Current Affairs - July 29, 2024 Current Affairs

Sri Lanka achieved a historic victory by winning their first Women's Asia Cup title. They secured the championship by defeating India, who had previously appeared in nine finals and lost only twice. The final match, held at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka, saw standout performances from Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. Athapaththu was named Player of the Tournament, and Samarawickrama, with a notable 69*, was awarded Player of the Match. This win marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan women’s cricket.

Manu Bhaker won the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, making her the first Indian to secure a medal at these Games. This achievement also represents India's first Olympic medal in shooting since the London 2012 Games. Manu's success is significant as she became the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal and the first woman in two decades to reach an Olympic final in an individual shooting event. Her achievements build on a remarkable career, including multiple national and international accolades.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) was established on July 27, 2006. This year marks its 18th Foundation Day, highlighting its significant contributions to Earth system sciences over nearly two decades. The ministry has played a key role in advancing research and services related to atmospheric, hydrological, and geological sciences, as well as their interactions. The celebration of its 18th Foundation Day underscores its achievements and ongoing commitment to addressing challenges related to climate change, natural disasters, and environmental management.

INS Tabar, a stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived in Saint Petersburg to participate in the 328th Russian Navy Day celebrations. The visit aims to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the Indian and Russian navies. During its stay, INS Tabar will engage in professional interactions and a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the Russian Navy. Commanded by Captain MR Harish and comprising 280 personnel, INS Tabar is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based in Mumbai and is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors.

Karnataka Bank has partnered with ICICI Lombard General Insurance to provide its customers with a diverse range of insurance products, including health, motor, travel, and home insurance. This strategic collaboration aims to address the various insurance needs of individuals and businesses. The partnership also focuses on digital insurance solutions, offering online policy purchases, real-time claims processing, and personalized advisory services to enhance customer convenience and provide best-in-class insurance solutions.

On July 27, Japan's Sado gold mine was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This decision marks a significant development in acknowledging the mine's historical and cultural significance, including its connection to the abuse of Korean labourers during World War II. The listing represents an effort to address the dark aspects of the mine's history and improve diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea. The mine, once the world's largest gold producer, operated for nearly 400 years before closing in 1989.

Manoj Mittal has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi) by the Government of India. He brings over 33 years of experience in the financial services sector, having previously served as the Managing Director of the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) and as the Deputy Managing Director at Sidbi. Sidbi, established on April 2, 1990, is the Principal Financial Institution for promoting, financing, and developing the MSME sector in India.

UltraTech Cement, part of the Aditya Birla Group, is acquiring a 32.72% stake in India Cements for ₹3,945 crore. This acquisition, which includes an open offer to shareholders at ₹390 per share, will strengthen UltraTech’s position in the Southern markets and support its goal of surpassing 200 MTPA in total cement capacity. This strategic move follows an earlier investment in India Cements and aligns with UltraTech's broader strategy to expand its footprint in the cement industry.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's 9th death anniversary is commemorated on July 27, 2024. Known as the "Missile Man of India," Dr. Kalam significantly contributed to aerospace engineering and defence technology. He played a vital role in developing India's Agni and Prithvi missiles and was instrumental in the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. Dr. Kalam's legacy extends beyond his scientific achievements, inspiring countless individuals with his dedication to integrity, humility, and perseverance.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo's Edogawa ward. This event underscored Gandhi's global legacy and his enduring message of peace and non-violence. The ceremony took place during Jaishankar’s visit to Japan for a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting, with notable attendees including Edogawa ward’s mayor Takeshi Saito and parliamentary vice minister of foreign affairs Masahiro Komura. The unveiling highlights the significance of Gandhi's teachings on non-violence and their ongoing relevance in today’s world.

The sunken museum, India's first, will be inaugurated at the Humayun's Tomb complex in Delhi. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds significant historical importance. The museum aims to provide an innovative perspective on Mughal history and architecture, using cutting-edge technology to enhance the visitor experience. The inauguration is timed to coincide with the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Delhi, highlighting its global cultural significance.

International Tiger Day 2024 will be observed on July 29. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of tigers and their natural habitats. Tigers face numerous threats such as climate change, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss, which have led to a rapid decline in their population. The observance of this day highlights the global efforts and the importance of protecting these majestic creatures and ensuring their survival for future generations.

Lewis Hamilton won the 2024 Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix after his Mercedes teammate George Russell was disqualified for having an underweight car. Initially, Russell finished first, but his disqualification due to a technical infringement handed the victory to Hamilton. The race featured an intense battle between the two Mercedes drivers, with Hamilton utilizing a two-stop strategy and ultimately benefiting from the disqualification to claim the win.

Nita Ambani, IOC member and founder of the Reliance Foundation, inaugurated India House at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 27, marking a significant milestone for India. This is India's first country house at the Olympics, serving as a symbol of the nation's Olympic aspirations. India House is intended to be a "home away from home" for athletes, celebrating their achievements and providing a venue for cultural showcases and activities during the Games. The initiative reflects India's growing presence and ambitions in the global Olympic movement.