Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2020

Notes:
During the third edition of the 2+2 talks held between India and the United States, the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement or BECA was signed.
The agreement gives India access to classified geo-spatial data as well as critical information having significant military applications from the United States. This is a long-negotiated defence pact.

Notes:
The State Bank of India’s economic research report named ‘Ecowrap’, has stated that the Covid 19 pandemic has led to 60% more usage of PMJDY (PM Jan Dhan Yojana) Accounts.
The report has also highlighted that the account has been used more frequently in regions that are more prone to crimes.

Notes:
The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has launched the facility, whereby composition tax payers can file NIL GST in form GST CMP-08 through SMS mode without logging in to GST Portal.
As per a GSTN statistics, total of 17.11 lakh taxpayers have opted for Composition Scheme. Out of the 17.11 lakh, 20% taxpayers are the ones who file NIL statement.

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:
Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank virtually inaugurated the DST-IIEST Solar PV Hub at IIEST, Shibpur.
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) is an Institute of National Importance under Ministry of Education and is located in the state of Kolkata. The hub will have the world class research facilities.

Notes:
A webinar between India and the UAE has been held under the theme of “Indian Defence Industry Global Outreach for Collaborative Partnership: Webinar and Expo, India – UAE Defence Cooperation”.
The webinar was organised under the aegis of Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, through the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers. Both the countries agree to promote cooperation in Defence sector through joint production and mutual trade.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Cambodia on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.
The MoU seeks to encourage cooperation through joint initiatives and technology development in the health sector. The MoU which will strengthen bilateral ties between the countries, shall remain in force for a period of five years.

Notes:
The Delhi Cabinet has approved over Rs 40 crore to provide medical insurance to lawyers, who are residents of the national capital.
Rs 5 lakh medical insurance and Rs 10 lakh life insurance are provided under the Chief Minister Advocates Welfare Scheme. A 13-member committee was set up headed by Rakesh Kumar Khanna, to recommend ways for utilisation of the fund for welfare of advocates.

Notes:
The Indian Navy has successfully test fired its anti-ship missile in the Bay of Bengal from its Guided Missile Corvette INS Kora.
The anti-ship missile was launched by its Missile Corvette INS Prabal, which hit the target with precise accuracy. The missile was launched as part of a mega drill involving several aircraft carriers, attack helicopters and other assets of the Navy.

Notes:
The Indian Railways has launched an initiative named “Meri Saheli” which will focus on security of women. Its main objectives are to provide safety and security to lady passengers travelling by trains.
Under this initiative, a team of lady officer and staff will visit all of the passenger coaches including ladies’ coaches to identify women passengers. The details of the journey will be noted down by the team, especially if a lady is travelling alone.