Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2022

Notes:
Researchers at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), IISc, have developed a highly energy-efficient computing platform that offers promise in building next-generation electronic devices.
Instead of using complementary metal-oxide semiconductors (CMOS), the team used components called ‘Memristors’ that can both store data and perform computation.

Notes:
The Madras High Court has banned mobile phones in temples across Tamil Nadu. As per the Court, the move to ban use of mobile phone is to maintain purity and sanctity of the places of worship.
The High Court also said that phone deposit lockers should be set up at temples, to avoid inconvenience to people and Security personnel will be appointed to ensure compliance of this order.

Notes:
Pakistan’s central bank said that Saudi Arabia has extended its term for a USD 3 billion deposit to support the foreign reserves of Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia agreed in October 2021 to revive its financial support to Pakistan, including about USD 3 billion in safe deposits and USD 1.2 billion worth of oil supplies on deferred payments. Pakistan requested to help improve its foreign exchange reserves.

Notes:
Maharashtra is the first state to set up the Divyang department, for the welfare of people with disabilities.
The government has created over 2000 posts for the new department which will formulate policies for the welfare of the disabled. Welfare activities of Divyang people like education, training, and rehabilitation were taken care of by the state social justice department, so far.

Notes:
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry through its apex agricultural export promotion body, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is organizing ‘Millets-Smart Nutritive Food Conclave’’
It is a pre-launch event of the ‘International Year of Millets – 2023’ (IYoM-2023). It is organised with the objective of promoting the export of millets.

Notes:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released the ‘Global status of black soils’ Report on the occasion of World Soil Day, December 5, 2022.
As per the report, Black soils, which feed the global population, are under threat, with most losing at least half of their soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. As per the FAO, the reasons are Land-use change, unsustainable management practices and excessive use of agrochemicals.

Notes:
At least six children have died of a common bacterial infection, Strep A, in the United Kingdom. When the bacteria enter the bloodstream, the infection can get severe and it is called invasive Group A Strep (iGAS).
The symptoms of Strep A include fever, skin rashes and a sore easily treated with antibiotics. As many as 851 cases of Strep A were reported in a week of November, compared to an average of 186 for the same time in preceding years

Notes:
Arun Kumar Singh, former chairman of oil refining and marketing company BPCL, is appointed Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC.
He will head the company for a three-year tenure with effect from the date of assumption of charge. He retired as the BPCL head 13 months later in October 2022.

Notes:
In the 19th annual Forbes list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen was ranked first for her leadership during the Ukraine war.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde came on second position while US Vice-President Kamala Harris was on third. From India, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is at 36^th rank. SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, SAIL Chairperson Soma Mondal, Biocon Chair Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Nykaa CEO Falguni Nayar were on the list.

Notes:
As part of the Sweden India Nobel Memorial Week, SHE STEM, the annual event is organised by the Embassy of Sweden in India in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and the German Centre of Innovation and Research.
The event aims to celebrate women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and sustainability.