Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2021

Notes:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States has recently issued new guidelines on Drones also called as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
As per the rules, small drones will be allowed to fly over people and at night in the United States. The Drone manufacturers and operators require a Remote ID, under the new rules. This will increase security by identification of the UAVs from the ground.

Notes:
The Parliament of Turkey approved a law that would increase monitoring of civil society groups. It was proposed by the ruling party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The bill also allows the annual inspection of non-governmental organizations, to combat terrorism financing. Several rights groups have expressed their concern that the bill would violate the freedom of association.

Notes:
Recently, the Strom Bella hit parts of France and United Kingdom and caused heavy rain and winds in Northern France.
The United Kingdom created a record of generating over 50 per cent of the country’s electricity generation from wind. This was generated from the heavy winds of speed up to 100 miles per hour. It also enabled the country to record the ‘Greenest year’.

Notes:
Former General Manager of the Eastern Railway, Suneet Sharma has been appointed as the new Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Railway Board (Ministry of Railways).
He will also serve as the ex-officio Principal Secretary to Government of India. After the completion of the term of incumbent chief V K Yadav, the appointments committee of the Cabinet has approved Suneet Sharma as the new Chairman & CEO.

Notes:
Private sector bank of India, IDBI Bank has completed the sale of 23 per cent stake in IDBI Federal Life Insurance Company Ltd (IFLI) to Ageas Insurance International.
With the deal amounting Rs 507 crore, Ageas will hold 49 per cent stake in the insurance company, while IDBI will hold 21 per cent. The company is now rebranded as Ageas Federal Life Insurance Company.

Notes:
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Union Ministry of Science and Technology has released the draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP).
It includes nudge for self-reliance in technology, enhanced funding for science, technology and innovation via state budget. It also calls for gender and social audits in academic organisations. DST has also invited suggestions from stake holders and public by January 25.

Notes:
Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal has recently launched the Freight Business Development Portal.
The portal aims to reduce the costs for logistics providers, provide online tracking facility for suppliers and to simplify the process of goods transportation. The portal, which aims to improve ease of doing business, can be accessed via the Indian Railways website.

Notes:
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) has adopted an international practice for production of Indian Certified Reference Material (CRMs).
The CRM, which is branded as ‘Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya’, supports the testing and calibration of laboratories, for assuring quality at par with international standards.

Notes:
The Government of India has launched a new initiative called the ‘Toycathon’, to promote indigenous toy industry and reduce imports.
Six Ministries, including Education, Women & child development, Textile, Commerce and industries, MSME, I&B and AICTE are collaborating for this initiative. Students, Teachers, Design experts and start-ups will work together to develop indigenous toys and games.

Notes:
The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath launched Kisan Kalyan Mission, to promote the income of farmers.
The scheme aims to double the income of the farmers in Uttar Pradesh by 2022. The Chief Minister also ensured that the development schemes for farmers will be launched in 825 localities across the state.