August Current Affairs 2020 Weekly Test -4

Answer – 2) Thaawar Chand Gehlot
Explanation:
On August 21, 2020, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 (40 of 2019) the Central Government constituted the India’s first 30-member National Council for Transgender Persons to advice, monitor and evaluate measures for the protection of the rights of Transgender community. The 30-member council is consisted of 1Chairperson, 1 Vice-Chairperson, 13 members, 14 nominated members and 1-member secretary. The Chairperson of the council is Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment (SJ&E) (Thaawar Chand Gehlot at present) & Vice-chairperson: Minister of State (MoS), SJ&E.

Answer – 3) Assam
Explanation:
The Guwahati Passenger Ropeway Project connecting the Northern and Southern banks of the Brahmaputra River was inaugurated by the Assam State Minister of Finance, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Guwahati Development Department (GDD) Minister, Siddhartha Bhattacharya. The ropeway service is 1.8 Kilometres long, making it the longest ropeway distance over a river in the entire country. The project is set to become operational by August 24, 2021 and has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 56 Crore.

Answer – 4) Kerala
Explanation:
The first ever Kerala State Dragonfly Festival 2020 aka “Thumbimahotsavam 2020” was launched by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-India State unit in collaboration with Society for Odonate Studies (SOS) and Thumbipuranam through a virtual ceremony from Kerala. Dr. Subramanian K.A., scientist at Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Southern Regional Center, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) addressed the inaugural session. The festival will culminate with the State dragonfly summit, most probably in January 2021. The official mascot of the festival is “Pantalu” which is the genus of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae commonly known as rainpool gliders.

Answer – 5) All the 1), 2) and 3)
Explanation:
Former players Jacques Kallis (South Africa), Lisa Caprini Sthalekar(Australia) and Syed Zaheer Abbas Kirmani(Pakistan) were inducted into the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Hall of Fame of the class of 2020 in a virtual ceremony. ICC Cricket Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of the legends of the game from cricket’s long and illustrious history.

Answer – 4) Ramesh Chand
Explanation:
The final report of the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog Task Force headed by Ramesh Chand, NITI Aayog Member(Agriculture), “Sugarcane and Sugar Industry” recommended linking of Sugarcane prices to sugar rate to maintain the financial state and stability of the industry and to clear the arrears of the sugarcane farmers. This report of the task force was finalized in March 2020 and published on August 20. To support the sugar mills with the cost of production, including the interest and maintenance cost the report recommends a onetime increase in the minimum sugar price to Rs.33 per kilogram.

Answer – 1) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Explanation:
A loan agreement was inked between the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for Mumbai Urban Transport Project-III. The agreement aims to improve the network capacity, reduction in journey time and fatal accidents of commuters, service quality and safety of the suburban railway system in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The total estimated cost of the project is $997 million, of which $500 million will be financed by the AIIB, $310 million by the Government of Maharashtra and $187 million by the Ministry of Railways. The loan from the AIIB has a 5-year grace period and a maturity of 30 years.

Answer – 4) National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD)
Explanation:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has introduced, ‘Structured Finance and Partial Guarantee Program for Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC)-Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs)’, a dedicated debt and credit guarantee product to ensure uninterrupted flow of credit to the last mile in rural areas hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. NABARD has signed a pact with Vivriti Capital and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank on 14 August 2020 to introduce the initiative, which will enhance sustainable finance access to microenterprises and low-income households.

Answer – 1) ICICI Bank
Explanation:
ICICI Bank uses satellite data (imagery from Earth observation satellites) to assess credit worthiness of farmers. ICICI Bank has become the 1st bank in India to use such a technique to measure an array of parameters related to the land, irrigation and crop patterns and use it in combination with demographic and financial parameters to make quick lending decisions for farmers.

Answer – 2) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Explanation:
Renowned Aerospace Scientist G. Satheesh Reddy was given a two-year extension as Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) & as Secretary of the Department of Defence Research & Development(DoDRD) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. G Satheesh Reddy was appointed to the post in August 2018 for a tenure of two years.

Answer – 1) Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash
Explanation:
Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash Jonnalagadda of Hyderabad has bagged the first ever Gold Medal for India in Mental Calculations (MC) World Cup (MCWC) held on August 15, 2020 by Mind Sports Olympiad (MSO). Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash is a student of Mathematics (Honors) at Delhi University’s St Stephen College and holds 4 World Records and 50 Limca records for being the fastest human calculator in the world.

Answer – 3) Congo
Explanation:
Pascal Lissouba, former President of Republic of Congo, which is also known as Congo-Brazzaville passed away at the age of 88 in Southern France due to illness. He was born in Tsinguidi, Republic of Congo. He belonged to the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy (UADS) party.

