Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2020

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:
India’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Manoj Mukund Naravane has undertaken a “historic” six-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.
This is first such visit by the Indian Army Chief to the two Gulf countries. This visit aims to strengthen the strategic and defence cooperation between the two countries. Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trading partner.

Notes:
The United Kingdom became the first country in the world to start using the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech was approved by the regulators.
Several hubs across the country are vaccinating the people. The vaccine is given as two injections with 21 days apart. The complete immunity is said to be reached seven days after the second dose.

Notes:
The Rajasthan state Tourism department has tied up with UNESCO and implementing a project by adopting ‘Art of Life’ methodology.
Around 10 cultural tourism hubs are being created in Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Barmer districts. The project aims to connect the performing artists and handicraft artists with the admirers of the art and culture.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet headed by the Prime Minster Narendra Modi has approved for an MoU between SEBI and Financial and Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), Luxembourg.
The MoU is expected to enhance the cooperation between the two countries in the field of securities regulations.

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 ABTO (Association of Buddhist Tour Operators) International Convention is an event organised by ABTO in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism.
ABTO is a body consisting of over 1500 members in India and overseas. It has been organising the ABTO convention and International Buddhist Travel Mart (IBTM) since 2018, in Bodh Gaya in the state of Bihar.

Notes:
The Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) transaction was introduced in India in the year 2004. Presently, RTGS handles a transaction volume of Rs 4.17 lakh crore per day and it is used by 237 participant banks.
Recently, Reserve Bank of India has permitted for round the clock RTGS facility in India, which makes India one among the very few countries offering this service.

Notes:
“The Presidential Years” is an upcoming book authored by the late former President of India Pranab Mukherjee.
This memoir is the fourth volume of the memoirs, that will be released globally in January 2021. The third volume of former President’s autobiography titled “The Coalition Years — 1996-2012” in the year 2017.

Notes:
National poet Mahakavi ‘Subramaniya Bharati’ is a famous poet from the southern state of Tamil Nadu. He was an Indian independence activist, journalist and a pioneer in Tamil Literature.
International Bharati Festival is organized by the Vanavil Culture Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to honour the poet. His 138th birth anniversary was observed on December 11, 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated and presented the Bharati Award to the writer Seeni Viswanathan.