Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2020

Notes:
World Sickle Cell Day is observed globally on 19 June every year. This year is the 40th year of observance of the day by the Sickle Cell Society.
The UN General Assembly recognised sickle cell disease as a public health problem and one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases. If someone has the Sickle Cell disease, the red blood cells become hard and look like a sickle. It restricts the movement of oxygen carried by the red blood cells.

Notes:
The fossil of Stegodon, a variety of the elephant, was recently discovered near Saharanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Stegodon is an extinct type of elephant with unique tusks and molars, that was found at an early age in Asia and Africa. The fossil found is claimed to be five to eight million years old and from the Dhok Pathan formation of Siwalik range. More researches are to be carried out in the vicinity of the place.

Notes:
Veteran Social worker Vidyaben Shah passed away recently at the age of 98, at her residence in Delhi.
She was regarded as the pioneer in the field of child welfare, as she established the first Bal Bhavan in Rajkot during 1940s. She also served as the president of the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW). She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992 and received the National Award for outstanding services in the field of child welfare in 1986.

Notes:
The United Nations General Assembly designated June 21 as the ‘International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice’.
It considered that the celebration of solstice represents the unity of the cultural heritage across the world. Solstice is an event that occurs when the path of the sun stands still at a northern or southern limit before reversing direction. There are two solstices that occur annually namely the Summer Solstice around June 21 and Winter Solstice around December 21.

Notes:
The annual Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya temple in the state of Assam has begun, but without devotees.
The traditional rituals would only be performed in the Kamakhya temple, located atop of Nilachal Hills and is regarded as one of 51 Shakti Peeths. This is the most awaited festival among the devotees usually attracts more than 25 lakh visitors has been cancelled this year. The temple was shut for visitors since March 20, due to the Covid-19 induced restriction.

Notes:
Serbia is the first country in Europe to successfully conduct its national election in Europe during the coronavirus epidemic.
The voting, which had been initially planned for April, was postponed because of the pandemic. However, the turnout appeared lower compared to previous elections due to the fear of coronavirus. The ruling governing conservative party led by President Aleksandar Vucic is set to obtain a landslide victory.

Notes:
Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has recently launched an initiative named ‘YUKTI 2.0’.
YUKTI stands for ‘Young India combating COVID with Knowledge, Technology and Innovation’. Earlier, the Minister launched the YUKTI portal on April 11, 2020. The 2.0 portal will serve as an online depository for innovative ideas and help students, teachers and researchers in higher educational institutions.

Notes:
The United States President Donald Trump has recently suspended H-1B, H-2B, J, L and other temporary work permits.
The suspension will be effective till December 31, as per the recent announcement from the White House. The President announced that the entry of additional workers through these temporary Visa programs presents a threat to employment opportunities for Americans affected by the economic damages caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

Notes:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is an UN agency created to support the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. Its headquarters is located in Amman, Jordan.
Recently, India has pledged contributing 10 million US dollar to the UNWRA over the next two years. This was announced during the Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA. This year, India has already disbursed two million dollars and will soon remit the balance three million dollars. India also provides 250 annual scholarships to Palestinian youth and officials.

Notes:
Information Technology firm Intuit India was placed in the top spot in the list of India’s Best Companies to Work for – 2020.
The list is released by Great Place to Work Institute, a global research, consulting firm that helps organisations identify great workplaces. Intuit India is followed by DHL Express (India) and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank. Harrisons Malayalam Ltd SBU-B, the first plantation company and Kerala’s first company to feature in the Top 5 list, bagged 4th place.