned routes has been increased to 766.

Notes:
The United States has imposed sanctions on 24 Chinese companies and officials recently. These companies are said to be involved in building and militarization of an artificial island in South China Sea.
All the 24 firms are state owned companies of China. These companies have been put under USA’s “Entity List” by which USA would block exports of materials and goods to these companies.

Notes:
West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has become the first bowler in the world, to take 500 T20 wickets.
The 36-year old former West Indies captain achieved this feat during the CPL match between Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks. He played an integral role in the two World T20 wins of West Indies in 2012 and 2016.

Notes:
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has reached close to 20 Lakh (2 million) subscribers during the current financial year from April 2020.
The total subscriber base under the APY scheme has reached 21 million. The APY scheme was launched in 2015, with an aim to create a universal social security system for all, especially the poor and under-privileged. The scheme is administered by PFRDA through the National Pension System (NPS).

Notes:
Picodi.com, an international e-commerce platform has released a global ranking of nations based on average wages.
India has been ranked 72nd among 106 nations, with a monthly average income of Rs.32,800 (USD 437). Switzerland has topped the list with USD 5989 and Cuba is ranked the last at USD 36.