Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2020

Notes:
The US and Taiwan signed an agreement to establish annual economic talks for five years. The agreement can be extended another five years once the current pact is over.
This pact has been signed amidst the objections expressed by China to the support of the US for Taipei. ‘Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue with Taiwan’ was also launched, to promote cooperation.

Notes:
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed a solar-powered Unmanned Autonomous Survey Craft for Indian ports and inland waterways.
It would help to conduct autonomous hydrographic and oceanographic surveys and provide real-time data transmission over long distances. It had a successful field-test recently off the Chennai coast at Kamarajar port.

Notes:
Ministry of Jal Shakti had constituted a multi-disciplinary Technical Committee to recommend innovative ‘field level solution’ technologies in Drinking Water and Sanitation for states and UTs.
The committee was chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India K Vijaya Raghavan. It also has other members from NITI Aayog, DST, CSIR, DRDO, IIT among others. The committee has recently recommended five technology solutions for states/UTs.

Notes:
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad launched the UMANG’s international version in coordination with Ministry of External Affairs for select countries including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Netherlands, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
An online conference was organized to mark the occasion of 3 years of UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) and a milestone of 2000 plus services. The app will help Indian international students, NRIs and Indian tourists to avail the services of the Government.

Notes:
The Chief Minister of Goa has launched an exclusive WhatsApp helpline number, to help women in distress in the state.
The dedicated WhatsApp number 7875756177 will be functional round the clock at the State Police Control Room, Panaji. Union Minister of State for Defence and AYUSH Shripad Naik handed over a medically well-equipped ambulance to Chief Minister for the use of Goa Police.

Notes:
As per the recent report released by ‘Transparency International’, as many as 74 per cent of the respondents said corruption is one of the biggest problems in their country.
The report also highlighted that around 19 % paid a bribe in the last 12 months, to access public service and youngsters are more likely to pay a bribe or use personal connection to avail public service.

Notes:
Under a new law approved by the Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority will be renamed to Saudi Central Bank.
However, the Central Bank will continue to use its acronym “SAMA” due to its historic significance and relevance. The new law also mandates the objectives of the Central Bank to maintain monetary stability, support economic growth and to directly report King of Saudi Arabia.

Notes:
Several groups of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and other parts of the country, demanding the repeal of the new agriculture reform laws passed by the Union Government, are holding protests under the name of ‘Delhi Chalo’.
The farmers were granted permission to hold peaceful protests at Nirankari Ground in North west Delhi. As per the farmers, the new agriculture laws will dismantle the minimum support price (MSP) system.

Notes:
The state Government of Kerala has announced a two-day mourning in the state, to mark respect for the Foot Ball legend Diego Maradona, who passed away recently.
Diego Maradona was a professional football player belonging to Argentina. He has won the most prestigious “FIFA Player of the 20th Century award” and is recognised as the greatest football players of all times.

Notes:
As per International Air Transport Association’s (IATA), recent report, China’s Shanghai has become the world’s most connected city, replacing London from the top spot.
According to the IATA, London has witnessed a 67% fall in air connectivity due to the prevalent COVID 19 pandemic. With Shanghai added to the top list, world’s four most connected cities are now in China.