Answer – 4) Africa
Explanation:
The African Continent was declared free of wild polio by the independent body, the Africa Regional Certification Commission(ARCC), which is responsible for certifying the eradication of wild poliovirus in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. The Poliovirus is now found only in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Answer – 2) -4.5%
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its Annual Report for 2019-20. It is Report of the Central Board of Directors on the working of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the year ended June 30, 2020 submitted to the Central Government in terms of Section 53(2) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 In the report, RBI projected that India’s growth at minus (-) 4.5% for 2020-21. It will be (-) 3.7% in the single hit scenario and (-) 7.3% in the double hit scenario in FY2020-21. On the global front, the growth is projected at (-) 6.0% in the single hit scenario and (-) 7.6% in the double hit scenario in FY20-21.

Answer – 3) Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology
Explanation:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, Odisha, a technical institute, to set up the first of its kind innovation cum incubation centre, VSSUT Space Innovation Centre(VSSSIC) in India to promote space research

Answer – 4) NLC India Limited
Explanation:
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) bagged the Swacchta Hi Seva (Cleanliness is Service) 2019 award for transforming the Neyveli Township into a plastic-free, clean and green campus.

Answer – 4) Gujarat
Explanation:
NITI Aayog in partnership with Institute of Competitiveness released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2020, this is the first report to examine export preparedness and performance of the states of India. Gujarat was identified as the top performing state in the category of Coastal state and also topped the Overall rankings.
Top 5 in Overall rankings:

Answer – 2) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
In accordance with the data provided by the Ministry of Finance to the Rajya Sabha, as of March 31, 2020, women in Tamil Nadu topped the list of loan benefits under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) by availing Rs 58,227 crore loan. They are followed by women in West Bengal (Rs 55,232 crore), Karnataka (Rs 47,714 crore), Bihar (Rs 44,879 crore) and Maharashtra (Rs 42,000 crore).

Answer – 4) Table Tennis
Explanation:
One of the most successful Indian Table Tennis players Poulomi Ghatak announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 37. The Kolkata born Poulomi Ghatak is a seven-time National Champion. She Won the Junior National Championship thrice and the Senior National Championship seven times, held in between 1998 and 2016.

Answer – 2) James Anderson
Explanation:
England pacer James Anderson, 38-year-old, has become the first fast bowler in history to take 600 Test wickets in the third Test against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England, who is only the fourth bowler in the test cricket to join the 600-Plus Club with the three legendary spinners Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australian Shane Warne (708) and Indian Anil Kumble (619).

Answer – 1) ‘Water and Climate change: Accelerating Action’
Explanation:
The World Water Week of the year 2020 is observed as the World Water Week at Home (WWWeek at Home) from 24rd August 2020 to 28th August 2020. The World Water Week, organized by Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) has been annually celebrated as the most influential, innovative and dynamic movement for transforming the global water issues. The World Water Week has been celebrated and organized since 1991. The World Water Week of the year 2019 was observed from 25th August 2019 to 30th August 2019. The theme of WWWeek at Home 2020 is ‘Water and Climate change: Accelerating Action’.

Answer – 5) Ericsson
Explanation:
Ericsson, Swedish Telecom Company, partnered with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to map internet connectivity landscape for schools in 35 countries by the end of 2023 to provide digital learning access to the children. This joint initiative is a part of the Giga initiative launched by UNICEF and International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in September 2019 to provide internet connection to every school and their surrounding communities. Ericsson is the first private sector partner to make a million-dollar commitment to the Giga initiative and global UNICEF partner for School Connectivity Mapping.

Answer – 3) United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Explanation:
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) released the Report “COVID-19: Are Children Able to Continue Learning During School Closures?”, which states that at least a third of the world’s school children, which is around 463 million children couldn’t not access remote learning amid the closure of schools due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Answer – 1) HDFC Bank
Explanation:
HDFC Bank announced a strategic partnership with Adobe to enhance the Digital Experiences of its Customers.  The partnership is powered by Adobe Experience Cloud Solutions and will help HDFC Bank to deliver personalized digital experiences to existing as well as new customers, at anytime and anywhere.

Answer – 1) Valipe Ramagopal Rao
Explanation:
G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D), and Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has constituted the five-member committee under the chairmanship of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi director Valipe Ramagopal Rao to review charter of duties of 57 DRDO labs on the basis of current and futuristic defence and battlefield needs.

Answer – 3) Marieke Lucas Rijneveld
Explanation:
Dutch Author Marieke Lucas Rijneveld won the 2020 International Booker Prize for the Literary fiction book ‘The Discomfort of Evening’. Rijneveld became the youngest author to win the prize at the age of 29. The Book was first published in Dutch in 2018 and eventually translated into English by Michele Hutchison. The International Booker prize is separate from the main Booker Prize.

