Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2020

Notes:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Odisha government to prepare an action plan within three months on 14 identified elephant corridors.
The State government had proposed 14 corridors, for providing stress-free migration to elephants from one habitation to another in the state. The 870 sq km-area proposal did not record any progress and so NGT issued directions to the state.

Notes:
The famous stone chariot in front of the Vijaya Vittala Temple in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, has been covered by a protective ring by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
This chariot is among three famous stone chariots in India while the other two are in Konark, Odisha, and Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. Hampi chariot, was built during the dynasty of Vijayanagara rulers who ruled from 14th to 17th century CE.

Notes:
The World Economic Forum has announced that it will hold its 2021 annual meeting in Singapore instead of its traditional venue of Davos, Switzerland.
As there is a surge in coronavirus infections observed in the country of Switzerland, the venue has been shifted. In the year 2022, the annual meeting will return to Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

Notes:
International Civil Aviation Day is observed on December 7 every year worldwide, to create awareness of the role of international civil aviation organisation (ICAO) in air travel across the globe.
The ICAO is an autonomous UN Body to monitor the safety standards of international aviation. UN General Assembly declared the day in 1996. The theme of the day from 2020 to 2023 is “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development”.

Notes:
The technology major Nokia is set to lead the project Hexa X which is the European Commission’s 6G initiative.
The project aims to establish next generation wireless networks. It project would create a 6G network a unique capability to understand human intentions, anticipate needs, make interactions.

Notes:
The Urban Governance Index (UGI)-2020 has released by the Mumbai-based non-profit organisation Praja Foundation.
As per the index, Odisha tops the list of states in urban governance followed by Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. The study assessed the urban governance reforms across 40 cities in 28 states and NCT of Delhi.

Notes:
In 2020, the Government of India increased the FDI limit in the defence sector to 74% under the automatic route for companies with existing licences. Previously, the cap was 49%. Foreign investment beyond 74% requires government approval. FDI up to 100% is permitted under the government route. Defence sector FDI inflows rose substantially after this policy change.

Notes:
Two elephants, a calf and a female adult in Assam, were found dead in the in the Joypur range of Dehing Patkai wildlife sanctuary. The elephants were tested positive for Anthrax, a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis.
On account of the incident, the state forest department has started an immediate vaccination drive. All livestock and cattle in a 5km radius would be vaccinated.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank has announced that the Real Time Gross Settlement System or the RTGS facility will be available round the clock, from December 14.
Last December, the RBI had made the NEFT service available 24×7. As per the RBI, RTGS can be used for both domestic payments in Indian financial markets and cross-border payments.

Notes:
Every year, December 9 is observed as the International Anti-Corruption Day. The day is observed since 2003 after the United Nations passed a resolution in this regard. The theme for this year’s day is ‘United Against Corruption’. ‘
This year’s theme gives a special focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and states that corruption as one of the biggest obstacles in achieving it.