Current Affairs Quiz-September, 2020

Notes:
The Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Thaawarchand Gehlot has recently released a book containing 33 Action Plans 2020-21 of all the schemes of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment.
This is the first time that the Department has released comprehensive Annual Action Plan 2020-21. The aim is to provide specific targets for the Ministry, State Governments and NGOs.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has released guidelines to states and Union Territories pertaining to welfare of migrant workers returning to destination States on account of COVID 19.
The States and UTs have been advised by the Ministry to conduct free corona virus (COVID-19) tests for migrant labourers. Also, the ministry has directed to maintain a database of all workers moving out of their States.

Notes:
The first India-France-Australia Trilateral Dialogue was held in a virtual mode recently. The virtual meet was co-chaired by Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the Foreign Secretary of India.
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation among the three countries in Indo-Pacific Region. Moreover, the participants discussed on economic and strategic challenges in the context of the COVID-19.

Notes:
Leading Private sector bank of India, ICICI Bank has launched an exclusive programme for start-ups named ‘iStartup2.0’.
Under this programme, a Current Account can be created for new businesses that are up to ten years old seamlessly. The Bank has integrated its APIs with the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the account number is obtained at the time of incorporation.

Notes:
The Naval Force of Iran has started a three-day exercise in the Sea of Oman named ‘Zolfaghar-99’, in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The Navy is expected to test-fire surface-to-surface and shore-to-sea cruise missiles and rocket-launching systems fitted on warships, submarines, aircraft and drones. The exercise also aims to devise defensive strategies to safeguard the country’s territorial regions.

Notes:
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) 2.0.
The Climate Centre for Cities under National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) will implement the program. It aims to provide a plan for cities to combat Climate Change while implementing their actions. He also launched a pedestrian-friendly program ‘Streets for People Challenge’.

Notes:
The Government of Gujarat has announced the state’s first Heritage Tourism Policy. The policy permits use of historic buildings (pre-1950 historical buildings) such as heritage palaces and forts, as heritage hotels, heritage museums, heritage banquet halls and heritage restaurants etc.
Under the policy, the State Government will offer an aid of Rs. 5 – 10 crore for renovation of these heritage structures.

Notes:
Noted film actor and theatre artist Paresh Rawal has been appointed chairperson of National School of Drama (NSD).
The former BJP Member of Parliament, will succeed the present Chairman Arjun Deo Charan. Paresh Rawal, has been awarded with Padma Shri in 2014. The NSD is India’s premier institute for theatre students and is located at Delhi.

Notes:
A strategic Defence and Security agreement has been recently signed between the Maldives and the United States.
The “Framework for U.S. Department of Defense-Maldives Ministry of Defence and Security Relationship” seeks to promote cooperation maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean. India had previously opposed a proposed Status of Forces Agreement between the two countries in 2013.

Notes:
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the e-foundation stone of Arun Jaitley Memorial Sports Complex, Hiranagar in Kathua district in Jammu & Kashmir.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Union Minister of Youth and Sports, Kiren Rijiju jointly laid the e-foundation stone. The Rs 58.23 crore mega-sports complex is being undertaken under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).