January Current Affairs 2020 Weekly Test -2

Answer-1) Theme – “Science and Technology: Rural Development”
Explanation:
Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 107th edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) also known as ISC 2020 at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The theme of ISC for the year 2020 was “Science and Technology: Rural Development”.

Answer-4) Bengaluru, Karnataka
Explanation:
During ISC 2020, for the 1st time Farmer’s Science Congress was conducted. It was inaugurated by Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) & Director General(DG) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Some of the highlights are as follows: PM Modi’s vision of doubling of farmers’ income by 2022 was discussed during the event. Farmers were encouraged to make use of organic farming. Development of 45 types of organic farming systems in niche areas was also announced.

Answer-2) Pune, Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Asia Pacific drosophila research conference (APDRC) is being conducted in India for the 1st time from January 6-10 in Pune, Maharashtra. Overall this is the 5th edition of the biennial conference and is known by the name APDRC5. It is organised by Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). The conference aims to promote the interaction of Drosophila researchers in the Asia-Pacific region with the rest of the world.

Answer-3) Ajay Bhushan Pandey
Explanation:
On January 07, 2020 the 2nd edition of the National GST Conference of the Commissioners of State Tax and Chief Commissioners of Central Tax was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Dr Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Revenue Secretary of the Ministry of Finance(MoF). The conference was held to streamline the GST (Goods and Service Tax) system and also to plug revenue leakages.

Answer-4) 5%
Explanation:
On January 07, 2020 the National Statistical Office (NSO) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 1st Advance estimates of the national income at both constant(2011-12) and current prices for FY(Financial Year) 2019-20.GDP growth: The growth in real GDP for 2019-20 is estimated at 5% compared to 6.8% for 2018-19.

Answer-4) Zoran Milanovic
Explanation:
On January 6, 2020 Zoran Milanovic, 53 years old won Croatia’s presidential election. Zoran Milanovic is Croatia’s center-leftist former Prime Minister.He defeated center-right incumbent Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic(51 years old), who was the first female president of Croatia.The Presidential election was held on 22 December 2019.Milanovic belongs to the Social Democratic Party(SDP) won 52.7% vote while Grabar-kitarovic of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) won 47.3%.

Answer-1) Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS)
Explanation:
On January 7, 2020, The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),the space agency of the Government of India (GoI), has planned to launch a new satellite series called “Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS)” for seamless communication for India’s first manned space mission ‘Gaganyaan’, which have a schedule to take off in 2022. IDRSS For Gangayaan Mission: It consists of 2 satellites, which will be deployed in phases. The 1st one planned to launch by the end of 2020 to track and be constantly in touch with Indian satellites, mainly with those in low-earth orbits (LEO). Then the 2nd IDRSS satellite will be launched in 2021, which will set the platform for the main mission launch in 2022.

Answer-1) Uttar Pradesh(UP)
Explanation:
On January 09, 2020 National Crime Record Bureau’s (NCRB) report on Crime in India for the year 2018 was released. The report stated that Uttar Pradesh(UP) accounted for the maximum number of economic offences in 2018 with 22,822 cases recorded. It was followed by Rajasthan (21,309 cases), Maharashtra (14,854 cases), Telangana (10,390 cases) and Bihar (9,209 cases) in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th rank respectively.

Answer-2) Malappuram, Kerala
Explanation:
On January 08,2020 latest ranking based on fastest growing urban regions/ fastest growing cities in the world was released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). as per the report 3 of the cities in Kerala were ranked in the top 10 places. Malappuram city of Kerala was ranked 1st in the list, while Kerala’s Kozhikode and Kollam cities were ranked in the 4th and 10th place respectively.

Answer-4) 84th
Explanation:
On January 08, 2020 the Henley passport Index 2020 was released by Henley & Partners. As per the index based on the data obtained from International Air Transport Association (IATA), Indian passport ranked at the 84th spot among the world’s most powerful passports list, which is a drop by 2 places as it ranked 82nd in 2019.

