Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2020

Notes:
According to the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025, 5 states namely Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will get a vulture conservation and breeding centre each.
The plan has also suggested that new veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to be tested on vultures before their commercial release. The action plan was approved by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

Notes:
The NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) has confirmed the presence of water on the sunlit surface of moon.
The water particles have been discovered in Clavius Crater, one of the largest craters of moon visible from Earth. The crater is located in the Moon’s southern hemisphere.

Notes:
Harley-Davidson has inked a distribution agreement with India’s Hero MotoCorp. As per the agreement, Hero MotoCorp will sell and service Harley-Davidson motorcycles in India through its existing dealership network in India.
Few months back, Harley Davidson announced its business overhaul actions and decided to exit its operation in India.

Notes:
The Central Government has extended the dead line to 31st March 2021, for making payments under the income tax dispute settlement scheme ‘Vivad Se Vishwas’.
As per the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the declaration has to be made by December 31st 2020 and only in respect of such declarations, the payment of income tax without additional amount can be made by 31st March.

Notes:
State Bank of India (SBI) signed a loan agreement amounting to up to USD 1 billion with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
As a part of the agreement, USD 600 million will be financed by JBIC and USD 400 million by other participating banks. It is expected to promote smooth flow of funds to the business operations of Japanese automobile manufacturers in India.

Notes:
Former Gujarat chief minister Keshubhai Patel, who had tested positive for coronavirus, has passed away at the age of 92.
He served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 1995 and from 1998 to 2001. He also served as the member of Gujarat Legislative Assembly six times. He founded his own political party ‘Gujarat Parivartan Party’, which was later merged with BJP.

Notes:
The United States of America (USA) has offered its F18 naval fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The proposal has been made during the third 2+2 ministerial dialogue held at New Delhi between the two countries.
These aircrafts are capable of being operated from aircraft carriers. The Indian Navy a few years ago had expressed interest in the acquisition of 57 naval fighter aircraft for operations from its aircraft carriers

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated Sardar Patel Zoological Park known as Jungle Safari, in Kevadia, Narmada district of Gujarat.
The Zoological Park, also known as Jungle Safari, has been set up near the Statue of Unity. The Prime Minister also inaugurated Arogya Van at Kevadia in Narmada district of Gujarat. It has around 400 species of plants and trees with rich medicinal values.

Notes:
The 15th Finance Commission (FFC) has announced that it is set to submit its report to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on 9 November, this year.
The report will have recommendations for next five years beginning the financial year 2021-22. The report may be tabled in the Parliament along with action taken report by the government, during the next budget session.

Notes:
A scheme named SERB POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) has been launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology, designed exclusively to encourage Women Scientists to work in the field of science and technology.
The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India is implementing the scheme.