Current Affairs - July 19, 2024 Current Affairs

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has been upgraded by rating agency ICRA to AAA/Stable from AA+/Stable. This upgrade applies to the company’s long-term fund-based and non-fund-based facilities, non-convertible debentures (NCDs), and commercial papers. The announcement was made after market hours, with Adani Ports shares closing at Rs 1,491.95 on the NSE on July 18.

According to a NITI Aayog report, India has set an ambitious target to achieve $500 billion in electronics manufacturing by 2030. This target comprises $350 billion from finished goods and $150 billion from components. The current electronics production in India stands at $101 billion, indicating significant growth potential in the sector. Achieving this goal is expected to boost employment to around 6 million jobs and substantially increase exports.

India has expressed its support for Mauritius regarding the Chagos Archipelago issue, aligning with its stance on decolonization. The Chagos Archipelago, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, has been a point of contention, with Mauritius asserting its claim over the islands since gaining independence in 1968. The International Court of Justice ruled in 2019 that the UK's governance of the Chagos Islands was unlawful and called for its withdrawal.

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru developed a new online tool to create a comprehensive star catalogue for the Adaptive Optics System (AOS) of the upcoming Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT). This international project, involving India, aims to significantly advance our understanding of the universe. The IIA leads India's collaboration in this ambitious endeavour.

India has released the first tranche of USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East as part of its annual contribution of USD 5 million for the year 2024-25. This financial support is part of India's ongoing commitment to aid and protect Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 conflict and their descendants, providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and social support.

FICCI’s Economic Outlook Survey projects a robust 7% GDP growth for India in the fiscal year 2024-25. This projection reflects optimism among participating economists about India's economic prospects, despite global headwinds and inflationary pressures. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also adjusted its GDP growth projection to 7.2% for the same period.

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain defeated Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the men’s single tennis Wimbledon final match, securing his 4th Grand Slam title. Alcaraz, the youngest player to win 4 Grand Slam titles before turning 22, exemplifies the new generation of tennis players challenging the dominance of the "Big Three" - Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.

National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and Netflix India have collaborated to launch "The Voicebox," a program aimed at training voice-over artists, with a special focus on multiple languages and prioritizing women. This initiative includes structured workshops, mentoring sessions, and opportunities to work on Netflix’s project "Azaadi ki Amrit Kahaniya." The program will be conducted in major cities and is supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity.

INS Tabar, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived in Hamburg, Germany on 17 July 2024 for a three-day visit. During this visit, the ship will engage in various activities including professional exchanges between the Indian and German Navies, tours of the German Naval Academy, and public visits to the ship. The crew will also participate in community service.

Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected for a second five-year term as President of the European Commission on July 18, securing a majority vote from European Parliament lawmakers. This re-election ensures leadership continuity for the EU as it navigates multiple challenges, including the war in Ukraine, climate change, and migration issues. Von der Leyen’s victory was celebrated as a win for pro-European and pro-democracy forces.

The wagh nakh, a weapon used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was transported to Mumbai from the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in London. This medieval dagger, known for its curved blades, was notably used by Shivaji Maharaj to kill Afzal Khan. The weapon has been loaned to Maharashtra for three years and will be exhibited in museums across the state.

The 9th edition of the Women's Cricket Asia Cup 2024 is set to commence on July 19, 2024, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. This prestigious T20 tournament, organized by the Asian Cricket Council, will feature eight teams and serve as a crucial preparatory event for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

Shikhar Dhawan, the star Indian opener, has been appointed as the brand ambassador for MotoGP in India. He will lead the 'Face Kar Race Kar' campaign, which celebrates the spirit of MotoGP. The partnership includes Yamaha as the title sponsor and Eurosport managing promotions.