Answer-1) ‘myApps’
Explanation:
On January 9, 2020,In a bid to make the business more convenient for customers, HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corporation) Bank,an Indian banking and financial services company, for the 1st time has launched ‘myApps’, which is a suite of white-label apps to benefit urban local bodies, housing societies, local clubs and gymkhanas and religious institutions. Customised in over 20 languages including Hindi and English, it will help above said organisations to entirely digitise their ecosystem by allowing customise their brand and content. Through this, large institutions can make payments for payments, fees, make online bookings for various facilities, stay updated on latest announcements, and utilise a host of other features offered by the institutions itself.

Answer-2) 5%
Explanation:
On January 08, 2020, World Bank (WB),an international financial institution, in its report, “January 2020 Global Economic Prospects: Slow growth, policy challenges” ,has Slashed India’s GDP(Gross domestic product) growth for financial year –FY 2020 to 5% from 6% estimated earlier in October 2019.The bank cuts the forecast due to the weakness in credit distribution of non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in India.

Answer-3) Vikrant
Explanation:
On January 8,2020 The manufacturing of the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant is likely to be commissioned by early 2021. Vikrant is currently under phase three of construction which involves setting to work of machinery and other equipment like power generation, propulsion and machinery.

Answer-1) Chenab Bridge
Explanation:
On January 9,2020 Government of India set a new deadline for the completion of the world’s highest railway bridge (359 m) – Chenab bridge. Kashmir will be connected to the rest of India by Indian railways by December 2021. Konkan railway is the implementing agency of this project. The Chenab bridge will be 35m taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris,France. Once completed, it will surpass the record of the Beipan river Shuibai railway bridge (275 m) in China.

Answer-3) Jagananna Amma Vodi
Explanation:
On January 9,2020 Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister(CM) Yeduguri Sandinti Jaganmohan Reddy launched his government’s flagship programme ‘Jagananna Amma Vodi’ scheme in Chittoor, AP. The scheme is to support lakhs of poor and needy mothers to educate their children. Rs.6318 crore has been released for the benefit of around 43 lakh mothers, under the scheme to educate their 82 lakh children around 70 kms in the state this year.An annual financial assistance to the tune of Rs.15,000 credited into the accounts of indigent mothers to educate their children.The Amma Vodi scheme is a first of its kind in the country to bring about historical changes in the education system of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Answer-4) Dr M S Swaminathan
Explanation:
On January 09, 2020 Eminent Agricultural Scientist Dr M S Swaminathan has been selected as the 1st recipient of the Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu National Award for Excellence. He has been awarded for his contributions in the field of agriculture. Swaminathan is referred to as scientific leader of the green revolution movement.

Answer-2) Karnataka
Explanation:
States/UTs grouped into 4(Frontrunner, Achiever, Contender and Aspirant) in the 2nd State Energy Efficiency Index 2019. No States/UTs were listed in the frontrunner category. The states and UTs listed under Achiever categories were Haryana, Kerala and Karnataka, thus making the total count to 3. The states and UTs listed under contender categories were Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, thus totally it is 8.

Answer-3) Fouaad Mirza
Explanation:
Double Asian Games medallist equestrian Fouaad Mirza become the first Indian rider to compete at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan since Imtiaz Anees (2000 Sydney); after his qualification was confirmed by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).

Answer-1) Financial Inclusion Advisory Committee (FIAC)
Explanation:
On January 10, 2020 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the aegis of Financial Inclusion Advisory Committee (FIAC) has set up a 5-year plan of formulation of National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) for the period 2019-2024. This has been done keeping in view the global trend of financial inclusion which acts as a key driver of economic growth.

Answer-2) Rs 2000
Explanation:
On January 10, 2020, In view of the promotion of digital payments, India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted processing of e-mandate for recurring payments through UPI (Unified Payments Interface). Under this facility, an agreement is formed between the consumer and the merchant bodies and the payment of the outstanding dues is done automatically on the fixed date of the month. However, the maximum permissible limit under this payment system shall be Rs 2,000 per transaction.

Answer-1) Rani Rampal
Explanation:
On January 10,2020 Rani Rampal from Haryana,India the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team has been nominated for the “World Games Athlete of the Year”award, 2019 by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Rani was instrumental in India qualifying for the first time in back-to-back olympic games.

Answer-2) Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, Telangana
Explanation:
Wings India 2020, an international exhibition and conference on civil aviation sector, will be held at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, Telangana from March 12-15, 2020. The theme of the event is “Flying for all”. The biennial event will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi in presence of Minister for Civil Aviation and Minister of State for Civil Aviation.

