Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2020

Notes:
The President of United States of America Donald Trump has announced its plans to distribute 150 million “15 minute” rapid Covid-19 test kits in the coming weeks.
Out of these 50 million test kits would be used for most vulnerable communities of the country, like nursing homes, assisted living facilities etc.

Notes:
Famous Actor Sonu Sood has been conferred with “SDG Special Humanitarian Action Award” by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The award has been conferred upon him for his selfless assistance rendered to migrants, stranded students abroad and bring them back to India. He also opened his hotel in Mumbai for health care workers of nearby hospitals.

Notes:
Google India has recently announced the launch of its nationwide campaign named ‘Make Small Strong’.
It aims to help support small businesses and enhance demand through customer support. It encourages people to buy locally and promote their favourite retailers by posting reviews. This new programme is based on feedback from Small and Medium Businesses.

Notes:
As per the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, senior bureaucrat P D Vaghela has been named as the new Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
P D Vaghela was a 1986- batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer replaces R S Sharma, who has held the post since 2015. Vaghela is to hold will serve as TRAI Chairman for three years or till he attains the age of 65.

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test fired an indigenously developed laser-guided anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).
The missile was test fired from the third-generation main battle tank, Arjun from a range at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The ATGM has been developed with a capability to launch from multiple platforms.

Notes:
The Union Finance Ministry has permitted Uttar Pradesh to raise an additional Rs.4851 crore of debt which is linked to the reforms undertaken in Public Distribution System (PDS). The additional borrowing can be done by rolling out “One Nation One Ration Card” scheme in the state.
Andhra Pradesh has been permitted for additional borrowing of Rs.2,525 crore for which it will have to make reforms on Ease of Doing Business. In May, the centre increased the borrowing limits of states from 3% to 5% of GSDP. Out of the additional 2%, 0.25% is linked to reforms in PDS and 0.25% is linked to ease of doing business.

Notes:
The all-weather “Atal Tunnel” which was constructed by the Boarder Roads Organisation (BRO) has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It is the longest highway tunnel in the world that is 9.02 km long. It connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. The tunnel reduces the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km.

Notes:
The Election Commission has recently issued a set of new instructions regarding the postal ballot facilities for those above 80 years of age and people with disabilities.
The booth level officer would deliver the form required to opt for the postal ballot, under his polling station. The fresh guidelines would be applicable to all elections and by-elections, including the by-polls announced last week.

Notes:
Paytm is organising a dedicated App Developers’ conference, to attract indigenous app developers on its newly-launched mini app store.
This is seen as a battle against the monopoly of Google in the app store segment and the issue of transaction fee on in-app purchases. Start-ups and technology companies would join this conference to showcase their mini-apps.

Notes:
Indian Telecom operator Bharti Airtel has extended its contract with Ericsson for deployment of 5G-ready radio and transport solutions.
The Made-in-India 5G-ready Ericsson Radio System products are expected to enhance the network capacity and customer experience. India has the highest usage per smartphone per month.