Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2020

Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has recently approved Cow-Slaughter Prevention (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 by amending Cow slaughter act, 1955.
The amendments seek to protect cows and prevent crimes related to cow slaughter. The ordinance has also inserted an imprisonment provision of up to 7 years for physical damage to cow and fine up to Rs 3 lakh for cases related to cow slaughter.

Notes:
Major technology company IBM has dropped facial recognition software amid racial profiling concerns.
The Chief Executive Officer Arvind Krishna has notified the US Congress that IBM is not offering its the general-purpose facial recognition or analysis software any more. It also firmly opposes the technology that is used for mass surveillance, racial profiling and violations of basic human rights.

Notes:
The International Cricket Council, ICC has confirmed the interim changes recommended by the cricket committee of the council.
The council chaired by veteran Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has recommended five regulations, which include the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball and allowing home umpires in international series. It has also decided to allow teams to have a replacement for players in Test matches, who show Covid-19 symptoms.

Notes:
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reconstituted a committee to look into the welfare of freedom fighters.
Minister of state for home affairs G Kishan Reddy has been named the Chairman of the committee, which also has nine eminent freedom fighters from across the country as its members. Home Ministry has another division which disburses pension to about 30,000 freedom fighters and their families.

Notes:
Technology Major Amazon banned Police from using its facial recognition software “Rekognition”, for a year, amid the nation-wide protests in the United States.
The use of facial recognition systems has faced criticism for incorrectly identifying people with darker skin. Though law enforcement agencies use facial recognition only to identify suspects, the critics say it can be misused. Earlier, IBM revoked its facial recognition software. Microsoft also joined the companies in banning Police use its recognition software.

Notes:
The Chief minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur has recently launched a new scheme called ‘Panchvati Yojna’.
Under the scheme, that is being implemented by the rural development department, parks and gardens would be developed for senior citizens of rural areas in the state. The main aim of the scheme is provide an opportunity to the elder people to spend their leisure time in a clean environment with Ayurvedic and medicinal plants.

Notes:
The Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has launched J&K Poultry Policy, 2020, to promote establishment of poultry units.
It has also announced a dedicated allocation of Rs. 50 crore per annum as subsidy, for establishing of broiler/layer farms and other poultry allied activities. The UT is spending about 900 crores spent on importing poultry and its products from outside. Capital investment incentive for access to credit and interest incentive are also provided to commercial poultry farms.

Notes:
The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has extended a line of credit (LOC) worth USD 215.68 million to the Malawi government for drinking water supply schemes and other development projects.
With this recent agreement, EXIM bank has extended five LOCs to Malawi, with the total value of LOCs being USD 395.68 million. Under this LOC, the projects covered are supply of irrigation network, cotton processing plant, green belt initiative, construction of water supply system, among others.

Notes:
Leading payments bank of India, Airtel Payments Bank has recently launched a salary account for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).
Named as the ‘Suraksha Salary’ account, it will enable MSMEs and other organisations to make cashless payments. It also provides Hospicash Insurance and Personal Accidental insurance cover. As of now, it is only available to new customers and will be extended to existing account holders soon.

Notes:
The Union Sports Ministry is set to establish Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCE) under the flagship Khelo India Scheme.
One KISCE will be identified in each state and union territory, to create a strong sporting ecosystem in the country. In the first phase, the Ministry has identified the sports facilities in eight states out of the 15 proposals, to be converted to KISCEs. The eight centres will be given a grant and the government will extend a Viability Gap Funding, for upgradation.