Answer-2) INS Vikramaditya
Explanation:
On January 11,2020 the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has made a successful landed on the India’s biggest warship INS Vikramaditya. The maiden landing was conducted by Commodore Jaideep Maolankar.For the first time an indigenous fighter aircraft has been landed on an aircraft carrier.India becomes sixth nation to master the art of an arrested landing and ski-jump take off on the deck of a carrier after Russia, the United States (US), France, the United Kingdom (UK)and China.

Answer-1) PURVODAYA
Explanation:
On January 11, 2020 the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel (MoPNG&S) Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched PURVODAYA with the aim of driving accelerated development of eastern India through integrated steel hub in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Answer-2) Yashaswini scheme
Explanation:
On January 11, 2020 Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani launched Yashaswini scheme for Women entrepreneurship at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium in Taleigao town near Panaji district of Goa. Swasthya Sakhi Project and breast cancer screening initiative were also inaugurated on the occasion.

Answer-3) Iran
Explanation:
India participated in the Tehran Dialogue Forum, the 23rd Persian Gulf International Conference held in Tehran, Iran from January 06- 07, 2020. During the forum, India supported the Hormuz Peace initiative 2020. The initiative was done so as to seek stability in one of the world’s busiest and strategically located shipping lanes i.e, Strait of Hormuz amid escalating US-Iran tensions. Oman, India, China and Afghanistan were the key participants.

Answer-2) Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port
Explanation:
The Prime Minister(PM) of India shri Narendra Modi paid a two-day official visit to Kolkata, West Bengal from January 11-12, 2020. Shri Modi renamed Kolkata Port as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port on the occasion of sesquicentenary (150th year) celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT).

Answer-3) ‘AASHVAST’ (Assured Assistance Service Helpline for Victims at Shortest Time )
Explanation:
Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated India’s 1st Cyber Crime Prevention Unit called ‘AASHVAST’ (Assured Assistance Service Helpline for Victims at Shortest Time ) which is a helpline for cyber crime victims.

Answer-2) Sri Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank
Explanation:
On January 10, 2020 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has curbed Sri Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank, a private bank in Bengaluru, Karnataka from doing business with immediate effect. This has been done after finding alleged irregularities in transactions. The bank’s savings and current account customers and depositors can however withdraw cash up to Rs.35,000 only till further notice.

Answer-2) Robert Abela
Explanation:
On January 12,2020 Malta’s governing party has elected a new leader Robert Abela as 14th prime minister of Malta. He replaces Joseph Muscat, who resigned over the murder of a journalist. Robert Abela is the son of the Malta’s Former President George Abela. Robert Abela, 42-years old lawyer won the Labour Party Leadership contest with 57.9% of the vote and beat his closest rival Chris Fearne 56-years old surgeon by more than 2,500 votes.

Answer-4) Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
Explanation:
On January 11, 2020 Haitham bin Tariq Al Said (66) was appointed as the new ruler of the Oman after the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said who ruled the country from 1970. Haritham bin Tariq Al Said who is the cousin of the deceased Sultan Qaboos, was the Cultural and Heritage Minister of Oman. In 2013 he was appointed by the Sultan Qaboos to chair the main committee responsible for Oman’s development.

Answer-4) Jasprit Bumrah
Explanation:
On 12 January 2020 ,The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Annual Awards were presented in 25 different categories for the 2018-19 season in Mumbai, Maharashtra to honor all the legendary cricketers. Indian pacer Jasprit Jasbirsingh Bumrah has received the highest prize of Indian cricket – the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for the best international cricketer (2018-19) in men’s category.The award carries a citation, trophy & cheque for Rs. 15 lakh.At the same time, Poonam Yadav clinched the top prize in women’s category and was awarded the best international cricketer.

Answer-1) Kolkata, West Bengal
Explanation:
On January 12,2020 The two Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) namely Annie Besant and Amrit Kaur, second and third in the series of five Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), were commissioned and deployed along the eastern coast by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar at Khidderpore park, Kolkata, West Bengal. The two ICG fast patrol vessels designed and manufactured by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., (GRSE) kolkata, West Bengal.

