Current Affairs Quiz-September, 2020

Notes:
Recently, Microsoft had announced its plans to acquire US-based ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks. Bethesda Softworks is one of the largest, privately held game developers and publishers in the world. Microsoft is to acquire the company for $7.5 billion. The deal comes as a major boost for Xbox – Microsoft’s gaming offering, with Bethesda bringing an impressive portfolio of games, technology, talent, as well as a track record of blockbuster commercial success

Notes:
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), M/o Commerce and Industry, has given permission to the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to introduce ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) Tank Containers for movement of Liquid Oxygen for domestic transport as there is an urgent need to move oxygen in a sufficient quantity.

Notes:
The Gunda and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Bill was passed by Gujarat Legislative Assembly on September 24, 2020. The Bill seeks to strictly deal with anti-social elements and hardened criminals, prescribing jail terms ranging from seven to 10 years and it also empowers the police to seek 30 day remand instead of 15 days while a charge sheet can be filed within 90 days instead of the present provision of 60 days.

Notes:
Saubhagya Scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25th September 2017, in order to ensure electrification of all willing households in the country in rural as well as urban areas. It was launched with an aim to achieve universal household electrification by providing last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all households in rural areas and all poor households in urban areas across the country.

Notes:
The globally acclaimed campaign of Kerala Tourism, ‘Human by Nature’ has bagged the prestigious PATA Grand Award 2020 for Marketing.
This year’s awards honoured the achievements of three Grand title winners and 21 Gold awards. Kerala bagged one among the three Grand title winners and the awards were announced during a virtual presentation ceremony in Beijing.

Notes:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has launched Faceless Income Tax Appeals. Under this new regime, all income tax assessments including e-allocation of appeals, e-communication of notices, e-verification, e-enquiry and e-hearing will be held online.
But, serious frauds, major tax evasion, International taxation and Black Money are exempted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 13th August 2020 launched the Faceless Assessment and Taxpayers’ Charter as part of the “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” platform.

Notes:
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is a strategic forum organised between the United States, Japan, Australia and India.
Recently, the QUAD consultation of the four member countries was held virtually to discuss regional issues of common interest. The last Ministerial engagement was held in September 2019. The Senior officials reaffirmed their commitment for an inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:
The Union Health Minister Harshvardhan Singh has recently launched an online portal about Covid-19 with all latest information on the disease.
It will also include date on research development and clinical trials on potential Covid-19 vaccine in the country. The Minister also launched the 100-year timeline history of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Notes:
A rare species of butterfly named the ‘Branded Royal’, was recently spotted in the Nilgiris, along the slopes of Kotagiri.
The butterfly was previously documented in the Nilgiris in the year 1888 by G.F. Hampson. There is only one such record about the butterfly in Tamil Nadu. The Branded Royal (Tajuria melastigma) is a species of lycaenid.

Notes:
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the SAATHI application, along with the Quality Council of India, on the occasion of World Tourism Industry.
The application is expected to assist the hospitality industry, in maintaining the safety standards and operations, which would develop confidence among staff. A film named ‘Pathik’ on Incredible India Tourist Facilitators Certification Programme (IITFC) was also launched.