Answer – 4) Moscow State University
Explanation:
Indian Institute of Technology’s (IIT) Alumni Council has signed an agreement with Russia’s Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) and Russoft, an association of software developing companies, to access and transfer key technologies from Russia to build the world’s largest and fastest hybrid quantum computer in India. The agreement with Russia is the first step to aggregate global key technologies from front runners.

Answer – 3) Rs 40 lakh
Explanation:
Businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs 40 lakh are GST exempt. Initially, this limit was Rs 20 lakh. Also, those with a turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore can opt for the Composition Scheme and pay only 1% tax.

Answer – 3) Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Explanation:
Government of Assam approved the ‘Assam Skill Development University Bill’, which provides for setting up of World Class Skill University at Mangaldoi, Darrang District at a cost of 900 crore rupees. The University will be the first of its kind in the North-East Region and will be financed by Asian Development Bank (ADB). Assam Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary made the announcement about the setting up of the university, after a cabinet meeting. The State Government of Assam has tied up with Singapore based ITE Education Service, for setting up of the Skill Development University.

Answer – 2) Pratheeksha
Explanation:
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the State’s First fully equipped Marine Ambulance ‘Pratheeksha’. It was acquired by the Fisheries Department at Kochi for rescue operations at sea. ‘Pratheeksha’ – built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is the first of the three marine ambulances ordered by the state.

Answer – 3) Bank of Baroda
Explanation:
The Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) signed a deal with the consortium of 6 banks led by Bank of Baroda (BoB) for funding construction of Bundelkhand Expressway project. The consortium of banks includes Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Indian Bank, Bank of India and UCO Bank. Bank of Baroda accepted the leadership of this consortium. UPEIDA, which is responsible for the construction of the Bundelkhand Expressway project, has taken a loan of Rs.5900 crores from 6 banks.

Answer – 2) Japan
Explanation:
Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan announced his resignation owing to his worsening health condition due to ulcerative colitis. 65-year-old Shinzo Abe of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was the longest serving Prime Minister of Japan. The elected new party leader will hold the post for the remaining 1-year term of Abe.

Answer – 3) DJ Bravo
Explanation:
West Indies All-Rounder Dwayne John Bravo became the first bowler in Cricket to scalp 500 wickets in Twenty20 (T20). He achieved the feat in the Carribean Premier League (CPL)2020 match between his team Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks. Bravo took the wicket of Rahkeem Cornwall (18) to register his 500th wicket.

Answer – 4) Both 1) and 2)
Explanation:
H.Vasanthakumar, Congress Member of Parliament-MP (Kanyakumari Lok sabha Constituency), founder and chairman of Vasanth & Co, founder and managing director of Vasanth TV (Tamil channel) passed away at the age of 70 in Apollo hospital, Chennai, TamilNadu due to COVID-19. He is the first MP from Tamil Nadu to die due to COVID-19. The Indian businessman and politician from Tamil Nadu was born on April 14, 1950 in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

Answer – 2) Assamese
Explanation:
Veteran Assamese folk singer Archana Mahanta passed away at the age of 72 in Health City hospital, Guwahati, Assam following a brain stroke. She was also a reputed artist of All India Radio (Guwahati). She is the wife of late Khagen Mahanta (known as ‘Bihu King’) and mother of Angaraag ‘Papon’ Mahanta, popular Indian singer and founder of the folk-fusion band Papon and The East India Company.

Answer – 4) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India
Explanation:
The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India launched the Sustainable Finance Collaborative (SFC). In this regard, a three days’ consultation centered on the broad scope of Sustainable Finance architecture in India was held to accelerate green finance by bringing together leading experts and organizations. Notably, before COVID-19, it was estimated that India needs over USD 2.6 trillion to meet the SDG targets by 2030.

Answer – 3) Kerala
Explanation:
Biju Prabhakar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Social Justice, Women & Child Development announced that Kerala will set up India’s First International Women Trade Centre (IWTC) in accord with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) at Angamaly, Kochi, Kerala. This announcement was made during the webinar on “Scaling up Opportunities for MSME women Entrepreneurs in Kerala” organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Kerala State Council.

Answer – 2) India
Explanation:
India co-sponsored United National Security Council Resolution for Greater Participation of women in peacekeeping forces. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution called on full, effective and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operations. The resolution was tabled by Indonesia has been seconded by India, which is the fifth largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping operations. The resolution has been passed by a consensus. In May 2020, Indian Women Peacekeeper Major Suman Gawani won the UN Military Gender Advocate award. She served as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Answer – 4) State Bank of India
Explanation:
State Bank of India (SBI) to receive Brandon Human Capital Management (HCM) Excellence Award (also known as the Academy Awards of Learning & Development) 2020, a global recognition for its HR initiative,” Nayi Disha”. The award winners will be honored at Brandon Hall Group’s annual HCM Excellence Conference, January 26-28, 2021 at the Hilton West Palm Beach, Florida. SBI partnered with M/s Chrysalis & developed the “Nayi Disha” Programme. SBI has won the award in The HCM Spring Program under ‘Excellence in Learning and Development’ in 3 categories namely, Best Learning Program supporting a Change Transformation Business Strategy (Gold), Best Use of Blended Learning and Best Unique or Innovative Learning (Gold) and Development Program for its HR initiative (Silver).

