Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2021

Notes:
Bhavani Devi is the first Indian fencer to ever qualify for the Olympics after qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Bhavani Devi became the first Indian fencer to qualify for Olympics. The eight-time national champion had failed to qualify for the Rio Olympics. She started her sports career in 2003. As of April 2021, she ranks 42nd in the world with 37.0 points.

Notes:
Last remaining population of the Asiatic Lions are found in Gir National Park of Gujarat. In 2020, population of Asiatic lions has surged by almost 29% in Gujarat’s Gir forests. The distribution area of lions has also increased by 36%. Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir, is a forest, national park, and wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India. This national park was established in 1965.

Notes:
On 10 August, 2021, under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Oil and Gas companies celebrated World Biofuel Day with the theme ‘Biofuels for Sustainability and Rural Income”. The special exhibition showcased biofuels and bio-energy related developments and technical achievements made in the field of biofuels in India. The event also witnessed active participation by many technical service providers, post-harvesting equipment manufacturers, Indian Air Force, biodiesel producers, research institutes, farmers, etc. During the occasion, a 9 TPD Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plant of Indian Potash Limited (at Rohanakalan, Muzzafarnagar) and three Retail Outlets of Indian Oil at Muzaffarnagar (Chadravati Filling Station, Kissan Filling Station and Agarwal Service Station) were also dedicated to the nation. These Retail Outlets will be marketing CBG produced from this plant.

Notes:
The Finance Ministry has released its fifth monthly installment of Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) Grant of Rs 9,871 crore to the states on August 9. With the release of this installment, a total amount of Rs 49,355 crore has been released to eligible states as PDRD in the current financial year. The Commission has recommended PDRD grants to 17 States during 2021-22.

Notes:
The Indian Railways has launched an integrated one-stop solution app named Rail Madad. The Indian Railways has merged several existing helplines into a single platform for various grievances. Rail Madad can be accessed through the app, web, SMS, Helpline number (139) and social media during the journey for resolution of complaints. The Railway ministry toll-free number 139 can be used for all kinds of enquiries and making complaints and the helpline facility is available round-the-clock in 12 languages. Rail MADAD stands for Mobile Application for Desired Assistance During travel.

Notes:
NABARD, State Bank of India (SBI) and Jammu & Kashmir Gramin Bank (JKGB) has signed a MoU for Joint Liability Groups financing. Main objective of the signing of MoU is to enhance the flow of credit to tenant farmers/oral lessees/sharecroppers, SF/MF etc, who at times may not have proper title to their land holding. The JLG formation will meet the credit requirements of people suffering reverse migration in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. The issue of formation of JLGs is also being discussed in every meeting of UTLBC. The formation and credit linkage of 1000 JLGs will benefit almost 5000 households in J&K.

Notes:

• The Indian Navy participated in the U.S. Navy-led Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) military exercise in Singapore.
• The main purpose of SEACAT2021 was to enhance interoperability, share maritime security concerns, and maintain a rule-based international order.
• Other countries participating in the exercise include Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United Kingdom and Vietnam.
• SEACAT was held for the first time in the year 2002.

Notes:

• Rajasthan government has launched the Indira Gandhi Urban Credit Card Scheme 2021 under which small traders, street vendors and those doing small works can get interest free loans up to 50,000.
• Due to the COVID-19 and lock down imposed by government, a large number of vendors and small businessmen faced economic crisis. Keeping the view of problem faced by them, Government has introduced Indira Gandhi Urban Credit Card Scheme- 2021.
• The scheme will create self employment opportunities in the urban areas of the state. Credit Loans under the scheme can be sanctioned till March 31, 2022 and the loan moratorium period will be 3 months and the loan repayment period will be 12 months.

Notes:

• The Indian Navy has partnered with the Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) FIRST Bank to initiate ‘Honour FIRST’, a premium banking solution for serving personnel and veterans of the Indian Navy.
• With zero – balance salary account feature, Honour FIRST account holders will receive up to 5% interest per annum and a net banking and customised mobile app that offers a superior user interface and experience
• Honour FIRST Defence account comes with a free enhanced Personal Accident Insurance Cover of Rs. 46 lakhs for both on-duty and off-duty incidents. Additionally, the insurance not only covers accidental death but also total and partial permanent disability. The Personal Accident Insurance Cover also includes a child education grant of Rs. 4 lakhs and a marriage cover of Rs 2 lakh.

Notes:

• Legendary German striker Gerd Müller died aged 75 on August 15, 2021.
• The forward scored 68 goals in 62 appearances for West Germany, including the winning goal in the 1974 World Cup final against Holland.
• During 15 years at Bayern Munich, Müller netted a record 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga games and 66 goals in 74 European matches.
• He was nicknamed “Bomber der Nation” (“the nation’s Bomber”) or simply “Der Bomber” and was named European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d’Or) in 1970.