Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2020

Notes:
The 9th of December is observed every year as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide, by the United Nations.
This year marks the 72nd anniversary and a convention in this regard was held in the year 1948. It was at this convention the first Human Rights Treaty was adopted by the United Nations.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in a virtual bilateral summit.
Both the countries signed 9 pacts and agreed to widen counter-terror partnership. They also decided to explore connectivity routes via International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Notes:
Plasmodium Ovale, a malaria causing parasite has been detected in the state of Kerala. This has been detected in a soldier who had come from Sudan.
Malaria is caused by plasmodium parasites, that are transmitted to humans by bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are five parasite species that cause malaria and two among them – Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the greatest threats.

Notes:
The International Mountain Day is celebrated across the world on December 11 every year. The day aims to encourage sustainable development in mountains. The theme of this year’s International Mountain Day is ‘Mountain biodiversity’.
United Nations General Assembly designated the Mountain Day in the year 2003. The UN also declared 2002 as the UN International Year of Mountains.

Notes:
The United Nations General Assembly created UNICEF on December 11, 1946, as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
The programme was originally initiated to provide assistance to improve the nutrition, education, and welfare of children after World War II. It was later renamed as United Nations Children’s Fund. UNICEF Day is observed every year on December 11.

Notes:
Researchers have discovered an ancient altar in Israel. It has been created to honouring the Greek god Pan who is the deity of flocks and shepherds.
The altar was lying on ground while excavating a Church. The altar dated back to 2nd – 3rd century AD, but has been placed in a Church that was built in the 5th century.

Notes:
Russia has successfully test-launched its heavy lift Angara A5 space rocket for the second time, the first launch having undertaken in 2014.
As per the state space agency Rocosmos, these Angara rockets do not use aggressive and toxic propellants, thereby increasing environmental safety in the areas adjacent to the launch complex and in the drop zones.

Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard has recently launched an operation named “Operation Oliva”. This operation aims to protect the Olive Ridley turtles of the Odisha coast, which are endangered.
The Coast Guard has launched two ships near the major nesting sites, to prevent entry of fishing vessels. Aircrafts of the coast guard have also been deployed as a part of this operation.

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:
In a bilateral meeting between India’s Education Minister and Foreign Secretary of UK, the countries agreed to strengthen their engagement in the field of education and research.
They also agreed to set up a joint Task Force consisting of designated higher education organizations from both the countries, for working towards mutual recognition of academic qualifications.