Answer – 5) China
Explanation:
China launched the first of the four advanced naval warships, Type-054 class frigates for the Pakistan Navy.  The Type-054 class frigate is manufactured by China Shipbuilding Trading Company Ltd (CSTC) and was launched in the Chinese state-owned Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard, Shanghai.

Answer – 1) Tennis
Explanation:
The Bryan Brothers, 42-year-old identical twins Robert Charles “Bob” Bryan and Michael Carl “Mike” Bryan, the most successful American doubles tennis players announced their retirement from the professional circuit with immediate effect. They won around 119 trophies which includes 16 Grand Slams, 39 ATP Masters 1000s, four Nitto ATP Finals, 438 weeks at No. 1, the 2012 Olympic gold medal and 2007 Davis Cup triumph.

Answer – 2) Chenab
Explanation:
Construction of the world’s highest railway bridge, being built across the Chenab River in the Reasi district, is underway and is set to be completed by January next year.

Answer – 1) Delhi
Explanation:
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi is the first of the grand dynastic mausoleums that were to become synonyms of Mughal architecture with the architectural style reaching its zenith 80 years later at the later Taj Mahal. It is one of the UNESCO heritage sites in India.

Answer – 4) Gujarat
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26^th August, 2020 shared mesmerizing visuals of the iconic Sun Temple in Gujarat’s Modhera. Taking to Twitter, Modi posted the video of the “splendid” view. Dedicated to the solar deity Surya, located in Modhera village of Mehsana, the temple is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati.

Answer – 4) Jammu & Kashmir
Explanation:
With an aim to increase the speed of cleaning of Dal Lake, the Jammu & Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) has procured new high-tech machines through the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The indigenous machines have been procured on the advice of a committee of experts. The equipments, worth around Rs 4 crore, include a high capacity de-weeding machine to extract and remove up to 500 tons of lily weeds daily.

Answer – 3) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
A rare fish called Mahseer (scientific name Tor) was sighted and fished out from the upper part of Sileru river, by a team of researchers from the Department of Zoology, Andhra University, on Monday. This fish is listed under the endangered category by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Mahseer, as commonly called, is normally found in the Himalayan region in the rivers running through the cooler climes of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nepal and Bhutan. But it is rare to find it in this part of the country, as per the Professor D.E. Babu, whose team spotted the fish. Sileru River is a tributary of Sabari River. It originates in Andhra Pradesh and also flows through Odisha before merging with Sabari.

Answer – 1) Bangladesh
Explanation:
The Bangladesh government is planning to begin the relocation of Rohingyas to the newly built facility at Bhashan Char island after the monsoon season. The move is aimed at giving the refugee community from Myanmar a better place for living. Bhasan Char, also known as Char Piya, is an island in Sandwip Upazila, Bangladesh.

Answer – 2) Mahanadi
Explanation:
Twenty-four of the 64 sluice gates of Hirakud Dam were opened on August 28, 2020 by authorities to discharge the floodwaters, following incessant rain that caused Mahanadi river water level to rise. Hirakud is the longest earthen Dam in the world and stands across the mighty river, Mahanadi, in the Sambalpur region of Odisha.

Answer – 5) Kerala
Explanation:
The street pageant of Thrissur will be an online-only affair this year due to COVID-19 Pulikkali is an inevitable part of Onam Celebrations in Thrissur, Kerala. The hallmark street pageant of the cultural capital will bring the curtains down for the Onam celebrations.

Answer – 1) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation:
The government of Jammu and Kashmir launched the e-auction portal http://www.saffroneauctionindia.com created by its department of agriculture to promote the trade of Kashmir Saffron. The department under the aegis of India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) in partnership with NSE-IT established the portal. To promote the e-trading of Geographical Indications(GI) tagged “Kashmir Saffron” between registered growers and buyers. Dachigam National Park is located in Jammu & Kashmir.

Answer – 4) Ladakh
Explanation:
The government has started work on a Rs 1,200 crore project to connect the Nubra valley and Zanskar valley in Ladakh to the national power grid. As part of efforts to boost infrastructure in the Ladakh region, the government has started work on a Rs 1,200 crore project to connect the northern most tip of the country – the Nubra valley and highly remote central area – the Zanskar valley, with the national power grid.