Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2020

Notes:
The companies of USA and China have dominated the global arms market in the year 2019, as per a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The arms industry of USA accounts for nearly 61% of the sales by top 25 arms manufacturers. Chinese firms account for 15.7% of the sales by top 25 arms manufacturers.

Notes:
Recently, Japan has exempted import inspection for the Indian black tiger shrimps. Japan is the second largest market for Indian black tiger shrimps after the US.
This decision has been taken by the country after the export consignments were found totally free from any residue of synthetic anti-bacterial drug ‘Furazolidone’. This will enhance the farming and export of the shrimps from West Bengal and Kerala.

Notes:
The French Government has published a draft legislation to combat radical Islamism and calls it a measure to achieve “law of freedom”.
The legislation aims to curb online hate speech, punish doctors who provide “virginity certificates” for marriages, reduce the practice of home-schooling for children over three years old etc.

Notes:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has circulated a draft of Indian Ports Bill 2020 for public consultation. The bill seeks to repeal and replace the Indian Ports Act, 1908.
This bill aims to enable the growth and sustainable development of ports and attract investments in the Port sector. Maritime Port Regulatory Authority, National Port policy and National Port plan are some of the new initiatives described in the bill.

Notes:
Gennova Biopharmaceuticals has developed India’s first Covid-19 vaccine candidate based on mRNA. It has recently received approval from drug regulators of the country for entrusting it to clinical trials.
HGCO19 is the name of the mRNA vaccine candidate developed by the Pune based institution, using the seed grant received under Ind-CEPI mission of the department of biotechnology of the Union Ministry of science and technology

Notes:
The European Council President has declared after their recent summit that the EU leaders have agreed to set a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030.
After long series of discussions, the EU leaders came to a consensus of the target. European Commission had set a target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Notes:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has decided to launch an international award / prize in the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Rahman. The award would be given in the field of “Creative economy”.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Rahman politician belonging to Bangladesh and is commonly called as the “Father of Nation” of Bangladesh.

Notes:
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory body under the Union Ministry of Power celebrates December 14 as the National Energy Conservation Day.
The Day is being celebrated every year since 1991, to exhibit India’s steps taken towards energy conservation. BEE spreads awareness amongst the people about energy efficiency and the need to shift to sustainable energy sources.

Notes:
UNESCO has launched the ‘2020 State of the Education Report for India: Vocational Education First’ report, virtually in New Delhi.
This is the second edition of the State of Education Report and it focuses on technical and vocational education and training (TVET). UNESCO also reaffirmed to support India in the National Skill Development Mission.

Notes:
The Indian Naval ship named Himgiri has been launched and commissioned into Indian Waters recently.’
The ship has been constructed as a part of Project 17A for the Indian Navy. It is the first of three stealth frigates being built under the Project at GRSE in Kolkata and at Mazagon Docks Limited in Mumbai.