Answer-4) Indian Institute of Technology–Madras (IIT-M)
Explanation:
On January 13, 2020, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSMEs(Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) Shri Nitin Gadkari & Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh have jointly launched an IT (Information Technology) tool “Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD)” developed by the Indian Institute of Technology–Madras (IIT-M) that will help in proper monitoring and accurate analysis of road accidents. It was launched during ‘Road Safety Stakeholders’ Meet held in New Delhi.

Answer-4) Michael Debabrata Patra
Explanation:
On 14th January, 2020, Michael Debabrata Patra has been appointed as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). After the resignation of Viral V Acharya the post was lying vacant from July 2019. He will be the fourth Deputy Governor of the RBI appointed for a period of three years.

Answer-1) Tania Shergill
Explanation:
On 13th January 2020, Captain Tania Shergill, an officer with Army’s Corps of Signals, will be the first woman parade adjutant for the Republic Day (26th January) parade of 2020. A parade adjutant is responsible for the parade.She is an electronics and communications graduate, her father, grandfather and great-grandfather have also served in the Army. She was commissioned in March 2017 from the Officer Training Academy, Chennai.In the 2019 Republic Day parade, Captain Bhavna Kasturi was the first women officer who led an all-men contingent.

Answer-3) Kapil Dev Ram Lal Nikhanj
Explanation:
On January 12, 2020, The 2nd edition of Sportstar Aces Awards 2020 was held at the Trident Hotel in Mumbai, Maharashtra consisting of 23 different categories of awards for India’s sportspersons.
List of winners:

Answer-1) Gujarat, India
Explanation:
The Statue of Unity in Gujarat, India has been included in the SCO’s “8 wonders of SCO” list. Statue of unity: It is the world’s tallest statue with a height of (597 ft) 182 metres and has been built after India’s freedom fighter and 1st deputy prime minister Shri Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel famously known as Sardar Patel. The list of 8 wonders of the world apart from Statue of Unity are Navruz Palace in Tajikistan, the Tamgaly Gorge in Kazakhstan, the Daming Palace in China, Po-i-Kalan complex in Uzbekistan, Lahore – the Mughals Heritage in Pakistan and the Golden Ring of Russia.

Answer-3) Japan and India
Explanation:
On January 13, 2019 the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Ship ‘Echigo PLH08’ has arrived Chennai on a five-day goodwill visit and it will participate in the 19th edition of Annual Joint Exercise ‘Sahyog-Kaijin’ which will be begin on January 16, 2020 with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).Admiral Takahiro Okushima, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard and Director General (DG) Krishnaswamy Natarajan, DG of Indian Coast Guard will witness the 19th edition of ‘Sahyog-Kaijin’ exercise.

Answer-3) Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
Explanation:
On January 13,2020 Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has developed a special class diesel (HFHSD- IN 512) High Flash High Speed Diesel conforming to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) grade for use in ships and vessels of Indian Army. Vice Admiral Gurtej Singh Pabby, Indian Navy launched the HFHSD- IN 512 during an occasion in New Delhi. The new diesel results in a reduced carbon footprint.

Answer – 3) Navin Agarwal

Answer – 1) Nagaland

Answer – 4) Arunachal Pradesh

Answer – 2) Karambir Singh

Answer – 3) Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Explanation:
Biju Patnaik International Airport is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.It was in news recently because it received International recognition for reducing the carbon emission along with 3 other Airports(Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport & Trivandrum International Airport).

Answer –1) Subhash Chandra Khuntia

Answer – 4) Paris, France

Answer – 2) West Bengal
Explanation:
Howrah bridge (Rabindra Setu) is located in West Bengal.This is in news recently because the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the sound and light show at the iconic Howrah Bridge installed at Millenium Park on the banks of the river Ganga. This 2.5-minute show is a project of Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT)’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

Answer – 3) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Andhra Pradesh.This is in news recently because the annual bird census has been commenced in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding wetlands in the Godavari mangroves on the east coast in Andhra Pradesh. The census aims at the documentation of migratory and resident birds so that a better management plan of the complex ecosystem supporting the waterbird species can be prepared.

Answer – 1) Philippines
Explanation:
Taal Volcano in the Philippines has sent an eruption plume a kilometer above the crater, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. The agency says Taal is showing a “fast escalation” in volcanic activity.